New leaders in the ERWFL Premier Division after this weekends results, Cambridge City Ladies go top making it 3 wins from 3 in the league to start the season. Up against Bedford Ladies who themselves were unbeaten at the start of the season with a win and 3 draws. A strong 1st half from Cambridge City seeing the lead 3-0 at the break, Laura Mills getting on the end of the ball to turn it over the line was quickly 2-0 with Bella Simmons scoring, further chances followed before Sofia Castiglione scored to make it 3-0. Bedford were far from out of the game however and 2 goals for Setor Acolatse pulled it back to 3-2 for the visitors, the woodwork saving Cambridge City at the end as they dug deep for the 3 points.
Acle United Women were the previous leaders of the Premier Division drop to 2nd after suffering their first loss of the season away to Royston Town Ladies. Paige Rolfe making her 100th appearance for Royston. The dead lock broken on the half hour Sammy Tinsley striking from the edge of the box to give Royston the lead. A 1-0 advantage at half-time. Acle got the scores back to 1-1 just before the hour summer signing Grace Parker netting from a free-kick. Royston coming back to retake the lead in the final 15 minutes one of their summer signings Charlotte South from AFC Dunstable Ladies making it 2-1 and with Acle chasing a 2nd equaliser Royston scored a 3rd with South on target once again 2 wins from 2 for Royston to start their league campaign.
Harlow Town Ladies newly promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division their 4th promotion in a row are up to 3rd after home success over Colney Heath Ladies on Sunday. And it was to The Harlow Arena Women’s Football East travelled on Sunday to watch. An unbeaten start to the season for Colney Heath Ladies as they begin their 2nd season in the Premier Division. Got off to the better start the ball played up to Rianne Townsend-Brown at the top of the area, showed her strength against the Harlow defence to muscle her way in on goal and send the ball home to put Colney Heath 1-0 up. Harlow had chances to equalise, Lily Bruno seeing Amy Mullett making a good save in goal for Colney Heath low to her left. The equaliser coming midway through the first half Colney Heath failing to deal with a free-kick put into the area Abbey Dell getting onto the ball and sending it home. 1-1 the score at half-time.
A totally different story 2nd half as Harlow came out the stronger, injuries affecting Colney Heath’s defence, Harlow nevertheless started well. Tayla Handscombe linking with Bruno as she attacks do the left into the box and smashes the shot in to put Harlow 2-1 up. It quickly becomes 3-1 from a corner the ball cleared only as far as Kirsty Woodacre the central defender 20 yards out moves out to the right a gap opening up inside the area she takes the opportunity to strike her shot finding the bottom corner to make it 3-1. Harlow are dominant keep coming forwards get a 4th goal with a good attacking move the ball laid into Kaydee King moving across the top of the area the Harlow captain scoring Harlow winning 4-1. A few bruises to show for their efforts Abbey Dell coming off worse in a collision with Colney Heath’s Sophie Joseph, a blow to the noggin, out for the count momentarily, Joseph the first to her aid she is back with us a moment later but I caught the fall, whether Dell remembers it or not is another but she was up and walking thankfully soon after.
Out for the count, Abbey Dell is floored after coming together with Sophie Joseph
A 2nd win of the season for Wymondham Town Ladies sees them up to 4th in the Premier Division following promotion as Division One North Champions last season. Were at home to AFC Sudbury Ladies on Sunday who travelled with the bare 11. It was Sudbury who took the lead in the match Ceri Harris with the strike to make it 1-0. Wymondham coming back to win the game 2-1, Mollie O’Callaghan with the equaliser in the 63rd minute. Alice Ladbrooke netting the winning goal to secure the win.
A good result at home for Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday recording their 2nd win of the season, the Essex side hosting AFC Dunstable Ladies. Goals from Danielle Butler and a brace for Georgia Holdaway securing the 3 points with a 3-0 win.
A first win of the season in the ERWFL Premier Division for Peterborough Northern Star Ladies since moving across from the EMWFL. Building on their 1st point of the season last weekend travelled south to play bottom side Haringey Borough Women on Sunday. Cassie Steward scoring a brace their were goals to for Paige Jones, Emma Pollard and Katie Steward as Northern Star wrapped up a 5-0 win.
ERWFL Division One
New arrivals to the ERWFL, Newmarket Town Ladies are beginning to find their feet in the league, unbeaten in two they made it 3 at home with a good win over the league leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves on Sunday ending their 100% record in the process. A result that certainly raises the eyebrows Stevenage have proved hard to beat over the last 18 months or so. Goals from Laura Bailey, Sarah O’Rourke, Antonia Smith, Brooke Wickens and Bethany Woodfield returning from injury seeing Newmarket win the game 5-0 lifting them up to 5th in the Division One table.
Hutton Ladies climb into 2nd spot in ERWFL Division One with a comfortable away victory over Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday. New signing Victoria Kinsman in fine goal scoring form at the start of the season claiming a hat-trick against Hertford moved her into double figures already! Rosi Webb another new signing also getting on the scoresheet her 4th off the season. Hutton winning 4-0.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies left it late to claim a share of the points on the road at the weekend, were taking on Hatfield Peverel Ladies who themselves new to the ERWFL finally claimed their 1st point at this level on Sunday. Christa Osman with the goal for Hatfield to give them the lead. Hoddesdon had chances but it wasn’t until the final 5 minutes that they found the equaliser, Kristina O’Connell netting her 5th goal of the season on 85 minutes to make it 1-1.
St Ives Town Ladies newly promoted to the ERWFL remain unbeaten at the start of the season holding on for a point away to fellow Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies on Sunday. Goals from Tierney Coulson and Hannah Seymour-Shove saw St Ives Town into a 2-0 lead at half-time. Histon were right back into the game early in the 2nd half Kaya Haq scoring just a minute into the restart with Sophie Lanham scoring straight from a corner 3 minutes later for her first goal of the season. St Ives Town ending with 10 after Coulson was red carded dug deep to get the point.
Games featuring King’s Lynn Town this season are going to be entertaining if not good for the managers health as for the 2nd time in just 4 matches they run out 5-3 winners! At home on the opening day of the season against Newmarket, 2 losses followed before they got back to winning ways away to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies this Sunday. The victory secured in the 2nd half. Jade Horne with a double along with a goal for Daisy Starsmoore both getting off the mark for the season for Ipswich Wanderers. Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse netted a hat-trick for King’s Lynn with fellow strikers Tiffany Forshaw and Oksana Imanalijeva also claiming a goal each.
It was a top of the table clash in the ERWFL Premier Division on Sunday with Bedford Ladies and Acle United Women the top two at the beginning of the season. Acle United coming back from a 2 goal deficit to draw the game and take a point back to Norfolk. Two goals in the fist half-hour seeing Bedford take a 2 goal lead. Acle United coming back into the game early in the 2nd half with 2 goals in quick succession with 55 minutes played Laura Holden 1st then Amber Rowland striking to bring it back to 2-2 chances for both sides to win it but neither could find the back of the net one last time as it ended all both sides remain unbeaten.
