With several of the sides from the Premier Division involved in the FA Women’s Cup this weekend their was just the one fixture played and 2nd placed Writtle Ladies took full advantage of leaders Billericay Town Ladies cup distractions by winning the 3 points away from home against 4th place Colney Heath Ladies to go top of the table with their 5th straight league win, 6 unbeaten to start the season. Lucy Hancock scoring a brace for Colney Heath. Writtle scoring 4 goals to take the 3 points. A brace for Leanne Stubbings along with a goal each for Courtney Clarke and captain Abigail Fry.
ERWFL Division One North
3 matches played in ERWFL Division One North this Sunday and the lead at the top of the table changes once again with others dropping points above them, King’s Lynn Town Ladies bounced back from last weekends away defeat to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies to take the 3 points home with them this time around away to Cambridge United WFC Reserves. Goals from Georgia Reardon and Shelley Woods putting King’s Lynn 2-0 up. Cambridge quickly pulled a goal back Ellen Green but were unable to get another 2-1 the final score.
Ipswich Wanderers Ladies were the ERWFL Division One North table toppers going into the weekend ahead of Histon Ladies who were their opponents on Sunday travelling to the Glassworld Stadium it was Ipswich Wanderers who held the narrow advantage at the break Michelle Taylor-Allum with the goal. Histon were back on level terms almost immediately in the 2nd half Alison Wright getting the equaliser. A tight contest no more goals scored the points shared. Histon remain unbeaten but have lost their 100% winning start.
A tough start to life at the higher level for Ipswich Town Ladies Development 4 straight defeats for a slowly improving side paid dividends last weekend as they won their 1st game in the ERWFL Division One North. Followed that up with a 2nd successive win this weekend at home to bottom side Silver End United Ladies. Goals from Cat Upton, Emily Steward and Coral Young securing a 3-0 win.
ERWFL Division One South
5 wins from 5 see Stevenage Ladies Reserves go 9 points clear at the top of ERWFL Division One South. At home at the weekend taking on bottom side Hertford Town Ladies who themselves have yet to take a point from 5 played. Goals from Holly Darling, Hannah Marshall and Becky Day seeing Stevenage win the game 3-0.
A tough day at the office for Bishops Stortford Ladies last weekend a heavy defeat to Stevenage Ladies Reserves were looking to bounce back this Sunday at home to Hutton Ladies who were finally getting their league campaign underway. Bishops Stortford had Brooke White sent off and 2 more players stretched off during the game. Hutton Ladies getting off to a winning start a single goal from Kate Lowen giving them 3 points to lift them up into mid-table.
Billericay Town Ladies continue to set the pace in the ERWFL Premier Division as they record their 5th straight win at the start of the season. At home this Sunday were taking on 4th placed Bedford Ladies a close game between the 2 sides Billericay edging Bedford to the 3 points courtesy of a 3-2 win. Sally Appleton, Lauren Knight and captain Lindsey Morgan with the goals for the Essex side. Michelle Byrne and Olivia-Rose Cunningham scoring for Bedford.
2 points back in 2nd spot also undefeated this season in the ERWFL Premier Division are Writtle Ladies recording a 4th straight win away to Lowestoft Town Ladies this Sunday and in doing so doubled their goals scored tally in the process. A heavy defeat for Lowestoft Town Ladies who after winning 2 games in a row finding some form started the 2nd game in a row with just 9 available. Tough enough against any side but up against an in form side like Writtle it was too much. Leanne Stubbings finding the back of the net for 4 goals in the match top scored. There were hat-trick each for Sophie Vale and Ellie Bowdidge. Courtney Clarke and captain Abigail Fry both scoring twice with Charlotte Bryant also on target in a 15-0 win.
Acle United Ladies travelled down to Essex to play bottom side Colchester Town Ladies at the weekend having bolstered an already strong squad with 3 new faces during the week. A full squad travelling Acle took the lead in the 10th minute Megan Todd putting them 1-0 up. Colchester got back on level terms. Acle with more possession went on to retake the lead midway through the half Grace Birchall scoring added another 3 minutes before half-time to see Acle lead 3-1. Todd scored her 2nd of the game 9 minutes into the 2nd half to extend Acle’s lead. Kate Pasque scored from a free-kick to make it 5-1 to Acle. Rebecca Donnelly pulled a goal back for Colchester with 20 minutes left. Birchall getting her hat-trick in the final minute sealing a 6-2 win.
