Category Archives: Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Harpenden Town Women

Sunday 12th April

Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Final

Onto the 2nd part of this Sunday’s Hertfordshire FA Women’s County Cup finals double bill the main event the Senior Women’s Challenge Cup, at Harpenden Town Women into their 1st County Cup final taking on 5 times winners, Stevenage FC Women.

Hertfordshire FA splitting their county cup into two competitions in 2024 with the national and regional sides contesting the Senior Challenge Cup and the the sides from tier 7 the county league sides mostly competing for the new Trophy competition won by …. this morning. As explained previously in enhances both competitions gives the lower placed league sides a competitive competition to play in and for the most part reduces one sides games and eye-watering scores which serve no purpose plus frees up weekends which can clog up the early part of the season.

This afternoon’s prize

Stevenage FC Women bringing in ex-Arsenal Women and England international, Sian Lingham as head coach at the beginning of this season as the club sets it’s budget and sights on winning the ERWFL Premier Division title and returning to the FAWNL after a 4 year absence. That they have achieved and in some style unbeaten in 20 games played winning 18 of those to clinch the title with ease. That league form transcending to the cup competitions and a potential treble on the cards winning through to the finals of the County and League Cups.

Have brought in players with extensive experience playing at a higher level most notably new captain, Sarah Wiltshire most recently at FAWNL South East Division one side, Cambridge United WFC. Has been in red hot form in front of goal closing in on 50 goals for the season! 49 so far across all competitions. Whilst at the other end Stevenage have the meanest defence conceding just 11 goals. Amy Makewell the only other player into double figures with 11, with Gemma Croucher on 9. Stevenage dominant in the county cup in recent season’s winning it 5 times since 2015, including a run of successive final appearances from then up to 2023, today their 10th final aiming to lift the trophy for a 6th time.

Harpenden Town Women in comparison into their 1st ever County Cup final, formed back in 2022 have enjoyed a fast rise up the pyramid promoted to the ERWFL in their debut season. Into Division One North enjoyed close tussle for the title just missing out on promotion by a single point to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women the following year. Made up for it the following year by clinching the league title by 3 points over Histon Ladies to achieve promotion to tier 5. The ERWFL Premier Division a steep jump for most sides coming up Harpenden have held their own currently 9th with 2 games to play.

Have saved their best form for the cup competitions making it a cup double in fact as not only have they reached their first ever County Cup final but so to the League Cup final where again they will be playing champions, Stevenage on May the 10th at Bedford Town FC. Sophia Amanor the top scorer for Harpenden in their promotion winning season rattling in 34 goals. This time around despite the jump in level Amanor has once again been potent in attack once again firing in 34 across all competitions.

Road to the Final

The Women’s Senior Challenge Cup contested by the clubs playing regional football and above in Hertfordshire. 11 sides in total. A bye for Harpenden in the first round back in October. Stevenage away to Hitchin Belles Women recently promoted to the ERWFL, Got off to a flyer with Sarah Wiltshire rattling in the fastest ever hat-trick in the game inside 3 minutes! Ashleigh Goddard also finding the back of the net for 3 goals in the first half, Amy Gooderham netting twice with a goal each for Gemma Croucher, Amy Makewell and Eva Delaney plus an opposition own goal seeing Stevenage win 12-0.

Into the New Year and the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup, Stevenage drawn away from home to play fellow Premier Division side, St Albans City Women, goals from defender, Rebecca Edge and Wiltshire plus a brace from another new addition to the squad form Cambridge United WFC, Alysha Stojko-Down securing a 4-1 victory. Harpenden also away in the last 8 taking on ERWFL Division One North side, Colney Heath Ladies. Sophia Amanor smashing the ball into the back of the net for 4 goals, Belle Shannon and Ellie Deville also scoring in a comfortable 6-0 result.

Into the last 4, Stevenage at home taking on local rivals Royston Town Women back to back winners of the Challenge Cup, up at the top end of the Premier Division too in recent season’s, a single goal just before the hour enough to seal the win Amber Pearson on target to send Stevenage into another Challenge Cup Final. Harpenden at home facing Stevenage FC Women’s Development side, sitting 2nd in Division one North, Amanor again amongst the goals netting twice with Ella mercer and Belle Shannon also finding the back of the net to send Harpenden into their 1st Challenge Cup final.

The County Ground, Letchworth again the venue for this afternoon’s final. A familiar place for Stevenage serving as their home ground in recent season’s and having the home dressing room today. Off to the café to get some much needed food between finals the sun still bright but cloud are scattered about the likelihood of showers this afternoon increasing. A good crowd building spectators taking up position all around the ground.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Faye Hazelton, Lucy Webster, Hannah Savage, Rebecca Edge, Elly Wade, Harley Carr, Rosy Wodhams, Amber Pearson, Gemma Croucher, Amy Makewell & Sarah Wiltshire (C). Subs – Sophie Shults, Leonie Telford, Alysha Stojko-Down. Eva Delaney & Ashleigh Goddard.

Stevenage FC Women

Harpenden Town Women starting XI – Daisy Strouts, Kacey Warren, Rebecca Dowdall, Lucy Ford, Amana Oguntuga, Zoe Allen, Belle Shannon, Chloe Dinsey, Ella Mercer, Ellie Deville & Sophia Amanor. Subs – Neave Wilson, Leah Shellard, Isobel Hughes, Seryan Kabongo & Erin Shacklock.

Harpenden Town Women

If the scores should remain level after 90 minutes the game going straight into a penalty shootout.

Captains, Sarah Wiltshire and Rebecca Dowdall with today’s match officials lead by referee, Andrew Marsh

A switch of ends at the start of the game with Stevenage to kick-off the first half wearing white coloured shirts with red sleeves, red shorts with white trim and white socks. Harpenden lined up opposite wearing green and yellow vertical striped shirts, green shorts and socks. The ball played back into the defence Harpenden rush on looking to close the ball down, Sophia Amanor up with Ellie Deville right side siding a cross charged down the ball out for a throw in.

From the throw high on the right Harpenden look to cause problems working a cross into the near post Amanor closing goalkeeper Faye Hazelton down stretching to try and get to the ball as the keeper gets something on the ball to take it away from her, Amanor going down awkwardly looks to be in some discomfort a concern for Harpenden so early on the contest, a pause in play as she receives treatment inside the six yard box, up on her feet but hobbling gingerly looks to try and run it off as play resumes.

A physical battle shaping up Gemma Croucher with her arm already bandaged tangling with Harpenden’s Amana Oguntuga as she looks to get the ball under control on the right going to ground getting accidentally stood on, again a long pause as she is carefully accessed but indicates to the bench she will be okay to play on.

Stevenage’s Gemma Croucher

Lively Harpenden looking to get after the ball close Stevenage down, Croucher playing a diagonal ball on for captain, Sarah Wiltshire making a run to the right, Harpenden goalkeeper, Daisy Strouts alert out to the top of her area to clear the ball for a throw.

Harpenden’s Amana Oguntuga

Stevenage off the throw working a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, Rosy Wodhams making a back stick run attempting to get it under control as it skips up on the by-line but can’t redirect it on target. Harpenden get the ball into Oguntuga right side plays it forwards to Deville the cross coming into the box from deep, claimed well by Hazelton.

Stevenage midfielder, Rosy Wodhams

GOAL! Stevenage get the ball moving forwards pushing players on as Amy Makewell links up with full back Hannah Savage on the left flank the ball fed into the box, cut out by defender, Rebecca Dowdall, Makewell latching onto the ball top of the area lashing a shot back in on goal, Strouts diving to her left pushing it out to the opposite side, chaos as Wiltshire gets hold of it firing the ball on the angle back across goal Croucher not quite able to get to it, Stevenage quick to get it back left side put back into the mix the cross back out to the right side, Amber Pearson getting her foot through the ball to blast it in at the near post to open the scoring 1-0.

Amber Pearson celebrating as she fires Stevenage into the lead

Stevenage into the lead inside the opening 11 minutes, an early blow for Harpenden, Ella Mercer pushed up latching onto a loose ball at the back form Edge to the right 35 yards out turns to shoot sending the ball wide of the near post. Croucher bringing the ball on coming inside from the left placing her pass on for Makewell as Stevenage surge forwards, Makewell sending it on for Wiltshire in the right channel plays it into the right for Pearson, Belle Shannon diving in to challenge for Harpenden.

Harpenden’s Belle Shannon

Both sides busy Harpenden working hard to get after Stevenage close the ball down get it into their attacking players, Mercer on for Deville central turns well on the ball driving forwards before attempting the through ball for Amanor looking to run off the defence, instead, Elly Wade steps up to intercept for Stevenage. Busy, play turned around Harpenden sending Deville away on the right flank making a run to try and get into the box, Savage getting her body in between her and the ball to turn it back to her keeper to kick clear.

Harpenden’s Ella Mercer

Harpenden striker, Sophia Amanor

Oguntuga putting the ball on up the right for Deville squares her cross into the middle, Amanor inside the D seeing her attempt charged down by Wade, the rebound also blocked as it’s smashed in from 25 yards out. A competitive game Harpenden causing Stevenage a few issues as they look to try an impose their presence on their opponents, Oguntuga away with the ball on the right bursting forwards her cross flashed into the near post Wade tracking Amanor shoulder to shoulder the defender with the challenge taking the ball off Amanor behind for a goal kick.

Stevenage defender, Elly Wade

Harley Carr playing the ball on for Wodhams for Stevenage as she breaks forwards looks to play Wiltshire in on the right channel, Kacey Williams stepping in to cut the pass out for Harpenden at the back. Makewell’s turn to try and pick out the run from Wiltshire into the box on the right, Strouts getting to the ball first her kick charged down by the striker, the rebound favouring Harpenden.

Chloe Dinsey getting the ball on for Harpenden putting it to Mercer moving right her shot from distance on the angle claimed by Hazelton at her near post. Lucy Webster sending the ball on for Wilshire on the right turns onto her left foot as she breaks into the box and takes on the strike half blocked by Warren, half hearted appeals for hand ball as the ball is diverted back to the keeper.

Captain, Sarah Wiltshire bringing the ball on for Stevenage

Stevenage building a little momentum as the game approaches the half hour mark Carr into Wiltshire taking the ball right flashes a cross into the six yard box, both Croucher and Makewell making runs to attack the ball just over both, wide past the far post, Wodhams retrieves but is closed down before she can get a meaningful ball back into the mix. Zoe Allen left into Dinsey central for Harpenden lays it forwards for Amanor looks to take on the ball drive towards the box, closed down by Edge the ball cleared.

Up the other end Wiltshire after the ball into the right gets her side a corner kick, the delivery into the near side initially cleared, coming back to Pearson at the top of the area right of goal sends a shot looping in up over the crossbar. An intriguing match up, Oguntuga wriggling free of her marker on the right, her cross fired into the near post Wade tracking back on Amanor as she looks to attack it turned behind for a corner kick. The corner cleared back to Mercer on the right sees her 2nd attempt to put a cross in charged down by Savage out for a throw in the corner.

Amana Oguntuga with Stevenage’s Hannah Savage

Possession back with Harpenden in the middle Mercer opening up her body to lay the ball forwards into Amanor, inside the D turning on the ball to unleash a shot in low, Hazelton down sharply to make the save with her legs. A chance up the other end as Wiltshire sends the ball on for Croucher making a run into the box wide right, Strouts coming out to try and close her down Croucher already moving away from goal tries to get the ball back past her, but so too wide of the near post.

Savage looks to break away for Stevenage left side running into the corner, Oguntuga going with her the pair coming together going down awkwardly the cross findings it’s way into the six yard block play goes on as a scramble ensues the ball blocked at close range popping up for Wiltshire right of goal, sending it back in, Strouts getting hold of it. Play stopped then as both Savage and Oguntuga have stayed down, looked to be a nasty one, Savage the first back to her feet, Oguntuga however in alot of discomfort feeling her ankle, hopping to the side-line doesn’t want to come off but waved back on as play resumes she knows she can’t continue the change has to be made. Leah Shellard coming on in her place on the right.

Amy Makewell on the attack for Stevenage

The substitute nips in to get hold of the ball on the right, drives forwards on the flank, Edge getting back at her to tackle deny the cross, the ball popping loose back for Mercer to put one into the box from deep long to the far post no one can get there. Shannon into Dinsey on for Deville left of the D, looks to get it down turn to shoot, Edge in to close her down with the blocking tackle. Dowdall stepping in to win the ball as Wiltshire breaks on into the right channel. Webster with a strong run from the back for Stevenage carrying the ball forwards the final pass looking for Wiltshire pulling right intercepted by Ford.

Into injury time at the end of the 1st half several minutes to be added due to the injuries, Harpenden with a free-kick out on the left put in from deep, Hazelton punching the ball clear out of her box falling to Mercer 25 yards out has Dinsey to the right laying the ball into her digs out the shot dropping wide of goal. A late break from Stevenage as Makewell takes the ball on playing in Wiltshire to the right, checks back inside to shoot on the angle, into the near post Strouts behind it blocking with her chest collecting the ball on the bounce. Harpenden mount on last attack Allen into the box as Amanor helps the ball on left side in front of goal slides in accidentally on Wade as the defender gets the ball clear, up okay as the whistle blows for half-time.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-0 Harpenden Town Women

A competitive 1st half drawing to a close, Amber Pearson’s 11th minute strike the difference between the sides, has been a physical contest, Harpenden working hard to get after Stevenage on the ball stretched at the back as a result sometimes, Stevenage yet to capitalise getting layers forwards well, Harpenden keeping numbers up to attack the ball in the final third a few half chances and Amanor forcing Hazelton into a crucial save to keep the clean sheet. A single goal in it still very much all to play for players to bring off the bench you feel there are more goals waiting in the 2nd half.

No changes for either side at the break, the sun still shining the threat of a shower looking to have passed as Harpenden get the 2nd half underway the ball hit long into the left channel, Webster dealing with it for Stevenage. Stevenage get the ball on through the middle, Croucher with Wodhams into Wiltshire up top looks to spin off, Ford try and get into the box right side, the defender getting back on her shoulder forcing her off the ball.

A lively start to the 2nd half, both sides after each other in the centre, Carr wining it for Stevenage on for Makewell, her pass out wide to Wiltshire cut out by Allen.

Harpenden’s Zoe Allen

GOAL! Harpenden pour players forwards as they break through the middle Deville linking up with Amanor pulling left of the D, comes back inside to fire the ball in across the top of the area picking out Shellard positioned to the right of the D, digs the shot out to see it loop up past the keeper into the back of the net to level up the score 1-1.

Leah Shellard levelling up the scores for Harpenden

Harpenden back on level terms five minutes into the 2nd half. The game end to end as Harpenden halt a Stevenage surge through the middle, the ball out with Allen on the left plays it on for Deville her cross cleared by Wade.

Stevenage defender, Lucy Webster

Webster defending for Stevenage inside the box as Harpenden win a throw high on the left looks to dribble the ball out of the area almost runs into trouble as Amanor closes her down her attempt at goal blocked the ball cleared.

Stevenage’s Rebecca Edge setting herself up to tackle Amanor as she drives forwards with the ball

Harpenden confident as they come forwards with Allen on the ball taking the ball inside on for Mercer making a central run ahead of her, tackled by Wade top of the D. Mercer getting the ball out to Shellard wide right pressing on with the ball, Edge moves out to close her down, going down in the tackle and staying down in alot of discomfort another long pause in play as she receives treatment, doesn’t look like she can continue as she is helped off the pitch taken off on comes Leonie Telford, into right back seeing Webster move inside.

An hour gone the game resumes Hazelton hitting the ball long to Wiltshire breaking right channel, looks to make a nuisance of herself but can’t get a shot away. Deville tackled as she takes the ball on from Allen left side, wide all of 3 yards out Shannon over the ball takes on the shot over the wall but over at the near post. Wiltshire winning a corner on the left as her cross is blocked. Emotions high from the Harpenden bench as Savage is upended in front of their bench the free-kick going against them. From deep launched up into the area, Wiltshire looking to bring it down an awkward angle to try and carve out a shot, Ford into close her down the ball away.

Hazelton out to the right of her box to get down and claim the ball as Amanor looks to power her way clear on the right. Deville squeezing the ball away out on the left turning inside, Telford back on her the cross deflected long across the top of the area Amanor over in the right corner lacking support works the ball well to gain a corner kick. Curled into the near post, Wade getting something on it to get it away for Stevenage. Pearson coming on well through the middle sends the ball into Makewell inside the D, lets it run past her with Wiltshire pulling off her to get in behind the defence, Strouts out smartly to gather it up first.

Harpenden goalkeeper, Daisy Strouts

Shannon looks to hit the ball on the run from range as Mercer lays the ball into her path for Harpenden the attempt blazing over. The game moving into the final 15 minutes but again there will be several minutes of stoppages to add, Makewell chasing the ball down on the by-line holding it up as Croucher gets on in support top left of the box the ball played into her, Deville back to help in defence for Harpenden closing her down. Pearson from 30 yards out frustrated as she slices a shot wide.

GOAL! Pearson chasing down the ball on the right the game stretched players racing to get into the box the cross in from the by-line flashing in across the face of goal, Wiltshire throwing herself at it at the far post to turn the ball over to restore Stevenage’s lead and score her 50th goal of the season in the process 2-1.

Sarah Wiltshire celebrates as she scores her 50th Stevenage goal of the season.

Stevenage making a chance immediately after with Makewell giving way for Eva Delaney. The great stretched Stevenage counter Wodhams looking to release Delaney out on the right into space, the pass a little strong, Delaney nevertheless stopping it from going out of play and then sending a diagonal ball back towards to top of the area for Wodhams to attack her shot saved by Strouts legs as she gets down to block.

Pearson trying her luck out wide on the left angling a shot in with pace towards goal her effort brushing off the top of the crossbar. Harpenden making a change bringing off Mercer, on comes Erin Shacklock. Amanor getting the ball on for Deville breaking on into the right channel, savage in to challenge her for Stevenage. Amanor with the ball in the right channel held up plays it back inside for Shannon 25 yards out strikes the shot in on goal, her attempt narrowly over the crossbar. Another change for Harpenden, Deville the player taken off, Seryan Kabongo entering the action with 85 minutes played.

Kacee Warren and Amy Makewell

Wiltshire sending a cross form a deep position on the left into the box, Wodhams forwards keeping it in play wide of goal but can’t do anything with it before being closed down by Warren. A frantic finish to the match Harpenden keen to get the ball forwards, Webster cutting a ball out as they look to go left. Harpenden with a free-kick from halfway lifting up to the top of the area, Kabongo trying to get hold of it, closed down.

Amanor booked as she is deemed to have kicked the ball away after the offside flag goes up against her as she surges on in the right channel. All action as Amanor gets the ball inside the D from the right, Kabongo looking to take it on Wade diving in with the tackle the ball away for the throw. Hazelton kicking the ball long up field looking for Wiltshire pulling of the last defender, Warren keeping close attention to the bouncing ball. 6 minutes of stoppage time to be played Harpenden pushing hard to find an equaliser, Amanor strong winning a corner on the right. The in-swinger taken comfortably by Hazleton. Shannon with a wild punt from range 30 yards out the ball swerving through the air running wide of the right post.

GOAL! Harpenden pushing p[layers on with the clock ticking down 3 minutes of injury time played overload the right Shellard and Amanor linking up with Kabongo who out wide 20 yards out smashes her foot through the ball driving it on low across goal and into the bottom corner to cue wild celebrations 2-2!

Seryan Kabongo striking to fire Harpenden back on level terms in stoppage time

GOAL! Just as Harpenden have done enough to force the game into a shootout, Stevenage hit back straight away breaking on in attack the ball Croucher putting the ball on for Wiltshire into space on the right taking the ball on sends a vicious cross into the six yard box, Pearson sliding in at the near post to send it home and put them back into the lead, 3-2!

Stevenage hit straight back, Amber Pearson making it 3-2!

Seconds left, Wiltshire looking to run the ball into the corner to eat up valuable time. Pearson coming off, with Alysha Stojko-Down on to see out the game. Harpenden getting a last gasp corner, everyone up into the box including the keeper as Crick fires the ball into the box from the left, cleared up to Telford looks to try and get it down try to get a strike at the empty net, Kabongo covering the ground to get back on her. The last action of the game as Stevenage come out on top in a dramatic finish to the game to win the Challenge Cup for the 6th time

Everyone up for the corner

Full time Stevenage FC Women 3-2 Harpenden Town Women

Well that was certainly a dramatic end to the Challenge Cup Final, Harpenden giving it a real go the score-line much closer than some predicted, as will give Harpenden plenty of encouragement despite losing it in such a fashion. Stevenage make to earn the win but were as determined themselves holding a slender lead at the break, were pegged back by Harpenden early on the 2nd half coming back to take the lead with Wilshire scoring her 50th goal of the season, Harpenden made changes kept coming pushing hard and found the equaliser in stoppage time, but you’re never more vulnerable than when you score and Stevenage hit straight back getting the ball on and in across the face of goal for Pearson to slide in and score the winning goal. The two sides meeting again in the League Cup Final, Harpenden knowing they can compete, Stevenage on course for the treble will know they can’t be complacent.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to choose the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the day, again a tough one to call, and exciting cup final both sides playing their part. A few performances to mention, firstly for Harpenden, Sophia Amanor is a handful to deal with up top strong holding up the ball and prepared to take players on whilst readily setting up others. Ella Mercer go forwards well to support the attack pressing the ball high along side Chloe Dinsey. Kacee Warren at the back with a number of useful tackles. For Stevenage Elly Wade was strong at the back closing the ball down, putting her body in to block and intercept. Gemma Croucher busy getting about the pitch taking the ball and players on. Sarah Wiltshire making several great runs lively getting into the channels, looking to find and opening as scored her 50th Stevenage goal in just her 1st season with the club. The award going to the match winner, Amber Pearson, opened the scoring used the ball well and got on to support the attack.

Stevenage FC Women 2025/26 Hertfordshire FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup winners

Congratulations to Stevenage FC Women on winning their 6th Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup and completing a double.

Another enjoyable day down in Hertfordshire, two great finals, and the weather was mostly fine. Good to catch up with both sides and thanks to Stevenage for supplying me with the team info. Thanks too, to Hertfordshire FA’s, Seb Hutchinson for his assistance today much 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

Cup Final Special – Ely City Women v Spalding United Women

Thursday 9th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

Heading down the A10 this evening for my 2nd cup final of the season, this time from Cambridgeshire with the Women’s League Cup taking place at Ely City FC’s, Demcom Stadium with Ely City Women’s team playing at their home stadium facing new side Spalding United Women.

The cup final season getting into full swing with plenty of showcase games to come across the East of England. This season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup once again sponsored The Alan Boswell Group who have long supported women’s football in the county.

This evenings prize

Ely City Women reaching their 2nd cup final in successive season’s having played in last season’s, Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation cup final, then a Division Three side, losing narrowly to Division one side, Cambridge Rangers WFC. Going onto clinch promotion to Division Two this season have become an integral part of Ely City FC itself, the club long supporting women’s football, hosting finals as well as the home of Cambridge United and Cambridge City Women for a spell. Forming their own women’s side in 2022, after a slow start building a strong squad to gain promotion, have further added a Reserves side this campaign, the 1st team making a strong account of themselves in Division Two currently in 4th position. Charliene Murombo joining Ely this season current joint top scorer with 7 goals to her name along side Danni Youngs with both Beth Horsfield and Treasure Nwanebu on 5 apiece. A special occasion for Ely City Women with this season’s final being played at their home venue.