Cambridge City Ladies move level with points with Bedford in 2nd spot as they won their 2nd league game of the season at the weekend. At home to Harlow Town Ladies who were unbeaten going into the match following promotion last season. Kaydee King with her first goal of the season put Harlow into the lead. Last season’s Premier Division runners-up came back to level the scores, winning the game in the 2nd half with 2 further goals to take the game 3-1. Charlotte Gillies, Laura Mills and Isabella Simmonds netting the goals for Cambridge City.
AFC Sudbury Ladies picked up their first league win of the season this Sunday following on from success in the FA Women’s Cup last weekend. At home were taking on AFC Dunstable Ladies who themselves were looking to build upon a win in the FA Women’s Cup. Mia Etheridge scoring to put Sudbury into a 1-0 first half lead. The hosts went onto win the game 3-1 with Sophie Jeffery and Semma Halil getting the goals. Samaira Khan getting the Dunstable goal on 57 minutes as they continue their search for a 1st league point.
Leah Cowan scored a hat-trick at the weekend to help Brentwood Town Ladies secure their first league win of the season away to Haringey Borough Women. The hosts contesting well in the 1st half scoring 2 goals in the game through Lareace Thomas and Julia Carruthers, Brentwood coming on to be stronger in the 2nd period with Danielle Butler, Lauren Knight and Joanne Attridge adding a goal each to bolster Cowan’s hat-trick in a 6-2 win.
Royston Town Ladies were finally getting their league campaign started and the Hertfordshire side began with a narrow victory on the road travelling to Norfolk to play newly promoted Wymondham Town Ladies. Goals from Danielle Carty and Sammy Tinsley putting the hosts into a 2-0 lead. Laura Nicholls pulling it back to 2-1 for Wymondham in the 65th minute the hosts couldn’t find an equalising goal in the final 25 minutes as Royston held on for the 3 points.
Honours even at the Branch Bros Stadium on Sunday with Peterborough Northern Star Ladies sharing the points with Colney Heath Ladies. A double from Emma Pollard for the hosts, Nicola Hollick and Sheree Oliver were on target for Colney Heath in the 2-2 draw remain unbeaten at the start of the season whilst Peterborough Northern Star claim their first point.
ERWFL Division One
6 matches in ERWFL Division One on Sunday, league leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves going 5 points clear at the top of the table winning for the 4th straight league match albeit a closer result at home to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. A goalless first 45, Stevenage broke the deadlock early in the 2nd half Emily Schofield scoring in the 49th minute. Bowers & Pitsea were to come back and take the lead themselves with Sophie Dowman netting a brace in the 62nd and 73rd minute. Two goals in quick succession completely turning the game around for Stevenage coming 10 minutes from time Holly Darling making it 2-2 her goal quickly followed by the winner scored by Daniela Martucci her 5th goal of the season.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies move into 2nd spot in the ERWFL Division One table after coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller at home to King’s Lynn Town Ladies on Sunday. Goals from Kristina O’Connell and Summer Muir at either end of the 1st period seeing Hoddesdon leading 2-1 at the break O’Connell struck again early in the 2nd half with Charley Handley scoring what would prove to be the winning goal in the 64th minute. King’s Lynn coming away empty handed despite scoring 3 goals themselves, one from Oksana Imanalijeva and a brace for Rochelle Woods.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies, Kristina O’Connell
St Ives Town Ladies were back in league action after a couple of weekends involved in the FA Women’s Cup. a 6-1 home win to start their season were on the road this weekend for the 1st time this season versus Bishops Stortford Ladies. Continued their fine start to the league since joining from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, a 5-1 win this time around Amy Seymour-Shove scoring a brace with a goal each for Tierney Coulson, Megan Stow and Caitlin Jarman. Rebekah Coppin getting the goal for Bishops Stortford.
Earning their 1st point in the ERWFL last weekend at home, Newmarket Town Ladies followed that up this weekend with their 1st league win against Hutton Ladies. The newly promoted side hosting the Essex side, a goal in each half scored by Brooke Wickens and Hollie Turner were the difference for Newmarket as they ran out 2-1 victors, Victoria Kinsman getting the goal for Hutton.
Histon Ladies are finally off the mark in ERWFL Division One with their first league win of the season and it was a big win at home to to Hatfield Peverel Ladies. Alison Wright on target with a 1st half hat-trick for the Cambridgeshire side a brace from Katie Webb seeing Histon leading 5-0 at half-time two more goals coming in the closing minutes, Jordanne Sillitoe in the 88th and Kaya Haq deep into stoppage time.
Finally it was honours even between Hertford Town Ladies and Ipswich Wanderers Ladies as they both get their 1st league point on the board in ERWFL Division One drawing their league game 1-1 on Sunday. Ashley Bustos getting the goal for Ipswich Wanderers, Olivia Worsfold on target with the goal for Hertford Town.
A limited fixture list within the ERWFL this Sunday with the majority of clubs taking part in the FA Women’s Cup, this weekend seeing First Round Qualifying taking place go to the previous post to see how those clubs fared.
One game was played in the ERWFL Premier Division on Sunday, Bedford Ladies hosting Haringey Borough Women. Starting the season with 2 successive draws Bedford recorded their first win of the season to lift them up to 2nd in the fledgling Premier Division table. Maya Sidhu finding the back of the net for 4 goals in the game. Jodie Molloy and Amy Magnus were also on target with a goal each in a 6-1 win. The tough start to the season continues for Haringey as they loose for the 3rd time.
ERWFL Division One
4 matches played in ERWFL Division One on Sunday with league leaders Stevenage Ladies keeping up a 100% winning start to the season away to newly promoted Hatfield Peverel Ladies. Emily Schofield netting a brace with Hannah Marshall also on target, an own goal securing a 4-0 victory and dare I say it no goals conceded yet either.
2 wins from 2 at home for Hutton Ladies see the Essex side up to 2nd in Division One the latest victory coming on Sunday at home to Hertford Town Ladies. New signing Rosi Webb scoring a hat-trick in her first appearance for the club. Victoria Kinsman, Kaitlin Sugg and Hayley Critchell also scoring a goal each in a 6-2 result. Claire Pavett and Katie Williams on the scoresheet for Hertford.
A good win on the road for newly promoted Lawford Ladies, building on last weekends home win picked up a 2nd 3 point haul with victory at King’s Lynn Town Ladies on Sunday. Both captain Daisy Canny and Tyler Christou bagging a brace each in a 4-1 win that lifts the Essex side up to 4th in the table. King’s Lynn Town’s goal coming from Jodie Hopkins captaining the side in her 1st game since returning to the club.