Colney Heath Ladies climb up to 4th in the Premier Division table after scoring late to get a point at home to Royston Town Ladies on Sunday the visitors coming into the game off the back of a high scoring 1st win of the season. Took the lead late in the 1st half Becky Shephard putting the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 the advantage to Royston for much of the 2nd half both sides creating chances, awarded a free-kick Colney Heath found an equalising goal Victoria Allen on the end of the set-piece sending the ball home to make it 1-1 the points shared enough to take Colney Heath from 6th to 4th.
A much needed 2nd win of the season for Cambridge City Ladies takes them away from the bottom of the Premier Division table up to 7th as they edged out visitors AFC Dunstable Ladies to the 3 points, a goal from Bella Simmons along with an own goal sealing a 2-1 victory. Chelsea Forde scoring for Dunstable who drop to 10th in the table.
Also a much needed win for AFC Sudbury Ladies who had just one win previously in the league dropping to 2nd bottom were away to Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday returning home to Suffolk with all 3 points after a brace from Charlene Roach saw them win the game 2-1 and climb up to 8th in the Premier Division. Leah Cowan scoring the goal for Brentwood.
A brace from Charlene Roach secures the 3 points for AFC Sudbury Ladies
ERWFL Division One North
Ipswich Wanderers Ladies climb to the top of the ERWFL Division One North table after a a 2-0 home win over previously unbeaten King’s Lynn Town Ladies. A goal each for Jessica and Michelle Taylor-Allum seeing the home side to the win their 3rd of the season taking them to 10 points have played more than anyone else but is proving to be a competitive league early on.
Ipswich Town Ladies Development are starting to find their feet at a higher level after suffering 4 straight losses have been improving and picked up their 1st win of the season at home to Cambridge United WFC Reserves at the weekend. leading 2-0 at half-time with Emily Steward scoring both goals. Cambridge improved 2nd half scoring twice, Ruth Fox with her 1st goal for the club along with Ebony Rule. Steward completing her hat-trick winning the match for Ipswich 3-2.
ERWFL Division One South
Stevenage Ladies Reserves have started the ERWFL Division One South season very strongly scoring lots of goals 4 wins in a row to top the table were in ruthless form away to Bishops Stortford Ladies on Sunday scoring 20 goals without reply in their previous 3 league matches. Hit Bishops Stortford for 16 without reply, Hannah Marshall scoring 5 goals in the game, Emily Scofield with a hat-trick. Daniela Martucci, Becky Day and Holly Darling all getting a brace. Naomi Sleator and Rebecca Brooker also on the scoresheet taking Stevenage to 36 goals from just 4 games zero conceded looking strong. A result to forget for Bishops Stortford onto the next one.
Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies also maintain a 100% winning start to the league albeit this weekends game just their 2nd in ERWFL Division One South. Away to Hertford Town Ladies a double for Georgia Fraser securing the 3 points taking them into 3rd place in the table.
ERWFL League Cup
Two games scheduled to be played in the 1st Round of the ERWFL League Cup this Sunday, Histon Ladies were awarded the win against Silver End United Ladies after their opponents couldn’t field a side. Elsewhere it was an all Division One South tie with Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies hosting Harlow Town Ladies. Abbey Dell scoring in the 1st minute for Harlow Town, Chloe Bassett adding a 2nd deep into 1st half injury time. Frances Gamble wrapping up a 3-1 win for the visitors 3 minutes from time to see Harlow advance in the competition.
A full programme of fixtures played in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday and it’s Billericay Town Ladies who continue to set the early pace now winning their 1st 4 opening league matches. A tough trip away to AFC Sudbury Ladies. Goals from captain Lindsey Morgan, Lauren Knight and new signing Dempsey Favell her 1st for the club since joining from Harlow Town Ladies seeing the visitors win 3-1. Mia Etheridge scoring the goal for Sudbury who drop to 2nd bottom in the table.
Writtle Ladies also continue their fine start to the season and continue to score…. and concede plenty of goals in 2nd spot 2 points behind Billericay. Were involved in another high scoring game at the weekend at home to Bedford Ladies. A 7 goal thriller Writtle edging Bedford out 4-3 to take all the points. Eden Kibron with a brace and captain Jodie Molloy scoring for Bedford. Writtle’s captain, Abigail Fry scoring a goal for the home side along with Lucy Jones, Leanne Stubbings and Charlotte Bryant the result ending Bedford’s unbeaten start only the top two remain undefeated now.
Acle United Ladies move back up to 3rd position in the Premier Division table after securing a late win at home to Cambridge City Ladies on Sunday. The visitors had Laura Mills making her debut and she was on hand to score and put Cambridge City into an early lead. Held onto the advantage going into the half-time break. Acle got themselves back on level terms early in the 2nd half Lauren Bullard scoring the goal. The winning goal coming 5 minutes from time, Megan Todd sending the ball into the back of the net.