Spalding United Women (The Tulips) a new side established this season with a strong squad with mixture of experience and young talent the South Lincolnshire side going straight into Division One in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football league. Playing catch up early on in the season as they were involved in a number of cup games a useful run in the FA Women’s Cup as well as going all the way to the finals of both the League Cup and senior Lincolnshire Women’s County Cup. Opening their league campaign with successive draws followed by back to back wins have lost just the one league game to date against 2nd placed Godmanchester Rovers Women back in November, haven’t looked back since wining 9 in a row to power their way to the top of the Division One table, where it looks to be a straight fight between them and Godmanchester themselves who have only lost one for the title. Plenty of goals in the squad too, Constance Onyinah the leading goal scorer netting 27 goals in her 16 appearances. Tara Parker has 17 goals from 12 games with 11 others scoring 28 goals between them. Are producing some great content on social media.

Road to the final

Ely receiving a bye in the 1st two rounds of the League Cup. Spalding with a bye too in the 1st round away to fellow Division One side, Soham Town Rangers Women in the 2nd Round, Tara Parker scoring in the 1st minute, Constance Onyinah adding a 2nd in the 1st half, Carla Penny netting twice for Soham Rangers, Spalding edging the result 3-2 with a goal from Ava Smith in the 2nd half.

Into the 3rd Round, Ely at home taking on fellow Division Two side, Lincolnshire Swifts Ladies a single goal scored by Emily Grande-Buttimer enough to secure the win and send Ely into the quarter finals. Spalding on the road again taking on newly reformed Hertfordshire side, Royston Town Women Reserves, a brace from Onyinah scoring in each half seeing them safely through to the last 8.

Ely with a tough test but home advantage in the quarter finals taking on fellow league side Real Bedford Women Development, emerging a strong title contenders early on. Hannah Dove scoring for Real Bedford, Natasha Lane scoring a goal for Ely to see the sides draw the match 1-1 before heading to a penalty shootout, Danni Youngs, Megan Dunlevy and Tiana O’Hara scoring their penalties for Ely who won the shootout 3-2 to book their spot in the semi-finals. Spalding again away from home playing another Division One side, Waterbeach Colts WFC in the quarter finals, Falling a goal behind after 15 minutes Spalding hit back straight away through Ava Smith to see the sides level at half-time, Spalding going on to score 3 goals in the 2nd half to progress into the semi-finals with a brace for Onyinah and a late goal from Alisha Rix.

Ely drawn at home for their semi-final clash as they took on the current League Cup holders, Newmarket Town Women Development. Beth Horsfield firing Ely into an early lead from a free-kick awarded for a back pass inside the box. The hosts doubling their advantage through Charliene Murombo to see them lead 2-0 at the break, worked hard in the 2nd period to defend that advantage and won through to the League Cup Final. Spalding drawn away again in the competition playing fellow Division One side Cambridge Rangers WFC in the last 4. Another brace from Onyinah and a goal for Parker seeing them secure a cup final place in their debut season going through 3-1.

The Demcom Stadium, home of Ely City FC the venue for this season’s Women’s league Cup final. Amongst a number of sports facilities nestled behind a food and drinks entertainment site on the outskirts of Ely just off the A10. The stadium featuring a large main grass pitch overlooked by a high stand building over the changing rooms with standing viewing all round. The clubhouse and kitchen beside the main stand serving hot food and drinks. The recent warm spell on the way out temperatures dropping back to normal a few clouds around with the hint of rain in the air.

Ely City Women starting XI – Atlanta Stevenson, Kerry Dyer, Emma Cooper, Ellie Cooper (C), Natasha Lane, Louisa Harwood, Treasure Nwanebu, Geovanna Salles, Beth Horsfield, Danni Youngs & Charliene Murombo. Subs – April Kitchen, Christine Cullen, Erin Chandler, Kaci Gibson & Tiana O’Mara.

Ely City Women

Spalding United Women starting XI – Vickie Foster, Lily Forsyth, Ivy Lane, Amber Nieburg, Chloe Biggadike, Annie Vayro, Nicola Krajewska, Tara Parker, Phoebe Richards-Reeves (C), Emily King & Constance Onyinah. Subs – Grace Hill, Sophie Goodwin, Molli McCormack, Ava Smith & Phoebie Eyett.

Spalding United Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Phoebe Richards-Reeves and Ellie Cooper with this evenings match officials

The floodlights beginning to take effect as the two sides are led out onto the pitch by this evenings referee Rob Smith and his two assistants Anouska Williamson and Paul Vincent with Jamie Rayner the 4th official. A good number in attendance, a drum banging loudly behind one goal. Ely wearing an all red kit with white trim on the shirts and shorts to take the kick-off in the first half, Spalding lined up opposite wearing a all blue coloured kit with yellow trip on the shirts and socks. The ball played back to the defence, Emma Cooper sending it long out to the right for Charliene Murombo bursting forwards but the Spalding defence can see it out safely for the throw in.

Natasha Lane onto the ball in the middle for Ely sends a useful pass forwards into the right channel for Geovanna Salles, has Treasure Nwanebu up with her the pair exchanging passes before the cross is delivered into the near post claimed cleanly by Spalding goalkeeper, Vickie Foster. Is a big pitch and Spalding look to use the width Annie Vayro putting a diagonal ball out to the right for Emily king breaking forwards, Ely captain, Ellie Cooper across on the cover to close her down the ball out for a throw.

Getting bodies up the pitch from the throw Spalding look to apply pressure to the Ely back line. The ball hooked on from the wing behind for a goal kick. Ivy Lane seeing the ball into her feet on the right for Spalding travels forwards turning into the middle gaining ground, Natasha Lane getting back to close her down put in the challenge. Louisa Harwood playing the ball into Murombo in attack for Ely, holds it up holding off a defender, has Beth Horsfield looking to get up with her left side the ball into her knocked on for Nwanebu, a little too strong Spalding can get it clear.

GOAL! Ivy Lane powering on with the ball into the right wing for Spalding delivers a vicious cross low into the six yard box, Ely goalkeeper, Atlanta Stevenson with a reactive save throwing out a leg to try and divert it away to safety only succeeds it turning it on past her far post into the feet of Spalding’s captain, Phoebe Richards-Reeves who strikes it back it past the keeper into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1.

Captain, Phoebe Richards-Reeves fires Spalding into the lead (photo credit Keira Thurston)

(photo credit Keira Thurston)

Spalding with the early break through inside the opening 4 minutes, a blow for Ely the last thing the lower placed league side wanted to do was concede an early goal. An open start to the game however both sides a little nervous a few stray passes. The two sides not getting condensed but using the whole pitch, Ely used to playing on it, Spalding looking to stretch their opponents. The ball fired up to Murombo. strong hold up play left side looks to turn on the ball, defender Amber Nieburg close on her getting her leg out to intercept the ball clear into the midfield.

Murombo hooks the ball on up the line for Horsfield to attack on the left flank, Chloe Biggadike coming across from the middle of defence to close her down send the ball out for the throw. Spalding wining the ball get on the move quickly launching a counter attack the ball sent long into the right channel for Constance Onyinah, Stevenson quick to race out of her box to get to the ball first send it clear.

Lively both sides not holding onto the ball for long, Natasha Lane putting it on for Murombo turns it inside for Danni Youngs central attempts to put the ball in behind for Nwanebu making a run in behind the defence, intercepted by Biggadike. Biggadike taking the ball on through the middle soon after pushing forwards tackled by Ellie Cooper as she moves in to close her down. Competitive, the referee having a word with Biggadike as Nicole Krajewska is penalised for handling the ball, Ely winning the free-kick on halfway.

The ball played into the crowd at the top of the area, Youngs getting her head on it looking to lift it up over the defence towards goal, falls short Spalding scrambling it clear. Spalding pushing up as a unit well, Tara Parker pushing on through the middle looking to see the ball into Richards-Reeves racing on down the left, Kerry Dyer staying on her for Ely regaining possession. Nwanebu getting stuck in closing the ball down high up the pitch for Ely, Murombo and Youngs looking to make runs off her, Nieburg cutting the ball out for Spalding.

Quick passing as Krajewska picked out the forwards run of Parker, looks to keep it moving for Onyinah breaking into the area, Ellie Cooper reading the move there to cut the ball out for Ely. Spalding pressing on right side, Ivy Lane linking up with King the ball out for a throw in the corner, dropped into Onyinah, Ellie Cooper close in challenging, no turn, Parker taking over carrying the ball o the by-line before flashing a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, Dyer tackling Richards-Reeves as she looks to get onto the end of it. A shot comes in from distance on the angle left side, Stevenson down low to gather behind it all the way.

Ely working hard, stabilising things after conceding early, Murombo seeing the ball into her feet left side, helping it on down the line for Horsfield, King defending for Spalding. Spalding build on the left, Lily Forsyth on for Richards-Reeves who wins her side a corner kick. A beautiful delivery from the corner into the six yard box, dropping far post it was asking to be turned into the back of the net but incredulously no one gets a touch.

Spalding quicker to the 2nd ball look to get forwards with pace the ball fed into the left channel, Onyinah looking to get clear of defender Emma Cooper as they close down the box, Stevenson rushing out to try and close her down, Onyinah gets a shoot past her under pressure from the defender, the ball running wide of the near post.

Ely looking to use Murombo’s good hold up play bring others on to support her, is being closely watched by Nieburg and Biggadike, the former making the tackle. Natasha Lane with time on the ball in the middle fires it into the feet of Horsfield pulling to the right has Murombo ready to receive right corner of the area, Foster quick off her line to slide in and get her gloves around the ball. The open nature of the game could lead to individuals making timely runs at either end but so far the defences are holding form, Ellie Cooper reading the game moving out to close down threats, likewise at the other end Spalding’s defence is discipline moving back and forth as a solid unit.

Ely’s Natasha Lane

Natasha Lane allowed time on the ball central has put a couple of teasing passes on her latest up to Youngs left of the D 25 out can’t quite turn it on into D, for Murombo looking to steal in behind as Nieburg cuts it out. Parker making some good forward runs for Spalding linking up with Krajewska through the middle winning a corner kick on the left. Spalding’s corners a threat another inviting ball dropping in at the far post not attacked reclaimed right side fired in across the face of goal through to the corner taker on the opposite side, blasted back into the mix, Ely get it away to safety.

King on the right for Spalding comes inside combining with Krajewska central she looks to release Ivy lane in behind on the right as she makes a surge to get into the box, Ellie Cooper coming across quickly to tackle, the ball fired back in on goal from distance on the angle claimed by Stevenson. Onyinah with a chance on the left top of the area onto the ball knocking it past the advancing keeper sees it again flash wide at the near post.

A competitive tussle for the ball in the middle between Natasha Lane and Vayro, the latter coming away with it has both Richards-Reeves left and Onyinah central making runs in behind the ball through a little too heavy, Stevenson able to gather. Nieburg up to head the ball clear marking Murombo as Horsfield looks for her with the looping ball from the left.

Ely’s Charliene Murombo

Stevenson not afraid to come racing out to the top of her area moves out sharply to deal with the threat of Onyinah as the striker looks to pulls off Ellie Cooper’s shoulder get into to attack left of goal the keeper diving in to save at her feet. Spalding making a change Molli McCormack entering the game coming on for Ivy Lane. Spalding looking to up it as the first half draws to a close, Vayro on for Krajewska moving left with the ball attempting to player Richards-Reeves, pressure from Dyer, Stevenson advancing to claim the ball.

Spalding’s Annie Vayro

A little rain in the air as Forsyth sees the ball on for Richards-Reeves left wing, Dyer in to close her down the ball out for a throw. The throw into Onyinah left corner outside the box hits it on the turn towards goal, straight at the keeper, Stevenson down behind it to save. Ely working hard in defence getting players back limits the balls up to their attackers, but have so too limited the chances for Spalding. Onyinah taking the ball on from Biggadike pushing on, Harwood on her shoulder forcing her out to the left as Ellie Cooper comes to close the ball down.

Ely’s captain, covering the ground at the back getting to the ball first to clear as Spalding play probing passes into the channels. Spalding making another change with Onyinah picking up a slight knock comes off with Ava Smith coming on. Richards-Reeves enjoying a good contest with Dyer on the right. McCormack adding to the threat coming through the middle linking up well with Parker. Natasha Lane with a diagonal ball into Salles up with Nwanebu on the right looking to force a way in behind to cross, Biggadike supporting Forsyth the ball cleared.

Ely captain, Elie Cooper with Kerry Dyer

Both sides look to have the players to cause problems to the opposing defence if they can just find the right final ball, Natasha Lane lifting on on through the middle, dealt with well by Nieburg heading clear with Murombo and Nwanebu ready to burst in behind either side of her. Spalding winning another corner out on the left, this delivery lifted into the near post, Stevenson through bodies getting a fist in the ball knocked down into the box the snap shot is turned high over the bar.

McCormack linking up with Krajewska central out to Parker left side, Dyer in to close her down for Ely. Spalding with a free-kick deep on their left a good delivery up to the top of the area, dealt with by Ellie Cooper, Back with Richards-Reeves on the left strikes it goal wards, Stevenson down onto it to save at the top of her area. Into the final couple of minutes of the 1st half Horsfield pushing on forcing Nieburg into conceding the throw, form there Ely get a cross in across the top of the area, Murombo up well to get her head on the ball inside the d head it down towards goal, Foster sharp quickly grabbing it up into her gloves even as Nwanebu rushes in on her.

GOAL! A half chance at one end Spalding launch a counter attack to double their lead late in the first half the ball played on down the right flank attacked the cross flashed in high across goal, Stevenson throwing a glove out attempting to get it clear doesn’t get a clean touch the ball dropping down into the area straight to the unmarked McCormack and she adjusts her feet to get the ball back in on goal up over the keeper to score 0-2.

Molli McCormack lifting the ball up over the keeper to score Spalding’s 2nd goal (photo credit Keira Thurston)

Half-time Ely City Women 0-2 Spalding United Women

Virtually the last action of the 1st half Spalding doubling their lead head into the changing rooms 2-0 up at the break. A hammer blow for Ely having worked so hard to compete with their higher league opponents in the 1st half that after conceding a goal inside the opening 4 minutes. Has been an open game a big pitch Ely used to playing on it, Spalding have looked comfortable getting the ball out wide and into the channels, Ely getting players back have defended strongly whilst not over committed too often the other way. Few clear cut chances despite the nature of the contest. A record crowd in attendance for not only Ely City Women but the Women’s League Cup final itself at 326. Spalding with a 2 goal advantage know a 3rd will probably put it beyond Ely, their opponents however are not out of the game yet by any stretch.

The sides out for the 2nd half, Spalding to get the game restarted, making a double change bringing off Krajewska and King to be replaced by Sophie Goodwin and Grace Hill. Phoebe Eyett also on replacing Vayro late in the first half. A probing long ball sent forwards taken buy Stevenson out at the top of her area. Ely with a throw on the left, the ball won back by Spalding launch a rapid counter Forsyth on for Parker linking up with Smith on the left, Ellie Cooper again moving out to close the ball down. A busy start to the 2nd half Nwanebu turning the ball on for Salles left looks to take on Forsyth the full back holding her up.

Danni Youngs and Tara Parker (photo credit Keira Thurston)

Spalding advance right Richards-Reeves over on that flank now on for McCormack who turns it in centrally for Biggadike to run onto 25 yards out her strike charged down by Dyer. Spalding building pressure early in the 2nd half, Richards-Reeves right linking up with Biggadike the ball fired into the near post Parker forwards looking to turn it on for goal putting it straight at the keeper. Hill getting up to support the Spalding attack on the right getting a shot in on the angle past the advancing keeper, Ellie Cooper running back on goal intercepting the ball to keep it out of her goal.

Spalding pushing players on winning a corner on the right, lofted into the near post knocked down in front of the six yard box Harwood back on the line to block a stinging shot the ball hooked clear. Pressure mounting as parker latches onto a loose pass at the back feeding it to Smith left of the D, brings it inside to shoot centrally curling a shot in looking for the inside of the far post, drifts the wrong side. Remains competitive Ely competing for the ball soaking up a little pressure. Ely making a change Tiana O’Hara coming on to join the attack replacing Youngs.

Nwanebu putting the ball into Murombo’s feet back to goal, turns it to Horsfield on the left she attempts to feed it in behind the defence for O’Hara through the middle, Foster with a good starting position alert into close it down and claim at the top of her area. Parker strong looking to hold of Dyer as she attempts to break on into the box, Stevenson always willing to charge forwards out to get hold of the ball at her feet. Ivy Lane back on for Spalding. Biggadike pushed on into the middle now causing a few issues getting up with the attacking players keeping Ely on the defensive.

Spalding’s Tara Parker alongside Ely’s Louisa Harwood

Parker fouled by Ellie Cooper top of the circle the set-piece curled into the right post area, Stevenson getting up well to claim it. The game stretched at times Ely willing to take a few risks get players on to support, Murombo and O’Hara in attack. Nwanebu always busy after the ball, Nieburg throwing out a leg to deny the pass into O’Hara.

GOAL! Stevenson comes racing out to the top right corner of her area try and deny Richards-Reeves as she is played through in behind on the flank the pair coming together as the ball runs past the keeper on for goal, Dyer getting it clear only for the referee to point to the spot, Penalty! Richards-Reeves to take it herself the captain placing the ball on the spot, no messing blasts it home past the keeper before she can react to extend the lead 0-3.

Phoebe Richards-Reeves firing Spalding into a 3 goal lead from the penalty spot (photo credit Keira Thurston)

Spalding adding their 3rd goal midway through the 2nd half, have looked the more likely since the restart. Ely making a change, Christine Cullen coming on to replace Emma Cooper at the back. Horsfield coming on left side getting her side a corner kick, lifted in high defended by Nieburg at the near post behind for a 2nd corner, this one into a similar position cleared upfield. The ball popping about a few tired legs out there. Nieburg defending holding off Murombo as the attacker looks to force her way into the box.

Foster up well to claim a diagonal ball from the left side fired into the area from Natasha Lane. Spalding ringing the changes bringing on fresh legs with a quadruple switch, Forsyth, Biggadike, Parker and Nieburg coming off, on come King, Krajewska, Vayro and Onyinah. Lane and Salles coming off for Ely, Erin Chandler and Kaci Gibson coming on as the game moves into the final 15 minutes. Smith with a good win getting onto the ball sending it out to Richards-Reeves right side from the angle 20 yards out drives her strike into the side netting.

Spalding attacker, Constance Onyinah (photo credit Keira Thurston)

Ivy Lane sending the pass into Richards-Reeves right side played inside for Onyinah right of the D, Cullen lunging in to make the tackle for Ely. Players cramping up a lot of work put in this evening the temperature dropping. Dyer clearing the ball as she cuts out a cross fired into the box from the right. Into the final 10 minutes of the game Ely push players on looking to get something out of the game Murombo into O’Hara pressuring the defence forcing Eyett into conceding a corner kick.

GOAL! The corner delivered into the six yard box from the right lopping in Foster comes to attack it with her fist knocking the ball back out to the right, goes after it attempting to chase it down but is back with the corner taker and clipped back in across the face of goal into a crowd at the far post and turned home by Ellie Cooper to see Ely pull a goal back 1-3.

Ely captain, Ellie Cooper pulling a goal back

Makes things a little nervier for Spalding than they would have like, Ely with their tails up Murombo attacking right back inside for Harwood to strike on the angle 20 yards out right of the D struck across goal Foster gathering at her far post. Murombo into the box looking to press the ball off a throw on the right, a defender looking to see the ball back to the keeper, Foster down to claim it Murombo accidentally catching her a painful blow a pause in play suiting Spalding more than Ely as she receives treatment but is okay to play on back on her feet. Changes for both lane back on for Ely O’Hara off. Smith on for Spalding replacing Vayro.

Play resumes a minute plus 3 added to play Parker driving on with the ball right, Stevenson out to close her down the ball out for a throw. Krajewska with a long ball for Spalding launching a counter up to Onyinah up top, Cullen getting her head on it to deny the threat for Ely. Stevenson positioned top of her area keeps her eye on the ball as it drops out of the floodlights with Onyinah looking to close her down, knocked down well collects on the bounce. Spalding on the attack in the closing seconds Hill on the right from the angle lifting a shot over the advancing keeper sees it fall wide of the near post. The final whistle blows and Spalding win silverware in their debut season in Cambridgeshire winning the league cup beating Ely 3-1.

Full time Ely City Women 1-3 Spalding United Women

Was a much closer contest than some would have predicted, Spalding leading Division One on a strong run taking an early lead, Ely working hard to limit their chances keeping it tight despite the open nature of the game, an entertaining match, played in front of a record crowd, Spalding getting players on better getting a timely goal at the end of the half to lead 2-0 at the break. Began the 2nd half the stronger making changes looking to get that 3rd goal and scored from the penalty spot. Ely put in a shift the Division Two side fighting getting a goal back in the final 10 minutes but Spalding had enough about them to see out the game coming close to scoring a 4th.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as often the case several strong contenders but overall one stands out, both sides playing their part in an intriguing contest. For Ely captain Ellie Cooper won the player of the match in the semi-final and again this evening was strong throughout covering the ground at the back reading the forwards runs and scoring. Natasha Lane with some great passes came close to unlocking the Spalding defence on a coupe of occasions. Kerry Dyer also busy in defence getting her tackles in. For Spalding, Amber Nieburg was on no mood to let anyone get past her at the back, intercepted well and won the ball. Tara Parker making some strong attacking runs getting into the box linking up the attack. Molli McCormack coming on adding to the attack held the ball up and got into some good positions doubling the lead. The award goes to Spalding’s captain, Phoebe Richards-Reeves was a constant threat out on the left and the right driving forwards ready for the ball opened the scoring and powered in the penalty to put Spalding 3-0 up.

Phoebe Richards-Reeves player of the match (photo credit Keira Thurston)

Congratulations to Spalding on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup.

Spalding United Women 2025/26 Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup winners

Another enjoyable evening at Ely City FC’s Demcom Stadium. An open and entertaining final good to see it well supported. Ely can be proud a 2nd successive cup final and have competed strongly on both. Spalding lifting the trophy a great achievement in their debut season and still all to play for the league itself and a county cup final. I have enough games to cover as it is but I haven’t done a Lincolnshire County Cup Final for years I am tempted to make the trip to Boston on the 1st of May. My thanks to Chris Abbott at Cambs FA and both sides for their help this evening. Keira Thurston too for letting her use some of her pictures in the report. Will add a few more from Ely when I get them.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – AFC Sudbury Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Tuesday 27th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Bacton United 89 Ladies v Halesworth Town Women

Wednesday 21st May

Suffolk Women’s League Plate Final

Heading back into Suffolk this Wednesday evening to watch the final of a brand new competition, the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate. Between two sides making their debut on Women’s Football East too, Bacton United 89 Ladies versus Halesworth Town Women.