Newmarket Town Ladies left it late to earn a draw at home to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies on Sunday and claim their first league point of the season. Natasha Crick scoring to put the visitors into the lead after 11 minutes 1-0 up at the break Newmarket got back level just after the restart. A dramatic finish to the game as Kristina O’Connell restored Hoddesdon’s lead in the 83rd minute the visitors couldn’t hold on however as Newmarket came back once again to level it at 2-2 in the closing minutes, Laura Bailey and Lauren Deller their goal scorers.
The ERWFL games probably had one thing in common this Bank Holiday Sunday, it was wet! Rain sweeping in across the East for the afternoon. A shortened fixture list as a few sides were involved in the Preliminary Round of the FA Women’s Cup which I shall get on with in a little while but 6 games across both the Premier and Division One to bring you first.
A perfect start to the season for Acle United Women who lead the way in the ERWFL Premier Division with 2 wins from 2 to start the season and have now scored 11 without reply too. Were at home for the 2nd successive Sunday this time taking on Suffolk side AFC Sudbury Ladies. Acle getting off to a flyer at the start of the game were 3-0 up inside the opening 15 minutes. Grace Birchall setting thing’s rolling with the opening goal on 5 minutes. Birchall adding another goal to her tally 7 minutes later, Naomi Cooper bringing up the 3rd goal on 15 minutes before being forced off with injury. A 3-0 lead for Acle at the break in terrible weather they held their lead adding a further goal in the 2nd half through defender Anna Larkins to win the game 4-0.
Colney Heath Ladies had a tough first season in the ERWFL Premier Division last season finishing bottom albeit with 3 withdrawals No wins to there name then either a much better start this time around as they begin their season having been involved in FA Women’s Cup action the weekend before with a solid home win over relegated Haringey Borough Women. Goals from Sophie Joseph and Nicola Hollick seeing Colney Heath leading 2-0 at half-time. Hollick with her 2nd of the game making it 3-0 at the start of the 2nd half. Lucy Hancock getting in on the goals scoring action to bring up 4-0. Sophie Joseph sending home a free-kick for her 2nd of the game to make it 5-0. Charlotte Grogan firing in a 30 yarder to see Colney Heath win the game 6-0 and that following on from a 7-0 win in the cup the weekend before.
Harlow Town Ladies won their first ever game in the ERWFL Premier Division 5-2 at home on the opening day of the season. Were at home too this Bank Holiday Sunday taking on Bedford Ladies who had drawn their opening game of the season. The visitors having the better of the 1st half were leading 2-0 at the break with Catalina Costas scoring both of Bedford’s goals. Harlow though were to mount a comeback 2nd half to take a share of the points Lily Bruno and Tayla Handscombe both on target with a goal each to see the game finish 2-2.
ERWFL Division One
3 games too played in ERWFL Division One on Bank Holiday Sunday, 2 sides winning their opening two matches to lead the table. Stevenage Ladies Reserves followed an opening day 5-0 away win against Bishops Stortford Ladies with a win at home against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies who themselves had also won on the opening day. With just the bare 11 available Stevenage had to work hard for the 3 points, goals from Katherine Calvert and Daniela Martucci the difference as Stevenage ran out 2-0 winners.
Also starting their season with 2 successive victories are Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies on the road again followed their 2-1 win against newly promoted Hatfield Peverel Ladies with another 3 points at Bishops Stortford Ladies. Kealy Farley on target with the opening goal to put Bowers & Pitsea ahead in the 12th minute. Bishops Stortford were back on level term 10 minutes later Rebekah Coppen with their goal. Back came Bowers & Pitsea retaking the lead with 10 minutes of the 1st half left Abbie Simmonds finding the back of the net. An own goal coming late in the half to put the visitors 3-1 up. Ebony Moore with a goal midway through the 2nd half to secure a 4-1 victory for Bowers & Pitsea.
Lawford Ladies newly promoted to the ERWFL started the season with a heavy defeat to fellow promoted side St Ives Town Ladies on the opening day of the season. Bounced back this Sunday to claim their 1st victory. At home the Essex side were taking on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies. Goals at either end of the 1st half from Jasmine Cox and Daisy Canny seeing Lawford leading 2-0 at half-time. Histon eventually scoring what would prove to be consolation goal through Katie Webb.
The new season of ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) began this weekend with 25 sides competing across two divisions this campaign. 12 sides in the Premier Division with 13 in Division One, plenty of football to come over the next few months with plenty of interesting encounters lined up.
ERWFL Premier Division
Acle United Women are the early leaders in the Premier Division with a crushing home defeat on the opening day taking on Haringey Borough Women, relegated from the FAWPL as it was last season. A difficult season for Haringey Borough loosing alot of players as they entered the higher level a baptism of fire for a young squad then and still recovering from that suffered a heavy defeat on their return to the ERWFL against one of the sides likely to be pushing for the title. Grace Birchall getting Acle into an early lead inside 5 minutes. Captain Megan Todd going on to score a brace to put Acle 3-0 up before Birchall added her 2nd of the game and Rhianne Brister was on target to give the Norfolk side a 5-0 half-time lead. More goals followed 2nd half Todd and Birchall rounding off their hat-tricks, Laura Holden and Brister with her 2nd of the match making it 9-0 in the final 10 minutes.
Is a Norfolk one, two in the ERWFL Premier Division after the opening weekend with newly promoted Wymondham Town Ladies recording a big win away from home. A trip to Bedfordshire to play a team I had been led to believe had folded over the summer, AFC Dunstable Ladies, they haven’t however and pleased to see, far from the start they would have liked against a side more than one person has told me look strong in pre-season. Top scorer last season, Laura Nicholls wasted no time opening her account this time around grabbing a 1st half hat-trick with a goal too for Betty Fretwell and new signing Carolyn Sarafian on her debut making it 5. Dunstable did pull a goal back but only a consolation as Wymondham added further goals 2nd half Nicholls with her 4th of the game, Jorja Patterson and Chelsea Clarke also getting an opening day goal in an 8-1.
Cambridge City Ladies, were runners-up last season in their debut season in the ERWFL Premier Division. Started this season with a trip to a new local rival as Peterborough Northern Star Ladies join the ERWFL having previously played for the East Midland’s regional section. Cambridge City getting off to a great start with a 5-2 win. Laura Mills, Carla Penny and Shannon Shaw on her debut all scoring along with substitute Grace Stanley who netted a brace.
Harlow Town Ladies are the other new entrants to the Premier Division with a 3rd successive promotion having finished runners-up in ERWFL Division One South last season. Began life at the higher level at home taking on fellow Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies. Georgia Holdaway scoring a brace for the visitors it wasn’t enough for Brentwood as they suffered an opening day loss Harlow Town running out 5-2 winners. Olivia Steele scoring an opening day hat-trick with Lily Bruno and Rubie Smith also on target.
