Category Archives: County Cups

Cup Final Special – AFC Sudbury Women v Needham Market Women

Wednesday 20th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

Sponsored by MH Goals Ltd

  Last cup final of the season, and it’s a big one heading down to Ipswich Town FC’s, Portman Road Stadium for the final of this season’s Suffolk Women’s County Cup between holders AFC Sudbury Women and Needham Market Women.

This season’s final between the two of the strongest teams in the county, the competition long dominated by Ipswich Town Women now competing in FAWSL 2. Now no longer entering a side in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup, Needham Market Women and AFC Sudbury Women have dominated the competition since 2022, meeting in that years final at Colchester United FC, Sudbury winning the trophy. No seedings in the Suffolk competition meaning the big guns can get drawn together more easily, Needham Market coming back to dump Sudbury out early on the following year to win their maiden county cup at Colchester. The final moving back to Portman Road in 2024, Sudbury coming back to win back to back finals aiming for a 3rd successive win this evening.

This evenings prize

No doubt it has been a tough season for AFC Sudbury Women, having won through to the FAWNL following back to back promotions to get to tier 4, after three season’s that comes to an end as they finished in the bottom two relegated back to the ERWFL. A hard league to compete in Sudbury lost some experienced players and have been unfortunate with injury to other key individuals, midfielder Maisie Goodwin a notable example out with an ACL and although competitive throughout couldn’t pick up the points they had in the previous season’s to retain their FAWNL status. Thus the county cup taking on a more significant meaning as they look to end the season on high especially with the departure of manger and coach Luke and Stefan Mallett with the women’s set-up for 7 and 5 years respectfully, leading the women’s section during a highly successful spell for the club.

Plenty to be positive about however, the club with it’s academy always bringing players through and elsewhere it has been a hugely successful campaign for their Reserves and Development sides playing in the Suffolk Women’s County League this season. The Development side winning the Championship title. The Reserves doing the double winning the Suffolk Women’s Premiership and this Sunday beating Woodbridge Town Ladies 4-2 to lift the League Cup. Amy-Leigh Abrehart, Sudbury’s top scorer with 15 goals, Lucy Loomes with 10, Faith Harrison scoring 9 before her move to Norwich City Women and Jess Allen has 8 to her name.

Sudbury’s rise and growth in the FAWNL coming at the expense of rivals Needham Market Women to a degree as the club saw several of their more experienced players leave to join Sudbury, leaving them without key experience and ultimately losing their ERWFL Premier Division status. Have been in a period to transition as they look to get back up the leagues dropping into ERWFL Division One South have enjoyed a solid campaign recording a 4th placed finish.

 Like Sudbury, Needham Market have academy to develop young players, with a Development side competing in the Suffolk Women’s Premiership, currently 2nd in the table can finish no lower than 3rd once the final standings done. Annie Posnett the leading goal scorer for Needham Market this season with 20 goals to her name. Keira Topple has 14 and Megan McCrae-Robinson has 11 goals. This will be  the first county cup final for Needham Market played at Portman Road.

Road to the Final

  No seeding in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup hence the big guns can potentially and have been drawn together in the early rounds of the competition. This time round that was avoided to see both progress to the final. AFC Sudbury Women receiving a bye in the 1st round of the County Cup, Needham Market Women were on the road taking on Suffolk Women’s Premiership side, Capel Plough Women, leading 3-0 at half-time Needham Market went on the win the contest 5-0 with Kiera Topple scoring a hat-trick along with a goal each for Ciera Flatt and Paige Pugh.

  Into the 2nd Round, Sudbury were at home playing Premiership side Stowupland Falcons Women, who they faced in the final itself two season’s ago. Sudbury saving up the goals for this one racking up an eye watering 20-0 score line, Lucy Loomes netting a double hat-trick, Evie-Mai Harding with 3 goals too. Braces for Megan Edwards, Faith Harrison, Amy-Leigh Abrehart and Lina Nagib, plus a goal each for Jess Allen, Jade Barrett and Alex Penny. Needham Market in just as ruthless form in front of goal as they travelled to Norfolk Division One side, Waveney FC Ladies in the 2nd Round, Keira Topple scoring 4 this time, Megan McCrae-Robinson with a hat-trick, Anna Sullivan, Mia Etheridge-Golding, Jae Lewis Samuel and Chloe Brame all scoring two, with Cate Jackson also bagging a goal in a 16-0.

 Those scores frightening the opposition in the quarter finals, with both sides progressing courtesy of an away win in both circumstances against Bacton United Ladies and AFC Kesgrave Ladies. Into the semi finals, Sudbury effectively away to the side they beat in last years final with Lowestoft Town Ladies taking on the bulk of the old Bungay Town Ladies squad. A closer game this one, an own goal, plus one each from Jess Allen and Amy-Leigh Abrehart securing a 3-1 victory to see Sudbury make it 3 Portman Road finals on the trot. There league season wrapped up almost a month before Needham Market were due to play their semi-final were on the road again taking on Premiership side, Halesworth Town Women. Goals from Posnett, Etheridge-Golding and McCrae Robinson sealing a 3-0 win to see Needham Market back into the final after 3 season absence. 

 Back to Portman Road for this evenings Suffolk Women’s County Cup final, home of Ipswich Town FC now back in the Premiership. Some modifications taking place in the stands opposite ahead of the new campaign the rival spectators in the upper tier of the Cobbald Stand. The pitch looking immaculate, the sun setting over the stand opposite, would disappear behind it once the action got underway, no rain in the forecast which was welcome after the previous two finals.

 AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Isabelle Peachey, Sophie Jeffery, Alana Smith, Sheryce Slater, Jade Barrett (C), Lina Nagib, Megan Edwards, Ruby Clark, Jess Allen, Amy-Leigh Abrehart & Lucy Loomes. Subs- Matilda Cox, Stacey Roper, Alena Kendall, Evie-Mai Harding & Olivia Clennell.

AFC Sudbury Women

 Needham Market Women starting XI – Danielle Clarke, Libby Mann, Cate Jackson, Ciera Flatt, Laura Bloomfield (C), Charlotte McGrath, Mia Etheridge-Golding, Adele Stalnionis, Chloe Brame, Kiera Topple & Annie Posnett. Subs – Sophia Gillingham, Jae Lewis-Samuel, Faith Witmore, Esme Marsh & Nicola Henderson.

Needham Market Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Jade Barrett and Laura Bloomfield with this evenings match officials

  Olivia Clennell top scoring for Sudbury’s Reserves side on the bench for this evenings final. Both naming 5 on the bench, roll on roll of substitutes. It’s Needham Market to kick-off the first half wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and red socks with black hoops. Sudbury lined up opposite in their usual colours yellow shirt and socks with blue coloured shorts. The ball played into the left channel Sudbury moving in fast to try and close the ball down, Alana Smith in with a heavy challenge on defender Cate Jackson to see the ball out for a throw to Sudbury on the right.

Laura Bloomfield tackling Jess Allen

  Sudbury keen to get on with the ball off of the throw Jess Allen looking to carry the ball on up the right in attack closed down by Needham Market’s Ciera Flatt, the ball played up to Annie Posnett up top intercepted by Sudbury defender Sheryce Slater. Sudbury positive at the start setting a fast tempo looking to get players on winning a free-kick inside the Needham Market half on the left, captain Jade Barrett to send the ball long into the top of the area, Charlotte McGrath sliding in with the challenge to win the ball for Needham Market.

 GOAL! Sudbury capitalising no their fast start the ball over on the left, Sophie Jeffery up with Amy-Leigh Abrehart the ball taken down the line the looping cross put into the area players drawn across missed by the defender at the near post bouncing through to Allen, free central in front of goal getting her foot up over the ball to ram it home past goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke to open the scoring 1-0.

Jess Allen fires Sudbury into the early lead

  The perfect start from Sudbury into the lead inside the opening 2 minutes of the final. An early blow for Needham Market look to get on from the restart the ball played up to Posnett up top, the ball intercepted at the back Sudbury looking to quickly turn play around, Allen a ready outlet up to breaking free into the left channel, Clarke coming racing out of her area to get hold of the ball first, collected by Abrehart has a go from range 30 plus yards out the ball dropping wide of the left post.

  Ruby Clark into close the ball down for Sudbury right side played on for Allen up the wing, Jackson in to close her down giving away the free-kick. Sudbury putting plenty of players up into the box as Barrett plays in into the middle, lifted in into the area, long collected cleanly by the keeper. Barrett at the back allowed time on the ball picking her pass sending in long into the right as Smith overlaps Allen the pass cut back to the attacker top of the area sends it into the D, Mia Etheridge-Golding getting it clear for Needham Market.

  Jeffery pushing on up Sudbury’s left to support Abrehart the cross whipped low into the six yard box, Clarke getting down to get body behind the ball cut the cross out. Posnett seeing the ball into her feet letting fly from range not troubling Sudbury goalkeeper, Isabelle Peachy. Needham Market’s defence under pressure Sudbury getting players on well down the wings the ball in from the left not cleared, comes through to Allen right of goal taking a swing at it Clarke down behind it to save. 

 Allen lively attacking for Sudbury right side picked out by Lina Nagib races down the line her cross cut out by Needham Market’s Libby Mann. Sudbury seeing alot of the ball in the opening 10 minutes getting players on with intent Barrett into Megan Edwards fed to towards the top of the D, captain Laura Bloomfield into to win it back for Needham Market. 

 GOAL! Sudbury winning another free-kick wide left inside the Needham Market half, Barrett over the set-piece sent long up into the packed area, Slater knocking it down towards goal blocked by McGrath clears the ball to the top of the area, players going to attack it, finds it’s way through into the left channel, Abrehart bursting into the box clear putting her foot through the ball to drill it across the keeper and score to double Sudbury’s lead 2-0.

Build up to the 2nd goal

Amy-Leigh Abrehart putting Sudbury into a 2 goal lead

  13 minutes played, Sudbury with a strong start racing into a 2 goal lead looking a threat every time they go forwards. Posnett leading the line frustrated as she gets pulled up for offside trying to run in behind onto a pass from Etheridge-Golding through the middle. Allen seeing the ball come on into her path as she presses on up the right taking it into the box, Jackson closing her down, the ball not clear, Allen snatching it back unleashing a shot struck wide of the near post.

  Adele Stalnionis getting hold of the ball out on the right for Needham Market looking to drive on up the win, tackled by Jeffery, Sudbury turning play around the cross-field pass in towards Allen on the right, Jackson getting to it first seeing the ball back to Clarke to clear. Sudbury’s defence pushed up, Barrett and Sheryce Slater in the centre of defence, having time on the ball plenty of passing options ahead of them. Posnett looking to get hold of the ball when she can drive forwards but starting deep, is quickly closed down Nagib tackling.

Needham Market striker, Annie Posnett with Sudbury’s Alana Smith

  Allen pulling away on the right sending a cross long across goal to the far post attacked by Abrehart her header taking a deflection off a defender behind for the corner kick. Taken short, back up the line Sudbury send the cross in long to the far post no one getting a touch out for a goal-kick. 20 minutes played is a competitive tussle free-kicks given away as Sudbury look to close Needham Market down on the ball as their opponents look to try and get a foot hold in the game. McGrath on for Chloe Brame, looks to try and pick out Posnett through the middle, the ball cut out by Barrett.

Sudbury’s Lucy Loomes with Needham Market’s Ciera Flatt

  Needham Market’s fans vocal encouraging their team on, pushed back getting players forwards a challenge, Sudbury lively pouring players on as quick to get back behind the ball the midfield tight, Keira Topple left for Needham Market put on for Posnett to attack on the wing, shoulder to shoulder with Smith riding a challenge to get into the box, Barrett getting her foot in to clear the ball, referee Sarah Clarke bringing play back for the earlier foul on the Needham Market striker. An opportunity for Needham Market to get players forwards create an opportunity of their own.

 The free-kick 25 yards out left corner of the area, Bloomfield over the ball, clips it in over the Sudbury wall, dropping down to the bottom left corner, Peachey diving down across her goal getting down to push the ball out to the left for a throw. From the throw Needham Market force a corner kick, curled in to the near post Needham Market defend, the ball out of their box, Posnett getting hold of it looking to keep the attack alive the ball crossed back in to the right Stalnionis offside. 

 Is no quarter given between the two sides some heavy tackles and comings together the tempo remaining high, Slater on for Jeffery pushing up the left for Sudbury onto Abrehart her early cross intercepted by Needham Market’s Bloomfield. Topple looking to get up to support Posnett on the left the cross flung into the area from deep claimed well by Peachey inside her box. 

Sudbury’s Lina Nagib

 Closing in on the half hour mark, Lucy Loomes laying the ball into Abrehart left side outside the box the shot taken, Clarke right behind to save holds onto the ball. Flatt finding Stalnionis as she gets a move on up the left, combining with Posnett the pass inside returned to her up the line before she squares a good cross into the D, Nagib back to defend clearing for Sudbury. 

 Clarke needs to come rushing out of her box as the ball popping about in the centre suddenly rebounds clear for Loomes to break in behind the defence. Sudbury remain the more dominant side, signs Needham Market are beginning to find a few openings getting players on to support Posnett in attack. Posnett snapping in well to steal the ball back releasing Stalnionis out on the left takes it into the left channel, Smith back at her to defend see the ball back to the keeper.

Alana Smith

  Posnett batting for the ball gets in the clear 25 yards out to the right of goal, taking on the strike blazes her shot over the bar. The free-kicks mounting up, Needham Market wining one right of the centre circle, Bloomfield launching it up to the top of the Sudbury area, Nagib defending heading the ball clear. Loomes turning on the ball looking to play Allen in to the right of the box, Flatt lunging in to nick the ball for Needham Market. 

 GOAL!  Closing in on the final 5 minutes of the first half, Barrett in possession inside the Needham Market half, has been given time on the ball, able to pick her options all of 40 yards out central is a striker in her own right and decides to have a pop, and what a strike too! Connects with the ball beautifully angling in on goal going to cause any goalkeeper problems as it dips late to sail under the bar and send Sudbury into a 3-0 lead. Barrett runs across the pitch in celebration, think she liked that one was a fantastic hit!

Captain Jade Barrett with a 40 yard wonder strike

 Sudbury able to get their full backs pushed on Jeffery up on the left crossing into the area, cut out by Bloomfield as Loomes goes in to attack it. Needham Market finding themselves closed down rapidly by Sudbury when in possession, Edwards tackling Brame. Allen on the attack right side, getting inside Flatt inside the box to whip an angled shot into the near post, Clarke adjusting smartly to throw herself down to the left get a hand on the ball push it across goal her defence scrambling it clear. 

 Flatt turning Smith’s cross behind for a corner as she gets on well up the right. Swung in long across the face of goal headed clear at the far post, Jeffery getting hold of it letting fly from distance, Clarke right behind her 25 yard strike. Needham Market giving the ball away at the back, Abrehart with it left side close the the by-line turning a shot wide across the face of goal. Into 2 minutes added time Abrehart meeting the ball on the volley off of a throw left of the D sending the ball over the bar.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 3-0 Needham Market Women

  Sudbury heading back into the changing rooms with a dominant first half display to lead 3-0 at the break. Getting off to the perfect start into the lead inside the opening 2 minutes, got players on well with attacking intent to push the Needham Market defence back put them under pressure, setting the tone for the game, on the back foot opportunities for Needham Market to get forwards themselves limited. Sudbury extending the lead in the 13th minute a wonder strike from captain Jade Barrett late on the half extending the lead. A huge task now for Needham Market to get back into the game and with Sudbury likely to ring the changes to keep legs fresh will be looking to score more goals.

 The sides out for the 2nd half no changes as Sudbury get the game restarted the ball out to the left Jeffery powering forwards on the wing taking the ball down the line firing a vicious cross into the area, attacked by Loomes, Clarke with a wonderful save diving to her left getting down to turn the ball behind for the corner kick. 

 GOAL! The area packed as the ball is curled in long across the six yard area to the far post, knocked back down into the mix Needham Market don’t get it away the ball prodded back at goal, Loomes latching onto it burying the ball into the back of the net from close range 4-0.

Lucy Loomes striking early in the 2nd half for Sudbury

 The perfect start to the first half from Sudbury with an early goal, followed up by another early goal in the 46th minute in the 2nd half to extend the lead make things comfortable, making it a mountain for Needham Market to climb now. Sudbury making a change replacing their goalkeeper, Matilda Cox coming on to replace Peachey. Nagib playing the ball on for Allen right channel, Flatt in close to put in the tackle. 

 Sudbury keep it on the right Clark up with Allen the strike fired in on the angle, Clarke behind it at her near post to beat down and claim. Both sides tackling, Etheridge-Golding tangling with Nagib the free-kick given away on halfway. Barrett playing in forwards into Loomes, Bloomfield winning it back off the attacker. 

Needham market’s Mia Etheridge-Golding

 Abrehart getting onto the ball right side travelling turning into the box, getting a shot away even as Topple slides in to make the challenge, the ball pulled wide of the near post, Abrehart getting an unintentional knee in the back for her efforts, but is up back on her feet. Needham Market remain under pressure pushed back, Posnett finding herself isolated in attack, has alot to do but will fight for every ball, annoyed as she gets pulled up for offside. 

 Jeffery linking up well with Abrehart on the left side the cross from deep turned behind by Mann to concede the throw in the corner. 10 minutes played in the 2nd half, Brame gets the ball on for Mann as she looks to advance on the right the ball squared in central Posnett her target, Barrett in close on the striker to defend for Sudbury. Sudbury come right the ball passed back to Clarke, Allen racing in to close her down, Clarke snatching it away in the nick of time but in doing down catches Allen with her follow through leaving her down in pain in need of treatment a painful impact injury. No need to take any risks Sudbury making the change Allen hobbling off, Alena Kendall introduced to the action.

  Mann finding a little joy on the right for Needham Market threading in on through the right channel for Posnett, Slater getting to the ball first turning it safely back to her keeper. Another long pause for an injury as Etheridge-Golding sliding in too tackle comes off the worst in the centre. Needham Market’s turn to make a change as they bring Etheridge-Golding off, Nicola Henderson.

 Needham Market looking to give it a go try and get some joy going forwards, Bloomfield on for Mann on the right putting the defence under pressure the ball cleared into the middle, Posnett after it inside the D, giving away the foul. Needham Market with a corner on the left Sudbury getting it clear out of their box Brame getting it back 25 yards out on the spin sending her effort in on the keeper, Cox holding onto it. 

Needham Market’s Chloe Brame

 Barrett and Slater comfortable at the back for the most part for Sudbury, Jeffery and Smith both pushing up on the flanks keeping Needham Market pinned back. Slater into Jeffery as she bombs on up the left, fouled by Topple the free-kick awarded.

 GOAL! Players rushing in to attack the far post as the ball in launched into the box, Clarke trying to get up amongst bodies to get something on the ball can only knock it down into the ground is a melee of red and yellow shirts the ball put across goal, Edwards getting her foot to it to turn the ball over the line turning in celebration sending Sudbury into a 5-0 in the 68th minute.

Megan Edwards fires Sudbury into a 5 goal lead

  Needham Market make a double change, McGrath and Stalnionis taken off, on comes Esme Marsh and Jae Lewis-Samuel. Sudbury ringing the changes too making 3 changes, Smith, Clark and Loomes coming off, Stacey Roper, Evie-Mai Harding and Olivia Clennell coming on. Into the final 20 minutes Jeffery surging on up the left, a strong tackle form Topple appeals but no foul. A give and go between Jeffery and Abrehart on the left sees the full back race down the line while Abrehart breaks into the box looking to get onto the end of the cross, Flatt blocking her shot, Abrehart getting a 2nd bite rushed shooting low puts it straight at Clarke who can snatch the ball up into her gloves.

  Topple down after the ball another pause in play while she is treated, feeling the back of her leg is allowed back on. Needham Market making a change with flat coming off at the back, replaced by Sophia Gillingham. Play a little disjointed now with all the changes. Harding pushing no up the right seeing her cross cleared by Bloomfield. Topple feeling her injury needs to come off with Faith Witmore coming on. 

 Posnett keeping the Sudbury defenders honest as she fights to get hold of the ball, Barrett holding her off to see the ball back for Cox to kick clear. Marsh getting Needham Market a free-kick on the right as she is pulled back, Bloomfield to send the ball long into the area, headed clear away to the left, Lewis-Samuel chasing it down to win a throw. Into the final 10 minutes Needham Market’s defence still under pressure, Gillingham blocking as Harding hits the ball from the right of the D. 

  The game opening up a few tired legs out there, Jeffery combining with Abrehart on the left the ball in central Barrett onto it in space encouraged to shoot, tries anther ambitious effort not enough in it this time dropping safely in front of Clarke to catch on the bounce.  

Sophie Jeffery

 GOAL! No let up from Sudbury the ball fed on through the middle into Abrehart’s feet left side of the D, 20 yards out shifts it inside to create half a yard for a shot and wrapping her foot around the ball, drives it low and fast past the keeper before she can react 6-0.

Amy-Leigh Abrehart turning inside to fire in Sudbury’s 6th

 Brame coming off for Needham Market, Stalnionis coming back on. Sudbury making changes too, Loomes, Smith and Clark back on for Nagib, Abrehart and Edwards. Bloomfield into challenge Kendall as she takes the ball on to the top of the D. Gillingham cutting the cross out as Harding looks to pick out Kendall from the right.

GOAL! The changes seeing gaps across the pitch as the game moves into 5 minutes of added time, Clarke racing out to the top of her area as Harding breaks in behind on the right, gets the ball past the keeper as she slides in and running in beyond her puts the ball into the empty net 7-0.

Evie-Mai Harding scoring Sudbury’s 7th goal

 GOAL! No let up from Sudbury Jeffery still full of running on the left linking up with Loomes the ball into the attacker returned to Jeffery down the line to float a cross into the six yard box Clark making the run to get onto the end of it blasting the ball across the line from close range to make it 8 on the night! 8-0.

Ruby Clark making it 8 on the night

 Sudbury celebrate as the final whistle blows as they win the county cup for the 3rd successive year.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 8-0 Needham Market Women

 Sudbury dominating from start to finish getting the early goal and never looking back kept coming forwards Needham Market on the back foot couldn’t get a foothold in the game, the goals coming at crushing intervals 2-0 in the first half late on hold out and maybe it’s a different picture for the 2nd half, Jade Barrett’s screamer changing that! 3-0 at the break Sudbury scoring a 4th straight after the restart to take full control of proceedings adding a 5th and 6th late in the game. 2 further goals in stoppage time adding to the rout. Joy for Sudbury at the end of a tough season, Luke and Stefan Mallett leaving the women’s section in a healthy place despite relegation, as a new era begins. A hard loss for Needham Market to suffer it will hurt 8 goals without reply but they know they are rebuilding themselves and have talent coming through will bounce back.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As is often the case singling one player out is tough good performances across the park. A tough night for Needham Market no doubt and their players will be hurting, battled though out Danielle Clarke despite the score with some crucial saves. Laura Bloomfield winning a good share tackles at the back. Annie Posnett often alone up top working tirelessly to try and find an opening. For Sudbury, Jess Allen set the tone early on scoring the opener after two minutes dangerous going forwards always available on the right. Likewise Amy-Leigh Abrehart on the left of attack got on well into some good positions took her goals well. Jade Barrett with a superb 40 yard strike to make it 3-0 was composed and solid at the back throughout. But based on my notes the award goes to Sophie Jeffery got forwards on the left, menacing the defence, linking up well with Abrehart in particular, taking the ball and players on putting several dangerous balls into the box.

AFC Sudbury Women 2025/26 Suffolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Congratulations to AFC Sudbury Women on winning the 2025/26 Suffolk Women’s County Cup, and making it 3 successive cup wins. Ending a difficult season on a high.

 My thanks to the staff at Suffolk FA for letting me cover the game and their assistance this evening. Best of luck to Luke and Stefan Mallett for whatever comes next, some great memories made with Sudbury getting the club back up the leagues. Great to catch up with a few footballing friends in Suffolk. That’s the finals complete for another season, not quite done yet there’s still one league title to be won.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Wroxham Women

Sunday 3rd May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Sponsored by Harrod Sport

  The action switches back to Norfolk this Sunday with a another trip to Carrow Road to watch the final of this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup, sponsored by Harrod Sport. Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women into the final for the 1st time taking on fellow ERWFL Premier Division side, Wroxham Women.

This evening’s prize

   The final between the two leading sides in Norfolk with Norwich City Women victors in the last 3 finals not entering this years competition, in action early today at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium playing Moneyfields Women in FAWNL South West/South East Play-off match. A dramatic end to the game drawing 2-2 the final whistle Norwich emerging victorious in a sudden death penalty shootout to clinch promotion to tier 3 for the first time in their history, many congratulations to all at the club. The ERWFL Premier Division representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid a strong and highly competitive league both Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Wroxham Women with strong campaigns finishing 6th and 3rd respectfully locking horns in the county cup final.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women have gone form strength to strength since joining the ERWFL 3 season’s ago, winning promotion in to the Premier Division in their 1st season at regional level, retained their Premier Division status the year after and have now clinched their highest ever league finish, 6th place. Playing at The Nest ground sharing with Norwich City Women got their fixtures in when others didn’t meaning an early finish their league campaign wrapped up back on the 18th of March, so a long spell without a competitive fixture leading into this evening final.

 Reaching the County Cup final to make their Carrow Road debut has been  an incredible journey having followed the group from their days as Sprowston Ladies to where they are now. Winning the Norfolk Women League Plate back in 2018, captain Calista Tink and striker Victoria Leyer the only two members of that squad still at the club along with Tink’s father Adrian who has led the side in all that time. Have grown as a club on and off the pitch. Leilah Gooding the top scorer with 11 goals, Holly Walker and Millie Baggott both with 9 each.

Wroxham Women reaching the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final for the 1st time themselves two season’s ago beaten 6-0 by Norwich City Women, have been playing right up until the final day of the ERWFL campaign where a strong end to the season saw them clinch a 3rd placed finish, and the potential of a cup double as they have not only reached the final of this season’s County Cup but also final of this season’s ERWFL League Plate, taking on Haringey Borough Women next Sunday at Bedford Town FC. Tonight though all about the county cup will be slight favourites having gotten the better of Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women in both their midweek league encounters both game though won by a single goal 1-0 and 2-1 respectfully.

 Wroxham Women an established side playing at tier 5 with ambitions to push for promotion to the FAWNL above. Joe Simpson returning as manager, Wroxham suffered a slow start dropping points early on but since being knocked out of the League Cup have gone from strength to strength, 2 runs of 5 straight wins interrupted by a defeat to champions Stevenage seeing them power their way up the table to consolidate a top three finish will be hoping that momentum carries through to their cup final games. Hannah Fuller as ever prolific in front of goal top scorer for Wroxham once again with 21 goals to her name. Kathryn Stanley has 12 with Rebecca Stephenson coming in from Cambridge United WFC halfway through the season scoring 9 along with Maddie Green.

Both sides have players in their squads who have won the county cup before, Kathryn Stanley with Norwich, Katie Knights with both Norwich and Wymondham, Hayley Kindred also in the Wymondham squad back in 2022 along with Hannah Fuller all playing for Wroxham this evening. Anna Larkins playing for Dussindale & Hellesdon appearing in multiple finals. This evening’s referee, Alice Parker also a winner of the county cup in her playing days with Norwich City Women.

