Category Archives: ERWFL Division One

The Round-Up – ERWFL 10/03/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 10th March

ERWFL Premier Division 

 Cambridge City Ladies extended their unbeaten run at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division to 16 games this Sunday to move 11 points clear. Were away at the weekend taking on Colney Heath Ladies for the 2nd successive week, a 2-0 victory at home in the League Cup quarter finals last time out. The weather conditions playing havoc as they would for everyone this weekend, Cambridge City on the attack chances created a goal disallowed took the lead in the 1st half went on to score 3 more to win the game 4-0 to clinch the 3 points, a brace for top scorer Erin Davies moves onto 22 for the season. Lauren Tomlinson also getting on the scoresheet along with Freya Standing scoring her first, first team goal in only her 2nd appearance.

  Royston Town Ladies climb up into 2nd place in the ERWFL Premier Division ahead of Acle United Women, the Hertfordshire side enjoying a good season were at home on Sunday up against AFC Dunstable Ladies who travelled with just the 7 available, through a shortage of players and injuries. Damage limitation a tough ask against a Royston side with goalscorers all over the pitch. Sammy Tinsley top scoring in the match netting a hat-trick. Three players were on target for a brace, Angharad Chambers, Georgia Gannaway and top scorer Joanne Rutherford. Goals to for Samantha Edgar, Eva Ramsey and ex-Dunstable player Charlotte South in a 12-0 win. A tough season for Dunstable yet they remain positive, new signings and players returning from injury are already building for next season.

 Another side struggling in the ERWFL Premier Division this season are, AFC Sudbury Ladies, bottom of the table they too are short on numbers, a trip down to Essex this Sunday to play Harlow Town Ladies, the promoted side tussling with Bedford Ladies for 6th spot in the table. Bethany Chambers new to the 1st team squad making just her 4th appearance this Sunday took her goals scored to 8 as she was on target for a double hat-trick. Poppy Binding, Harlow’s top scorer moved onto 15 for the season with a brace at the weekend. A brace too for Olivia Steele, with Rubie Smith also finding the back of the net for a goal. The final score 12-1 to Harlow, Tegan Burling also scoring her 1st of the season for Harlow.

 Wymondham Town Ladies were at home to Bedford Ladies. The Norfolk side newly promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division consolidating 4th position just 2 points behind 2nd placed Royston. Got off to a good start on Sunday opening the scoring in the 9th minute Kayleigh Holloway shooting from outside the box. A minute later Wymondham were 2-0 ahead, Bethany Fretwell scoring from a Mollie O’Callaghan free-kick. Top scorer Laura Nicholls making it 3-0 inside the opening 20 minutes. Bedford reducing the deficit to 3-1 before half-time. Wymondham restored their 3 goal cushion with 15 minutes left to play, Nicholls cross put in at the far post by Holloway for her 2nd of the game. Wymondham winning 4-1.

Two goals for Wymondham Town Ladies, Kayleigh Holloway

 Behind the chasing pack lay Peterborough Northern Star Ladies in 5th another postponement this weekend sees them have up to 5 games on the sides above them, a busy run in to come.

ERWFL Division One

  ERWFL Division One saw 4 of the scheduled 6 league games this Sunday fall foul of the weather. 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies were on the road on Sunday off to Wodson Park to play Hertford Town Ladies. Have been their when it’s windy and know how tough playing condition can be. Hertford enjoying a revival in recent game a 4 game unbeaten run that included a credible 0-0 draw away to Bowers & Pitsea. Now the side met in the reverse fixture with Bowers & Pitsea looking to keep the pressure on leaders St Ives Town Ladies. Hertford taking the lead inside the opening 2 minutes with the ball squirming under the keeper after a slip. Bowers & Pitsea soon back on level terms Megan Harley with a 30 yard strike finding the bottom corner in the 6th minute. The visitors with an opportunity to take the lead with a minute left on the clock 2nd half awarded a penalty the effort saved. The 2nd half remaining goalless the sides sharing the points once again drawing 1-1.

   Recent results going against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies they have slipped down the Division One table, laying 9th going into Sunday’s home clash with Lawford Ladies a positive result would see them back into the top half of the table. The weather conditions not helping Hoddesdon starting slow the sides were level at 1-1 at half-time, Daisy Canny on target for Lawford, Rosy Wodhams scoring late in the half for Hoddesdon. The hosts getting the better of the 2nd half Kristina O’Connell putting them into the lead in the 51st minute, Hoddesdon were quickly 3-1 ahead with Leah Dunnage scoring for the 1st time this season. Grace Leslie securing the 3 points for Hoddesdon with a goal in the final 10 minutes to see the game won 4-1.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 24/02/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 24th February

ERWFL Premier Division

Cambridge City Ladies strengthen their grip at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division as they open up a 9 point lead at the top of the table with victory at home to 2nd placed Acle United Women on Sunday. The Norfolk making the journey needing to close the six point gap their opponents had opened up if they wanted to keep their own title ambititions alive. The Norfolk side coming up against a side that has dropped just 2 league points to date, Cambridge City have a strong side with goal throughout the attack, Shannon Shaw starting getting a goal Cambridge City’s other goalscorers starting on the bench with Sarah Mosley, Carla Penny & Bella Simmons all adding to their tally’s with a goal a piece in a 4-0 win.

  A weekend off for 3rd placed Royston Town Ladies, it was an opportunity for the 4th & 5th placed sides Wymondham Town Ladies & Peterborough Northern Star Ladies to close the gap as they met at the Branch Bros Stadium on Sunday. Women’s Football East was there too to watch the encounter. Wymondham reaching their 3rd successive Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final last weekend travelling to Peterborough. Northern Star Ladies losing just once on the opening day have games in hand on the sides above. Were without a few this Sunday with just the bare 11 available. Hannah Waters with a chance to put Wymondham into the lead first half. Wymondham goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan twice denying Peterborough.

 Goalless at half-time Peterborough hit the ground running 2nd half Cassie Steward with two well taken strikes putting the hosts into a 2-0 inside 55 minutes. Soon after a coming together and subsequent fall saw Peterborough attacker Georgia Coulson fall and suffer a nasty wrist injury. A lengthy delay followed as she received on the pitch treatment. A fractured wrist suffered Peterborough with no replacement continuing with 10 almost half an hour later. Took a while for both sides to settle, Peterborough not sitting back on their lead tried to get out attack take the game to Wymondham, their top scorer Laura Nicholls played into a shooting position top of the area by Mollie O’Callaghan fired home to reduce the deficit then with the clock running down Hannah Waters running in behind was pulled down inside the Peterborough box, Nicholls with a powerful penalty levelling the scores with her 2nd of the game. The points shared.

