Category Archives: ERWFL League Cup

Match Report – Wymondham Town Ladies v Harlow Town Ladies

Sunday 26th Jan

ERWFL Cup

Wasn’t the intention to have a two week break from the football a weekend off and then a game postponed late on seeing no action on Women’s Football East for a fortnight, keen to get back at it this Sunday, the action from the 1st Round of the ERWFL Cup, Wymondham Town Ladies v Harlow Town Ladies.

The game itself originally due to be played a fortnight ago, cancelled on the day due to Harlow Town Ladies mini-bus being hit by a lorry whilst parked up at the services on route to Norfolk. The game rearranged for this Sunday, a group stage played in the first half of the season between the Division One clubs the 4 group winners going on to the knockout stages of the ERWFL League Cup joined by the 12 Premier Division sides.

The ERWFL Cup is certain to be hotly contested if the league itself is anything to go by, Harlow Town Ladies are well clear at the top but beyond that just 7 points separate 2nd placed Peterborough Northern Star Ladies down to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies in 9th. Wymondham Town Ladies in amongst those currently in 7th spot well placed to push on for a top half finish. Everyone capable to taking points off each other going on a run.

Wymondham Town Ladies promoted two seasons ago along with Harlow, doing well despite having an awful injury list to contend with, several players out with long term injuries including captain and vice-captain Rachel Cossey and Leah Newcombe both suffering bad knee injuries during last season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup win at Carrow Road. Both on the road to recovery Newcombe in particular close to a return. Long term injuries to hitting their defence with Bethany Fretwell, Chardonnay Johnston and Summer Ward all out. New players arriving in the summer, Mia Etheridge from AFC Sudbury and Jennifer Codman from Fakenham Town Ladies. Freya Symonds too with a trio of ex-Ipswich players, Cassie Craddock, Jac Ball and goalkeeper Danni Clarke. Plenty of goals within the squad captain and striker Hannah Waters with 19 to her name top scoring.

Harlow Town Ladies have enjoyed alot of success in their short history regularly winning promotions moving up the women’s football pyramid the Essex side are currently 9 points clear at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division and in a strong position to go on and win the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL for the first time in their history. Undefeated have won all but one of their 12 league matches so far this season. The only points dropped way back on the opening day a 1-1 draw with today’s cup opponents Wymondham Town Ladies. Harlow coming back to win 4-3 in the reverse fixture. Have brought in several players to add experience to their young squad, goals too, Becky Shephard one of those new arrivals netting 22 goals so far this season.

Ketts Park the home to Wymondham Town Ladies a new venue on the outskirts of the town close to the A11. My first visit to the ground a smart facility offering a main 3G playing surface available for hire. Grass pitches beyond. The clubhouse offering hot drinks with plenty of parking outside. The 3G pitch itself a good size with adequate room for spectators to stand beside the pitch. Overcast conditions rain forecast not expected to arrive until after the game a stiff breeze making it feel chilly. A hot cup of tea welcome.

Both sides with absentees through injury and unavailability on the day. Harlow frustrated having travelled with two new signings but both ineligible to play under league cup rules, alos missing the experience of players such as Nicole Farmer, Georgia Box and Amy Nash, only able to name one substitute. Wymondham likewise having a few missing having just the one on the bench.

Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Danni Clarke, Becca Russell, Chelsea Clarke, Lauren Kett, Jac Ball, Katie Knights, Jennifer Codman, Mollie O’Callaghan, Freya Symonds, Mia Etheridge & Hannah Waters (C) Subs – Cassie Craddock.

Harlow Town Ladies starting XI – Charlie Orwell, Tayla Handscombe, Fran Gamble, Kaydee King (C), Mel Jones, Chloe Bassett, Abbey Dell, Beth Chambers, Lucy Edmeades, Becky Shephard & Liv Steele. Subs – Evie Love.

(Roll on roll off substitutes)

Wymondham wearing red shirts and shorts with black shorts to kick-off the first half. Harlow in their away colours yellow shirts with blue shorts and socks. The hosts playing the ball back into their defence Harlow rushing forwards to press the ball Abbey Dell involved straight away, a long punt forwards cleared by Harlow captain Kaydee King gathered by Wymondham goalkeeper Danni Clarke. Harlow build down their left winning a throw deep in the Wymondham half controlled the cross lifted high towards the top of the area, Freya Symonds up to head clear for Wymondham.

A bright start from Harlow pressing the ball, Wymondham look to break the ball into Mollie O’Callaghan’s feet left side of midfield looks to take it on chopped down inside the Harlow half. A fee-kick given the ball put across the park to Becca Russell forwards on the wing lifts it on for Mia Etheridge the flag goes up against her. O’Callaghan bringing the ball on once again is brought down as she sends it on for Symonds play brought back for the fee-kick, further forwards Chelsea Clarke over it into the box, caught by Harlow goalkeeper, Charlie Orwell.

GOAL! 6 minutes played and an early break through, Harlow take the lead Beth Chambers getting hold of the ball left side inside the Wymondham half playing a dangerous looping diagonal ball in towards the top of the area Chelsea Clarke stretching to clear can only push it into the onrushing Becky Shephard’s path takes it on a yard before driving a powerfully struck shot past Danni Clarke into the back of the net 0-1.

Becky Shephard with the opening goal for Harlow Town Ladies after 6 minutes

Wymondham go on the attack straight from the restart players up and around the 18 yard box, O’Callaghan tries her luck from range 25 yards out off target, Orwell able to come across her goal to collect. Harlow’s Chloe Bassett receiving the ball centrally off a throw in on the left turns and hits a shot goalwards from 25 yards out swearing through the air Danni Clarke back on her line keeps her eyes on it catching safely. Gamble with a great tackle to stop Etheridge from stealing in behind her with the ball on the right side for Harlow.

GOAL! Harlow caught with a high line as Wymondham play the ball forwards Lauren Kett winning it at the ball bringing it on firing a low pass forwards over half way captain Hannah Waters getting away from King to latch onto the ball a carry it on towards the area Orwell coming to the top of her area to close the angle Waters shaping to shot shifting to her right to get wide of the keeper and send the ball on to score. Wymondham back on level terms just 6 minutes after conceding 1-1.

Wymondham Town Ladies captain Hannah Waters levels the scores

Wymondham with their tails up strong in the middle of the park Etheridge getting hold of the ball taking players on central looks to play a one two with Katie Knights run on in behind as Knights attempts to lift the ball over the defence, Bassett reading it in to take the ball away for Harlow. The visitors looking to make use of the flanks Beth Chambers left side has Dell racing into space on the wing sends the ball in for her to take on down the line a strong run cuts back inside to deliver the cross near post with Shephard making the good run, the attack rising aiming to flick the ball with her boot in across goal doesn’t get enough on it the ball put behind wide.

Beth Chambers striking the ball for Harlow Town Ladies

Lucy Edmeades away into space on the opposite wing sending a dangerous cross into the six yards box too high for Danni Clarke to save, no one coming in at the back post for Harlow. Danni Clarke with an excellent and brave piece of goalkeeping soon after as Harlow thread a long ball through the middle with Liv Steele attacking the area right, Clarke rushing out sliding in to make the blocking save at Steele’s feet, the striker coming off worse for the clash. Harlow win a free-kick wide right a good delivery into the box Steele positioned on the penalty spot cushioning the ball down looking to swing into the shot the Wymondham defence rush in to block at close range.