Road to the Final

 Norfolk FA seeding their senior women’s sides to enter in the later rounds of the competition, both Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Wroxham Women joining at the quarter final stage. Dussindale & Hellesdon having home advantage in the last 8 as they took on ERWFL Division One North side, Thetford Town Ladies. Goals for Leilah Gooding, Calista Tink and Holly Walker sealing a 3-0 win. Wroxham drawn away to Norfolk Women’s Division One side, Sprowston FC Women. Kathryn Stanley rattling home a hat-trick, Rebecca Stephenson scoring a brace plus a goal each for Hannah Fuller and Ella Gambell seeing the game won comfortably 7-0.

Into the semi-finals, the big guns kept apart, both taking on county league opposition with the NWGFL having two representatives in the last four of the county cup, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women taking on Costessey Sports Ladies conquerors of Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies who had reached 4 of the last 5 county cup finals. Leilah Gooding on target to score twice, plus a goal for Isla Thorne securing a 3-1 victory to book Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 1st county cup final appearance. Wroxham away taking on UEA FC Women. A single goal enough for Wroxham winning through to the final 1-0 courtesy of a goal from their captain, Tigi Robson.

Carrow Road

Carrow Road the venue once again the premier football stadium in Norfolk, home to Norwich City FC. A busy Sunday hosting 3 finals the Junior an Senior men’s county cup finals along with the women’s showpiece. The pitch looking immaculate as you’d expect a carpet compared to most of the pitches in the county which could do with some rain, none expected again this evening however, a warm and sunny day the temperature pleasant heading into the evening. The fans from both clubs situate in the South Stand opposite the dug outs. Both teams out on the pitch enjoying a look round the stadium no doubt excited for the occassion.

 Alice Parker this evenings match referee assisted by Elise Carroll-Mileham and Alex Vasey with Edwards Colman the 4th official.

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Addi Gregory, Yve Mitchell, Anna Larkins, Calista Tink (C) Maddie Goodenough, Chloe Shipman, Isla Thorne, Ella Kruez, Holly Walker, Leilah Gooding & Kyla Langan. Subs – Rosie George, Lauren Baxter, Millie Baggott, Abbie Gilchrist & Alexia Cooke.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Yaz Walford, Katie Green, Tigi Robson (C), Ella Gambell, Poppy Loveland, Lily Alexander, Katie Knights, Hayley Kindred, Becca Stephenson, Maddie Green & Hannah Fuller. Subs- Lauren Bullard, Jordan Arnoup, Kathryn Stanley, Jorja Palmer & Holly Farrow.

Wroxham Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will be settled on penalties.

Captains Tigi Robson and Calista Tink with this evening’s match officials

Both sides with goalkeeping issues leading up to the game without regular keepers, Amber Locker or Tyla Cole, Addi Gregory usually an outfield player donning the gloves. Yaz Walford between the sticks for Wroxham with Bryony Williams out injured. A long wait for the final for Dussindale & Hellesdon the build up over the game finally here, have the kick-off 1st half wearing an all clear kit with Wroxham lined up opposite not in their usual blue and white kit but a kit harking back to their time as Acle prior to joining the Wroxham family white shirts with black diagonal striping and a red slash through the middle, with black shorts and socks. The ball put into the middle sent long out to the right flank out of play for an early Wroxham goal kick.

A little tentative at the start Dussindale & Hellesdon up to press the ball, given away at the back by Wroxham on the left, Kyla Langan nipping onto the ball linking up with Leilah Gooding in attack on Dussindale & Hellesdon’s right taking the ball on a shot struck in on the angle from 30 yards, Walford behind it all the way. Wroxham come forwards Katie Knights central long out to Becca Stephenson attacking on the right takes on the early cross squaring the ball into the box, cleared by Dussindale & Hellesdon captain, Calista Tink.

Both sides into each other the ball closed down not much head way made, Wroxham getting a series of throws on the left, defender Poppy Loveland has a long throw in her arsenal, launched into striker Hannah Fuller down near the by-line left of goal, tracked by Maddie Goodenough the defender getting it away for Yve Mitchell to clear up field. Testing balls launched into the channels early on by both sides, Langan and Gooding looking to combine up top for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Maddie Green right side and Hayley Kindred left for Wroxham breaking forwards. Tink winning the ball at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Ella Kruez playing the ball on for Langan over on the right her strike into the box collected by Walford. Tink coming across to tackle Fuller as the Wroxham striker goes after the ball fed on into the right side, the pitch watered before kick-off slick the ball skipping on. Holly Walker closing the ball down on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting in crossed into the area, cleared by Loveland for Wroxham. A few niggly fouls given away competitive in the middle, Knights with Lily Alexander for Wroxham, Isla Thorne snapping in for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Wroxham midfielder, Katie Knights

Tink pro-active in defence for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting out to the ball closing down Maddie Green as her sister Katie sends the ball on up the right. A throw for Wroxham on the right played inside into Stephenson’s feet top of the D, turns going left looking for an opening to strike the ball, Kruez getting in the tackle before she can attempt it. Kindred up ended for Wroxham outside the box top left corner, the set-piece launched into the box headed clear by Tink. Back out to the left a shot from the angle punched back into the area racing wide past the far post.

Wroxham’s Becca Stephenson with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Anna Larkins

Knights carrying the ball on through the middle for Wroxham fed out to Maddie Green on the right, Tink across to offer Anna Larkins support as she slows the attacker down the ball cleared as it is played into the box. Dussindale & Hellesdon defending deeper working hard to regain possession at the back, lifted up to Langan and Gooding in attack the pair combining well causing the Wroxham defence a few issues, breaking forwards into the right channel the ball prodded on towards the box, diverted behind by Loveland for the first corner of the game.

Leilah Gooding

The corner swung in on goal landing on the roof of the net. Ella Gambell taking a knock for Wroxham as the defender fights to win the ball back for Wroxham as Walker brings it on up the left fed inside for Langan. A pause in play while she receives treatment both sides over to the benches for fluids and instructions rom their respective coaches. Gambell up ok to play on, the opening quarter hour seeing both sides cancelling each other out to a degree, Stephenson taking the ball on into the left channel, Kreuz tracking back to put in the challenge for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

 

Is a good sized pitch both sides looking to test the other on the flank, so far without much success, Tink clearing up most ball played into her box, Dussindale & Hellesdon attack starting deeper Loveland and Gambell both stepping up to tackle as Langan and Gooding drive on through the middle. Larkins putting the ball on for Walker left side, Gambell giving the foul away seeing referee, Alice Parker awarding the free-kick. A dangerous ball curled into the area cleared well by Loveland over to the right, won back Dussindale & Hellesdon sending the cross back into the six yard box, Walford claiming it unchallenged.

Alice Parker, winning the county cup with Norwich now officiating the final

Gregory racing out to the top of her area as Fuller steals in behind on the left, the keeper just getting there ahead of her to get it away. Alexander getting hold of the ball for Wroxham links up with Knights, Thorne snapping back to win the tackle for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Stephenson moving about the top of the 18 yards box probing for an opening, her short pass into Fuller, Tink stabbing out a foot to take it away from her. Katie and Maddie Green linking up on the right, Larkins into challenge the ball out for a throw.

Wroxham starting to build a little momentum going forwards the ball chased down in the final 3rd, Katie Green lifting it over the top for Stephenson breaking away right channel, again it’s Tink back at quickly doing the defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon. The crowd making themselves heard, Dussindale & Hellesdon look to have the greater number, Wroxham with their band present not to be out done. Langan onto the ball left channel pushes on knocking the ball into the area, cut out by Loveland for a throw. Dussindale & Hellesdon getting players on the cross into the box Gooding onto the end of it sending a shot in to the near post blocked turned behind for a corner on the right.

Wroxham’s Katie Green

The result the same as the previous corner, curled in on goal looking to test the keeper with a ball under the crossbar, it instead nestles on top of the net. Wroxham up on the left with a throw high, Goodenough getting it back for Dussindale & Hellesdon into Shipman turned on up field, the break is on 2 v 2 at the back Langan after the ball rolling on into the left channel, Gooding powering her way into the box the cross curled in invitingly, just too far ahead of Gooding.

Half an hour gone in the first half a game of few chances so far none on target Wroxham have a throw out on the right brought down played inside to Alexander 20 yards out sends it on across the top of the D, for Kindred to attack left of the D, her 1st time effort curling away from Gregory’s left post. No quarter given in midfield, Thorne busy closing players down on the ball, Knights attempting to add thrust to Wroxham’s attack driving on with the all central running into a dead end as 3 Dussindale & Hellesdon players close her down top of the D.

Katie Green on for Stephenson pulling out to the right, Larkins tackling the ball out for the throw. Inside for Stephenson linking up with Fuller outside the Dussindale & Hellesdon 18 yard box, no way through lays it back into Alexander 25 yards out takes on the strike the ball racing wide of the left post. With Dussindale & Hellesdon dropping off in defence, Katie Green and captain Tigi Robson are able to get on support Wroxham as they get the ball on up to the final 3rd, Tink a little reckless sliding in to win the ball top right corner outside the area fouling Stephenson as she gets inside off a throw picking up the first yellow card of the game.

Kindred on the free-kick, strikes it in towards the far post, too much on it however, flies over the bar. The ball hooked up field by Dussindale & Hellesdon, Langan can’t make it stick as Gambell closes her down, Wroxham quick to get it back up the pitch out to the left flank Robson up with Kindred sending the cross into the near post, claimed by Gregory. Gambell pushing up from the back to get stuck in to win the ball back for Wroxham on for Knights in the middle lifted out to Stephenson combining with Maddie Green the cross cut out by Tink, not clear, struck back in from range taking a deflection out behind for a corner on the right.

Wroxham’s Ella Gambell with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Chloe Shipman

GOAL! 40 minutes played players up from the back for the Wroxham corner, taken short the delivery fed back out to corner taker who lifts the cross up over the crowd gathered at the near post, to fall into the six yard box which is met by Loveland unmarked to smash past the keeper to open the scoring 0-1.

The ball dropping down into the box for defender Poppy Loveland to run onto a blast home to put Wroxham into the lead

 

Poppy Loveland

Wroxham having gathered some momentum towards the end of the first half taking the lead. Both sides continue their midfield tussle, Thorne into tackle Stephenson, Gooding brought down as she looks to travel through the middle. A good distance out Walker looking to send the ball on over the top for the goal kick. Katie Green with the diagonal ball into Fuller back to goal left side turns it on for Kindred attacking on the wing, to the by-line tackled by Mitchell the ball out for a corner kick.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Yve Mitchell

Played in low to the near post turned behind for a goal kick. Into 2 minutes of stoppage time. Goodenough putting the tackle in on Fuller as she looks to attack the left channel taking the ball on from Kindred.

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-1 Wroxham Women

  The first half drawing to a close, Wroxham scoring late in the half to take a slender advantage into the break. Has been a half of few chances with defences largely on top. Dussindale & Hellesdon dropping deeper giving Wroxham very little room to get in behind, protecting the keeper. Both sides competitive a close contest snapping into the other not much between them, clear both sides have players who can hurt the other but the final ball hasn’t been there, little between the sides in their 2 league fixtures and looks to be the case here too, a single goal in it still very much all to play for.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon ringing the changes at half-time making a triple switch sending on Rosie George, Millie Baggott and Abbie Gilchrist to replace Langan, Gooding and Larkins. Wroxham making a change too with Kathryn Stanley coming on in place of Katie Green. Wroxham to get the 2nd period underway, a reminder should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will go to penalties. The ball launched out to the right seen out of play by Gilchrist for a throw. George and Baggott leading the attack for Dussindale & Hellesdon now play switched quickly up the left channel with George getting in behind to chase the ball down, Walford rushing out to the corner of her area just about getting there to knock the ball out to the touch line, kept in Dussindale & Hellesdon are quick to get players up, for a moment the goal open, but takes too long to get the angled ball played, Walford back by then recovering to push the ball away from danger.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to make a positive opening to the 2nd half. Knights for Wroxham playing the ball into Maddie Green right side her cross put into the top of the area intercepted by Tink. Thorne onto the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Wroxham’s defence pushed up space opening up to play the ball into a little wild with her release doesn’t capitalise as George looks to pull clear right side. 

 The 2nd half already having a different feel about it both sides looking to be more direct, Alexander central for Wroxham putting the ball into the left for Stephenson down the line held up by Mitchell forced back up the line squeezing a cross into the D, Stanley running onto it her strike charged down by Goodenough. 

Maddie Green

 The game opening up space to run into George is put away out on the right the ball at her feet surging into the box wide of goal fires a low shot in on the angle, Walford down smartly to make the save the ball pushed out to the top of the six yard box, Baggott on the follow getting hold of the ball Walford making another fantastic blocking save the ball knocked up onto the crossbar and out to keep Wroxham’s lead in tack.

Goalkeeper Yaz Walford with a brilliant double save for Wroxham

 Dussindale & Hellesdon creating chances Baggott and George looking to take over where Gooding and Langan threatened in the 1st half. Gambell fouled as she looks to tackle Baggott as the attacker tries to force her way through the middle. Kindred combining with Stephenson out on Wroxham’s left the ball inside for Fuller outside the box, Goodenough challenging to get the ball out into the middle, Thorne taking it on sending the ball out to George on the right, Robson tackling to win it back for Wroxham.

  Loveland with a vital touch at the back volleying the ball clear as George looks to spin in behind as the ball from Kruez is played into her feet. Baggott almost stealing in behind central moments later 30 yards out but for another crucial challenge from Loveland. Battles all over the pitch Shipman getting a free-kick as she and Kindred come together. 

Wroxham’s Hayley Kindred

 Fuller making several runs into the channel looking to draw defenders out, Tink out to the right to close her down. Dussindale & Hellesdon’s defence staying deep, Wroxham able to get players on but have to be wary of losing it, starting from halfway however the attackers have alot of work to do, with Loveland, Gambell and Robson quick to read the danger. Stephenson seeing a shot from the top of the D struck over as the ball comes into her from Green on the right. 

Becca Stephenson

  Loveland getting across to close down Baggott as she brings the ball down from Shipman in the middle. Thorne continues to get about the midfield breaking up play for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Gambell at the back getting her head on a high ball to clear as Dussindale & Hellesdon look to counter on the right. Gilchrist putting the ball into Thorne central for Dussindale & Hellesdon, has Baggott ahead of her looking to run in behind the threaded pass just the wrong side of her allowing Gambell tracking back with her to intercept. 

 Dussindale & Hellesdon getting the ball back out on the left Walker to George from the angle 25 yards out striking her shot over. Robson bringing the ball on right side for Wroxham chipping it up to Fuller making the run out into the wing, Kruez getting back to help Mitchell in defence the ball out for a throw. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Maddie Goodenough

 Alexander getting a shove in the back as she rises to head the ball the free-kick awarded deep on the left. Kindred on it played short fed back to the winger who places the cross along the top of the D, Fuller running onto it 20 yards out firing a vicious strike wide past the right post.

Wroxham striker, Hannah Fuller

  Moving into the final 20 minutes the game still in the balance. Wroxham keen to extend their advantage prepared to take a few risks keeping Dussindale & Hellesdon penned in trusting they will have too much to do to get players out to support any counter attack. Gambell again with the header as a free-kick won by Dussindale & Hellesdon is launched up from half way. Tink going out to close Fuller down as she gets onto the ball right side concedes the corner kick.

 Wroxham with another short corner routine the ball back with the taker, Dussindale & Hellesdon look to clear their lines as the cross is whipped in with pace attacked by Fuller central burying it into the back of the net runs away in wild celebration, the lead doubled! No! The flag up for offside, the famous canary goal celebration music there for a split second but quickly curtailed that was an extremely close call.

Hannah Fuller’s goal ruled out for offside

Robson in the wars for Wroxham brought down, stays down taking a knock to the ankle, treatment given the players with a chance to catch their breath the game has a nervous edge to it. Play resuming Robson ok to go on Dussindale & Hellesdon advance on the left Walker sending a looping cross into the box, George striding in central jumping for the ball can’t quite get there over her to be cleared on the opposite side. Robson pulling up again feeling her injury, Wroxham unwilling to make the change Robson determined to play on.

 George keeping a throw in on the by-line cutting it back up to the corner of the area for Kruez, goes for goal sending the ball over the bar. Less than 10 minutes on the clock Fuller on the left up with Stanley, played back for Robson plays the ball in central Stephenson knocking it forwards into the box left of the D, Stanley bursting in behind, the flag up straight away as Gregory dives in bravely to get the ball, colliding with the onrushing attacker, Stanley hurdling over the keeper who stays down. Treatment needed a pause in play, 743 in attendance for the final. Gregory up back on her feet. 

 

 GOAL! The game getting stretched opening up suits Fuller as the attacker sees the ball into her path as she breaks into the left flank surging on taking the ball into the box, Tink coming to close her down Fuller with a neat touch to drag the ball inside the defender and moving in central puts her right foot through the ball rifling it past the keeper, to score wheeling away in celebration running over to supporters to celebrate with her teammates 0-2.

Hannah Fuller checking inside to set herself up to rifle home Wroxham’s 2nd

 GOAL! Wroxham finally doubling their lead but it is undone straight away as Dussindale & Hellesdon get the ball out quickly too George on the right down the line whipping a pacy cross into the six yard box, Gambell lunging in to try and clear only succeeding in diverting it into the back of her own net 1-2.

  A lively end to the game Dussindale & Hellesdon getting it back to a single goal straight away. Gilchrist getting a foot on the ball to stop Green getting in behind as Knights plays a diagonal ball out to the flank. Both sides re energised Dussindale & Hellesdon going for it throwing their attackers back on Gooding and Lagan back on the pitch replacing Goodenough and Kruez off. 

 Wroxham playing the ball up to Fuller in attack heads it down for Stephenson making the run to the left taking the ball on digs the cross out dropping it into the six yard box, Fuller in place to nod the ball down towards goal, Gregory getting hold of it for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Wroxham strengthening their defence, Katie Green back on replacing Maddie Green. A lively end to the game the supporters over on the far side encouraging their teams, Gooding trying to get the ball through to Baggott, Loveland cutting it out. 

5 added minutes to be played, a goal for Wroxham will surely seal the win, one back for Dussindale & Hellesdon and we go to penalties. Have a throw out to the left work a shot in from range wide at the near post. Wroxham playing the ball up the left for Fuller who used her experience to take the ball into the corner eat up time. Shipman fouled picking up a knock, the set-piece put in from deep cleared by Stanley for a throw. 

 Wroxham dropping back for the first time in the game defending, Katie Green getting her head ball to clear for Wroxham off of a throw on the right. Dussindale & Hellesdon with a corner at the death everyone up bar the keeper, but don’t make it count as the ball is curled into the side netting, the final whistle blows and Wroxham have done it getting their name of the trophy winning the Harrod Sports Women’s Cup for the first time.

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 1-2 Wroxham Women

  The 2nd half bringing the game to life Dussindale & Hellesdon making changes forcing Wroxham goalkeeper, Yaz Walford into a fantastic double save. Both looking for a goal Wroxham continuing to get players on, Fuller seeing a goal ruled off for offside only spurring her on to get into the box and rifle the ball home to double lead. Short lived as an own goal gets Dussindale & Hellesdon back into it setting up a nervy finish, Wroxham seeing the game out clinching victory over Dussindale & Hellesdon by a single goal for the 3rd time this season. Can’t help feeling this the the beginning of a new rivalry in the county cup Wroxham getting their hands on the trophy Dussindale & Hellesdon can be proud of their Carrow Road debut.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders and I’m going away from the winner of the award on the night. Strong performances all over the pitch for Dussindale & Hellesdon it was a strong game at the back from their captain, Calista Tink won the ball and read the game. Isla Thorne was busy in midfield getting after the ball several good balls up to the attackers. Lilah Gooding did well in the number 10 shirt useful runs looking to link up with Kyla Langan both causing issues for the Wroxham defence as did Rosie George coming on in the 2nd half providing a good outlet for the ball. For Wroxham Katie Knights took the ball on well through the middle joining up the attack. Becca Stephenson covered the ground in the final 3rd looking for openings and ready to receive the ball. Yaz Walford’s double save was crucial. Hannah Fuller won the award on the night and for that winning goal I can see why made some great runs into the channels a defence dropping deep space limited found the opening. But this was a close one and defenders all played their part Ella Gambell put herself about challenging to win the ball close players down. I’ve gone for Poppy Loveland made so important last ditch tackles didn’t let players pass her on too many opportunities and scored the opening goal.

Wroxham Women 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Congratulations to Wroxham Women on winning the 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

  The season over for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women a 6th placed finish and county cup final appearance there’s more to come from this side and will be hungry to reach the final again. Wroxham Women winning one of their two finals off to Bedford next Sunday, for the ERWFL League Plate final know Haringey Borough Women well as they look to make it a cup double. My thanks to all at Norfolk FA for their help this evening and allowing me to cover the final always appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Ware United Ladies v Berkhamsted Ladies

Sunday 12th April

Hertfordshire FA Women’s Trophy Final

Making the trip down to Hertfordshire this Sunday for a cup final double bill, to The County Ground, Letchworth, for the Herts FA Women’s Trophy and Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Finals, First up the Women’s Trophy final this season being contested by Ware United Ladies and Berkhamsted Ladies.

Hertfordshire FA making the decision to split their women’s county cup into two competitions back in 2024. Creating the Women’s Trophy competition to partner the Senior Women’s Challenge Cup. County Cups seeing teams compete from usually tier 3 down to county level can often lead to some eye watering score-lines and wasted weekends due to teams pulling out of a one sided contest. This format although not immune to high scoring games creates a better opportunity to teams to compete for silverware with the national and regional clubs contesting the County Cup, the county league sides playing for the Trophy. No regional sides in this season’s Trophy competition sees an all BHWGFL Premier Division (tier 7) final.

This morning’s prize.

The BHWGFL (Beds & Herts Women’s & Girls Football League) Premier Division has always been one of the most competitive leagues I’ve covered during my time doing Women’s Football East, this year no exception with the title going all the way, new side AFC Welwyn Ladies currently top by 3 points with one to play, can be caught by Ware United Ladies in 2nd and Ampthill Town Ladies in 3rd.

Ware United Ladies pushing at the top of the Premier Division all season into a cup final for the 2nd successive season, narrowly missing out on the League Cup last season will be aiming to go one better in the Women’s Trophy Final. Have brought in a strong squad packed with experience and in Paige Pryor have the league top scorer with 25 goals across all competitions this season. 3 points behind leaders AFC Welwyn Ladies with one game to play and a result to be determined will take the title race all the way. Formed in 2024 with the bulk of then St Margaretsbury Ladies who had reached the Chris Renshaw Cup final the season before have pushed on reaching the League Cup final and finishing 4th last season to press for the title this time around and another cup final appearance. 

 Berkhamsted Ladies enjoying a successful beginning entering the BHWGFL in 2023, finishing 4th in their debut season went on to finish runners-up last season to clinch promotion to the Premier Division and won the Chris Renshaw Cup Final beating Sherrardswood Ladies 2-1. Have built strongly on that success more than holding their own in the Premier Division currently 5th in the table with 3 games to play and can push for a 4th place finish at the very least. One cup final appearance last season, making it two this time around as along with reaching the Women’s Trophy final will be facing AFC Welwyn Ladies in the final of the BHWGFL League Cup in May. A busy end to the season but looking to finish on a high. Plenty of goals in the side, Amy Bentall the top scorer with 17 across all competitions with Nicole Hollick and Ruby Curry on 13 and 12 respectfully. 

Road to the Final

   A bye for both Ware United Ladies and Berkhamsted Ladies in the 1st Round of the Trophy competition. Both sides progressing without kicking a ball too in the 2nd round as they were awarded an away win in Ware United’s case and a home win for Berkhamsted.

 So onto the quarter finals, Ware United drawn away to Division Three newcomers and table toppers, Hitchin Belles Women Whites, two form sides Ware had the quality to easily see off their opponents running out 7-1 winners in the finish Paige Pryor rattling home 4 goals, with Sherrie Evans, Billie Curtis and Rebecca Brooker all finding the back of the net with a goal each. Berkhamsted too wracking up double figures in their quarter final clash as they were drawn at home to Division One bottom side, Letchworth Garden City Eagles, their opponents light on numbers Berkhamsted picked off the goals with Amy Bentall, Ruby Curry, Nicola Hollick and Natasha McConville all bagging a brace with a goal each for Bianca Hedgecock and Jessica Green in a 10-1 win.

  Into the business end of the competition the last 4, aiming to book a final spot, Ware drawn away to fellow Premier Division side, Oaklands Wolves Women. Pryor was again on fire in front of goal smashing home a hat-trick, Millie Fraser also grabbing a goal as Ware ran out 4-0 victors to reach the Trophy final. Berkhamsted at home taking on Harpenden Town Women Colts flying high in Division One the away side scoring twice, Nicola Hollick firing in a brace for the hosts with Ruby Curry and Casey Evans also getting a goal apiece to see Berkhamsted win 4-2 to reach the trophy final would go on to beat the same opponents 5-2 away from home a week later to in the League Cup semi-finals to make it a double finals appearance.

 The County Ground, Letchworth the venue for this mornings Trophy final, home to the Hertfordshire FA nestled in the corner of the ground. Featuring a large 3G pitch, the ground has undergone a good deal of renovation over recent season’s a main stand on one side behind the dugouts with the café underneath serving hot food and drink. A covered terraced stand opposite with standing viewing around, a pleasant spring morning with the sun bright, albeit a little chilly in the shade the forecast hinting at a few sharp showers throughout the day. 

 Ware United Ladies starting XI – Daniela Martucci, Hollie Sibbett, Aoife Loriga, Hannah Fowler (C), Charlotte Walker, Izzy Tuck, Cleo Haynes, Sherrie Evans, Billie Curtis, Millie Fraser & Paige Pryor. Subs – Rebecca Brooker, Maisie Collins, Natasha Crick, Georgia Gannaway & Poppy Latham.

Ware United Ladies

 Berkhamsted Ladies starting XI – Charlotte Howey, Ellie Smith, Heather Illsley, Sarah Hunt, Maddie Gresham, Nat McConville, Bianca Hedgecock, Ruby Curry (C) Nicola Hollick, Casey Evans & Amy Bentall. Subs – Rosie Lewis-Roberts, Helen Rogers, Leah Haley, Jess Green & Andrea Hunyadi.

Berkhamsted Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 The game to be decided by a penalty shoot-out should the scores be level after 90 minutes.

Captains, Hannah Fowler and Ruby Curry with today’s match officials lead by referee Alice Braithwaite.

  Ready to go, Ware to take the kick-off in the first half, wearing white coloured shirts and socks with black shorts, Berkhamsted lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue across the shoulder and sleeves, blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Izzy Tuck in midfield she clips it long out to the left looking for Billie Curtis on the flank, full back Heather Illsley seeing it safely out of play for the throw in.