AFC Dunstable Ladies finally got a league win under their belts after 4 attempts this weekend at home to Brentwood Town Ladies. 2 draws and a defeat in their previous 3 games goals from Charlotte South and a Danielle Carty free-kick enough to secure the 3 points with a 2-1 win, Rosi Webb scoring for Brentwood.
Colney Heath Ladies travelled up to Suffolk on Sunday to play an under strength Lowestoft Town Ladies, having won their previous two matches Lowestoft could only field 9 players which was later to drop to 8 during the game. Despite this managed to score 2 goals but Colney Heath at full strength took full advantage,Christina Freestone top scoring in the game netting a hat-trick. Samantha May and captain Sophie Joseph both scoring a brace, Annie Hickey and Nicola Hollocks also on the scoresheet in a 9-2 that lifts them up into the top half of the Premier Division Table.
3 straight losses in the Premier Division to start the season for Royston Town Ladies, that all changed this Sunday as they picked up their 1st win of the season in spectacular fashion. At home to bottom side Colchester Town Ladies, 4…yes 4 players all got themselves a hat-trick in a 12-1 win. Sammy Tinsley and Gemma Croucher, along with new signings Becky Shephard and Frankie Smithers her 1st goals for the club since joining from Watton Ladies.
ERWFL Division One North
King’s Lynn Town Ladies should have been in league cup action this weekend but with opponents Offley & Stopsley WFC folding they were instead playing a rearranged league match at home to Ipswich Town Ladies Development. It was King’s Lynn who clinched their 3rd straight win in the league to start life in the higher division and in doing so go 2nd in the table on goal difference behind Histon Ladies. Goals from Oksana Imanalijeva and captain Shelley Woods securing a 2-1 win.
ERWFL League Cup
4 games played in the 1st Round of the ERWFL League Cup this weekend featuring sides from Division One. Stevenage Ladies Reserves were hosting Cambridge United WFC Reserves. It was the visitors who took the lead Liz Pamplin sending her free-kick into the back of the net. Stevenage pulling it back to 1-1, Teonie Peyton scoring to restore Cambridge’s lead. Again Stevenage came back to level, then saw a penalty saved before getting a 3rd goal to win the match and see them through to the next round. A goal for Hayley Wood-Thompson along with a brace for Emily Scofield the goalscorers for Stevenage.
It was an all Division One North clash in the 1st Round of the League Cup between Wymondham Town Ladies at home to Ipswich Wanderers. Drew 2-2 early on in the league a different result this time around with Wymondham dominant to progress with a convincing win. Kayleigh Holloway putting the home side in front inside the opening 5 minutes. Brooke Cheal-Ferris scoring on 19 minutes to give Wymondham a 2-0 half-time lead. Cheal-Ferris adding another goal a minute into the 2nd half had Wymondham in control of the game, Alice Collins and Laura Wiseman both adding more goals before the 60th minute. Laura Nicholls with a goal on 78 minutes sealing a 6-0 win.
The other 2 tie featured sides from Division One South, Hutton Ladies at home to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies. Amy Crumpler scoring for Hutton, it was Little Thurrock Dynamos who advance in the competition Georgia Fraser scoring twice to secure a 2-1 win.
Bishops Stortford Ladies and Hertford Town Ladies have been seeing alot of each other recently. Previous meeting in both the league and FA Women’s Cup both going Bishops Stortford’s way this time in the league cup Bishops Stortford the hosts conceded two goals, Bilge Taspinar and Donna Watts scoring for Hertford. Were knocked out of the League Cup as Bishops Stortford won the game 3-2 Rebekah Coppin, Teigan McHale and Brooke White scoring the goals.
With it being an FA Women’s Cup weekend several side from the 3 divisions were still involved in the competition, that left a limited league programme with 4 games being played some big results in those however.
ERWFL Premier Division
One game in the ERWFL Premier Division, Colchester Town Ladies bottom of the table playing their 2nd league game of the season were hosting Lowestoft Town Ladies on Sunday. A great comeback from 3-1 down last time out in the league saw Lowestoft win 4-3 to pick up their 1st win of the season after a difficult summer and start to the season. Leading 2-1 at half-time Lowestoft went on to claim a 2nd successive league win to move them up to 5th in the table the final score 3-2 captain Hannah Waters claiming a 2nd successive hat-trick. Nancy Butler and Millie Wilding getting the goals either half for Colchester.