A new competition in Suffolk as they join other league around the East to introduce a secondary league trophy to join the League Cup. Tried to get it up and running last season, but have succeeded this time around featuring the sides from the Suffolk Women’s Championship, knocked out in the early rounds of the League Cup itself, another opportunity for clubs to compete and lift silverware.

A shiny new trophy for the Suffolk League Plate final, who will be the 1st captain to lift it?

The Suffolk Women’s football league expanding to two divisions in recent seasons, a 7 strong Premiership and an 11 strong Championship below. The women’s game growing and Suffolk working to build two strong leagues. The Championship competitive at the top this season, Kesgrave Kestrals Ladies top for a long period, eventually beaten to the title by Ramsey & Mistley Ladies to the title. A good showing too from this evenings opponents with Bacton United 89 Ladies recording a 3rd place finish and Halesworth Town Ladies fourth.

Bacton United 89 Ladies, with a much improved 2nd season playing in the Suffolk Women’s Championship since the club reformed it’s women’s side the season before. That debut campaign proving tough finishing 2nd bottom, have recruited to bolster the squad adding useful experience and have pushed on this season, getting the unexpected opportunity to compete in a final after their opponents beating them in the semi-final were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player.

Bacton have plenty of goal scorers within the side having added some useful experience this season. Amelia Deuchers is leading the goal scoring charts for Bacton firing home 12 goals from her 12 matches so far. Porscha Rampley netting 8 from her 13 matches. Kirsten Spooner has 7 from her 10 appearances, Amy Kerry with 6 goals and Georgia Huggins and Clara Harper has 5 each.

Halesworth Town Women coming to the end of their 5th season, with a vastly improved performance this campaign recording their highest ever league finish, in 4th spot. That after a number of season’s struggling at the bottom of the league. Have stuck at it and the perseverance has paid off, following a strong performance in the Suffolk Women’s Championship getting to their first cup final. Have had to be patient, the original final called off with just 2 days notice, but have kept their focus.

Assembling a strong squad with several having a wealth of experience playing across Norfolk and Suffolk. Jodie Ellie leading the goal scoring charts having scored 14 goals to date. Lucy Robbens also into double figures having netted 10 times. Louise Nichols and Elisha Bower with 8 goals each.

Road to the Final

Bacton United 89 Ladies receiving a bye in the first round of the League Plate, Halesworth Town Ladies were on the road taking on Ipswich Valley Rangers Ladies. Elisha Bower netting a brace in the game along with a goal from Louise Nichols to secure a 3-0 win.

Moving into the quarter finals, Bacton were at home taking on new side, Saxmundham Sports Ladies, a close match Bacton edging it 2-1 at half-time going onto win the game 3-2 to advance to the semi-finals, with Porscha Rampley, Daisy Ross and Kirsten Spooner all getting a goal. Halesworth also at home in the last 8 taking on Alresford Colne Rangers Ladies. another close score line, goals from Bower and Jodie Ellis sealing a 2-1 win.

Into the last 4 of the League Plate, Bacton were away taking on Brantham Athletic Ladies Development, a tight game a single goal settling it unfortunately for Bacton it went against them. Brantham though penalised eventually for fielding an ineligible player removed from the competition 2 days before the original final, Bacton reinstated suddenly offered an opportunity to play for the trophy. Halesworth with a tough draw in their semi-final taking on title contenders, Kesgrave Kestrals Ladies, had home advantage however the tie hard fought the pair drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes to see the game go to extra-time, Halesworth scoring the winner to take it 3-2 reach their first ever final along with Bacton.

Intriguing to see how the routes to the final effect thing’s Halesworth having been long prepared for the final, Bacton having a late invitation to complete, the league matches between the too promising a competitive contest with plenty of goals, having drawn 3-3 at Bacton, Halesworth winning 4-3 at home.

Stowmarket Town FC the venue for this evenings plate final, literally just off and over looked by the A14 a large carpark leading to the clubhouse housing the Stowmarket Community Sports & Social Hub. Beyond that the ground itself, a neat layout. The large grass pitch well used looking a little bobbly in places. The bar and kitchen hatch open serving hot food and drink. A small seated stand opposite the dugouts with standing viewing all round. Has a nice fell about it, Stowmarket Town having been flirting with the setting up a women’s side themselves, hosted one of the County Cup semi-finals too recently between Bungay Town Ladies & Sudbury Sports Women. The weather set fair again, bright ad sunny, a little chance of rain, the sun setting in one corner.

Bacton United 89 Ladies starting XI – Emily Higgins, Daisy Ross, Kaira Hazelton, Chloe Strachan, Kirsten Spooner, Kirstie Turner, Almudena Cobos, Cherie Harper, Krystal Monaghan, Georgia Huggins (C), & Amelia Deuchars. Subs – Sienna Brinkley, Charlotte Long, Charlotte White, Simona Bieniauskaite & Amy Kerry.

Bacton United 89 Ladies

Halesworth Town Women starting XI – Harriet Cotton, Zoe Lamb, Alicia Hall, Elisha Maher, Erin Galer, Laura Leggett, Faith Foster (C), Lucy Hood, Louise Nichols, Lucy Robbens & Jodie Ellis. Subs – Elisha Bower, Lily Whitehand, Joscelyn Foster, Erin Ruffles & Olivia Foster.

Halesworth Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Extra-time and penalties if required.

Captain’s Georgia Huggins and Faith Foster with this evenings match officials

With the sun setting behind the ground potentially affecting one goal, there is a change of ends with Halesworth moving to have the sun at their backs attacking during the first 45. Bacton with the kick-off first half wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and red socks. Halesworth lined up opposite wearing back and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into the middle lifted out to the left channel with Amelia Deuchars, but Halesworth centre back, Elisha Maher gets in front of the bouncing ball to shield it back to her keeper Harriet Cotton.

Both sides after the ball in the middle popping back and forth, Halesworth’s Laura Leggett lifting a high ball on into the right wing for Louise Nichols to attack, looks to be a pacy player darting forwards, Kirsten Spooner from the middle of defence for Bacton racing out to close her down to tackle play the ball out. Halesworth pushed up on the right with a throw, Zoe Lamb linking up with Lucy Robbens, who turns to drive into the box, Spooner coming to close her down.

Bacton’s Kirsten Spooner

Snapping after the ball it is hotly contested neither side getting an advantage, Kaira Hazelton on the left at the back for Bacton getting hold of the ball sending it up the line for Deuchars to chase, looks to get on down the wing, Lamb close in her along with Maher preventing the cross. Alicia Hall getting hold of the ball for Halesworth on the left wing charging on from full back, Daisy Ross getting on shoulder as she drives forwards, putting a foot in to turn the ball out for a throw.

Jodie Ellis, top of the D for Halesworth, looking to drag the ball into her from the right in behind her marker, Ross stabbing out a boot nicking it from the striker launching it up field. Captain, Georgia Huggins lifting the ball on through the middle with Almudena Cobos and Deuchars surging forwards through the middle, Cotton out quickly to the top of her area to grab hold of the ball.

Nichols looks to have pace to burn on the right for Halesworth the ball fed into her on the diagonal by captain Faith Foster in midfield, Nichols looking to get away from Hazelton, Spooner coming across on the cover to close her down. Uneven bounce as the ball if hoisted forwards, wrong footing more than one player. Spooner at the back getting her head on a high ball sent on through the middle by Halesworth.

Bacton’s, Kaira Hazelton

Bacton goalkeeper, Emily Huggins wearing baseball cap to combat the setting sun comes rushing out of her area to clear as Halesworth look to play a high ball on for Nichols in behind through the middle. Emily Huggins sharp throwing out a hand top save turn the ball wide into her side netting for a corner kick on the left as the shot comes in from that side on the angle. The corner turned into the box near side defended, seen out for a goal kick.

Halesworth’s Laura Leggett

Leggett in to close the ball down centrally for Halesworth lifting a diagonal ball out to the right for Nichols racing away to the by-line, Spooner powering on to close her down, challenging gets the goal-kick. Frantic at times Bacton moving in to close the ball down play compact as players cluster to the ball. Georgia Huggins getting hold of the ball with a powerful run through the middle, Deuchars going with her, Elisha Maher with the blocking tackle to prevent either getting into the box.

Halesworth defender, Elisha Maher

Emily Huggins kick out from her box going astray falling straight at Robbens 30 yards out to the right of the goal, hooks it back in toward goal, looks to be going in one the bounce over the keeper, not getting near it as it loops up over her and comes down off the crossbar before being scrambled away to the right. Kirstie Turner through the middle for Bacton fired on for Cobos, looks to try and feed it through for Deuchars breaking in behind the Halesworth defence, onside, Cotton comes racing out of her area to put her foot through the ball plays it straight at Galer the ball striking the defender but spinning away to safety on the left, cleared by Hall.

Nichols moving over to the left attacking with Hall coming on in support players from both sides tracking back into the Bacton area, the cross coming in cut out initially by Spooner back out wide another cross blasted into the box won by Cherie Harper this time the rebound falling to Ellis inside the D, her strike, blocked by Harper.

Georgia Huggins taking the ball on for Bacton into the right channel, cutting it back inside for Cobos she puts it back out wide for the onrushing Ross who hooks a high diagonal ball up into the area, Cotton up well at her near post to lay claim to the ball.

Halesworth goalkeeper, Harriet Cotton

Halesworth getting a throw high on the right the ball dropped into Robbens 25 yards out turns to shot from the corner of the area, flashing a shot over the Bacton crossbar. Halesworth lively Hall quickly from left back having Nichols ahead of her keeping Ross busy, the Bacton full back holding Nichols up she rolls it back to Hall to cross in central for Robbens 25 yards out attempts to drag the ball across her turn into a shot, Spooner going with the ball lunging in to win it back for Bacton.

Chloe Strachan, needing to defend as Halesworth’s Lucy Hood sends the ball forwards for Robbens to chase central, the defender going with turning the ball behind for a corner kick. Put in short played back to Robbens on the left from the angle sends a shot in to the near post Emily Huggins having it covered down low to save.

Halesworth’s Lucy Hood

Spooner busy at the back for Bacton winning the ball well, chests a high ball down into her feet, sends it forwards for Harper looking to make a left channel run, drives forwards Maher coming to close her down preventing the cross. Spooner over a Bacton free-kick lifts it up top into Krystal Monaghan moving through the middle turns the ball out to Harper left side, her cross into the area, blocked by Maher, then Harper is penalised as she handles the rebound.

Certainly a close contest can see the competitiveness between the sides, Halesworth looking the sharper going forwards with their pace on the flank. Nichols brought down as she gets on the charge wide left, captain Faith Foster to curl the ball into the box, the header won by Bacton’s Monaghan. Turner sending the ball on through the middle into the path of Cobos left of the D, powering on has Lamb on her shoulder as she pulls the trigger from 20 yards out the ball racing wide of the left post.

Bacton’s Almudena Cobos

Spooner diving in to tackle Ellis inside the D as she looks to control a Foster ball into her feet. Half an hour played, Spooner winning another ball at the back coming left to lift it up the line for Deuchars, dropping her shoulder comes inside to shoot on the angle the ball rising on target but saved comfortably by Cotton. Foster sending the ball out to Nichols on the left, Ross getting a toe on the ball to turn it behind for a corner. In near side back out to the left, Ellis with Robbens the cross put low into the six yard box claimed by Huggins.

Halesworth captain, Faith Foster

Bacton making a change, Cobos coming off with Amy Kerry coming on to join the attack. Lamb wins the header at the back for Halesworth as Turner looks to put a diagonal pass into Deuchars breaking down the left. Galer coming in to close Monaghan down to win the ball at the back for Halesworth putting it forwards into Nichols left flank onside she whips a cross in central for Robbens outside the D seeing the ball across her shoots pulling her effort narrowly wide of Huggins’ left post.

Lamb defending for Halesworth at the back as Ross right side plays a diagonal pass on for Harper making a run into the left channel, Lamb seeing the ball back safely to her keeper.

GOAL! Bacton with the ball on the right pushing players on Monaghan up with Georgia Huggins the ball slipped on through the right into Kerry to charge into the area power her way in towards goal and smash a powerful drive past the keeper into the back of the net to fire Bacton into the the lead 1-0.

Amy Kerry off the bench firing Bacton into the lead

Bacton opening the scoring in the league Plate final with 7 minutes left to play in the first half. Bacton pressing the ball well right side Monaghan taking it infield, Galer tackling to stop her picking out Kerry central. The ball lifted on for Robbens right side awkward to control skipping up over the attacker, Spooner beyond her up to head the ball knocking it on behind her, recovers quickly to clear as Robbens looks to steal into the box.

A competitive end to the 1st half Halesworth looking to get forwards Foster up with Hood the ball out to Nichols on the left flank in behind, Strachan getting a foot on the ball but Nichols keeping it lifting a shot straight into the keepers gloves, the flag has gone up for offside though.

Half-time Bacton United 89 Ladies 1-0 Halesworth Town Women

Bacton taking the lead late on in the first half carrying a narrow advantage into the changing rooms as she two sides head in for the half-time interval. A lively first half the ball rarely still, Halesworth looknig a threat going forwards, with pace in Nichols out wide. Bacton defending well through the middle, Spooner winning her fair share of the ball. Bacton making a change as they build a bit of momentum in the final 3rd slipping Amy Kerry on into the box to fire them into the lead. Still all to play for 2nd half.

Both sides out early keen to get on with the game, Bacton making 2 changes at the start of the 2nd period, Sienna Brinkley coming on in defence for Hazelton, with Cobos back on for Monaghan. Halesworth to get the 2nd half underway the ball lifted on up the right but charged down sent back into the middle clipped up into the top of the area with Lamb bursting on up the left but Emily Huggins is out smartly to the top of her area to catch the ball.

Nichols back on the right for Halesworth on the move down the wing as Robbens spins the ball out to her feet, striking the shot on the angle, Huggins is down at her near post to see the ball into her gloves. Halesworth looking to get the ball into Nichols as quickly as they can coming forwards, Brinkley cutting out a pass for Bacton into Georgia Huggins central, rolls it on for Deuchars, Galer in to challenge for Halesworth.

Halesworth’s Erin Galer

Ross getting hold of the ball for Bacton making a strong run into the middle, Hall coming in to close her down with a strong tackle, too strong from the referee’s liking a free-kick awarded, Ross hurt in need of treatment but will be okay to continue.

GOAL! Turner over the set-piece just inside the Halesworth half to the right outside the centre circle. Running onto the ball strikes it well sending a high ball angling up and down into the opposition area looking to be attacked, balls have taken a wicked bounce all game and this one see’s the ball bounce up off the surface in front of the keeper, with spin taking it high over her head and on into he goal beyond, 2-0.

Kirstie Turner’s free-kick sending Bacton into a 2 goal lead

Bacton doubling their lead within 5 minutes of the restart. Halesworth making a change breaking off Ellis in attack, sending Elisha Bower on. Ross getting hold of the ball at the back right side for Bacton sending in on through the middle for Harper to glance on for Kerry in attack her first touch a little too heavy seeing the ball run away on her into the area, Cotton rushing onto hit to scoop up the ball.

GOAL! Halesworth pushing players on through the middle, Bower up with Foster central 20 yards out she strikes the ball Spooner blocking the ball taking a deflection off, Strachan out beyond sending it out to the right inside the area, Nichols rushing in on the angle driving the ball past the keeper into the back of the net running away in celebration 2-1.

Louise Nichols pulling a goal back for Halesworth

Halesworth getting a goal back soon after conceding a 2nd a good response to reduce the deficit back to a single goal. Nichols taking the ball on right side for Halesworth powering pass Brinkley, Spooner darting in to tackle as she gets across on the cover. Galer with a good had on the ball as Bacton look to get Deuchars on the move left channel.

Bacton’s Cherie Harper

Emily Huggins getting out to the edge of her area reading the threats as Halesworth probe left and right, moving out rapidly to stop the ball at the feet of Nichols as she races on right side. Harper dragging the inside as she turns on the right clipping it into Kerry top of the D, Maher getting a foot on the ball for Halesworth, allowing Hall to launch it clear. Nichols full of running right side cutting in on the angle to blast a fierce ball in on goal, for a moment it looked like it had gone in, but instead narrowly wide, a corner signalled, Huggins with a faint touch on the ball.

Bacton captain, Georgia Huggins

Halesworth’s corners rarely getting much distance Bacton deal with in near side. Make another change soon after with Monaghan coming back on to replace, Strachan which sees Turner drop deeper. Foster on the turn central laying the ball out to Nichols on the right, Emily Huggins ever alert racing out to the top of her area to get down to gather up the ball.

Bacton goalkeeper, Emily Huggins

Huggins the busier of the two goal keepers, Nichols taking the ball on right wing sending in early into the middle for Bower to run onto 20 yards out, slipping as she goes to pull the trigger, the low ball nevertheless coming in at Huggins with pace the keeper with a sharp save getting down behind the ball to save turn it away to the right.

20 minutes gone in the 2nd half Halesworth getting forwards well, Bower lively since coming on winning a free-kick out wide as she is brought down on the right by Monaghan. The set-piece swept into the top of the six yard box, it’s Monaghan who defends it heading the ball clear.

Bacton tiring Turner pushing the ball into the middle for Cobos, who turns looks for Kerry up top, Galer cutting out the pass for Halesworth. Turner winning the header at the back as Foster looks to chip the ball on for Bower. Another vital win by Turner moments later as Leggett attempts to find Nichols looking to run in behind on the right with the diagonal pass.

Bacton’s Daisy Ross

Deuchars putting a long range strike wide on the angle from the left as Kerry helps the ball on though middle for Bacton. Spooner running onto a loose ball at the back carrying in on into midfield for Bacton, runs into Hall who comes away with the ball leaving Spooner on the turf, staying down hurt looks to be cramping up, has put a lot into the game as Bacton work hard to hold onto their lead. Make a change with Harper coming off, Charlotte White coming on .

Turner in to close Nichols down as she makes a run into the left wing the ball out for a throw. The throw put inside for Bower central top of the D, shoots on the turn the ball skipping in towards goal dipping in front of the keeper, Huggins reacting quickly to get a glove on it turn it away to her left behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! The box crowded as Bower fires a longer ball in central, Monaghan to defend clearing the ball to the top of the area, Robbens latching onto it firing a driving shot in on goal, through bodies Huggins down quickly to save turning the ball away to the left, wide, Bower getting hold of it the angle acute puts her foot through the ball, a shot or a cross? Fired into the near post with venom is inside it past the keeper before she can react as Bower races for the halfway line in celebration getting Halesworth back on level terms. 2-2.

Elisha Bower levelling the scores for Halesworth

Halesworth getting back level to make it 2-2 with a little under 15 minutes to play. Are the ones asking the questions as we move into the latter stages of the contest. White getting back to defend as Hall looks to take the ball on left side. Hood coming on with the ball for Halesworth moving right looking to link up with Nichols exchanging passes the return ball to Hood in the box cut out by Bacton’s Spooner. The defender carrying the ball out from the back looking to get Bacton on the attack sends it on through for Kerry in attack, the pass over hit through to the keeper.

Bacton’s Krysta Monaghan

Spooner fouled as she goes in to win the ball back in midfield, down hurt again her legs cramping up. Winning the free-kick on halfway the ball with Turner sent on to the top of the area, headed clear by Halesworth. Spooner stretching to get the ball back as Halesworth look to counter with Robbens on for Hood through the middle. Lifted on for Kerry out to the left, the ball intercepted by Galer.

Emily Huggins saving at the near post as Nichols sends a shot in from deep on the right. Huggins getting out to the edge of her area smartly sliding in to save at Nichols feet as Robbens attempts to slide the ball into her from a central position. Hood coming off for Halesworth, Erin Ruffles coming on with the final moving into the last 5 minutes.

GOAL! Halesworth sending the ball out to Nichols on the right wing drops her shoulder cutting infield to break across the top of the area strikes the ball, her shot blocked by Ross, the rebound running back into Robbens central 25 yards out gets hold of the shot putting her foot through the ball to send a low drive arrowing in at goal through everyone before they can react and finds the back of the net to send Halesworth into the lead 3-2!

Lucy Robbens striking for fire Halesworth into the lead

A complete turn around from Halesworth, trailed 2-0 early in the 2nd half coming back to score 3 goals to lead 3-2 with a little under five minutes left. A huge blow to Bacton, who have put a huge amount into defending their lead. Spooner in particular feeling it her calves tight. Maher defending a high ball at the back for Halesworth. Turner looking to get on into the middle for Bacton with the ball at her feet threaded through to Kerry outside the box to the right of goal, Hall in to win the ball back for Halesworth.

Spooner coming over to defend against Ruffles as she comes on with the ball on Halesworth’s left. Spooner taking the ball on for Bacton tackled by Robbens, tried to release Nichols coming inside from the right, Emily Huggins out quickly to the top of her area to get hold of the ball. Charlotte Long on for Bacton late on with Kerry giving way. Huggins in the Bacton goal with a superb double save Nichols finding Bower inside the box central her shot blocked by Huggins as she goes to ground in front of her, the ball pushed away to the left Nichols rushing in on the follow up, the Bacton keeper up sharply to dive in save at her feet.

Lamb off for Halesworth, Joscelyn Foster coming on. Nichols on the left now pushing on to try and get into the box riding a coupe of tackles Ross getting a timely foot in to deflect the ball away, Faith Foster looking to get hold of the loose ball fouled outside the box winning Halesworth a free-kick. Bower 20 yards out over it floating a ball in towards goal, Huggins turning it behind for a corner kick.

The clock ticking down Halesworth looking to keep the ball in the corner. Bower driving inside pushing to get into the box, Cobos tackling for Bacton, try to get it upfield to the left half cleared, Deuchars looking to get hold of it but the ball into the box, a little heavy allowing Cotton to claim it. Halesworth with the ball up the right end of the pitch with seconds left to play an angled ball in from the right beat down by Huggins at her left post. The final whistle blowing soon after Halesworth celebrate as they win the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate.

Full time Bacton United 89 Ladies 2-3 Halesworth Town Women

Halesworth trailing at the break conceding a 2nd goal early in the 2nd half but responded well getting players forwards asking the questions coming up against keeper pulling off some fantastic saves got a goal back quickly putting the pressure on to go on and score the equaliser and as their opponents tired when on to fire home the winning goal in the final 5 minutes. The stronger side 2nd half was a compelling final between two evenly matched sides, Halesworth’s pace on the flanks a threat all match.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders with both sides having a couple of strong candidates. A competitive game no doubt as the previous results proved. For Bacton, goalkeeper, Emily Huggins pulled of some tremendous saves keeping her side in the game for a long period, read the threats well getting out to the top of her area rapidly. Defender Kirsten Spooner covered the ground across the backline getting across to win the ball, block and intercept ran herself into the ground. Kirstie Turner winning the ball in the middle dropping deeper 2nd half passing well. Daisy Ross at full back getting in her fair share of tackles. For Halesworth, Elisha Bower made a huge impact coming on in the 2nd half taking the game to Bacton getting her side back on level terms. Elisha Maher with a number of crucial interceptions at the back. So to fellow centre back Erin Galer who won the ball throughout. Lucy Robbens getting into some great positions none more so than the one to score the winning goal. The award goes to Louise Nichols, her pace and driving runs with the ball at her feet causing Bacton problems all evening. A ready outlet for the midfield and defence never stopped running.