Ware’s Billie Curtis

  The pitch a good size has quite a spring to it too the ball bouncing up, Berkhamsted look to mount their first attack the ball played through the middle out to Casey Evans on the left wing carries the ball forwards, Hollie Sibbett moving in to close her down with the tackle the ball out for another throw. An open start both sides moving in quickly to close the other down passes rushed as a result, Ware striker Paige Pryor seeing the ball into her feet turns it on into the left wing for Curtis to chase, the pass a little strong runs away from her for a goal kick.

  Competitive in the middle a few robust challenges as both sides go in to win the ball, cagey, Curtis pressing the defence on the right as Berkhamsted look to see the ball out of play succeeds in winning her side a corner kick. A high ball into the box, over everyone out beyond the far post. Nat McConville seeing the ball on for Nicola Hollick through the middle for Berkhamsted drives forwards before laying it into the right channel for striker Amy Bentall, Charlotte Walker getting to it first for Ware to see it back to goalkeeper, Daniela Martucci, who I’m used to seeing as an outfield player clear up field.

Berkhamsted’s, Nicola Hollick

  Cleo Haynes pushing on from the middle for Ware tackled outside the box the ball running loose to Pryor 35 yards out has a pop from range her effort lacking the power to trouble Berkhamsted goalkeeper, Charlotte Howey. Berkhamsted pushing on up the right getting themselves a corner of a throw. Casey Evans to take into the top of the opposition area, Ware moving in quickly to deny a shot the ball not clear though a diagonal ball back in from the left cut out by captain, Hannah Fowler. 

Ware United Ladies captain, Hannah Fowler

 Hollick turning on the ball releasing Casey Evans out on the right with her pass sends it back into the top of the D for Bentall, looking to get it out of her feet, is quickly closed down by 3 ware defenders the ball put back to the keeper. Ware counter well Tuck into Millie Fraser right channel, looks to play the diagonal through ball back inside for Pryor making a run in behind the Berkhamsted defence but she goes too early the flag up against her for offside. 

 Fairly even, fast paced both sides a little wasteful with the ball the game not settling down, Ware with a throw on the left, Haynes to take has a long throw in her arsenal, into the box his knocked up and on near side, Howey getting her fist up to punch it away to safety. Fraser spotting the run of captain Ruby Curry through the middle, sends the ball on Maddie Gresham getting across in the nick of time to get a touch take it on for her keeper to clear. 

Ware midfielder, Izzy Tuck

 No quarter given a little physical, Tuck and Haynes in strongly to win the ball back for Ware as they get numbers up well on the left, inside for Curtis corner of the box lays it back to Pryor to strike on the angle 25 yards out drills her shot wide of the near post. Fraser on the right from deep hooking a ball in high towards the top of the area looknig for Pryor, the striker after it, Howey out to the edge of her box keeping her eye on the ball seeing it down into her gloves as Pryor comes it they make contact the goalkeeper briefly losing the ball but quick to snatch it back into her gloves. 

Paige Pryor

 Busy Berkhamsted winning a corner on the right off of a free-kick, the delivery long across the six yard box retrieved by Sarah Hunt beyond the far post turns it back towards the top of the area, Haynes lunging in to get it clear. Hunt then defends up the other end the central defender across to stop Pryor as she looks to get in on the end of another long throw from Haynes. 

Berkhamsted’s, Sarah Hunt

 Bentall gets hold of the ball out on the left flank for Berkhamsted, drives on, evading a tackle cutting inside to surge into the box left of goal strikes the ball low, Martucci with a superb save reactive down low to block the ball half cleared to the top of the area another shot charged down. The bounce of the ball causing a few issues for defenders, Pryor especially looking to capitalise for Ware. Sherrie Evans sending the ball into Pryor looks to release Fraser making a run into the right channel, Ellie Smith stretching to deny her for Berkhamsted.

 Haynes getting back at Fraser on the flank as the winger initially evades her challenge. Tuck moving in to tackle McConville as she looks to combine with Curry through the middle for Berkhamsted. Illsley lunging in to stop Curtis as she looks to take the ball on from Aoife Loriga as the full back carries the ball forwards. Haynes getting her throw into Pryor outside the near post looks to bring it down turn into the shot, Hunt nicking it off her toes to clear for Berkhamsted. 

Heather Illsley

Pryor fancying her chances from range sees the ball rebound to her from all of 35 yards out central, hit on the half volley her effort over the crossbar. Somewhere in the general melee for possession of the ball Pryor has picked up some blood on her face and sent over to the dugout to get it sorted, is fine to carry on. Hollick getting out to the left for Bentall to chase, managing to keep it in play burst forwards down the flank into space her cross squared into the top of the area, Bianca Hedgecock breaking on from midfield looking to get on the end of it, Walker getting a timely touch for Ware at the back.

  Haynes long throws for Ware causing Berkhamsted a few concerns the ball flung into the area turned behind by Illsley for a corner out on the left put in high dropping far post, Pryor attacking it heads the ball back across and over the bar. The referee having  a word with Tuck as she goes in to tackle Curry giving away the foul wide on the right. om inside their own half the ball is fired up towards to top of the Ware area, Hedgecock up well to get her head on the ball knock it down to the right into the path of Curry from the angle strikes the ball wide across the face of goal. 

Cleo Haynes

 The ball rarely still a good sized pitch both side covering the ground, Ware looking to get the ball into Pryor up top, Berkhamsted’s main threat Bentall driving wit the ball at her feet from the left. Walker with another vital interception getting her toes on the ball as Hollick looks to steal in through the middle. The clock ticking down in the first half Berkhamsted winning a corner out on the right, Casey Evans to play it on from the right, long over everyone, retrieved by McConville on the left, drives for the box, getting past one defender, nutmegging a second before clattering into a third, appeals but half heartedly nothing doing. 

Nat McConville

Moving into injury time at the end of the first half Berkhamsted winning a free-kick wide on the right a card shown and an injury to Loriga, Ware making a change as she comes off to be replaced by Rebecca Brooker. Casey Evans putting the free-kick into the box, Smith near side can’t get it out from under her feet for the short manages to get it back to Evans to fire in a 2nd cross, Hunt up too try and get her head on it central can only glance it wide past the far post out to the left. Hollick combining with Bentall out wide left as they work the ball in across the top of the area Casey Evans making a run right of the D, cut out by Walker. One last chance falling to McConville as the ball cleared out of the Ware box comes to her as she runs to attack it 30 yards out fires her shot wide of the right post.

Half-time Ware United Ladies 0-0 Berkhamsted Ladies

  The sides heading back into the changing rooms goalless at the break has been an open and competitive tussle, cagey too with both moving in to close the ball down a great save from Martucci to deny Bentall, Berkhamsted taking a little while to settle, Ware have be combative in the middle getting players up and around Pryor in attack, but as of yet neither side breaking the deadlock.

 Berkhamsted to get the 2nd half underway making a change bringing of Smith at the back sending on Leah Haley. Ware unchanged with Broker on late in the 1st half. The ball into McConville central sends it long looking for Bentall on the advance left flank has kept Sibbett busy the full back able to see this pass out for a throw. Bentall showing attacking intent at the start of the half taking the ball on from Hollick wide left delivering a cross into the top of the Ware box, intercepted by Tuck, comes back out to McConville 25 yards out her low shot straight at the keeper, Howey down behind it to hold.

  Berkhamsted looking to impose themselves at the start of the 2nd half getting players on Bentall left, Casey Evans right and Hollick and Curry through the middle. Haynes playing the ball into Brooker on the left takes it on towards the top of the area sweeping the pass into the D looking for Fraser, she attempts to turn it into the box for Pryor pulling off the defence, Hunt leaving her to get her foot on the ball to clear.

  Ware coming back into it Curtis driving on with the ball left side her high cross into the near post claimed by Howey. The game remains open, Berkhamsted turning play around quickly, McConville on halfway picking out Hollick getting on into space in the right channel she diverts the diagonal ball into the box central looking to pick out Bentall bursting in behind, slides it to try and get the ball even as Howey comes the opposite way diving in at her feet the pair come together the ball running on into the back of the net but it won’t count as the flag is up for offside.

Amy Bentall on the attack for Berkhamsted

 Howey staying down in need of a moment to recover and receive treatment. Is thankfully okay and back up on her feet. Howey with a good starting point in her box to come claim the ball at the edge of her area as Berkhamsted put a flowing attack together, Hollick inside right into McConville attempts the through ball to split the centre backs as Curry provides the run, Howey with her gloves on the ball.

  Ware winning a free-kick deep on the right, flighted up into the box right of goal, Pryor up well on to knock it down into the mix, Hedgecock trapping the ball between her feet stabbing it out for a throw on the right.

  GOAL! Haynes with the throw knocked on near side into the six yard box, Brooker getting onto the end of it to smash the ball past the keeper and open the scoring 1-0. Ware leading 10 minutes into the 2nd half.

Ware celebrate as they take the lead

Rebecca Brooker with the opening goal.

 A blow for Berkhamsted look to get straight on the attack from the restart winning a throw high on the left, Curry bringing it inside, Bentall taking over 25 yards out shoots over.

 GOAL! Berkhamsted hitting back straight away as they pile players forwards, the ball out on the right with Casey Evans her angled ball into the far post seeing Bentall bursting in to attack it lifting it over the keeper to fire her side back back on level terms 1-1. 

Amy Bentall quick to get Berkhamsted back on level terms

 The game has gone a little frantic as both sides both energised by scoring and flustered by conceding rush to close the ball down. Berkhamsted making a change, Hedgecock coming off to be replaced by Andrea Hunyadi. Curry seeing the ball into her feet from Hollick looks to play Bentall in left side, Haynes cutting it out, back with Curry turns the ball into the right flank for Casey Evans, Curtis back at her to put in the challenge deny the cross. 

 Tuck coming off for Ware, on in her place comes Georgia Gannaway. Casey Evans right for Berkhamsted fires a ball into the box, Fowler lunging for it turns the ball on into the path of Curry attacking top of the area left of the D, sees her strike at goal blocked. 

Casey Evans

 Pryor breaking clear on the right wide angling a shot in towards goal, Martucci down smartly to turn the ball wide beyond the far post, left side Brooker keeps it in play turns it back into the area for Sherrie Evans six yards out goes to shoot, Martucci throwing up a glove to make the save the ball cleared.

Ware goalkeeper, Daniela Martucci

  Lively as Brooker carries the ball forwards for Ware passes it to Pryor with Haynes looking to make a run beyond her, Gresham reading it intercepting the ball for Berkhamsted. A rapid counter attack the ball lifted into Bentall out on the left driving for the by-line her cross flashed in across the face of goal snatched up by Howey. Gresham tackling well to half Brooker’s attack as she surges inside off the left wing. Ware making a substitution with Pryor coming off up top, Natasha Crick replacing her.

   Gannaway fouled for Ware 30 yards out to the left of the area, Fraser over the set-piece goes for goal over the wall the ball dropping wide of the near post. Ware winning a free-kick in the corner Illsley upending Fraser. Crick to play it into the box from the left, across the six yard box attacked by Fraser, Howey diving to turn it wide to the right past the post for a corner kick.

 GOAL! Walker to deliver the ball into the box, defended in front of the near post the ball coming back out to her on the angle, shapes to fire it back in struck with pace across goal, a faint touch from the keeper not enough to stop it finding the bottom corner as Walker runs off in celebration scoring her first goal of the season and an important one too to put Ware back into the lead 2-1.

Charlotte Walker runs away in celebration as she puts Ware back into the lead

  Ware back into the lead inside the final 15 minutes of the match, making a change Maisie Collins coming on in place of Haynes in the middle. Berkhamsted with a change too as Smith returns to the pitch in place of Illsley at the back. Ware with their tails up Fraser racing on left to the by-line Howey getting out to grab hold of the ball. Fowler charges down Casey Evans as she goes to pull the trigger 20 yards out as the ball comes across the area to her from the left. 

 Ware winning a free-kick on the right, a dangerous ball in Sherrie Evans going in far post on the keeper, the ball cleared off the line by Gresham. Evans hurt in the attack but is alright to play on. Up the other end Martucci is quickly out to the top of her area to save at the feet of Curry as she makes a break in through the middle. Players picking up knocks changes made, Hedgecock back on for Smith, Tuck back on for Sibbett. Curtis taking the ball off the feet of Casey Evans sending it behind for a corner kick, fired in from the right high across the six yard box, Martucci with a fist on the ball to turn it wide and additional touch on the way through seeing a goal-kick awarded.

  Fowler getting the tackle in on Hollick as she looks to make headway through the middle. Has been hinting at rain for a while dark clouds about retreating to the stand beyond as ware look to keep hold of the ball use up valuable time Berkhamsted doesn’t have. The burst of rain going away as quickly as it came however the next two pictures following in sequence moments apart.

Berkhamsted defender, Maddie Gresham with Ware’s Natasha Crick

 Fowler across to charge down Casey Evans cross to concede a corner late in the game. The ball sent into the top of the area, no one can get a telling touch. Berkhamsted look to keep the attack alive the ball angled in from the left defended by Sherrie Evans. Time almost up Gresham travelling on with the ball, looks to pick out Bentall on the left the ball cleared for a throw. The final whistle blows and Ware United Ladies celebrate as they win their 1st ever trophy.

Full time Ware United Ladies 2-1 Berkhamsted Ladies 

  Ware United Ladies winning the Hertfordshire Women’s Trophy final, drawing 0-0 at the break Berkhamsted came out strong at the start of the 2nd half creating chances, saw a goal ruled out for offside. Ware coming back strong themselves to open the scoring through Rebecca Brooker, Berkhamsted with an immediate response through Amy Bentall. The winner coming in the final 15 minutes, Charlotte Walker with her first goal of the season to send Ware back into the lead and they held on to claim the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, difficult to single one player out several strong contenders from both sides, a few to mention, firstly for Berkhamsted, Amy Bentall was a potent threat all game attacking from the flanks driving with the ball creating chances taking one. Maddie Gresham with a number of vital interceptions and tackles at the back. Daniela Martucci with some fine saves to deny Berkhamsted. Nicola Hollick looking to get about the pitch join the attack link up play. For Ware, captain Hannah Fowler and defensive partner Charlotte Walker got in some important challenges, Walker scoring the winning goal. Paige Pryor ready to receive the ball looking constantly for an opening. Izzy Tuck put herself about in the middle disrupting and breaking up play. Rebecca Brooker came on to good effect providing a useful outlet on the wing and getting Ware into the lead. The award though goes to midfielder, Cleo Haynes covered the ground got stuck in to win the ball and came forwards well to bolster the attack her long throws potent too.

Congratulations to Ware United Ladies on winning the Hertfordshire FA Women’s Trophy.

Ware United Ladies 2025/26 Hertfordshire FA Women’s Trophy winners

 An entertaining first cup final of the day, stayed mostly dry, came to life in the 2nd half and could have gone either way, Ware getting themselves into the lead with little time left and didn’t surrender their lead a 2nd time. Berkhamsted disappointed to miss out on the trophy having little time to recover back in league action on Wednesday evening at home playing Stotfold Women. Good to see both sides in action and thanks for their assistance. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Costessey Sports Ladies

Sunday 18th January

Norfolk Women’s County Cup 

sponsored by Harrod Sport

At last back to the football in 2026 my first game of the year, after sitting out the first 2 weekends of the year due to other commitments. A weekend of county cup action with the competitions across the East hotting up with most entering the quarter final stage and beyond, Norfolk no exception with the big guns entering the competition as it moves to the last 8, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies finalists in last season’s county cup hosting Norfolk Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies. 

 FAWNL side, Norwich City Women dominating the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, sponsored by Harrod Sport in recent season’s. Are not participating in the competition this time around leaving the door open for a new club to get their name carved onto the trophy, Eastern Region big hitters, Wroxham Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women will be amongst the favourites along with Division One North counter parts Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies who have a strong pedigree in the competition along with Thetford Town Ladies. Thetford up against Dussindale & Hellesdon in the last 8. Wroxham are away to Norfolk Division One side Sprowston FC Women. It’s an all Norfolk Division One clash between Aylsham FC Women and UEA FC Women which will guarantee at least one tier 7 side in the last 4 with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies hosting Costessey in the last quarter final tie. 

 Something of a stop start season in the league for Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies, currently 8th in ERWFL Division One North, would like to have had a few more points on the board as they sit uncomfortably close to the bottom sides with 3 going down, but with games in hand have 7 of the 11 left to play at home. The weather not helping with their pitch seeing alot of action not always available. Bringing in a few younger players to bolster an experienced squad, top scorer and captain, Rebekah Lake missing several games through injury still has 8 goals for the season, joint top scorer along side Atlanta Griffith. This their 1st game since December 14th, will be keen to get their county cup campaign off to a positive start.

  Costessey Sports Ladies looking to stop them, a tough ask but come into the game full of confidence after notching up a big 16-0 win at home last Sunday against KLSC FC Women. Currently 3rd in the Norfolk Women’s Division One table have bee growing season upon season since entering women’s football, have a squad full of young exciting talent with a useful blend of experienced heads amongst them. Scoring plenty of goals too, have won 7 of their 8 league games so far and although the league looks to be Lowestoft Town Ladies to lose, are well placed to push them all the way. Thea Hackney, Chloe Moulton and Alisha Juby the clubs top scorers so far this season all into double figures.

 Mulbarton Wanderers, Adobe Area at Mulberry Park the venue for this afternoon’s county cup tie. Another heavy bout of rain coming into the weekend a concern for the ground but despite being heavy under foot is okay for today’s game, the two sides warming up on the practice pitches beyond to save further wear and tear. The social club open beside the ground across the carpark. The tea hut inside the ground open too. The sun making an appearance trying to cast a little heat as it begins to set, a few dark clouds about with the odd spot of rain set to fall during the match.

 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Megan Gowing, Victoria McNorton, Faye Bye, Megan Belsey, Jade Telfer, Molly Stevenson, Melissa Belsey, Maddy McCormick, Sam Rue, Atlanta Griffith & Rebekah Lake (C), Subs – Alyssia Barrett, Izzy Fitchew, Florrie Martin, Emma Farmer & Izzy Noakes.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

 Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Kelly Fox, Grace Wall, Sydnie Brown. Alyssia Baldock, Chelsea Brister (C), Olivia Smith, Abbie Nobbs, Hannah Campbell, Alisha Juby, Holly Williams & Chloe Moulton. Subs – Cyan Fullbrook, Phoebe Pierpoint, Kyara Everett, Jenny Moore & Poppy Lyons.

Costessey Sports Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Chelsea Brister and Rebekah Lake with today’s match referee, Alexander Vasey

  Key players missing for both sides, Mulbarton without, defender, Lucy Lincoln and midfielder Laura Hedtke. Costessey without their top scorer, Thea Hackney. Have Holly Williams back in the squad though recently returning after being out for over a 100 days through injury. It’s Costessey to get this afternoon’s cup tie underway wearing red coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and red socks. Mulbarton lined up opposite wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The back rolled back to captain, Chelsea Brister at the back fired back into the middle, Hannah Campbell more commonly known as Scooby taking the ball on before playing it up the left channel, Mulbarton’s Victoria McNorton seeing it out of play for the throw in. 

  Mulbarton build down the right Melissa Belsey seeing the ball fed on down the line for captain, Rebekah Lake to attack shifts in infield looking for Atlanta Griffith outside the box is closed down quickly by Costessey’s Olivia Smith. Jade Telfer getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Mulbarton looks to attempt a through ball for lake pulling into the left channel, the ball instead intercepted by Brister at the back for the visitors, cleared away for a throw on the left. 

 Off the throw, Lake takes the ball on to the by-lie looking to force her way into the box, Alyssia Baldock comes to charge the ball down, behind for the first corner of the game.. Early pressure from the hosts the corner whipped in dangerously across the face of goal narrowly missed by Griffith positioned at the far post. Mulbarton with players pushed up quick to regain possession in the final 3rd played into Melissa Belsey on the right her short on the angle straight at goalkeeper, Kelly Fox. 

 A few spots of rain in the air as Mulbarton are awarded a free-kick in the middle, lively Costessey busy trying to close the ball down, looks a little chaotic at times, Mulbarton quick to react win the ball back, Faye Bye getting up on the left from the back for the hosts feeing the ball into the box looking for Lake darting in from the left, Fox reacting sharply rushing out to get to the ball gather into her gloves before Lake can steal in beyond her. 

Mulbarton captain, Rebekah Lake

 Costessey with pace in attack, Abbie Nobbs getting hold of the ball after a robust tackle in the middle sending it on for Holly Williams ahead of her central has Chloe Moulton racing on with her to the right rolls the ball into the wing ahead of her, Megan Belsey across on the cover well to get to the ball first clear for Mulbarton. Costessey turn play around as Moulton takes the ball on up the right turns it infield for Williams who has Campbell busting a gut to get up with her on the left, entering the box the ball played into her, McNorton stands fast to block her run clear the ball.

  Mulbarton press the advantage off of a throw high on the left, Bye into Sam Rue to turn inside down the wing delivering a shot from an acute angle wide across the face of goal. The pitch is heavy, running with the ball tricky, Williams seeing it into her feet lays it back to Moulton, Telfer slides in to win the ball back for Mulbarton. Molly Stevenson gets the ball into Melissa Belsey on the right for Mulbarton looks to send it down the line for Lake to chase down, just a little too much on it as Brown comes back on the cover to defend the ball runs out for the goal kick. 

Costessey’s Holly Williams

  Alisha Juby sending the ball into Moulton on the right she in turn fires it forwards towards the top of the area for Williams to attack, pressure on Megan Belsey as the defender looks to get the ball away safely runs behind for the corner kick. Brister on the corner from the right played into the top of the area, Williams getting a touch to turn it into the crowded six yard box, Griffith getting control of the ball for Mulbarton to being it away from danger.

Costessey’s Chloe Moulton

  Mulbarton getting the ball into their attackers but Costessey getting a defensive block in to deny the final ball in behind. Campbell bringing the ball forwards for the visitors finds Williams through the middle sends the pass out to Moulton advancing on the right delivers a cross into the area, cut out by McNorton, Mulbarton rapid in the counter the ball helped on up through the middle by Maddy McCormick. Lake looking to run in behind the Costessey defence, Fox rushing out of her area, the get to the ball first.

Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox

  Mulbarton with a throw high on the left the ball fed in across the top of the Costessey area, comes to Rue pulls the trigger from 20 yards out a low drive towards the left of goal, Fox down to save pushing the ball wide of the upright for a corner kick. The corner flung into the six yard box, met headed down towards the left post, cut out and cleared by defender, Grace Wall for the visitors. 

Grace Wall

 Mulbarton press well in the final third forcing a throw on the left, Rue strong on the ball looking to take players on as she presses for the area, instead feeds it down the line for Lake making a run to the by-line her cross dugout looping across the face of goal, just over Griffith at the far post. Melissa Belsey right on for Lake switching channels a darting run looks to cross into the middle, cut out by Smith away for a throw. 

Mulbarton’s Atlanta Griffith

 Mulbarton build through the middle, Telfer to McCormick on for Griffith 25 yards out lifts the ball out to Lake to the right crosses it back inside the box to Griffith who outmuscles a defender to break in on goal her shot straight at the keeper, Fox instinctive gloves up to beat the ball away. Griffith with a rising shot on the angle right of the area over the bar as Mulbarton continue to press high. 

 Nobbs onto Campbell picks out Juby getting away into space on the right wing knocking the ball on, Megan Belsey gets across to direct the ball out for the throw before a cross is attempted. The hosts quick to launch a counter Rue on for Melissa Belsey right side has Lake pulling into the wing ahead of her the game stretched, Fox comes racing out of her box, a long way from goal committed has to get there a does, out for a throw, a sweeper keeper at times.

  A battling contest in the middle at times, both sides getting stuck in, scrappy, Telfer lifting the ball up over the defence, Fox well placed to of her area to gather before Lake can capitalise. Rue coming in off the left with the ball driving it in central for lake top of the D, strikes the ball her low shot driven in, straight at the keeper, Fox down to claim the ball. Continues to be lively Telfer fouling Juby on halfway, Nobbs to play the ball up towards the top of the area from the right knocked down by Campbell into Juby 20 yards out her shot charged down the ball deflected away to the right another attempt turned wide.

Costessey’s Alisha Juby with Mulbarton’s Jade Telfer

  Campbell bringing the ball on for Costessey up to Williams in attack, Megan Belsey getting her foot in to take the ball away from her. Costessey looking a threat driving on through the middle as Mulbarton risk over committing up the other end Williams rolling the ball on for Moulton breaking into the right channel striking the ball on the run from 20 yards out, Megan Gowing relatively untroubled in the Mulbarton goal to this point called into down behind the ball to save. 

Megan Belsey

 GOAL! Costessey gaining some momentum in the final 3rd press the ball on the right Brown up with Campbell the ball cut back into the top of the area for Williams, is fouled by McNorton, the referee blowing up straight away pointing to the spot! Penalty! Campbell to take it a chance to put her side ahead from the spot makes no mistake striking a firm penalty low past the keeper as she dives to her left, 0-1.

Hannah Campbell fires Costessey into the lead from the penalty spot

  Costessey opening the scoring, on the half hour, Costessey with their tails up, Campbell proactive getting after the ball making some useful runs into the left channel Brown picking her out, Campbell held up by McNorton looking to lay it back to Brown, Stevenson closing her down well for Mulbarton to get her side going forwards. Fox comes racing out of her area again to the right to get to the ball first as Lake looks to pull clear behind Brown on the wing.

  Costessey making a change, Williams coming off to be replaced by Poppy Lyons in attack. Ping ball in the middle as Rue looks to plough a path through the Costessey defence before being brought down. Griffith over the free-kick left of the circle, goes for goal a high ball in dropping far side, Fox behind it but doesn’t get hold of the ball loose Mulbarton rush in to attack knocked on towards the far post stabbed wide even as the hosts appeal for a penalty but nothing given.

  Mulbarton’s front 3 looking to fight their way through the Costessey defence, Baldock and Brister both with blocking tackles on Rue and Lake, those two looking to link up on the left side the cross put into Griffith central top of the D, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to release a shot before Campbell snaps in with the challenge. Kyara Everett coming on for Costessey taking a position on the right replacing Moulton. Links up with Juby on the flank the ball crossed inside met by Lyons right of the D her snap shot in low held by Gowing.

  GOAL! Into the final minutes of the 1st half, Mulbarton bring the ball on through the middle, Stevenson with Rue sent out to the right played in down the line for Lake to chase down the Costessey defence getting drawn to the ball as she fires a pacy cross into the six yard box, Griffith arriving unopposed to turn the ball past the keeper to level the scores, 1-1.

Atlanta Griffith fires in the equaliser for Mulbarton

  Mulbarton back on level terms late on in the 1st half, look to make one last push before the half draws to a close, attacking down the left the ball played into Lake down the line her cross cut back into the top of the area runs on for Rue to strike the ball low and hard past the diving keeper, Mulbarton rush to her to congratulate thinking they have turned it around only for the referee to be called over to consult the line assistant, the flag was raised was Lake in an offside position, the goal is chalked off much to Mulbarton’s consternation!

Mulbarton’s Sam Rue

 Soon after the whistle blows for half-time, the Mulbarton players still speaking with the referee as the interval begins. 

