It’s the time of year where you have to get the calculator out and work out all the different scenario’s a points needed to win a league title and several league across Women’s Football East are shaping up to be in from a grandstand finish, none other than the ERWFL Premier Division. Bedford Ladies and Haringey Borough Women have had fantastic season’s sharing the lead between them unbeaten for a long spell at the start of the season. The two sides faced each other this Sunday in what was table toppers Bedford Ladies final game of the season. The game ending in a goalless draw the points shared, Bedford end their league campaign on 40 points Haringey Borough are 3 points back on 37 however they have two games left to play if they were to draw both Bedford Ladies might yet win the title all they can do now however is watch and see how it all unfolds.
One more side is in the race for the ERWFL Premier Division title and they kept their bid on track with a good away win on Sunday. 5th placed Norfolk side, Acle United Ladies travelled to Essex at the weekend to play Billericay Town Ladies level on points going into the match. Megan Todd (pictured) put Acle into the lead midway through the 1st half, Lauren Bullard doubling the visitors advantage striking the ball home in the 40th minute. Acle capitalised on their lead taking control of the game early in the 2nd half striker Jody Wells making it 3-0 on 47 minutes Todd added a 2nd goal to make it 4-0 a minute later. Billericay Town grabbed a late consolation goal, Acle winning 4-1. You can read the clubs match report from the day by clicking on the link below.
Acle United Ladies have 5 games left to play win them all and they can pip Haringey Borough Women to the title. Haringey have two games left they win both then they will take the title, they play Acle United in what is both sides final league game of the season. A league cup semi-final for Haringey Borough Women too! April will be a huge month for both clubs.
Two of Acle United’s remaining league games are against Royston Town Ladies which won’t be easy, this Sunday they played the reverse fixture with Writtle Ladies having drawn 3-3 with them at home this weekend. Travelling to Essex this time around Royston Town led at half-time thanks to a goal from Andrea Wright. Once again however the points were shared as Writtle came back to equalise 2nd half Leanne Stubbings making it 1-1.
ERWFL Division One
It was 1st versus 3rd in ERWFL Division One on Sunday as leaders Cambridge City Ladies travelled to Norfolk to play County Cup Finalists, Wymondham Town Ladies at Kings Head Meadow. Charlotte Gillies gave Cambridge City Ladies a 1-0 lead at half-time. Wymondham Town responded 2nd half with Gemma Sanders equalising for the hosts to see the points shared Cambridge City’s 1st draw of the campaign.
2 points dropped by Cambridge City saw Colney Heath Ladies take full advantage and go 2 points clear at the top of the table for the 1st time this season. Were away to 4th placed Stevenage Ladies Reserves in their penultimate league match of the season. Hot shot, Holly Sheridan put Colney Heath into the lead in the 1st half, Stevenage equalised before Sheridan put the visitors into the lead for a 2nd time, captain Sophie Joseph scoring late in the 1st half to see Colney Heath Ladies lead 3-1 at half-time. Stevenage pulled it back to 3-2 after the restart. Sheridan brought up her hat-trick and 25th goal of the campaign to make it 4-2, Victoria Allen with her 1st of the season seeing Colney Heath Ladies win 5-2. Hannah Marshall and Emily Scofield with the goals for Stevenage. A League Plate semi-final to come for Colney Heath Ladies before they play Stevenage Ladies Reserves at home in their final game the maths says they can no longer be caught and 2nd place minimum is guaranteed and 2 sides should be promoted, Cambridge City Ladies have 5 games in hand you would expect them to be overtaken still you never know. Well done to Colney Heath Ladies
A good result away from home for Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday in Division One travelling to neighbouring Bedfordshire to play 4th placed Offley & Stopsley Women a hat-trick from Meike Gierig saw them take all 3 points home with them winning the game 3-2 their penultimate of the season after a shaky start to life in the ERWFL have found their feet and could yet climb a couple of places up the table.
8th placed Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies were looking for their 4th straight win in the league as they travelled up into Suffolk to play Ipswich Wanderers Ladies in 9th a good run at the end of the season it was brought to an end as Ipswich Wanderers took all 3 points with a 3-0 victory a goal from captain Tarnya McKew along with a double for Kimberly Rex sealing the victory.
Bedford Ladies remain 3 points clear at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division as they won away from home in their penultimate league match of the season. Away from home at the Len Forge Centre in Essex playing 7th placed Brentwood Town Ladies. Leah Cowan scored her 15th goal of the season for Brentwood however Bedford took all 3 points winning 2-1 in the finish with Natasha Fensome and Charlene Moreton scoring their goals. One league game left and it’s HUGE this coming Sunday at home to 2nd placed Haringey Borough Women.
It was 2nd versus 3rd as this Sunday as Haringey Borough Women travelled to Creasey Park to play AFC Dunstable Ladies. Haringey drew 5-5 with Writtle Ladies last Sunday were looking for the win this time around to keep the gap to Bedford at the top to 3 points. AFC Dunstable have had an excellent league campaign themselves were still in contention for the title themselves providing they could take maximum points from their final two league games and close down a superior goal difference. Those hopes were ended however as despite a 1st half goal from Samaira Khan on the half hour mark that saw the sides level at 1-1 at the break Haringey struck twice in the 2nd half to win the game 3-1 their goals scored by Klesha Darroux along with a brace for Julia Carruthers taking her goals tally for the season to 14. Haringey move onto 36 points 3 behind Bedford but with 2 games in hand. Play Bedford this Sunday will go ahead of them on goal difference should they win end Bedford’s own title hopes. A 3rd side still remains in the Premier Division title mix Acle United Ladies down in 5th have 6 league games left to play should they win them all they themselves could pip Haringey to the title and to add to the excitement both Acle and Haringey as due to meet in their final league games of the season.