Bedford Ladies were at home to Essex side Harlow Town Ladies on Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division 6th & 7th both sides with 21 points going into the game. A 100% winning record for Bedford in all competitions since December their good form continued this weekend as they won the match 2-0 scoring a goal in each half to move 3 points clear of their opponents. Lauren Murray with her 4th goal in 3 appearances for Bedford and Joanne Makin in her 1st start of the season scoring the goals.

  At last it’s a win for Haringey Borough Women, 3 points on the board winning at home to fellow strugglers AFC Dunstable Ladies this Sunday. Has been a tough period for the club following a tough season in the FAWNL after losing a good portion of their promotion winning squad the new side has had a difficult baptism have stuck together and can finally celebrate a league win and 3 points, climb off the bottom of the Premier Division table too. AFC Dunstable Ladies travelling with a reduced squad again just the bare 11. Battled well scoring twice in the game with Stephanie Fisher netting her 1st of the season and Alex Chitwell making her debut also scoring. Haringey Borough scoring twice as many up the other end to win the game, Brooke Hills making her 1st start scoring a goal with Seren Ahmet, Aaliyah Boyea & Sandeep Tak all celebrating a goal in a 4-2 win.

ERWFL Division One

St Ives Town Ladies open up a 7 point lead at the top of ERWFL Division One the newly promoted side at home to defending champions Stevenage Ladies Reserves this Sunday. St Ives unbeaten since joining the league this season coming out on top in a competitve game with Stevenage, St Ives coming out on top to win their 12th game of the season 3-0 thanks to goals from top scorer Tierney Coulson, Georgia Stancombe and Harriet Ford.

   Newmarket Town Ladies promoted along with St Ives Town Ladies from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership are also enjoying a great 1st season in the ERWFL up to 3rd in the table were at home on Sunday looking to consolidate their league position, knew they had a tough game ahead with Hertford Town Ladies the visitors unbeaten in their last 4 including draws with St Ives Town & 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Brooke Wickens charging down the ball opening the scoring in the 25th minute for Newmarket. Hertford pulling the scores level before half-time. Newmarket were awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the 2nd half Laura Bailey firing it home to put the hosts back into the lead. The 3 points secured in the final minute with Sarah O’Rourke put through on goal to see Newmarket win the game 3-1.

  Fifth placed Hutton Ladies were away this Sunday up against Bishops Stortford Ladies in ERWFL Division One. A lively game against the bottom side that saw plenty of goals scored. Bishops Stortford able to name 3 subs for the game finding the back of the net for 3 goals with captain Broghan McHale netting a hat-trick. Hutton have Vicky Kinsman leading their line this season and she is closing in on 40 goals for the season already with another brace at the weekend. A brace too for Sally Appleton along with a goal for Kayleigh Franklin seeing Hutton run out 5-3 winners.

   Elsewhere in Division One the points were shared on Sunday. Fresh from securing a place in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final, King’s Lynn Town Ladies travelled to Cambridgeshire at the weekend to play Histon Ladies. Georgia Day scoring for the hosts with Rochelle Woods on target for King’s Lynn with her 9th goal of the season in a 1-1 draw.

 1-1 too between Lawford Ladies and Hatfield Peverel Ladies on Sunday in Division One. The hosts playing for 80 minutes with 10 players after Harriet Young was sent off. Ex-Lawford player Jasmine Cox scoring for Hatfield Peverel against her old club. Captain Daisy Canny netting her 14th of the season for Lawford, the points shared.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 17/02/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 17th February

ERWFL Premier Division

Like the FAWNL a large number of clubs for the ERWFL were involved in the latter stages of their various County Cup competitions at the weekend that saw a reduced fixture list across both the Premier & Division One this Sunday.

  Two games from the Premier Division, 3rd placed Royston Town Ladies were at home taking on Bedford Ladies, a win would have seen them move above Acle United Women into 2nd spot in the table. As it was Royston were defeated for just the 2nd time this season Bedford in 8th climbing back up into the top half of the table with the 3 points. Lauren Murray netting a brace for the visitors with Carissa Kaczorowski and Maya Sidhu also on target in a 4-2 win. Joanne Rutherford and Hayley Elderd scoring the goals for Royston.

   AFC Dunstable have at times struggled for players to fulfil fixtures this Sunday they had just the 8 available as they took on Colney Heath Ladies at home. Injury seeing them down to 7, Colney Heath with the player advantage taking the lead from the penalty spot with Lucy Hancock scoring to make it 1-0, Dunstable striking the woodwork battled hard. Colney Heath going on to add 3 more goals ran out 4-0 winners. Sophie Joseph and Rianne Townsend-Brown on the scoresheet along with Olivia Mari marking her first appearance for Colney Heath with a goal.

ERWFL Division One

Three matches played in ERWFL Division One on Sunday. 4th placed Stevenage Ladies Reserves finally with a game on after a few postponements were at home taking on Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies. Midfielder Sherrie Evans putting the hosts into a 12th minutes lead. Stevenage giving a penalty away midway through the 1st half Alison Wrights spot kick in off the post to make it 1-1. The sides drawing at half-time. Evans was on target for her 2nd of the game 10 minutes into the 2nd half. That how the score remained heading into the final minute Wright put through on goal setting her shot up over the advancing keeper to see Histon equalise for the 2nd time in the match and take away a share of the points.

  Hertford Town Ladies resurgence continues as they extend their unbeaten run to 4 matches in Division One with a home win over Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies this Sunday. Hertford holding a 2-1 lead at the break going on to score a 3rd goal in the 2nd half to secure their 2nd win of the season. Their goals coming from Rhiann Patmore (pictured), Chloe Ring & Olivia Worsfold. Rosy Wodhams with the 1st half goal for Hoddesdon. 

  Hatfield Peverel Ladies were the winners on Sunday, their 1st since joining the ERWFL this season 3 points all coming from draws prior. The Essex side have struggled for goals this season the lowest scorers in the league by far with just 3 before this Sunday have brought in a few new faces to bolster the squad recently performances improving as a result, the win on the board at last were at home to fellow strugglers Bishops Stortford Ladies. Jasmine Cox adding a goal threat for Hatfield Peverel scoring her 2nd goal in 3 appearances. Victoria King getting on the scoresheet too with her 1st goal of the season in a 2-0 win that takes Hatfield Peverel off the bottom of the table. 