ERWFL Division One North
3 wins from 3 games sees Histon Ladies return to the top of ERWFL Division One North winning away from home against Essex side Silver End United Ladies a narrow victory Histon claiming the 3 points courtesy of a 2-1 win goals from Sophie Hopkin and Alison Wright. Lisa Nepean scoring for Silver End who remain without a point on the board after 4 league matches.
Also on 0 points at the bottom of the ERWFL Division One North table are Ipswich Town Ladies Development a tough start to life at a higher level. Were at home on Sunday playing in an Ipswich derby against Ipswich Wanderers Ladies an experienced side at this level. Goals from Jess and Michelle Taylor-Allum along with a goal for Melissa Strickland seeing Ipswich Wanderers win 3-1 to move them into 3rd level with 2nd placed Wymondham on 7 points. Harriet Petley scoring for Ipswich Town Ladies Development.
ERWFL Division One South
In ERWFL Division One South, Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies claimed their 1st win of the season with a narrow 2-1 win away to fellow bottom side Hertford Town Ladies. Charley Handley scoring for Hoddesdon in the 26th minute. 1-0 the lead at half-time Hoddesdon had chances to go further ahead however it was Hertford who found the back of the net Donna Watts levelling the scores. Into the last 5 minutes of the game and Hoddesdon scored again Kristina O’Connell striking the ball into the back of the net to win the game.
Three sides went into the weekend with a 100% winning start at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division, something had to give however as 2 of those sides met with Acle United Ladies playing host to Billericay Town Ladies. It was the side from Essex that started the better and took an early 2-0 lead Paris Smith scoring both goals. That the lead at half-time Acle United pulled a goal back in the 2nd half to make it 2-1, Grace Birchall getting the goal. Billericay didn’t take too long to respond restoring their 2 goal cushion with Smith completing her hat-trick to make it 3-1 the final score Billericay now the only side in the league with a 100% winning record after 3 played.
In 2nd spot Bedford Ladies lose their 100% record but remain unbeaten with 7 points from their 3 opening league games after they held AFC Dunstable Ladies to a 1-1 draw away from home on Sunday. Michelle Byrne scoring the goal for Bedford. Isabelle Attenborough netting the goal for AFC Dunstable.
A good week for Writtle Ladies as they climb up to 3rd in the Premier Division unbeaten in 3 games a 1-0 away win against Cambridge City Ladies in mid-week to build upon an opening day 5-5 draw with AFC Dunstable Ladies. Were at home for the 1st time this season on Sunday against AFC Sudbury Ladies who they had lost to 4-3 in 1st Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup. A 4-3 defeat to Writtle then. Facing each other a week later Sudbury travelling without a few injured players including goalkeeper Penny Everett. Harriet Young taking over in goal. Writtle took an early lead going on to double the advantage before half-time. Young was injured in a nasty collision in the 1st half and was unable to continue. Writtle extended the lead 2nd half but Sudbury fought back pulling it back to 3-2 with Megan Partridge scoring both goals. Writtle going on to score twice more winning the game 5-2 to take 7 points from their 1st 3 league games their goals scored by Abigail Fry, Sophie Vale, Amy Simmons and a brace for full back Lucy Jones. A concussion along with a broken nose and finger for Harriett Young, wishing her all the best for a speedy recovery.
Brentwood Town Ladies are up to 5th in the Premier Division with their 1st league win of the season a late goal for Colney Heath Ladies denying the all 3 points in their opening league game finishing 2-2, Brentwood held on for the win this time winning 2-1 Angela Arnold and Nina Boorman with the goals to see them to victory. Royston Town scoring through Becky Shephard still without a point after 3 played.
A tough start to the ERWFL Premier Division for relegated Lowestoft Town Ladies rebuilding a squad 2 heavy defeats home and away to begin the season were at home this Sunday and picked up a moral boosting win coming back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 against Cambridge City Ladies. The newly promoted Division One Champions travelling to Suffolk after a frustrating 1-0 loss to Writtle Ladies in mid-week going into a 3-1 lead thanks to goals from Stacey Fullicks and a double for Bella Simmons. Lowestoft fought back 2nd half a goal from Nicola Sheldrake along with a triple for captain Hannah Waters seeing them take all 3 points lift the club into 8th position.
ERWFL Division One North
Wymondham Town Ladies travelled to Essex on Sunday to play Silver End United Ladies returning home with the 3 points to continue their unbeaten start to the season their 7 point haul returning them to the top of the Division One North table. Plenty of goals in the side too a return a 18 now from 3 lead games. Nadine Basson and Alice Collins both scoring a brace with a goal each for Brook Cheal-Ferris, Kayleigh Holloway and Mollie O’Callaghan in a 7-0 win. Silver End United remain without a point after 3 played.