A narrow 3-2 defeat at home to Bedford last Sunday ended AFC Sudbury Ladies own slim hopes of chasing down the title. The Suffolk side recovered from that disappointment this Sunday return home from Essex with all 3 points in the bag. Were playing Billericay Town Ladies. Megan Partridge scoring the only goal of the game to see AFC Sudbury to the victory.
For the 3rd successive league game Writtle Ladies had to settle for a point and not from the lack of scoring goals, it’s just that their opponents have matched them. 3-3 away to Billericay Town Ladies, then 5-5 away to Haringey Borough Women last time out Writtle in 7th were on the road again this weekend travelling to Hertfordshire to play 8th placed Royston Town Ladies. Again it was a high scoring draw with both sides scoring 3 to share the points. Emma Ridings hitting to into the back of the net for Writtle her 1st goals for the club this season, with Sophie Vale also on target with her 18th goal of the campaign. Two goals for Sammy Tinsley (pictured) took her goals tally to 33 for the season for Royston Town with Grace Leslie scoring too to see the points shared.
ERWFL Division One
A big win on Sunday at home for 2nd placed Colney Heath Ladies, moving back level on 36 points with leaders Cambridge City Ladies who were in County Cup action this weekend. Were hosting 4th placed Offley & Stopsley Women a single goal enough to see all 3 points won. No surprise to see the goalscorer was Holly Sheridan, enjoying a good season in front of goal hitting her 22nd goal of the season to win the game for Colney Heath. Cambridge City Ladies have plenty of games in hand at the top, several scenarios can play out but simply if Colney Heath Ladies win both their remaining league games they will secure 2nd spot at least in the ERWFL Division One table. They’re two remaining games against Stevenage Ladies Reserves.
Stevenage Ladies Reserves climb 2 places up the ERWFL Division One table after winning at home at the weekend up from 6th to 4th spot and with 4 games left against the top 3 sides will have a huge influence on final standings could yet have played themselves into the promotion picture. At home were playing Ipswich Wanderers Ladies this Sunday won the match 4-0 with 4 different goalscorers. Leah Littlechild, Steffany Cowell, Sherrie Evans and Hannah Marshall all on target.
A strong end to the season from Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies winning their 3rd successive league game at home hosting bottom side Hoddesdon Town Ladies. 2 goals each for Danielle Styles and Georgia Fraser plus a goal for Sophie Dowman seeing the Essex side to a 5-0 win in 8th with 2 matches left Little Thurrock could yet move up a couple more places before the end of the season.
Plenty of goals scored this Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division with the 4 matches played seeing 27 goals between them! Results last weekend saw the sides in mid-table close up on the top 3 hotting up the race for the title with games starting to run out. Winning last Sunday AFC Sudbury Ladies moved into 4th spot in the table 5 points off leaders Bedford Ladies who they played at home this Sunday win would see the Suffolk side move to within 2 points of the leaders. A close match Stacey Teager and Mia Etheridge scoring for Sudbury however they were to suffer defeat as Bedford took all 3 points to move 3 points clear at the top of the table courtesy of goals from Natasha Fensome, Jodie Molloy and Maya Sidhu.
Haringey Borough Women i 2nd spot have 2 games in hand on their title rivals and they are looking like they will need both to overhaul Bedford at the top as they were held to their 2nd successive draw, a high scoring game however at home to Writtle Ladies saw both sides score 5 goals a piece to take home a share of the points. Jaidene Browne with a brace from Haringey with Klesha Darroux, Roxanne Eshun and Shanice Norris all getting a goal. A brace on the match to for Writtle captain, Abigail Fry with their other 3 goals scored by Courtney Clarke, Charlotte Bryant and Amy Simmons.
3rd placed AFC Dunstable Ladies join Haringey Borough Women on 33 points getting an important result at home to Billericay Town Ladies on Sunday as a win for their opponents would have seen 5th placed Billericay move to within 2 points to Dunstable. Goals from Charlotte South, Danielle Carty and Bethany Stanton in the 2nd half seeing Dunstable win the game 3-1 to keep pace with the leading pair. Vicky Kinsman with the goal for Billericay.
Acle United Ladies were the big movers in the league up from 7th to 5th winning at home in a 7 goal thriller against Brentwood Town Ladies. The Essex side holding the advance at half-time with a 1 goal lead the 2nd half saw plenty of action in front of goal, Brentwood doubling their lead early in the 2nd half. Acle United pulled it back to 2-1 with 15 minutes of the 2nd half played, captain Rebecca Burton sending the ball into the back of the net. 4 minutes later Acle were back on level terms Megan Todd scoring to make it 2-2. Brentwood responded quickly scoring to regain the lead. Into the last 15 minutes and Acle came back again to level the scores for the 2nd time in the game Lauren Bullard with goal to make it 3-3 the equaliser was quickly followed by the winning goal as Todd scored her 2nd of the game to make it 4-3 and see Acle win the 3 points. Georgia Holdaway and a brace for Marie Barker the goalscorers for Brentwood Town. Acle have 4 games in hand on leaders Bedford with a 10 point gap to try and close a busy couple of months coming up. You can read Acle United Ladies match report from the game by clicking on the link below.
Level on 33 points at the top of the ERWFL Division One joint leaders Cambridge City Ladies and 2nd placed Colney Heath Ladies met each other on Sunday. Cambridge City have several games in hand on their rivals for the title as they played them at home. Just the 1 defeat in the league so far this season since winning promotion to the regional league Cambridge City started well, Colney Heath had chances in the 1st half however it was the hosts who took the lead eventually leading the game 3-0 at the break adding a 4th goal in the 2nd half before Colney Heath pulled one back with Holly Sheridan scoring her 21st of the season. Cambridge City also have a striker in red hot scoring form and it was another brace for Bella Simmons to move her onto 19 goals on Sunday with Charlotte Gillies also scoring along with a rare goal for captain Becca Fay to see Cambridge City go 3 points clear at the top with a 4-1 win.