Steele has take a couple for knocks needs to come off from treatment Harlow making the first change of the match, Evie Love coming on to join Shephard up top. O’Callaghan is certainly in the wars for Wymondham getting clattered again the free-kick striking the wall set up by Harlow Symonds though retrieves for the hosts left side sends in a cross, Orwell coming near post to claim. A competitive game played at a fast past both sides giving free-kicks away Harlow turn with a set-piece inside the Wymondham half, Gamble over the ball towards the left a good way out nevertheless goes for goal a high ball in dropping late Danni Clarke can’t get it the ball clatters against the ball drops back into play stabbed back towards go Clarke back on her line down smartly to save on the line.

Katie Knights on the ball for Wymondham Town Ladies

Katie Knights making several good runs with the ball through the middle for Wymondham sends in through for Waters to chase in attack, Orwell out of her area early trapping the ball with her legs inside the D clearing before Waters can get it. O’Callaghan with a shot from distance bouncing low through towards goal left side Orwell down to save the ball behind for a corner kick. Defending the ball Harlow clear up to half way Evie Love looking to break is fouled by Kett a free-kick awarded. Gamble to play it forwards players up into the box King bringing it down her tough too strong allowing Wymondham to steal in and clear top of the area.

Harlow Town Ladies, Fran Gamble

Is getting a little heated out there a bit of pushing and shoving going on quickly dealt with by the referee the game continues to set a furious pace challenges strong at times. Several players talked too already. A quick free-kick by Gamble into Steele central puts it on quickly Shephard away but adjudged offside as she shoots. Mel Jones turning play around quickly in the middle for Harlow forwards for Shephard beating the offside trap this time can’t control her shot top of the area, Jac Ball back to win possession for Wymondham. Pressuring the ball inside the Wymondham half Harlow’s Bassett gets away on the right crossing from the corner Shephard coming near side sends it wide.

Mollie O’Callaghan weighing up her passing options for Wymondham Town Ladies

Wymondham making ground on the right win a throw the ball into the feet of Waters right corner of the box plays the pass infield to Knights central has O’Callaghan to her left gives her the ball Harlow back defending their area O’Callaghan comes back in central looking to get a shot away finds a way through but not past Orwell as she drops to save the ball. Etheridge and Chambers clash going for the ball, Chambers down landing awkwardly play stopped so she can receive treatment up gingerly play resumes with a free-kick to Harlow to the bemusement of the home support.

Harlow captain Kaydee King clearing the ball

Into the closing moments of the first half, Wymondham also frustrated at the number of offside decisions going against them Waters a constant threat enjoying a fantastic battle with King intriguing to watch Waters thinking she’s got half a yard only to be pulled back by the flag. Dell covering alot of ground across the park for Harlow setting the tone for the game for much of the first half wants to be in the thick of the action breaking up a number of Wymondham moves. The offside flag up against Edmeades on the right a decision that infuriates the Harlow bench. Knights sneaking in to take the ball plays Waters through central not catching her strike cleanly the ball straight at Orwell catch after the initial save pops out of her gloves. The last action of the half.

Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 1-1 Harlow Town Ladies

A fast paced game so far competitive not alot between the sides, the pace leading to several mistimed challenges plenty of free-kicks given away and knocks being picked up. Harlow with an early goal Wymondham coming straight back to level has remained even Harlow hitting the bar from a free-kick. Changes for both sides at half-time. Cassie Craddock on for Wymondham the players off goalkeeper Danni Clarke suffering a hand injury the tall Freya Symonds donning the gloves for the 2nd period. Chambers off for Harlow with Steele back on.

Harlow to get the 2nd half underway the temperature dropping considerably very chilly on the sidelines now. The visitors getting an early set-piece on halfway King to play the ball out to Edmeades on the right side in space cuts inside no shot on lays the ball across the top of the area for Bassett laying it back to Gamble she floats a high ball in towards goal safely caught by Symonds. Handscombe brings the ball on through the middle for Harlow pushing on towards the D is closed down by three Wymondham defenders Craddock putting in the final tackle to get the ball away O’Callaghan away on the left forwards for Waters to chase Orwell can come to the edge of her area an collect.

Harlow’s Chloe Bassett looking to get the ball away chased by Wymondham’s Mollie O’Callaghan

Codman playing the ball on for Knights in the middle plays it forwards with O’Callaghan forwards on her left cuts back inside, 25 yards out closed down Gamble and King combining. O’Callaghan and Jones with a crunching 50/50 in the middle both hurts but quick to acknowledge the ball was there to be won. Harlow over half way the ball played long to the left side a cross whipping on at pace Chelsea Clarke central sticking a foot out to intercept almost scores an own goal inside the six yard box the ball flashes up to strike the cross bar bouncing down grabbed by Symonds before anyone can follow up from Harlow to score.

Abbey Dell bringing the ball on for Harlow Town Ladies

Wymondham have Etheridge on the ball attacking right a strong run her cross in cleared play brought back for an earlier foul on the winger. Players forwards taken short into the top of the area with O’Callaghan coming for the ball the shot in hesitates shifting it before pulling the trigger a deflection sending it wide for the corner kick. King up well at the near post to defend for Harlow. A flowing attack from Wymondham Knights doing well once again bringing the ball on support from Craddock out to Etheridge on the right plays it back to Russell she swings in the cross long, King up at the far post to win the header for Harlow clearing the threat.

Harlow’s Evie Love ends up riding Wymondham defender Lauren Kett as she slides in to tackle

Kett stepping out of defence sliding in strongly to win a number of tackles for Wymondham is down with an injury, a pause in play Harlow make the change bring Chambers back on for Love on the left. Play resumes Waters doing well to win a corner on the right the ball in cleared firmly by the head of King at the near post. King with the interception and touch back fr her keeper to clear as Knights almost sends the running Waters and Etheridge in on goal for Wymondham. Harlow bring Jones off sending Love back on.

Harlow Town Ladies, Tayla Handscombe

Wymondham pressure O’Callaghan closing in on the area closed down, Waters almost in Harlow look to play out from the ball O’Callaghan giving chase goes down in agony play stopped straight away the Wymondham midfield in clear distress has hurt her knee, a long pause in play on the field treatment hobbles off can’t continue Wymondham to end the game with 10 with no more substitutes over 15 minutes left to play. Gamble carries the ball on for Harlow up to Steele in attack, Clarke closing her down to tackle for Wymondham the hosts break quickly the ball put through the middle King intercepting.

Wymondham actually upping their intensity despite being a player down, renewed energy to close down the ball Waters keeping King busy the clash of the captains King lunging in to win the ball this time. Chambers finding space on the right incensed at being flagged offside with Harlow playing the ball crossfield from the left. Edmeades forwards on the left sends a cross in attacked near post by Steele up to head the ball plays it over the bar. Love and Shephard combined on the right the former with the back heels Shephard’s cross in bringing a corner kick. Swung into the box central blasted goalwards saved on the line by a combination of defender and goalkeeper.

Wymondham Town Ladies, Mia Etheridge

Etheridge storming on down the right side for Wymondham in attack the angle going against her as she unleashes a powerful shot the ball rising smashing against the crossbar falling into the box players in on the follow so too King putting her body in the way to block. The tie on a knife edge could go either way Harlow bring Edmeades off late on sending Jones back into the fray. King with a last ditch tackle to deny Waters inside the box the clock running down Harlow get forwards the ball fed along the ground into Shephard’s feet outside the box left turns and shoots the ball flying over the crossbar. Russell defending late on as Love tries to lift a ball into the box for Steele to run onto. The final whistle blows the cup tie heading into extra-time.

Full time Wymondham Town Ladies 1-1 Harlow Town Ladies

A really enjoyable game lots of action not much between the sides neither on top, defending well committed and lively in the middle on the cusp of boiling over but both sides want to get on with it. Neither keeper overly tested in the 2nd half clear cut chances at a premium Wymondham doing well at the finish despite their player disadvantage could have snatched a late win. Now another 30 minutes awaits.