AFC Sudbury Ladies were hosting Bedford Ladies in the final game played in the ERWFL Premier Division on Sunday. An injury time goal for the home side denying Bedford all 3 points after Mayo Sidhu had given them the lead. Ceri Harris sending the ball home for AFC Sudbury in stoppage time to secure a point for the Suffolk side.
Colney Heath Ladies start to the ERWFL Premier Division delayed as they were instead in action in the FA Women’s Cup, Preliminary Round hosting Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies. A hat-trick for new signing Rianne Townsend-Brown on her debut, along with a goal for fellow debutant Charlene Moreton plus a brace from last season’s top scorer Nicola Hollicks and one from Kelly Hancock seeing Colney Heath progress easily with a 7-0 win.
ERWFL Division One
One single Division One this season consisting of 13 teams 4 new sides joining, St Ives Town Ladies and Newmarket Town Ladies plus Hatfield Peverel Ladies and Lawford Ladies from Essex. Another new name in the ERWFL being Bowers & Pitsea Ladies formerly Little Thurrock Dynamos.
It was a game from ERWFL Division One where Women’s Football East began it’s season taking in a match between two of the newly promoted sides, St Ives Town Ladies hosting Lawford Ladies. St Ives getting off to a fantastic starting breaking away to score inside the opening minute, Tierney Coulson sending in a strike from outside the box. St Ives started well finding room to exploit as Lawford struggled to get to grips with their young energetic forwards, captain Amy Seymour-Shove running clear on the left curling home a shot from the top corner of the box to make it 2-0. Last season’s top scorer Georgia Stancombe also opened her account seeing her initial shot saved by Lawford keeper Jamie Newstead the ball came back to her to lift the ball over her and in or 3-0. A rampant St Ives adding a 4th goal with newly introduced substitutes Caitlin Jarman and Lauren Gibson combining for the latter to score with her first touch on her St Ives debut after joining from Cambridge United WFC in the summer.
An opening day hat-trick for St Ives Town Lades, Tierney Coulson
4-0 at half-time, Lawford needed to reorganise or risk being over run 2nd half came out with a more solid shape 2nd half and pulled a goal back through last season’s top scorer Jasmine Cox as she caused trouble for the St Ives defence form a long ball forwards. St Ives had the energy and goal advantage to push on and Coulson reintroduced to the game 2nd half found herself on the end of two final balls to wrap up an opening day hat-trick. The 6-1 win sending St Ives to the top of the table.
Last season’s ERWFL Division One South winners, Stevenage Ladies Reserves chose not to take promotion to the Premier Division, remaining in Division One they began the new campaign away to Bishops Stortford Ladies who had a difficult debut season at regional level, will be hoping for better results this time around. Stevenage Ladies Reserves got off to a great start against them however with a 5-0 win on Sunday. Daniela Martucci getting herself hat-trick in the match with Emily Schofield and Sherrie Evans both getting a goal a piece. Stevenage Ladies Reserves are 2nd.
Weren’t the only side to score 5 goals in their opening match of the season with 2 more hitting 5 at home to collect all 3 points. Hutton Ladies enjoyed a successful campaign last time out collecting two trophies, including retaining the ERWFL Plate. Started this season’s league campaign at home to Histon Ladies. The visitors from Cambridgeshire taking the early lead against the Essex side Jordanne Sillitoe resigning for Histon scoring after just 2 minutes. Hutton went on to have full control of the match taking a 4-1 lead into the dressing room at half-time. Vicky Kinsman making her debut for Hutton scoring all of the goals went on to add a 5th to her name 2nd half, Hutton winning 5-2, Sillitoe scoring again for Histon.
Also scoring 5 goals on the opening day to clinch victory were last season’s ERWFL Division One North runners-up, King Lynn Town Ladies, were hosting Newmarket Town Ladies, newly promoted to the ERWFL after finishing runners-up in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. Natalie Wright, Deva Rawlings and Chloe Witt were making their debuts for King’s Lynn. Newmarket Town have lost a few players in the summer but were blessed with a large pool of talent to call upon previously and although leaner have a solid side. It was King’s Lynn who would take the lead Oksana Imanalijeva making it 1-0. Tiffany Forshaw opened her account to make it 2-0 to the hosts. Brooke Wickens getting a goal back for Newmarket. King’s Lynn with the 2-1 advantage at the break.
Chloe Witt bagged herself a goal on her debut for King’s Lynn to make it 3-1. The score going into a frantic last 10 minutes, Newmarket puling it back to 3-2 through Sarah O’Rourke. Rochelle Woods and Imanalijeva with her 2nd of the game putting King’s Lynn into a 5-2 lead. Molly Agnew scoring a 3rd goal for Newmarket not with two minutes left on the clock not enough as King’s Lynn took the 3 points with a 5-3 result.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies ended the last campaign in magnificent form 5 straight wins in the league and have carried that momentum on into the new season winning away from home on the opening day of the season. Were taking on Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. Charley Handley scoring Hoddesdon’s first goal of the season to put the visitors 1-0 up at the break. Kristina O’Connell making the score 2-0 to Hoddesdon 10 minutes into the 2nd half a 3rd soon followed scored by Natasha Crick. Ipswich Wanderers getting a consolation goal deep into injury time new signing Stacey Teager from AFC Sudbury Ladies scoring on her debut.
An away win for Bowers & Pitsea Ladies completes the opening days results in the ERWFL. Were taking on fellow Essex side Hatfield Peverel Ladies newly promoted to the league as Essex Women’s Premier Division Champions. Goals from new signing Sabrina Campbell and Abbie Simmonds giving Bowers & Pitsea a 2-0 lead looked comfortable for the result Hatfield Peverel grabbing a late goal through Lauren Crozier to make the final score 2-1.
The new season is here at last and the 2018/19 campaign promises to be an exciting and intriguing one. Can’t wait to get started after having a long and much needed rest over the close season. The action begins with a game from the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Division One a clash between two newly promoted sides taking the step up from their respective county leagues, St Ives Town Ladies v Lawford Ladies.
A new look to ERWFL Division One this season as it reverts back to a single division, 13 teams contesting for a place in the Premier Division, including 4 new sides. Throws up alot of interesting games over the season, and is an opportunity for players to test themselves at a higher level.
St Ives Town Ladies join the ERWFL fresh from winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership title last season and are joined by runners-up Newmarket Town Ladies. A young side St Ives Town Ladies benefit from a strong pool of footballing talent in the area and along with the first team a development side was formed last season competing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South.