The Round-Up – ERWFL 10/02/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 10th February

ERWFL Premier Division

The ERWFL was again hit by the weather games falling foul of water logged pitches in both the Premier Division & Division One. Two games in the Premier Division although one of those was abandoned due to a head injury. Bedford Ladies were leading 2-1 away to Haringey Borough when striker Julia Carruthers suffered the injury and was admitted to hospital has since thankfully been given the all clear, the time of abandonment differing between clubs it has been listed as A-A on the full-time website will update if that changes.

 One game going the distance then Wymondham Town Ladies fifth in the table at home to fellow promoted side Harlow Town Ladies. The Norfolk side taking a 10th minute lead with striker Hannah Waters strong on the ball sending the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring. The Essex side responding well getting back level on the half hour then going on to take the lead, Chelsea Clarke lobbing the keeper from distance to level the scores back up late in the first half to see it all square at 2-2. Harlow getting the better of the 2nd half scoring twice more to come to make the long journey home with the 3 points the 4-2 victory seeing them climb into the top half of the table. Poppy Binding scoring twice for Harlow now has 13 for the season with Tayla Handscombe also on target along with a 1st goal for the season for Ellie Wallace. Not all bad for Wymondham either as they actually climb a place up to 4th now awarded the home win against Dunstable Ladies back in December.

ERWFL Cup

    One outstanding tie left to be played in the ERWFL Cup 3rd Round, Division One side Lawford Ladies making the trip to Hertfordshire to player Premier Division side Colney Heath Ladies. A first half brace for Rianne Townsend-Brown securing a 2-0 advantage for Colney Heath. A 3rd goal securing the win for the Premier Division side in the 2nd half Charlene Moreton scoring to send Colney Heath through the quarter finals of the competition.

Colney Heath Ladies, Charlene Moreton

ERWFL Division One

A switch to 3G saw one game beat the weather in ERWFL Division One on Sunday, King’s Lynn Town Ladies finally back in league action playing host to new league leaders St Ives Town Ladies. Unbeaten in the league and knowing 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies game had been called off the visitors from Cambridgeshire had an opportunity to open a 4 point lead up at the top of the table. An own goal giving St Ives an early lead, Kira Markwell making a great save to deny King’s Lynn an equaliser as they grew into the game. St Ives defending well doubled their lead through top scorer Tierney Coulson. 2-0 to St Ives at half-time. A strong start to the 2nd half from King’s Lynn it was St Ives who were to extend their lead on the hour Coulson lobbing the keeper for her 2nd of the game and 21st goal of the season to make it 3-0. Hannah Seymour-Shove extending St Ives lead 5 minutes later. 4-0 the final score harsh on King’s Lynn who although not finding the break through with a goal themselves made St Ives work for the win.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 03/02/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 3rd February

ERWFL Premier Division

One match taking place in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday and it saw league leaders Cambridge City Ladies extend their lead at the top of the table as they won their 13th game of the season at home against Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies. 14 played now with just 2 points dropped in a strong position now with 2 thirds of their games played. Have a potent strike force with goal scorers all over the pitch. Shannon Shaw hitting a brace this weekend to take her to 12 for the season with Bella Simmons also getting her name of the scoresheet with her 14th goal of the season in a 3-0 win.

ERWFL Division One 

The weather and outstanding cup fixtures affecting the league programme in ERWFL Division One this Sunday, two games featuring the top two in the league and their is a new side leading the way, St Ives Town Ladies going top. Unbeaten since joining the ERWFL this season 14 played with this weekend bringing up their 10th win of the campaign. Were at home hosting Essex side Hutton Ladies. The visitors carrying a potent goal threat themselves Vicky Kinsman adding another goal to her impressive goal scoring record. St Ives, Georgia Stancombe claiming the match ball as she netted a hat-trick up the other end, has 12 to her name now. Tierney Coulson St Ives top scorer adding a goal her 19th of the season as St Ives ran out 4-1 winners.

St Ives Town Ladies, Georgia Stancombe

  That win for St Ives coupled with dropped points fro previous leaders Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. The Essex side at home to a rejuvenated Hertford Town Ladies coming into the match off their 1st league win of the season last weekend against Bishops Stortford Ladies, have strengthened their squad, a point well earned against unbeaten St Ives a fortnight ago, Hertford followed that up with another creditable 0-0 against the league leaders to take their unbeaten run to 3 matches. 

The Round-Up – ERWFL 27/01/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 27th January

ERWFL Premier Division

Taking over the lead in the ERWFL Premier Division last weekend Cambridge City Ladies are now 3 points clear form 2nd placed Acle United Women after coming through a tough encounter at home to Colney Heath Ladies. The visitors coming back to level the scores twice before Cambridge City eventually. ran out 3-2 winners. U16s goalkeeper Sally Phelps making her debut for the Cambridge City 1st team. The hosts opening the scoring in the 1st half, Rianne Townsend-Brown putting Colney Heath back on level terms, Cambridge City coming back to take the retake the lead on the stroke of half-time. One of Colney Heath’s best performances of the season they drew level for a 2nd time in the match from the penalty spot with Lucy Hancock stepping up to make it 2-2. Cambridge City getting the lead for a 3rd time in the match and were able to hold on this time to maintain their unbeaten league for to 13 matches, Hannah Bodily, Bella Simmons and Shannon Shaw the goal scorers.

   Acle United Women were at home on Sunday taking on Norfolk rivals Wymondham Town Ladies, the two sides drawn together in the County Cup semi-finals. Always a hard fought contest, Carolyn Sarafian playing her final game for Wymondham before leaving for America, has been a pleasure watching her play for various sides during her time in England and wish her all the best for the future. The visitors taking an early lead in the game with defender Betty Fretwell heading home from a corner in the 6th minute. Goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan making some important saves to keep Acle from finding a reply including saving from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute to preserve Wymondham’s narrow lead, winning 1-0 the 3 points taking them up to 5th position in the Premier Division.

  Royston Town Ladies came back from 2-1 down at home to win the 3 points a close the gap on 2nd placed Acle United Women to just two points. Came out on top in a tough home game against Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday. The hosts taking an early lead through Sammy Tinsley scoring her 10th goal of the season. Brentwood coming back into it to level the scores and then take the lead themselves with Georgia Holdaway and Cerys Adams scoring. Royston finding their equaliser through a Teonie Peyton goal before Hayley Elderd struck with her 10th of the season to win the game 3-2 for Royston, just the one defeat in the league have 3 games in hand on Acle.