Extra-time

Into extra-time Wymondham back up to the full 11 on the field, Danni Clarke able to take up an outfield role comes on to the left wearing Symonds no 18 shirt. Wymondham to get the extra period of play underway 2 15 minute halves for either side to try and find a winning goal or the tie heads to penalties. Good to see O’Callaghan up on her feet her knee iced up. Gamble on the ball for Harlow coming forwards long up to Chambers making a run right side the ball collected by Symonds. Chambers lively at the start of the half picking the ball up has pace drives on Wymondham closing her down.

A long diagonal ball left to right finds Etheridge stealing through into the box on the right she shot sliced though swerves wide of goal. Steele spinning on the ball as it is played into her feet very nearly has Shephard in on goal but for a raised flag. Wymondham get on down the right win corner kick players forwards the ball long beyond the far post knocked down into the path of Danni Clarke, the goalkeeper turned outfield player with a snap shot the ball running wide of the post. Harlow with a corner up the other in inswinging cleared off the line.

Harlow attacking the ball fed into the box a race between Steele and Kett shoulder to shoulder Steele getting a shot away flashes over the bar. All action both sides going for it Etheridge winning Wymondham a corner.

GOAL! Wymondham get their noses in front late in the first period of extra-time the corner taken long over the player rising well at the far post gathered as players rush out towards the ball a cross in flicked on and met by Waters jumping to get her foot on the ball in the centre of goal a yard out couldn’t miss 2-1.

Russell defending as Harlow fling a cross into the area from the right. Bassett gathering the ball deep for Harlow bringing it on well Chambers on the move right side Bassett looks to pick her out but to Chambers dismay she’s flagged offside once again.

Half-time extra-time Wymondham Town Ladies 2-1 Harlow Town Ladies

Advantage Wymondham with 15 minutes to play leading 2-1 as Harlow get the 2nd period of extra-time underway. A few spots of rain in the air the visitors on the attack Dell put through right into the box the angle tight drives in a shot the ball held well by Symonds in goal. Harlow pressing at the start of the half looking to put Wymondham on the back foot. Kett stepping out well from the back to win the ball.

Waters sensing space may open up behind moving across the back line getting free momentarily on the left side after the ball, King doing well to get back on her make the challenge. Chelsea Clarke stopping Chambers as she drives towards the box. A Harlow free-kick won 22 yards from goal on the left played into the box cleared Harlow have it back driven into the box deflected wide for a corner. Symonds coping well to get something on the ball to get it away inside a congested six yard box.

Less than 5 minutes left Wymondham attempting to keep possession run the ball into the corners frustrate Harlow. Bassett brings the ball out from the back on for Love, but too much on the ball. Waters across to charge down King as she attempts to launch the ball up field. Time almost up Kett winning another tackle Harlow can’t get a clear chance on goal late on no way through. The final whistle blows and Wymondham are through to the quarter finals of the ERWFL League Cup beating Harlow 2-1 in extra-time.

Full time extra-time Wymondham Town Ladies 2-1 Harlow Town Ladies

Another close contest between the two sides both short on numbers on the day a committed and entertaining cup tie. Early goals the game played at a fast pace several strong challenges and tempers frayed at times but never boiling over. A few bruises to show for the cause the following day I think. Wymondham holding on well with 10 getting back up to 11 for extra-time getting their noses in front. Harlow frustrated a lack of options from the bench not helping out of cup competitions in successive weeks, the focus now on the league and in a strong position to push for the title.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

On to this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders it has to be said and narrowing it down to one wasn’t easy. Starting wit the stand out performers for Harlow, an excellent game at the back for Kaydee King strong and had her hands full with Hannah Waters. In the middle of the park great energy shown by Abbey Dell covered alot of ground and her energy set the tone for the game. For Wymondham was impressed by Katie Knights in the middle several great runs and setting up attacks, Waters leading the line well. The defence doing well as a unit Freya Symonds didn’t look out of place in goal 2nd half. The award though goes to Lauren Kett won numerous challenges in the centre of defence and set up the opening goal.

An enjoyable first trip to Ketts Park, an entertaining game just what was needed after two weeks without a game. Played at a fast pace two committed teams could have gone either way Wymondham finding the winner in extra-time. My thanks to both teams for today’s starting line-ups.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 12/01/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 12th January

ERWFL Cup

A break from the league this weekend in the ERWFL (well almost) with the knock-out stages commencing for both the League Cup and Plate competitions. The first half of the season seeing the 16 Division One sides North and South competing in a group format, 4 sides playing each other once with the group winners progressing the the League Cup joining the 12 Premier Division sides the rest going on to compete for the League Plate.

Newmarket Town Women, Millwall Lionesses, Needham Market Women and King’s Lynn Town Ladies to 4 Division One sides to win their groups all draw against higher league opposition in the League Cup. All 4 involved in a close game. 8 ties in the 1st Round just 7 played at the weekend. The game between Wymondham Town Ladies and Harlow Town Ladies cancelled after Harlow’s parked mini-bus was hit by a lorry at the services on their way up to Norfolk. Everyone okay, a new date for the tie to be announced.

Wroxham Women were drawn away to ERWFL newcomers Needham Market Women the in first round of the League Cup on Sunday. Needham Market making a good start to the game early chances, it was Wroxham though who opening the scoring captain Anna Larkins getting forwards from full back on the 14th minute her cross come shot finding the back of the net. Needham Market coming back to level the scores 6 minutes later, Amber Sparkes bringing the ball on from halfway shooting from 20 yards out making it 1-1. Needham Market coming close to leading before the break it was level at half-time. Larkins on target to score her 2nd of the match restring Wroxham’s lead before the hour. The visitors going further ahead in the 67th minute with Lauren Bullard scoring the goal. A 2nd for Bullard coming with 10 minutes left heading in a corner to put Wroxham 4-1 up. Alot of stoppage time to be played with both sides seeing a player needing lengthy treatment for injury. Needham Market having chances all game mounting a late fightback 3 minutes into injury time Abbie Wilkinson scoring her first first team goal to get it back to 4-2 turned provider 3 minutes later setting up Annie Northwood to pull it back to 4-3. Needham Market finishing strong time running out however Wroxham progressing into the quarter finals.

Luton Town Ladies and Bowers & Pitsea Ladies meeting for the 3rd time this season having been drawn out to play each other in the 1st Round of the League Cup having met twice in the league and in the Women’s FA Cup this season. Both matches at Bowers & Pitsea ending in 3-0 wins for Luton. This Sunday’s League Cup tie Luton’s home ground The Branche. Funmi Babalola putting Luton in front on 11 minutes scoring her 8th goal of the season. Bowers & Pitsea breaching Luton’s defence for the first time this season coming back to level with 20 minutes on the clock Yasmin Cowley 7th goal of the season. The pair drawing 1-1 at half-time. Luton getting back in front with 20 minutes left on the clock Kelsey Gibson putting Jess McKay through on goal to score her 10th goal of the season. The win assured in the final minute McKay with a superb finish to score her 2nd of the match and see the tie won 3-1.

A 3-1 win at home too for Peterborough Northern Star Ladies at the weekend in the first round of the League Cup as they took on St Ives Town Ladies. Peterborough 2nd in the ERWFL Premier Division scoring plenty of goals this season and in every game so far this season. Leah Cudone with a penalty on target for her 16th goal of the season , Evie Driscoll-King and Amy Magnus with her 1st goal for the club in only her 2nd appearance for the 2nd scoring the winning goals. Georgia Stancombe netting the goal for St Ives Town.