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 1-1 Costessey Sports Ladies

Both sides staying out on the pitch during the half-time interval. Mulbarton have looked press the attack have created opportunities without overly stretching the Costessey back-line, Fox playing as a sweeper keeper at times a risky ploy when you have a predator in attack such as Lake. On the whole however the visitors have battled hard been lively and looked to keep the ball moving offering a threat in attack dangerous in the counter getting players on from the middle drawing the penalty and opening the scoring from the spot. Mulbarton stretching there opponents defence to put Griffith in the clear for the equalising goal late in the half, a hint of offside about that one, scoring a 2nd soon after the flag going against them this time around to leave it all square and all to play for in the 2nd half. Will Costessey be able to keep it up or will their higher league opponents find the extra edge in the 2nd half.

  Changes for both sides art the start of the 2nd half, Florrie Martin, Izzy Fitchew and Emma Farmer coming in in midfield and the left side replacing, Telfer, Bye and Melissa Belsey. Williams is back on for Costessey in attack replacing Everett, Phoebe Pierpoint has come on to at left back replacing Brown. Mulbarton to get the 2nd half underway the ball played forwards Costessey move in quick to close it down comes to Pierpoint left side lifts a high ball up towards the top of the Mulbarton area, cleared by Belsey.

  Tentative at the start of the 2nd half both sides rushing in to close down the ball, neither making much headway, Campbell looking to push on from the middle support Williams in attack. Fitchew clearing a hopeful ball forwards as Williams races in to try and close her down. Emma Farmer taking it on up the left flank a strong run her diagonal ball into the box taking a deflection off Smith that sees it turned safely back to her keeper. 

  Griffith is crudely upended top of the D as she looks to hold the ball up for Mulbarton winning her side the free-kick, takes on the set-piece herself getting a stringing shot past the wall straight at the keeper however Fox palming it down, luckily avoiding Martin as she closes in at the far post the loose ball hooked clear by Wall. 

  McNorton now over on the left of defence for Mulbarton lunges in to deny, Juby as she looks to drive with the ball at her feet on the wing. Campbell with the ball at her feet driving forwards for Costessey runs into traffic, the ball cleared out to the left, Pierpoint latching onto the ball swings a good looking ball in towards the top of the area, Williams interested however Gowing with a good starting position is out quickly to the top of her box to gather the ball into her gloves. 

Alisha Juby

  Rue forcing her way on with the ball through the middle for Mulbarton pushed on for Griffith, her 25 yard strike taking a deflection of a defender seeing in spin on into the box right of goal, favouring Lake as she breaks in behind to latch onto it, drags her attempt wide across the six yard box. Costessey making another change with Lyons coming off, Jenny Moore. Mulbarton forcing a corner on the left, curled into the six yard box attacked at the far post turned wide.

Atlanta Griffith with Costessey’s Olivia Smith

  Griffith battling hard on the ball for Mulbarton fighting on through the middle lays the ball into Farmer’s path out on the right, Pierpoint across to challenge try and stop the cross, prevents the ball going out for a corner, Mulbarton with a throw instead. Martin linking up with Griffith off the throw in the corner getting the return ball into her feet her cross/shot saved by Fox down low at her near post.

   Williams taking the ball on from Campbell through the middle, surges on towards the area, runs into Belsey who stands her ground. Fox out of her area again to challenge Griffith outside her area central as she looks to get the ball fizzed into her by Rue out of her feet. 

 GOAL! An hour played the game totally opening up play stretched as Mulbarton press Costessey back, the visitors sharp on the counter break as the ball is launched into Juby on the right, drives in before whipping a ball into the middle of the six yard box, Gowing trying to close down Campbell as she looks to turn the ball back across goal, knocked up into the air, Campbell keeps her composure to lift her left foot get it up over the dropping ball fire and strike it back across the keeper to fire her side back into the lead 1-2.

Hannah Campbell scores her 2nd to restore Costessey’s lead

 Costessey retaking the lead look sharp in the 2nd half, Mulbarton a little flat footed the game opening up the visitors dropping back in defence making it hard to find a way through on goal. Rotating players to keep their energy levels up. Brown coming back on to support, Pierpoint on the left, defends as Farmer looks to drive on up the wing with the ball. Fitchew up on the right to close Pierpoint down finds Farmer free ahead of her, sends a looping cross into the box, headed away to safety by Costessey’s Baldock. 

Mulbarton’s Emma Farmer

  Williams coming off with Moulton back on for Costessey in attack. The offside flag goes up against Juby on the right as she races on looking to get onto the end of a diagonal ball from Moore. Farmer forcing a throw high on the left, taken by Martin links up with Rue, Baldock charging down the cross, the 2nd attempt played into the top of the area cut out by Nobbs. Fox always ready to charge out of her area does so again on Griffith as Martin sends the ball into her feet. 

  Mulbarton looking to find the equalising goal build well through the middle Martin threading it on, cut out by Smith, back to Lake central has Griffith to her right pulling into the channel 25 yards out takes on the strike the ball rising just not enough to clear the keeper as Fox gets her arms up to save knocking the ball down into the ground and getting hold of it.

Rebekah Lake

  Bye back onto the pitch for Mulbarton, also coming on Alyssia Barrett with the game closing in on the final 15 minutes. Costessey working hard in defence, space to exploit on the counter as Mulbarton look to press find their way back into the contest. Campbell with the ball for Costessey moving left has Brown bombing on looking to get in behind sends the ball on however Gowing is out quickly to the top of her area to claim. 

 Griffith with a snap shot from all of 20 yards out as Lake brings the ball down into her path looping in on goal, frustration as it lands on the roof of the net. Everett back on for Costessey as they continue to rotate players, Nobbs putting the ball on for Moulton through the middle picks out Everett right side, Barrett quick to close her down for Mulbarton. Smith intercepts well getting in ahead of Griffith as Rue pushing on with the ball through the middle tries to pick her out.

 Mulbarton with a throw high on the right, Rue with Griffith the cross worked into the six yard box, Lake near side with the shot, charged down, pops back to Martin left of goal fired back into the mix pops up lose for Griffith to strike from close range, blasts the ball straight into the keeper as Fox beats it away. 

 Mulbarton frustrated can’t find a way past the keeper as the chances mount up, lake getting onto the ball left of goal inside the box, holds off the defence as the keeper starts to comes gets a strike away pulling it wide across the area past the far post. Campbell coming off for Costessey as they send Juby back on. Mulbarton going for broke pushing players on as the game closes in on the 85th minute, Pierpoint up to cut the ball out as farmer looks to play it in from the right. Smith defending up against Griffith as Mulbarton come on through the middle the ball running on in behind Fox onto it claiming the ball before Lake can pounce.

  Juby back to defend for Costessey as Griffith looks to play the ball on for martin making a left channel run. Rue with some strong running on the ball throughout the game powers on through the middle, Smith moving in to make the challenge. Farmer onto the ball for Mulbarton bursting into the area right of goal the angle acute as she goes to pull the trigger, Fox there again covering the post down quickly to get behind the ball, loose, Pierpoint is back to defend preventing the ball running behind for a corner. 

 The clock ticking down, Mulbarton doing all they can to find a way through late on, Costessey holding firm, defending deep Griffith finding Farmer out on the right her cross cut back into the penalty area, headed away by Baldock. Moore winning the ball back for Costessey in the final 3rd as Martin looks to find Lake top of the D. Time almost up Lake left on for Griffith squares it into the area, Costessey have plenty back to cut it out. One final push through the middle, Rue driving on with the ball into traffic, cleared a coming together off the ball, play stopped the referee showing Rue a straight red card in the dying seconds. Costessey hold on to celebrate an historic win knocking out higher league opposition to reach the last 4 of this season’s county cup.

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 1-2 Costessey Sports Ladies

  Two Norfolk Division One sides into the last 4 of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup with UEA FC Women scoring 2 late goals to beat Aylsham in their quarter final. Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women also through beating Thetford 3-0 to advance. Wroxham’s game at Sprowston postponed will try again next weekend. A memorable win for Costessey, their coach Paul Sell did tell me they were full of confidence going into the game, looked eager and rotating players kept fresh legs on the pitch throughout. Rode their luck at times but were determined having gotten into the lead 1st half conceding an equaliser were fortunate Mulbarton’s 2nd goal was chalked off due to offside, took advantage to retake the lead on the hour and battled hard at the back from there on in. Mulbarton looked rusty haven’t played for 5 weeks, will be disappointed, created chances just picked out the keeper more than not with their shots. An enjoyable cup contest.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of 2026. A straight forward one which isn’t usually the case, although there were a few who put themselves in contention and plenty of performances to mention. Firstly for Mulbarton, Sam Rue was strong on the ball throughout with some useful penetrating runs either coming in off the flank or through the middle. Atlanta Griffith too with some strong runs and good positioning throughout will be frustrated having gotten one goal not to add another. That was to a large percentage due to Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox, a sweeper keeper at times read the game well knowing when not to come, her defence deeper 2nd half the ball coming at her late was ready and alert. Olivia Smith with a number of vital interceptions at the back, the defence strong as a group. Abbie Nobbs using the ball well ahead of them. Holly Williams making some useful runs in attack looked to get Costessey into some good attacking positions. The award though goes to midfielder Hannah Campbell was as solid all round performance, worked hard to win the ball and get forwards to support the attack, firing her side into the lead from the spot and helping lead the attack 2nd half scoring the all important winning goal.

 It’s good to be back, even if I’m a little rusty myself, an entertaining cup tie to kick the year off, thanks to both sides for their assistance today. Good to catch up with a few footballing friends too. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Norwich City Women

Sunday 4th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Sponsored by Harrod Sport

The finals coming thick and fast now, following on from a double bill from Cambridgeshire in midweek, the action comes from Norfolk this Sunday with a trip to Carrow Road to watch the final of the Norfolk County Cup sponsored by Harrod Sport, a repeat of the final from 2 season’s ago with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies taking on Norwich City Women who are aiming to make it a hat-trick of trophy wins in the competition.

A busy Sunday at Carrow Road with Norfolk FA hosting their 3 senior county cup finals at the ground, the men’s junior and senior cup finals followed by the women’s cup final kicking off at 6:45pm. A fantastic opportunity for all sides involved to get to play at the ground of the leading football club in the county, Championship side, Norwich City FC. No doubt a busy day for the staff at Norfolk FA but as they so often do, lay on a great occasion.

Today’s prize

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies enjoying great success in the competition in their short history, reaching their first final in their debut season in, followed that with two more final appearances at Carrow Road, losing twice against Norwich and once against Wymondham Town Ladies. Knocked out by Norwich at the last 4 stage last season. Now make it 4 final appearances in 5 seasons as they return to Carrow Road. Something of a transitional period as Mulbarton look to introduced younger players to the 1st team squad playing in ERWFL Division One North.

  That along with injuries to key players plus a build up of fixtures due to their pitch not being available for a while seeing games called off saw Mulbarton near the wrong end of the table although with the cushion of games in hand get things going in the right direction to push on up the table and are on course for a 5th placed finish. Rebekah Lake remains one of the leading goal scorers in the county and once again has done the business for Mulbarton in front of goal despite a period out injured has 15 goals to her name from 19 appearances. Midfielder Alanta Griffith also amongst the goals this season netting 8.

  Norwich City Women looking to make it 3 county cup wins in a row and 8th overall since the competition became independent of Suffolk back in the 2010/11 season, winning the 1st 4 finals returned after a spell out of the competition to win it again in 2021 for the 5th time before making in back to back cup successes at Carrow Road. Fresh from playing at the ground too having faced QPF FC Women in their final FAWNL South East Division One winning 3-0 to secure runners-up spot for a 2nd successive season. Ultimately 2 points behind new champions Real Bedford Women frustrating to some degree the clubs ambitions seeking promotion to tier 3, with just one promotion spot up for grabs it isn’t easy, but remain focused bringing young talent through will be up their challenging again next campaign.

  Natasha Snelling named as the Norwich, Player of the Season winning the award a legend within the club, leading the way with the goals this season, with 15 from 28 matches. Holly Kennard joining the club last season from Sudbury has 11 goals this season with Shannon Shaw netting 7. Norwich were without influential player Ellie Smith for a good chunk of the season through injury and her goals have been sorely missed, back to full fitness now has 4 goals from the 17 she has featured in. Another county cup final and the retirement of another Norwich captain, Anna Larkins last time around, it’s the final game for new captain, Megan Todd as she announced her retirement from playing, establishing herself as a fan favourite in her six seasons with the club, influential on and off the field, despite suffering a few injury set backs along the way.

Road to the Final

 The higher league placed clubs entering the county cup in the latter rounds, Mulbarton beginning their run to the final in the 3rd Round of the competition drawn at home to fellow ERWFL Division One North side, King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Struggling for results at the bottom of the table Mulbarton came out strong to wrap a comprehensive win, Rebekah Lake firing home 4 goals. Victoria McNorton bagging herself a brace, their were goals to for Alanta Griffith, Lucy Lincoln and Tallie Chillystone in a 9-0 win.

 Onto the quarter finals Mulbarton were in the road taking on Norfolk Women’s Division One side, Bure Valley Women. Lake once again amongst the goals netting twice as did Griffith with another of the clubs new young players, Scarlett Derrett also on the scoresheet in a 5-1 victory. Norwich City Women entering the county cup at the quarter final stage beginning their defence of the trophy away to another Norfolk Division One side, Aylsham FC Women. The hosts taking a shock lead in the game before Norwich came back to equalise in the 21st minute through, Eloise Morran. Natasha Snelling, Lauren Hailes and a late first half strike from Lara Densley seeing Norwich 4-1, Shannon Shaw was to add 2 more goals in 2nd half stoppage time to see Norwich advance 6-1.

  The semi-finals of the being held on neutral ground on successive evenings a The FDC in Bowthorpe. First up Mulbarton who were paired against another ERWFL Division One North side and tough opponent, Thetford Town Ladies. Goalless at the break, Laura Hedtke was on hand on the follow up to turn the ball home off a Lake effort to put Mulbarton into the lead in the 0th minute. Thetford pushing Mulbarton all the way 1-0 going into the final 10 minutes before lake lifted the ball over the keeper to make it 2-0, Sophie Jermy adding a 3rd to see Mulbarton into another Carrow Road final. Norwich taking on Wroxham Women, having beaten the ERWFL Premier Division side in last season’s final. Wroxham keen to try and get to Carrow Road for a 2nd time proved tough to break down with a single goal winning the match coming from Isabelle Moore to put Norwich into a 3rd successive final.

Carrow Road

Norwich City FC’s, Carrow Road Stadium the venue for this evening’s women’s cup final. As I said fantastic the players get to enjoy the experience of playing at such a prestigious ground. The South Stand open to supporters for the match, the food stalls open below, the media on the opposite I had the appetite for a pie so headed across the pitch to get one, very nice it was too. The pitch as you’d expect immaculate, holding up well despite two games already. The weather much cooler than the two finals in midweek the mini heatwave passing by still mild however a few showers around but not too bad over all.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Megan Gowing, Leah Brown, Holly Farrow, Lucy Lincoln, Megan Belsey, Laura Hedtke, Victoria McNorton, Alanta Griffith, Scarlett Derrett, Tallie Chilleystone & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Melissa Belsey, Luka Goodfield, Sophie Jermy, Molly Stevenson & Jo Hooper.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

Norwich City Women starting XI – Sarah Quantrill, Ellie Bishop, Izzy Moore, Ceri Flye, Hope Strauss, Eloise Morran (C), Sienna Booty, Lara Densley, Millie Daviss, Ellie Smith & Shannon Shaw. Subs – Megan Todd, Natasha Snelling, Freya Symonds, Lauren Tomlinson & Olivia Cook.

Norwich City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final goes straight to penalties.

This evening’s referee, Francesca Catchpole who follows in her mother Lorraine’s footsteps having refereed last season’s women’s cup final. A quality striker in her own right too, Mulbarton being one of the clubs she has featured for in the past.

Captain’s Eloise Morran and Rebekah Lake with this evening’s match officials

An injury blow for Mulbarton leading into this evenings final losing midfielder engine, Ellie Hunter to a nasty ligament injury away to Thetford in the league just 10 days ago. Goalkeeper, Megan Gowing also suffering a serious ankle injury in that game, but able to start this evening, have Jo Hooper on the bench as standby keeper should she be required. Norwich without a few too including Holly Kennard who scored twice on Sunday against QPR. Norwich still able to name a strong bench including Megan Todd, Natasha Snelling and Freya Symonds, Eloise Morran handed the captains armband starting this evenings final.

It’s Mulbarton attacking the River end to get the final underway wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks. Norwich lined up opposite in their traditional yellow and green kit. The ball clipped long into the right channel as captain Rebekah Lake makes a run forwards, Ellie Bishop at left back heading the ball back upfield for Norwich. The ball send diagonally out to the right wing, Millie Daviss looking to get forwards, Holly Farrow closing her down for Mulbarton the ball out for a throw in.

Norwich looking to press the ball high early on have Mulbarton pushed back into their own box with Hope Struss at the back on the ball having plenty of options in front of her to range her pass to. Puts it forwards into the left flank for Bishop looking to bomb on, the ball skipping up off the grass wrong footing full back Leah Brown, Bishop escaping in behind turning to burst into the box, top corner, Laura Hedtke in to close her down block the ball before she can line up a shot.

Norwich getting forwards well the full backs pushing on the ball fed out to the right down the line for Daviss on the by line her cross cut back into the box, evading goalkeeper Megan Gowing as she comes near post, loose for a moment in front of an empty goal, Brown leaps in to hook it clear for Mulbarton. A nervous start from Mulbarton dropping deep inviting Norwich on, the ball clipped into box from Moore on the right into Ellie Smith at the near post back to goal looking to cushion the ball down, three Mulbarton defenders converge on her before she can do anything with it.

GOAL! Bishop with another marauding run down the left gets in behind cutting into the area closed down lays it back to the top of the area for Lara Densley inside the D, she takes on the 1st time strike the ball rifled in towards goal rising past the keeper, crashes down off the crossbar, might have crossed the line then very close either way as Gowing tried to get to it knocked down to the right post players rushing in to try and scramble it away Morran amongst the melee coming in to attack as Moore looks to keep the ball in play stabbing out a foot the ball squeezed past bodies over the line 0-1.

Captain, Eloise Morran opening the scoring for Norwich

Norwich taking the lead inside the opening 5 minutes. A blow for Mulbarton haven’t settled look nervous as Norwich build from halfway again, breaking down the right Ceri Flye from the back on for Daviss who wins her side a corner on the right. Clipped in high to the near post area, Hedtke getting a strong head on the ball to clear for Mulbarton.

Bishop lively out on the left for Norwich, linking up with Smith drives inside getting into the box, but is run off the ball as it runs out of play for a goal kick. Bishop looking to get in behind again wide left of a Strauss pass from the back, Mulbarton hold their line to catch her offside. Strauss and Flye with plenty of time on the ball at the back for Norwich usually up on half way, Flye right lays it on for Moore to clip a cross from the angle into the near post, Shannon Shaw looking to attack the header knocking the ball on wide across goal out beyond the far post.

Smith getting the ball into Densley coming left runs in on for Bishop on the wing takes the shot on from the angle, driven straight at the keeper, Gowing getting her gloves around the ball. Flye combining with Moore and Daviss on the right the cross lifted into the box, Hedtke winning the clearance for Mulbarton look to try and release Scarlett Derrett on the right wing, Strauss getting across her path to hold her up, no way through.

Laura Hedtke moving in to tackle Norwich’s Ellie Smith

Alanta Griffith central in to make the blocking tackle on Smith central comes away with the ball, her forward pass for Tallie Chilleystone making a left channel run cut out by Flye at the back for Norwich. Mulbarton pushed back struggling to get anything going forwards the ball often coming straight back, Bishop charging on down the left given the ball sending a diagonal ball into the box, Lucy Lincoln under it to head clear for Mulbarton.

Norwich remain on top Densley 30 yards out central picking out Flye coming on from the back going right sends in on down the line for Daviss she turns back up the line to lay it back to Shaw edge of the box right side fires her shot over the crossbar.

Norwich attacker, Shannon Shaw

 GOAL! Norwich merciless coming on with abandon get on down the right Daviss pushing down the line the ball at her feet turns it into the box, Smith bursting inside towards the penalty spot stealing in on the ball unmarked to turn it past the keeper and send Norwich into a 2 goal lead. 0-2.

Elle Smith sends Norwich into a 2 goal lead

Norwich 2 goals to the good inside the opening quarter hour looking strong. Bishop charging after the ball down the left flanks, Brown sliding in to make the tackle the pair colliding Bishop coming off the worst wasn’t a pleasant sound knees coming together or shin pads taking the brunt. Either way Francesca Catchpole awarding Norwich the free-kick. Bishop up on her feet okay for now. Densley over the set-piece outside the box takes on the strike, doesn’t get it right, turns in disgust before it’s even cleared the crossbar.

Norwich pushed up Smith outside the D bringing down a goal kick on for Sienna Booty top of the area, closed down by Lincoln, the loose ball running back to Smith right of the D goes to hit it, smashing the shot over the bar. Brown defending on Bishop as Strauss looks to release her in behind on the left. Bishop combining with Densley on the left for Norwich, swinging a teasing cross into the near post, Megan Belsey getting her head on the ball for Mulbarton, Hedtke attempting to bring it away, closed down by Smith.

Norwich quick to win the ball back everyone bar Strauss and Flye inside the Mulbarton half build through the middle Morran with Booty out to the right Shaw with Moore the former attempting to drop the ball in at the near post Daviss looking to steal in to attack it, Gowing getting down to smother the ball.

 GOAL! Midway through the first half Norwich break away down the left to add a 3rd goal, it’s Bishop racing in behind, pace taking the ball on towards the corner whipping an early cross into the top of the six yard box just beyond Shaw running in near side, but straight into Booty’s path running in beyond to meet the ball and lift it up into the roof of the net to score. 0-3.

Sienna Moore meeting Bishop’s cross to fire Norwich into a 3 goal lead

Norwich ruthless 3 goals up, Mulbarton in danger of getting overwhelmed in defence need to find a foot hold in the game somehow. Norwich get on down the left Smith over with Densley and Bishop the ball crossed into the near post Belsey defending for Mulbarton, Booty looking to get after the clearance as it drops inside the D, McNorton in on her to make the blocking tackle.

Francesca Catchpole refereeing this evenings final

 Play waved on as Smith driving on with the ball goes down inside the box the ball going away to the right lofted back in near post Shaw makes contact the ball dropping at the right post Gowing moving in to push it away, hooked clear Mulbarton can’t get any distance on it Norwich come straight back, Daviss in possession on the right, Farrow challenging the ball out for a throw. A high ball in to the top of the area, Booty looking to bring it down, her lay off cut out. 

Mulbarton’s Leah Brown

Everyone back behind the ball for Mulbarton, Hedtke on for Lake the ball lost in the middle 30 yards out Booty running in to strike the ball be effort put straight in at the keeper, Gowing getting hold of the ball. Hedtke defending another Norwich corner at the near post, Mulbarton attempt to break out on their right, Bishop snuffing the opportunity out for Norwich. Strauss into Smith taking the ball away to the right linking up with Daviss her cross lifted into the six yard box, Gowing under pressure from Shaw claiming the ball.

  Daviss running onto a diagonal ball clipped out to her advancing in the right cuts it back inside to the top of the box looking for Shaw, closed down by Lincoln, Booty snatching hold of the loose ball top of the D laying it off to Smith on her right her shot flies narrowly over Gowing’s crossbar. 

Rebekah Lake looknig to get forwards for Mulbarton

 Mulbarton have been under constant pressure at last they mount an attack the ball fired on up the left into Derrett gives it to Lake ahead of her racing on right channel, drives for the Norwich area, has Griffith making a run inside the box looking to come across the near post, Lake sending the ball into her path, Griffith bearing down on goal striking the ball in at goal rising, Quantrill called into action throwing up her glove to turn the ball wide for a corner kick!

  An opportunity for Mulbarton to bring a few players forwards for the resulting corner the ball fired in long through the six yard box met by Lincoln heading the ball goal wards knocked down, Quantrill sharp getting a glove down to the ball deflecting it away for a corner on the left. This delivery in high to the near post dealt with by Smith for Norwich. 

 Something for Mulbarton to feed on their fans too encouraging them on. Have a throw on the left knocked on into the area, Lake moving for it central, Bishop going with her getting the tackle in to get the ball away for Norwich. Bishop getting on down the left has support from Densley and Shaw her cross fired into the near post 6 yards out intercepted by Belsey the clearance won by Strauss sends the ball out to the right Moore getting hold of it getting inside the defence into the box to shoot from the angle Gowing getting down to make the save holds onto the ball. 

  Belsey forced to concede a corner as Norwich advance well on the right. The delivery going long, Brown looking to bring it away for Mulbarton. Bishop throwing herself into the challenge in an attempt to stop her stays down in clear discomfort looked to have jarred her knee. Morran putting the ball out of play so she can receive treatment the physio indicating that she needs to come off with 40 minutes played.

 Is a straight swap at left back with Lauren Tomlinson coming on. Takes over where Bishop left off looking to take the ball on down the flank into the corner, Derrett tracking back with Brown to tackle slow things down. Tomlinson winning a corner in Norwich’s next attack. Out on the left Densley swinging the ball high into the near post, Gowing getting her fists up pushing it away to the right, Densley gathering it sends n inside for Booty 20 yards out to dink one over the top for Smith looking to get in right of goal, Derrett going with her getting something on the ball both closing in on the keeper can’t risk a back pass, takes the ball beyond Gowing across goal before hooking it away.

Millie Daviss attacking on the right for Norwich

  Gowing with another good claim for Mulbarton inside her six yard box as Moore sends Daviss’ layoff into the box. Griffith latching onto the ball getting in the move right sending it on for Derrett, plays it on for lake in attack pulling off Strauss in an attempt to get into the box, Flye though running around on the cover getting to the pass first as the ball enters the box. 

  Tomlinson races away down the left with the ball up to the by-line sending a vicious cross back across the top of the six yard box just beyond Densley and Booty who had burst on to try and get forwards, Chilleystone bringing it under control beyond the pair clearing for Mulbarton. Moving into stoppage time at the end of the first half. Lake getting onto the ball on the drive central for Mulbarton, checks her run before lifting it on for Derrett 25 yards out to the right of the area, shifts the ball between her feet looking to get on into the area, Morran coming in to close her down winning the tackle for Norwich.

Norwich’s Ceri Flye

  Smith coming left with the ball for Norwich fed on down the wing for Tomlinson to take on whips another dangerous ball into the six yard box swerving through the air, Gowing doing well dropping forwards to see the ball into her gloves, pops out for a split 2nd with Shaw lurking but Gowing is quick to react snatching it back into her midriff. 

 Norwich coming no right side Daviss looking to send Smith racing clear into the box right of goal, the flag going up straight away as Gowing goes down to smother the ball, Smith’s sliding in colliding with the keeper, a painful one for Gowing up gingerly but looks to be alright to carry on. One last attack for Norwich, Tomlinson on the left 25 yards out squared inside for Shaw looks to help it on into the top of the area for Daviss, Lincoln up win her winning the header to get the ball away.