  Harlow Town Ladies also picking up 3 points at the weekend were at home to Haringey Borough Women. The two sides meeting a fortnight ago in the reverse fixture in the League Cup, Harlow’s Poppy Binding scoring a hat-trick in their 4-0 win. Binding repeated the feat in the league as she added 3 more goals to her tally moving her onto 11 for the season. There were goals to for Harlow’s Abbey Dell, Olivia Steele, Kirsty Woodacre and a goal on her 1st start for Bethany Chambers in a 7-0 victory.

ERWFL Division One

 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies continue to lead the way in ERWFL Division One remain a point clear of St Ives Town Ladies with 8 games left to play. The Essex side away to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies this Sunday. Bowers & Pitsea taking an early lead with Courtney Fraser hitting the ball form all of 30 yards to score in the 9th minute. Chances for Bowers & Pitsea to add to their lead in the 1st half but it remained 1-0 at half-time. Abbie Simmonds doubling Bowers & Pitsea’s lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Hannah Kelly pulling it back to 2-1 for Hoddesdon in the last 10 minutes, Bowers & Pitsea held out to win the 3 points.

  A tough afternoon in tough conditions for 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies as they travelled to play Essex side Hatfield Peverel Ladies on Sunday. Georgia Stancombe’s penalty the difference between the sides in the finish, as Hatfield Peverel battled hard, the wind a huge factor like so many games elsewhere. St Ives Town holding their advantage despite being down to 10 with Elle Jefferson red carded in the match. St Ives remain unbeaten a point behind and a game in hand on Bowers & Pitsea. 

  Testament to this Sunday’s bitterly cold and windy conditions I witnessed them myself in my chosen fixture at the weekend and to be honest Women’s Football Caribbean has a better ring to it… only joking I love what I do, must be mad though a trip down to Hertfordshire to watch the Division One clash between Hertford Town Ladies at their new Wodson Park home against Bishops Stortford Ladies. A good point for Hertford last weekend their 1st of the season against unbeaten St Ives Town. A host of new signing a large squad available. The opposite for Bishops Stortford struggling for numbers starting with just 8 would be joined by a 9th a tough ask but the windy conditions a true leveller, getting the ball down a playing just not easy for Hertford who had the majority of the attack, Bishops Stortford working hard doing well Hertford eventually getting the lead Chloe Ring capitalising as Donna Watts committed the keeper to send the ball back in across goal. Carly Snell lashing the ball home from a corner to make it 2-0 to Hertford at half-time. 

Hertford Town Ladies, Carly Snell

The wind blowing from one end of the pitch to the other Hertford playing into it 2nd half rode out a spell of pressure from Bishops Stortford early in the 2nd half Olivia Worsfold finding space and opportunities all game combining well with Dempsey Favell one of Hertford’s new additions to score their 3rd goal. The wind at their backs shots from range were worth a punt and from one of these Rebecca Bull pulled it back to 3-1 from 40 yards with assistance from Brogan McHale keeping the ball still to send the ball over the keeper. Hertford adding a 4th goal late in the game through Karen Staples to see them win their first league game of the season 4-1 to climb off the foot of the Division One table.  

  A convincing win at home on Sunday sees Newmarket Town Ladies climb up a place into 3rd in the ERWFL Division One table were taking on Histon Ladies. Have always had goalscorers in their side, that firepower added to with the addition of 16-year-old Annabel Cuthbert who has 10 goals now from 8 appearances. The youngster opening the scoring for Newmarket in the 24th minute. Antonia Smith doubling the hosts advantage in the 32nd minute. 2-0 the lead at half-time Newmarket struck early in the 2nd half to extend the lead Abbi Griffin scoring her 5th goal since returning to the club. That the score heading into the closing minutes, Cuthbert ending the game celebrating a hat-trick scoring a quickfire double at the end to see Newmarket win the game 5-0.

Match Report – Hertford Town Ladies v Bishops Stortford Ladies

Sunday 27th January

ERWFL Division One

Back to the football after having weeks rest, a trip down to Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch a game I’ve had pencilled in the diary for a while from ERWFL Division One, Hertford Town Ladies v Bishops Stortford Ladies.

  The Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) having two divisions steps 5 & 6 of the women’s football pyramid. 12 teams contesting the Premier Division, 12 teams contesting Division One, back to a single division this season having been split North & South last season. Started with 13 the league has sadly lost Ipswich Wanderers Ladies due to lack of numbers, sadly a feature that is affecting women’s football across the board right now.

   Today’s sides at the wrong end of the table Hertford currently the bottom side, Bishops Stortford 10th. Followed each other into the ERWFL winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Division One title, Hertford in 2015/16, Bishops Stortford the following season. Two sides that rose rapidly through the county leagues have hit the buffers somewhat since joining the ERWFL

Hertford showing signs they are starting to turn the corner, Danny Barley taking over as manager towards the end of last season. Have a new home venue Wodson Park Sports Centre. A multi-sports complex next to Ware FC. Looks a impress partner to become associated with and plans are afoot for Hertford to be renamed in time for the new season. Have a grass pitch surrounded by a running track and access to a 3G pitch too. Had suffered due to lack of numbers have addressed that balance a new crop of players coming in to bolster the squad Rhianna Patmore, Chloe Ring, Georgia Turville, Megan Sende and Dempsey Favell amongst the new arrivals. Got their 1st league point on the board last Sunday a very good result a 1-1 with unbeaten St Ives Town Ladies at home.

  Bishops Stortford are struggling for committed players right now and are continuing to fulfil fixtures despite not being able to always field a starting XI, injury adding to that too. Just the 10 last week away to Newmarket Town Ladies, a commendable performance taking the lead but eventually lost 4-1. Together from youth level and successful they rose all the way through the age levels into women’s football, there as can often happen with a youth side climbing into women’s football there are loses to university. Since then Bishops Stortford have struggled to get results 3 points on the board so far. 

  It’s a windy one and very chilly with it, the hats on for the first time this season and I’ve brought the umbrella but how I’m going to hold it down if it does start raining I don’b know gloomy and overcast. Fingers crossed the rain stays away. The main pitch deemed too wet due to the overnight rain the game to be played the 3G pitch, a good size room for spectators down one side. The Sports Park offering the usual facilities. 