Penalty box action from Peterborough Northern Star v St Ives Town (photo credit James Cox)

Royston Town Women enjoying a good season in the Premier Division hosting another of the Group stage winners, King’s Lynn Town Ladies riding high in Division One North 2nd unbeaten in open play since mid-October winning 6 straight games in the league along with all three group matches. Good work with the ball at her feet from Georgia Gannaway leading to an own goal to see Royston take the lead. A free-kick struck in from distance seeing King’s Lynn bring the scores level 1-1 the score at the half-time interval. Royston captain Amy Cooper scoring her first goal of the season bundling the ball in from a corner to restore Royston’s lead, a fantastic break away goal from King’s Lynn bringing the Norfolk side back level for the 2nd time in the tie. The winner coming with 5 minutes left on the clock Emma Slater blasting in the goal her 8th of the season to see Royston into the quarter finals 3-2.

Newmarket Town Women winning Group A were at home to Premier Division side Bedford Ladies in the 1st Round of the League Cup this Sunday. Captain Bethany Woodfield heading Newmarket into the lead, Bedford though coming back quickly to equalise and then take the lead themselves through to strikes from range by Jasmine Ajayi and Natasha Fensome. 2-1 the lead at half-time both sides finishing the game with 10 players with both Newmarket’s Katie Webb and Bedford’s Ashley Emerton sent off. N further goals added in the 2nd period Bedford into the quarter finals.

Three of the Division One sides suffering narrow defeats in their clashes with higher league opposition, Millwall Lionesses the side to cause the upset and reach the last eight of the League Cup were drawn away to bottom side AFC Dunstable Women, working hard to improve every game Dunstable leaving the pitch frustrated having created a host of chances but failing to score Millwall Lionesses restricted in attacking opportunities scored from a free-kick to clinch a narrow 1-0 victory.

The final League Cup tie to report on saw Colney Heath Ladies travelling to play Haringey Borough Women in the 1st Round. The club 2nd bottom in the table coming close to getting the opening goal on 10 minutes hitting Colney Heath on the counter 1 on 1 with the keeper Amy Butler with a superb save to deny Haringey. The hosts keeper with a great save to deny Samaira Khan up the the end 2 minutes later. Khan leading the goal scoring charts for Colney Heath heading in her 22nd goal of the season 3 minutes later to put the visitors into the lead. A hand ball inside the box seeing Colney Heath awarded a penalty Lucy Hancock stepping up to score to make it 2-0 with 20 minutes played. Colney Heath starting to dominate going on to add a 3rd goal before the half hour Khan crossing for Adrienne Milton to score. Haringey getting it back to 3-1 scoring on the follow-up after the initial shot was saved. Sheree Oliver nodding in Charlene Moreton’s cross late in the half to see Colney Heath 4-1 up. Not many chances created 2nd half Colney Heath comfortable though safely through to the last 8.

ERWFL Plate

Three ties played in the 1st Round of this season’s League Plate competition won by Newmarket Town Women last season. Leigh Ramblers Ladies in good form going into the weekend 2nd in Division One South at home to fellow league side Lawford Ladies who have been struggling for numbers during the season. The visitors once again short of a full side in the 1st Round of the Plate Leigh Ramblers young side full of confidence, adding Georgia Holdaway to their squad this season. On target for a hat-trick at the weekend taking her tally to 8 for the season. There was also a brace each for Rhiana Castle and Megan Downes with her first goals of the season. Connie Mashford also getting her name on the scoresheet in a comfortable 8-0 win.

High scores in the other two 1st Round ties too at the weekend. Wodson Park Ladies struggling for form in the league this season with just one win hosting AFC Sudbury Ladies the Suffolk side finding some form after a tough start themselves. The visitors scoring twice, Wodson Park bringing in new faces to add to their squad progressing to the quarter finals of the League Plate with a 4-2 victory. A 5th goal of the season for Chloe-Marie Clay plus a hat-trick for Kristina O’Connell her first goals for Wodson Park making just her 2nd appearance.

East Bergholt United Ladies completing a trio of home wins in the 1st Round of the League Plate at the weekend beating Division One South side Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies 6-2 to reach the quarter finals following a solid start to life in the regional leagues having joined the ERWFL this season. Cara Savage with a brace scoring her first goals of the season for East Bergholt. A first goal of the season too for Tiffany Reeves along with brace for Stacey Teager.

ERWFL Division One South

Just the one league fixture played at the weekend in Division One South and a lack of games through postponements seeing Hutton Ladies knocked off top spot down to 3rd behind Millwall Lionesses and fellow Essex side Leigh Ramblers Ladies. Were playing their first game since the 1st of December a 100% record from 5 games played were at home to Stevenage FC Women Development who had suffered similarly having not played since the 8th December. Keen to get going both sides with plenty of goals in them shared 8 between them both scoring 4 to see the points shared Stevenage scoring 4 past a Hutton side that had only concede 3 in their previous 5 matches. Hutton losing their 100% record still unbeaten the top scorers in the league go back to 2nd 3 points behind Millwall with a game in hand. Kate Lowen scoring a brace with captain Abigail Fry and top scorer Vicky Kinsman both getting a goal each for Hutton. Nicole Emmings netting a hat-trick for Stevenage with Sofia Carpenter also on the scoresheet.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 08/12/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th December

ERWFL Premier Division

Harlow Town Ladies extend their winning run to 10 games in the league to move 9 points clear of the chasing pack in the ERWFL Premier Division. At home on Sunday taking on bottom side Haringey Borough Women. An emotional win too achieving a double figure scoreline getting off to a good start the goals flowing. 22 goals for the season now for top scorer Becky Shephard a poignant a special hat-trick scored on Sunday, thought are with her at this time. Plenty of goals to amongst the squad this season too with both Abbey Dell and Beth Chambers scoring a brace each with goals too for Frances Gamble, Georgia Box and captain Kaydee King. The final score 10-2.

Royston Town Women starting the day in 2nd spot in the ERWFL Premier Division travelled to play Bedford Ladies at the weekend. Royston with a string of early chances, a keenly fought match goalless at the break was to end in frustration for the visitors, Bedford capitalising to score the only goal of the game to win it 1-0, Maya Sidhu with the goal getting Bedford back to winning ways.

That defeat coupled with a 6th straight league win for Peterborough Northern Star Ladies sees then move up into 2nd in the ERWFL Premier Division table 9 games unbeaten now in all competition following an opening day defeat. Making the trip to Norfolk this weekend to play Wymondham Town Ladies. The hosts starting the brighter taking the lead inside the opening 5 minutes, Rebecca Russell playing in top scorer Hannah Waters to make it 1-0. PNS coming back to level the scores in the 15th minute. A competitive contest Wymondham retaking the lead 5 minutes later with Chelsea Clarke sending a shot across the keeper. Back came PNS to equalise, the visitors going on to score two goals late in the first half to lead at the break 4-2. A 2 goal cushion PNS went on to add a 5th goal before the hour finishing up winning the match 6-2. Jessica Driscoll dual signed with Milton Keynes Dons Ladies scoring a hat-trick on her first appearance for PNS. Goals too for Emma Pollard, and top scorer Leah Cudone with Chanade Henderson scoring her first goal of the season.

The ERWFL Premier Division where the action on Women’s Football East came this weekend a trip down to Essex to watch the match between Bowers & Pitsea Ladies and Luton Town Ladies. Bowers & Pitsea’s recent form improving back to back wins coming into the game have added Terry Harrison to the management team. Luton relegated from the FAWNL making a good start to the season themselves blooding alot of youngsters plenty of talent within the club, 16-year-old Ellie Sergeant handed her first start. The wind at their backs a solid defensive display from Luton, Bowers & Pitsea enjoying more of the possession moving the ball well without creating much in front of goal. Luton happy to sit back taking the lead midway through the first half, as route one a goal as you’ll see goalkeeper Kezia Hassell kicking the ball forwards travelling with the wind behind it missed by the Bowers & Pitsea centre backs attacker Rebecca Kane running onto it in the clear to place wide of the keeper. Erica Byron firing in a superb strike from outside the box to double the lead.