3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies missed out on an opportunity to close the gap on the leading pair back to just a point as they were beaten narrowly away from home on Sunday in Essex playing Hutton Ladies who took all 3 points with a 2-1 victory, Hannah Page and Laura Allen with their goals. Bethany Fretwell scoring for Wymondham Town.
A 2nd successive league win for Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies pulls them further away from the bottom end of Division One up from 10th into 8th with a good result away to 4th placed Silver End United Ladies, the sides drawing 1-1 at half-time, captain Rebecca Hollocks scoring for Silver End United. Little Thurrock Dynamos getting all 3 points as they scored twice in the 2nd half to win 3-1 their goals scored by Eloise Ives, Elysia King and Natalie Strange.
Defeat for Silver End United Ladies on Sunday sees Offley & Stopsley Women move above them into 4th spot both on 26 points as they won at home beating Ipswich Wanderers 3-0. Kelly Randell, Offley & Stopsley’s captain giving the Bedfordshire club a 1 goal lead at half-time 2 goals from Rachael Lewis on 63 minutes and Rianne Townsend-Brown on 65 saw the points wrapped up.
In a weekend hit right across the board by postponements the Eastern Region Women’s Football League programme survived virtually unscathed with just the Premier Division match between Histon Ladies and Royston Town Ladies falling foul of a water-logged pitch. A few sdies having access to a 3G surface helping matters.
ERWFL Premier Division
In the ERWFL Premier Division, Haringey Borough Women were looking to return back to the top of the table whilst leaders Bedford Ladies weren’t in action. A trip into Essex to play Brentwood Town Ladies at the Len Forge Centre. Amongst a host of sides below the top 3 looking to end the season strongly Brentwood Town had seen their recent good form dented with a couple of defeats in league and cup. Picked up a good point against Haringey Borough as the sides contested a 2-2 draw, a goal each for Leah Cowan and Georgia Holdaway cancelling out a brace for Haringey Borough’s Klesha Darroux who move to within a point of Bedford who have played 2 games more.
A goal for Megan Partridge was enough to see AFC Sudbury Ladies win all 3 points away to Colchester Town Ladies on Sunday the result lifting the Suffolk side above Billericay Town Ladies into 4th place. Have played 17 with 3 to play are now 5 points behind Bedford Ladies who they play next at home, close the gap to 2 points and thing’s will get very interesting.
Below AFC Sudbury Ladies are a host of sides who all have more games left to play and all of them with a strong finish could yet cause a upset in the title race. 3rd placed AFC Dunstable Ladies headed up to Norfolk at the weekend to play the side with more games left than everyone having just played 12 going into this weekends match Acle United Ladies need every Sunday left plus the odd midweek game to get their fixtures in. A good run of games is just what the squad needs however to mount a late challenge. Dunstable have been a strong side all season gunning for the title 3 points off the lead with 4 games left to play missed the opportunity to close the gap on the leaders as Acle United some times slow starters to a game got off to a flyer this Sunday as striker Jody Wells gave them the lead inside 2 minutes. AFC Dunstable pulled it back all square at 1-1 late in the 1st half. Wells scoring again early in the 2nd half her brace seeing the 3 points won moves Acle United up a place to 7th on 23 points 10 behind the leaders but have 4 games in hand. The business end of the season and the ERWFL Premier Division will see a few dramatic results before the end to be sure.
One of those came this very Sunday in Essex. Just a week ago Billericay Town Ladies claimed the 3 points away from home against Essex rivals Writtle Ladies winning 4-0. This Sunday saw the reverse fixture and both sides having been strongly represented by the Essex FA Women’s Representative side on Thursday night’s 3-0 win against Hertfordshire. At home this time Billericay Town Ladies found themselves 3-0 as the game entered the last 10 minutes. A brace for Sophie Vale and a goal for Abigail Fry seemingly putting Writtle in control of the game. Billericay Town were to stage an extraordinary comeback however as Vicky Kinsman reduced the deficit to 3-1 with 8 minutes left. Straight from the restart Paris Smith (pictured) lobbed the Writtle keeper to make it 3-2 then Paris found the back of the net again moments later to score the equaliser and see Billericay Town take an unlikely point from the match.
ERWFL Division One
Joint leaders, Cambridge City Ladies and Colney Heath Ladies in ERWFL Division One remain locked on the same points as they both extend the gap on the rest with contrasting away wins at the weekend. Both on 33 points look strong as they push for promotion to the Premier Division with 2 sides likely to be promoted. Cambridge City Ladies hold the advantage for the title as they have 8 games left to play before the end of the season 4 games more than Colney Heath. Cambridge City were away to 4th placed Silver End United Ladies on Sunday, a single goal seeing the league leaders leave Essex with another 3 points in the bag. Top scorer, Bella Simmons taking her goals tally to 17 for the season from 12 appearances.
Colney Heath Ladies in contrast were involved in an 8 goal thriller as they travelled to Bedfordshire to play Offley & Stopsley Women. The home side getting off to a great start going 2-0 up early on. Colney Heath responded immediately to pull it back to 2-1 with Holly Sheridan scoring the goal. Offley & Stopsley scored again however to lead 3-1 at half-time. A strong 2nd half performance from Colney Heath saw them come back into the game and claim all 3 points. Annie Hickey grabbing a goal to pull it back to 3-2 before Sheridan scored her 2nd of the game and draw her closer to 20 goals for the season to make it 3-3. Christina Freestone found the back of the net to put Colney Heath into the lead with Hickey scoring her 2nd goal of the game to see Colney Heath win 5-3.