Hertford Town Ladies starting XI – Ellie Morris, Zoe Garvey, Megan Sende, Rhianna Patmore, Christie Seakens (C), Lauren Barnard, Georgia Turville, Chloe Ring, Olivia Worsfold, Katie Williams & Donna Watts. Subs – Nicola Davey, Karen Staples, Carly Snell, Dempsey Favell & Clare Pavett.

Bishops Stortford Ladies starting XI – Teigan McHale, Matilda Attridge, Rebecca Bull, Chloe Haken, Samantha McComish, Brogan McHale (C), Heather Martin, Poppy Kelly & Hollie Tate.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  As you can see from above straight away the visitors are at a huge disadvantage, arriving late not much time to prepare have just the 8 to take to the field with one on the way. Hertford with their new additions have twice the number available. The 3G pitch on a elevated position the hollowing wind is assured to play a huge part in the game a to some regards be something of a leveller. Bishops Stortford to get the game underway wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts blue shorts and socks with Hertford lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts with a navy band across the front, navy shorts and socks.

  Bishops Stortford playing into the wind first half, Brogan McHale playing the diagonal ball out to Poppy Kelly attacking right drives at the Hertford defence, Megan Sende standing her ground putting the tackle in at left back. Bishops Stortford quick to close down Matilda Attridge into win the ball onto McHale, a great pass long to the right for Kelly crosses early, won by Rhianna Patmore at the back for Hertford. Kelly lively early on gets her head down prepared to run at players wins a throw in. Play across to the left side the pass inside to McHale given time shapes to shoot 30 yards out the ball wide of the upright. 

Bishops Stortford Ladies, Matilda Attridge with Hertford’s Zoe Garvey

 The wind at Hertford’s back isn’t necessarily helping forwards balls for the attackers running on difficult to chase down aiding the Bishops Stortford defence. Chloe Haken blocking a ball inside box for Bishops Stortford sees Hertford with a corner right side the ball crossed into toward the near post high for Donna Watts to try and bring down and turn and shoot, won’t come down Bishops Stortford see the threat away. Hertford unsure where best to exploit their opponents lack of numbers possession football very difficult with the wind press Bishops Stortford into their own half the 8 doing well enough in the opening exchanges. 

Hertford Town Ladies, Donna Watts bringing the ball down

  Balls that are played in behind would create problems on another day but the wind again makes these balls difficult to run down. Heather Martin coming back to win the ball for Bishops Stortford as Zoe Garvey brings the ball on from the back on the right for Hertford. Hertford come close to opening the scoring the ball fired in low across goal, Teigan McHale wearing the gloves today making a smart save with her leg at the near post of Chloe Ring, the ball loping up comes at Katie Williams quickly gets a touch the ball falling wide of the post. 

GOAL! The hosts open the scoring launch an effective counter attack, Lauren Barnard carrying the all on through the middle a threaded ball through to Watts moving right into the area McHale coming out to close the angle the striker shoots McHale saving with her legs going to ground, the rebound coming straight to Ring following Watts into the box from the right sends the ball back in across the empty goal and I think the ball is over the line at the far post even though Williams sliding in makes sure 1-0.

Hertford Town Ladies, Chloe Ring looking to keep the ball in play

Hertford look to press the advantage Olivia Worsfold puts a low ball in from an the right intercepted by Haken. Ring getting into the area twists and turns wins a corner the ball in from the right cleared out of the box falls to Garvey 25 yards out tries to lift it in over the goalkeeper, drops short into her arms. Worsfold sees a pass wide left into her feet left of the D turns into a shot the low ball running straight to McHale to claim low. A change for Hertford Georgia Turville off on comes Carly Snell.

Bishops Stortford Ladies, Brogan McHale

  Bishops Stortford defending for the majority in their own half have the ability to hit on the counter do just that the ball won the pass played early for Kelly bursting away on the right is clear goalkeeper Ellie Morris comes running out of her area to close her down, Kelly gets her shot away beating the keeper the ball heading for the goal beyond strikes the base of the near post. Calls for a foul as McHale is brought down outside the Hertford area, none given Hertford counter, the through ball for Ring clear right side Teigan McHale coming to close the angle Ring shoots the keeper getting her leg in the way of the ball sees it spin away across the face of the six yards box Watts getting a touch the ball spins away from goal wide. 

Samantha McComish heads the ball clear for Bishops Stortford

  Up the other end Broghan McHale is still down needs treatment, the wind is really hollowing now is bitterly cold. A few strong challenges coming in Kelly bundled off the ball. Hertford attack as Christie Seakins brings the ball forwards Worsfold looking to combine with Watts up top the wind ruining the move. Hollie Tate arrives Bishops Stortford have 9 on the field. A flowing attack from Hertford’s attacks Watts with it right 20 yards out plays it inside for Worsfold inside the D she lets it run on for Williams coming in left side hits a fierce shot in on the angle McHale making a great one handed save to palm the rising ball behind for the corner. Broghan McHale off for repairs has a bloody knee, vaseline applied she’d back on. 

 GOAL! The lead is doubled, from the set-piece the delivery good from the corner falls to Williams far post shapes to shot is blocked at pointblank range the ball spinning away to the to left hand corner of the area straight to Snell catches it well lashing the ball into the back of the net 2-0.

Hertford Town Ladies, Carly Snell

  A committed performance from Bishops Stortford’s 9 players are getting a few knocks for their efforts, Rebecca Bull the latest needing treatment. Hertford are enjoying the majority of the possession but no one is being afforded any time on the ball. Samantha McComish breaking up a Hertford attack. McHale combining with Kelly up front the latter forcing her way through in behind left the ball squared into Haken can’t turn as she is quickly closed down inside the D. Calls for a penalty as Snell appeared to be body checked inside the area but the appeals are waved away. 

Half-time Hertford Town Ladies 2-0 Bishops Stortford Ladies

  The half-time whistle blows and Hertford head into the changing rooms leading the game 2-0. Not good conditions for playing football the wind playing a huge part, have gotten the goals putting themselves into a good position to build on 2nd half know the wind will be against them 2nd half should see the through balls hold up better. Have the player advantage to which will be a factor as their opponents begin to tire. Bishops Stortford for their part have done very well a shortage of numbers everyone needed to step up to the plate and has, in their own half for much of the game came close to getting a goal themselves, pressed well and wind will be in their favour 2nd half.