Halesworth Town Women, 2024/25 Suffolk Women’s League Plate winners

Congratulations to Halesworth Town Women on winning the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate.

Another enjoyable final from Suffolk, a new competition good to see more sides get the opportunity to play for silverware. My thanks to both sides for their assistance this evening and the leagues committee members for their help. Two new sides to watch but I knew more players that I realised (been doing this for a long time). Almost done two games left.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Aylsham FC Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Sunday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

Moving onto the 2nd 11 aside final of the day the Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final. An in form Aylsham FC Women’s side taking on back to back league champions and runners-up in last season’s final, Bungay Town Ladies.

The competition fierce in Norfolk Women’s Division One this season, Bungay runaway leaders in the defence of their title, but below it’s all to play for with runners-up spot very much up for grabs. The League Cup likely to be no less competitive as Aylsham into their first final look to stop Bungay doing the double.

The Norfolk Women’s League Cup

Aylsham FC Women playing themselves into form coming into this afternoon’s League Cup final, 7 straight league wins to propel them up the Division One table into 3rd spot and amongst those challenging for runners-up spot. A stark contrast to the beginning of the season just one win in their opening 9 matches 6 points collected in the bottom two looking in trouble, so a complete turn around plenty of talent and experience in the squad players returning from injury even as manager Steve Kay feel unwell. Back with the squad now on the mend helping out as his side compete for silverware.

Australian Billie Myall making an impact joining the squad last season taking time out to have a baby. Her return coinciding with Aylsham’s much improved form, Scoring plenty of goals Christina Papadopoulou firing in 25 this season from her 18 matches. Shelley Woods a long time proven goal scorer bagging herself 16 goals this campaign. Twin sisters Vicky and Sophie Lubbock amongst the goals too with 15 and 13 respectfully.

Bungay Town Ladies suffering just the one defeat on their way to successfully defending the Norfolk Women’s Division One title this season winning it with games to spare. are enjoying another hugely successful season reaching both the finals of the League Cup and Suffolk Women’s County Cup where they will play AFC Sudbury Women at Ipswich Town FC’s Portman Road Stadium. Winning the league last season missed out in the League Cup Final against UEA FC Women, didn’t put in the best performance that day and are keen to make amends this time around.

Have strengthened in the close season adding useful experience and goals to the squad, Bethany Turner and Hazel Saddington joining from Caister, have scored 33 goals between them, Turner 18 and Saddington 15 to date. Mia Rose also amongst the goals with 13 from her 17 matches. Zoe Gibbons also into double figures with 11 to her name. Beat Aylsham 5-0 early in the season the pair drawing 3-3 in the reverse fixture.

Road to the Final

Aylsham at home to fellow Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies in the 1st round of the League Cup, Both Sophie and Vicky Lubbock scoring a goal with Jess Greengrass and Christina Papadopoulou also getting a goal in a 4-2 win. Bungay also taking on Division One opposition in the 1st round away to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves. Goals from Naomi Cooper, Porsha Renwick and a brace for Zoe Gibbons securing a 4-0 win.

Aylsham on home soil taking on Division Two side, Great Yarmouth Town Ladies in the 2nd Round of the League Cup, Papadopoulou running in 5 goals herself as Aylsham racked up the goals, Vicky Lubbock bagging herself a hat-trick, Molly Webb a brace along with goals for Cayla Brown, Jordan Arnoup, and Shelley Woods in a 14-0 romp. Bungay with tricky and twice postponed tie away to fellow Division One side, Sprowston FC Women, Hazel Saddington scoring twice in the game with Gibbons and Selina Rowland both getting a goal to see Bungay through 4-1.

Into the last 8 of the competition, Aylsham making the trip over to the east coast to player Division Two side, Shrublands Ladies. Olivia Baker, Vicky Lubbock ad Carly Allum scoring to se them through to the last 4 3-0. Bungay away to another Division One side, UEA FC Women. The sides playing out a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes to send the game into extra-time, Bungay getting the all important winner to see them through to the semi finals.

Aylsham taking on Waveney FC Ladies at home in the semi-finals of the League Cup, Sophie Lubbock scoring a brace with sister Vicky also bagging a brace. in a 5-2 win with Papadopoulou also getting on the scoresheet. Bungay at home in their semi-final taking on Division One, Bure Valley Ladies. Bethany Turner, Saddington and Rowland all finding the back of the net to send Bungay into their 2nd successive final.

Congratulations go out to Gorleston Rangers Ladies winning the 7’s League Cup, making it a treble with the Offside Trust Women’s Plate and Division Two title with 12 wins from 12!

Youngs Park a hive of activity with a host of Aylsham volunteers working in the kitchen and around the ground, The Offside Trust with a stall out by the pitch. Beside the barbeque. The clubhouse open the facility looking good developing all the time a new 3G pitch recently added. The min grass pitch looking fabulous with good grass cover if dry due to lack of rain recently but well watered. The sun out bright and sunny, great conditions for the match.

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mia Parker, Rachel Bussey, Jemma Riches, Sophie Buckley, Sophie-Jane O’Connor (C), Cayla Brown, Carly Allum, Ella Kruez, Vicki Lubbock, Shelley Woods & Billie Myall. Subs – Jess Greengrass, Elisha Nobbs, Ellie Snowling, Olivia Baker & Sophie Lubbock.

Aylsham FC Women

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Ruby Roos, Fran Heaney, Charnelle Riggall (C), Selina Rowland, Marseilles Will, Zoe Gibbons, Hazel Saddington, Abi Bell, Mia Rose & Beth Turner. Subs – Erin Galer, Maddie Flatman, Lila Eden, Lauren Purling & Sofia Serghiou.

Bungay Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Extra time and penalties if required

As with this mornings Plate final a minutes silence observed by both clubs in the centre circle before kick-off in memory of former FC Viking & Valkyries player Liv Martinez who very tragically took her own life after a long struggle with mental health. It’s a struggle many face and doing what we can to look out for one another is so important.

A big blow for Aylsham missing their top scorer, Christina Papadopoulou through injury, damaging her knee in Aylsham’s last game. Bungay missing Brooke Osborne. A change of ends prior to kick-off first half, Aylsham to get the cup final underway wearing orange coloured shirts with blue vertical stripes on the front, blue shorts and orange socks, Bungay opposite wearing light blue coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played into the middle lifted out to the right for Rachell Bussey, sent on up the line for Billie Myall in attack to chase, Fran Heaney coming from defence to win the ball for Bungay send it out for a throw.

Carly Allum tackling Bungay’s Selina Rowland in the middle the ball clipped out to Vicky Lubbock wide left takes it on down the wing, Ruby Roos coming to close her do, Lubbock riding the challenge getting inside with the ball on towards the top of the area, Abi Bell getting her foot in to take the ball get Bungay moving the other way.

Hazel Saddington getting on the move with the ball on the left for Bungay plays inside into Zoe Gibbons top of the area, Aylsham captain Sophie-Jayne O’Connor closing her down but the ball not clear Bungay pressing high getting it out to Mia Rose peeling into the box right side her cross stood up cut out by Sophie Buckley.

Aylsham defender, Sophie Buckley

Rowland getting hold of the ball for Bungay through the middle driving forwards before sending in on for Rose in the right channel her shot from 20 yards out blocked by Aylsham’s Jemma Riches. Quite an open game both sides looking to get on with the ball use the whole pitch Ella Kruez taking the ball on from Bussey on the move down Aylsham’s right on for Myall in attack, Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall challenging to win the ball back.

Billie Myall

Myall seeing the ball into her feet coming to the right spins off her marker to get in behind to cross the ball into the area cleared by Rowland. An even contest both sides with players driving on with the ball, Rowland looking to get the ball into Beth Turner up top, O’Connor closing her down clearing for a throw on the left. Bungay launch a quick counter pushing players on in numbers through the middle Marseilles Wil 20 yards out right of the D, sending in a strike, dipping into goalkeeper, Mia Parker’s gloves.

Myall and Kruez linking up on the right for Aylsham, Heaney across to help Rignall defend. Aylsham winning a free-kick on half way to the right. The ball floated in towards the top of the area, Vicky Lubbock breaking clear into the area left side, lobbing the ball over the advancing keeper, but the flag goes up straight away for offside.

Aylsham’s Vicky Lubbock

Gibbons taking the ball on through the middle looking to attack the Aylsham defence jinking left and right unleashing a shot 25 yards out a deflection taking it wide of goal. Shelley Woods combining with Kruez and Myall on the right the ball fed back up the line to Bussey her cross curled in deep to the far post, Vicky Lubbock running in can’t quite reach it.

Rowland carrying the ball forwards through the middle, tries to put it over the top for Turner, Cayla Brown cutting it out for Aylsham, cleared to the right, won back crossed into the top of the D, Gibbons trying to force her way into the box winning her side a corner kick. Swung in near side Roos jumping up to attack it with her head twisting in the air the turn the ball wide past the far post.

Bungay getting players on well through the middle, Bell and Will pressing on to support Rose and Turner in attack. Saddington taking the ball on down the right for Bungay her cross scooped up into the area cleared by O’Connor away to the left for a throw. Rowland with a dipping effort on the half volley outside the D, claimed by Parker in the Aylsham goal. Bungay enjoying a spell of pressure getting up around the Aylsham 18 yard box, Gibbons into Turner left of the D, her shot flashed wide of the right post.

Bungay’s Hazel Saddington

Bussey putting the ball on for Kruez right side her early diagonal ball fired into the top of the D, Myall the target, Roos getting in front of her stooping down to head the ball away to safety. Bungay up on the right with a throw in try to work it on into the area Rose looking to slip in on goal, O’Connor winning it for Aylsham out for a 2nd throw. Aylsham regain possession look to counter Allum on for Woods in attack, Heaney defending for Bungay the ball coming to the right, Myall looking to get hold of it turn, Rignall staying close on her.

The ball never still Rowland getting it out to the right for Will to turn a cross in along the top of the area, Rose inside the D, looking to hit it first time pulling her shot wide of the right post. Bungay keeper, Chloe Pearce out to her penalty spot to clear as Aylsham send the ball over the top. All gone a bit frantic the ball pinging around passes not finding their mark. Aylsham breaking forwards the ball into Woods in attack stretching to hit it on the run through the middle, the ball rising up but well claimed by Pearce.

Kruez crossing from deep on the right into the area Woods looknig to get her head on it knocking the ball into Heaney marking her, the defender down play paused so she can receive treatment. Is ok to play on. Aylsham getting a free-kick on the left by the halfway line as Vicky Lubbock is fouled, fired up into the top of the box, defended but not clear, Brown sending the ball back into the box, Lubbock right of goal getting her leg up to turn the ball past, the defender going with her, but not the keeper beyond, Pearce grabbing hold of the ball.

Aylsham’s Ella Kruez

Aylsham’s turn to enjoy a spell of pressure moving the ball on through the middle, Woods caught on her achilles as she looks to turn on the ball 30 yards out. Bussey over the ball, lifts it in on goal but dropping before it reaches the keeper, Pearce dropping to claim it into her body untroubled. Aylsham pushing players on Heaney forced to give away a corner out on the left.

GOAL! The corner swung into the near post, players up from the ball defended by Bungay turned behind for another corner on the left, this delivery in deep attacked near side by Buckley jumping up looking to nod the ball down towards goal, hits a Bungay defender, referee Michael Clarke immediately blowing up for a penalty a hand ball spotted. Woods to take the penalty no hesitation strikes the ball low with pace to the left of goal the keeper wrong footed. 1-0.

Shelley Woods fires Aylsham into the lead from the spot

Aylsham opening the scoring on the half hour mark. The game getting a little feisty a few over exuberant challenges coming in, both sides competitive. Rowland brought down as she carries the ball on through the middle on halfway the ball floated up into the top of the area Turner up to head the ball on, Parker claiming it for Aylsham.

Vicky Lubbock on the right battling to get the ball inside before curling a shot in to the near post from 35 yards out, Pearce has it covered getting hold of the ball. Bungay send the ball into Gibbons on the move through the middle lifts it on for Turner 20 yards out right of the D, take on the strike putting her foot through the ball, arrowing over the keeper, looks in for a moment but has in fact flown just over the bar onto the roof of the net.

Selina Rowland taking the ball on for Bungay

Passes rushed and both sides put the work in to try and close the ball down, Brown closing Will down as she looks to link up with Rose in attack. Saddington breaking into the area from the left off of a Bungay throw in, falling as she goes to shoot the ball rolling harmlessly on into the keepers gloves. Aylsham powering on in attack, Myall over with Vicky Lubbock left channel the ball send on into Woods trying to burst clear off the defence inside the area, Heaney tackling well for Bungay.

Fran Heaney cutting the ball out for Bungay

Rose racing away with the ball down the left channel to the by-line whipping a tight angled cross/shot over the bar. Aylsham making a change, Myall coming off in attack, Sophie Lubbock coming on. Bell getting the ball into Roos advancing on the right her cross from deep targeting Rose making a near post run, Parker moving forwards can see it safely into her gloves.

Brown doing alot of work in front of her defence to deal with Bungay’s runs, tackling Gibbons as she breaks away into the left channel. Rose outside the box turning the ball inside to Bell bursting forwards, Riches getting her foot on the ball to cut the pass out for Aylsham. Bungay bring the ball on right side squared inside for Rowland look to drive forwards, the ball knocked on, Buckley going to clear, Rowland charging it down.

Aylsham winning the ball in the middle Allum to Kruez, threads in inside for Sophie Lubbock outside the D plays it into the box for Woods pulling clear right of goal her strike on the angle claimed by the keeper.

Aylsham’s Shelley Woods

A wild lunging tackle by Will in the middle, taking out Bussey caught on the ankle goes down, Will hurt to, the referee patient waiting her her to recover before issuing the yellow card. Bussey is some discomfort can’t continue, has to come off, Elisha Nobbs coming on going to the left of defence Riches over to the right. From the resulting free-kick the ball lifted into the top of the area comes through to Woods stealing into the six yard box and players rush in on goal, releasing a shot across the keeper, Pearce with a reactive save blocking with her leg the ball popping back up for Woods, getting her foot up attempts to put the volley past the keeper, Vicky Lubbock at the far post getting her leg up to divert the ball into the back of the net but even as Aylsham wheel away in celebration the goal won’t stand for offside.

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

A lively end to the first half as both sides head into the changing rooms after a frantic first 45 minutes. Fairly even both sides working hard to close the ball down move it forwards a little rushed at times if anything, Bungay seeing a shot narrowly over the bar, Aylsham taking the lead from the spot on the half hour. Denied a 2nd goal late on in the half for offside. Aylsham keeping it tight through the middle, dropping off giving Bungay little opportunity to get in behind. 1 goal in it however still very much all to play for.

The sides emerging from the changing rooms for the start of the 2nd half, Aylsham unchanged from the side that finished the first half, Bungay making a change sending on Lauren Purling recently back with the squad after nearly six months out with an achilles injury, replacing Turner in attack, comes to the left. Bungay taking the kick off 2nd half the ball out to Rignall wide on the left her cross deflected through to the keeper.

Gibbons not happy with the first half getting hold of the ball for Bungay driving on through the middle, runs into traffic inside the D, O’Connor and Buckley closing her down, the ball popping free into Rose 25 yards out right of goal fires her strike over the bar. Bell taking the ball on down Bungay’s right wing turning a cross into Rose outside the D, skipping up off the surface won’t sit for her to get down before O’Connor moving in to put in the challenge.

Aylsham captain, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor

Bungay pressing the ball at the start of the 2nd half looking to get the ball on quickly Will out to Saddington on the left her cross spinning behind at the near post. Aylsham look for an outlet the ball from Vicky Lubbock up to Sophie on the left flank, Roos rushing on to close her down putting the ball out for a throw.

Vicky Lubbock getting on with the ball left wing for Aylsham her cross long into the area cleared by Riggall for Bungay. Bell carrying the ball on well for Bungay to the right cuts inside to give it to Will who tries to thread Rose in behind, O’Connor intercepting inside the D for Aylsham. Rose linking up with Will through the middle pushing on into the top of the area, Buckley with the blocking tackle on Will the ball loose coming back to Rose to strike the ball high in on goal, a good save from Parker to claim it high above her head.

Bungay’s Marseilles Will

Bungay asking questions 2nd half a different dynamic to their attack without the presence of Turner up top, Saddington pressing the ball on the left driving into the area her angled shot fired in low at the keeper, Parker saving with her leg turning the ball away behind for a corner kick. Swung into the middle from the left Rowland gets her head on the ball, turns it wide past the far post.

Kruez central for Aylsham laying the ball out to Sophie Lubbock pulling into the right channel looking to get into the box, Heaney getting across the attacker to see the ball back to her attacker. Bungay’s young players lively looking to take the ball on into their feet drive forwards, Bell getting on well on the right linking up with Rose up top, Greengrass throwing out a leg to cut out a diagonal ball.

Brown sending the ball into Kruez on Aylsham’s right getting on the move Rignall out to close her down the ball gone for a throw. Saddington winning the ball back wide on Bungay’s left flashing a cross into the six yard box, Will racing in beyond the far post turning it wide. Aylsham making a change Allum coming of, Myall back on. Gibbons tenacious with the ball at her feet fouled by Buckley outside the box 25 yards out to the right of goal.

Bungay’s Zoe Gibbons

Rose over the set-piece goes for goal her effort flashed wide of Parker’s left post. Riches coming off for Aylsham, Bussey recovering form her earlier knock, back on at right back. Gibbons surging on through the middle with the ball at her feet strikes the ball from the top of the area the ball rising on the keeper, Parker getting her gloves up almost knocks it down behind into her own goal but turns sharply to grab hold of the bouncing ball in the nick of time even as Bungay begin to celebrate…

Bungay pressing creating opportunities Aylsham continue to work hard to defend their leaf keeping players back limiting their own attacks going forwards. O’Connor cutting out Saddington’s left side cross into the box, back with the winger lifted in to the far post Buckley going in with Rose winning the ball. The game a little stretched Woods looking for the pass to release Sophie Lubbock in behind is a vital header won by Heaney for Bungay.

Sophie Lubbock

Parker going down with an injury off the ball, needing to be assessed a chance for Aylsham to have a breather as both sides head over to their respective dugout for fluids and instructions from the coaching staff. 20 minutes left to play. Rose darting into space on the right hooking the ball over Buckley into the box, Parker first too it before Bell can close it down.

Bussey defending for Aylsham on the right of defence as Saddington looks to drop her shoulder drive into the box. Parker the busier of the two keeper’s racing out to the top of her area looking to beat Saddington to the ball left of the box as Rose clips a diagonal ball in behind, the keeper sliding in getting their in the nick of time to save at Saddington’s feet.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Mia Parker

Parker out to the top of of her area to drop onto the ball as Gibbons sends it on through the middle. Buckley get her tackle in to deny Rose an opportunity to steal into the box of a Rowland pass. Bell winning the ball for Bungay 25 yards out gets her head down drives on to the top of the area, Buckley with the blocking tackle. Gibbons into Rose to the right drifts inside to shot on the angle driven into the near post, Parker behind it to save.

GOAL! A little over 10 minutes left to play, Aylsham’s working hard to defend, but the back line is finally breached as Rose takes the ball away to the right closing in on the by-line cuts the ball in through the corridor inside the six yard box, coming through into the middle of goal, Bell running in to turn the ball over the line to get Bungay back on level terms 1-1.

Abi Bell scores the equaliser for Bungay

Woods shown the yellow card as she brings down Will, the free-kick top of the circle, Roos floated the ball into the box, too easy for the keeper to claim. The game open Bungay pushing on winning the ball back inside the Aylsham half, Rose central putting a diagonal ball out to Bell inside the area wide right of goal lays it back up to Purling who sends a shot in on goal lacking any pace to trouble Parker, she takes it cleanly into her gloves.

Bungay’s Lauren Purling with Aylsham’s Elisha Nobbs

Buckley moving in to close Will down as she looks to head into the D off the left the ball cleared left won back by Saddington fed into the Gibbons top left corner her shot angled in on goal straight at the keeper. The game moving into the final 5 minutes Aylsham bringing on Olivia Baker joining the attack with Myall off. Bungay not sitting back waiting for extra-time pushing players on Roos, Heaney and Riggall well spaced at the back ready to deal with any Aylsham counter, as it is the forward players keep driving at the opposition defence Rose wide right sending her cross long through the six yard box picked up by Saddington left shot her angled drive over the bar.

GOAL! Bungay come through the middle, Gibbons on another of her marauding runs looking to push her way all the way through on goal defenders moving in to try and slow her down gets a shot away blocked by Buckley, the rebound dropping straight to Rose right of the D, unleashes a shot fired in across the keeper to find the bottom left corner to send Bungay into the lead! 2-1!

Mia Rose fires Bungay into the lead in the cup final

A huge blow for Aylsham having worked so hard to try and keep Bungay out the pressure though finally telling the chances mounting eventually taken, Bungay with their noses in front with little time left for Aylsham to find an equaliser themselves force the game into extra-time. Purling fed down the right by Rose puts the ball into the box for Will, near post, Buckley blocking the ball cleared to the top of the area Rose latching onto it pulling her shot wide.

Bungay with their tails up determined to keep the ball in the final 3rd Saddington on the left with Gibbons moving into the box, Brown with a clumsy challenge bringing her down right on the edge of the area but Bungay’s appeals for a penalty waved away. Aylsham get the ball upfield seconds left on the clock into Sophie Lubbock left forwards into Baker central, Riggall coming to close her down. Time up the final whistle blows and Bungay have done it winning the League cup to achieve the double.

Full time Aylsham FC Women 1-2 Bungay Town Ladies

Bungay pushing hard in the 2nd half to find a late equaliser and an even later winning goal. Their extra bit of quality shining through in the finish. Created numerous opportunities in the 2nd period. Aylsham worked tirelessly in defence to hold onto their slender lead long into the game and for a while it looked as if they might hold on Bungay driving on to pile on the pressure capitalising.

Women’s Football East Player of the Match

Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, this one not quite so easy a couple of strong contenders but ultimately the notes pushed one out in front. Several performances of note was another well contested final. Firstly for Aylsham the defence all playing a vital part putting in some vital tackles in interceptions, full backs Jemma Riches and Rachel Bussey along with Sophie Buckley and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor. Cayla Brown worked hard in front of the defence getting in to win the ball, Ella Kruez taking the ball on well down the right. Vicky Lubbock out on the left and Shelley Woods up top looknig to create an opening. Goalkeeper Mia Parker with some good work in goal to keep Bungay at bay long into the final. For Bungay, Fran Heaney with some great ball winning in defence. Selina Rowland getting hold of the ball and driving forwards to link up with the attackers. Marseilles Will with good movement and pace on the ball. Mia Rose getting into the channels making some good runs to pull defenders out of position, scoring the winning goal. Abi Bell covering the ground getting up and down the pitch, getting into the box for the levelling goal pushed Zoe Gibbons all the way but ultimately the number of midfielder runs she made on the ball counted, came out 2nd half in a frustrated mood and looked to set thing’s right with the ball at her feet getting Bungay going.

Bungay Town Ladies 2024/25 Norfolk Women’s League Cup winners

Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup and doing the league and cup double.