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 0-3 Norwich City Women

  Norwich head into the tunnel holding a comfortable lead at the break, on the front foot right from the off, Mulbarton a little nervous at the start giving them a little too much respect dropping off into their box inviting them on Norwich able to get players on at will overload the flanks, winning it back easily with the outlet ball not on. Racing into a 3 goal lead looking like they might overwhelm Mulbarton, their opponents rallied fighting hard inside their area to try and stem the tide broke away to create a very good opportunity of their own giving them a much needed shot of confidence. Alot to do 2nd half if they are to get back into the game and you feel Norwich can move up a gear if they want.

 Bishop giving a good fitness check at the break as her injury is assessed, Tomlinson back out wearing a bib so looks as if they will be swapping 2nd half. Mulbarton too making changes at the start of the 2nd half bring off, Brown, McNorton and Megan Belsey, send on her twin sister Melissa along with Sophie Jermy and Luka Goodfield. Norwich to get the 2nd half underway, rolled into Morran goes left with the diagonal ball for Bishop, puts it on for Densley ahead of her, Belsey forcing her back put inside for Flye pushing up right on for Daviss on the right wing her cross swept into across the top of the area intercepted by Lincoln.

  Norwich up and around the Mulbarton area winning a free-kick the the left of the box 30 yards out, the ball chipped in over the top, Shaw looknig to steal in on it stoops to head the ball goal wards sends it straight at the keeper. Mulbarton in to defend the ball high up the pitch, Goodfield’s tackle dropping to Jermy 25 yards out central, her strike charged down by Strauss. 

 Norwich still looking to get players on down the wings, Moore on the right overlapping Daviss her cross turned in behind at the near post. Shaw bringing the ball down for Norwich sending the pass right for Daviss her cross deep into the area falling for Densley left of goal can’t bring it down into her feet to get a shot away before it is snatched away by the Mulbarton defence. Away to the left soon back with Norwich the low cross driven in central, Griffith bringing it away for Mulbarton.

  Lake turning with the ball inside the Norwich half gets on the move going into the left channel, holding the ball up as Chilleystone races on to support the ball inside reaching her she looks to pick out Griffith to her right, Moore cutting pass out for Norwich. Norwich getting their crosses all wrong at the start of the 2nd half, Shaw’s the 4th put behind the Mulbarton goal. 

GOAL! The game a little more open 2nd half Griffith looknig to get closer to Lake up front the ball fed into lake 25 yards out sees it into her feet turns to push away left though the middle before cutting the pass back out to the right into Griffiths outside the box closing in on the area shapes to shoot catching it sweetly to send it arrowing past Quantrill into top corner! 1-3!

Alanta Griffith with superb strike for Mulbarton

 The Mulbarton fans erupt in celebration as Griffith races over to them in celebration, the first goal Norwich have conceded in a county cup final at Carrow Road. Mulbarton pulling a goal back in the 50th minute. Norwich press down the right Daviss putting the ball in across the top of the area, Morran running onto the ball looking to hit it, Hedtke moving in to charge the shot down, Morran snatching at the rebound pulling it wide of the left post.

  Norwich’s centre backs still afforded time on the ball able to carry it on Flye driving on right side into towards the top corner of the area firing a dangerous ball in towards the far post dropping Densley racing in trying to meet it on the volley can’t quite get there. Mulbarton working hard in defence, Norwich coming forwards Daviss linking up with Moore in the right. Densley bringing the ball in from the left across the Mulbarton D, sends it into Booty inside the box who storms back across the area looking for an opening, none on shifts in into Shaw out on the left who takes on the shot from the angle, driven in low towards goal, Gowing right behind it down low to save at her near post.

  Norwich lively getting the ball on pressing and probing Smith moving inside to play the ball into Flye looking to get into the box right side, Chilleystone closing her down for Mulbarton, the ball deflected central for Smith to latch onto inside the D, lifts her shot over the bar. Daviss racing clear on the right flashes a pacy ball across the face of the Mulbarton goal, Shaw slipping as she goes for it not making contact. Mulbarton look to break forwards the ball from Griffiths into Lake, Strauss moving in to close her down sending the ball out for a throw.   

 GOAL!  Norwich hit Mulbarton on the counter winning the ball on the throw right side Daviss put away into space on halfway racing forwards drives all the way into the box bearing down on goal, Gowing stays back looking to set herself no one can reach Daviss as she shoots sending the ball in across the keeper to find the opposite corner 1-4.

Millie Daviss breaking away to score for Norwich

 Norwich restoring their 3 goal lead on the hour. Norwich making a change switching captains with Morran coming off handing the armband to Megan Todd as she runs onto the pitch to make her final appearance for Norwich. The goal’s getting both sets of fans going 2nd half in good voice a great attendance too with 956 in the stand. Flye breaks down the right for Norwich looking to exchange passes with Moore the return pass however sees the central defender flagged offside.

  Gowing pulling off a fantastic double save as Norwich thrust forwards Todd moving central from the left into Smith who lays it across to Daviss right of goal with Moore going beyond her the ball into her feet shoots on the angle, Gowing throwing out her left glove to turn the low shot away to the opposite side, Shaw looking to get onto the end of it striking the ball back in across goal, the keeper throwing out a foot to deflect the ball behind.

Mulbarton goalkeeper, Megan Gowing

The corner from Densley on the left half cleared at the near post, Densley looking to fire it back in on the angle, Gowing across to the near post takes the ball down cleanly. Norwich ringing the changes midway through the 2nd half bringing Tomlinson back on along with Freya Symonds, Olivia Cook and Natasha Snelling, coming off are, Daviss, Moore, Booty and Densley. Lincoln penalised for obstruction as she impedes Shaw’s attempt to get into the box left of the D. Snelling over the free-kick with an early chance to test the keeper, gets it on target but lacking the pace or height to trouble Gowing.

  Chilleystone getting the ball into Griffith inside the Norwich half she looks to try and play Lake in behind as she burst away into the right channel, the ball launched forwards, Quantrill however able to chase out to the top of the area see the ball safely into her gloves before Lake can pounce. Mulbarton making a triple switch bringing off Chilleystone, Farrow and Hedtke on come Brown, McNorton and Molly Stevenson. 

 Norwich building on the left the ball rolled inside to Todd, 25 yards out encouraged to shoot, sends her shot in Gowing right behind it to save. The game more open as Mulbarton are prepared to get players forwards to try and support Lake up top Norwich alive to the quick counter however Tomlinson left side on for Symonds the cross driven in low to the near post, Gowing dropping forwards onto the ball. 

 GOAL! Norwich up on the left winning a throw, have Tomlinson on now, known for her long throws level with the top of the area launches in into the box dropping for Bishop to hit on the volley as she turns sends it arrowing into the top corner 1-5.

Emily Bishop volleying home Norwich’s 5th

  Norwich extending their lead with 15 minutes of regular time left to play. Press on the left forcing Mulbarton into conceding a corner. Symonds to angle the ball into the near post dealt with by Goodfield behind for a 2nd corner. Cleared again at the near post dropping for Smith top of the area, sees two attempts charged down before the ball is cleared away to the right for a throw.

 Todd putting the ball into Snelling out to Symonds wide left her into Shaw at the near post attempts to lay it on for Snelling closing in, Jermy getting in the way to clear for Mulbarton. Lincoln cutting out a Smith pass inside the D to Snelling the ball behind for a corner kick, taken short on the left the cross whipped into the six yard box attacked but the flag is up. Norwich getting around the box everyone is looking to tee up Todd for a strike on goal Bishop into Symonds central on for Todd shifts it out to Tomlinson pushing on down the left back into Symonds corner of the area, put inside for Todd she pokes it on for Smith pulling in behind at the left post her low strike trapped by Gowing as she dives forwards.

GOAL! Norwich getting the ball into Cook out wide on the right, Has Snelling running in central as she looks to play the ball into the box her cross long angling high across the keeper falling beyond her into the far corner add another goal 1-6. 

Olivia Cook scoring Norwich’s 6th

  Mulbarton bring Megan Belsey back on replacing Lincoln in defence with less than 10 minutes left to play, Chilleystone back on to for Derrett. Make a keeper change too with Gowing coming off and Jo Hooper coming on to make her final appearance for Mulbarton. Flye on the move with the ball for Norwich right side flashed into the top of the box for Snelling she attempts to thread Smith in between the defence in on goal but the flag is up against her immediately.

 The ball given to Todd outside the D, closed down squeezes it out to Symonds pulling left her low cross into the box claimed by Hooper as she goes to ground at her near post. Griffiths finding the energy to get the ball on through the middle for Lake in attack looks to drive out left into the channel get past Flye into the box, the defender stays on her however to put in the challenge nullify the attack. 

 Smith sliding it at the near post sends the ball wide as Bishop breaking down the left sends the ball into the box. Smith with another opportunity moments later as Norwich come right, Cooks cross flashed into the six yard box, Smith can’t get a touch as she closes down the keeper. Mulbarton keep going trying to get an opportunity going forwards, Griffith is dead on her feet though as she gets the ball into Lake who gives her the return pass 30 yards out, tries to pick out Chilleystone to her right, Tomlinson tracking back cutting the pass out. 

  Bishop coming down the right wing cuts the ball back into the top of the area for Cook right of the D, angles the ball into the far post Shaw going in to head it can’t get a touch. Shaw from distance with an ambitious attempt to lob the ball over the keeper seeing the ball land on the roof of the net. Into stoppage time just 2 mins of what has been an intense 2nd half. 

 Brown defending to see the ball out for a corner kick for Mulbarton, swung into the top of the area from the right, Griffith defending for Mulbarton put back out wide, Norwich win it back the diagonal ball curled back into the box Todd racing in six yards out, Hooper snatching it off her feet. 

 GOAL! Norwich driving on till the end a burst into the area from the left no sure who was brought down but either way, Catchpole points to the spot, Penalty! Straight away the call is it has to be Todd to take it, initially walks away though, more to calm herself down than anything else, never in doubt as she places the ball on the spot and scores her final Norwich goal wrong footing the keeper to place it into the left of the goal 1-7. 

Megan Todd scoring from the penalty spot.

 More or less the final action of the game as the whistle blows up and Norwich win the cup for the 3rd successive season. Celebrating in front of their fans.

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 1-7 Norwich City Women

  Norwich starting strong never let off the pace throughout taking an early lead able to get players on at will getting into a 3 goal lead before Mulbarton launched a meaningful attack coming close themselves, fighting hard in defence given some encouragement for the 2nd half. Alanta Griffith with a superb strike to pull a goal back early in the 2nd half before Millie Daviss broke away to restore Norwich’s 3 goal cushion. Emily Bishop and Olivia Cook extending the lead before Todd from the penalty spot put the icing on the cake. Mulbarton showing a little too much respect to Norwich early on in were danger of getting overwhelmed recovered well and when they took the game to Norwich showed what they were capable of.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match two clear contenders with a number of other performances of note. Firstly for Mulbarton the whole team battled hard in defence. Lucy Lincoln with a number of vital wins inside the box. Laura Hedtke too helping out in defence won her fair share of tackles. Alanta Griffith covered the ground getting back to help in defence and trying to get on to support Lake in attack, scoring a goal at Carrow Road that’ll live long in the memory. Megan Gowing with some crucial saves. For Norwich get forwards at will at time Ellie Smith all over the place coming for the ball driving forwards and linking up play. Eloise Morran opening the scoring got hold of the ball kept Norwich on the front foot. Emily Bishop down the left got forwards well pushing in behind creating numerous chances and getting on the score sheet pushed it close but the award goes to Millie Daviss won it on the night and had a fantastic game on the right, constantly available got on well with the ball and broke away to score a fantastic goal. 

Millie Daviss – winning the Player of the Match award

Norwich City Women, 2024/25 Norfolk Women’s Cup winners

Congratulations to Norwich City Women on winning the Norfolk Women’s Cup for a 3rd successive season.

  No doubt a long day for the staff at Norfolk FA with 3 finals completed, my thanks to all for their assistance and allowing me to cover the game as always much appreciated. Many congratulations to Megan Todd on her career been a pleasure to watch her play. Jo Hooper too a legend in her own right with some great memories to take from the game. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge Rangers WFC v Ely City Women

Thursday 1st May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Final

Hot on the heels from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup final on Wednesday evening, comes the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup final, this time a trip over to Histon FC’s, Bridge Road Stadium, being contested this season by Cambridgeshire Division One side, Cambridge Rangers WFC and Division Three side, Ely City Women.

The Junior Invitation Cup, Cambridgeshire’s 2nd county cup competition, like most county FA’s giving sides knocked out in the early rounds of the senior competition an opportunity to compete for silverware. 

The Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

 Cambridge Rangers WFC are one of the longest established clubs within the Cambridgeshire Women’s County leagues having had mixed fortunes in that time the club very much on a upward curve at the moment expanding in numbers enough to form a Reserves side last season, played in Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three. The 1st team playing a Division One currently 9th in the table but despite having mixed results in the league have saved their best performances for the cup competitions, reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup, but going one better in the Junior Invitation Cup. Ali Smethurst the leading goal scorer with 8 goals to her name with Daniela Lewis and Ellen Ferguson on 5 each. 

 Ely City Women are another side enjoying an upward curve closing in on completing their 3rd season have grown over that period a tough debut campaign near the bottom of the Division Three table a change of management bringing a change of form and results, Ely City FC as a club itself having long supported women’s football in Cambridgeshire now with a women’s side itself, finishing 3rd in the table last season Ely have been at the top or in and around it all season, in a title battle with Cardea Ladies Reserves and Saffron Walden Community Women, with 2 games left to play. Bringing new players into the club have scored plenty of goals this season. Kelly Docwra closing in on 30 goals for the season has 29 from her 18 appearances. Danni Youngs has scored 19 times and Poppy Green on target for 18, with goals scattered throughout the side.

 Division One against Division Three not likely to be a walk over although Cambridge Rangers WFC did get the better of Ely in the League Cup early in the season winning 5-2. Still a chance to win silverware both sides will fancy their chances this evening.

 Road to the Final

  Cambridge Rangers WFC drawn away to Willingham Wolves Women in the 1st round of the Junior Invitation Cup, newly promoted to Division Two, the sides contested an 8 goal thriller with Kirsty Wicks netting a hat-trick for Willingham, the sides drawing 1-1 at half-time Daniela Lewis with the early goal for Cambridge, would add her 2nd early in the first half with manager, Judith Dartnell also bagging a goal. Ali Smethurst with a goal plus and OG securing a 5-3 win. Ely in comparison with a home walkover in the first round against Burwell Ladies.

 Into the last 8, Cambridge drawn at home against fellow Division One side and new League Cup winners, Newmarket Town Women Development. A tough draw Cambridge coming out on top to win the game 2-0 to advance to the last 4. Ely at home to in the quarter finals drawn against fellow Division Two side Manea Sirens LFC A team, goals from Kelly Docwra and Danni Youngs sealing a 2-0 win to put them into the semi-finals.

  Cambridge away to Division Two side Histon Ladies Development in their semi-final, Katie Grigg getting a goal for Cambridge in the first half the, game won 2-1 with Daniela Lewis firing in a goal inside the final 10 minutes. Ely at home with a tough opponent in their semi-final Soham Town Rangers Women pushing the top two in Division Two in the end a single goal settling the game, Docwra the player on target to see Ely into their first final.

Another glorious day, hotter than the previous evenings final the mini heatwave set to last for another 24 hours, great weather for both finals especially when you recall last season’s planned cup finals day was a wash out due to the rain. Histon FC’s, bridge Road Stadium the venue for this evenings final, another club with a good backing for their 2 senior women’s sides. The grass pitch a good size getting plenty of wear and tear, overlooked by a main raised stand over the changing rooms the bar situated at the back. A smaller seated stand running the length of the opposite side with covered viewing behind both goals. The kitchen hatch open too serving hot food and drink. 

 Cambridge Rangers WFC starting XI – Sam Chapman, Erika Rasijeff, Laura Baldwin, Ellie Tod (C), Gina Ghensi, Bethan Jones, Laura Baldwin, Daniella Lewis, Leanne Yip Heung Win, Ali Smethurst & Laura Bird. Subs – Nicola Brewin, Yee Hoi Tefer-Ng, Claire Kyndt, Katie Grigg & Hannah Mardell.

Cambridge Rangers WFC

 Ely City Women starting XI – Tiff Toynton, Kerry Dyer, Natasha Lane, Ellie Cooper, Christine Cullen, Amy Lloyd, Louisa Harwood, Kelly Docwra (C), Beth Horsfield, Danni Youngs & Poppy Green. Subs – Bella Pillow, Kaci Gibson, Vicki Bailey, Charlotte Upson & Emma Cooper.

Ely City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final goes straight to penalties.

Captains, Kelly Docwra and Ellie Tod with this evenings match officials

 Carlton Joseph refereeing this evenings final having been 4th official for last evenings Invitation Cup Final, Robin Robichaux having refereed that final the 4th official this evening with Duncan Turned and Rob Smith running the lines. It’s Cambridge to take the kick-off first have wearing yellow shirts with dark blue sleeves dark blue shorts and yellow socks, with Ely lined up opposite in their all red kit. The ball rolled into Bethan Jones in midfield played out to Laura Baldwin on the left of defence, Ely rushing on to try and close the ball down, battling for possession in the middle captain Kelly Docwra lifts a diagonal ball on into the top of the area for Beth Horsfield making the run on the right, Baldwin closing her down to hook the ball away for a corner kick on the right.

 Ely curling the corner in towards the near post, Cambridge assistant manager, Gina Ghensi defending getting her head onto the ball to clear the threat. 

Assistant manager, Gina Ghensi heading Ely’s corner clear

 Ely looking to get busy in the early stages come for the ball look to apply a little pressure, Cambridge a little unsettled, needing to keep an eye on the attempted through balls with Poppy Green looking to pull off the defence. Docwra getting hold of the ball centrally lifting another diagonal ball out to Horsfield on the right, Daniella Lewis tracking back to put in the tackle for Cambridge.

Christine Cullen winning the header for Ely

 Cambridge getting the ball down the left Lewis exchanging passes with Ali Smethurst in attack a throw won in the corner leading to a corner kick, players up into the area the ball swung in across the face of goal high, goalkeeper Tiff Toynton fouled as the ball flies over her dropping at the far post, the free-kick awarded. 

 Lewis looking to get on with the ball on the left for Ely, Kerry Dyer moving in to challenge her see the ball out for a throw. A cross from the angle launched high into the Ely box. Toynton getting her gloves up to claim the ball, launching it up field, helped on through the middle, Green looking to get after it, Laura Bird intercepting for Cambridge. 

Ely goalkeeper, Tiff Toynton

 Is a big pitch but both sides are tending to get into a tight cluster more to Cambridge’s attacking right than anywhere else, space to be exploited for sure as the ball is hotly contested, Erika Rasijeff sending it on for Jones right side, Louisa Harwood getting a foot in to take it out for a throw. Cambridge press getting a cross into the box, Ellie Cooper heading it clear at the back for Ely. 

Cambridge Rangers, Erika Rasijeff

 Ely look to launch a counter attack Harwood with the layout sending the ball on for Horsfield on the right racing on, Baldwin coming back to close her down for Cambridge preventing the cross. Docwra over an Ely free-kick just inside the Cambridge half to the right sends it in long high to the far post, goalkeeper Sam Chapman catching the ball high for Cambridge. 

  Cambridge starting to find a rhythm getting the ball moving through the middle fed on for Ellen Ferguson, sends it out to the left with Lewis storming forwards, Dyer moving in to close her down on the by-line conceding a corner kick. The corner swept in over the keeper at the near post half cleared beyond comes straight to Smethurst inside the area to the right of goal fires her strike over the crossbar. 

Cambridge Rangers, Ali Smethurst

  Play condensed the ball popping back and forth between the sides as both attempt to find a telling through ball. Ferguson with the ball at her feet for Cambridge carrying it infield from the left shooting from 20 yards out her low strike rolling through to the keeper. Cambridge pressing in the final third Smethurst on through the middle with Ferguson to her right outside the D, held up by Ely’s Christine Cullen, Ferguson has Smethurst moving around her on the overlap to the right putting the ball into her feet as she moves further right strikes the ball on low to the near post, Toynton getting down sharply to make the save turn the ball behind for a corner kick.

   Another teasing delivery from a corner kick on the right flashed in across the face of goal, Smethurst central not quite able to get a touch as it flies through everyone. Ely riding out a spell of pressure at the back looking to counter, Amy Lloyd on for Docwra through the middle spots Horsfield in space on the right lifting the ball into her path, it’s Cambridge captain, Ellie Tod coming across the close her down the ball out for a throw as her side regroups. 

 Lively as Cambridge hit Ely on the counter the ball lifted on through the middle into Lewis, pace as she gets on with the ball lining up a strike on the run from 20 yards out, Toynton down to make the save turning the ball to the left for a corner kick. Swung into the six yard box, it’s Ely’s player manager, Natasha Lane who gets her head on the ball to defend sending it over the bar for another corner. Another dangerous ball in from the left goes long bouncing up beyond the far post, Smethurst looking to get her foot up over the ball to strike it back towards goal puts it straight into the keepers gloves.

  Ferguson, Smethurst and Lewis all busy in the final 3rd for Cambridge looking to find a way through, Cooper defending for Ely. Baldwin defending at the back for Cambridge as Green and Horsfield look to get on down the right for Ely, brings the ball out from the back put on up the left for Lewis, spins off Dyer to run in behind the full back, Cooper comes sliding in to take the ball away from her.

Daniella Lewis

  Cambridge pushing Ely back the defence up on halfway, risk the counter as Docwra looks to send Green in behind, a vital interception by Tod, Jones right for Cambridge playing in inside for Leanne Yip Heung Win on for Jones sends it on into the box for Smethurst to clip in towards goal, lacking the pace to trouble Toynton in goal. Cambridge getting bodies up around the Ely box.

Ely attacker, Poppy Green

  Cooper cutting the ball out in defence for Ely as Ferguson looks to play Smethurst in through the middle, cleared out to the left for Danni Youngs to get on the move taking the ball on into the corner sending a cross in low to the near post, Chapman having to put up with the Ely drum behind her goal getting down to gather the ball into her gloves. 

Cambridge Rangers goalkeeper, Sam Chapman

  Ely looknig to get players up the pitch Green over to the right as Horsfield and Docwra battle to get it forwards, the former sending the latter down the line, Docwra cutting a cross into the six yard box, Chapman taking it untroubled no one getting into the area. Up the other end Toynton needs to come racing out of her box and Yip Heung Win sets Smethurst clear in the right channel, the keeper getting to the ball first. 

Laura Baldwin getting to the ball before Ely’s Beth Horsfield

  Horsfield getting back to help Dyer in defence for Ely doubling up on Lewis as she looks to get on down the flank with the ball. Cambridge pushing players on, the ball rolled inside to Ferguson central her strike from outside the box scuffed running safely through to the keeper. An intriguing opening 25 minutes as referee Carlton Joseph signals a drinks break, with the temperature still high as the sun starts to set. 

 The ball back out on Cambridge’s right, Ely get the ball clear Lloyd on for Youngs wide left bringing the ball on squared in across the top of the area, Green looking to move across the D, strike the ball, charged down by Ghensi, spinning away to the right, Horsfield looking to keep it alive taking it into the corner but can’t keep her cross in play. 

Bird coming on with the ball right channel for Cambridge has Yip Heung Win moving out wide down the wing into the corner giving her the ball, she cuts it back inside to Bird who angles the ball into the keeper covering her near post. Toynton the busier of the two keepers called into action as Cambridge clips a diagonal ball in from the right to Lewis charging in towards the top of the area right of the D, Ely’s goalkeeper, rushing out to the top of her box sliding in to make the blocking save with her legs as Lewis pulls the trigger. 

 Cambridge making the first changes of the game, a double switch with Ferguson and Rasijeff coming off, Katie Grigg and Claire Kyndt coming on. Harwood winning the ball for Ely in the middle linking up with Lloyd, fed on into the left channel for Green in attack, Tod tackling for Cambridge. Little time allowed on the ball. Lewis marauding down the left for Cambridge her cross swept into the area headed away by Cooper. 

Ely’s Beth Horsfield and Kerry Dyer

 Ely getting the ball on through the middle as Green looks to see it down into her feet shift it on for Docwra to take on past her going left, Grigg in to close the ball down play it out for a throw. Cambridge getting players out to defend the flanks as Ely win throws high up the pitch, Grigg in twice in quick succession to block an attempted cross into the box. Harwood getting into the air to turn a clearance on with her head down into Green charging on towards the top of the Cambridge area, Lewis back to defended getting the blocking tackle in the ball launched out to the right Kyndt looking to get after it angling a shot in towards the near post, Toynton saving with her legs turning the ball behind for a corner kick.

Louisa Harwood moving in to tackle Bethan Jones

 Ghensi winning the ball back in defence for Ely coming left lifting it forwards for Lewis up the wing to attack, Dyer getting the lunging tackle in to see the ball out for a throw down in the corner. Cambridge getting a low cross into the six yard box, Cooper intercepting it at the near post. The game remains a tight affair with players from both sides condensing to make getting the ball on for either a tricky task. Ely come away left as the game moves into first half stoppage time the diagonal ball coming to Horsfield on the right, players pushing to get into the box as she lifts a cross into the six yard box, lane attacking it in front of the keeper, Chapman getting hold of the ball.

 Ely looking to finish the half on the front foot Lloyd on for Green racing on with Horsfield in attack, Chapman out to the top of her area to clear the ball comes right Docwra taking it on crossing into the middle, Ghensi heading it away, falls to Harwood outside the area top of the D, hooks it back into the box on the volley looping up dropping on target, Chapman has to keep her eye on it, and takes it cleanly into her midriff.

Half-time Cambridge Rangers WFC 0-0 Ely City Women

 The first half ends goalless. Cambridge are a slightly nervous start coming into the game creating chances getting players up and around the 18 yard box forcing Ely goalkeeper into a number of saves. The game condensed Ely looking to release their attackers probing for openings has been tense an intriguing contest you feel it’s not likely to be a high scoring game but both have a full squad and have options on the bench, no telling which way it might go in the 2nd 45.

  The sun nearly gone the floodlights starting to take effect, 177 in attendance both sides with good support the Ely fans encouraging their side. Neither side making a change as Ely get the 2nd half underway. Played forwards through the middle with green looking to get on, Ghensi snapping in to win the ball back for Cambridge. Docwra getting it back quickly for Ely clipping it out to the left for Green moving down the line, Grigg in to close her down the ball out for a throw. 

  The game more open at the start of the 2nd half as both sides look to use the pitch better, Cambridge shifting the ball on through the middle with pace lifted up to Kyndt moving in behind left of the area, Toynton starts to come, realises she can’t hesitates Kyndt using the indecision to make up her mind lifting the ball over the stranded keeper from 25 yards out, Toynton turns to see the ball bounce wide of the far post. 

Claire Kyndt

 Grigg looking to get on up the right playing inside to Smethurst, lays the return pass on for Grigg getting into the box, Cullen getting on her shoulder pressuring her as she goes to shoot, Grigg putting her stabbed effort wide of the near post. Cambridge winning the ball at the back on for Smethurst has Lewis out wide sends the ball on into her run her low cross fired in at the near post blocked by Toynton. 

  Chances coming at both ends as Lane wins the ball well for Ely on the left put on for Green to take on into the corner her cross flashed in central Youngs looking to slide in to meet it as the keeper comes to close her down the ball turned goal wards rising past the keeper to smash down into the ground off the crossbar!