Stevenage Ladies Reserves climb up into 5th place in the Division One table with a good result away from home on Sunday travelling into Suffolk to play Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. Sarah Payne scored twice in the game with a goal each for Leah Littlechild and Sherrie Evans to see them win the game 4-1 and move up into the top half of the table for the 1st time this season.
Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies were hosting Hutton Ladies on Sunday and it was a welcome 3 points gained after a long spell without picking up points in the league. Plenty of cup games interrupting in between. A narrow 2-1 win for Little Thurrock Dynamos their goals scored by Sophie Dowman and Rhianne Holmes.
Quarter-finals day in the ERWFL League Cup this Sunday and a coupe of upsets in the competition as 2 Division One sides knocked out Premier Division opposition to reach the semi-finals. ERWFL Division One leaders Cambridge City Ladies made the long trip up to Norfolk to play Acle United Ladies. Bella Simmons scoring early in the 1st half for the visitors, Cambridge City held a slender lead going into the half-time break. Acle United didn’t take long in the 2nd half to get back on level terms Megan Todd scoring to make it 1-1. Closing in on the 90 minutes the score remained locked at 1-1, Simmons with her 2nd of the match scoring at the death the send Cambridge City Ladies into the semi-finals.
Also going through to the semi-finals from Division One are Wymondham Town Ladies the team 3rd in the league enjoying an overnight stay before their match in Essex against Brentwood Town Ladies. A single goal enough for Wymondham Town to progress with Amber Cantwell (pictured) scoring inside the opening 15 minutes of the 1st half.
In the only all Premier Division quarter final in the competition, AFC Sudbury Ladies 4th in the table were hosting 3rd placed AFC Dunstable Ladies as they vied for a spot in the semi-finals another close game a goal in each half for Samantha Khan and Danielle Carty seeing AFC Dunstable through to the semi-finals edging the result 2-1, Sasha Diston on target for AFC Sudbury. In the other quarter-finals ERWFL Premier Division leaders Haringey Borough Women were awarded the win after opponents Silver End United Ladies couldn’t raise a side.
The draw for the ERWFL League Cup semi-finals looks like this:
AFC Dunstable Ladies v Cambridge City Ladies
Wymondham Town Ladies v Haringey Borough Women
ties scheduled to be played Sunday 2nd April
ERWFL Premier Division
3 games played in the ERWFL Premier Division this weekend and with leaders Haringey Borough Women meant to be playing in the League Cup, 2nd placed Bedford Ladies took advantage winning at home on Sunday against Colchester Town Ladies. Leading 2-1 and half-time. Bedford going on to score another goal in the 2nd half to win 3-1 and move 2 points ahead of Haringey Borough at the top of the table, a brace for Natasha Fensome along with a goal for Michelle Byrne for Bedford. Georgia Lockerbie with the 1st half strike for Colchester Town Ladies.
3-1 was also the winning score for Royston Town Ladies at home to Histon Ladies as they pulled further away from the bottom of the table. Recording their 5th league win of the season to move onto 16 points the Hertfordshire Women’ County Cup Finalists goalscorers were Samantha Tinsley and Andrea Wright who netted a brace.
Billericay Town Ladies manager Kim Coster was celebrating her birthday on Sunday and her team gave her 3 points with a win away to Writtle Ladies that see them move up to 4th spot in the Premier Division table leading 1-0 at half-time Billericay Town went on to score 3 more goals 2nd half to win 4-0 with captain Lindsey Morgan moving into double figures for the season scoring a brace with a goal a piece for Vicki Kinsman and Frances Murphy.
ERWFL League Plate
Was also the quarter-finals of the ERWFL League Plate this Sunday with 2 ties being played, Hutton Ladies and Stevenage Ladies Reserves with a bye into the semi-finals. Colney Heath Ladies have reached the final of this competition in it’s various formats for the past two seasons were at home in the quarter final playing Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies the side from Essex leading 2-1 at half-time with goals from Sophie Dowman and Eloise Ives. Holly Sheridan scoring for Colney Heath. Christina Freestone levelled thing’s up for Colney Heath early in the 2nd half Sheridan hitting the post for Colney Heath before Adrienne Milton scored the goal to send them through to the semi-finals winning 3-2.
Ipswich Wanderers Ladies also reach the semi-finals of the ERWFL League Plate with a 2-1 win over Hoddesdon Town Ladies, the goals scored by captain Tanya McKew and Charlotte Pettman. Hoddesdon Town scoring right at the death in injury time Charlotte Grogan getting on the scoresheet. The draw for the ERWFL League Plate semi-finals is now known thanks to Colney Heath Ladies for the info.
Colney Heath Ladies v Ipswich Wanderers Ladies
Hutton Ladies v Stevenage Ladies Reserves
ERWFL Division One
One game played in ERWFL Division One this Sunday with Stevenage Ladies Reserves hosting Hertford Town Ladies the sides contesting a goalless draw to share the points.
A limited fixture list in the ERWFL this weekend with several sides involved in their various County Cup competitions now into there latter stages and those sides will be mentioned in the county league Round-Ups to follow.
ERWFL Premier Division
Just the one game played in the ERWFL Premier Division on Sunday with league leaders Haringey Borough Women making the long journey up to Norfolk to play Acle United Ladies. A point clear at the top Haringey Borough went into the game undefeated in the league since November 2016. Remain a point clear at the top as they were beaten by Acle United a single goal enough to win all 3 points for the 8th placed side coming midway through the 1st half the goal scored by Lauren Bullard who has re-signed with the club after being with Lowestoft Town Ladies. Moves Acle United to within a point of a congested mid-table with games in hand on all the sides immediately above them. Acle United also welcomed another new signing Rita Alves on Sunday joining from Portuguese side, Sport Clube Odemirense.