A county cup final to look forwards too, on the 27th May at Portman Road will be there to see them in action, enjoy the occasion. Two fantastic finals, my thanks to all involved for their help today. Thanks to the Aylsham volunteers helping make the weekend a success, the clubs involved in the final and the officials. Not forgetting the NWGFL committee a lot of work put in behind the scenes to make the leagues and finals days a success, a busy weekend no doubt but hugely rewarding. Three more games to go then my season’s done, and boy could I do with the rest.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – KLSC FC Women v Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

Sunday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final

A trip over to Aylsham this Sunday to attend the Norfolk Women’s Finals Day at Youngs Park with two 11 aside final taking place along with the women’s 7’s league cup final. First up kicking off at 10:30am the Women’s Plate final between KLSC FC Women and Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves.

The Plate competitive providing an opportunity for those clubs knocked out of the early round of the League Cup itself to compete for silverware and more often than not throws up as an exciting a match as the cup itself.

The Norfolk Women’s League Plate

KLSC FC Women (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) are finishing the season in good form having had a difficult start to their Division One campaign falling into the bottom two with just 5 points won in their opening 10 fixtures. Having seen some of their senior players move on most notably Josie Turner who has been a prolific goal scorer for whole football career. However it is also the beginning of a new era with a number you young players stepping up from youth football to join the women’s squad.

A 2-1 win against runaway leaders. Bungay Town Ladies, their only defeat of the season seeing the club begin to turn thing’s around with 5 wins in their next 8 league games to propel KLSC out of trouble at the bottom to put them right amongst the tightly packed cluster of sides jockeying for position in the middle of the table. With 3 games left after today’s Plate final have the potential to push into the top half of the table. Lucy Clarke the clubs top scorer this season, netting 14 goals, Katie Ward scoring 5 times with both Leeanne Smith and Tilly Sands on 4 a piece.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves are the only side in Norfolk Women’s Division One to have completed all of their league fixtures currently 5th on 29 points just 1 point from current 3rd placed side Sprowston FC Women, a tight cluster of sides below champions Bungay Town Ladies the league highly competitive. An up an down season for Mulbarton reflected in their tally of 20 player 9 won 2 drawn and 9 lost, made a good recovery after losing their open 3 league games. 3 managerial changes not helping, thing’s now stable under new manager John Vincent, putting together a 6 game unbeaten run to propel them all the way up to the top of the table for a short spell.

Mulbarton despite their relatively short history building a decent sized squad of players to compete across the ERWFL, Division One and the ever popular 7’s league, which Mulbarton have won claiming the Division One title. A good blend of youth and experience, Becky Waters joining Mulbarton this season the current top scorer for the reserves netting 20 goals from her 13 games. Lucy Kean always amongst the goals has 13 so far with midfielder, Charlotte Groves on 6.

Road to the Final

Both sides awarded the win in the 1st Round of the League Plate advancing straight to the quarter finals. KLSC drawn at home to play fellow Division One side, Long Stratton Women in the last 8 a close looking game on paper, proved to be the case on the pitch with the sides sharing 7 goals, drawing 1-1 at half-time KLSC going on to pinch it 2nd half winning 4-3 to book their spot in the semi-finals. Mulbarton too with a tricky quarter final tie having home advantage however as they took on Costessey Sports Ladies, Charlotte Grove firing home a brace, with Mary-Anne Hoy also finding the back of the net sending them into the last 4 with a comfortable 3-0 win.

A mixed bag in the semi-finals of the Plate, KLSC away to the current holders of the trophy, FC Viking & Valkyries Women. A tough game on paper with Valkyries winning Division Two looking to reach a 2nd successive final to defend the Plate. A close game goals from Lucy Clarke and Tilly Sands sending KLSC to the final with a 2-1 victory. Mulbarton at home were taking on new Division Three side, Brundall Bolts Women pushing for the title itself at one point, Mulbarton with the experience and goals to get the job done however with Rebecca Waters scoring a hat-trick, Lucy Kean on the score sheet to with Mulbarton winning 4-0 to book their final spot.

Youngs Park home of Aylsham FC the venue for the Norfolk Women’s and Girls Finals day for the past few seasons. A busy weekend Saturday hosting the numerous girls finals from age groups 8 to 16. Now for the adult finals the main grass pitch looking immaculate for the final not easy to do bearing in mind the lack of rain recently. The bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. Another bright and sunny day, but thankfully not as hot as last weekend, still can’t complain a bit of cloud cover but the sun with some heat in it when it breaks through no rain forecast.

KLSC FC Women starting XI – Stella Astle, Elizabet Puckova, Amy Cropley (C), Viktorija Burkauskaite, Tilly Sands, Bonnie Parsons, Lana Sturgeon, Lucy Clarke, Nikola Maslak, Trinity Tokaji & Holly Pitcher. Subs – Taeya Mayes, Ellie Panks, Leeanne Smith & Lauren Moyes.

KLSC FC Women

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves starting XI – Kirstie Andrews, Faye Bye, Tasha Williams (C), Aneliese Smith, Bryony Knights, Charlotte Groves, Florence Martin, Mary-Ann Hoy, Emma Farmer, Lucy Kean & Becky Waters. Subs – Nicole Sheldrake, Megan Anderton, Jade Telfer, Tilly-Rose Dade & Maisie Palmer-Smith.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Extra time and penalties if required

A minutes silence observed by both clubs in the centre circle before kick-off in memory of former FC Viking & Valkyries player Liv Martinez who very tragically took her own life after a long struggle with mental health. It’s a struggle many face and doing what we can to look out for one another is so important.

Captain’s Tasha Williams and Amy Cropley with this mornings match officials

It’s KLSC to kick-off the Plate final wearing red shirts with black vertical stripes on the front, black shorts and red and black hooped socks with Mulbarton lined up opposite wearing Blue coloured shirts with black vertical stripes on the front blue shirts and socks. The ball played back into the defence, Mulbarton rush forwards to press the ball in the middle, Florence Martin charging it down knocking it on for Lucy Kean in attack, taking on the early strike from outside the area comes swerving in quickly to goalkeeper, Stella Astle gets be gloves up to beat it down miscued drops behind her, turns quickly to grab hold of it before it can creep over the line.

Mary-Anne Hoy looking to get away down the left wing for Mulbarton squaring a cross into the area cut out by Viktorija Burkauskaite at the back for KLSC. Mulbarton quick to regain possession on the left a high cross lifted in to the far post, Emma Farmer having broken forwards from the left to try and get her head on the ball, but halted by the offside flag.

A bright start from Mulbarton getting hold of the ball inside the KLSC half not letting their opponents settle on the ball, Charlotte Groves in the middle sending the ball out to Hoy on the left her cross on the by-line deflected behind for a corner kick. Flung into the near post the ball turned behind for a 2nd corner. Burkauskaite clearing the 2nd delivery and in drops into the six yard box near side. Bonnie Parsons looking to get KLSC on the move sending a long ball up the right wing for Nikola Maslak, Mulbarton captain, Tasha Williams closing her down to nullify the threat.

Lively Mulbarton getting stuck in to win the ball high, Grove, Martin and Bryony Knights in the middle looking to feed the ball on to Kean and Becky Waters up top. Emma Farmer right side sending a diagonal ball up into the centre 25 yards out Martin pushing it into Kean top of the D, she lays it off to the left for Waters who hits it first time, 20 yards out not getting a clear connection the ball skipping up off the turf safely handled by Astle in the KLSC goal.

Burkauskaite diving in to win the ball for KLSC as Kean looks to slide Waters in behind into the area. KLSC having to ride out a lot of pressure early on attempting to get players forwards Lana Sturgeon with Parsons in the middle the ball fed on for Lucy Clarke breaking on the left, Aneliese Smith coming out from the back to close her down win her tackle. Mulbarton goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews alert to the threat out of her box to clear as Parsons central plays a ball over the Mulbarton defence for Trinity Tokaji to chase.

Hoy providing a useful outlet on the left for Mulbarton getting forwards well, Kean picking her out, Elizabet Puckova moving in to close her down, Hoy sending her cross behind at the near post. The game beginning to open up a little, KLSC pushing players on with pace whenever they get hold of it centrally, Hoy coming back to challenge Sturgeon as she combines with Maslak on KLSC’s right.

Mulbarton’s Florence Martin

Mulbarton’s defence dropping off well as a unit as KLSC break, Faye Bye cutting out a pass intended for Maslak as she gets on the move on the right. Maslak linking up with Sturgeon and Tokaji as KLSC build on the right, Williams stretching out a leg to cut out the ball. Knights finding Waters to the left of the area 20 yards out sends the ball in central for Groves top of the D, can’t dig the ball out of her feet to get a shot away before being closed down by KLSC’s Tilly Sands. Sturgeon getting hold of the ball driving into space on the right lifting a cross into the box, Holly Pitcher coming in central, Andrews in ahead of her to catch hold of the ball.

GOAL! Andrews releases the ball quickly getting it up into the opposition half, Groves helping it on to send Waters in behind left of the goal, Astle rushing out to try and close her down, Waters getting her foot through the ball to send it racing past her and on into the bottom corner to give Mulbarton the lead 0-1.

Becky Waters celebrates as she fires Mulbarton into the lead

Mulbarton taking the lead 12 minutes into the game making a strong start, KLSC look to get the ball on down the left into Clarke after the restart pushing on down the line lifts her cross into the penalty spot, Andrews up to claim it. KLSC have pace when they break the younger players bursting forwards looking to find a way through the Mulbarton back line, disciplined however they a reading the game well. Waters seeing the ball into her feet turning it out to Hoy advancing on the left her shot from the angle high over the bar.

Mulbarton winning a throw high on the left getting players in around the ball lifted into the box near side Waters rising to meet it turning her header across the six yard box looknig for Farmer at the far post, Astle getting up well to grab hold of the ball. The game opening up KLSC counter quickly Maslak sending Clarke away down the left channel looking to get into the box, Andrews rushing out to the top of her area sliding in to save at her feet, keeping hold of the ball.

Mulbarton goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews

Sands defending at the back for KLSC as Farmer hooks the ball into the middle from the right wing. Martin playing the ball in through the middle into Kean running into the box left of goal from the angle smashes a rising shot into the near post, Astle with a great save reacting quickly getting her gloves up to pull the ball down and claim.

KLSC goalkeeper, Stella Astle

Cropley cutting the ball out as Knights looks to find Kean in attack. Williams getting a timely tackle in on Parsons as the midfielder threatens to steal in behind through the middle, Mulbarton quick to counter the ball Faye Bye sending the ball up top into Kean looking to turn and knock the ball past the defence, Burkauskaite lunging in to stop the ball, getting fouled in the process.

Burkauskaite defending again as Hoy winning the ball back on the left sends it on for Kean looking to run inside the box. Smith seeing the ball come to her as she gets up on the right fires a shot in from range across the goal out past the far post.

GOAL! Mulbarton double the lead, a simple goal but exquisitely executed, Farmer on procession on the right just inside the KLSC half sending a fantastic diagonal pass long into the top of the area for Waters to run onto left of goal and shoot sending her strike across the keeper to score her 2nd of the game 0-2.

Becky Waters onto Emma Farmers pass to score Mulbarton’s 2nd

Mulbarton’s Emma Farmer with KLSC’s Lucy Clarke and Bonnie Parsons

Midway through the 1st half Mulbarton doubling the lead, pushing on looking for more goals, Kean coming in off the right into the middle 25 yards out putting the ball on for Waters left looking to steal into the area, Sands getting a foot in to block the pass, clear for KLSC. Clarke given the ball on the left bursts down the wing however her cross has no one in the box gambling to get on the end of it as Andrews collect unchallenged.

Clarke down the left getting a throw the ball back into her feet as she turns at the top of the box looknig for a way through Mulbarton quick to close her down, tries to squeeze it into Pitcher central but Knights is back to clear for Mulbarton.

GOAL! Mulbarton clearing the ball up long through the middle, turning the KLSC defence around, Waters racing through the middle with Martin, looking to chase it down with Burkauskaite, the keeper rushing out a tangle at the top of the area as the ball is charged down, loose it falls to Kean’s feet 25 yards out shifts it onto her left foot and curls her shot into the empty net 0-3.

Lucy Kean fires Mulbarton into a 3 goal lead

Mulbarton racing into a 3 goal lead with half an hour played. Burkauskaite hurt in the build up to the goal needing treatment, but is back up on her feet ready to play on.

GOAL! Another blow for KLSC they get right back on the attack as the game resumes the ball played on down the right wing into Maslak takes the ball inside getting into the area and fires it past the on rushing keeper into the bottom corner 1-3.

Nikola Maslak gets a goal back straight away for KLSC

KLSC breaking down the left Tokaji into Clarke, Smith tackling the ball out for a throw. headed on into the area, Knights dealing with it for Mulbarton. The game opening right up Mulbarton for their 3 goal lead cruising, rocked back a little by KLSC’s quick reply and drive to get the ball on, Puckova up on the right with Sturgeon a cross from deep claimed by Andrews inside her six yard box.

Nikola Maslak

Martin taking the ball on through the middle a driving run attempting to thread it through for Waters, Sands intercepting for KLSC. Waters linking up with Hoy out wide left for Mulbarton the cross worked into the area headed clear by Sands. Waters getting her feet up to hook the ball out to Hoy on the left whips a cross back into the area, Burkauskaite winning it for KLSC.

KLSC defender, Viktorija Burkauskaite

KLSC snapping in to get hold of the ball, parsons busy in the middle tries to pick out Clarke on the right, Farmer back on her defending with Smith. Parsons onto the ball from Sturgeon has Pitcher making a run into the left channel, the past forwards intercepted by Smith. Hoy tackling Maslak as she looks to turn off a diagonal ball from Parsons in the middle. The ball pinging around outside the KLSC box a lucky rebound favouring Hoy eft side as she bursts in behind looking to get onto the end of it, Astle racing out to the top of her area getting there first to clear.

Waters collecting the ball into her feet as she moves out to the left jinks her way inside to unleash a strike on the angle, a powerful drive rising past the keeper smashes over off the crossbar!

A frantic first half moving into stoppage time Mulbarton seeing an attack break down as KLSC turn play around Parsons with a good pass up to Pitcher in attack, turns it out to the left for Clarke whipping an early ball into the top of the area, skipping up inside the D the bounce not favouring Tokaji as she looks to get it under control, give Groves the opportunity to close her down snatch the ball away.

Half-time KLSC FC Women 1-3 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

Half-time and Mulbarton looking strong as they powered into a 3 goal lead within the opening half hour, Waters opening the scoring adding a 2nd involved in the 3rd as Kean turned it home. KLSC getting a goal back straight away have been under pressure at the back but looknig lively on the counter attack, Mulbarton not looking as composed after conceding the game opening right up. KLSC needing a goal before half-time to give them something to take into the 2nd period, both sides opting to stay out on the field during the half-time interval. Set up nicely for the 2nd half.

KLSC making a change at the break, Taeya Mayes coming on in place of Cropley. Mulbarton unchanged getting the 2nd half underway. Rolled into Knights in the middle passed to Groves, Pitcher rushing in to close the ball down, KLSC pushing at the start looking to get after the ball. Parson taking the ball away to the right cutting a cross into the top of the Mulbarton area, Pitcher inside the D looking to take a swing at it not getting a clean touch.

Maslak seeing the ball into her feet spinning in behind on the right wing to race on with the ball and deliver a cross into the top of the area, Martin cutting it out for Mulbarton the ball out for a throw. Martin changing her boots quickly after not happy with her first pair. KLSC busy winning a free-kick deep on the left Mayes over it firing a pacy ball into the near post, dealt with by Smith cleared outside the box, KLSC getting it back Mayes hooking a shot wide.

KLSC’s Taeya Mayes

KLSC lively pushing players on at the start, Hoy looks to get hold of the ball take it on down the left get Mulbarton going up the other end, Tokaji now wearing the captains armband getting back at her to win the ball back. Burkauskaite closing Waters down as she looks to break through the middle from a Kean ball forwards. The ball pinging around as both sides look to get it on in attack,

Mulbarton’s Bryony Knights

Hoy stretching for the ball left side of the area 20 out as it comes across to her on the half volley turns her shot wide. Parsons on for Sturgeon through the middle put on for Pitcher up top, Williams getting in front of her to clear for Mulbarton. Parsons coming to the right to link up with Tokaji and Maslak as they try to get the latter in down the line, Bye getting her tackle in to play the ball out for a throw.

KLSC’s Trinity Tokaji

Hoy with a good spin on the ball as it comes into her from the middle, knocks it on through the middle for Waters breaking in behind but to her frustration the offside flag is up against her. Groves in the middle sends Knights away down the left channel looking to get into the box, Sands getting her challenge in to half the advance.

Mulbarton getting on down the left Knights to Hoy the ball out for a throw, dropped into Hoy wide of the area hooks a cross on into the area, Astle getting her arms up to push the ball down into the ground, snatching it safely into her gloves before Waters close in can stab a foot at it. Mulbarton not having things all there own way 2nd half as KLSC push players on looking for an opening the defence busy. Sands over a free-kick on the left 30 yards out curled into the six yard box, Andrews bringing it down safely into her gloves.

Lana Sturgeon

Maslak offside as Sturgeon attempts to play her in through the middle. Mulbarton making a change, Groves coming off, Nicole Sheldrake entering the game on the hour. Mulbarton play the ball on for Waters in attack right side breaking in behind the keeper rushing out to the top of her area to try and close her down, Waters sending her strike past her, but also wide of the far post.

Knights getting forwards well for Mulbarton coming left putting the ball on for Hoy her early cross into the area cut out by Burkauskaite. Parsons moving right on the ball forwards into Maslak, Bye coming to close her down for Mulbarton.

Mulbarton defender, Faye Bye

Hoy away on the left with the ball at her feet coming inside across the area encouraged to pull the trigger but reluctant having not had much joy so far instead dinks it on to the right into the area for Waters stealing on on goal from the angle smashes another vicious shot past the advancing keeper onto the crossbar.

Tilly Sands clearing for KLSC

The game getting stretched KLSC committing bodies forwards gaps appearing in front of the defence. Parsons linking up with Maslak on the right, Sheldrake in to put in the tackle slowing her down outside the box, but Maslak keeps hold of the ball moving inside to turn a shot right of the D wife past the near post.

KLSC midfielder, Bonnie Parsons

Sheldrake tackling Tokaji as she looks to get away on the right for KLSC. Parsons brought down as she carries the ball forwards through the middle giving KLSC the free-kick. Mayes n the ball 25 yards out taken quickly lifted into the box with Maslak breaking in behind, but Andrews has seen the threat is on the move to get hold of the ball first.

End to end action as Mulbarton make a 2nd change in midfield, Martin coming off, Jade Telfer coming on. Lauren Moyes coming on too for KLSC. Mulbarton work the ball on through the middle a sliced defensive clearance from Burkauskaite sees the ball deflected in behind with Waters alert after it right of the D, Puckova going with her stretching to get to the ball the pair going to ground both hurt as Waters goes over the defender an accidental clash striking her head against the turf with her knee.

Both needing treatment, Waters knee not liking it needs to come off, hobbling to the side-lines, Megan Anderton coming on. Puckova up eventually holding an ice pack to her cheek over to the side-lines will be allowed back on when play resumes. The defender having cleared the ball to the right for a throw. Mulbarton turn it into a corner kick. Curled in ear side, Burkauskaite defending for KLSC, cleared out of the box a shot in from distance bouncing over the keeper but wide of Astle’s right post.

Mulbarton’s Jade Telfer

Telfer onto the ball outside the box, spinning into the shot right of the D in low with pace, on target, Astle with an instinctive save with her leg turning the ball wide. Kean getting up well to turn her header into Hoy’s path as she races on left side, crosses into the area, Sands clearing the ball away to the right, Farmer getting it back firing the ball into the D, Kean shooting turning the ball in on goal but straight at the keeper.

Mulbarton creating chances but can’t dampen KLSC’s spirit as Parsons coming inside from the right plays it across the top of the area for Sturgeon left side, rolls it on for Clarke to strike on the angle, fires her shot over the bar. Smith coming off for Mulbarton with Tilly-Rose Dade coming on. Tokaji bringing the ball inside from the right 25 yards out pushed on into Moyes central, looks to shift it right the left between her feet looking for an opening, getting a shot away a defensive block taking the sting out of it runs through to the keeper to gather. Sturgeon into Maslak on the right and angled strike rising into the side netting, taking a nick off a defender a corner awarded.

Lauren Moyes

GOAL! The corner swept in at an inviting height long across the six yard box beyond the far post, Clarke getting her head onto the ball to power it back across goal and into the back of the net to pull the scores back to a single goal 2-3.

Lucy Clarke heading the ball home to pull it back to 2-3 for KLSC

Game on setting up a tense final 6 minutes. Players pumped up on both sides, Moyes nipping in to win the ball off the Mulbarton back line sending it out to Tokaji right side lays it back up the line for Sands to curl a cross into the area, goes long, Clarke closing in at the far post not quite able to get on the end of it. Mulbarton making a double switch, Farmer and Hoy coming off, Groves back on along with Maisie Palmer-Smith. Mulbarton looking to take the ball into the corner keep KLSC from attacking, Groves looking to hold the ball up aghast as she is pulled over but doesn’t get the decision.

Into the closing seconds the ball lifted out to Palmer-Smith wide on the right clips a good cross into the area, Mayes back to win it for KLSC near side in front of the keeper. Mulbarton winning the ball back falls to Kean top of the box, Burkauskaite going with her as they head for the area, the defender fouled. That’s it the final whistle blows and Mulbarton have done it, celebrate as they win the League Plate final.

Full time KLSC FC Women 2-3 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

Was a really entertaining game knew they’re be goals in it and so it proved, Mulbarton getting off to a good start applying pressure high up the pitch early on getting into an early lead, creating chances, Waters firing them into a 2 goal advantage a 3rd from Kean quickly added. KLSC didn’t let their heads drop came straight back to pull it back to 3-1, to have something to hold onto going into the 2nd half. Started brightly getting at Mulbarton throwing players forwards taking risks at the other end Waters hitting the bar for a 2nd time coming closest to extending the lead, KLSC pulling it back to 3-2 late in the game but Mulbarton had the experience and game management to see out the game and claim the silverware.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Plenty of good performances out there from both sides but have one clear winner in mind. Firstly for KLSC, Bonnie Parsons was busy in the middle getting hold of the ball breaking it on and linking up with her attackers throughout. Lana Sturgeon too winning the ball and getting forwards well. Viktorija Burkauskaite and Tilly Sands in defensive with some vital tackles. For Mulbarton a solid defensive display for the majority, dropping off well as a unit. Becky Waters up top gambling well getting in behind scoring twice and rattling the woodwork. Lucy Kean linking up with the midfield setting up chances along with a goal. Flo Martin with some great tackles in midfield. Mary-Anne Hoy providing a great outlet on the left got forwards throughout. The award though goes to Bryony Knights won the ball well in front of the defence and as the game grew got forwards well covering the ground with some fine passes.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves 2024/25 Norfolk Women’s League Plate winners

Congratulations to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Plate.

An entertaining final to start the day a quick turnaround and bite to eat before the next game sadly no time to catch any of the action from the 7’s final in between. My thanks to both sides for the team details always appreciated must get those numbers.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Needham Market Women Development v Brantham Athletic Ladies

Friday 16th May

Suffolk Women’s Cup Final

Heading down to Suffolk this Friday evening to attend this season’s, Women’s League Cup Final, Brantham Athletic Ladies looking to do a double, double as they take on Needham Market Women Development aiming to retain the trophy.