Histon Ladies returned to 2nd in the Division One North table playing their 2nd league game made it 2 wins from 2 away to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies on Sunday also unbeaten after 2 played. Ipswich Wanderers taking the lead in the 11th minute Jade Horne putting the ball into the back of the net. Histon got back on level terms midway through the 1st half Hannah Gordon with the strike. 1-1 at the break Histon took the lead in the game with 15 minutes left to play Gordon with her 2nd of the game was immediately followed by a goal for Sophie Hopkin, now 3-1 ahead Histon went on to win 4-1 with Kirstee Smith grabbing herself a goal with 3 minutes left.
Histon Ladies, Hannah Gordon
Also making it 2 league wins from two to lay 3rd in the Division One table are King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Were at home on Sunday taking on the then league leaders Cambridge United WFC Reserves. A competitive contest between the two sides King’s Lynn running out 4-2 winners the result seeing Cambridge drop below them into 4th just a point between the top 4 sides. Katie Cross and Faith Hewitt on the scoresheet for Cambridge. King’s Lynn’s 4 goals were scored by Oksana Imanalijeva, Bethan Jones, Becky Russell and Shelley Woods.
ERWFL Division One South
19 goals from their opening 2 league games as Stevenage Ladies Reserves lay down a marker for the rest of the sides in ERWFL Division One South. 10 against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies last time out were away to Hertford Town Ladies this Sunday. Continued their goal scoring streak dominating the 1st half leading 5-0 at the break went on to score 4 more in the 2nd half without reply to win 9-0. Hannah Marshall scoring 4 of their goals. A brace each for Becky Day and Daniela Martucci with Nicole Coull also getting on the scoresheet.
A confident draining defeat for Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies last time out were hosting newly promoted Harlow Town Ladies this Sunday. The visitors starting with a 5-0 mid-week victory over fellow promoted side Bishops Stortford Ladies. A much tighter game this time around Harlow had the better of the 1st half taking the lead in the 37th minute with Tayla Handscombe getting the goal. Lily Bruno scoring in 1st half stoppage time to put Harlow into a 2-0 lead. Couldn’t find a goal to make the points secure in the 2nd half Hoddesdon coming back into it late on to set up a nervous finish with Rosy Woodham making it 2-1 with 3 minutes left, Harlow held on to make it 2 wins from 2 their next game at home to Stevenage Ladies Reserves playing tonight even as I type this Round-Up will update with the info and result from this top of the table clash when I have the result.
With most of the sides from the ERWFL entering the FA Women’s Cup, 1st Round Qualifying this Sunday there were just the two games played in the league in the ERWFL both the Division One. In Division One North, Cambridge United WFC Reserves were entertaining 2nd placed Ipswich Wanderers Ladies who had started their season with a win and a draw. Cambridge came into the game with a 1-0 win under their belts over Ipswich Ladies Development after suffering an opening day loss to Histon Ladies. A tight game a single goal enough to see Cambridge secure all three points again Natalie Wells with the goal the win sending Cambridge to the top of the Division One North table.
ERWFL Division One South
The slow start to ERWFL Division One South continues with the single game in that league seeing Stevenage Ladies Reserves get their season off to a flyer laying down a marker to their rivals with a double figure win at home to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Becky Day opening her season with a hat-trick top scoring, their were braces too for Holly Darling, Hannah Marshall and Daniela Martucci with Emily Scofield also getting in on the goal scoring the +10 goal difference sending Stevenage Ladies Reserves to the top of the league. Harlow Town Ladies finally get their league campaign started in midweek at home to Bishops Stortford Ladies. Hutton Ladies will be playing catch up when they finally make their league bow scheduled for October at the moment, cup games to come before that.
Into the 2nd weekend of the ERWFL season, August Bank Holiday weekend too. Hot and sunny for a change. All the sides in the Premier Division and Division One North are finally up and running whilst in Division One South 2 sides finally play.
ERWFL Premier Division
Billericay Town Ladies continue to lead the way in the ERWFL Premier Division making it 2 wins from 2 with another big win away from home this weekend taking on Lowestoft Town Ladies at Crown Meadow. Billericay more often than not up at the top of the Premier Division table with the title contenders building on their impressive 12-1 win over newly promoted Colney Heath Ladies last Sunday were too strong for a Lowestoft Town side in a rebuilding process after suffering relegation from the FAWPL last season. 2 goals for Lauren Knight, along with a goal each for Kirsty Knight, Hayley Piggott, Hope Strauss and captain Lindsey Morgan seeing the Essex side win 6-1. Hannah Waters, captain of Lowestoft Town Ladies getting their goal.