After losing their opening game last season St Ives Town never looked back, going on to win all but one of their remaining games (that game drawn) to clinch the Premiership title just their 3rd season. Georgia Stancombe top scoring last season with 26 goals from 25 appearances. Manager Darren Marjoram has retained last season’s squad making a handful of new additions, striker Lauren Gibson local to the area played for Cambridge United WFC’s first team in the FAWNL (formerly the FAWPL) last season whilst Caitlin Jarman comes in from Histon’s U17s side. Both start on the bench today. Defender Emily Stephenson previously with Wisbech Town Ladies and Fran Worrall returning to the game after 5 years will also provide competition for places.
Lawford Ladies join the ERWFL from the Essex Women’s Premier Division along with last season’s champion’s Hatfield Peverel Ladies. Finishing 3rd last campaign had a potent attack with Daisy Canny and Jasmine Cox scoring 50 goals between them. Tyler Christou joining midway through last season added a further goal threat. Have retained the services of most of their squad too as they make the step up to regional football, Jessica Collinson is making her come back season after taking a few years break whilst Marta Filip is new to the game.
An earlier start to the season than both teams have previously been used to, the county leagues usually beginning in the 2nd weekend of September. Westwood Road the new home for the St Ives Town Ladies this season sharing the ground with the mens team. A wide pitch has recovered well from the rigours of last season and the heatwave that we enjoyed earlier in the summer. Hot drinks available aswell as a bar. Still benefiting from the hot weather although overcast this afternoon, becoming muggy later on before the sun finally broke through.
St Ives Town Ladies starting XI – Kira Markwell, Stephanie Ransome, Sasha Smith, Ellie Brown, Mollie Flack, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Anna Hicks, Tierney Coulson, Katie Stancombe, Amy Seymour-Shove (C) & Georgia Stancombe. Subs- Caitlin Jarman, Megan Stow & Lauren Gibson.
The season begins! Lawford to take the kick-off wearing green coloured shirts with white sleeves, green shorts and socks. St Ives lined up opposite in their home colours black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The visitors play the ball out to the left St Ives right back Stephanie Ransome winning the ball.
GOAL! Inside the opening minute the 1st goal is scored St Ives break, captain Amy Seymour-Shove running clear into acres of space on the left the diagonal ball finding her the winger takes the ball on into the area as players from both sides rush back into the area, Seymour-Shove plays the ball a deflection of a defender sees it deflected out of the area straight to Tierney Coulson 20 yards out connects with the ball her dipping strike flashing past goalkeeper Jamie Newstead into the back of the net 1-0.
An early setback for Lawford get on from the restart the ball out to Jasmine Cox on the left head down she takes on the St Ives defence before whipping a cross into the area, Mollie Flack clearing the ball for St Ives. Lawford come on again down the right side this time Daisy Canny sending a ball in towards the top of the area, Ellie Brown winning the ball for St Ives. Canny showing good pace and close ball control drives on down the right tackled by Sasha Smith the ball out for a throw before she can cross.
Lawford Ladies captain, Daisy Canny
St Ives are moving the ball quickly Georgia Stancombe leading the line always poised to break in behind, Amy Seymour-Shove finding space on the left as midfielder Anna Hicks brings the ball on with purpose. Keeley Brickwood getting back to tackle Amy Seymour-Shove as she attempts to turn inside into the area for a shot. On the counter attack the ball is played high up to Erin Hornby in attack for Lawford the ball coming to Cox making a far post run her low cross into the six yard box intercepted by Flack.
Lawford’s, Jade Heath and St Ives Town, Anna Hicks challenge for the ball
Hannah Seymour-Shove picking the ball up deep for St Ives finds her sister Amy on the left her short pass in turn through the middle has Georgia Stancombe clear on goal momentarily, Brickwood showing great recovery skills once again gets back to tackle the forward on the edge of the box.
GOAL! 15 minutes in and St Ives go on to double their lead, Lawford losing their shape a little as Anna Hicks comes on through the middle with the ball has Amy Seymour-Shove free ahead of her on the left rolls the ball on for her the winger taking on to the top corner of the area time to set her sights sends a curling effort in towards goal across the face in drop inside the top corner and make it 2-0.
St Ives Town Ladies, Amy Seymour-Shove
Hicks tries her luck from outside the area as the ball is played into her from a throw in the right, opening up her body for the strike her low effort is straight at Newstead the keeper gathering. St Ives build an attack on the right Katie Stancombe, with Ransome the ball on for Georgia Stancombe drifting across to support drills a shot in from the angle the ball behind at the near post. St Ives are dominating as Lawford struggle to get an attack going Canny running into traffic on the right.
GOAL! Isn’t long before St Ives go 3 up, Georgia Stancombe this time finding room in behind on the left cuts inside into the box evading a challenge getting central strikes the ball from 8 yards out, Newstead do low sharply initially makes a great stop the ball however rebounds straight back to Stancombe and composed the striker lifts the ball over the stranded keeper to score 3-0.
St Ives Town Ladies, Georgia Stancombe
St Ives are on top in the game pressing forwards at will Katie Stancombe on the right with the run forwards her cross squared across the top of the area finds Amy Seymour-Shove position left of the D, sends her shot narrowly wide of the far post. Canny is looking the most likely to get anything going for Lawford up front the ball rolled into her by Jessica Collinson she twists and turns heading towards the St Ives box right of goal finds room for a shot but drags her effort wide off target.
Coulson with a menacing run forwards past two players before trying to set up Amy Seymour-Shove on the left the ball runs out of play. Jade Heath stepping in to challenge Georgia Stancombe breaks up an attack outside the box. St Ives come on down the right Katie Stancombe bursting forwards cuts the pass back for Georgia arriving inside the D her low shot is straight at the keeper.
Sheena Foley with the ball into Heath rolled forwards into Hornby getting an early cross into the box, Cox is making a far post run, Brown cuts the ball out before it can find her. Foley comes back to tackle Hicks as she makes an attacking run through midfield for St Ives. A triple change for the home side, Amy and Hannah Seymour-Shove along with Coulson coming off to be replaced by, Caitlin Jarman, Megan Stow and Lauren Gibson.
GOAL! An inspired change by manager Darren Marjoram (maybe?) well the substitutions make an immediate impact, Hicks on the ball carries it over halfway her pass picking out Jarman breaking away on the right side she fires a cross in towards the near post where Gibson has timed her run perfectly to meet the ball and fire it over the keeper at close range 4-0.
Lauren Gibson on target moments after making her competitive debut for St Ives Town Ladies
Lawford have struggled to get to grips with the St Ives attackers and the home side are on the attack once again Georgia Stancombe receiving the ball into her body has Hicks making an overlapping run to her left 30 yards out, Tyler Christou, stays with the midfielder making a good challenge inside the box as Brickwood gets back to help her out and clear the ball.
Late into the 1st half and Canny is adjudged to have been brought down as she attacks on the right the free kick 25 yards out Hornby to play the ball into the area aiming far post St Ives put the clearance straight into Collinson positioned at the top of the D, coming at her quickly her reactive strike is placed wide of goal.