Successfully defending their league title one more game left the League Cup, held at Brantham Leisure Centre, home of Brantham Athletic FC, Needham Market Women Development’s young squad looking to stop them unbeaten in 5 coming into this evenings final.

The Suffolk Women’s League Cup trophy

Getting the balance right between the two divisions in Suffolk has been a challenge the past couple of seasons, expanding to feature the women’s Premiership and Championship below, just 7 sides contesting the Premiership with 11 in the Championship, but in terms of strength of squads and competitiveness this has been the right call as sides look to grow and development and hopefully it will continue in that direction.

A complete turnaround for Brantham Athletic Ladies, from almost folding due to lack of numbers a couple of seasons ago, to bringing in need coaches and adding experienced players to the group, leading to the formation of a new Development side, the 1st team winning the League and Cup last season, continuing that momentum into this campaign winning the league comfortably and odds on favourites for the league cup. Have applied for promotion to the ERWFL and as Champions they are highly likely to be accepted.

A successful season for Brantham Athletic FC all round with the men’s side winning the Thurlow Nunn, Premier Division. The women’s side has dropped just two points all season, unbeaten, winning all but one of their 12 league matches. Scoring plenty of goals along the way too with Ella Long and Laura Tuley leading the way up front both on 24 goals coming into the last game of their season. Chloe Wilson also into double figures having netted 10 times this campaign.

Needham Market Development achieving their best ever league finish this season, ending the campaign 3rd in the Women’s Premiership table. A young squad aiming to break into the 1st team, playing in the ERWFL Premier Division. Needham Market bursting onto the scene with their women’s side and academy making their mark on women’s football in Suffolk in their relatively short history. This the first cup final appearance for their Development squad.

Have plenty goals within the side with 14 of the 24 players used this season on the scoresheet. Poppy Nunn leading the leading the way, top scorer with 18 to her name from 15 appearances. Imogen Porch also into double figures on target for 10 goals. With Hannah Cobbold and Poppy Dyson both on 8 apiece. The nature of a 7 strong league means there can be longer periods without a game a healthy gap of nearly 8 weeks between Needham market’s last league match and this evenings final. Brantham themselves only playing one competitive game in March, April and May respectfully coming into the final.

Road to the Final

Brantham awarded a home win in the 1st Round of the league cup. Needham Market were on the road taking on Championship side, Coplestonians Ladies, Poppy Nunn, Imogen Porch, Poppy Nunn and Hannah Cobbald all scoring a brace each, with Jessica Marriot and Elise Rossman also scoring in a 10-1 win.

Needham Market taking on Brantham Athletic Ladies Development side in the 2nd round of the league cup. Emma Drake and Chloe Taylor both bagging a brace with Porch and Ashleigh Goddard also scoring a goal to see Needham Market leading 3-0 at the break go on to win the game 6-1. Brantham at home taking on Championship side Framlingham Town Ladies in the 2nd round, Ella Long firing in 4 goals for Brantham. Laura Tuley and Chloe Wilson scoring 2 each with Emmi Bennett and Rachel White also finding the back of the net in a 10-0 win.

Into the last 8 of the league cup, Needham Market at home to Championship side, Leiston St Margarets Ladies, another strong showing in front of goal with Cobbold and Nunn both scoring a hat-trick. Lucy Cherney, Taylor, Dyson ad Porch also getting in amongst the goals in a 10-0 romp. Brantham taking on fellow Premiership side, Stowupland Falcons Women on home turf in the quarter finals. Bennett on target for a brace in the game, with Lucy Dunnett, Tarnya McKew and Long all getting a goal in a 5-1 victory.

Needham Market away in the semi-finals taking on Capel Plough Women, newly promoted to the Premiership. Poppy Dyson firing home twice to send her side into the final with Hepsie Attrill also bagging herself a goal in a 3-0 win. Brantham away to Championship title challengers, Ramsey & Mistley Ladies, Laura Tuley finding the back of the net for two goals, with Long, Bennett and Wilson all getting on the scoresheet in a 6-2 win to send Brantham into their 3rd successive league cup final.

Brantham Leisure centre, home of Brantham Athletic FC the venue for this evenings final, has been a while since I last visited the ground, but hosts a number of Brantham sides, the main grass pitch with training pitches and cricket area beyond. The carpark often busy, full this evening the clubhouse open leading out to the pitch, the kitchen hatch too serving hot food and drink. The grass pitch firm with good cover despite the lack of rain recently. Standing viewing all round with a small covered stand offset behind one goal and another between the dugouts. The weather noticeably cooler with a stiff breeze at time cloud cover but no rain forecast. Brantham the ‘away’ side for this evenings final.

Needham Market Women Development starting XI – Zoe Adams, Jess Marriott, Khyla Anderson-Hayler, Mia Lockwood, Sophia Gillingham, Emma Drake, Amy Trenter (C), Chloe Taylor, Hannah Cobbold, Hepsie Attrill & Immy Porch. Subs – Ashleigh Goddard, Maddi Steward, Poppy Dyson, Elisa Rossman & Lucy Cherney.

Needham Market Women Development

Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Daisie-Mae Gibbs, Aimee Berry, Chloe Wilson, Kirby Steward (C), Issey Hines, Sophie Crabtree, Lucy Dunnett, Emmi Bennett, Tarnya McKew, Laura Tuley & Ella Long. Subs – Stacey Teager, Ines Bowman-Boyles & Rachel White.

Brantham Athletic Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Kirby Steward and Amy Trenter with this evenings match officials

Harriet Young refereeing this evenings final leading the two teams out onto the pitch, the overcast skies leading to the floodlights coming on prior to kick-off. Brantham will kick-off the first half wearing an all navy kit with white trim on the shirts. Needham market lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and red socks. The ball rolled back into Lucy Dunnett in midfield, played on for Ella Long in attack her early shot from range charged down the ball coming to the right for Emmi Bennett breaking forwards, Jess Marriott moving in to win the ball for Needham Market at left back getting it back to her goalkeeper, Zoe Adams to kick clear.

Needham market look to push players on with pace getting the ball up the right, forcing Brantham into conceding an early corner. Played into the top of the area, Brantham with a nervy clearance, Needham Market quick to win it back pressing the ball, Dunnett able to get hold of it for Brantham sending a diagonal ball out to the right looknig for Bennett, Marriot intercepts for Needham Market.

Brantham winning a free-kick in a central position some 30 yards out, Dunnett their dead ball specialist over the set-piece, lines up the strike fired in on target however straight at the keeper a comfortable save for Adams. Tarnya McKew wide on the left for Brantham looking to break away, full back Khyla Anderson-Hayler getting back at her near the corner to play the ball out of her for a throw.

Long into Laura Tuley in attack as Brantham play the ball on through the middle, comes out to Bennett right side, Marriott with the blocking tackle, Emma Drake taking it on looking to break on the right, Aimee Berry pushed up from defence snatching the ball back inside to roll it on into the box for Tuley breaking in behind right of goal her angled strike flashed in high into the side netting.

A corner awarded lifted into the keeper from the right, Adams under pressure comes in near side, knocked behind for a 2nd corner on the right. Put in long beyond the far post turned behind for a 3rd corner to the left. Brantham getting bodies into the box as the delivery comes in central defended cleared out to the right side Berry looking to curl in a cross to the near post, Immy Porch up to head the ball away for Needham Market.

Brantham captain, Kirby Steward coming across to the right to deal with the ball as Chloe Taylor and Hannah Cobbold look to bring the ball on up the wing for Needham Market the ball out for a throw. Brantham looknig to get the ball out too their wide players, McKew hugging to touch line on the left getting down to the by-lined, challenged the ball out for another corner. Lively both sides wanting to get the ball forwards, Needham market with the ball at their feet, pace as Drake gets it on up the left flank before Berry lunges in to make the challenge get the ball back for Brantham.

Needham Market’s Emma Drake

Brantham winning a free-kick deep on the left Dunnett to send the ball into the top corner of the area, Chloe Wilson seeing her strike charged down the ball cleared out to Needham Market’s Drake on the left burst forwards the ball knocked on for Porch, Brantham keeper, Daisie-Mae Gibbs rushing out of her area looking to clear the ball, Porch instead charging the kick down running after the ball as it rebounds on into the area defenders racing back to try and cover the empty goal as Porch on the angle looks to turn the ball in to the near post instead collapses in frustration as the ball crashes into the side netting.

Sophie Crabtree linking up with Dunnett through the middle for Brantham the ball clipped out to the right wing for Bennett, Marriott diving in to play the ball out for a throw in the corner, Brantham turn it into a corner kick. Played into the top of the area from the right, Long moving in to strike it first time her shot into the crowded six yard box, blocked. Comes out to the right, Bennett fouled by Porch, Brantham winning another set-piece out wide.

Dunnett sending the ball into the top of the box, Hepsie Attrill winning the ball for Needham Market charging out of the area looking to lead a counter attack the ball launched up the left channel for Porch to attack, defender, Issey Bines looking to go with her chase the ball down, Porch too eager in her hunt tugging on Innes ponytail looking to gain the advantage the defender going to ground the referee immediately blowing for the free-kick having a stern word with Porch.

Is competitive, Needham Market looking to try and close the ball down get it into their attacking players quickly, Brantham with the more experience squad looking to play the ball into the channels and out wide with players making timely runs. Drake getting on well with the ball for Needham market on the left winning a corner kick. The delivery long into the far post area knocked down scrambled away to the right falling to Cobbold out wide her angled shot back in held safely by Gibbs.

Porch moving over to the right side with Taylor and Cobbold as Needham Market bring the ball on, Taylor sending the ball into Porch 25 yards out, is tugged back herself resulting in Needham market getting the set-piece. Attrill over the ball to the right of the area, lifted in near post, Long heading the ball clear for Brantham, a shot taken from distance finding it’s way through to the keeper.

End to end as Berry gets forwards with Bennett on Brantham’s right, giving Bennett the ball goes on the overlap the ball sent into her path taking it to the by-line, Sophia Gillingham across to help Marriott out the ball played behind for a corner kick. Brantham looking to put the ball in on the keeper, an in swinger just over her dropping far post a snap shot, blocked on the line put clear to the left a shot on the angle blazed over.

Tuley pulling away to the right for Brantham sending a shot in on the angle across the keeper from 20 yards out, McKew retrieving it left side laid on for Wilson coming on from the back, her near post strike from outside the box, saved by Adams dropping onto the ball. Needham Market energetic unsettling Brantham to a degree Steward cutting out an intended through ball from Trenter for Porch, turning play around, into Dunnett out to Tuley right 25 yards out, Long making a run across her getting hold of the through ball taking it on the angle her shot rising, over the ball, the keeper getting a faint touch a corner given.

GOAL! The game fast approaching the half hour mark, Brantham building some momentum McKew getting on well down the left the ball fed into her path taking it on, cuts it back inside to Long positioned top left corner outside the box shifts the ball inside before striking the ball, hard up over the keeper and into the far corner of the goal beyond, 0-1.

Ella Long celebrates with her teammates as she gives Brantham the lead

Needham Market looking for an immediate reply the ball from Taylor right on for Porch passed infield into Attrill takes it on across the D looking for an opening her effort saved by Gibbs back in her six yard box. Long up the other end flashing a shot wide across the face of the Needham Market goal as she is played in by McKew in the left channel.

Brantham getting hold of the ball in the middle Crabtree out to McKew left takes the ball inside before rolling it across the top of the area for Bennett on the right side, Marriott diving in giving away the corner kick. Players up from the ball surrounding the keeper, curled into the middle of the six yard box, Adams does very well amongst the crowd to get her arm up to push the ball away to the left. Trenter with Attrill as Needham Market get the ball forwards, out to Taylor advancing on the right, Wilson stepping in to tackle for Brantham.

Brantham’s Chloe Wilson

GOAL! Brantham attack down their left flank McKew on the ball cut back inside to Long left channel has Tuley ahead of her rolling the ball on, Tuley drives forwards battling her way into the area getting clear to fire the ball on the angle across the diving keeper to double the lead 0-2.

Laura Tuley doubles Brantham’s lead

Needham Market falling 2 goals behind making a change bringing off Trenter, send on Poppy Dyson. Marriot donning the armband. Drake taking the ball on with pace up the left getting a corner for Needham Market. players up onto the box. Swung into the near post at in inviting height, Gillingham rising to attack it with her head, turns it narrowly wide of the upright.

Sophie Gillingham coming close from the corner kick

Bennett coming back to help defend for Brantham as Drake dispossesses Berry on the wing looks to drive on up the left. Attrill taking the ball on from Parch on the right, getting pulled back. Taking the free-kick lifted on into the box, Dunnett getting it clear for Brantham. A shot struck in from distance Gibbs behind it falling onto the ball. Taylor bringing the ball on up Needham market left channel driving on looking to get into the box, catching the ball with the outside of her boot in an attempt to knock it on into the box before Innes can close her down, Steward with the clearance for Brantham.

The game a little stretched with both sides going for it Dunnett with a good range of passing at her disposal the ball on for Long up top left side fed on for McKew down the flank her angled strike in low to the near post held by Adams. Moments later McKew played in again down the left tries the angled short rising this time threatening to loop up over the keeper, Adams does well getting her arms up quickly to snatch the ball down into her gloves.

Needham Market goalkeeper, Zoe Adams

Dunnett taking the ball left taking on the shot from distance the ball cut out by Needham Market, Lockwood top of the area. Adams rushing out to the edge of her area sliding in to save at the feet of McKew as she is played on down the line by Long. The flag up against her for offside however. Marriott doing well in defence for Needham Market getting her body across Bennett as she looks to get hold of the ball on the right, plays it back to her keeper to kick clear.

Brantham’s Emmi Bennett

Brantham pushing for a 3rd goal late in the first half McKew taking the ball on down the left putting it inside for Tuley, making a move to skip into the box, Lockwood with the challenge to halt the attack. Needham Market launch a counter attack, Dyson on the move through the middle with the ball fired into Drake outside the D, moving left the Brantham defence moving in to close her down the loose ball coming to Taylor some 30 yards out goes to strike the ball, her effort inches over the crossbar.

Half-time Needham Market Women Development 0-2 Brantham Athletic Ladies

Brantham head back into the changing rooms at the break leading the league cup final 2-0, the goals coming in quick succession around the half hour mark. Has done little to dampen Needham market’s spirits lively in the first half have unsettled their opponents to a degree created some very good chances of their own. Not taking one however, Brantham using the ball and the pitch to their advantage spreading play, 2 goal leads always tricky of course a 3rd goal would sap the energy as little, Needham Market get the goal at it’s very much game on.

No changes for either side at the break. with Needham Market getting the 2nd half underway. Needham Market with the kick-off, find Porch on the left drives on with the ball, tackled by Berry, the ball into the middle for Dunnett lifted out to McKew wide left sends it forwards for Tuley through the middle beating the offside trap racing for the box, Gillingham back on her shoulder getting a foot on the ball to turn it to the left, Long latching onto it outside the box her low strike straight at the keeper.

Brantham looknig to get after the ball at the start of the 2nd half close Needham Market down inside their own half. Dyson attempting to put the ball on for Porch in attack, Steward moving across her box to dive in put the ball out for a corner kick. Defended at the near post Brantham’s turn for the counter the ball lifted up to Long racing on up the left wing, Anderson-Hayler getting back on her to tackle turn the ball behind for a corner.

Swung into the area from the left, Porch up high to head the ball clear, Taylor looking to take the ball on through the middle get Needham Market on the attack, Steward across lunging in to make the tackle, hurting herself in the process but aright to continue. Marriott getting in to challenge Long as the attacker links up with Bennett on the right.

Issy Hines with Immy Porch

Needham Market advance on the left, Porch with the ball at her feet level with the top of the area laying the ball inside for Taylor, her shot blocked by Innes, the rebound finding it’s way out to Attrill to the right of goal her shot on the angle saved by Gibbs across to cover the near post. Needham Market remain lively looking to take the ball to Brantham, who themselves are probing looking for a 3rd goal.

GOAL! And it arrives 10 minutes into the 2nd half, with Long given the ball coming inside from the right moving towards the corner of the area 20 yards out striking the ball with her left foot, sending it flying in over the keeper into the back of the net for her 2nd of the game 0-3.

Ella Long fires Brantham into a 3 goal lead

Brantham making a change bringing on Stacey Teager, for Dunnett in the middle. McKew remains a ready outlet on the left for Brantham keeping Anderson-Hayler busy. Brantham with a flowing move getting forwards, McKew left cut back to Teager who lays it across to Long to send out to Berry getting on down the right flank her cross swept high into the six yard box, McKew leaping up from close range looking to head the ball knocks it just over.

Brantham’s Tarnya McKew

Attrill battling for the ball in the centre for Needham Market bringing in forwards attempting to put the through ball on for Taylor, Steward cutting the ball out at the back for Brantham. Dunnett not off the field for long coming back on with Crabtree the player off. Lockwood closing McKew down as she looks to drive on into the left channel. Bennett played on by Teager right side, Marriott closing her down.

Needham Market’s Hepsie Attrill

Brantham winning a free-kick on halfway, Dunnett to send it into the top of the Needham Market box, headed clear falls to a Brantham boot the strike from range dipping on the keeper but Adams claims confidently. Attrill coming off for Needham Market with Ashleigh Goddard entering the action. Anderson-Hayler putting the ball on down the right for Parch to attack, Wilson defending in the corner the ball out for a throw. Put up the line the cross intercepted by Wilson.

Drake stealing onto the ball 30 yards out left of the box goes for the shot angled in skipping off the surface, Gibbs down quickly to smother the ball. Needham Market winning a free-kick deep on the left played into the top of the area, cleared by Dunnett, Brantham look to break the ball fed on for McKew through the middle racing on, Lockwood in well to close her down.

Brantham goalkeeper, Daisie-Mae Gibbs

McKew pulling up down needing to come off, Crabtree coming back on. Needham Market also making changes bringing on Maddi Steward for Marriott sees Anderson-Hayler move to left back with Steward right. Elisa Rossman on too. Remains competitive Needham Market keep pushing looking for an opportunity, Brantham reasonably comfortable in defence can pick their time to attack.

Maddi Steward over a Needham Market free-kick wide on the right played in to the top of the Brantham area. Knocked down to the right, Rossman looking to get hold of it, Crabtree winning the tackle for Brantham. Porch has given it all to try and find a goal for Needham Market this evening as play builds on the left with Drake and Taylor the ball put across the D into Porch goes to strike it first time frustration once again as her rising strike packing plenty of power swerves to brush the side netting on it’s way behind.

Lucy Chenery coming on for Needham Market with the game moving into the final quarter hour. Parch with a blast from range all of 35 yards out on target, dips into the keepers gloves. Ines Bowman-Boyles coming on for Brantham, to replace Bennett. Porch up with Taylor on the left outside the Brantham box the pass cut inside for Goddard moving across the D looking for a gap, Steward diving in to take the ball for Brantham.

Needham Market not sitting back prepared to give it a go look for a goal, McKew returning to the action for Brantham with Crabtree coming off. Gillingham tackling Teager for Needham Market as McKew tries to get the ball into her from the left. Wilson moving in to close Goddard down as she picks the ball up from Dyson in the middle drives forwards. Needham Market pushing players on late on as Brantham start to tire getting up around the box, Drake into Rossman into the box forced out to the right, her cross cut out at the near post.

Brantham midfielder, Lucy Dunnett

Cobbold back on for Needham Market as Porch giving away a foul is shown the yellow card, Brantham get on the attack through the middle, Long up with Teager and McKew the ball blocked 3 times by the Needham Market defence top of their area as they try to force a shot through onto the keeper. Needham Market with a throw high on the left into Drake on the angle her shot struck low to the near post, blocked. A corner won on the left angled into the near post high, Gibbs coming for it getting up to grab hold of the ball.

Needham Market attacker, Immy Porch

The clock ticking down, Needham Market pressing for a goal late on as Brantham look to defend keeping players back behind the ball. Gillingham cutting the ball out at the back for Needham Market as McKew looks to put Teager on through the middle. Needham Market get on the counter the ball from Dyson on for Porch getting into the box right slide, Steward sliding in on her with a strong tackle. Porch hurt stays down for a moment up hobbling comes over to the side lines.

In final whistle moments away Needham Market doing all they can to get an opportunity at goal, Brantham solid in defence working hard at the back keeping things tight determined to keep a clean sheet. Brantham celebrate as they win they retain the Suffolk Women’s League Cup and complete a historic double double.

Full time Needham Market Women Development 0-3 Brantham Athletic Ladies

An intriguing final between two contracting sides, Brantham the favourites having won the title convincingly and having a vastly experienced squad, Needham Market’s talented youngsters giving it a good go however never letting their heads drop. Brantham getting the ball on well first half using the flanks creating opportunities taking the lead just before the half hour, quickly adding a 2nd to get control of the game. Needham Market creating good chances of their own just not taking them trailing at the break. Brantham adding a 3rd goal early in the 2nd half allowing them to settle back defend their box wait for the right moment to break forwards. Needham Market applying late pressure doing all they could to find a goal.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several performances of note was an entertaining match, but there is a clear winner. For Needham Market the defence all played their part, Khyla Anderson-Hayler, Jess Marriott, Mia Lockwood and Sophie Gillingham all putting in timely tackles and inceptions. Emma Drake took the ball on well breaking out from the back. Chloe Taylor with so useful link up play. Immy Porch in attack will feel frustrated she didn’t score but she created the opportunities sometimes it just won’t happen. For Brantham Kirby Steward was strong in defence getting her tackles in reading the game and cutting passes out. Issey Bines too, with some vital tackling and tracking back with Needham Market looking to drive forwards. Lucy Dunnett used the ball well in midfield having good passing options ahead of her. Tarnya McKew one of those outlets a constant threat out on the left created several chances. Laura Tuley with good movement up top scoring a goal. The award goes to the other goal scorer Ella Long opened the scoring and an assist for the 2nd got forwards into the channels linking up play throughout, adding a 2nd and Brantham’s 3rd in the 2nd half.

Brantham Athletic Ladies 2024/25 Suffolk Women’s League Cup winners (photo credit Brantham Ladies)

Congratulations to Brantham Athletic Ladies on winning this season’s Suffolk Women’s League Cup and completing a 2nd successive league and cup double.

Had to wait to the cup final to see Brantham in action this season, have had an excellent couple of season’s and should they get promotion to the ERWFL will be more than competitive. 1st look at Needham Market’s talented youngsters gave it a go and look forward to seeing how they develop within the club and beyond. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups tonight. Back in Suffolk next Wednesday for the inaugural Women’s League Plate final between Bacton United Ladies and Halesworth Town Women at Stowmarket Town FC on Wednesday evening.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Luton Town Ladies

Sunday 11th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Following on from ???? triumph in the ERWFL League Plate we move onto the League Cup Final itself with The Eyrie, hosting Stevenage FC Women and Luton Town Ladies as they compete for the trophy.

Little to separate the two sides too leading into the game each claiming a 1-0 win at home in the league against the other and they shared an epic penalty shootout in the Women’s FA Cup having drawn 1-1, Luton eventually edging it 15-14 from the spot. Hopefully no such drama this afternoon, but certainly promises to be an intriguing contest.