Bedford Ladies maintain their 100% winning start to the season as they edged the win away from home against Royston Town Ladies on Sunday to keep them 2nd in the Premier Division table after their opening day win at home to Lowestoft Town Ladies. A brace from Natasha Fensome along with a goal for Maya Sidhu seeing Bedford claim all 3 points winning 3-2. A 2nd straight defeat for Royston Town Ladies who have made some interesting signings over the close season amongst them Becky Shephard from Hertford Town Ladies who scored both the goals for Royston on her debut this Sunday.
Acle United Ladies are 3rd also with 2 wins from 2 to start the season began with a 5-1 win away to AFC Dunstable Ladies last Sunday. Were at home this Sunday taking on another side that had scored 5 goals in their opening game of the season Suffolk’s AFC Sudbury Ladies. Is this weekends featured game on the website and the match report can be found a couple of posts down. Playing at the FDC Flegg and all weather 3G pitch home to their training ground too Acle United started the match strongly creating chances before taking the lead just before the quarter hour marking Lauren Bullard on hand to turn Megan Todd’s cross in at the far post. Sudbury responded quickly Sophie Jeffery causing havoc up the left wing sending a cross in for Stacey Teager to send into the back of the opposition goal. Acle United were finding room in behind the Sudbury defence and pressing the ball in midfield defender Anna Larkins broke clear down the right sending in towards goal a great ball dipping over the goalkeeper into the far top corner to make it 2-1. Acle United captain Rebecca Burton sending Todd through clear on goal getting the rebound of the goalkeeper favourably to take the ball past her and put into the empty net to make it 3-1 the lead at half-time.
New signing Ciera Flatt with the ball for Acle United Ladies
Sudbury regrouped after the break started the 2nd half well however it was Acle United who would further extend their lead breaking and this time Burton was on hand to turn the ball home inside the box a defensive clearance going straight to her. Sudbury responded quickly again to pull it back to 4-2, Mia Etheridge putting the ball into the back of the net from a corner kick. An extended 2nd half period due to injury midfielder Broghan Scully played in by Todd scored to seal a 5-2 win for Acle United.
Cambridge City Ladies newly promoted to the Premier Division as Division One Champions, in their 1st season playing at regional level had to wait a weekend before getting their campaign underway and got it off to a winning start taking them straight up into 4th position. Giving debuts to 4 players from their U16s last season, Cambridge City were on the road in Essex taking on Colchester Town Ladies. Bella Simmons was Cambridge City’s top scorer last season with 25 goals. Started her Premier Division season by scoring 4 goals helping Cambridge City to a 7-0 away win. Stacey Fullicks, Sarah Mosley and Megan Tonks also opening their goal accounts on the way to the 3 points.
The match between AFC Dunstable Ladies who had lost their opening game and Writtle Ladies who were starting their season featured 10 goals! The points however were shared as they both rattled in 5 goals a piece! Danielle Carty, Rianne Townsend-Brown and Beth Stanton all getting a goal each along with a brace for Charlotte Smith for the Bedfordshire side. There was a brace too for Essex’s Writtle with Sophie Vale grabbing two goals. Abigail Fry, Ellie Bowbidge and Lynsey Bowman signing from Silver End United Ladies all getting a goal in their opening match.
The points were shared too between Colney Heath Ladies and Brentwood Town Ladies. The newly promoted Hertfordshire side, Colney Heath still down to the bare bones with just the 11 available. Brentwood Town Ladies building with a new Reserve side this season were starting their season and held the advantage at half time away from home leading 1-0 doubled the lead in the 2nd half but frustratingly left with only a point. Leading 2-0 with 85 minutes played through goals for Drew Allen and Holly Griffin. Colney Heath battled back to win their 1st point of the season Nicola Hollick scoring both their goals. A needed boost after their heavy opening game defeat.
ERWFL Division One North
In ERWFL Division One North both Ipswich Wanderers Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies had started the season with a win. Wymondham top rattling in 9 goals at home on the opening day. Were away to Ipswich Wanderers this Sunday. Both sides had to settle for a point however with neither finding a winning goal in the 2nd half. The 1st half saw Wymondham take the lead in the 13th minute with Mollie O’Callaghan on target. Ipswich Wanders drew level 9 minutes later with Wymondham retaking the lead a minute later through Laura Wiseman. 12 minutes the lead lasted this time before Ipswich Wanderers pulled it back to 2-2 captain Tanya McKew and Jade Horne with their goals both remain 1st and 2nd in the league.