Danni Youngs sliding effort lifted up onto the crossbar

 Ely eager to get the ball up the pitch Lloyd with Docwra central working it out to Youngs on the left, Docwra running on to try and get into the box to support Green in attack, Youngs dropping her cross into the far post, Tod winning it well for Cambridge with both attackers closing her down. 

Cambridge Rangers captain, Ellie Tod

  Ghensi over to the left of defence to challenge Horsfield as Dyer sends the ball on down Ely’s right wing. Yip Heung Win bringing the ball on through the middle for Cambridge into the left channel, Cooper stepping out of Ely’s back line moving in to close her down before she can slide the ball on for Kyndt. The game certainly more open now, Cambridge readying another double switch with Lewis and Yip Heung Win coming off to be replaced by Ferguson and Yee Hoi Tefer-Hg

 Closing in on an hours play Ely find Horsfield out wide on the right her early cross into the box turned away to the top of the area by Jones, Lane latching onto it for Ely top of the D, her shot charged down. Cooper picking up an injury as she lands awkwardly challenging for the ball outside her box. Cambridge using the pause to make a change Tod coming off to be replaced by Hannah Mardell. A blow for Ely as Cooper needs to come off, send Emma Cooper on to replace her in defence. 

Ely player manager, Natasha Lane

  Smethurst flagged offside as she looks to spin off the Ely defence as Griggs clears the ball long up to her in attack. Smethurst back inside her box to help defend as Ely pile players forwards for a free-kick won on halfway. Hoi Tefer-Ng working the ball on down the left channel for Cambridge with Kyndt the cross angled into the box, cleared by Cooper. Mardell coming across to the right with the ball at her feet playing it into Grigg, Cullen into defend for Ely picking up a knock in the process.

  Cambridge introducing players to the game looking to up the tempo move players on. Docwra getting hold of the ball for Ely looking to turn play around attempts to slide Youngs in behind, Ghensi intercepting well for Cambridge top of her area. Both sides fancy their chances Cambridge coming right the cross lifted into the box, headed behind for a corner kick by Cooper. 

  Closing in on 20 minutes of regular play, Cambridge bring Lewis back on replaces Kyndt in attack. Ely coming right Cambridge under pressure in defence a high back pass looped into the box posing Chapman problems with Green closing her down heads the ball clear at her near post dropping to Docwra top of the D, shifts the ball right to get into the box looking for an opening Bird throwing herself forwards to slide in front of her make the block for Cambridge as Docwra pulls the trigger.

Ely captain, Kelly Docwra

  Time for another drinks bring a chance for both management teams to get some instructions into their players try to find the key to unlocking a goal, which this late on may well win the game. 

 Cambridge moving the ball left a speculative ball angled in from deep, towards the near post skipping up before the keeper, Toynton unable to keep hold of it as it pops out of her gloves for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the near post from the left, defended by Docwra. Ely bringing off Youngs, with Bella Pillow coming on. Lewis getting the ball out to Ferguson moving left her cross squared into the top of the Ely area defended by Cooper.

  Lewis chests down a high ball lifted into her 25 yards out then turns to run at the Ely box striking the ball on the half volley falls wide of the near post. Ely move forwards on the counter bringing the ball through the middle, Lloyd helping it on for Docwra breaking in behind outside the box her half volleyed strike driven wide of Chapman’s left post.

 Docwra rushing back to close the ball down to stop a potential Cambridge counter the ball loose in the middle, Cullen hurt in a challenge as she gives away a free-kick with less than 10 minutes left.

 GOAL! Just as I thought the final was likely to go all the way penalties with neither side finding the break through the dead lock is broken, the free-kick inside the Cambridge half launched forwards players surging forwards to get into the Ely box, Docwra initially blocking it, comes out to Lewis top of the D, she latches onto the ball and putting her left foot through it sends a superb hit up and over the keeper, to drop under the crossbar into the back of the net and runs away in celebration 1-0!

Daniella Lewis celebrates as she fires Cambridge Rangers into the lead

  A blow for Ely conceding in the final 10 minutes gets worse as Cullen hurt in the earlier challenge has to come off, with Vicki Bailey coming on. Cooper defending at the back for Ely as Ferguson looks to run onto a through ball from Smethurst. Lane coming off for Ely as they send on Charlotte Upson. Cambridge getting their noses in front need to calm themselves down need some ball management now, Ely will have to take risks now to get back into the game.

Cambridge Rangers, Hoi Yee Tefer-Ng

 Hoi Tefer-Ng getting the ball on for Lewis left played into Ferguson her cross flashed into the box in high on the keeper, Toynton reacting getting her gloves up knocking it down inside the six yard box, Pillow getting it clear. Harwood coming off for Ely with Kaci Gibson on with the game moving into stoppage time. 

Lewis coming off for Cambridge as Kyndt is sent back onto the pitch. Docwra sending the ball on for Upson getting on down the left for Ely, her early cross into the top of the area won by Ghensi. Upson turning provider for Docwra moments later as she hits it on the spin left of the D outside the box her effort put straight into the keeper. Time almost up one last push form Ely to get the ball into the area Green almost escaping away in the left channel, but Ghensi out well stretching to block the ball. That’s it time up the final whistle blows and Cambridge Rangers WFC celebrate as they win the Junior Invitation Cup.

Full time Cambridge Rangers WFC 1-0 Ely City Women

Cambridge Rangers celebrate their cup win

  A much closer game than some might have thought, both sides keeping it tight first half with Cambridge creating the best chances. Ely coming on better 2nd half the game opened up the pitch used better, Youngs seeing their best chance cannon against the bar. Further chances coming and going then just as you thought it might go to penalties, Daniela Lewis latched onto the ball outside the box to send her strike in under the bar to put Cambridge into the lead with less than 10 minutes to play, the Division One side using their experience to see out the game and clinch the trophy. A fine effort from Ely, pushed Cambridge all the way well supported by their fans who showed their appreciation at the end of the game. Still have a league title to play for very much a club on the rise. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to choose this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. More or less the same as yesterdays Invitation Cup Final, Several fantastic performances but one player standing out. A well contested cup final, Ely playing their part, Ellie Cooper superb in defence winning the ball on a number of occasions a blow when she had to come off, Christine Cullen too getting her tackles in. Kelly Docwra winning the ball in the middle looking to get forwards link up with the attack created a number of opportunities. For Cambridge Rangers, Gina Ghensi won her fair share of the ball in defence. Along with captain Ellie Tod. Ellen Ferguson used the ball well making some good attacking runs, Ali Smethurst with good movement and positioning up top. She was a contender without the goal is that basically clinched it the award going to Daniella Lewis was bust throughout getting forwards with purpose on the ball with several powerful runs looking to keep her side on the front foot.

 Congratulations to Cambridge Rangers WFC on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire FA Women’s Junior Invitation Cup.

Cambridge Rangers WFC 2024/25 Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup winners

  Still plenty of finals to go but that’s a wrap for the women’s finals in Cambridgeshire, all three an enjoyable watch. My thanks to everyone for helping me with the team details always appreciated. Good to catch up with both sides, haven’t had a chance to see Ely this season, until now good luck in your title hunt. Has been a good while since I last saw Cambridge Rangers good to see their players lift a trophy. Onto Carrow Road on Sunday for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Histon Ladies

Wednesday 30th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

A cup final double bill from Cambridgeshire this week, with back to back games this Wednesday and Thursday evening. First up the Cambs FA Women’s Invitation Cup Final, being held at Cambridge City FC’s newly built stadium in Sawston, between Cambridge United WFC and Histon Ladies. With the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup being held the following evening at Histon FC’s Bridge Road Stadium featuring Cambridge Rangers WFC and Ely City Women.

The Women’s Invitation Cup

 This evening featuring the women’s senior county cup competition final. Cambridge United WFC and Cambridge City Women the leading sides in Cambridgeshire for nearly the past decade dominating the competition, neither 1st team featuring in last season’s competition won by Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Both back in the competition this season however Cambridge United WFC having to field a side made up of their U18’s and 1st team players.

 Turned in a good performance at The Abbey Stadium on Sunday in their final game of the FAWNL season, drawing 1-1 with Chatham Town Women. Finishing 9th has been another frustrating season missing key players through injury not picking up as many points as they would have wanted, nevertheless into another cup final and a chance to end things on a high. Their U18s making it to the final of the Invitation Cup last season this time around it’s a mixed squad mostly U18s again with up to 5 regular 1st team players, players who have played less than 50% 1st team fixtures or been out injured for a sustained period making their return also available. Thus getting the balance right for a mixed squad is a tricky task for manager Darren Marjoram, a good opportunity for the youngsters to impress however.

 Histon Ladies having rebuilt somewhat and returned to the ERWFL are enjoying a strong campaign in Division One North currently in 4th spot with three league games left to play, 2 points off 2nd spot with AFC Dunstable the current occupants having played out their fixtures a fantastic opportunity to clinch runners-up spot themselves. Have only lost two league games all season, and both of those against new league champions, Harpenden Town Women. Sophie Hopkin presented with a shirt celebrating 100 appearances for Histon before the game joint top scorer so far this season along with Evie Nicholls on 16. Poppy Smith has 12 goals to her name with Jessica McCrae netting 8 and midfielder, Rachel Pearce on 6.

Sophie Hopkin congratulated by her teammates having made 100 appearances for Histon

Road to the Final

 Both sides receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the Women’s Invitation Cup, were drawn away in the 2nd Round where both racked up double figure wins to progress to the last 8. Cambridge away to Division Two side, Chatteris Town Lillies Ladies, Sarah Wiltshire firing Cambridge into a 2 goal lead with Millie Docking, Rosy Wodhams and Serina Cobb all finding the back of the net to see Cambridge lead 5-0 at the break, Lauren Rouse from the penalty spot extending the lead in the 2nd half before Wiltshire went on to add two more to the tally, 4 for herself with a double from Emelia Reinhardt making it 10-0. Histon away to another Division Two side, March Town United Ladies the goals flying in there too with Poppy Smith on the scoresheet for 5, Evie Nicholls and Sophie Hopkin firing home 4 apiece with Rachel Pearce also scoring in a crushing 14-0 result.

Onto the quarter finals, Cambridge drawn at home to the side that beat the u18s in the final last season Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, now promoted to the ERWFL, Cambridge securing a 1 goal lead at the break, new signing Becca Stephenson grabbing her 1st goal for Cambridge in the 2nd period to help secure a 2-0 win see Cambridge progress to the semi-finals. Histon also at home in the quarter finals taking on newly crowned Cambridgeshire Division One Champions, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. Evie Nicholls on target for a brace with a goal each for Rachel Pearce, Hannah Seymour-Shove and Katie Levitt sealing a 5-0 to see the club advance to the last 4.

An intriguing line up in the semi-finals Histon and Newmarket both riding high in ERWFL Division One North along side Cambridge City Women and Cambridge United WFC. United away to Newmarket in their semi-final. Becca Stephenson picking up where she left off in the quarter final scoring twice in the 1st half to see Cambridge 2-0 up at the break, Emelia Reinhardt coming on in the 2nd half bursting forwards to put Cambridge into a 3-0 lead and see the club into the final. Histon hosting Cambridge City Women now playing in the ERWFL Premier Division. Jessica McCrae bagging herself a brace along with goals for Rachel Pearce and Poppy Smith seeing Histon clinch a 4-1 victory to book the place in the final.

The new main stand at the Cambridge City FC Community Stadium

 The final this season being played at Cambridge City FC’s brand new Community Stadium in Sawston, long planned and finally becoming a reality. An impressive main stand running alongside a large grass pitch with smaller terraced stands on the other 3 sides of the ground. Ample carparking around the stadium. A 3G pitch beside the main pitch. Work still to be completed on the interior but fantastic to see it becoming a reality after so much waiting. Hosting this evenings final April ending with a mini heat wave unusually warm up to 26 degrees today the heat retained into the evening. A food truck and stall offering some delicious looking cakes leading into the ground. The bar beyond open too. A good sized grass pitch offering plenty of width.

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Sophie Shults, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner, Olivia Welham, Gisela Otten (C), Lauren Rouse, Sammy Edgar, Serena Cobb, Rosy Wodhams, Charlotte Gillies, Becca Stephenson & Emelia Reinhardt. Subs – Katie Walter, Sydney Daniels, Millie Docking, Natasha Coe & Erika Lempek.

Cambridge United WFC

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Tara Fitzjohn, Freya Goddard, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Molly Banks, Jess McCrae, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Rachel Pearce, Sophie Hopkin, Poppy Smith & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Belle Howard, Eloise Page, Evie McCulloch, Claire Krueger & Katie Levitt.

Histon Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the score be level after 90 minutes the final goes straight to penalties.

Captain’s Laura Leyland and Gisela Otten with this evenings match officials referee, Austin Robichaux and assistants Dominic Cameron and Theresa Robichaux. Carlton Joseph the 4th official.

 Histon taking Cambridge back-up keeper, Sophie Shults on loan for the past 7 matches to help see out the season, are without her this evening as she is in goal for the opposition, with long serving player, Tara Fitzjohn donning the gloves for this evenings final. Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten is playing her last game for Cambridge retiring at the end of the season, having played over 100 games for the club a good portion of those wearing the captains armband. The sun setting behind the main stand may cause a few issues to the players, Histon having it at their backs as Cambridge get the first half underway wearing light blue floral patterned shirts with light blue shorts and socks. Histon wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into Lauren Rouse in defence sent long up to the right for Charlotte Gillies to chase, Mollie Childerley getting across her path to shield the ball out for a goal kick.

  Cambridge pushing up to press the ball inside the Histon half early on, Serena Cobb sending the ball into Gillies on the right fired into the top of the area with Emelia Reinhardt looking to take it inside right of goal, Jess McCrae in to defend seeing it out of play for Histon. Rosy Wodhams snapping in to win the ball for Cambridge fed out to Becca Stephenson wide right her attempted cross cut out by Rachel Pearce. Stephenson quick to get the ball back pushing down the line, Freya Goddard putting in the tackle to see the ball out for a throw in the corner.

 Cambridge getting players up around the area the throw coming into Wodhams inside the box top left corner seeing in down into her feet, turns to strike the ball, Histon captain, Laura Leyland charging the ball down. Cambridge appealing for a hand ball but get no where. Cambridge winning the ball eager to get forwards use the width Gillies picked out on the right wins a corner kick. Curled into the six yard box, claimed by Fitzjohn.

  Histon look to get the ball up field into Poppy Smith on the left flank, taking the ball on, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner diving in with the challenge, the full back then fouled as she attempts to get the ball moving the other way. Wodhams onto the ball making a run across the top of the D, moving left 25 yards out feds it into Stephenson wide left she in turn lays it back to Olivia Welham advancing from left back takes on the shot from range, her shot flying straight into the keepers gloves. 

 Evie Nicholls seeing the ball into her from Sophie Hopkin breaks away on the right channel for Histon looking to get into the area, racing forwards Shults going to ground getting hold of the ball as the ball is over hit. 

 Wodhams driving on with the ball at her feet for Cambridge across the top of the area cut back to the right, Childerley cutting the pass out for Histon, Cambridge though are quick to regain possession keep the pressure on, Sammy Edgar up with Serena Cobb central played wide to Stephenson left her cross swept into the area, cleared by McCrae. Wodhams with another strong run from midfield sees another shot charged down the ball out to the left, Goddard in to challenge Stephenson as she looks to get in behind to cross.

GOAL! The pressure building from Cambridge at the start of the game the Histon defence pushed back busy building from midfield the ball in rolled forwards into Wodhams moving into the left channel, Stephenson makes a run across her going central Wodhams laying the ball into her path, Stephenson 25 yards out wraps her right foot around the ball catching it sweetly to send a superb strike up and over the keeper to nestle into the back of the net to put Cambridge into the lead. 1-0.

Becca Stephenson firing Cambridge into the lead

 Cambridge on top early on taking the lead on 9 minutes competing well for the 2nd ball, Edgar central spotting Stephenson’s left channel run as she attempts to get in behind, Goddard stretching out a leg intercepting the ball for Histon. Smith left and Nicholls right needing to be patient up top be ready to receive the ball, Leyland’s clearance from the ball coming to Nicholls on the right, looks to take it in behind, Cambridge captain, Otten across to close her down put in the tackle. 

Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten tackling Histon’s Evie Nicholls

 Cobb on for Wodhams bursting forwards left channel played on for Reinhardt ahead of her outside the box sees her shot charged down the rebound coming to Wodhams central hits it first time 20 yards out drags the ball wide of the target. Is a big pitch Cambridge with time on the ball looking to exploit it as Lauren Rouse on halfway lifting it forwards towards the top of the area, Leyland winning the header for Histon.

  Reinhardt getting hold of the ball looking to charge across the D get into the box, Histon’s Hannah Seymour-Shove looking to go with her pulls up suddenly appearing to jar her knee as her foot catches in the turf. Play continues as Reinhardt finds Stephenson wide left her cross defended by Leyland as play is stopped for Seymour-Shove to receive treatment. Unfortunately doesn’t look good the stretcher called for needs to come off, Histon forced into a change send on Claire Krueger going into the defence along side Leyland with McCrae pushed forwards.

Freya Goddard moving in to tackle Becca Stephenson

  Wodhams latching onto the ball high up the pitch from a goal-kick lays it to the right for Hjaltun-Rayner pushing forwards from full back her early cross into the area dealt with by Leyland. Out of no where Histon spring the counter attack, Cambridge pushed up the ball given to Hopkin in midfield slides it through for Smith in the left channel, races forwards Shults racing out to the top of her area to try and get to the ball, Smith just getting there first taking it around the keeper on into the box left of goal, looks to slot it home, however, Welham racing round on the cover gets in the way to block and turn it behind for a corner kick. 

Olivia Welham getting back to clear the ball for Cambridge

  The corner lifted in to the near side, Krueger up from the back for Histon getting her head on the ball sending the ball over the crossbar. A warning for Cambridge not to get complacent at the back. 

  Edgar into Wodhams for Cambridge attacking through the middle moves left laying the ball back inside for Welham as the full back bombs forwards, looking to get into the box, Goddard closing her down winning the ball back for Histon. McCrae defending for Histon as Stephenson looks to spin in behind on the left the ball hooked upfield by Leyland. Histon absorbing alot of pressure battling for the ball pushed back in defence but determined.

 Wodhams too determined with the ball at her feet for Cambridge on the drive going all the way into the box right of goal closing in on the six yards box, closed down squeezes in on for Gillies to her right inside the six yard box, the angle acute takes on the shot flashing the ball wide across the face of goal past the far post. 

Rosy Wodhams driving forwards for Cambridge

 Leyland making the decision to step out of the back line to deal with Wodhams next marauding run getting the tackle in before the midfield can set Reinhardt loose on goal. The clearance straight back with Cambridge, Cobb lifting the diagonal ball into the area, Krueger heading clear for Histon.

Rachel Pearce looking to get hold of the ball for Histon

 

 Play mostly in the Histon half the defence pressed back continue to work hard to stop Cambridge finding a way through, Hopkin finding Pearce on the right tries to get it on for Nicholls in attack, Otten moving in to close the attacker down. Edgar snapping in to regain possession for Cambridge in the middle tries to thread the ball in behind for Reinhardt pulling off the defence, Fitzjohn moving forward to grab hold of the ball. 

Emelia Reinhardt

 Pearce is fouled deep on the right picking up a knock in the process the free-kick awarded. Histon with an opportunity to get players forwards. Hopkin over the ball launches it in towards the crowd at the top of the area left of the D, the ball knocked down across the D to the right, Pearce free, moving in to strike the ball first time with her left foot, pulls her strike wide of the right post, had more time than she realised but a great chance for Histon nonetheless.

  Cambridge lively Cobb breaking on with the ball rolled on for Gillie right, Childerley lunging in to take the ball away from her for a throw. Histon forced into another change, Pearce having picked up a knock coming off, with Evie McCulloch. Reinhardt with little room to work with as Histon defend their area, driving on with the ball looks to fight her way through on goal, Molly Banks getting a foot in to slow her down, allowing Childerley to bring the ball away from danger.

  Stephenson moving across the top of the area up top for Cambridge sees the ball rolled into her right channel by Hjaltun-Rayner shoots from distance the ball straight at Fitzjohn. Cambridge getting players forwards at will, Wodhams and Stephenson exchanging passes in front of the D, laid back to Cobb to clip a diagonal ball into Welham advancing on the left wing the full back whipping a cross into the area just behind Reinhardt making a near post run, Krueger cutting it out beyond to clear.

  Shults is almost on the halfway line herself such is the pressure Cambridge are being allowed to exert, Smith and Nicholls patient ready to attack should the opportunity fall to them still have alot to do. Otten into Reinhardt going left closing in on the corner with Goddard the air clashing as the ball is seen out of play by the defender, the referee talking to both, the yellow card coming out too.

  Hopkin getting the ball back for Histon central looks to send Nicholls away up top, Cambridge hold their high line however catching her offside. Moving into stoppage time at the end of the first half, for all their dominance Cambridge still leading by just a single goal, Histon backs against the wall determined to keep it that way. Pushed up through the middle, Stephenson inside with Wodhams cross runs the ball on into Cobb inside the D shifts it right for Stephenson to strike, fires wide of the right post. A nick on the way through however a corner signalled. 

 Put in to the near post Krueger winning it for Histon cleared out of the box and launched up field for Nicholls to chase, Shults out of her box needs to win the clearance with the attacker bearing down on her and gets her foot up over the ball to see it away safely. Smith getting her tackle in on Reinhardt as she looks to turn in the middle the ball poked out to Stephenson wide left pushes on with the ball her cross into the box intercepted by Krueger.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Histon Ladies

 

  Cambridge go into the changing rooms at the break leading the final by a single goal, Stephenson’s superb strike on 9 minutes over the keeper from 25 yards out putting them in front. Have applied plenty of pressure seeing more of the ball getting players on, Histon in contrast defending deep inside their box getting bodies back allowing no space through on goal, that in turn limiting their attacking opportunities up the other end but have created two good chances themselves will be pleased to have gotten to this stage with the score as it is. Have lost two key midfielders to injury in the process however. Cambridge winning the 2nd balls keeping play in their opponents half. Could be a question of can Histon keep up their determination in defence 2nd half or will the continued pressure take it’s toll, one goal in it the longer they can keep it that way the better but can they find a goal up the other end?

 No changes at the break it’s as you were at the end of the 1st half the floodlights taking full effect now, remains mild, the burgers, chips and cakes going down well with the gathered supporters, 285 in attendance. Histon to get the 2nd half underway, Cambridge rushing on to immediately close down the ball, get it out to Gillies on the right takes on the early cross squaring it into Reinhardt top of the D, her 1st time strike racing wide of the far post.

Rosy Wodhams constantly taking the ball on for Cambridge

  McCulloch snapping in to win the ball for Histon central forwards into Nicholls, Rouse tackling for Cambridge. Histon getting the ball out to the right McCulloch playing the ball into the near post six yards out, Nicholls and Smith closing in to try and get a touch the ball knocked wide of the post for a goal kick. 

Histon attacker, Evie Nicholls

 

 Lively in the middle, Edgar into get hold of the ball fed on for Gillies down the right wing, Childerley back onto her shoulder challenging to put it out for a throw. Cambridge busy players making runs to try and open up space, Histon stay deep in defence protecting the box, Wodhams winning it off Hopkin in midfield, out to Gillies right, running into the corner with Childerley the defender conceding a corner. Stephenson with a vicious delivery flashed in through the six yard box at an inviting height through everyone however cleared beyond the far post.

 Wodhams influential for Cambridge making some strong midfield runs Gillies and Stephenson looking for provide outlets right and left. Pushing up as they are sometimes leaves Cambridge exposed at the back as Histon snatch the ball back left side the ball threaded into Nicholls in the channel breaks in behind Rouse charging towards the area, the rest of the Cambridge defence looking to recover, Otten sliding in top of the area brings Nicholls down, the free-kick awarded a decision to be made, both full backs were round on the cover the referee showing Otten a yellow card. Hopkin over the free-kick left of the D, gets the ball in past the wall through on goal, but Shults moving across her goal can claim it into her mid-riff.

 Cambridge for all their dominance need to be careful they don’t get caught out at the back, another goal puts them in a much stronger position probing Histon are not making it easy for them to find a way through. Cambridge making a chance bringing off Gillies on the right send on Natasha Coe who had a spell with Histon before coming to Cambridge, goes over to the left with Stephenson moving across the pitch.

 10 minutes played in the 2nd half, Edgar up with Wodhams in midfield, plays it left for Welham advancing on the left plays in on for Coe to take on down the line, Goddard diving in to put it out of play for Histon. Off the throw dropped into Wodhams outside the box on the angle sends a shot in on target, Fitzjohn has the angled covered getting hold of the ball. 

Cambridge’s Sammy Edgar

A double change for Histon with Belle Howard and Katie Levitt introduced to the game, Nicholls and Hopkin coming off. Hjaltun-Rayner looking to get the ball on right side for Cambridge, Wodhams coming across to receive the ball, Banks diving in to challenge to get hold of the ball for Histon looks for Levitt on the left, Rouse cutting out the pass for Cambridge. Cambridge making another switch, Erika Lempek coming on to replace Reinhardt in attack. 

Histon’s Katie Levitt

  Coe played on down Cambridge’s left wing curling a cross into the box, Leyland getting under it to head clear for Histon. The game starting to open up a little as Histon look to commit a little more in attack fresh legs on the pitch. Cobb getting the ball into Lempek’s feet out on the right, Levitt in to win it back for Histon comes away with the ball, Hjaltun-Rayner sliding in with a heavy tackle taking her out, shown the yellow as Levitt is quickly back on her feet. 

Histon captain, Laura Leyland

 

 Otten putting the ball on for Cobb left channel shifted to Coe left played back inside to Cobb up with Stephenson outside the box left of the D, the ball played across to the right for Wodhams in space, shots, a nick off a defenders leg on it’s way through to the keeper taking the sting off the ball, Fitzjohn grabbing it up for the large part despite the pressure in front of her untroubled in terms of needing to throw herself into a save.

 Welham and Coe doubling up on the left as they build an attack for Cambridge, Coe shifting the ball inside looking to get into the box Leyland coming to close her down. Rouse called into action at the back for Cambridge as Histon attempt to put a long ball into Smith in attack, the defender bringing it down well. 

Histon’s Poppy Smith

 Cambridge getting a corner on the right Stephenson curling the ball into the six yard box knocked in towards goal at the far post Histon have players on the line to block cleared out to the top of the area, Cobb putting it back out to Stephenson top right corner of the box, her low cross smashed back in, blocked by Howard. The flag going up against Stephenson as she makes a run in behind right to left across the D, as Lempek seeing the ball into her feet right channel attempts to play her in. Stephenson from all of 30 yards out central firing a strike wide of the left post. Cambridge pressing as the game enters the final 15 minutes. 

GOAL! Cambridge winning a corner out on the right, players up from the back the six yard box packed as Stephenson drops the delivery right into the mix, down amongst feet an orange boot stabbing it towards goal, fired past the keeper, belongs to Hjaltun-Rayner as she is mobbed by her joyous teammates having doubled Cambridge’s lead. 2-0.