Luton’s Funmi Babalola challenging for the ball

Luton 2-0 up at half-time. Bowers & Pitsea continued to move the ball well Luton standing firm as the hosts looking to pull a goal back Kane put in over the top late on no flag going on to slot home her 2nd of the match to see the game won 3-0. Luton climb into 4th spot in the Premier Division table. The full match report available further down the page.

ERWFL League Cup

One outstanding match from the group stages of the league cup played this Sunday to decide the winner of Group B. Millwall Lionesses and Cambridge City Ladies Development finishing level on points goal difference not counting. The pair going head to head again a thrilling 4-4 draw the last time they met. Cambridge the hosts this Sunday Millwall pressing for a goal in the first half not taking their chances the pair goalless at half-time, Cambridge improving in the 2nd half two young sides showing plenty of energy, Millwall ending the game strong Cambridge goalkeeper Tee Mhunduru with a couple of saves, in the end the 90 minutes couldn’t separate them and the game heading into extra-time both sides tiring Millwall awarded a penalty Shannan Drewe sending her spot kick over was to make amends in the 2nd period of extra-time a mazy run ending with a goal enough to see Millwall secure victory and progress to the knock-out stages of the League Cup, Cambridge going into the Plate competition.

ERWFL Division One North

With leaders Cambridge City Development in cup action this weekend it was a chance for the sides below to close the gap to the top once more. Frustration for 2nd placed East Bergholt United Ladies last time out losing 4-2 to AFC Sudbury Ladies were at home playing Newmarket Town Ladies this weekend. As it was defences stood firm as the pair battled out a goalless draw to both take a point from the match enough to keep East Bergholt 2nd 3 points back from the leaders.

Coming up the rails at a gallop are King’s Lynn Town Ladies up to 3rd in the ERWFL Division One North table with a 4th straight league win. Bar a penalty shootout loss are unbeaten in 7 now in all competitions. The Norfolk side travelling down into Suffolk this weekend to play Needham Market Women. King’s Lynn making a strong start leading within 2 minutes a 2nd coming before 10 minutes were on the clock, Needham Market coming back creating chances King’s Lynn getting the better of the hosts to score twice more to lead 4-0 at half-time. King’s Lynn holding their advantage deep into the 2nd period Needham Market with a late fightback, Sasha Diston letting fly from 30 yards with 16 minutes left finding the top corner to make it 4-1. Captain Nicola Henderson with a goal a minute later also hit from 30 yards out bringing it back to 4-2. 10 minutes left Henderson with another long range hit getting it back to 4-3. The hosts tails up pressing forwards in search of an equaliser King’s Lynn exposing the high line to get forwards a score a 5th goal to seal the win 5-3 in the 88th minute. Emma Corbyn with a pair. Captain Becky Russell with her 9th goal of the season and a first of the season for Lily Porter and Deva Rawlings.

AFC Sudbury Ladies travelled up to the Norfolk coast at the weekend looking to build on last Sunday’s win against East Bergholt as they took on bottom side Gorleston Ladies still looking for their first point since joining the ERWFL. A close contest Gorleston unlucky not to get more from the match as they went down narrowly 3-2. AFC Sudbury with back to back wins up to 5th in the Division One North table, goals from Olivia Gunn, Rebecca Stephenson and Amy Thompson securing the 3 points despite the visitors ending with 10 players Evie Creaton sent off for collecting 2 yellow cards. Sophie Gillett and Nicole Sheldrake with her first of the season scoring for Gorleston.

ERWFL Division One South

One game played in ERWFL Division One South this weekend and it was a good result at home for newly promoted Leigh Ramblers Ladies their recent good form continuing their unbeaten run up to 4 matches now with 3 wins on the bounce. Taking on 4th placed Stevenage Women Development a brace from Rebecca Dalgarno along with a goal each for Georgia Holdaway, Kate Newton and Lucy Dalgarno seeing Leigh Ramblers to a 5-1 win that moves them level on points with 2nd placed Millwall Lionesses who they play this coming Sunday. Hannah Marshall scoring the goal for Stevenage.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 03/11/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 3rd November

ERWFL Premier Division

All change at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division once again this Sunday with Wroxham Women taking over the lead for the first time this season over Peterborough Northern Star Ladies who achieved the same feat last weekend. This weekend Peterborough Northern Star’s match away to Royston Town Women falling foul of the weather.

Wroxham Women 2nd in the table travelling down to play Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. A 3G playing surface. Bowers & Pitsea looking to arrest a poor run of league results after a fine run in the Women’s FA Cup was brought to an end last weekend. Wroxham looking for a 4th straight league win. An even start to the game Bowers & Pitsea coming close to opening the lead striking the woodwork with 2 efforts. Wroxham going 1-0 in the 34th minute, top scorer Grace Birchall receiving a crossfield ball from Naomi Cooper cutting inside to beat the keeper. Cooper again setting up Birchall to score her 2nd of the game. Bowers & Pitsea pulling a goal back late in the first half Megan Harley shot firing its way in from 30 yards out. Wroxham restoring their 2 goal lead in stoppage time Birchall out pacing the defence through to score her hat-trick and make it 26 goals so far for the season. Bowers & Pitsea striking the woodwork for he 3rd time in the match in an attack that saw Wroxham goalkeeper Amy Bell forced off injured defender Grace Parker donning the gloves. Wroxham though finishing the match strongly a host of chances getting a 4th goal deep into stoppage time, a long range free-kick struck by Naomi Cooper finding the bottom corner her 1st goal of the season. Wroxham moving to the top of the table winning 4-1.

Previous leaders Harlow Town Ladies back in league action themselves this weekend after enjoying a run in the Women’s FA Cup, surrendering their lead in the Premier Division in that time were back at home this Sunday taking on St Ives Town Ladies in the league, Harlow unbeaten in the league dropping just 2 points. In fine goal scoring form too the Essex side taking the lead through top scorer Becky Shephard free at the near post to score off Chloe Bassett’s left wing cross. Shephard going on to score a hat-trick to put her on 13 for the season. Captain Kaydee King making it 2-0 to Harlow scoring with a looping header off a free-kick. Tayla Handscombe put away on the left smashing the ball in high on the angle from outside the box to put Harlow 4-0 up. A strong first half from the hosts Bassett played through on goal by Amy Nash on halfway to score their 6th. St Ives pulling a goal back before King headed home from another set-piece to make it 7-1. Beth Chambers and Hannah Porter also celebrating a goal each in a 9-1.

4th versus 5th saw Luton Town Ladies away to Colney Heath Ladies this Sunday both in good form recently incredibly tight in the top half of the Premier Division table. Luton starting well creating chances, Colney Heath goalkeeper Amy Butler with a vital save. The hosts coming back into it striker Rianne Townsend-Brown put through to play the ball over the advancing keeper her effort back off the bar on 21 minutes. Goalless at the break, Luton taking the lead early in the 2nd half Funmi Babalola stealing the ball off the defence running in on goal to score. Colney Heath getting back on level terms 10 minutes later Samaira Khan firing into the roof of the net to make it 1-1 with her 11th strike of the season. Colney Heath exerting late pressure in the game Luton standing firm Elly Wade saving on the line to ensure the points were shared.