The ERWFL League Cup

Luton with a very similar story to Hutton in terms of their league success, cup runs and call offs early in 1st half of the season keeping them well placed behind the leaders, Royston Town Women, then converting those games in hand into points roared to the top of the table and clinched victory with games to spare to become champions and with it return to the FAWNL after a 6 year absence. Runners up in the previous two season’s too, winning the League Cup back in 2023, against Stevenage 2-1.

Going one better this season have added the prolific, Natasha Fensome to the squad, coming to the club from Bedfordshire rivals, Real Bedford Women after they more or less let their entire treble winning squad from the previous season go following their own promotion to the FAWNL. Fensome’s goals playing a huge part in that success, the leagues top scorer with 34 goals that campaign. Is up there again this time around breaking the 30 barrier with 31 goals so far with a couple of games to go vying for the golden boot with Royston’s, Emma Slater who has 34. Plenty of goals throughout the squad however, with 18 of the 34 used so far amongst the goals, Jess McKay the only other player into double figures netting 12 goals. Their Reserves side recently winning the inaugural Bedfordshire Women’s Trophy.

Stevenage too enjoying a short spell in the FAWNL, rebuilding in the ERWFL and once again looking strong to mount a title bid themselves, having secured a top 3 finish in the Premier Division have a strong platform to push on from could even finish 2nd if local rival Royston happened to slip up in their final game of the season and Stevenage win their remaining two. Losing just one of their last 14 league matches to move up the table. As mentioned enjoying some close matches against Luton this season will be buoyed by their recent 1-0 victory coming into today’s League Cup final.

Like Luton benefitted from the dispersal of last season’s Real Bedford Women’s treble winning squad bringing attacker, Gemma Croucher to the club, has settled in well, the current top scorer finding the back of the net with 21 goals from her 28 appearances. Amy Makewell on target scoring 13 goals from her 25 matches. Like Luton have a strong defensive record too. Expecting a tight contest but hoping it doesn’t go to penalties.

Road to the Final

A bye for both sides in the first round of the League Cup, Stevenage drawn away to Division One North side, AFC Dunstable Women in the 2ne round. Midfielder Hannah Bodily on target for 2 goals one in each half along with a strike from Gemma Croucher and an injury time goal from Matilda Thomas O’Keefe sealing a 4-1 victory. Luton at home taking on Division One South opposition in Hertford Town Women. Natasha Fensome on target for 2 goals with Gabriella Spillman, Francesca Partridge and Shianne Swarres also scoring in a comfortable 5-0 win.

Moving to the 3rd Round Stevenage were at home taking on fellow Premier Division outfit, St Albans Women. Croucher, captain Lucy Webster and Amy Makewell getting a goal each in the first half Croucher when on to add her 2nd early in the 2nd half to seal a 4-2 win. Luton away in the 3rd round taking on Watford Ladies Development newly promoted to the Premier Division a much tighter affair with a single goal enough to see Luton advance, scored by Jess McKay.

The last 8 saw Stevenage making the long trip up to Norfolk to play last season’s beaten finalists, Wroxham Women, a close contest Gemma Croucher’s 41st minute goal the difference between the side as Stevenage advanced into the semi-finals. Luton taking on Division One North side, Real Bedford Women Reserves, a different story here as Luton powered there way into the last 4 piling on the goals, Tsaianne Leader scoring a hat-trick with Fensome bagging herself a brace. Goals too for Jess McKay, Shanice Lewis and Elly Wade in a 9-0 win.

Stevenage hosting fellow Premier Division side, Enfield Town Ladies in their semi-final, Gemma Croucher scoring for Stevenage in the 8th minute, Kelsey Millen adding a 2nd midway through the first half, Enfield getting a goal but not enough as Stevenage held on for a 20-1 win to book their spot in this season’s final. Luton at home too taking on league leaders, Royston Town Women a tough contest the pair drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes the tie going to extra-time Luton were to come out on top to add 2 more goals to win through to the final 3-1. Fiona Buttigieg, Leyah Maddix and Tsaianne Leander with the goals.

The sun powerful come the afternoon kick-off the temperature on the playing surface alone hot without the air around it. Uncomfortable to a degree to play in shade starting to form over on the far side of the ground by the dug outs. A good crowd building for this one at The Eyrie with two local sides going toe to toe. The bar and kitchen still open doing plenty of trade. The stand filling up with spectators looking for shade as well as a good view myself included.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Mistie Fox-Barker, Hannah Nebbitt, Lucy Webster (C), Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Frankie Tilbury, Lillia Dempsey, Eva Delaney, Gemma Croucher & Amy Makewell. Subs – Hannah Bodily, Lilly Kelly, Kelsey Millen, Anais Corrigan & Millie Constantine.

Stevenage FC Women

Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson, Tanya Blacksley, Shanice Lewis, Fiona Buttigieg, Elly Wade (C), Shianne Swarres, Jess McKay, Elizabeth Mulvaney, Amber Leighton, Tsaianne Leader & Natasha Fensome. Subs – Ami Martins, Stef Paci, Leyah Maddix, Nicole Farmer & Erin Price.

Luton Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes, there will be 30 minutes added time and penalties if required.

Captain’s Lucy Webster and Elly Wade with this afternoon’s match officials

Stevenage wearing their away colours purple shirt and socks with black shorts. Luton wearing orange coloured shirts with a white vertical stripe offset on the front, navy shorts and orange socks. Luton to get the first half underway, kicking the ball up top into their attackers early on, Stevenage goalkeeper stepping up to claim the ball getting an early feel of it in her gloves. Competitive right from the off Luton snapping in to win the ball, Stevenage biting back, giving away a free-kick in the centre.

Fiona Buttigieg over the set-piece for Luton lifts it forwards to the right, Rebecca Edge rising high to win the header for Stevenage, but clashing with a Luton attack comes off the worse and she collapses to the ground, an early pause while she is accessed. Getting up tentatively walks gingerly to the side lines but will be ok to play on. Luton are know to be physical and that is no surprise to any opponent are strong in their pursuit of the ball looking to get it moving forwards with energy.

Stevenage just as competitive the early stages seeing each one test the other with forward balls into the channels, Chloe Gunn in front of the Stevenage defence winning the ball. Jess McKay diving in with her tackles for Luton. Stevenage get the ball moving through the middle Frankie Tilbury on for Gemma Croucher making a run into the left channel, Luton captain Elly Wade moving in to close her down.

Luton feeding the ball on for Tsaianne Leander 20 yards out in attack central drives towards the box, Stevenage captain Lucy Webster stepping in to put in the tackle the ball knocked away to the left, a misplaced pass almost presenting Leander with another opportunity outside the area is quickly closed down. Stevenage looking to get on the3 counter attack the ball threaded on for Croucher in attack, Wade racing back with her just getting there first to deal with the danger.

Luton’s Jess McKay

Wade into defend again at the back for Luton putting the ball out for a corner kick as Lillia Dempsey drives on into the box in the left channel. The corner flung in over everyone inside the six yard box, cleared far side. Lucy Webster if given the opportunity from the back will drive forwards through the middle for Stevenage carrying the ball along way, bearing down on the opposing area she strike is charged down by Luton’s Elizabeth Mulvaney. Tilbury trying her luck from range her 25 yard strike for Stevenage taking a deflection off a defender seeing the sting taken out of it travelling safely back into goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson.

Luton attacker, Tsaianne Leander

McKay getting forwards for Luton up the other end taking on the strike from 30 plus yards out as the ball is deflected into her path, put straight in on the keeper, Reeves saving comfortably. McKay with Shianne Swarres in the middle for Luton the ball rolled on for Leander in the right channel sends it on into the box for Fensome, Webster moving in to close her down for Stevenage the ball behind for a corner out on the right.

Rebecca Edge challenging Amber Leighton for the ball

Flashed into the area through everyone Luton retrieving it on the left, Tanya Blacksley up with McKay put back into the near post, gathered by Reeves in goal. Gunn with a strong challenge on Leander as the attacker looks to force her way into the box. Luton lively pushing on Blacksley from the back putting a good ball in over the top for Fensome making a run central to left to get in behind, clear, Reeves comes racing out to the top of her area looking to try and close her down, Fensome taking the ball past the keeper into the area cutting her low shot back in at the empty net, both Webster and Edge racing round on the cover to get to the ball, Edge clearing it off the line!

Both sides battling for the ball, Luton gaining the free-kick hoisted up towards the top of the area dealt with by Stevenage’s Gunn. Buttigieg advancing up the left with the ball for Luton plays in inside for Leander, Mistie Fox-Barker in to close her down for Stevenage the full back preventing the cross the ball out for a throw in. Stevenage counter through the middle, Eva Delaney on for Makewell, back to goal spins on the ball well to help it into the path of Croucher storming on down the left channel bursting into the box her low strike on the angle saved low by Hudson at her near post.

Buttigieg stealing the ball high on the left for Luton races on down the wing whipping a pacy cross into the near post, Fensome coming for the ball looking to get it under control under pressure from Webster can’t keep it in play. Fox-Barker bringing the ball on right side for Stevenage drills a diagonal ball low into the box cut out by Wade, cleared upfield Luton quickly on the counter, Reeves rushing out of her area to clear the threat.

Stevenage goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves

Both side energetic despite the heat, fighting for the ball, passes a little rushed if anything as they look to take the game to the other. Hannah Nebbitt left side for Stevenage looking to pick out Makewell in attack with the diagonal ball cut out by Blacksley at the back for Luton. Nebbitt sending the ball on into the box again for Stevenage Makewell bearing down on the keeper, with Blackley and Wade tracking her, Hudson standing her ground blocking the ball getting hold of it for Luton.

Jess McKay sliding in to win the ball for Luton

Up the other end Leander running onto a pass fed inside from the right, striking the ball on the half volley from 20 yards out not getting a solid connection the shot tame through to the keeper. Hudson with a sharp save to deny Makewell inside the box as she steals in behind beating offside trap the ball beat down back to Makewell for a 2nd try, Hudson sharp getting down to grab hold of the ball.

Fensome moving about in attack for Luton looking for space taking the ball down to the by-line left of go no one has caught up with her as she flashes her cross into the six yard box. Busy end to end, cagey at time Fox-Barker getting on for Stevenage right side sending a cross inside looking for Croucher left of the D breaking into the area Wade intercepting the ball for Luton at the back.

Stevenage’s Mistie Fox-Barker

Luton moving the ball quickly getting numbers around it in the middle Swarres with McKay, Amber Leighton coming inside to take the ball on lifted into Leander up top inside the D, Edge winning it back for Stevenage. Leander coming over to the left linking up with Mulvaney and Buttigieg the ball crossed in along the top of the area, Shanice Lewis running in to met it her strike put in straight to the keeper.

The referee calling for the first drinks break of the game, the dugouts in some shade, blisteringly hot out there, both sides covering the ground. The game resumes with a Luton goal kick. Swarres seeing the ball into her 30 yards out shapes to send it goal wards lopping over the keeper but dropping wide of the right post. Leighton bringing the ball in across the Stevenage D moving left looking to put Buttigieg through on goal, Webster throwing out a leg to cut the pass out for Stevenage.

Luton midfielder, Shianne Swarres

Delaney released into space on the right for Stevenage as a deflected ball runs into her path taking it on chops a low cross into the top of the area, won by Wade. Luton lively Leander fed the ball right of goal, Edge moving onto her shoulder to defend for Stevenage the ball pushed away to the right, Leighton from the angle blasting a shot in on goal, Fox-Barker moving round on the cover blocking it in front of her keeper.

Blacksley getting the ball forwards on the left firing it into Leander outside the box, looking to pull the trigger has her arm tugged as she does, awarded the free-kick Buttigieg over the free-kick 20 out left of the D, puts it into the far post defended knocked down to the top of the area, Leighton latching onto it her shot struck wide across the face of goal out past the far post. Luton building some momentum in the final 3rd.

Luton defender, Tanya Blacksley

GOAL! McKay into Fensome in attack, takes the ball in across the top of the D from the right into the middle feeding it into Buttigieg breaking into the area from the left one touch then curls the ball up over the keeper to nestle inside the net at the far post 0-1.

Fiona Buttigieg firing Luton into the lead.

Luton into the lead in the 40th minute looking strong winning the ball in the middle, McKay diving in to win possession Buttigieg into the middle for Mulvaney on for Leander up top lays it off for Leighton who attempts to thread it in behind for Fensome, bursting in one goal, but the flag goes up against her even as Reeves rushes in to close her down. Swarres pushing forwards with the ball at her feet for Luton looks for Fensome up top the ball cut out by Edge the Fensome fouls Gunn as she goes to clear the ball.

Buttigieg with a strong tackle on Croucher as she moves out to the right looking for the pass from the advancing Delaney. Delaney then brought down by Wade out wide on the right as she looks to link up with Fox-Barker. Makewell over the set-piece a great ball in one goal at the far post players running in to attack it Hudson up well to punch it clear of her area.

Luton with a free-kick late in the first half on halfway to the right sent into the box, Edge winning it for Stevenage, Luton quick to get back onto the ball outside the box, Leander shifting it out to Fensome on her right stretching as she goes to shoot, pulls her effort high past the near post. Luton looking to get on down the flanks putting Stevenage under pressure. The whistle blows up for half-time, Luton edging the 1st half leading by a single goal.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 0-1 Luton Town Ladies

Fiona Buttigieg’s 40th minute strike the difference between the sides, has been as expected a tight and competitive contest, Luton getting the ball forwards with pace looking to push Stevenage back. Defending well but limited opportunities up the other end Luton edging it in terms of chances created, still a single goal in it poised perfectly for the 2nd half. Stevenage will want to keep it that way find an opening themselves. Luton won’t want it to remain so tight a 2nd goal putting them closer to claiming the double.

Changes for both sides and supporters alike with the shade over on the far side of the pitch looking very inviting. On the field Luton are bringing on defender Nicole Farmer with Lewis replaced. A double switch for Stevenage with Dempsey and Delaney coming off, Kelsey Millen and Millie Constantine coming on. Stevenage to get the 2nd 45 underway the ball played out to the right with Millen on the attack puts an early cross into the box, cleared by Wade for Luton.

Nebbitt with a testing punt from range deep on the left finding its way through to the keeper. Constantine out on the left side for Stevenage in possession, fires the ball into Tilbury positioned left of the D, but play brought back for the free-kick with Constantine caught late. Nebbitt over the ball hit in towards the far post too strong out of play for a goal kick.

Fensome stealing in behind through the middle for Luton off of a Leander flick on knocking the ball wide of the advancing keeper top of the area snatches at the ball sending it in on goal before being closed down, defenders racing back to try and stop it, can instead watch it roll harmlessly wide of the left post. Farmer winning the ball at the back for Luton sends it on down the right for Fensome pulling out wide taking the ball down to the by-line looking to travel into the box, Nebbitt gets back at her to make the challenge clear the ball.

Tilbury and Constantine link up on the left wing for Stevenage, rolled back up the line to the advancing Nebbitt her cross played into the far post from the angle runs out of play as Millen almost reaches it. Is very hot out on the field, as McKay coming left with the ball for Luton sends a curling cross into the box, that sees Fensome flagged offside as she pulls off the defence, Stevenage holding a good line.

Fox-Barker pushing on up the right for Stevenage whipping a dipped ball into Croucher positioned right of the D, can’t get the ball down into her feet, get a shot away before Wade closes her down. McKay on for Wade in space free to bomb on down the right puts a diagonal ball in towards the near post, Fensome looking to attack it turned behind for a corner kick. Buttigieg taking in short as Leighton comes to the ball the pair looking to force a crossing opportunity, Stevenage close down well forcing Luton to play it all the way back to their keeper.

Stevenage getting amongst it 2nd half better competing for the ball looking to get it into their wide players. Fox-Barker with a well timed tackle inside her box on Leander left side as Leighton sends the ball into her feet, half hearted appeals but they soon die down. Stevenage getting a free-kick in a dangerous position central outside the D, Nebbitt to take shoots over the bar.

Fensome latching onto the ball as it is missed by the defence top of the area clipped in from the middle Fensome left of goal getting a shot away putting it low across the stranded keeper the ball cannoning off the base of the far post before being hurried clear. Stevenage making a change just past the hour mark bringing on Hannah Bodily to replace Gunn in midfield.

Natasha Fensome

Constantine out on the left in possession for Stevenage feeds it inside for Bodily who turns on the ball looking to fizz it into Croucher inside the D, Farmer in close to get the challenge in for Luton. Luton making a double switch with Lewis back on alongside attacker Leyah Maddix, Leander and Blacksley coming off for Luton. Stevenage winning a corner on the right curled into the near post, hooked clear.

Farmer blocks Fox-Barker’s shot as she comes inside with the ball from the right 20 yards out. In the opposite area, Edge defends against Lewis as she surges on with the ball right channel. Lewis lively since returning to the pitch looking to take the ball on her cross into the area taken by Reeves at her near post, the referee calling for another drinks break, much needed. Both sides keeping the tempo up a cagey game toing and froing as Stevenage look to create an opening at times exposing themselves at the other end, Fensome in particular looking for an opportunity to score.

Luton’s Nicole Farmer

Fox-Barker doing well in defence for Stevenage up against Maddix on the left closing her down with a timely tackle to try and get Millen on the move in the opposite direction. Changes for both sides as play resumes with less than 20 minutes to play, Anais Corrigan on for Stevenage replacing Nebbitt. Erin Price coming on for Luton replacing McKay. Webster sets off on another marauding run from the back for Stevenage in central cuts the ball to her left picked out Croucher unmarked top of the area, caught in two minds what to do with the ball as Hudson roars setting herself in goal, the shot tame in the finish Hudson gathering low scooping the ball up into her gloves.

Luton with a throw high on the right as Lewis breaks forwards, linking up with Swarres who takes the ball to the by-line lifting a high ball into the near post, Reeves up to grab hold of the ball. Fox-Barker over to the left of defence now with Nebbitt off as the game moves into the last 15 minutes. Fensome played into the area coming in from the left, Reeves out to close the angle the ball blocked turned away for a corner kick.

GOAL! Players up from the back as the ball in clipped into the near side, Fensome attacking it turning the ball in on goal, Reeves with a reflex save stopping it with her leg, the ball loose in front of goal, Wade stealing in on it to stab the ball over the line to double Luton’s lead 0-2.

Elly Wade doubling Luton’s lead

Stevenage making a change with Makewell coming off, Lilly Kelly coming on to join the attack. Mulvaney sending a strike from distance onto the roof of the net. Fensome coming off for Luton along with Leighton, Stef Paci and Amy Martins coming on with 10 minutes left to play. Stevenage sending the ball long up the left for Corrigan to attack, Lewis with the legs to get back up the pitch put in the tackle to deny the cross.

Stevenage’s Anais Corrigan with Luton’s Shanice Lewis

Maddix put away into the box on the right for Luton closing in on goal Edge standing up to challenge getting a foot onto the ball Maddix catching her late getting penalised shown the yellow card. A painful one for Edge the defender struggling has to come off, Bodily dropping into defence, Makewell back on. The game stretched now Stevenage have to commit more going forwards risk the counter at the other end.

Tilbury getting the ball into Constantine on the right clips a diagonal ball long across the area into Corrigan advancing on the left looks to meet it on the volley a difficult chances lifts it over. Webster driving forwards bearing down on the box is cynically blocked, awarded the free-kick 25 yards out. Makewell over it curls her attempt wide of the right post. Moving into stoppage time.

GOAL! Luton break away down the left Martins on with the ball the cross curled in across the six yard box, Maddix, and Lewis busting a gut to get on the end of it throwing themselves at the ball, Lewis with the touch to drive the ball past the keeper into the back of the net to put Luton 3 goal up 0-3.

Shanice Lewis fires Luton into an unassailable 3 goal lead in stoppage time

Luton in control now having knocked the stuffing out of Stevenage, Paci closing Fox-Barker down as she looks for Corrigan on the left. Hudson holding onto the ball as Fox-Barker puts a deep cross into the penalty spot in the dying seconds. The whistle blows and Luton celebrate as they win the league cup to complete the double.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 0-3 Luton Town Ladies

A tight contest well contested in the 2nd half Luton pushing hard coming close to scoring a 2nd goal but it wouldn’t come until the final 10 minutes, Stevenage competing for the ball better 2nd half pressing for the equaliser for a long period before Wade got the all important 2nd goal. The 3rd coming in stoppage time as Luton broke with pace using their substitutes to good advantage.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Again several contenders but one winner in my mind. Both sides giving it there all despite the heat, a competitive had hard fought game. For Stevenage Mistie Fox-Barker had an excellent game in defence winning the ball, closing players down and got forwards well when she could to support the attack. Lucy Webster along side Rebecca Edge in central defence winning some vital tackles. Chloe Gunn playing in front of the defence getting stuck in enjoying the midfield battle with Luton. For Luton, Natasha Fensome was lively up front running into space looking for openings created numerous chances for herself and her teammates. Tsaianne Leander strong on the ball looking to get forwards take the ball to the Stevenage defence. Fiona Buttigieg got up well on the left to support the attack opened the scoring and defended well. The award though goes to Luton’s captain, Elly Wade strong at the back throughout, won numerous challenges intercepting the ball playing in to her midfielders and on hand to score the vital 2nd goal.

Luton Town Ladies 2024/25 ERWFL League Cup winners

Luton also collecting their league winning medals and trophy

Congratulations to Luton Town Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Cup along with the Premier Division title to do the double.

A good day out at Bedford, the finals days well attended, the crowd enjoying to fantastic matches. Credit to Bedford Town FC and the ERWFL committee members for the occasion. My thanks for all the assistance. A busy day no doubt stole just a few hours sleep so I could get both reports completed with a busy day at work ahead. But I like to get these things done while they’re fresh in my mind and the next game is never far away.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Hutton Ladies v Chelmsford City Women

Sunday 11th May

ERWFL League Plate Final

Hitting the road with a long journey over to Bedford this Sunday for my first cup final double bill of the season, the ERWFL League Plate and Cup Finals, representing tiers 5 and 6 of the regional football pyramid in the East of England. First up the Plate final featuring the new Division One South champions, Hutton Ladies gunning for a league and cup treble taking on fellow league side Chelmsford City Women pushing for a 3rd place finish in their debut season in the ERWFL.

Two tasty looking finals on the cards with Premier Division sides, Stevenage FC Women and Luton Town Ladies going head to head later on this afternoon in the League Cup final. The Plate final no less an exciting prospect with 1st and 4th in Division One South going toe to toe. Both sides scoring plenty of goals whilst having the lowest joint conceded in the table.

The ERWFL Plate trophy

Hutton Ladies a familiar face at the ERWFL Plate final have covering the Essex side in more finals than anyone else. Are one of the longest established sides within the ERWFL too. Now riding the crest of a wave having won the Division One South title with games to spare to win promotion to the Premier Division. Losing just one league game along the way and way out in front in terms of goals scored, with the fewest conceded. Still have 4 games left to play such has been their dominance having been chasing the leading duo all season with games in hand as cup games built up. Reaching the final of the Essex Women’s trophy too, back on Weds 30th April over came Brentwood Town Women on penalties to lift the trophy.