Changes at half-time with Nicola Davey and Dempsey Favell on the field for Hertford at the start of the 2nd period the hosts to get us underway. A little lull in the wind but it won’t last long. Bishops Stortford win the ball come away on the left a driving run first by Kelly then picked up by McHale she is dispossessed outside the area the ball though coming to Martin, she has a shot 20 yards out the ball held by Morris in the Hertford goal. Tate is fouled going forwards McHale encouraged to have a go from 30 yards out the ball deflected wide for the corner. The visitors making an encouraging start to the 2nd half. 

Poppy Kelly on the attack for Bishops Stortford

  Hertford build on the right side a Ring pushing on in behind sends a cross in along the face of goal Williams arriving far side heads the ball wide. Favell with a great low ball through for Worsfold to go after bursting into the right channel, McHale comes early racing in intercept just gets there for the attacker, momentum keeps to keeper coming on gets a 2nd blocking tackle in as Ring is right behind Worsfold. The hosts starting to get a hold of the game push Bishops Stortford back into their own half once more. The visitors making she last gasp blocking tackles in and around their area, Bull, Attridge and Haken all called in to action. 

  GOAL! Hertford extend their lead a goal started ad finished by Worsfold the ball with her left side over halfway combines well with Favell breaking forwards the diagonal ball inside to her feet, Worsfold running on into the box receiving the return ball opens up her body to curl a low shot in McHale gets something in it but Worsfold gets a 2nd bite and makes no mistake 3-0.

Olivia Worsfold looking to win the ball for Hertford

  Kelly carries a real threat with the ball at her feet for Bishops Stortford attacks right is stopped by Seakens outside her box the ball played on for Favell a flowing attack she turns the ball on into the area for Worsfold peeling into space between the defence shots McHale going to ground making another good save with her legs. Williams comes off for Hertford on come Clare Pavett. The hosts have Bishops Stortford penned into the final 3rd, the wind holding the ball up in the air as Snell lifts in on for Worsfold left side she gets it up across the six yards box Ring racing in sees her shot charged down. Sende with the ball looks to get in past Worsfold on the left Bull sliding in wins the ball. Ring comes off for Hertford on in her place Karen Staples. 

  Favell plays the ball on for Pavett left side her cross inside to Worsfold central lets it run on for Snell she unleashes a shot 25 yards out, gathered by McHale. The light is starting to fade and the wind is getting stronger, won’t sit on the corner spot for Martin.

 GOAL! That though is the cue for someone to hold the ball still for the kick taker as Bishops Stortford are awarded a free kick all of 40 yards from goal the win at her back Bull over it has a go McHale laying beside the ball an outstretched finger holding it still, works as Bull catches it well the shot on target looping up and with the wind adding to the pace is over Morris before she can adjust 3-1.

Rebecca Bull with the goal for Bishops Stortford

Hertford continue to push players on Staples drifting out to the right sends in a cross/shot from the angle looping down at the near post a difficult on for McHale to deal with gets a glove to it turning it behind for the corner. The corner headed over by Davey. Into the last 10 minutes Bishops Stortford get some joy wide right winning a corner a great ball in across the six yard box by Martin isn’t attacked. 

Hertford Town Ladies, Nicola Davey

 Broghan McHale onto a loose kick out from the keeper sends a shot back in low left of the D, Morris setting herself has it covered. A free-kick wide on the right for Hertford the ball driven into the area with pace Favell gets a bullet header on it central, Teigan McHale with a fantastic one handed save especially as her body shape is taking her the wrong way. 

  GOAL! Space opening up late in the game the light fading fast Hertford attack right Davey on for Favell, good hold up play 20 yards out turns her marker to get inside drives a cross into Staples in space to the right of goal, she smashes a shot in towards goal defenders racing across to block it takes a nick and that carries it past the keeper and in 4-1. 

  Not long left Hertford finish strong Favell on for Snell right side shoots from the angle the ball skipping up of the surface claimed by the keeper. 

Full time Hertford Town Ladies 4-1 Bishops Stortford Ladies

  4-1 to Hertford Town Ladies they win their first league game of the season 4 points from the last two games taking them off the bottom of the table. A promising start to 2019 as they look to rebuild and become a force in the league. Exceptionally difficult conditions today the wind just meant there was no opportunity to get the ball down and play which would have tired their opponents out quicker, always hard to against a side without 11 on the field they will work all the harder simply because they know the have to. Patience usually paying off though.

  Full credit to Bishops Stortford a great effort from start to finish, 4-1 perhaps a little harsh one them, to start with 8 and keep their opponents from scoring a hat full of goals. The wind in their case suited them today the ball not going to stick to anyone. Great commitment shown and I’ve heard nothing but praise before seeing it for myself. If they can just get a few more committed to the cause they have got a fantastic core of talent to build with.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A tough day for playing football no doubt that wind just awful. Credit to Bishops Stortford for the work rate through out the side. For Hertford Carly Snell made a impact upon coming on scoring the 2nd goal, Dempsey Favell too influential in the 2nd half finding pockets of space bringing others into play.  Today’s award however goes to Olivia Worsfold, her link up play excellent and always looking for opportunities up front for herself and others, the wind in her favour 2nd half she got herself into some good attacking positions and scored too.

  Good job I love what I do, it was bitterly cold out there today that wind simply the worst cut right through you, glad to be in the warm this evening. Enjoyed it though I can never predict what I’m going to get and glad I don’t. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today much appreciated.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 20/01/19

Sunday 20th January

ERWFL Premier Division

Like the FAWNL the ERWFL fixture lists were severely reduced due to sides contesting their various County Cup competitions and the overnight freezing conditions. Just the two games played in the Premier Division with contrasting scorelines, the outcome the same 3 more points on the board.

Cambridge City Ladies climb back to the top of the league making it 12 unbeaten in the league, scoring 12 goals without reply in the process. Were at home on Sunday taking on AFC Sudbury Ladies, struggling at the other end of the table, their cause not helped on Sunday with another injury blow seeing them reduced to 10. The Cambridge City attack a handful at the best of times have goalscorers throughout the side now have 5 players within the squad into double figures. Erin Davies top scorer with 18 collecting a brace on Sunday, so too did Charlotte Gillies, Carla Penny and Shannon Shaw. With Bella Simmons, Laura Mills, Anna Goggin and Hannah Bodily all celebrating a goal.

18 goals for Cambridge City Ladies, Erin Davies

Less goalmouth action in the other game played in the Premier Division on Sunday in Hertfordshire with Colney Heath Ladies hosting Royston Town Ladies. Samantha Edgar’s strike in the 1st half the difference as the visitors won the game by a single goal the 3 points taking them up a place into 3rd spot in the table.