Half-time St Ives Town Ladies 4-0 Lawford Ladies
A dominant first half display from St Ives as they begin life in the ERWFL, taking a 1st minute lead have been in full control of the half throughout creating numerous chances and scoring a further 3 goals. Space has been easy to come by Lawford struggling to get to grips have lost their shape on several occasions, need to sharpen up for the 2nd half or risk being over-ridden, a far from ideal start to their season, still 45 minutes to try and put it right.
Lawford make a change at the start of the 2nd half Claire Gauntlett on for Hayley Chapman, goes into central midfield along with Hornby who drops into a deeper role 4 at the back. It’s St Ives to get the 2nd half underway. Canny and Cox operating closer together up top Gauntlett adding strength to the midfield for Lawford attempts to roll Canny in turning inside the Lawford captain is tackled by Brown. The visitors getting at St Ives in midfield early in the 2nd half breaking up play Cox coming back to challenge Hicks for the ball.
Jasmine Cox and Anna Hicks contest in midfield
Canny wriggling free as she attacks down the left sends a cross into the six yard box, goalkeeper Kira Markwell with little to in the 1st half takes the ball comfortably. Hicks coming on with the ball for St Ives has Jarman in space on her right sends an early cross into the area, Newstead doing well to gather the ball at her near post under challenge from Gibson. Moments later Gibson almost finds the back of the net as she is fed the ball inside the box left of goal squeezing it past the advancing keeper, her defence is back though able to reach the ball and bring it safely away.
GOAL! Lawford pull a goal back early in the 2nd half, breaking from a St Ives set-piece outside their area the ball is played long up to Cox up top, bouncing a tricky one for the St Ives central defence, Markwell comes rushing out to pressure Cox knows she can’t handle the ball her challenge sees the ball deflect away to her right inside the D, Cox is after it and twisting and turning holding the St Ives defenders at bay swings her foot through the ball to send it over the back peddling Markwell into the net beyond 4-1.
Jasmine Cox, pulls a goal back for Lawford Ladies
Katie Stancombe steals in to win the ball on the left as Lawford attempt to play it out from the back, Christou with a burst of pace getting back at her to make the challenge concedes a corner. Lawford defend have improved 2nd half look more solid. Foley sends the ball on for Heath breaking forwards however Markwell can get to the ball first. A double switch for St Ives Coulson and Hannah Seymour-Shove return to the action in place of Ransome and Georgia Stancombe, this sees Hicks drop into the back line.
Stow wins the ball in the middle brings it forwards looking to get Jarman away, Boyden closes her down to win the ball back for Lawford at left back. Boyden needed again as she makes a vita interception showing good control on the ball as it. Both sides make a change, Marta Filip enters the pitch for Lawford replacing Hornby, Amy Seymour-Shove is back on in place of Gibson. The game a little stretched end to end as Lawford look to see if they can pull another back, possession swinging back and forth Katie Stancombe having come over to the left slices a first time shot wide from the edge of the box.
St Ives Town Ladies, Megan Stow looks to get past Lawford’s, Ella Boyden
Cox is fouled as she attacks centrally 25 yards out, takes the free-kick herself lines up a shot a curling effort on target but at a comfortable height never troubling Markwell who sees it early. At the other end Newstead produces a fine save to deny Hannah Seymour-Shove a goal as she sends in a low shot from a Katie Stancombe cross squared in across the top of the box, Newstead diving low to her right to push the ball behind.
GOAL! Both sides are wanting to attack and with the ball lost on halfway Lawford are on the back foot at St Ives break forwards in number, Katie Stancombe with the driving run on the right down the line cuts her cross back towards the top of the area, Hicks his there goes for it, but so to is Hannah Seymour-Shove closing each other down, Seymour-Shove right of the D snatches at her strike sending the ball angling wide across the face of the Lawford goal, is retrieved by Amy Seymour-Shove before it can go out and as Newstead goes to close her down at the far post the St Ives captain lays the ball inside for Coulson running in for the pass to drive the ball into the back of the net for her 2nd of the match 5-1.
GOAL! 5 quickly becomes 6 and it’s Coulson again as she completes her hat-trick, play stretched as Katie Stancombe breaks away clear on the right side sends a vicious cross in low across the six yard box, where Coulson his bursting through centrally to slide in and meet the ball turn it into the goal 6-1.
An opening day hat-trick for St Ives Town Lades, Tierney Coulson
A blot of Coulson’s day follows soon after as she somewhat clumsily brings down Canny on halfway earning her the first yellow card of the match. Katie Stancombe comes off for St Ives late on Jarman heading back on. Boyden getting a good challenge in to stop Jarman getting in behind as Stow plays her in.
Lawford Ladies, Ella Boyden
Georgia Stancombe looking to break in behind the Lawford defence is played through by Stow in the middle heading for the box she is brought down by Brickwood the free-kick awarded and a decision to be made by the referee. Far from a goal scoring opportunity with the keeper back on her line a yellow card is shown to the defender. Stancombe over the free-kick driven low into the box blocked the deflection comes straight to Coulson her snap shot fired in low on target is saved superbly by Newstead throwing herself to the right.
Newstead with another top draw save to deny Stancombe again a few minutes later as Coulson slips the ball through to her inside the area, clear of the Lawford defence Newstead gets down to stop her shot finding the back of the net once again.
Full time St Ives Town Ladies 6-1 Lawford Ladies
A fantastic start to the season by St Ives Town Ladies as the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership champions start life in the ERWFL with a convincing 6-1 victory. Scoring in the opening minute went on to dominate the first half leading 4-0 at the break, Lawford improved 2nd half got a goal back but St Ives had energy to burn and Coulson went on to score her hat-trick at make it 6-1. A confidence boosting start to carry into their FA Cup match against Corby Town Ladies next Sunday. A tough opening defeat for Lawford who can’t have too many complaints were pulled apart 1st half much better 2nd half and know they will have to sharpen up if they want to avoid similar results, certainly have the squad to do so.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
So for the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season. The rules are still the same, there can only be one, which makes it very hard to decide sometimes but then I don’t have to make my choice until the match report is complete (although I do sometimes) a few contenders for St Ives today but overall I have picked Katie Stancombe excellent playing out wide be it left or right involved in setting up chances and of course goals.
St Ives Town Ladies, Katie Stancombe
It feels good to be back the season finally started I really do enjoy writing these match reports and that’s mostly down to the sport I have the privilege of witnessing. I did want to try and write less words but I’ve failed miserably in that regards haven’t I. My thanks to both teams for there help with the team details always appreciated and to St Ives for their generous hospitality, best of luck to both sides for the rest of the season.
The ERWFL season is very nearly at an end just a handful of league fixtures to be played before the League Plate and Cup finals on the 14th May. A huge game in the ERWFL Premier Division however a final game title deciding showdown between the top 2, Acle United Ladies and Haringey Borough Women. Just a point between the sides a winner takes all match.