The Premier Division leaders can’t afford to let their foot off the gas at all incredibly close in the table all the way down to 8th, Wymondham Town Ladies with several players out injured long term winning at home on Sunday to put them on 12 points are only 6 off top spot were taking on AFC Dunstable Women struggling for points at the bottom of the table as their new look squad is still settling. Wymondham bringing in several players to bolster thier squad over the close season have goal scorers within their ranks young midfielder Mollie O’Callaghan opening the scoring inside 15 minutes shooting into the top corner to make it 1-0. New signing Mia Etheridge involved in the build up to the goal involved again for the 2nd just a minute later setting up captain Hannah Waters to score. Freya Symonds another new arrival in the summer scoring to put Wymondham 3-0 up midway through the 1st half. A dominant opening half hour Waters with the assist to set up O’Callaghan on 31 minutes to make it 4-0. O’Callaghan scoring from 25 yards out at the end of the 1st half to complete her hat-trick and see Wymondham leading comfortably 5-0. Dunstable battling 2nd half preventing Wymondham from adding to their tally managing to get a goal back themselves with 15 minutes left to play Louise McCay the scorer.

Wymondham Town Ladies, Mollie O’Callaghan

A point ahead of Wymondham in 7th are Bedford Ladies, they picked up the 3 points with a comfortable win at home to bottom side Haringey Borough Women on Sunday. Amy Magnus getting her goals account for the season opened scoring a hat-trick. There was a brace each for Lauren Murray and Setor Acolatse with both Maya Sidhu and captain Priya Bhatti also on the scoresheet with a goal apiece in a 9-1 win.

ERWFL League Cup

Plenty of goals scored in the final round of group matches in the ERWFL League Cup this Sunday with the Division One sides battling for a place in the knock out stages of the competition the 4 group winners going on to join the Premier Division sides with the rest entering the Plate competition.

To one of these games Women’s Football East headed this Sunday, a landmark occasion personally with the last report written my 400th since I started scribbling on a notepad at games. Enjoyed every minute of it and plenty more to come.

Onto the game headed to the Glassworld Stadium to watch Histon Ladies v Hutton Ladies in Group D, both with a win and a loss in their previous games, needed King’s Lynn Town Ladies to slip up away to Leigh Ramblers to have any chance of progressing. Hutton top of Division One South with a 100% record scoring plenty of goals, Histon coming into the game on a good run of results. Hutton getting off the the better start Histon not settling, the Essex side creating opportunities taking the lead inside the opening quarter hour Clare Edmonson scoring her first Hutton goal with a looping effort top of the area to beat the keeper on the line dropping under the bar. Despite their dominance Hutton leading by just a single goal at half-time Histon finishing the half well encouraged entering the 2nd half.

Histon captain, Sophie Lanham clearing the ball

Came very close to equalising Sophie Hopkins by line cross put in across pushed away by the keeper straight at substitute Rebekah Finch unable to get her foot up around the ball, Hutton broke to score up the other end the ball laid back to the top of the area for top scorer Vicky Kinsman to make it 2-0. Histon coming back to make it 2-1 straight away striker Poppy Kelly with a terrific shot across the keeper after shifting the ball well top of the area. Again Hutton came back to restore their 2 goal lead Kinsman captain Abigail Fry running clear taking the ball round the advancing keeper unselfishly setting up Kinsman to tap home into an empty net. Histon kept attacking Hutton comfortable to hit on the break adding a 4th through an unfortunate own goal with less than 10 minutes left Kinsman completing her hat-trick at the death to see the game won 5-1. The whole match report can be found further down the page.

Hutton striker, Vicky Kinsman scoring a hat-trick

In the end Hutton having to settle for 2nd place in Group D, there only loss of the season coming away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies in the competition a week ago the Norfolk side buoyed by that result travelled down to Essex to play newly promoted Leigh Ramblers Ladies knowing a positive result would guarantee top spot. Tiffany Forshaw getting her 5th goal of the season and a 1st of the season for Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse securing a 2-0 victory for the visitors.

Group A down to three sides following the sad withdrawal of Bishops Stortford Ladies from the league. Their opponents awarded the wins Stevenage FC Women Development not in action moving onto 6 points joining Newmarket Town Women who had beaten Bishops Stortford 13-0 before they pulled out another good result beating Stevenage 4-0 seeing them head into their final game at home to East Bergholt looking to make it a clean sweep in the group. East Bergholt with 3 points on the board could yet finish on 6 themselves and got off to a great start taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes extended the advantage on 30 minutes to lead 2-0 at half-time, Newmarket with a mountain to climb as East Bergholt struck again early in the 2nd half to lead 3-0, Megan Partridge with a brace along with a goal for Stacey Teager. Katie Webb setting up Annabel Cuthbert seeing Newmarket get it back to 3-1 on the 54th minute. Cuthbert battling her way through the East Bergholt defence to net her 2nd of the match midway through the half. Moments later the comeback was complete Chloe Slater with the strike to make it 3-3. Newmarket winning the League Plate in their debut season in the ERWFL winning the game in the final 3 minutes, Cuthbert scoring from the penalty spot to complete her hat-trick after Katie Webb was brought down inside the box. Newmarket winning Group A.

Group C yet to be decided Gorleston Ladies away match against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies falling foul to the weather. Needham Market Women topping the group with 2 wins from 2 likely to progress after their opponents Wodson Park Ladies couldn’t get a side.

In Group B it was all going to come down to who could score the most goals with Cambridge City Ladies Development and Millwall Lionesses on 4 points drawing 4-4 when they mat in the competition after winning their opening matches. Cambridge City at home taking on AFC Sudbury Ladies this weekend. Suffering a surprise 2-1 loss to them in the league itself last time out looking to make amends this time around had top scorer Carla Penny back in the starting line up and she carried on where she left off finding the back of the net for 4 goals. Ellie Cullum on target for a brace along with a goal for Freya Standing securing a 7-0 victory.

Millwall Lionesses were at home taking on Lawford Ladies who were short of numbers on the day. Again the sides meeting in the league last weekend Millwall coming out on top winning comfortably 10-3. Emily Stanley opening the scoring off an Ellis Lunn cross after just 7 minutes. Shannan Drewe adding a 2nd goal in quick succession. Ellis Lunn scoring a 3rd Millwall goal with 20 minutes gone. Thalia Broadman making her Millwall debut scoring her first goal for the club on 22 minutes netting from a 25 yard strike. Captain Ruby Snowden putting Millwall 5-0 up. Drewe rounding the keeper making it 6-0 completing a 1st half hat-trick. Broadman with her 2nd of the game seeing Millwall dominant leading 8-0 at half-time. Hard work for Lawford, Millwall kept coming 2nd half adding more goals. Snowden seeing a shot in off the post in the 48th minute. Millie Connell striking from the edge of the 18 yard box to bring up double figures. Hannah Cheeseman recently signed scoring a quickfire brace. Broadman getting a hat-trick on debut to make it 13-0. Drewe going on to add a further 2 gals giving her 5 in total. Stanley netting a 2nd goal. Snowden the 3rd Millwall player to celebrate a hat-trick with Elissa Stonebrook opening her account late on to see Millwall win 18-0 to top Group B and progress to the knockout stages.

Match Report – Histon Ladies v Hutton Ladies

Sunday 3rd November

ERWFL League Cup

Another milestone reached today, this Sunday’s game being my 400th match report since I started covering the sport back in 2012, originally as the Supporting Women’s Football blog now Women’s Football East have covered games at all levels across the country and enjoyed every minute of it. Today’s match action comes from the group stage of the ERWFL League Cup, Histon Ladies v Hutton Ladies.