Flo Hjaltun-Raynor with the touch to double Cambridge’s lead from the corner

  Histon making a double change with Eloise Page coming on along with Nicholls replacing, Goddard and Childerley. Much needed breathing room for Cambridge the 2nd goal coming at last. Press right Stephenson on for Lempek back inside for Cobb lifted forwards into Wodhams looking to turn top of the area, Leyland closing her down for Histon.

Serina Cobb

 Welham forwards for Coe on the left her cross blocked by Page going away for a corner kick. Another vicious delivery put in across the face of goal, no one getting a touch scrambled clear beyond the far post. Hopkin coming back onto the pitch late on replacing Banks. Cambridge getting on down the right Stephenson’s cross turned behind for another corner. Taken short rolled back into Stephenson the corner taker her cross lifted into the area, won and cleared by Hopkin. 

Sophie Hopkin

 Histon looking to try and get on with the ball fed into Howard on the left looks to release Nicholls in behind through the middle, Welham running around on the cover spotting the threat lunging in to win the ball back. Lempek seeing the ball into her feet putting it on for Wodhams moving right finds Stephenson on the move down the wing her cross into the box blocked by Krueger behind for a corner. Curled into the six yard box headed over the crossbar.

Claire Krueger

  Sydney Daniels and Millie Docking coming on for Cambridge with Edgar and Welham coming off with 6 minutes left of regular time. Cobb picking out Stephenson on the right for Cambridge has Hjaltun-Rayner racing past her on the overlap down the line fires her cross in on the angle takes a nick off a Histon boot as it crashes into the side netting a corner given. Another short on rolled into Coe coming to the ball near post back to Stephenson to cross from the top of area, hooked clear by Leyland.

 

  Goddard back on for Histon with McCulloch coming off. Into the last 5 minutes. Daniels defending at the back for Cambridge as Smith looks to take the ball on. The ball played back to Shults her clearance doesn’t get any height goes between Nicholls and Smith as they look to close her down, comes onto Goddard in midfield tries to hit it first time knowing the keeper is off her line but doesn’t catch it clean the ball put wide right of goal.

  Lempek with a good touch to see the ball down turns to play it forwards almost sending Docking through on goal, the flag though halting her advance. McCrae lining up a strike from range, Otten putting in the block away for a throw on the right, Histon looking to press crossing into the box, defended near side, Shults bringing it down safely into her gloves. Katie Walter coming on to see out the closing stages of the final for Cambridge replacing Hjaltun-Rayner. 

 Docking played in down Cambridge’s left, gets on the move driving forwards all the way into the box eventually stopped by Krueger. Into stoppage time, Cambridge winning a throw in the left Coe crossing the ball into the top of the area, Leyland getting her head on the ball, Cobb pushing on win the ball back played back to the left, the cross dropped into the six yard box, hooked clear.

  Lempek on for Cobb through the middle send away to Stephenson right her cross low into the area cut out by Leyland. Cambridge keep coming late on Histon tiring winning a corner on the right, Whipped in with pace past Coe at the near post on for Rouse central lifts the ball up over the crossbar. Docking on the dribble with the ball looking to get into the box from the left sends a cross into the area, Goddard clearing for Histon. The final whistle blows and Cambridge are victorious winning this season’s Invitation Cup.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 2-0 Histon Ladies

  A dominant attacking display from Cambridge who were made to work hard for the win taking an early lead it wasn’t until they had entered the final 15 minutes of the game before they found a way through to double their lead. Got forwards well winning the 2nd balls and using the pitch. Histon with a battling defensive display made Cambridge work for the win defending deep leaving little room to exploit inside the area, at 1-0 were never out of the game although they had few chances to find a goal themselves eventually tiring can be proud of their effort. Have 3 big league games left to play 2nd spot in the league very much the goal. Cambridge’s season done now, ending with silverware time to enjoy the rest, be ready for next season, FAWNL South East Division One will be more competitive than ever.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, plenty of fine performances but one clear winner for me. Credit goes to the entire Histon squad for their battling defensive display had to keep it tight as a unit to keep Cambridge at bay, captain Laura Leyland and Claire Krueger in particular putting in a number of blocks and crucial tackles. Molly Banks and Jessica McCrae pushed back on the defence winning the ball. Mollie Childerley and Freya Goddard out on the flanks having alot to do throughout but kept at it. For Cambridge, Serina Cobb and Sammy Edgar get stuck in in midfield to win the ball back keep the pressure on continuously. Charlotte Gillies linking up well with Hjaltun-Rayner on the right, likewise Olivia Welham on the left pushing on to support Becca Stephenson whose movement on the left and coming central caused problems throughout made some fantastic runs opening the scoring with a superb strike. The award goes to midfielder, Rosy Wodhams was a threat throughout the game taking the ball on with numerous marauding runs linking up with the attack and getting into some great positions.

Cambridge United WFC 2024/25 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup winners

 Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup.

 Gisela Otten’s final game for Cambridge has been fantastic for the club since her arrival a pleasure to have sponsored her for one of those seasons. Sophie Hopkin a legend in her own right for Histon making 100 appearances for the club, congratulations. my thanks to both clubs for their help with the starting line-ups this evening. One final down straight back at it with the Junior Invitation Cup at last the finals are here in abundance but I’ve still get maybe 10 games to go before I can rest…

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Luton Town Ladies Reserves v Stotfold Women

Sunday 23rd March

Bedfordshire FA Women’s Junior Cup Final

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

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

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

Today’s prize

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

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

Road to the Final

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

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

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

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

Luton Town Ladies Reserves

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

Stotfold Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

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

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

Cleo Haynes with an early attack for Stotfold Women

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stotfold goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly.

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

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

Luton’s Shakeela Hussain

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

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

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

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

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

Sanam Shahid on the attack for Luton

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

 

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

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

Luton’s Caitlin O’Connor

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

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

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

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

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

Leigh Burrows-Hall on the ball for Stotfold

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amber Olney looking to get forwards for Stotfold

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

Stotfold’s Charlotte Peters

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

Luton goalkeeper Leah Robinson claiming the ball

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

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

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

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

Keira How attacking on the left for Stotfold

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

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

Luton midfielder, Lilac Wilson

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

Stotfold captain, Amy Jack

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

Luton defender, Chloe Gibbs

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

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

Luton’s Patience Ndlovu

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

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

Luton celebrate at the final whistle 

Full time Luton Town Ladies Reserves 2-1 Stotfold Women

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

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

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

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

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

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

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – AFC Sudbury Women v Stowupland Falcons Women

Tuesday 21st May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

  sponsored by MH Goals Ltd

Heading down into Suffolk this Tuesday evening for my penultimate cup final of the season. The Suffolk Women’s County Cup contest sponsored by MH Goals Ltd being played at Ipswich Town FC’s, Portman Road Stadium. AFC Sudbury Women playing Stowupland Falcons Women.

  The fabulous occasion for both clubs with the county cup final returning to Portman Road, the town on a high following Ipswich’s back to back promotions returning them to the Premiership. Many within both clubs huge fans and a dream for the players to get to play in the stadium. The competition dominated by Ipswich Town Women for a long spell before they bowed out of the competition, since then a rivalry has developed for the county cup between the next highest league placed sides in the county AFC Sudbury Women and Needham Market Women. But the final has also seen a good proportion of sides from tier 7 make it to the final, Bungay Town Ladies last season, now Stowupland Falcons Women into their first ever county cup final.

This evenings prize

  AFC Sudbury Women themselves enjoying back to back promotions to reach the FAWNL (tier 4) last season. A huge step up for their young players many coming through the ranks of their academy. However they rose to the challenge and despite struggling for results got the crucial wins against the sides around them at the bottom of the table to pull clear of the bottom two and retain their league status for a 2nd season. Winning the county cup back in 2022 beating Needham Market in the final were knocked out early on previous season by their rivals but went on to secure the ERWFL Premier Division. Returning the favour this time around they are overwhelming favourites to lift the cup once again. Jess Allen top scorer this season closely followed by Sophie Jeffery.

  Stowupland Falcons Women have grown as a side since 1st entering a women’s side into the league in Suffolk 4 years ago. A club with a strong youth setup the woman’s side adding Clare Bevan and Amy Gilson from Henley Athletic Ladies to squad last season went on to win the Suffolk Women’s Premiership. As defending champions this season Stowupland enjoyed a good rivalry with a newly rejuvenated Brantham Athletic Ladies. Stowupland with games in hand always chasing, just missing out to finish as runners-up. The two going head to head on both the semi-finals of the league and county cup, the score 1-1 their too with Stowupland’s players reaching the final for the first time and getting the opportunity to play at Portman Road. Clare Bevan captaining the side top scorer this campaign with over 23 goals, Amy Gilson also into the 20’s with her goals with 18 of the 22 players used this season all getting on the scoresheet. Know they face a tough test this evening against a side 4 league higher

  Road to the Final

  Unlike some of the other county cups in the East, Suffolk don’t have a seeding system in place all sides entering in the 1st round the big guns potentially drawn together. Sudbury beginning their county cup campaign on the road taking on the newly formed, Bury Town Community Women. The gulf between the sides soon apparent as Sudbury racked up a huge double figure score-line, Keira Harms on target for 5 goals. Evie Creaton hitting 4 into the back of the net Their were braces too for Sophie Jeffery and Phoebe Guiver. Kate Edwards, Kaylee Dodd and Holly Kennard all scoring too, final tally 16-0. Stowupland also away taking on another need side and can say they beat Sudbury in the cup no matter what, this the newly formed Sudbury Sports Women, Laura Brame scoring a hat-trick with goals from Clare Bevan, Emily Bates, Millie Gant and Lydia Denny securing a 7-1 win.

  Onto the 2nd Round, Sudbury at home taking on Premiership side, AFC Kesgrave Ladies, was to be another goal rout with Jasmine Drake putting away a hat-trick, Chloe Brame with a brace and five other scorers in a 10-0 win, Jess Allen, Maisie Goodwin Keira Harms, Kaylee Dodd and Amber Provan. Stowupland also winning by a double figure margin as they took on early Championship pacesetters, Ipswich Valley Rangers from the league below. Clare Bevan finding the back of the net for 4 goals. Emily Bates and Amy Gilson both netting a hat-trick each with Ellis Rabey also scoring. 

 Into the last eight, Sudbury at home taking on another Premiership side, Woodbridge Town Ladies. Progressed to the semi-finals courtesy of a 5-0 victory with 5 different scorers, Jess Allen, Eva Frazzoni, Maisie Goodwin, Sophie Jeffery and Alex Penny. Stowupland taking on fellow Premiership side Needham Market Women Development at home in the quarter finals, Amy Gilson scoring in the first half the sides level at the break, the hosts going on to in it by a single goal in the 2nd half with Enya Moore on target for the winning goal.

  The semi-finals played at neutral venues, the big guns drawn together in the last 4, the holders, Needham Market Women, Sudbury’s opponents. Knocking Sudbury out in the 2nd Round last season, Sudbury were in no mood to repeat the feat this time around and a brace for both Jasmine Drake and Jess Allen ensuring the win, 4-0. Stowupland up against their league rival, Brantham Athletic Ladies in their semi-final clash Amy Gilson firing home a brace as Stowupland ran out 3-1 winners, Ellis Rabey also scoring to send the club to Portman Road.

 The County Cup Final held at Colchester United FC in recent season’s making a welcome return to Portman Road home of Ipswich Town FC a dream for both sets of players and their manger’s too to get the opportunity to play at the stadium The Cobbold Stand open for the final, the fans allocated a section each opposite the dugouts. Suffolk FA looking to make it a special occasion for the players, which is great to see as these are the opportunities they dream of. The weather was going to have a large say in the final, with the forecast heavy rain beginning to fall… more about that later. For once undercover I didn’t have to worry about getting wet.

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Ronni Harrison (C), Kaylee Dodd, Amber Provan, Aliyat Lambe, Leonnie Bezant, Maisie Goodwin, Jess Allen, Sophie Jeffery, Eva Frazzoni & Yasmine Drake. Subs – Jessica Egan, Amy Jarvis, Ava Jouvenel, Ella Edwards & Alex Penny.

AFC Sudbury Women

 Stowupland Falcons Women starting XI – Emily Huggins, Eloise Flack, Lucy Daly, Anya Williams, Ebonie Calvert, Ellis Rabey, Millie Gant, Laura Brame, Clare Bevan (C) Mollie Frost & Amy Gilson. Subs – Porscha Rampley, Caitlin Jackson, Millie Bloom, Lydia Denny & Enya Moore.

Stowupland Falcons Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Ronni Harrison and Clare Bevan with this evenings officials

  AFC Sudbury wearing pink for this evenings final, their shirts and socks with black shorts, traditionally in yellow and blue, so too are their opponents colours, Stowupland wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shots and socks. The rain getting stronger as the captains meet with this evenings official led by Isobel Chaplin. Stowupland to kick-off the first half the ball rolled back into the middle lifted out to the left, captain Clare Bevan racing on looking to pressure, Sudbury’s Aliyat Lambe as the defender looks to clear the ball, forces Sudbury into conceding the throw high up the pitch.

  A positive start from Stowupland looking to close the ball down on the left get a cross into the area, cleared by Sudbury’s Amber Provan the ball runs out to Stowupland midfielder, Ellis Rabey all of 25 yards puts her foot through the ball her shot racing wide of the left post. Bevan attacking left for Stowupland, with Millie Gant the cross fired into the area, just behind Amy Gilson on the penalty spot. 

 GOAL! Sudbury playing the ball out with pace fired up to Sophie Jeffery on the left getting the ball into her feet drives down the wing firing a diagonal ball into the box, Stowupland’s Anya Williams getting it clear to the right, latched onto by Sudbury’s Bermudan International, Eva Frazzoni out wide flashed  dangerous ball in across the face of the Stowupland goal, Jeffery having run in at the far post turning it over the line to put Sudbury into the lead inside 2 minutes 1-0.

Sophie Jeffery putting Sudbury into an early lead

 Jess Allen played in on the right for Sudbury, bursts forwards with the ball checking her run to lay it into the middle for Maisie Goodwin who carries the ball out to the left 25 yards out fires and angled ball in towards, Yasmine Drake at the near post, looking to hit the shot as the ball runs across her sends the ball wide of the post. 

Sudbury’s Jasmine Drake with Stowupland defender, Ebonie Calvert

  Sudbury moving the ball about quickly using the whole of the pitch, Allen and Jeffery outlets on the flanks. Leonnie Bezant with the ball in the middle, looks to thread it through the Stowupland defence, playing a high line, Frazzoni looking to run in behind, goes a fraction too soon, flagged offside.

 Gilson after the ball played into the left channel, tires to fight her way in behind Lambe the defender getting her body in between the ball and attacker to play it upfield. Ronni Harrison wearing the captain’s armband for Sudbury lifting a cross-field ball out to Allen on the right, cuts the ball back in towards the top of the box right side, Frazzoni looking to strike the ball, Ebonie Calvert lunging in to block the ball striking the referee, play halted resuming with a drop ball.

  Sudbury lively nipping in to win the ball, Stowupland snapping back to try and win it back, their opponents getting it moving quickly stretching them. Goalkeeper, Emily Huggins having to come racing out of her area to clear the ball as Frazzoni looks to pick out Allen with a diagonal ball on the right. The rain pouring down now with 10 minutes played. 

 Sudbury with the early goal settling quickly into a rhythm continue to spray the ball about the pitch, Goodwin linking up with Bezant in the centre the pass out to Allen powering on down the right wing to the by-line her cross turned behind for a corner by Stowupland’s Lucy Daly.

Leonnie Bezant holding off, Stowupland’s, Ellis Rabey

 GOAL! Jeffery to take the corner from the right a threatening delivery curled in towards goal at the far post the defender covering it trying to keep it out with Frazzoni pressuring the ball as it falls forced over the line, Sudbury double their lead, difficult to tell who got the final touch, Frazzoni or an OG, Jeffery’s corner may even have already been over the line either way it’s 2-0.

 The rain falling heavily, water already beginning to lay on the pitch. Sudbury undeterred press Stowupland for possession, Bezant in on Bevan as she looks to drive central, launched up field, Calvert looking to get it down, play it forwards for Rabey. 

  GOAL! Sudbury are awarded a free-kick out wide on the left, about level with the corner of the Stowupland area, Jeffery over the ball looks to float the ball in central, Lambe up from the back rising highest to get her head on the ball and drill her header down into the back of the net, Huggins throwing herself at the ball instinctively getting a faint touch but too much power on the ball 3-0.

Aliyat heading home for Sudbury

 Sudbury powering into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes. conditions horrendous torrential rain now. Jeffery splashing up water as she sprints out to the left with the ball angling a diagonal ball back into the box targeting Drake making a near post run, the ball into her path turns her shot wide past the far post.

 GOAL! Coming out to the right Allen squares the ball into Drake right of the D, goes to strike the ball charged down by Calvert the rebound come into Frazzoni’s feet 22 yards out central, unleashes a powerful shot rising, crashes down off the underside of the crossbar to bounce down over the line, no mistake about the scorer of this one, fabulous strike 4-0!

Eva Frazzoni firing home Sudbury’s 4th goal

 Stowupland shipping in goals undeterred in their effort to try and get the ball up the pitch attacking on the right win themselves a corner. Players up lifted in near side, it’s Jeffery to head the ball clear for Sudbury midway through the first half. Goodwin rolling the ball on through the middle with Allen making a central run, can’t quite take it into her strike as Williams comes to close her down.

 GOAL! There’s no one else involved in Sudbury’s 5th goal as Kayleigh Dodd scores a superb solo effort. Picking up the ball on the wing the right back drives forwards checking back to turn inside a defender get into the box and smash her shot across the keeper into the bottom corner 5-0.

Kayleigh Dodd with a superb solo effort to put Sudbury 5 up

  All this and the rain is still raging down, players and officials alike, like drowned rats, “run the line in a cup final at Portman Road, yeah I’ll be up for that.” 

 Good for the sliding tackle mind, if you’re not planning to stop. Stowupland making a change Daly coming off, Caitlin Jackson coming on with half an hour played. Sudbury playing the ball from left to right at the back, Dodd getting on the move up the wing putting the ball on for Allen who surges towards the by-line, Gant looking to close her down doing enough to see the attacker turn her cross behind.

 Sudbury ringing the changes, as they often do, this time a quintuple substitution, Jessica Egan, Ella Edwards, Amy Jarvis, Ava Jouvenel and Alex Penny coming on. Jeffery, Allen, Goodwin, Dodd and Harrison the players off, Bezant now wearing the captains armband. Stowupland with a rare attack get the ball out to the right Mollie Frost with Gilson coming to support, turns inside on the by-line the ball laid back to the top of the area, Gant striking the ball, the shot blocked.

 Bezant bringing the ball on for Sudbury central looks to lay it out to Egan attacking on the right, Huggins again out of her box sharply to kick the ball clear. Alot of water on the pitch, players slipping over the ball holding up. Drake taking the ball on down the left flank, powers on before being up ended Sudbury awarded the free kick  out wide of the corner of the area, Penny stood in the pouring rain eying up a shot on goal. Fires in pacy strike towards goal, cutting through the spray, evades the keepers gloves to find the back of the net 6-0.

Probably not the image Alex Penny had in her head when she dreamed of scoring at Portman Road, but a great strike nonetheless

  Sudbury 6 goals up with nearly 40 minutes played doesn’t look good however rain pouring down off the stadium roof, water splashing up players falling, referee Isobel Chaplin calling over the captains, player safety the number one concern… they walk off play suspended.

Referee, Isobel Chaplin calling over the captains as the decision is made to suspend play

 Doesn’t look good the pitch having adsorbed alot of water in a short space of time the rain still falling an inspection to take place at 8:45pm. Headed downstairs to hospitality to take advantage of the buffet generously laid on by Suffolk FA. Some concern, will the final have to be abandoned, the only chink of light the rain has started to ease. A further inspection at 9:05 water still visible on the surface the ball not moving freely but no rain can it drain enough… the crowd patient a healthy number 920 in attendance a further inspection and discussions and play will resume at 9:35pm a delay of 1hr 20 minutes, the two sides back on for a short warm-up. 5 minutes left in the first half then a 5 minute turn around for the 2nd half.

 Play getting underway with a Sudbury throw on the right. Water still kicking up but the pitch is holding up well. Egan on the right putting a ball into the Stowupland box, Drake looking to head the ball down her effort charged down. 

 GOAL! Sudbury feed the ball out to Penny on the left on the move her cross lifted into the box, turned behind, a handball spotted, Chaplin pointing to the spot Penalty! Drake placing the ball on the spot opts for power drills the ball in central giving the keeper no chance 7-0.

Jasmine Drake putting Sudbury 7 up from the penalty spot.

  Pretty much one way traffic, Stowupland can’t make the ball stick Sudbury’s players lively snapping in to claim the 2nd ball. Bevan attempting to feed the ball into Gilson up top, Jarvis in close to challenge get Sudbury back on the ball. Egan putting the ball on for Penny as the pair attack on the right, Jackson getting back on Penny defending for Stowupland.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 7-0 Stowupland Falcons Women

  An extended first half draws to a close the teams staying out on the pitch with a brief turn around for the 2nd half. Sudbury adding a 7th goal to their tally before play was suspended. A commanding 7-0 at the break. Got off the the perfect start scoring early in the game settling quickly and moving the ball about well have steadily built up their lead. Stowupland working hard but can’t get the ball to stick, the conditions no doubt playing a part but Sudbury lively nipping in to win the 2nd ball. All they can do is continue to work hard and hope they get an opportunity to score a goal.

  The 2nd half kicking off at 9:47pm Sudbury to get the game restarted the ball played left down the line, Ella Edward pushing on, Flack clearing for a throw. Sudbury pressing get on down the left an early ball slid into the box for Drake to attack, Flack sliding in to get the ball out of the box. Sudbury keep it on the left Jouvenel up with Edwards, Frost back to help Flack in defence the ball turned behind for a goal kick.

  The left flank being over used in the opening minutes of the 2nd half the ball rolled into Drake wide looks to turn in towards the area, Flack getting her body across the attacker to shield the ball knocks it into Williams to hook the ball clear. Provan at left back since the changes for Sudbury pushing on down the wing sends it on for Jouvenel but the flag goes up against her offside. 

 Bezant gives the ball to Penny moving inside in the right channel drives for the area, Calvert standing in her path to close the ball down. Sudbury winning a free-kick 30 yards out on the right lifted into the area headed clear back to the right falls to Penny’s feet, latches a shot back in on the angle, the ball cannoning down into the six yard box off the crossbar. Penny carrying the ball down to the right corner, Gant up with her Calvert coming across, the ball put out for a corner kick.

  Played into the near post, turned behind for a 2nd corner. Curled in to the near post again, Drake looking to attack it, scrambled behind for another corner. This delivery in high before the near post, Frazzoni looks to turn her header in towards goal sends the ball over the bar. Lambe stepping in to block, Brame’s pass as she attempts to play Gilson in behind. 

Stowupland’s Millie Gant

 Frost with a strong tackle to wrestle the ball away on the right, turn and has an opportunity to run forwards coming inside sends the ball into the area for Jackson central holding off a challenge gets her shot away low to the left side of goal, Sudbury goalkeeper untroubled till that point getting down with a smart dive to her left to stop the ball. The Stowupland fans at that end of the ground giving a loud cheer of encouragement.

Stowupland’s Mollie Frost

 Frost and Edwards again in a tussle of possession on the right both going to ground, the Stowupland player eventually pulled up for a foul. Egan playing the ball on for Penny on the right pushing into the corner, Gant over to defend sees the ball out for a throw in. A busy start to the 2nd half, Jouvenel turns on the afterburners she she brings the ball forwards through the middle for Sudbury attempting to lay Drake on in behind, Calvert reads it and steps in to cut the pass out.

  Stowupland giving it their best looking to press, Frost getting about on the flank. Edwards racing on left wing looking to get inside Flack, the full back under pressure does well to see the ball back to her keeper to clear. An hour played, Sudbury once again ringing the changes, Harrison, Dodd, Allen, Jeffery and Goodwin back on. Frazzoni, Bezant, Drake, Lambe and Provan coming off. 

 GOAL! The changes breaking an immediate effect as Allen gets hold of the ball on the right and moves inside twisting and turning as the keeper come rushing out gets inside her to rifle her strike into the empty net 8-0.

Jess Allen firing home Sudbury’s 8th goal

 Stowupland making a double change, Rabey and Frost coming off, on come Millie Bloom and Enya Moore. Jeffery finding Penny inside the box forced wide to the left by Flack the ball cleared for a throw in the corner. Jeffery looking to find a way into the box, Brame back to defend for Stowupland. Sudbury full of running Allen playing a one two with Jeffery on the right running onto the box looking for the return pass, Flack sliding in with the challenge to clear.

  Huggins is drawn out of her goal to come out to try and close Allen down as the attacker gets in behind on the right, into the box, rounds the keeper, looking to fire the ball on the angle into the goal beyond the Stowupland defence back covering, Flack intercepting the shot. Gant blocks as Allen right lays the ball back to Jeffery top of the area. 

 GOAL! Jouvenel sees the ball into her feet central and turns to attack racing forwards into the box right of goal letting fly with her shot as putting it past the advancing keeper to score before running over to the Sudbury fans and knee sliding in celebration 9-0.

Eva Jouvenel with Sudbury’s 9th goal

 72 minutes played Jouvenel on the drive with the ball rom the left is knocked off the ball, hooked behind for a corner on the left, taken short is blasted into a Stowupland defender going to block. Allen is dispossessed on the right the ball fed on up the wing for Denny to chase, Egan getting back on her to clear the ball for a throw. 

Stowupland’s Laura Brame

Stowupland with a chance to get players up into the box as they win a free-kick wide on the left the ball angled in is behind everyone, Allen far side latching onto it races away on the counter attack surging up the flank comes inside bursting into the D before pulling the trigger, sending her shot racing wide of the far post. Gant coming off for Stowupland, Daly back on going into the left back position. 

 GOAL! Sudbury getting a corner on the right, curled in towards goal, Huggins getting her fist on the ball to knock it away from her goal drops straight to Penny running in top of the area puts her foot thought the ball rifling it through the crowd into the goal beyond to bring up Sudbury’s 10th 10-0.

Alex Penny racing onto the ball to score Sudbury’s 10th soon followed by her hat-trick

 GOAL! Moments later Penny has her hat-trick getting onto the ball from the right powering her way on into the area, evading a couple to challenges gets inside to blast the pall past the keeper 11-0.

  Into the final 5 minutes, Sudbury intent on getting forwards Dodd dinking the ball inside into Penny central inside the D goes to shoot, the ball caught by Huggins. 

 

 GOAL! Stowupland have been up against it all gave but never lost their spirit working hard to find an opportunity to threaten it comes a Moore up top nips in to steal the ball top of the area and moving inside keeps her composure to send her shot under Carter to score, the loudest cheer of the night coming from the Stowupland end as Moore runs over to celebrate with her teammates 11-1.

Enya Moore scoring for Stowupland at Portman Road

 Rabey sent back on for Stowupland replacing Williams at the back as they look to see out the close stages of the match, Penny into Allen wide right her cross scooped up into the area, caught well by Huggins at her near post. The final whistle blow at it’s Sudbury’s fans to roar out a cheer as they win this season’s Suffolk Women’s County Cup. 