Haringey have reached the league Cup final where they will play Division One Champions, Cambridge City Ladies. Have had an excellent season in the top 2 the whole campaign. Acle United Ladies having gotten behind on their league fixtures were way back in 8th spot just 6 weeks ago but a remarkable run of 8 straight wins took them to the top of the table for the 1st time in midweek one more and the title was theirs.
Got off to a great start, Broghan Scully playing Megan Todd through on goal to score after a strong start. Haringey got back on level terms straight away, Brooke Hills netting from a free-kick. Haringey went on to take the lead late in the 1st half Klesha Darroux putting the ball home from the top of the area.
Acle pushed for an equalising goal enough to see them finish top couldn’t find it however as Anele Komani full of pace and trickery up the other end was brought down in the box awarded the penalty she stepped up to score putting the ball in from the rebound after goalkeeper Jody Wells had saved. A late late goal from Roxanne Eshun sealing the result, Haringey Borough Women winning the ERWFL Premier Division title and promotion to the FAWPL.
Haringey Borough Women, ERWFL Premier Division Champions
The Supporting Women’s Football Blog was there to cover all the action and you can read the full report by clicking on the link below.
One game played in the ERWFL Division One at the weekend, Colney Heath Ladies have secured the runners-up spot hosting 5th placed Stevenage Ladies Reserves both playing their final league game of the season. Holly Sheridan giving Colney Heath Ladies the lead before Stevenage went on to lead 4-1. Another for Sheridan saw her take her goals tally to 25 before Stevenage found the back of the net for another 3 goals to win 7-2. Rebecca Day and Leah Littlechild both hitting a hat-trick along with a goal for Emily Scofield. The final day win seeing Stevenage secure a 4th place finish.
Leaders Cambridge City were awarded the home win against Offley & Stopsley Women have 2 left both against Hutton Ladies useful for both as they prepare for the League Cup and Plate finals respectfully.
Team’s are playing out their fixtures across the ERWFL and the finish to the Premier Division title race could well be going right to the wire. Have been talking it up on The Round-Up for a few editions now and the scenario for a final day show down between Haringey Borough Women and Acle United Ladies is a reality. It was a simple scenario for both as thing’s started to evolve win all your remaining games and you win the title.
Haringey Borough Women were at home on Sunday taking on bottom side in the ERWFL Premier Division, Histon Ladies needing the points themselves if they want to overhaul Colchester Town Ladies 4 points above them having played all their fixtures. In 2nd Haringey Borough had the opportunity to move above Bedford Ladies kill off their faint hopes of the title after they ended the campaign on 40 points. A hat-trick from Julia Carruthers plus a brace for Klesha Darroux takes both onto 19 goals for the season. Anele Komani also netting a brace in the game with Karesha Iton also scoring her 1st goal of the season in an 8-0 victory taking Haringey top on goal difference with one more home game to come.
Acle United Ladies were as low as 8th in the table with games in hand when the scenario that if they were to win all those matches they would win the title themselves. Have done so each win taking them a little closer to the dream, in 4th place were playing Royston Town Ladies for the 2nd successive Sunday winning the home fixture 3-1 were away this time around. Despite a few early chances for Acle United it was Royston Town who opened the scoring on 20 minutes with Stephanie Hicks putting the ball home. The lead lasted just 6 minutes as Broghan Scully recently returning to Acle United after a spell with Lowestoft Town Ladies turned a Megan Todd ball back across goal into the back of the net. Todd herself scoring 6 minutes later to give Acle United the lead. 2-1 the advantage at half-time, Acle United couldn’t find another goal to kill off the game until the 3rd minute of added time, Jade Copeman introduced in the 85th minute scoring to see Acle United seal a 3-1. You can read Acle United Ladies match report from the game by clicking on the link below.
The 3 points taking Acle United Ladies above AFC Dunstable Ladies into 3rd spot on 38 points 2 behind Haringey Borough Women, have a game in hand this Wednesday away to Histon Ladies an 8:00pm kick-off at the Glassworld Stadium, win that and Acle United will go top of the Premier Division for the 1st time this season. Setting up a final day showdown between themselves and Haringey Borough a winner takes all match doesn’t come any bigger. The very best of luck to both sides… I will be there to see how the drama unfolds.
ERWFL Division One
In ERWFL Division One their was just the one game being played this Easter Sunday, crowned league Champions last weekend with 4 games to spare, Cambridge City Ladies were away to Stevenage Ladies Reserves. The away side holding a 1-0 lead going into half-time went on to win the 3 points with a 3-1 result, a goal for Bella Simmons along with a brace for substitute Philippa Witherspoon. Emily Scofield scoring the 2nd half goal for Stevenage Ladies.
Elsewhere Wymondham Town Ladies were denied an opportunity to play their final match of the season in front of their home fans awarded the 3 points against Offley & Stopsley Women finish their 1st campaign at Regional level in 3rd position with a County Cup Final, their 1st to look forwards to.
Has been a long hard season for Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies rooted to the foot of the Division One table with a single point on the board a developing side full of young players. Didn’t get to kick a ball in competitive action this Sunday but were awarded the home win and 3 points after Ipswich Wanderers Ladies couldn’t field are side. The preparations are already underway for the new season and Hoddesdon are interested in signing a few new faces take a look at their poster in the Club Advertising page for more details.
3 matches played in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday with 4 sides completing their league campaigns. 3rd placed AFC Dunstable Ladies were away to Billericay Town Ladies who could have ended the season in 5th with a win. AFC Dunstable Ladies have had an excellent season keeping pace with the top two all season, goals from Erin Davies, Paige Kavanagh and Samiara Khan seeing them win the game 3-1 to finish on 36 points and a minimum a 4th place finish. Despite a goal from Vicky Kinsman, Billericay Town Ladies end the league season in 6th meaning AFC Sudbury Ladies have secured 5th spot having played out their games last weekend. Cup Final action for Billericay Town Ladies coming up this week on Thursday at AFC Hornchurch as they take on C&K Basildon Ladies in the Essex Women’s County Cup.
The title scenario remains the same with current leaders Bedford Ladies 3 points clear having played out watching the progress below both 2nd placed Haringey Borough Women and 4th placed Acle United Ladies able to catch them both knowing they win all their remaining games they will be Champions meeting as they do in their final game of the season. Acle United Ladies have to keep focused winning the games before then 1st. A double header with Royston Town Ladies over the next 2 Sunday’s Acle United were the hosts this Sunday.