ERWFL Division One

League tables and final scores tell one side of a story but those snapshots can’t tell the whole picture the hard work and effort teams put in on the pitch and in training. Hertford Town Ladies are bottom of the ERWFL Division One table without a point on the board, that changed on Sunday when they earned themselves a very good 1st point of the campaign at home to title chasing St Ives Town Ladies, themselves putting in the work getting the rewards unbeaten since joining the ERWFL, a point earned for the visitors coming back to level after Chloe Ring had put Hertford into the lead. St Ives levelling the score through new signing Ruth Fox marking her return to the game after 9 months with a goal and player of the match on her St Ives debut. St Ives closing the gap to leaders Bowers & Pitsea Ladies to just a point with a game in hand.

The same could be said of the two sides featuring in the other Division One game at the weekend, Bishops Stortford Ladies have had a tough time of it since joining the ERWFL at the wrong end of the table, keep fighting an injury blow late on saw them travel to 5th placed Newmarket Town Ladies with just 10. Despite that the visitors got themselves into an early lead Lucia Sanchez Miguel scoring her 1st goal for Bishops Stortford. Made Newmarket work the hosts eventually drawing level with 8 minutes to go in the 1st half Abbi Griffin finding the back of the net. Just before the stroke of half-time Newmarket took the lead Jess Linger firing the ball home from a free-kick on the edge of the box. A great start to the 2nd half saw Newmarket 3-1 up straight away Laura Bailey on target. Annabel Cuthbert securing a 4-1 win for Newmarket in the 66th minute that lifts them up into 4th spot in the Division One table.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 06/01/19

Sunday 6th January

ERWFL Premier Division

A busy start to the New Year in the ERWFL with 11 games taking place across both the Premier & Division One at the weekend. Both leagues exciting with the race for the title for both growing ever more intriguing as 2018 wore on, more of the same in 2019 please.

Acle United Women ending the year top of the pile leading the Premier Division began 2019 at home, AFC Dunstable Ladies making the long trip up from Bedfordshire with just the 9 available. Acle’s attack firing on all cylinders. Naomi Cooper opening the scoring for the Norfolk side on 12 minutes celebrated a 2nd goal just 6 minutes later. Lauren Bullard putting Acle 3 up on the half hour. Top scorer Grace Birchall with a headed goal making it 4-0 just before the break. Kate Pasque making it 5-0 to Acle soon after the restart. Birchall added two to complete her hat-trick and with Dunstable now down to 8 through injury added more goals, Pasque then Bullard with their 2nd goals each, double figures coming in injury time Birchall getting it her 25th of the season Acle winning 10-0.

An equally large scoreline too for 2nd placed Cambridge City Ladies to start the year away to bottom side Haringey Borough Women on Sunday. Carla Penny and Bella Simmons both celebrating a hat-trick a piece there were goals too for Erin Davies, Charlotte Gillies, Lauren Tomlinson and Anna Goggin along with captain Becca Fay who scored her 1st goal of the season on an 11-1 victory. Cambridge City unbeaten still with just 2 points dropped and 4 games in hand on the leaders the gap 3 points. Sandeep Tak with the goal for Haringey her 1st for the club.

Cambridge City Ladies, Becca Fay

Plenty of goals, you only need to beat the opposition by 1 to get the 3 points and that was enough for Peterborough Northern Star Ladies at the Harlow Arena to beat Harlow Ladies and travel home from Essex with the win under their belts. Katie Steward with her 11th goal of the season clinching the win for the 3rd placed side who themselves have been beaten just the once this season are 6 points off top spot but like Cambridge City have 4 games in hand on Acle.

4th placed Royston Town Ladies are themselves in a good position in the Premier Division table going into 2019, losing just the once this season themselves played 11 now like Cambridge and Peterborough Northern Star have 26 points. Were at home this Sunday against AFC Sudbury Ladies. Goals from Danielle Carty, Joanne Rutherford, Charlotte South and Georgia Gannaway seeing the Hertfordshire side win the game 4-0.

It was a good point at home for Colney Heath Ladies to start the year as they managed to hold the Wymondham Town Ladies attacking force to a goalless draw to earn a point against the 5th placed side. A much better result than the 7-0 loss Colney Heath suffered in the reverse fixture back in October.

ERWFL Division One

Like the Premier Division in the ERWFL the title race in Division One is proving just as exciting. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies the team to beat as 2019 begins top of the table the Essex side were at home to Norfolk’s King’s Lynn Town Ladies this Sunday. A solitary goal the difference at half-time advantage to Bowers & Pitsea, Sophie Dowman with the goal. A cracking strike from 30 yards seeing King’s Lynn level the scores on the hour. Bowers & Pitsea retaking the lead midway through the 2nd half Eloise Ives finding the back of the net, Georgia Fraser on target extending the lead to 3-1 with 15 minutes left. Into the final 10 minutes and King’s Lynn pulled it back to 3-2, Danielle Styles with the quick reply for Bowers & Pitsea adding a goal 5 minutes from time enough to secure the win 4-2. Tiffany Forshaw and Olivia Baker with the goals for King’s Lynn.

St Ives Town Ladies are 2nd in Division One the only unbeaten side in the league since joining the regional league this season. Their great start extended into 2019 with a home win against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Their previous meeting a 0-0 in the league and a 5-4 with away from home for St Ives in the League Cup, it was another positive result this Sunday, a goal for Emily Smith along with one for top scorer Tierney Coulson seeing St Ives win the game 2-0. Two points behind Bowers & Pitsea with 2 games in hand.

Stevenage Ladies Reserves are the defending champions were the early pacesetters results towards the end of 2018 going against them nevertheless remain firmly in contention in 3rd spot just 3 points separating the top 3 started the new year well with a comfortable home win over bottom side Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday. Emily Schofield leading the goal scoring charts now hitting a brace in the match with Faith Greene also scoring on her first start for the side. Stevenage winning 3-0.

Another side performing well at the top end of ERWFL Division One are Hutton Ladies, having strengthened their squad the Essex side have gained a prolific goalscorer in Vicky Kinsman was on target again at the weekend away to Hatfield Peverel Ladies. 4th placed Hutton though had to settle for a point as they were held to a draw by Hatfield Peverel struggling for numbers since joining the ERWFL. A good point earned for Hatfield Peverel their goalscorer Jasmine Cox on her debut, a proven goalscorer something the Essex side has been lacking.