With 7 sides contesting the league it was King’s Lynn Town Ladies who sat out the opening weekend. Started this Bank Holiday Sunday at home to Essex side Silver End United Ladies who had begun with a 3-1 loss to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies last weekend. King’s Lynn eager to test themselves at a higher level got off to a great start winning the match 3-1 to go 4th. Josie Turner and captain Shelley Woods both scoring along with Elle Bocking on hand in the box to head home their 3rd goal. Roxanne Gardner scoring for Silver End.
Also joining the ERWFL Division One North with King’s Lynn Town Ladies this season were Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Champions, Ipswich Town Ladies Development and Cambridge United WFC Reserves. Both started the season with a loss and a result they will want to forget. Ipswich Development were hosting Cambridge United this weekend. A much improved performance from both and a very close game that could have gone either way in the end the game was won by a single goal, Kevin Hoover’s Cambridge side winning 1-0 Kirsty Geal scoring the goal.
ERWFL Division One South
Finally we have a game to bring you from ERWFL Division One South and it couldn’t have been a better start to live in the regional league for newly promoted Bishops Stortford Ladies as the Beds & Herts Champions won 3-0 away from home against Hertford Town Ladies. Last seasons top scorer Kathryn Stanley getting two goals along with a goal for Brogan McHale to put them top of the table albeit with just the one game played between the 7 sides nevertheless they all count when you’re top of the league.
On to the ERWFL opening weekend The Round-Up continues with the Eastern Regional Leagues. Three leagues this season with an influx of 5 new sides. The Premier Division contested by 12 sides with Cambridge City Ladies and Colney Heath Ladies promoted from Division One last season. This season Division One is once again split into 2 leagues a North and a South with 7 sides in each playing each other 3 times. The South Division One was supposed to contain 8 sides but very sadly on the eve of the season Offley & Stopsley WFC a long established side in the ERWFL took the hard decision to fold due to lack of players a real shame but wishing all the players and coaching staff all the best. Five new names in the league, Harlow Ladies and Bishops Stortford Ladies joining Division One South. King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Cambridge United WFC Reserves and Ipswich Town Ladies Development joining Division One North. With Offley & Stopsley WFC folding there were no games in Division One South on the opening weekend but a still plenty of action to bring you from the Premier Division and Division One North although some results hurt on the opening day.
ERWFL Premier Division
Acle United Ladies were one win away from sealing the ERWFL Premier Division title last season and promotion to the FAWPL they were playing Haringey Borough Women the winner taking the title, Acle lost Haringey celebrated winning the title. Nevertheless a fantastic season by the Norfolk side and they have a determination to go one better this time around on the whole have retained most of their squad have brought in goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook from North Walsham Angels Ladies. Kirstie Kindred and Olivia Mungham-Grey join from Thorpe United Ladies along with Ceira Flatt from Lowestoft Town Ladies. Started their season on the road in Bedfordshire away to AFC Dunstable Ladies who themselves enjoyed a fantastic season last tie around for the most part in 3rd position ultimately ending 4th. Have recruited a few Offley & Stopsley players including Charlene Moreton, Nicolle Robinson and Riane Townsend-Brown.
Acle took the lead at Creasey Park, captain Rebecca Burton putting them 1-0 up in the 1st half scored her 2nd from the penalty spot after midfielder Amber Rowland was brought down in the area. Dunstable got it back to 2-1 before the break. 2nd half Acle went on to extend their lead Megan Todd grabbing herself and opening day brace before Burton went on to score her hat-trick tapping home at the far post to seal a 5-1 win.
A 5-1 win wasn’t enough to put Acle top of the Premier Division however are actually 4th! The spot is Billericay Town Ladies after they had an emphatic win at home in their opening league fixture against league new comers Colney Heath Ladies. The visitors squad was a bit thread bare with a number of their squad unavailable were put to the sword by a Billericay side that has in recent season been challenging at the top of the ERWFL no so much last season finishing mid-table. Paris Smith bagged herself 5 goals on the opening weekend with her captain Lindsey Morgan not far behind with 4 there were goals to for Hayley Piggott, Lauren Knight and Nicole Farmer in a 12-1 win. Samantha May with the consolation goal for Colney Heath who will come back stronger.