Despite applying the early pressure the hosts found themselves goal down in the 20th minute, Royston Town scoring from 25 yards. Megan Todd pulled it back to 1-1 with 10 minutes of the 1st half left. Acle went on to take the lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half midfielder Alice Ladbrooke brought down inside the box stepping up to score the resulting penalty. 2nd half substitute Lauren Bullard extended Acle United’s lead to 3-1 as the game moved into the last minute. Royston Town awarded a free-kick scoring a quick reply to make it 3-2 sent up a tense finish Acle holding on for the win. Sammy Tinsley with her 34th goals of the season and Grace Leslie scoring the goals for Royston Town. Acle United have 3 games left now 2 points behind 2nd placed Haringey Borough who have 2 matches left. You can read Acle United Ladies match report from the game by clicking on the link below
An Essex derby to end the season for both Brentwood Town Ladies and Writtle Ladies as they played their last league games of the season this Sunday. A strong finish to the season for Writtle Ladies, Courtney Clarke scoring a hat-trick up front with goals too for captain, Abigail Fry, Amy Simmons, Sophie Vale and Charlotte Walker in an 8-2 victory that sees Writtle climb above Brentwood Town into 7th place. Angela Arnold and Leah Cowan scoring the goals for Brentwood Town as they end the season on a disappointing note having had a strong spell earlier in the campaign that had seen them potentially challenge for a top 4 finish.
ERWFL Division One
Cambridge City Ladies are the ERWFL Division One Champions clinching the title in at the 1st attempt a 2nd successive league title having been promoted as Cambridgeshire Premiership winners last season. Won the title with 4 games to spare going 4 points clear of 2nd placed Colney Heath Ladies who have one league game left to play.
Were at home to 4th placed Silver End United Ladies who travelled with a depleted squad. Cambridge City knowing they were one win away from securing the title, held a 2-0 lead going into half-time, really turning it on in the 2nd half to add a further 8 goals to win the game 10-0. 3 players netting themselves a brace in the game, Sarah Mosley, Carla Penny and Philippa Witherspoon. An own goal, with Stacey Fullicks and Charlotte Gillies also scoring along with an extremely rare goal for centre back Robyn Phillips. The league secured Cambridge City have 2 Cup Finals to prepare for starting with the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final this Thursday against Cambridge United WFC .
Congratulations to Cambridge City Ladies on their title success.
In the other game in ERWFL Division One played this Sunday, Ipswich Town Wanderers in 10th place were hosting Essex side Hutton Ladies who had just the 9 players available. Despite the valiant efforts from their goalkeeper Hutton were eventually beaten 2-0, Ipswich Wanderers goalscorers, Laura Tuley and Michelle Taylor-Allum the 3 points lifting them up 3 places into 7th in the Division One table with one game left to play. 3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies were awarded the home win against Stevenage Ladies Reserves.
It was semi-finals day in both the ERWFL’s Cup and Plate competitions this Sunday. In the ERWFL Cup the 2 semi-finals featured 4 sides having fantastic season’s at the top of both Division’s with both games featuring a Premier Division side against Division One opposition. AFC Dunstable Ladies 3rd in the Premier Division were hosting Division One leaders, Cambridge City Ladies at Creasey Park. Looking good to secure the Division One title at the 1st time of asking following promotion last season Cambridge City came through a tough contest to win the game 2-0 to set up a potential league and cup double the goals from Bella Simmons her 21st of a prolific season and a 25 yard free kick from Bronte Rapley.
Cambridge City however aren’t the only side looking to make it a league and cup double in the ERWFL as Haringey Borough Women currently 2nd in the Premier Division table reached the final of the League Cup knocking out a spirited Wymondham Town Ladies side. 3rd in ERWFL Division One it was home side Wymondham Town who took the lead in the semi-final Laura Wiseman with the goal. Haringey Borough levelled the scores before the break going on to find 3 more goals in the 2nd half to win the game 4-1, Wymondham striking the crossbar twice. A brace for both Anele Komani and Julia Carruthers. The date for the final Sunday 14th May, venue to be confirmed will update via twitter once all the details are confirmed promises to be a cracker.
ERWFL Premier Division
With ERWFL Premier Division leaders Bedford Ladies having played out their fixtures and both 2nd and 3rd placed Haringey Borough and AFC Dunstable involved in the League Cup, Acle United Ladies took another step closer to catching up with the leading trio taking on bottom side Histon Ladies at home this Sunday. Goals from Kate Pasque and Bryony Knights seeing the hosts to a 2-1 victory that moves them up into 4th position in the table. Have 4 games left know if they win them all they will finish top of the table, you know the scenario so I won’t explain it again, an exciting if nail-biting end to the season beckons.
AFC Sudbury Ladies finished their league season away to Royston Town Ladies, 4th going into the match a single goal was enough to see the hosts claim the 3 points, the goalscorer, Grace Leslie. Promoted last season, Royston Town have found their feet in the Premier Division. AFC Sudbury end their campaign on 31 points, flirted with the title chasers all season much of the time in 4th will finish no lower than 6th once the rest have played out.
Billericay Town Ladies are the side that can overhaul them should they win their final league game of the season. Were at home this Sunday hosting local rivals Brentwood Town Ladies. Goals from Sarah Bovington, Katie Whitehead and captain Lindsey Morgan securing a 3-0 win in their penultimate league match at home to AFC Dunstable Ladies this coming Sunday.
ERWFL Plate
Colney Heath Ladies are through to the ERWFL Plate final awarded a home win in the semi-finals after opponents Ipswich Wanderers Ladies hit by injuries weren’t able to field a side. A 3rd successive final appearance in the Plate competition in its various guises with 2 losses previously Colney Heath having secured a top 2 finish in Division One this season will be hoping it’s 3rd time lucky.
Their opponents in the ERWFL Plate final will be Essex side, Hutton Ladies after they overcame opponents Stevenage Ladies Reserves in extra-time to secure their place in the final. At home with just 11 players available were down to 10 during the match two the scores were level at 2-2 after the 90 minutes, Hannah Marshall and Leah Littlechild on target for Stevenage. Hutton went on to find the winning goal in extra-time 3-2 the final score, Laura Allen netting herself a brace with Hayley Critchell also getting a goal. The League Plate and Cup Finals have been played one after the other on the same day recently and I am assuming that will be the case this time around but again will keep everyone posted.
ERWFL Division One
In ERWFL their was the one league game played on Sunday with Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies hosting Hertford Town Ladies both sides playing their final league game of the season both looking to end on a high. It was Hertford Town who were celebrating at the final whistle edging the win 2-1 with goals from Dee Gilbert and Freya Rampley. The win moving them up from 10th to 7th in the Division One table took them a while to find their feet at the higher level following promotion last season but ended the season with some good results in a good position to push on next season. Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies end the campaign with 22 points currently 9th have a talented group of players will be a little frustrated that they haven’t picked up more points.
Silver End United Ladies were awarded the home win after opponents Offley & Stopsley Women couldn’t field a team this Sunday the 3 point lifting the Essex side above them into 4th spot in the Division One table.