Now aiming for a historic League and cup treble, not an easy thing to achieve by any means. Helped most certainly by having the leagues top scorer in your squad. Signing, Daisy Canny a proven goal threat where ever she’s been has fired home 38 goals for Hutton this season in just 20 appearances. Canny not the only goal threat within the side however with 3 others into double figures for the campaign, Lucy Critchell with 13, Emily Clarke with 12 and Holly Appleton on 11 all appearing the the top 10 goal scorers in Division One South.

Chelmsford City Women keen to join the ERWFL but wanting to do so as Essex Women’s Premier Division champions, that goal achieved last season, come up into regional football with a clutch of Essex sides joining ERWFL Division One South, by far the strongest of those sides joining the league from Essex, were for a good spell emerging as a likely title contender themselves but one win in their last 5 matches saw that slip away. Remain well placed to finish in the top 3, and that along with reaching a cup final is a good showing for their first go at this level. With a Reserves side competing in Essex Women’s Division Three.

Have an experienced squad with some players joining with higher league experience, such as midfielder, jay Blackie and run away top scorer, Zoe Rushen, firing in 25 goals so far this season from her 20 appearances the 2nd highest scorer in the league. Jasmine Cox the next closest with 10 goals coming in 4 matches at the start of the season while Blackie has been on target for 7 goals. Injuries to other key players haven’t helped, such as goalkeeper, Hannah Streetley and attacker, Broghan Kelly. Know they will have to be at their best to get the better of Hutton today. Hutton having strength in depth too, with a Reserves sides playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division and their new Development side storming to the title in their debut season in Essex Women’s Division Two.

Road to the Final

The sides knocked out of the early rounds of the League Cup going on to compete for the League Plate, both Chelmsford and Hutton receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the competition. Chelmsford drawn at home to face Histon Ladies the Cambridgeshire side, newly promoted along side Chelmsford, but into Division One North a tough tie on paper goals from Zoe Rushen and Shannon Kelly sealing a 2-0 win for the Essex side. Hutton on home turf taking on Hertfordshire side, Stevenage FC Women Development, Daisy Canny firing home a brace along with a goal for Abigail Clarke to secure a 3-1 win.

Onto the quarter finals, Chelmsford progressing without kicking a ball, drawn at home to Division One North side Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies an injury crisis for the Norfolk side seeing them have to forfeit the game. Hutton in comparison played out a 9 goal thriller away to Bedfordshire side, Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses. The hosts firing in 4 goals, Hutton were to come out on top winning it 5-4 thanks to a hat-trick from Canny and goals for Holly Appleton and Lucy Critchell.

Chelmsford at home in their semi-final taking on fellow newly promoted Essex side, Frontiers Ladies, despite ultimately struggling in tier six finishing in the bottom too the Harlow based side pushed Chelmsford hard for a spot in the final, Chelmsford winning it by a single goal, scored by Rushen. Hutton were again amongst the goals in their semi-final clash, this time a 7 goal thriller away to Division One North champions, Harpenden Town Women a meeting between the league respective top scorers too with Harpenden’s Sophia Amanor netting twice along with a goal for Jaime Curtain. Canny firing in another hat-trick however along with an Abigail Clarke goal seeing Hutton into the final 4-3

The Eyrie, home of Bedford Town FC the venue for today’s ERWFL Finals Day. The A428 closed this weekend making the trip from Norfolk a little longer than it needed to be. Not a bad run to Bedford nonetheless the carpark before the large open plan clubhouse and function room, lading onto the stadium itself. A large artificial playing surface offering good width. The main seated stand on one side offering some shade. smaller covered terraced stands dotted about the stadium with viewing all round. The bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. The weather exceptional, bright and sunny, been little rain around lately and set to continue for a while the sun cream most certainly needed today.

Hutton FC Ladies starting XI – Evie Carvell, Phoebe Keys, Izzy Crichton, Molly Bowness, Hayley Critchell, Maria Cabel Parades, Abi Clarke (C), Lucy Critchell, Emily Clarke, Holly Appleton & Daisy Canny. Subs – Charlotte Rutt, Isobel Boyd, Mia Lempriere & Georgia Hyland.

Hutton Ladies

Chelmsford City Women starting XI – Amy Mullett, Lauren Butcher, Shannon Kelly, Emma Rushen, Gaby Freedman (C), Rosie Coe, Helen Alder, Jay Blackie, Ellie Dopson, Kaci Crook & Zoe Rushen. Subs – Bec Hollocks, Georgia Sleep, Michaela Key, Lorna Dunne & Evie Payne.

Chelmsford City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes, there will be 30 minutes added time and penalties if required.

Taking advantage of the shade by the stand for this mornings kick-off, Chelmsford in their away colours of navy blue and white to get the Plate final under way with Hutton lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with red shorts and red and white hooped socks. The ball played out to the left charged down by Hutton’s Holly Appleton, Hutton push forwards the ball put out to Appleton getting on the move right wing, Shannon Kelly moving in to close her down at left back for Chelmsford seeing the ball out for a throw.

Both sides getting after the ball early on competitive in the middle, Jay Blackie sliding in to tackle Hutton’s, Daisy Canny as se looks to get on the move with the ball, referee Jordan Blunt giving the free-kick. Captain Abi Barnes over the ball for Hutton on halfway launched up towards the top of the box, missed by the first defender bouncing up onside the box, Emma Rushen getting her leg up to hook the ball clear.

Hutton busy in attack getting the ball on down the right Appleton looking to push on a series of throws won as Hutton look to make progress, Canny looking to drive for the by-line break into the box, Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman diving in to take the ball behind for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the middle of goal high claimed well by goalkeeper Amy Mullett.

Hutton getting the ball out wide, Canny moving right looking to take it one cutting it back infield for Abi Clarke to run onto her trike from distance screwing high and wide. Chelmsford patient playing a few probing passes at the start looking to find a way through the Hutton defence, Rosie Coe sending the ball out to the right for Ellie Dopson, Phoebe Keys closing her down to see the ball out for a throw. Zoe Rushen looking to take the throw down into the box, winning her side a corner kick.

Lopped in from the right to the near post, goalkeeper, Evie Carvell coming for it punching it aback to the right, Hutton conceding a 2nd corner, Again the delivery is put high into the near post, Carvell again coming for it through bodies this time does well to deal with the threat. Hutton dangerous on the counter, Appleton looking to provide an outlet attacking on the right, Canny sending the ball into her path as they move the ball on rapidly, Kelly quick to close her down, Appleton looking to feed the ball inside, the pass cut out by Coe.

Chelmsford’s Shannon Kelly

Canny lively up top moving left and right looking to pull defenders with her create gaps for others to exploit. Kelly being kept busy with Appleton on the right, quickly in to close her down as she looks to get the ball under control. Kelly winning the ball at the back for Chelmsford left side sending in on up the line for Kaci Crook looks to push her way on into the box, Hayley Critchell coming in to put in the challenge slowing her down, before Izzy Crichton gets the ball clear.

Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman

Appleton gets clear on the right wing to race on to the by-line with the ball whipping a cross with pace into the six yard by, Emma Rushen throwing a leg forwards to block it then into defend again blocking the lose ball charging it down from close range as Emily Clarke looks to smash it in deflected behind to the left for a corner kick.

Chelmsford work the ball up the right played into the top of the D, Zoe Rushen looking to move across to the left find an opening, Hayley Critchell into the tackle the ball cleared away to the left, Crook retrieving it singing a cross back in on goal, headed clear. Hutton break forwards through the middle, Lucy Critchell putting it on for Abi Clarke, has Canny ahead of her 25 yards out, sees the ball into her feet well flicking it on into the right channel for Appleton to run onto inside the area closing in on goal puts her foot through the ball sending her strike into the side netting.

Lucy Critchell putting a diagonal ball into Appleton on the right drops her shoulder feigning to go down the wing inside checks inside moving towards the box, has Canny making a run in behind tries to pick her out, Freedman instead reading it, intercepting the pass. An intriguing contest, Chelmsford with an experienced defence looking to keep things tight at the back, Hutton looking to move the ball wide use the pitch to find a way in behind.

Helen Alder getting onto the ball centrally for Chelmsford laying it forwards for Cook in the left channel pulling out wide to deliver a cross into the six yard box, Zoe Rushen running in central her target the cross over hit cleared beyond the far post. Canny rushing in to steal the ball of Freedman as she looks to bring it out from the back, Canny surging down the right wing, Freedman recovering well throwing herself forwards to block the cross.

Appleton getting to the by-line again sending a vicious cross in along the face of the Chelmsford goal, Emma Rushen throwing her herself into make another vital block hooking the ball away. Chelmsford moving the ball right Coe linking up with Zoe Rushen and Dopson the cross played in along the top of the Hutton area deflected into the path of Alder, but before she can dig a shot away, Hayley Critchell moves in quickly to close her down.

Hutton attacker, Daisy Canny

Dopson and Zoe Rushen look to link up on the right as Chelmsford push forwards, Dopson lifting the ball into Rushen continuing her run in behind getting into the box, Rushen cushioning the header down into her path, in the clear however progress is halted by a raised flag, offside. A loose pass at the back from Hutton is presented straight to Crook 30 yards out central spins into the shot, Carvell moving across her goal can see it safely wide of her left post.

Hutton captain, Abi Clarke

Hutton bring the ball on quickly as they look to turn play around Abi Clarke pushing it on into Appleton right side she surges inside towards the top of the area cutting it back into the area for Canny as she makes the run to the near post, the angle closing Canny pulls the trigger, Emma Rushen moving in to block, the ball deflecting off the defender for a corner kick to the right.

Kelly keeping close tabs on Appleton right side kept busy, the youngster having the pace to skip in behind if giving half a chance, Kelly determined to limit those opportunities. Appleton put away down the right by Lucy Critchell racing to the by-line, whipping a cross into the box, Freedman at the near post throwing out a leg to cut the cross out, deal with the threat, as the referee calls for a drinks break, midway through the first half. Is hot out there approaching midday.

Gaby Freedman blocking the cross

Both sides putting alot of energy into the contest despite the heat looking to get the ball moving play resuming with a Chelmsford goal kick. Hutton build on the left Maria Cabel Parades sending the ball on for Canny to power her way into the box, Emma Rushen on her shoulder with a well timed tackle. Chelmsford counter Blackie through the middle with Alder the ball on to release Crook on the left taking the ball down to the by-line squares it into the near post, Zoe Rushen looking to get it under control quickly closed down by Hayley Critchell and Molly Bowness.

Lucy Critchell putting the ball on for Abi Barnes in the middle in the turn 30 yards out takes on the shot her effort dropping wide of the left post. Canny clipping the ball into the right wing releasing Appleton breaking clear running out of room, lifts a cross into the area but can only pick out the keeper. Chelmsford moving the ball up the right Lauren Butcher forwards into Dopson powering forwards threads an angled ball into the area Zoe Rushen in near side looking to run onto the ball her first touch a little to heavy allowing goalkeeper, Carvell to come and claim. Izzy Crichton gets back well to defend on Crook as the attacker looks to take Kelly’s pass on down the line.

GOAL! Hutton carrying a threat going forwards Canny out on the left with Clarke, given the ball drives into the area tangling with Rushen goes down, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty! Appleton placing the ball on the spot running up to smash the ball past the wrong footed keeper into the right of the net to put Hutton into the lead 1-0.

Holly Appleton firing Hutton into the lead from the penalty spot

Hutton breaking the dead lock from the spot in the 38th minute. Blackie seeing the ball into her feet of a Zoe Rushen layoff, 25 plus yards out, goes for goal stroking the ball in towards the left post, has Carvell scrambling across her line diving but her goal his safe the ball running narrowly wide. Zoe Rushen putting herself about inside the box looking to force a way through for Chelmsford taking the ball out to the left her angled shot back in caught by the keeper.

Chelmsford goalkeeper, Amy Mullett

Mullett moving out quickly to slide onto the ball as Canny is put through into the box left side, just reaching the ball first, Canny stumbling over her as her momentum takes her forwards, the keeper taking a painful blow down hurt, needs treatment a pause while she is assessed, but thankfully up on her feet and alright to play on.

GOAL! The clock ticking down towards the end of the first half, Bowness breaking up a Chelmsford attack into Lucy Critchell in midfield sends it on to Abi Clarke who clips a good diagonal ball out to the right to send Appleton racing in behind her cross from the by-line whipped into the six yard box, just missed by Canny coming in central, but not by Clarke running in at the far post beyond as she meets it well to turn it back across the keeper and in 2-0.

Emily Clarke doubling Hutton’s lead rushing over to celebrate with the cross provider, Holly Appleton.

Hutton doubling their lead late in the first half, Chelmsford making a change Dopson coming off, with Bec Hollocks coming on up top with Cook moving right, Alder out to the left. Chelmsford attack left Zoe Rushen out that side sending Crook on on the overlap into the box her shot on the angle blocked by Carvell as she rushes out to close her down, the rebound dropping to Rushen top corner right side drops her attempt at goal onto the roof of the net.

Coe getting the ball on through the middle up to Hollocks, Lucy Critchell back to defend for Hutton. Chelmsford pushing hard for a reply with seconds left in the first half, Zoe Rushen played in right of goal bearing down on the six yard box, Bowness moving in to challenge Rushen sending her shot wide just as the whistle blows, taking a knock for her efforts as Hutton head back to the changing rooms with a 2 goal advantage at the break.

Half-time Hutton Ladies 2-0 Chelmsford City Women

Hutton asking the question getting forwards well looking to turn the Chelmsford defence creating opportunities winning a penalty late in the first half to take the lead, following that up with another with minutes left to double the advantage. Chelmsford pushing for a late reply themselves but left frustrated having worked so hard in defence to keep the chances down. Experienced know Hutton’s pace could trouble them so have kept it tight. Now trailing 2-0 you would think would need an early goal 2nd half to apply a little pressure to Hutton who themselves will know a 3rd goal could put the game to bed.

No changes at the start of the 2nd half with Hutton getting things underway the ball played out to the left, Chelmsford moving in quickly to close it down little progress made. The ball lifted into Crook on the right for Chelmsford, moves forwards, Keys in to close her down play the ball off her for a throw for Hutton.

Lucy Critchell sending the ball into the area from 25 yards out looking to pick out Canny make a run from right to left to get in behind Mullett coming to close her down getting across her path to see the ball safely out for a goal kick. Zoe Rushen carrying the ball forwards for Chelmsford out on the right looking to play a one two off Hollocks outside the area, the return ball though cut out by Hutton’s Bowness.

Blackie winning the ball back in the middle for Chelmsford fed out to Zoe Rushen in the left channel, sends it forwards into the area Alder looking to break into the box after it, Carvell rushing out to close her down sliding in to make the blocking save.

Hutton goalkeeper, Evie Carvell

Hutton winning a corner following an Appleton attack on the right, a teasing delivery lifted in through the six yard box at an inviting height missed by everyone cleared beyond the far post. Hayley Critchell bringing the ball on from the back for Hutton sending it on up the left wing for Emily Clarke, Butcher in to slow her down on the by-line, Emily Clarke managing to lift a cross into the middle claimed well by Mullett.

Zoe Rushen on the attack for Chelmsford

Chelmsford winning a free-kick left of the circle, Hutton making a change before it is taken Abi Barnes coming off, Isobel Boyd coming on. The free-kick flighted up into the box left of goal, Coe looking to bring it down hit it on the turn can’t quite get it under control. Kelly defending on Appleton top of the area right of the goal as Canny looks to nudge the ball into her feet.

Boyd getting onto the ball for Hutton driving on through the middle played out to Appleton wide on the right her cross played into the far post from deep, Clarke running in to attack it just over her head. Alder wide left for Chelmsford pushing the ball into Zoe Rushen top of the area knocks it on for Hollocks over to the left with her strikes it on the angle, towards the near post, Carvell down low to make the save.

Emily Clarke

Chelmsford building a little momentum getting on with the ball Coe into Hollocks right her attempted cross striking a Hutton hand the free-kick awarded. Players forwards into the box as Crook floats the delivery in to the far post attacked as Chelmsford surge forwards en masse, Hollocks with the header, her effort close just over the ball a chance for Chelmsford to pull it back to 2-1 missed.

Appleton bombing on down Hutton’s right her cross flashed in high across the face of goal over Emily Clarke at the far post as she is closed down, going out past the far post a corner is given. Swung into the box taking a nasty deflection that sees the ball drop loose inside the six yard box in front of goal, Chelmsford scrambling at away for a 2nd corner even as Canny dives in on it.

Holly Appleton

The next delivery into the box high from the right defended by Blackie for Chelmsford. Hutton with players up around the box quick to win it back out to corner taker Hayley Critchell deep on the right her angled shot in on goal over the bar. Hutton pushing players on Appleton into Canny breaking into the box near post, Emma Rushen moving into the path of the shot to charge the ball down away for a corner kick.

Chelmsford’s, Emma Rushen

GOAL! The corner fired in across the six yard box long dropping beyond the far post, loud appeals going up for handball by Hutton as the ball is knocked down loose in front of goal even as Canny pounces on the loose ball and stabs it over the line to score Hutton’s 3rd, 3-0.

Daisy Canny arms aloft as she fires Hutton into a 3 goal lead

A huge blow for Chelmsford conceding a 3rd goal just past the hour mark, make a change bringing off Kelly, sending on Michaela Key to join Rushen in attack. Bowness on the move with the ball for Hutton getting up well on the right before being fouled by Blackie giving away the free-kick.

GOAL! Cabel Parades over the set-piece out wide on the left 30 yards out, runs up to the ball lifting a high ball in towards the top right corner, dipping late it fly’s over Mullett to creep under the bar to send Hutton into a 4 goal lead, Cabel Parades’ first goal of the season too! 4-0.

Maria Cabel Parades scores from her free-kick to put Hutton 4 nil up

Chelmsford hit with a sucker punch going 4 goals down, pick themselves up Coe putting the ball on Zoe Rushen left channel has Alder to her left wide Key looking to get into the box as the three combine passes, Key played in tackled Rushen latching onto the loose ball striking it past the keeper on the angle the ball cannoning down off the cross bar bouncing on the line and out as Hutton scramble it away for a corner kick.

The corner on the right swung into the six yard box attacked by Freedman a glancing header cleared at the far post drops top Coe outside the box left side her shot from range over the crossbar. The 2nd drinks break of the game called. Hutton refreshed after doubling their lead, knocking the wind out of their opponents in the process. Dopson coming back on for Chelmsford going over to the left replacing Alder.

Rosie Coe on the ball for Chelmsford

Zoe Rushen on the attack for Chelmsford on for Hollocks to drive into the box sending in out to the left for Dopson who turns her shot over the ball at the far post. Crook linking up with Key on the right for Chelmsford, Keys seeing it out for a throw. Chelmsford getting in to Hollocks central her shot from out side the box saved well by Carvell. Hutton sitting back a little now waiting for the right opportunity to pounce Lucy Critchell putting Appleton away down the right moving into the area bearing down on goal, Mullett coming to close her down sliding in to take the ball at her feet.

Chelmsford looking to counter Hollocks on through the middle into Zoe Rushen her strike from range dipping in front of the keeper, but Carvell under no pressure collects on the bounce. Space for Blackie to run into with the ball right side as Chelmsford counter a Hutton free-kick her shot in on goal from range held by the keeper. Blackie coming off for Chelmsford, Evie Payne coming on, Dopson coming in off the left with the ball at her feet taking on the 25 yard strike the ball brushing to roof of the net.

Lucy Critchell

Canny roaring her side on taking the ball on through the middle shifting it out to Emily Clarke on the left, her cross from the by-line screwed behind. Mia Lempriere on for Hutton, as Butcher defends on Clarke as she looks to get away on the left. Canny fouled in the centre circle winning the free-kick the ball lifted up to the top of her area, Coe winning the header for Chelmsford.

Chelmsford launch a counter attack, Crook central out to Zoe Rushen peeling to the right her shot on the angle straight at the keeper however. Crook taking the ball inside from the right for Chelmsford sending her strike onto the roof of the Hutton net. Georgia Hyland and Charlotte Rutt coming on to see the game out for Hutton. Can keep their shape invite Chelmsford on knowing the defence is tiring and Canny is looking to get hold of the ball in attack.

Carvell needing to come racing out of her box to clear as Zoe Rushen plays the ball long into the left channel. Key seeing the ball into her feet 20 yards out laying in into Zoe Rushen central to strike her attempt angling wide of the left post. Georgia Sleep coming on for Chelmsford replacing Emma Rushen. Chelmsford pushing hard to find a goal late in the game Sleep up with Key on the right the ball on for Rushen making a move to get into the area ahead of her, Keys with a well timed tackle on the edge of the area to get the ball clear for Hutton.

The clock fast ticking down Rushen with another attempt from range easily dealt with by Carvell. Clarke bringing the ball on left side for Hutton swung into the six yard box, Canny up stretching to head it near side attempting to drop it for Appleton closing in of the far post, Mullett instead lunging forwards to snatch it into her gloves. Lorna Dunne coming on for Chelmsford in the closing stages replacing Crook. Little time time left the game stretched, Canny looking to keep hold of it up top for Hutton run down the clock out to the right, Freedman clearing for Chelmsford. The final whistle blows and Hutton celebrate as they complete a historic treble winning the ERWFL Plate.

Full time Hutton Ladies 4-0 Chelmsford City Women

Hutton putting in the running despite the heat getting players on well throughout using the flanks moving the ball quickly creating chances first half before eventually taking the lead from the penalty spot through Holly Appleton, Emily Clarke on the end of Appleton’s cross to make it 2-0 just before half-time. Chelmsford frustrated working hard in defence to try and limit Hutton’s threat, came within inches of pulling a goal back before Hutton went on to add a 3rd themselves from a set-piece Daisy Canny with her 35th of the season, another goal following soon after making thing’s comfortable as Maria Cabel Parades scored her first goal of the season. Hutton could sit back then invite Chelmsford on, their opponents having the stuffing knocked out of them rallied created opportunities but couldn’t get on the scoresheet themselves 4-0 maybe harsh but Hutton kept their energy levels up throughout.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, certainly a tough one a few contenders on both sides some good performances to mention a fine effort by all in the heat. Firstly for Chelmsford, Emma Rushen was superb at the back putting in the blocks intercepting crosses and winning her tackles. Gaby Freedman too with a number of vital interceptions. Rosie Coe moved the ball well in the middle getting it out to the wide players linking up the attack. Zoe Rushen up top worked tirelessly to find an opening often outnumbered but stuck to the task. For Hutton Hayley Critchell won the ball well at the back coming in to close players down limiting chances. Lucy Critchell likewise in midfield covering the ground back to defend and bringing the ball forwards. Daisy Canny in attack moved across the back line throughout seeking openings pulling players with her always looking for a goal scoring opportunity. The award goes to Holly Appleton provided a great outlet out wide on the right getting on with the ball, opening the scoring from the spot and setting up the 2nd goal to put Hutton into a commanding position.

Hutton Ladies 2024/25 ERWFL League Plate winners

Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL Plate final and with it completing a historic treble.

My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups, the staff at Bedford Town FC for their assistance and the ERWFL committee members, a great final to start the day with another mouth watering clash to come.

by Darren Gilham

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST

Covering Women's Football in the East of England

Category Archives: Cup Final

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