ERWFL Division One
Two games played in ERWFL Division One on Sunday with 3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies recording a big away win against bottom club Hoddesdon Town Ladies to move to withing a point of the leading pair of Cambridge City Ladies and Colney Heath Ladies. Hoddesdon Town Ladies held Wymondham Town at bay for much of the 1st half, Wymondham Town grabbing the lead on the 40th minute, Bethany Fretwell making it 1-0. The visitors were awarded a penalty in the 45th minute, Amber Cantwell scoring from the spot with Fretwell scoring her 2nd of the game moments later to see Wymondham Town leading 3-0 at half-time. Laura Wiseman got her 1st goal of the match 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Laura Nicholls on target to make it 5-0 on 60 minutes, Wiseman with her 2nd of the game 5 minutes later, Gemma Sanders with a goal with 20 minutes left to play. Wiseman going on to score her hat-trick. Cantwell making it 9-0 with her 2nd of the game in the 80th minute,Kayleigh Holloway bringing up the double figure win a minute later. 10-0 the final score.
Just the one goal scored in the other match in ERWFL Division One at the weekend but the 3 points were enough to lift Silver End United Ladies above Offley & Stopsley Women into 4th place in the table playing at home against Hertford Town Ladies, captain Rebecca Hollocks with the goal for the Essex side her 12th of the season.
Was a postponement hit fixture schedule in the ERWFL this weekend with just 3 games played those on all weather surfaces. In the Premier Division two matches were played it was a local derby in Essex with 4th placed Brentwood Town Ladies hosting Billericay Town Ladies. The visitors were awarded a penalty, Hayley Piggott taking the spot kick scoring to give Billericay Town the lead. Billericay Town captain Lindsey Morgan on target to make it 2-0. Danielle Butler reduced the deficit to 2-1 for the home side but despite creating other chances Brentwood Town couldn’t find another goal, Billericay Town winning the 3 points to move onto 22 points for the season and with 13 played have games 3 games in hand on 2nd and 3rd placed Bedford Ladies and AFC Dunstable Ladies on 30 points each.
AFC Sudbury Ladies move above Brentwood Town Ladies into 4th place in the ERWFL Premier Division table after edging out Colchester Town Ladies in a 7 goal thriller at The Wardale Williams Stadium. The visitors taking the lead from the penalty spot with Nancy Butler making it 1-0 to Colchester. Sophie Jeffery drew AFC Sudbury level on the half hour mark before a goal each for Stacey Teager and Charlene Roach saw them go into the changing rooms with a 3-1 lead. Colchester started the 2nd half strongly captain Georgia Box grabbing 11th goal of the season in the 56th minute. 4 minutes later Miagh Downey scored to see Colchester pull it back to 3-3. Had come back from 2-0 down at half-time last weekend to win 3-2 at home to Royston Town Ladies. Wasn’t to be this time around as AFC Sudbury rallied and found the winner in the last 10 minutes, Mia Etheridge with the goal to see them take all 3 points.
ERWFL Division One
In the only game to go the distance in ERWFL Division One, Ipswich Wanderers Ladies were hosting bottom side Hoddesdon Town Ladies. Robyn Jones put Hoddesdon into the lead, Ipswich Wanderers made it 1-1 only for Hoddesdon to retake the lead, Hannah Kelly putting the ball into the back of the net. The visitors lead was short lived Ipswich Wanderers getting it back to 2-2 before going on to score 2 more to lead 4-2 at half-time. Scored twice more in the 2nd half to win the game 6-2 to see them join the sides in the middle of the table with games in hand on most. Jade Horne scoring a hat-trick in the match with captain Tarnya McKew also on target with a goal as well as Leanne Parker and Kristie Turner.
The game between Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies and Hertford Town Ladies was abandoned after just 22 minutes due to a serious injury. Women’s Football East wishes the player involved the very best for a speedy recovery.
Having gone top of the ERWFL Premier Division last weekend winning with the leading pair seeing their game postponed, AFC Dunstable Ladies were the ones who saw their match away to Billericay Town Ladies fall foul to a waterlogged pitch. That saw long time leaders Haringey Borough Women return to the top of the table with a comfortable win away to Writtle Ladies on Sunday. Klesha Darroux netting a hat-trick in the game taking her into double figures for the season. Adele Komani and Morgan Lungberg also scoring in a 5-1 victory, putting through their own net for the Writtle goal. The win seeing them move a point ahead of AFC Dunstable Ladies.
AFC Dunstable Ladies drop a further place into 3rd position as Bedford Ladies move back level on points with them on 30 for the season as they won the 3 points at home to AFC Sudbury Ladies. Although they left it very late to beat the side from Suffolk with the winning goal coming with barely seconds left to play the sides looking to have contested a goalless draw, Michelle Bryne with the last gasp goal.
That late defeat for AFC Sudbury coupled with a win at home for Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday sees them climb above them into 4th spot in the table and close the gap to 2nd and 3rd placed Bedford and AFC Dunstable Ladies to 6 points with 2 games in hand. Brentwood Town also left it ate to win all 3 points in their match against Acle United Ladies. Took an early lad, Georgia Holdaway putting Brentwood Town ahead in the 6th minute. Both sides creating chances Acle fought their way back into the game eventually getting the scores level with 10 minutes left to play only for Brentwood Town to come back and retake the lead Holdaway with her 2nd goal to win the game 2-1.