The Division One side usually contest the early round of the league cup in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) with the Premier Division sides entering later on. This season a different format in the early stages, the Division One sides split into a North & South Division this season starting off with 8 in each drawn into 4 groups, 2 from the North & 2 South in each play each other once with the group winners progressing to the knock out stages of the competition with the 12 Premier Division sides. The remaining Division One sides going on to contest for the ERWFL Plate. Histon and Hutton Ladies drawn into Group D along side, King’s Lynn Town Ladies and Leigh Ramblers Ladies. King’s Lynn Town Ladies in pole position to top the group with 2 wins from 2, avoid defeat today away to Leigh Ramblers Ladies in Essex and they will finish top.

A win and a defeat for both Histon and Hutton to date will need Leigh Ramblers to do them a favour if they hope to nick top spot. Histon Ladies come into today’s game in good form with 3 straight wins in league and cup. A 3-2 away victory to Leigh Ramblers getting them off the mark in the League Cup followed by back to back wins in the league to see them climb up to 3rd in the Division One North table. The Cambridgeshire side bringing in several new youngsters to bolster the squad over the close season, 3 in today’s starting line-up, Abby Laughlin, Poppy Kelly & Sydney Graham.

A perfect start to the season for Hutton Ladies, the Essex side topping the ERWFL Division One South table with a 100% record 4 wins from 4. 6 wins in all competitions that record hitting the buffers last time out travelling up to Norfolk to play King’s Lynn in the League Cup defeated for the first time this season the first time they had failed to score in a game too. That aside Hutton are scoring plenty of goals this season averaging over 8 goals a game so far helped in the main by the goals scoring form of striker Vicky Kinsman. Joining Hutton last season scored an incredible 49 goals in 27 appearances. Has 21 already this campaign. One of several experienced players to join last season with the likes of Hayley Piggott and Abigail Fry who have both played higher coming in. The squad bolstered again this season, have been amongst the silverware in recent seasons including back to back wins in the ERWFL Plate two seasons ago.

The Glassworld Stadium the venue for today’s match home to Histon FC and Histon Ladies. The heavy rain due the day before a threat to the match, it just about held out with no fresh rainfall on Sunday the game on. Wet would cut up and make for heavy going is a large pitch offering plenty of width. Plenty of cover too though for supporters a large seated stand over looking the pitch the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. Light rain before the match as the sides warmed up, would thankfully fizzle out at kick-off and keep away, remained overcast.

Histon Ladies starting XI- Keeley Robinson, Abby Laughlin, Georgina Huse, Alison Wright, Tessa Shaw, Lauren Martin, Sophie Lanham (C) Sophie Hopkin, Sydney Graham, Siobhan White & Poppy Kelly. Subs – Rebekah Finch, Molly Blair, Casey Miller, Tara Fitzjohn.

Hutton Ladies starting XI – Krissie Glover, Kayleigh Franklin, Rianne Dimmock, Kristy Knight, Kelly Roberts, Hannah Page, Abigail Fry (C), Clare Edmonson, Kate Lowen, Lauren Knight & Vicky Kinsman. Subs – Hayley Piggott, Hayley Critchell & Sally Appleton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Onto the match action, Hutton to kick-off the first half wearing navy blue shirts with red shorts and socks with Histon lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Histon force Hutton to play it back to their defence the long kick forwards setting Lauren Knight away her ball forwards pushed on looking for Vicky Kinsman making a central run through towards the box intercepted and turned out for a throw. Hutton come on right side off a throw deep Clare Edmonson looks to take the ball on into the Histon box to the byline cuts it back inside the ball cleared at the near post.

Hutton settling quicker getting players forwards to the right another throw in conceded Kate Lowen to fire in the cross cut out by Alison Wright the ball loose top of the area Edmonson after it, so too Lauren Martin lunging in to get her foot on the ball first get it away for Histon. Histon make ground on the right side a throw in Sydney Graham combining well with Abby Laughlin, Graham cutting the ball back down the line to release Laughlin in behind, clipped rides the challenge recovering her footing to take the ball on her cross/shot taking a defection behind, play brought back however for the earlier foul. Siobhan White coming a cross to take it outside the box fired in towards the six yard box taken cleanly by Hutton goalkeeper Krissie Glover.

Lauren Martin on the ball for Histon Ladies

Glover setting Hutton on their way quickly a good kick up field over half way trapped beautifully at her feet by Edmonson killing the ball, flicks it on for Kinsman ahead of her, Hutton captain Abigail Fry bursting forwards to her right Kinsman rolls the ball into her path 25 yards out strikes it first time the shot over the bar. The resulting goalkick putting the Histon back line in trouble a slippy surface Kinsman latching onto it 30 yards out spins into a shoot left side the ball dipping late on goalkeeper Keeley Robinson right behind it down to stop it grabbing hold at the 2nd attempt. Kinsman showing good strength on the ball getting hold of it and turning to attack the Histon area, a cross in from the left dangerous, no one gambling through the middle.

GOAL! Closing in on 15 minutes played and Hutton take the lead, the goalkick straight to Kinsman, she passes it on to Edmonson ahead of her driving on plays it out to the left the ball crossed into the ox cut out deflected to the top of the area Edmonson there unmarked throws a leg out her first time attempt looping up over the defence and under the cross bar Robinson back on her line throws up a glove but can’t keep it out, 0-1. Edmonson’s first goal for Hutton.

Clare Edmonson opens the scoring for Hutton Ladies

Hutton capitalising on a good start winning the ball in the middle Hannah Page into Kinsman sending Lauren Knight clear in behind on the left down the line looking to get into the area, Wright getting across well to slide in and make the tackle taking the ball away from Knight’s toes. The defender up to play the ball up field doesn’t stick on the middle Kinsman rolled in again 35 yards out wide takes on the strike, on target but straight at Robinson.

Histon’s Alison Wright sliding in to win the ball back

Kate Lowen getting on the ball right side for Hutton drives forwards in behind into the area flashes a cross in, blocked by Wright, back to Lowen for a 2nd go on close to the near post, Robinson forwards down to smother the ball. The ball brought forwards from the back for Hutton played up to Kinsman up to head the ball on finds Lauren Knight out left bringing the ball on uses the outside of her boot to lift a diagonal ball into the area, Fry making a central run, Robinson can safely gather.

Hutton continue to have the lions share of the attack the ball not sticking up top for Histon the midfield having to track back often to help the defence as Hutton get players forwards. Edmonson with a great pass to find Lauren Knight on the left takes the ball on before squaring a cross into the area, Tessa Shaw doing well in central defence to keep in front of Kinsman to make sure she can’t get a touch the defender clearing. Hutton press the ball high keep Histon inside their final third, Page to Lauren Knight on the left crosses early an inviting ball along the six yard box, Kinsman throwing and outstretched leg forwards getting a tough, can only divert the ball wide out the far side.

Hutton striker Vicky Kinsman closely marked by Histon’s Tessa Shaw & Sophie Lanham

Shaw attempting to shield the ball back to her keeper is fouled by Kinsman gets the free kick. Histon get forwards White with the ball over the top on the left running on cuts inside looking for a shooting opportunity top of the area lets fly from 20 yards out her strike over the crossbar. Graham showing great close ball control bringing the ball inside on halfway looks to put it forwards almost succeeds in releasing Poppy Kelly through the middle but for an outstretched leg from Hutton defender Kristy Knight doing enough to take the ball out of Kelly’s path allowing Kelly Roberts to clear.