Newmarket Town Ladies are another newcomer to the ERWFL were away from home on Sunday against Essex side Lawford Ladies, both starting life at the higher level with a defeat have since gone on to flourish developing into a competitive force more than a match for anyone on their day. Currently 5th & 6th in the table shared 6 goals on Sunday, Tess Ryan and Stacey Teager on target for Lawford, it was Newmarket who came out on top to win the 3 points thanks largely to a 2nd half hat-trick from Annabel Cuthbert the sides drawing 1-1 at half-time Brooke Wickens with the visitors goal. 16-year old Cuthbert putting Newmarket 2-1 up on 55 minutes added a 2nd just 2 minutes later her hat-trick coming in the 70th minute.

2018 overall a tough one for Bishops Stortford Ladies, started 2019 on a positive note earning a point at home to Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies on Sunday. Histon getting themselves into the lead in the 35th minute Charlotte Westrope turning the ball in the back of the net. A complete turn around though late in the 1st half with Bishops Stortford firing in two goals inside 3 minutes to lead 2-1 at the whistle Brooke White with her 1st of the season and Poppy Kelly the goalscorers. Into the final 10 minutes and Bishops Stortford held the lead, Histon with a corner, Alison Wright rescuing a point levelling the scores in the 82nd minute.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 16/12/18

Sunday 16th December

ERWFL Premier Division

  The ERWFL fixture list suffering like most leagues across the country thanks to Storm Deirdre blowing in on Saturday affecting half the fixtures in Division One whilst County Cup action saw a reduced schedule in the Premier Division on Sunday.

  Acle United Women will end the year top of the pile in the ERWFL Premier Division. Ended 2018 with a trip to Suffolk up against 2nd bottom AFC Sudbury. The visitors taking a little while to get going gradually building momentum creating opportunities, finally took the lead late in the first half with Grace Birchall’s shot blocked Ciera Flatt putting in the rebound. 1-0 up at the break Acle quickly added to the score early in the 2nd half defender Anna Larkins getting forwards to make it 2-0. Acle creating plenty of chances pushing forwards Lauren Bullard getting a 3rd for the visitors. Birchall scoring a brace late on to secure a 5-0 win for Acle moves her onto 21 goals for the season.

   Cambridge City Ladies have had an excellent start to the season 9 wins from 9 they were looking to round that perfect record to 10 at home on Sunday as they welcomed Royston Town ladies to the Trinity Playing Fields. The hosts getting themselves into a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes played. Danielle Carty pulling it back to 2-1 for Royston from a free-kick. Striker Jo Rutherford putting the visitors back on level terms. Cambridge City coming back to restore their lead going 3-2 up, Teonie Peyton scored to see Royston equalise for the 2nd time in the game then Rutherford with her 11th goal of the season scored her 2nd of the match to put Royston 4-3 up. Erin Davies, Shannon Shaw and Charlotte Giles scoring Cambridge City’s 3 goal were down to 10 with Laura Mills shown a 2nd yellow. heading into injury time were in danger of losing for the 1st time in the league this season, very deep into stoppage time and the hosts found an equalising goal themselves to rescue a point with Giles scoring for the 2nd time in the match. Their 100% record gone Cambridge City nevertheless remain unbeaten in all a very successive 2018 for the club.

Cambridge City Ladies, Charlotte Gillies

   Also enjoying a fantastic 2018 are Wymondham Town Ladies, making their debut at this level end the year in their highest position of the campaign up into 5th ending the year with a home win against one of the early pacesetters, Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies. Laura Nicholls enjoying a great year in front of goal leading the way in the scoring charts put Wymondham into the lead in the 21st minute of the game. Brentwood coming back to level 15 minutes later Leah Cowan first to a loose ball to fire in the equaliser. Wymondham restoring the lead late in the first half with Hannah Waters firing in her 19th goal of the season to make it 2-1. 10 minutes gone in the 2nd half and Chelsea Clarke fired in a shot across the keeper to make it 3-1 to the hosts. Wymondham enjoying a got run to end the year 6 unbeaten in a great position now to kick on in 2019.

ERWFL Division One

   Every week the title battle at the top of ERWFL Division One takes a new twist remains as exciting as it has been with no clues yet as to who might emerge on top come the end of the season. Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies with a strong run of results at the end of the year unbeaten in 8 matches now moving to the top of the table.

  Were at home this Sunday taking on Bishops Stortford Ladies. The hosts getting off to a fantastic start taking the lead inside the first minute Sophie Dowman scoring the goal. Bowers & Pitsea pressing forwards creating plenty of opportunities it wasn’t until the 39th minute that they doubled the lead, Danielle Styles finding the back of the net to make it 2-0. Georgia Fraser scoring Bowers & Pitsea’s 3rd goal with the game moving into the final 20 minutes. Dowman on target with goals in the 76th & 81st minute to complete a hat-trick and take her onto 9 goals for the season Bowers & Pitsea winning the game 5-0 to see them stay top going into 2019.

   If current form continues then the side in the strongest position to challenge for the ERWFL Division One title are newly promoted St Ives Town Ladies the Cambridgeshire side 2nd going into the New Year are unbeaten from 10 played two points behind Bowers & Pitsea with two games in hand. Ended the year with an away trip to fellow promoted side Newmarket Town Ladies on Sunday. The two sides enjoying some good encounters whilst playing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership together. Both starting life at the higher level well, Newmarket in 5th spot. St Ives edging the first half leading 1-0. Kira Markwell making an excellent save denying Newmarket, who saw a goal ruled out. The 2nd half seeing both sides score Laura Bailey’s goal not enough for Newmarket with St Ives winning 2-1. Top scorer Tierney Coulson scoring from the penalty spot with Hannah Seymour-Shove also scoring. A whole calendar year unbeaten in the league for St Ives.

  Stevenage Ladies Reserves long time leaders of Division One slipping to 3rd in the table late on dropping points for the 3rd successive match in the league. Were away this Sunday taking on Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. The hosts leading the game at half-time, Kristina O’Connell’s strike from outside the box finding it’s way into the back of the net in the 33rd minute. Stevenage getting back on level terms 7 minutes into the 2nd period with Gemma Biggadike scoring her first of the campaign to make it 1-1. Melody Jones making just her 2nd appearance for Stevenage shooting from outside the area in the 77th minute getting her first goal in the process to make it 2-1 to the visitors. The game deep into stoppage time and Hoddesdon found an equalising goal themselves to see the game end 2-2 and the sides take home a share of the points.