A vital 3 points for Colchester Town Ladies at the other end of the Premier Division table as the side 2nd bottom in the table came back for a 2-0 half-time deficit to win the game 3-2 with the winning goal coming in the last 10 minutes. Were at home to the side immediately above them in the table Royston Town Ladies. Georgia Gannaway and Samantha Tinsley scoring for Royston in the 1st half to see them lead 2-0. Miagh Downey pulling a goal back for Colchester Town in the 57th minute went on to level it with her 2nd goal with 20 minutes left on the clock. Into the last 10 minutes and Colchester Town captain, Georgia Box scored to give Colchester Town the lead and see them win the 3 points that pulls them 5 points clear of bottom side Histon Ladies.
ERWFL Division One
Despite playing just the one league game in January, Cambridge City Ladies still lead the ERWFL Premier Division in front due to Offley & Stopsley Women’s points deduction, keep the lead on goal difference still with games in hand on all the sides below them. Were at home on Sunday playing Suffolk side, Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. Bella Simmons moved her goals tally int double figures for the season with a brace in the game. Sarah Mosley and Rachel Pearce also netting a goal each to see Cambridge City win 4-1. Jo Hazelton on target with the Ipswich Wanderers goal.
Colney Heath Ladies are level on points at the top of the ERWFL Division One table on 30 as they continued their excellent run of league form clocking up their 5th straight league win on Sunday. Were at home taking on 3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies who went int the weekend a point behind the leading pair. Gemma Sanders enjoying a good season in front of goal scoring her 11th of the season for Wymondham Town to give them the lead inside 2 minutes. Colney Heath came back into the match top scorer, Holly Sheridan moving onto 17 goals with a 1st half hat-trick to see the home side leading 3-1 at half-time. Wymondham Town pulled a goal back in the 90th minute but it wasn’t enough to take anything from the match.
A single goal was enough to win all 3 points for Stevenage Ladies Reserves at home to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies at the weekend at home at the Coldicote Social Club, Leah Littlechild’s strike winning the 3 points moving Stevenage up into 6th place in the ERWFL Division One table and in a good position to challenge for a top 4 finish.
Another narrow defeat for Hoddesdon Town Ladies as the continue their search for their 1st league win of the season. The bottom side in ERWFL Division One losing out 2-1 at home to Hertford Town Ladies. Hoddesdon scoring through Hanna Kelly. Hertford Town winning the game courtesy of goals from Kerry Oldham and Becky Shephard the win seeing them climb 2 places from 10th to 8th.
A mixed bag of fortunes fixture wise across both divisions of the ERWFL this weekend with 4 games scheduled in each, both seeing 2 fixtures all foul of the weather. One sides loss is another gain however and with the top 2 Bedford Ladies & Haringey Borough Women seeing their match postponed it was a great opportunity for 3rd placed AFC Dunstable Ladies level on points with 2nd placed Bedford a point behind leaders Haringey Borough a win would take them top of the table. A trip up to Cambridgeshire to play bottom side Histon Ladies at the Glassworld Stadium. Dunstable took an early lead going 1-0 on 13 minutes. Histon pulled it back level almost immediately Kate Saunders scoring 2 minutes later. That was as good as it got for the home side however as Dunstable went on to score twice more in the 1st half to lead 3-1 at the break, 2 more goals followed for the visitors early in the 2nd half with a 6th and 7th goal added on the 70th and 75th minute. The 7-1 win seeing Dunstable lead the table clear by 2 points. Have played 4 more games than 2nd placed Haringey Borough but for now are in possession of top spot.
In the other game in the region to beat the weather in the Premier Division it was an all Essex affair between Colchester Town Ladies at home to Billericay Town Ladies, despite a battling performance by the side 2nd bottom in the table, it was Billericay Town who came home with all 3 points in the back, Vicky Kinsman with a goal in each half in a 2-0 win.
ERWFL Division One
Two games also fell foul of the weather in ERWFL Division One, one of those Cambridge City Ladies match away to Stevenage Ladies Reserves. Despite that however Cambridge City Ladies are back into the lead in the table after previous leaders Offley & Stopsley Women were deducted 4 points that sees them drop down the table into 4th place. At the moment do not know what the points deduction was for but will endeavour to find out. Were level on points with Cambridge City on 27 points previously.
The leaders are joined at the top with another side going level with them on 27 points as 4th placed Colney Heath Ladies come back from a goal down at half-time to win and take all 3 points in the 2nd half. Were away on Sunday playing Essex side Silver End United Ladies who were playing their 1st game on home soil since November 2016. Stephanie Burder scoring for Silver End United to see them lead at half-time. Colney Heath Ladies came back strongly 2nd half, captain Sophie Joseph drawing the scores level before putting the ball home for her 2nd of the match to give the away side the lead. Jennifer Mansfield with her 1st goal of the season making it 3-1 to seal the victory and see Colney Heath Ladies become joint leaders in Division One.
In the other game in Division One, Hertford Town Ladies and Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies playing in muddy conditions drew 0-0.
A slightly different edition of The Round-Up this week, with just the one to post, falling back to last season’s format which I will bring into play on a weekend such as the one we’ve just had, no surprise going to happen this time of year. A wet start to the weekend, cold too, with rain all day across much of the country on Sunday their were going to be postponements across the East in all 29 games were called off!
It was a wipe-out in the FAWPL & Suffolk, with just one game surviving in the ERWFL, however several sides from that league and the FAWPL were involved in their respective County Cup competition’s some of those falling to the weather too which will alter next weekends fixture list too. So some clubs will be in the County round-ups instead. Still plenty to bring you, 20 games did survive the weather alot of muddy kits to be washed, unfortunate if you got the job this week.