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 11-1 Stowupland Falcons Women

 Never looked in doubt from the word go. An early goal is always going to settle any nerves and dampen the underdogs spirit. Sudbury moving the ball quickly using the pitch breaking down the flanks soon getting a 2nd and a 3rd despite the horrendous conditions play suspended with them 6 up after 40 minutes. The long delay thankfully seeing the rain ease and the pitch drain enough for the game to resume a penalty seeing Sudbury 7 up at the break. Stowupland continued to work hard keep the score down and try to find an opportunity of their own eventually forcing Carter into a save before Sudbury rang the changes again and extended the lead eventually reaching double figures, but not a clean sheet as Stowupland grabbed themselves a goal at the finish. The win probably never in doubt Stowupland nevertheless enjoying the occasion at Portman Road.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Glad I didn’t have to call this one at the game as I knew it was a tough one. Also know my notes can help immensely in that regards. A few performances of note to mention of course. For Stowupland the defence was under the cosh throughout nut still gave it there al, Ebonie Calvert and Eloise Flack with some good challenges. Clare Bevan running through the middle trying to unlock the defence for the attackers. Mollie Frost when she could making her presence felt. Sudbury were lively throughout using the whole squad moved the ball well creating numerous chances. Jess Allen with some great movement on the right setting up chances getting on the score sheet. Sophie Jeffery opening the scoring getting on well down the opposite wing. Eva Frazzoni with some great link up play and movement into the channels scoring a quality goal. The award though goes to the hat-trick scorer Alex Penny coming on to score a brilliant free kick. Ran constantly at the Stowupland back line creating chances and took her 2nd and 3rd goals well.

AFC Sudbury Women 2023/24 Suffolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Congratulations to AFC Sudbury Women on winning this season’s Suffolk Women’s County Cup.

  A late one in the finish but got the game finished 10.45 when I left the stadium the celebrations still going on The rain holding off or the 2nd half coming back with a vengeance for the drive back to Norfolk. Full credit to Suffolk Fa and Ipswich Town FC for coping with the atrocious conditions, play having to be suspended the fans patient the pitch drained enough to get the final finished. A night to remember no doubt. A great occasion and experience for the players and managers of both clubs. Thanks to everyone for their assistance tonight, and the hospitality. Good to catch up with Darrell Allen too, despite our shared interest in the game haven’t crossed paths much this season, but will hopefully do it again on Wednesday with a top of the table clash in Norfolk Division One possibly seeing the title won.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

Friday 17th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

Beginning another long weekend of cup final football action this Friday evening with a trip to Newmarket Town FC’s, Tristal Stadium to watch the final of this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup, between the top two in the Women’s Premiership, runners-up Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds play league winners, Whittlesey Athletic Ladies going for an impressive treble having won the Women’s Invitation Final just over a week ago.

The Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup contested by the sides playing across all three divisions in the county, this time around the final featuring the two sides who have proved to be strongest in the top flight within that set-up. The competition proudly sponsored by The Alan Boswell Group that has been involved with the league in Cambridgeshire in various guises for close to 20 years now.

This evenings prize.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds one of the longest established sides within the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership under the leadership of Ashley Hunt and Ryan Lee have grown throughout the season finishing strongly with 7 wins in a row to pull 12 points clear of the pack to secure 2nd spot behind winners, Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Both are to step back from the dugout after this evenings final with the club bringing in Shane Lebbon to manage the side, has a wealth of experience coaching within the woman’s game in Cambridgeshire having previously been with Newmarket Town Women, coaching at all levels, developing and bringing youth players into the 1st team. 

Fulbourn with a strong attacking quartet, scoring plenty of goals between them this campaign, Ellie Woodley on target to score 41 goals so far this season in 21 games. Captain, Marie Stubbings, often amongst the goals has 21 to her name while Ebony Crook and Eve Seyf has scored 18 and 14 respectfully. Face a tough test in this evenings final having lost heavily to Whittlesey in both there matches this season.

They aren’t the only club to lose heavily to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies this season however, with the club reforming it’s women’s side this season, pulling in players from a strong talent pool in the Peterborough area, easily equipped for tier 6. Can’t enter at that level however and have to be promoted from a county league, going straight into the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, hit the ground running and never looked back a 100% record on their way to the league title after 16 of there 18 league matches, strong in the cup competitions too as they proved in the final of the Women’s Invitation Cup final last Thursday, beating Cambridge United WFC’s U18s 2-1 to make it a league and cup double.

Emma Pollard opening the scoring for Whittlesey back then has enjoyed another 50 plus goals season in front of goal, 58 last season as she helped Cardea FC Ladies to a league and cup double too, has 52 this season in just 15 matches. Tara Parker with 15 goals and Taylor dean also into double figures on 10. A cup hangover (maybe) saw them lose their 100% record last Sunday, a 1-0 defeat away to Cambridge University Women. Tonight though a chance to complete the treble.

 Road to the Final

 Both sides receiving a bye in the 1st round of the League Cup. The goals flowing for both in the 2nd road. Fulbourn especially as thy were at home taking on Division Three side Cambridge Rangers WFC Reserves. Ellie Woodley alone firing home 7 goals. Ebony Crook and Marie Stubbings getting 4 apiece. with a brace each for Eve Seyf and Katie Luddy in a 19-0 romp. Whittlesey at home against fellow Premiership side Cambridge University Women, Emma Pollard smashing home 4 goals, Jenna Nairn was to net a brace with Hannah Murphy, Taylor Dean and captain, Leah Barnes all getting a goal each in a 9-0 win.

Fulbourn continuing their goal scoring form in the League Cup as they took on Chatteris Town Lillie Ladies, from Division Two in the 3rd Round of the competition. Woodley and Crook both scoring a hat-trick, surpassed by Stubbings who grabbed another 4 goal haul with Hollie Turner also on target in an 11-0 win. Whittlesey handed the away win having been drawn against Division Three side, Willingham Wolves Women.

Into the last 8 of the League Cup, Fulbourn on the road this time taking on Division Two side, Waterbeach Colts WFC. Their attackers continuing their strong form in front of goal, Crook getting herself a hat-trick with Seyf firing in a brace, Woodley scoring too in a 6-1 victory. Whittlesey away to in the quarter finals up against Division Two title chasing Godmanchester Town Ladies, a rare game where Pollard didn’t score, they progressed into the semi-finals courtesy to a 2-0 win, Taylor Dean and Jenna Nairn with the goals.

Into the semi-finals an all Premiership line-up, Fulbourn at home taking on Newmarket Town Women Development, Woodley’s goals seeing them into the final, scoring a hat-trick to advance with a 3-1 win. Whittlesey at home too taking on Leverington Sports Ladies, who had improved over the 2nd half of the season pulling away from the bottom of the table. Goalless at the break, Whittlesey would break the deadlock in the 2nd half to into win the game 3-0 with goals from Murphy, Pollard and Megan Strickland.

Newmarket Town FC’s Tristal Stadium hosting some big matches this weekend, not only this evening’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final, but a huge game for the men’s first team on Saturday as they take on Mulbarton Wanderers in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division Play-off final. Onto Sunday the ground hosting this season’s ERWFL Finals Day. The ground featuring a state of the art cork based artificial playing surface. A seated stand on one side beside the clubhouse and changing rooms with the bar and kitchen hatch open. A warm evening, dry with a few clouds around but no rain likely.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Julie Brown, Nat Wells, Seema Grewal, Jess Anderson, Jess Adams, Mollie Turner, Dani Quinn, Marie Stubbings, Ebony Crook, Eve Seyf & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Rachel Fallow, Sarah Bodger, Gaby Gallegos Garrido & Amy Smith.

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies starting XI – Zoe Shepherd, Megan Strickland, Maisie Homden, Hannah Johnson, Alice MacNicol (C), Hannah Murphy, Jenna Nairn, Taylor Dean, Mia Wilson, Tara Parker & Emma Pollard. Subs – Grace Spencer, Katie Barber, Jorja Badcock & Olivia Smith.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  An injury blow for Whittlesey with captain, Leah Barnes out on crutches. Played a big part in there Invitation Cup success, however they do welcome back Hannah Murphy and Hannah Johnson to the starting line up with Jorja Badcock on the bench. Alice MacNicol captaining the side as they get the League Cup final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing an all blue kit. Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing sky blue coloured shirts with claret trim and sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. The ball rolled back to Hannah Johnson in defence, fed up to Jenna Nairn looks to pick out Emma Pollard in attack pulling into the left channel, Jess Adams intercepting the ball for Fulbourn.

Fulbourn looking to press the ball win a series of throw ins on there left looknig to get forwards. Playing the ball into midfield, Hollie Turner into Eve Seyf looks to play Ellie Woodley in behind, MacNicol closing her down to tackle regain possession for Whittlesey. Fulbourn positive pushing on up the right, Seyf combining with Woodley out wide, her cross clipped into the area, cleared by Hannah Johnson for Whittlesey.

Fulbourn’s Eve Seyf with Ellie Woodley

Seyf making a nuisance of herself on the right in attack looking to see the ball into her feet, skip past her marker, turning inside is brought down, winning Fulbourn a free-kick in an inviting position 25 yards out. Ebony Crook over the set-piece, floated the ball in towards the far post, runners closing in however Whittlesey goalkeeper, Zoe Shepherd takes the ball cleanly above her head.

Fulbourn have Whittlesey penned back in their own half as Seema Grewal plays the ball into the middle helped on up to Seyf in attack as captain Marie Stubbings making a move to race in between the centre backs threads the pass on for her to attack, Shephard quickly out of her area gets there in the nick of time to kick the ball clear the ball out for a throw on the right.

For all there forward play at the start of the game Fulbourn have to be wary of the counter attack, Emma Pollard ready and waiting up top for the ball to be cleared into her path, Nairn lifting it into the left channel Pollard, clips it across to the right for Hannah Murphy into the right channel attempts to send, Tara Parker into the box, Adams close on the attacker getting her foot in to stop the ball reaching its target.

Fulbourn quick to turn play around launch the counter attack, Dani Quinn playing the ball forwards Crook left helping it on for Seyf racing in behind the Whittlesey defence into the box the keeper coming to close the angle, Seyf shoots, the ball racing wide of the right post, a corner given the keeper with the merest of touches keeping it out. The corner whipped into the six yard box by Crook, over Quinn jumping central, cleared back out to Crook on the right, sends her cross over.

Whittlesey’s Maisie Homden after Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

Parker loosing her boot as she is fouled trying to break clear wide on the left on halfway. Whittlesey bringing players up as the ball is lifted into the top of the Fulbourn box, Quinn heading the ball away. Fulbourn move the ball right Crook over on that side putting it on for Woodley central, in turn playing it forwards into Seyf, close control wriggles her way through the defence into the area, one on one with the keeper as Shephard comes to close her down, stays big as Seyf looks to place her shot past her, the keeper getting her left glove on the ball making a superb save to concede the corner. Curled in near post defended by Maisie Homden. A pause in play with MacNicol down inside the box with a knock, but okay to play on.

Whittlesey goalkeeper, Zoe Shepherd

GOAL! The deadlock is broken, Whittlesey having had to work hard at the back in the opening 10 minutes to keep a lively Fulbourn out hit their opponents on the counter, Nairn playing a great ball into Pollard left channel combines well with Parker in attack the pair playing the ball back and forth making their way forwards Pollard inside to Parker getting the return pass slipping the ball into the box behind the Fulbourn defence for Parker bursting into the area, before smashing her shot into past the keeper into the back of the net 0-1.

Tara Parker celebrates after scoring Whittlesey’s opening goal

Two good chances for Fulbourn not taken, Whittlesey clinical in their first meaningful attack open the scoring. Energised now get forwards Nairn combining with Pollard in the middle spots Homden on the move left wing breaking down the wing in behind with the ball, pushed to the by-line, can’t keep her cross in play. Murphy playing the ball onto Taylor Dean, who is fouled inside the Fulbourn half beside the centre circle on the right. Nairn to send the ball long towards the far post, MacNicol up from the back tries to get her head on the ball but can’t quite reach it as it runs behind for the goal kick.

Stubbings putting Woodley in on the right plays the ball down the line for Seyf to attack a race for the ball with Homden the defender seeing the ball out for a corner kick. Crook lifting an in swinging ball in high central, Shephard up well to make a comfortable claim. Fulbourn getting the ball moving in the final 3rd, Seyf feeding the ball out to Woodley wide right this time, looking to take the ball on, Homden with her the full back challenging to win the ball back.

 GOAL! Whittlesey always looking for Pollard up top whenever they regain position and the attacker is always looking to make herself available pulls left as Nairn wins the ball in the middle, picks her out with the past, Pollard racing away down the win, pace to cut back into the area before flashing a ball in across the face of goal, Julie Brown in goal looking to get something on it, the ball deflected into the onrushing Parker for her to turn the ball home for her 2nd of the game 0-2.

Tara parker doubling Whittlesey’s lead

Nairn comes close to putting Pollard through to score Whittlesey’s 3rd moments later lifting the ball into the left channel, Pollard seeing it drop over her shoulder top of the area, ready to latch onto her shot, Brown reacting sharply out to the top of her area, making the blocking save with her legs to deflect the ball away from danger.

GOAL! Whittlesey upping their game midway through the first half winning a corner on the right, players up rom the back, the initial corner lifted into the near post defended cleared out to the right lands at Dean’s feet, blasts the ball back into the box, blocked coming back out to the right a measured cross curled in across the goal the the far post with MacNicol in position to nod the ball down into the back of the net. 0-3.

Alice MacNicol heads Whittlesey into a 3 goal lead

A huge blow to Fulbourn with 2 good chances to take the lead, find themselves 3 goals down in the opening 23 minutes. Whittlesey lively as Murphy finds Dean out wide on the right her cross in towards the top of the area intercepted by Fulbourn’s Jess Anderson. Woodley central threads the ball on for Stubbings looking to break in behind, Johnson having dropped off, having a crucial half yard head start on the attacker getting to the ball first to put out for a throw in the corner. Fulbourn press well to bring themselves a corner.

Played into the near side helped on across the six yard dropping far post, Homden covering the post sees it out for another corner on the right. Crook’s delivery knocked down into the area, Seyf looking to latch onto it central, Murphy charging the ball down for Whittlesey.

Parker fouled on halfway as she looks to break away with the ball. Nairn to play the ball from right to left in towards the far post, Murphy jumping but over the attacker, nevertheless retrieves the ball on the by-line to spin back inside and flash the ball in across the face of the Fulbourn goal. Pollard with the ball at her feet right, Nat Wells sliding in slows her down by Pollard stays on her feet to cut the ball back into the area from the by-line, Parker looking to hit it first time, fires her strike wide.

Stubbings 30 yard out central with Crook to her left the pass into her played forwards with Woodley looking to surge into the box, MacNicol getting in close to prevent the shot, Woodley’s attempt deflected off her legs up over the crossbar.

Nairn winning the ball for Whittlesey central attempts to pick out Pollard pulling into the left channel once again, her touch a little too heavy this time allowing Adams the opportunity to get her foot through the ball before she can take it on. Woodley fouled outside the box on the left for Fulbourn the free kick fired in towards goal, Shepherd reacting late saving the ball with her legs, Whittlesey looing to mobilise a counter attack, Quinn stopping the advance for Fulbourn.

Fulbourn undeterred by falling 3 goals behind still going forwards looking to create something, win a throw high on the right, put into Seyf’s feet turns well to put a cross into the top of the area, Stubbings running in making contact with her knee places the ball wide of the near post. MacNicol just about gets there to tackle Woodley top of the area as Crook looks to play her in on goal.

Nairn strong to win the ball turns to pick out Pollard going left, has Homden on the sprint to get ahead of her on the overlap, Brown has to come racing out of her area to kick the ball clear. Whittlesey press on the right Dean with Wilson a corner kick won, Lifted in near side defended knocked out to the right, Murphy latching onto the shot, the ball fired into the crowded near post area, blocked turned behind for another corner, again defended at the near post back to the corner taker the cross turned over the bar.

Whittlesey bringing of Wilson, send on Katie Barber. Woodley left on for Seyf ahead of her, Johnson on her shoulder to pressure the shot, put straight at the keeper. Seyf getting about the pitch in the final 3rd stealing into the box on the right as the diagonal ball comes into her, can’t dig the shot out of her feet however instead putting the ball in central for Woodley, Whittlesey quickly into her to close the ball down.

Quinn getting up the pitch to win the ball for Fulbourn central plays it forwards into Woodley before making a run to the right, Woodley linking up with Seyf beside her who in turn picks out Quinn wide inside the box, her shot curled in across goal wide at the far post. Fulbourn pressing for a goal late in the first half, Crook on to Woodley left forwards into Seyf looking to race into the box Johnson looking to stay on her shoulder, Seyf gets her shot away looking to go across goal into the bottom corner, Shephard diving down to her left making another fine save getting her gloves on the ball.

Grewal getting forwards on the right picking out Woodley ahead of her turns to release Seyf down the right wing before making a run into the D, Seyf looking to find her with the cross, MacNicol in to close her down the shot blocked taking the sting out of it runs safely through to the keeper.

Pollard’s pace attacking down the right wins Whittlesey a corner, an in swinging delivery across the six yard, MacNicol nodding in down into the mix at the far post, the ball scrambled over the bar. Fulbourn get on the move left Grewal inside for Woodley, running in behind, Johnson looking to stay on her into the box, Shepherd coming the other way to block the ball deflected out to the left, Stubbings looking to race onto it, Strickland sliding in to get to it first clear the threat.

Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 0-3 Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

  The sides head into the changing rooms at the break with Whittlesey holding a 3-0 advantage. Could have been a very different score line had Fulbourn put away their early chances, the difference between the sides in the first period Whittlesey clinical when they’ve had their chances, making them counter looking a threat on the break. Fulbourn undeterred have kept getting forwards looking for an opportunity to score and have forced goalkeeper, Zoe Shepherd into making some excellent saves. Still a lot of work to do if they are to get themselves into the game 2nd half, will have to come forwards and Whittlesey with the advantage an be patient with Pollard up top ready to spring into action.

The floodlights taking full effect as the sides emerge for the 2nd half. Fulbourn to get the 2nd half underway have changed their keeper, with Rachel Fallow in in place of Brown, Whittlesey immediately into hustle the ball, nick possession to lift the cross field pass out to Pollard on the right, sends it across the top of the area for Homden getting on down the wing, Grewal challenging to get the ball away from danger for Fulbourn.

Homden needing to defend up the other end putting the ball out for a throw as Seyf looking to march on down the wing. The ball taken to the by-line fired in central, Woodley looking to attack it, Strickland clears back to the right for Whittlesey, lifted into the near side right of goal Johnson defending the ball back out wide before the cross is flashed in wide across the face of goal.

Whittlesey’s Hannah Johnson

Fulbourn prepared to push on take on the Whittlesey defence, Stubbings with room in the middle picking out Seyf with her pass on the right, knocking it on down the line, Homden getting across her body to shield the ball out of play for a goal kick. Fulbourn pushed up the ball coming into Wells deep on the left lifts the ball high into the box at the near post, Shepherd up well to take with Seyf closing in.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

Stubbings across to put in the challenge on Dean as the Whittlesey forward looks to advance on the right. Again Fulbourn press the ball well in the final 3rd without finding a way through then Whittlesey with a couple of passes forwards spring the counter, Pollard looking to race on with the ball into the left channel, however Anderson gets out to close her down tackles to win the ball back.

Whittlesey’s Taylor Dean

Dean on for Pollard on the right travels with the ball squaring a dangerous ball into the top of the six yard box, a vital touch from Fallow getting her gloves on the ball knocking it down to claim, especially with Barber running in behind the keeper ready to turn the ball home.

Fulbourn goalkeeper, Rachel Fallow

MacNicol down again for Whittlesey, having pulled up a couple of times in the first half, needs to come off this time, Whittlesey sending on Jorja Badcock. Fulbourn pushing on looking to cause problems for the Whittlesey defence winning a throw high on the left the ball flighted into the area, headed away by Johnson. Nairn getting the ball into her feet playing it into Murphy on for parker outside the box right of the D, moves inside looking for room to shoot, Anderson staying on her as Adams closes ranks the moment lost. 

Jess Adams

 Seyf getting on with the ball right side for Fulbourn sends the cross into the box turned behind by Strickland for a corner kick. Flung in near post players up to attack it, knocked on across goal out beyond the far post. Whittlesey dropping back inviting Fulbourn on allowing Quinn and Turner to press higher. Parker back on the cover to clear a Fulbourn free-kick launched up field for Pollard to chase down on the right, her initial cross into the box blocked comes back out to her Wells moving in to close her down Pollard playing the ball off the defender for a corner. Curled into the six yard box from the right, Pollard the player under it at the far post turns her header wide.   

  GOAL! Whittlesey powerful on the counter attack, Nairn seeing what’s ahead of her s she wins the ball back in the middle, lifting her pass up towards the right of the D for Pollard to attack, in a race with Wells, the defender trying to play it back to her keeper, but rushing out the other way they get too close, Fallow slicing the ball inside towards the penalty spot, Pollard reacting faster ducking inside to get onto the ball and side foot it into the empty net 0-4.

Emma Pollard extending Whittlesey’s lead in the 2nd half

  Whittlesey extending their lead midway through the 2nd half, Pollard getting herself on the score sheet. nip in to regain possession high Parker on the ball feeding it up to Pollard, Anderson lunging in to make the tackle. Barber advancing on the right as Whittlesey look to up the tempo comes inside heading for the box, Wells closing her down as Anderson makes the blocking tackle. Dean with Homden up on the left the ball played into the box headed away for a throw in the corner.

 GOAL! The throw in played into Pollard who turns on the ball and breaks into the box, left corner, angles her powerfully hit strike across the keeper into the corner of the net to make it 5. 0-5

 Whittlesey with two quick fire goals from Pollard pulling into a 5 goal lead. Making a change with 20 minutes to play as Dean comes off, Olivia smith on. Fulbourn having pushed on don’t let their heads drop, continue to attack looking for a goal of their own, Quinn letting fly from 20 yards out right of the D sees her shot come back of the post, Fulbourn pushing up winning a corner on the left. Knocked on across goal to the far post running out to Quinn on the angle her shot blasted in blocked by the Whittlesey defence. 

Hannah Murphy

  Turner playing the ball on for Stubbings central in attack looks to twist and turn find a way through the Whittlesey defence, Johnson closing her down. Wells putting the challenge in to put the ball out for a throw on the right as Barber drives down the right wing for Whittlesey. Badcock seeing the ball into her feet in attack central has Barber running past her rolls the ball into her path her 20 yard shot blocked at close range by Anderson. Badcock up with Pollard the ball played into the attacker 20 yards out, puts her shot straight at the keeper. 

  GOAL! Fulbourn awarded a free-kick inside the Whittlesey half to the right of the centre circle the ball floated into the area headed out to the right drops straight to Quinn beyond the far post, puts her foot through the ball and blasts her shot from an acute angle into the back of the net, their endeavour getting them a deserved goal 1-5.

Dani Quinn pulling a goal back for Fulbourn

 10 minutes left on the clock, Fulbourn pulling one goal back scoring against Whittlesey at last but their opponents still have a commanding lead. Wells firing the ball inside to Turner in the middle on for Quinn linking up with Stubbings through the middle, Murphy back to defend for Whittlesey. Nairn’s balls forwards up to Pollard so dangerous, the striker getting on the move, Anderson quick to close her down, nick the ball for Fulbourn. 

Eve Seyf

  Wells coming forwards has Seyf up ahead of her, the ball played on Seyf feeding it to Woodley left of the D, turns playing it across to Crook on the right, Homden cutting out the cross, back with Crook her 2nd attempt behind for a corner kick, the ball dropping in near post headed on across the six yard falling before Seyf, can’t get it out from under her feet before Whittlesey close her down.

 Fulbourn keep going Wells playing the ball up to Seyf left level with the box fires an inviting cross in along the face of the Whittlesey goal, Woodley racing in far post can’t quite get there. For a moment it looked as if Fulbourn had won a penalty, as they attack right t left Stubbings playing the ball into Seyf central is brought down, the foul however right on the line a free-kick awarded nevertheless. The set-piece struck low hitting the wall deflected behind for a corner on the right The delivery teasing flashing in  through the six yard box no one can get a touch.

Megan Strickland

  Seyf, cleaned out by Johnson out wide on the left another free-kick awarded. Fulbourn with the late pressure the ball in to the near post cleared by Strickland for a throw out on the left. The ball put across the top of the area Fulbourn pushing up the wing to get a corner on the right as the game moves into stoppage time, curled in near side, a turn on the ball and shot, the ball blocked on the line back out to the right then fired back in across the face of goal. 

 Whittlesey adsorbing a late Fulbourn push make a double change, Pollard and Nairn coming off, Wilson and Grace Spencer on. Woodley letting the ball roll cross her 30 yards out, sends a shot arrowing in straight at the keeper. Seyf sending a cross into the box from the left attacked at the far post, Homden with the block on the post. The final whistle blows and Whittlesey have done it won a league and cup treble with their newly reformed team.

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 1-5 Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

  An impressive achievement for Whittlesey to win the league and two cup finals. Were clinical on the night putting away their chances. Counter attacking well and working hard at the back pushed back at times. A great effort from Fulbourn never gave up two great chances to take the lead themselves were hit on the counter to concede the opener, Whittlesey upping their game to put two further chances away before the break with goal keeper, Zoe Shephard called into action to keep the clean sheet on a couple of occasions. Fulbourn not prepared to settle back 2nd half gave it a go to try and find away back into the match, Whittlesey could bid their time however wait for the right moment to pounce get up the other end and Pollard was on hand with a quickfire double to put the game beyond doubt Fulbourn remained positive getting the goal their attacking play deserved and never let Whittlesey settle.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, again it’s a fairly straight forward one and too a player that has won a few of these before. A few performances to mention first, for Fulbourn they worked hard up top t find a way through no one more than Eve Seyf who got about the flanks looking to take the ball down create openings unlucky not to score,. Marie Stubbings too covering a good amount of ground to make herself available for the ball and help out in midfield. Dini Quinn making some great runs forwards took her chance well, also tracking back the other way to help the defence. For Whittlesey, Tara Parker was lively up top looking to get into the box on hand to score the opening goals. Zoe Shephard made some vital saves in the first half to keep the Fulbourn out. Jenna Nairn winning the ball played some fantastic passes forwards. The award winner once again Emma Pollard, played a part in all the goals assists and putting two away in the 2nd half. Running into the channels made herself a read outlet throughout.

Emma Pollard with this season’s haul

 Congratulations to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies on winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup and for claiming an impressive treble, there aren’t many sides that can claim that.

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies 2023/24v Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup winners

  A good evening out at Newmarket, an entertaining final. Whittlesey strong all season finishing in style one game left to play. Fulbourn with a spirited performance can be proud, gave it there all. Ashley and Ryan leave the team in great shape, improved ready to challenge for honours next season. My thanks to both teams and referee Carlton Joseph for the help with the teams this evening. Back to Newmarket on Sunday for the ERWFL Finals Day, into the final run 5 games to go… 

by Darren Gilham