Ending the opening weekend in 2nd spot in the table are Bedford Ladies, title challenges for most of the campaign last season only out of the running in the final month finishing 3rd 3 points off top spot. Have a young squad this time around but still expect them to be sniffing around the top of the Premier Division table. Were at home hosting Lowestoft Town Ladies relegated from the FAWPL last season. Were very close to folding just a month ago due to lack of players but an SOS call put out on social media was answered with a good response their new management team having a determination to get the club back on the right footing. New faces to bed in however it was Bedford’s more settled squad who came out on top a hat-trick for Eden Kibron along with goals for captain Michelle Byrne, Priya Bhatti and Natasha Fensome in a 7-0 win.
Into 3rd are AFC Sudbury Ladies performed well last season eventually ending up in 5th spot looked at times as if they could challenge the sides above them. Started the season at home to Royston Town Ladies. The goals were shared out amongst the team as Sudbury ran out 5-0 winners with Mia Etheridge, Phoebe Guiver, Sophie Jeffery, Megan Partridge and Stacey Teager all opening their scoring accounts.
4 sides weren’t in action will get their season started next weekend, Brentwood Town Ladies, Colchester Town Ladies, Writtle Ladies and newly promoted Cambridge City Ladies.
ERWFL Division One North
In ERWFL Division One North their were 3 games played on the opening weekend with 7 sides in the league it was King’s Lynn Town Ladies having to sit thing’s out get started this Sunday the 27th at home to Essex side Silver End United Ladies. Histon Ladies were relegated from the Premier Division after finishing bottom this season. Over the close season however the club has gotten stronger already linked with Histon FC and playing their home games at the Glassworld Stadium now have a new Reserves side to bolster the 1st team. Began the season with a tasty encounter a local derby with Cambridge United WFC Reserves, Histon formerly Great Shelford Ladies regularly playing Cambridge’s 1st team in the Invitation Cup Final. A different story today Cambridge United’s Reserve side having a few new faces and a squad stretched across both theirs and the 1st team squad players out through injury and unavailability it was Histon who took full advantage Sophie Lanham scoring to give Histon the lead in the 1st 5 minutes.
Abi Davies doubled the advantage to Histon midway through the 1st half with Katie Webb making it 3-0 on the half hour mark. Charlotte Westrope extended the lead further 20 minutes into the 2nd half, Cambridge had chances to pull a goal back nut Histon held onto the clean sheet to win 4-0 and get their season off to a winning start.
Histon are 2nd however as Norfolk side Wymondham Town Ladies who will be aiming for the title after clinching a 3rd place finish in their debut season in the ERWFL last season began with a strong home performance at home against new side Ipswich Town Ladies Development at King’s Meadow. Wymondham have recruited in the summer bringing in Luke Worley formerly Newmarket Town Ladies 1st team coach to assist manager Alex Guy, following Luke from Newmarket are striker Nadine Basson and midfielder Kirsten Hummel. Defender Lauren Kett has joined from Thorpe United Ladies, Mollie O’Callaghan and Brooke Moreno are also new addition to an ambitious club.
It was O’Callaghan on her debut who got Wymondham into the lead scoring on her debut in the 11th minute went on to score her 2nd on the half hour mark. Laura Wiseman was Wymondham’s top scorer last season and got off the mark in the 34th minute to put the home side 3-0 up scoring her 2nd 4 minutes later to see Wymondham in control of the game with a 4-0 lead at the break. The goals continued 2nd half Kayleigh Holloway made it 5-0 5 minutes after the restart. Leah Newcombe wearing the captains armband today made it 6-0 scoring (and I’m quoting twitter here) a WORLDIE from 35 yards. New signings Basson and Moreno were both introduced from the bench and went on to score on their debuts Basson on 66 minutes and Moreno 3 minutes later. Wiseman completing her hat-trick in the last 10 minutes to wrap up a 9-0 win. Ipswich Town Ladies Development side unbeaten last season tasting defeat for the first time.
The last match from ERWFL Division One North featured Silver End United Ladies at home to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. Silver End United Ladies have players back in their squad after suffering from departures last season that threatened the clubs survival have recovered and have confidence going into the new season. Ipswich Wanderers too have struggled for numbers in the past but are an established member of the ERWFL both are capable of pushing for the top of the table. It was Ipswich Wanderers who held the advantage at half-time leading 1-0, going onto claim all 3 points with a 3-1 win in the 2nd half captain Tanya McKew netting a brace along with a goal for Laura Tuley. Stephanie A’Len scoring for Silver End United Ladies.
Promises to be an interesting league, not seen the best of the new comers yet and both will be smarting after the opening weekend.