ERWFL Division One
The one match played in the ERWFL this Sunday was from ERWFL Division One with Hertford Town Ladies making the long journey up to Suffolk to play Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. Payed each other last Sunday in the reverse figure Ipswich Wanderers returning home to Suffolk with all 3 points winning the game 4-3. At home both Danielle Lynch and Jess Taylor-Allum scored for Ipswich Wanderers, however Hertford didn’t leave Suffolk empty handed, earning a point in a 2-2 draw.
Norfolk
A total of 6 matches were played in Norfolk at the weekend, the Norfolk Women’s County Cup had reached the quarter final stage. 3 of the 4 ties surviving the weather, Bohemians Ladies & holders Thorpe United will try again next Sunday after their game was called off. Plenty of goals scored in the other 3 quarter final games.
Acle United Ladies are the highest league placed side in Norfolk in the competition competing in the ERWFL Premier Division. With the rain forecast and already playing catch up with their league fixtures took the decision early to switch the match to the 3G pitch at Flegg High School in Martham where they train during the week. King’s Lynn Town Ladies were their opponents playing two leagues below but in good form in Norfolk Women’s Division One in 2nd place unbeaten in the league since the opening weekend.
King’s Lynn were encouraged by a positive start and the game was played at a high tempo, the visitors with some good opportunities to take the lead, however it was Acle United with 2 quick fire goals as the 1st half approached the half hour mark that went ahead. New signing Megan Todd (pictured) was played through into the box coming in from the right sent her shot across the keeper into the back of the net to score on her debut. A minute later Acle doubled their lead, Kate Pasque nodding the ball in from a corner. King’s Lynn kept pressing for a goal, the 1st half into the last 5 minutes a pinpoint cross from Anna Larkins into the six yard box saw Jody Wells racing in force the ball into the back of the net. 3-0 was a harsh scoreline for King’s Lynn and heads were dropping but with the half drawing to a close they got it back to 3-1 the ball played up front, Oksana Imanalijeva turns taking the ball into the box firing home from the top of the six yard box.
The 2nd half starts just like the 1st half both sides on the attack, 20 minutes played and King’s Lynn are forced into a change as Taylor Sarchet is injured helped off the pitch with her ankle bandaged up. A 4-5 minute break in play. Acle go straight on the attack from the restart and score attacking down the right Larkins plays the cross long to the far post Wells behind the gets call from Bryony Knights who arrives form the left side to turn the ball over the line to make it 4-1. King’s Lynn respond straight away captain Shelley Woods fouled in the area gets the penalty and scores. Moving into the latter stages of the match Acle are awarded a penalty after a drive into the box from Todd see’s her brought down, steps up to take it to score her score of the game. Time for one more goal at the death with Woods through beating the offside trap gets by the onrushing goalkeeper and lifts the ball over the back-tracking defence to score her 2nd of the match final score 5-3 This game was the featured match on the SWF Blog and the whole match report can be found below this post or by clicking on the link below
It was another high scoring win for the other ERWFL in the competition with Wymondham Town Ladies 2nd the the Division One table at home to Norfolk Women’s Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies on Sunday. Like the 1st quarter final a two league gap between the sides, Wymondham Town opened the scoring on 19 minutes Kayleigh Holloway with the goal. Chelsea Clarke with an assist for the 1st goal, put the ball into the back of the net herself to make it 2-0 in the 26th minute. Laura Wiseman seeing Wymondham Town into a 3-0 lead. Two goals within 2 minutes 17 minutes into the 2nd half from Alice Collins and Wiseman made it 5-0, Stalham Town pulled a goal back soon after before Holloway with her 2nd of the game and Clarke in the 90th minutes scored her 2nd to see Wymondham Town into the semi-finals.
In the other quarter-final tie played on Sunday, 2nd Division side Briston Wanderers Ladies were leading at home against Division One side and last season’s beaten finalists, Aylsham FC Ladies. The 2nd half saw the match tied at 2-2 going into the last 30 seconds Aylsham FC Ladies scoring the winning goal to win the game and advance to the semi-finals
The draw for the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup was made on Monday the ties scheduled to be played Sunday 19th March with a 2pm kick off are as follows:-
Acle United Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies
Bohemians Ladies or Thorpe United Ladies v Aylsham FC Ladies
Three league games also took place at the weekend, one game in Norfolk Women’s Division One and a good result at home for Bungay Town Ladies taking on Brandon Town Ladies winning the game 4-0 to climb up from 6th to 4th spot their highest position this season starting 2017 well with 2 wins scoring 15 goals and 2 clean sheets.
Two games in Norfolk Women’s Division Three and bottom side Cromer Town Ladies were put to the sword at home against league leaders Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves wracking up 15 goals without reply to open up a 4 point lead at the top of the table.
In the other match in Division Three, 2nd placed East Coast Ladies were at home to Toftwood Ladies on Sunday the home side leading the game 3-0 at half-time. Toftwood staged a 2nd half comeback however to earn a share of the points the game ending in a 4-4. Jordan Duke scoring a hat-trick for East Coast Ladies with Rosie Cook also on target.
Cambridgeshire
The fixture list was hit heavily in Cambridgeshire too disrupting the opening round of matches in this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup, with 5 of the 7 matches pushed back a week after being postponed.
A much needed win and moral boosting result for Premiership side Park Ladies in their 1st Round tie at home to Orton Rangers Ladies, bottom of the Championship South. Amy Newell scored a double hat-trick for Park, half of their goal scoring tally as they reached double figures, Kirstie Smith also netting a hat-trick. Ebony Bliss grabbing a brace with Erin Powell also getting a goal in a 12-0 victory.
Premiership side ICA Sports Ladies travelled to Championship North side, Wisbech Town Ladies on Sunday in the 1st Round of the Invitation Cup, goals from Carmen Herridge, Zoe Leddy and Megan Purnell saw the Peterborough based side edge the result 3-2 to reach the next round.
The top two in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership were in action on Sunday, league leaders, Newmarket Town Ladies away to Cambridge University Women who were playing just their 4th league game of the season. Goals from Taylor Lynn-Jones and Amanda Wainwright inside the opening 25 minutes put the home side into an early 2-0 lead. Cambridge University went on to win the game 3-1, with Eve Audoulos scoring the 3rd in the 80th minute, Nadine Basson with her 10th goal of the season scoring for Newmarket Town.
Defeat for Newmarket Town saw 2nd placed Cambridge United WFC Reserves close the 3 point gap at the top of the table and lead the table on goal difference with a big away win against bottom side Bourne Ladies. A hat-trick from Lauren Gibson, along with a brace each for Ebony Rule and Carolyn Sarafian seeing the visitors take the 3 points with a 7-0 win.
It is sad I have to do this again but it’s another edition of The Round-Up that has to report the loss of another women’s side in the leagues across the East and this time it’s from the Cambridgeshire Championship North, Spalding United Ladies no longer listed in the league table, new this season have barely played any fixtures 3 league games, hoping their players find another club and that Spalding can host another women’s football side in the near future.
Their was a game played in the Championship North at the weekend with Boston United Ladies picking up another good result away to P&L Motors Diamonds. 3 straight wins in league and cup for Boston United now lifts them up to 6th in the table. A brace each for Victoria Bradford and Stephanie Powell along with a goal each for Demi Barai, Charlie Green and Ella Marie Mcororey seeing Boston United win the match 7-2.
Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire
It was quarter final Sunday in the Bedfordshire Women’s League Cup too this weekend, however both it and the league programme was heavily affected by the weather with all but 2 matches surviving.
In the quarter final that was played Cup holders Luton Town Ladies were away to Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets, who play 4 leagues below them in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two. The FAWPL South East Division One side were soon on the front foot taking the lead in the 4th minute, Lucy Webster with the goal, 2 minutes later the lead was doubled, Jodie Southbe on target. Amy Summerfield getting on the score sheet 6 minutes later to see Luton Town 3-0 inside the opening quarter hour. Erica Byron netting a goal in the 20th minute, 4-0 the advantage at half-time.
Now let up from Luton Town in the 2nd half a flurry of goals early on Jo Rutherford scoring from the penalty spot after Nicola Henman was brought down. Byron went on to score two quick fire goals to complete her hat-trick. Henman scoring to make it 8-0, with Rebecca Kane getting a goal to make it 9. Rutherford was fouled in the box herself, scored again from the penalty spot to bring up double figures. Lucy Tape scoring with 5 minutes left to see Luton Town reach the semi-finals with an 11-0 win.
The one match beating the weather in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League was in Division One with St Albans Ladies at home playing Hitchin Town Ladies. St Albans climbing up to 4th in the Division One table with a 4-0 victory. Megan Samuels scoring a brace. Suzanne Ried and Holly Rossington also putting the ball into the back of the net.
Essex
In Essex it was also the quarter finals of the Women’s County Cup with 3 of the 4 scheduled to be played this Sunday with Hutton Ladies hosting holders C&K Basildon Ladies next Sunday. Lawford Ladies tie at home to Writtle Ladies fell victim to the weather this Sunday will try again next Sunday.
No weather issues at the Harlow Arena an all weather surface, Essex Women’s Premier Division leaders Harlow Ladies were hosting ERWFL Division One side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies, a league between the sides it was a close contest both sides scoring in the game, 1-1 after 90 minutes the quarter final headed into extra-time, the visitors scoring the winning goal to book a place in the semi-finals, Georgia Fraser with both goals for Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies.
A local derby in the other quarter final in the Essex Women’s County Cup with Billericay Town Ladies hosting fellow ERWFL Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies. Goals from Paris Smith, Rosi Webb and Kirsty Knight saw Billericay Town through the the semi-finals the final score 3-1 with Emma Mackie getting Brentwood Town’s goal.
Two matches beat the weather in the Essex Women’s Premier Division on Sunday. With the leading pair involved in the County Cup it was an opportunity for 3rd placed Eastern Avenue to close the gap at the top. Were away to Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. Could only narrow the gap by a point as they were held to a 2-2, Jo Smeaton scoring both the goals for Beacon Hill Rovers.
Wickford Town Ladies recorded their 2nd league win of the season in the Premier Division on Sunday, beating Collier Row Tigers 2-1 at home to move up 2 places from 10th to 8th in the table.
Two league games also played in Essex Women’s Division One on Sunday and just as in the Premier Division the top two weren’t in action giving Hatfield Peveral Ladies a chance to close the gap down to just 2 points on 2nd placed Frontiers Ladies if they could get a win away to Harlow Town Ladies Reserves. Got the 3 points courtesy of a 3-1 win.
4th placed Collier Row Athletic were beaten away from home on Sunday playing FC Clacton Ladies who edged them out with a 3-2 win that lifts them up 2 places in the table to move into 5th a point behind Collier Row Athletic.
Essex at the weekend to play Billericay Town Ladies level on points going into the match. Megan Todd (pictured) put Acle into the lead midway through the 1st half, Lauren Bullard doubling the visitors advantage striking the ball home in the 40th minute. Acle capitalised on their lead taking control of the game early in the 2nd half striker Jody Wells making it 3-0 on 47 minutes Todd added a 2nd goal to make it 4-0 a minute later. Billericay Town grabbed a late consolation goal, Acle winning 4-1. You can read the clubs match report from the day by clicking on the link below.