Abby Laughlin bringing the ball away for Histon Ladies

Signs Histon are starting to get a foothold in the game took a while to settle on the back foot. Captain Sophie Lanham back to clear the ball from her own box for Histon. White away on the left side comes inside for Histon, this time runs into Roberts neutralising the danger. Hutton remain a threat on the counter a throw right into Kinsman holds the ball up well turning to shoot on the angle, coming in near post Robinson sees it late gets a glove onto the ball knocking it behind for the corner.

Histon captain, Sophie Lanham clearing the ball

Hutton make the first change of the match, Lauren Knight coming off for Hayley Critchell. The substitute with an early opportunity to take the ball on left side carrying it towards the area, Laughlin with a superb tackle right on the line to take the ball. Hutton with another change as Sally Appleton enters the game replacing, Edmonson. Kristy Knight with a good tackle at the back to deny Graham as shot as she carries the ball forwards into the area from the right.

Histon build through the middle Graham right inside for Lanham her pass forwards releasing Kelly right takes defenders on cutting back into the box running square of goal. Pushes the ball on for White on the penalty spot she back heels it on as Kelly’s run takes her past her the attacker taking on the shot, Glover saving with her legs. Histon win a free-kick inside the Hutton half players forwards into the box as White sets the ball down knocked down by the defence Kelly intercepts looks to bring under control and turn and shot her attempt blocked spins behind for a corner. Histon ending the first half well.

Sydney Graham looking to play the ball forwards for Histon

White coming left crossing in Kelly running in with a defender shooting, Glover hands up to make the blocking save. Hutton attack late on Kinsman putting the ball on for Critchell left tackled by Laughlin top of the area, the ball skipping up and behind Laughlin losing sight of it Critchell in to lift a cross into the middle, drops far side no one can reach it. Late in the half a throw right fro Histon, Graham receiving firing in a dangerous cross, Franklin getting a touch to take it away from Kelly attacking the far post.

Half-time Histon Ladies 0-1 Hutton Ladies

Hutton leading the match 1-0 at half-time have been the dominant side making a good start creating opportunities, getting players in behind, several dangerous crosses not finding anyone. Good hold up play and runs from midfield particularly from Fry. Histon took a while to settle starting to come into the match late on creating some good opportunities themselves, trailing by the single goal are far from out of it yet.

A change fro both sides at half-time by the looks of it, Rebekah Finch on for Histon replacing White, Hopkin now over on the left. Hayley Piggott on in defence for Hutton replacing Franklin. The sun doing it’s best to break through setting into the the end of the ground into the faces of the Hutton defence. Histon to get the 2nd half underway. An early chance for Histon coming close to equalising Hopkin off a throw left driving on to the byline a vicious cross put across the face of goal, Glover throwing herself at it palming it on straight to Finch central coming at her quickly tries to adjusted her body get a foot up to meet the ball minimal contact Hutton close in to clear.

GOAL! A golden chance to level the scores at one end Histon are hit on the counter the ball sent long up to Critchell left the defence don’t deal inside the box Critchell retrieving on the byline playing the ball back up to the top of the box Kinsman latching onto it left of the D to shoot place the ball wide of the keeper 0-2.

Histon bring the ball on Graham over half way passing to Lanham making a move on the right wing a cross lifted up into the area near side into Kelly’s path lays it on to Finch ahead of her Kristy Knight going with her run near post successfully defending for Hutton.

GOAL! Histon get a goal back straight away after conceding early in the 2nd half, Hutton looking to get the ball forwards quickly won at the back by Georgina Huse lifted forwards up the left to put Hopkin away into space, rolls it infield to Kelly 20 yards out left of goal head down looks to take on the Hutton defence, pushes right then shifts it left creating space to take on the shot a smash a shot high across the keeper 1-2.

Poppy Kelly central with the goal for Histon

Finch with a shot from 25 yards out for Histon brushes the top of the net on its way over.

GOAL! Hutton with a quickfire reply to score a 3rd goal attack quickly through the middle the ball put on for Fry racing trough left channel, Robinson coming out of her goal to meet her Fry knocking the ball past her on towards left open for the shot, sees Kinsman storming through unmarked inside her unselfish squared the ball into her path the striker with the simple finish to make it 1-3.

Hutton striker, Vicky Kinsman

A busy start to the 2nd half 3 goals scored an open game Histon looking more of a threat scoring but hit for 2 up the other end. Appleton brings Hopkin down on the left outside the box giving Histon the free Kick. Lanham over it fired in low towards the near post a combination of defence and keeper getting it away for Hutton. the visitors break Kinsman on halfway playing it on for Lowen right support from Appleton a high ball into the box dealt with by the Histon defence.

Krissie Glover keeping the ball out for Hutton Ladies

Hutton break miss a great opportunity to go 4-1 ahead as Critchell bombs on left side crossing from a tight angle the ball across the keeper missed by Lowen close in at the far post. Histon come forwards Martin up for Kelly to attack brings the ball on towards the Hutton box, tackled well by Kristy Knight. Hutton are giving away alot of free kicks, Histon so far not making the most of them but it is a concern for Hutton’s bench, Dimmock receiving a talking too by the referee. Lanham on a set-piece right of the centre circle a good delivery in long to the far post Wright the runners catching it first time can’t get the ball down on target.

Hutton Ladies, Kate Lowen with Histon’s Georgina Huse

Histon winning a corner left side in towards the near post defended, Kelly putting the ball back to the corner taker crossed in again this time Fry and Page combine top of the box to get the threat away for Hutton. Histon do well to press the ball high regain possession Lanham lifting the ball on almost finding Wright stealing in behind. Histon make a change with 23 minutes left to play, Hopkin coming off on comes summer signing Molly Blair.

Kinsman getting hold of the ball for Hutton left side 30 yards out drives on towards the box a powerful run, tackled by Wright the ball pushed wide to the left gathered by the advancing Critchell puts it back to Kinsman backing away from the area 25 yards out puts her foot throw the ball blasts a shot towards goal, Robinson with a full stretch dive to her left lands to hear the ball thump into the boarding behind goal the shot narrowly wide.

Chances falling to both side prepared to shoot outside the box, Kelly smashes a shot from all of 30 yards out central that stings the keepers gloves rebounding out to the right picked up by Graham racing forwards she blasts over on the angle. Hutton make a change Lauren Knight returning to the game replacing Roberts. Another silly free kick given away by Hutton left side a chance for Histon to bring players up from the back Lanham on the ball sent in towards the top of the area a Hutton head on the ball looping high into the air and towards goal, Glover eyes on nothing else back on her line with the confident take.

Histon Ladies, Alison Wright

Graham brought down inside the Hutton half, the free kick met by Finch heading it in top of the area off target Glover coming across to claim. Histon capitalise from a bit of ping ball on halfway the ball deflected in behind for Graham right side to bring on plays in early for Kelly racing on through the middle shoots first time as it runs across her path a poor connection lacking power on target but Glover can shuffled across her goal to gather at the right post.

Lowen in an advanced position on the right for Hutton shifts the ball left the right before shooting from outside the area the ball held cleanly by Robinson in goal. Histon bring off Lanham with around 10 minutes left to play bringing on another summer signing Casey Miller. Hutton come on right side Lowen sending a cross into the box just behind the run of Lauren Knight central the ball cleared back out to the right Appleton up the pitch shooting across goal, Lauren Knight sliding in far post but Robinson down bravely has the ball safely into her body. Piggott fouls Kelly outside the area Wright on the free kick 20 yards out goes for goal on target by straight at the keeper.

GOAL! 7 minutes of normal play left the game stretched now players getting tired Hutton extend their lead making the game safe. Lauren Knight away on the left side putting in a dangerous cross into the six yard box a defender there first ahead of Kinsman throws a leg up to meet the ball is an unfortunate own goal the ball turned into the back of the net 1-4.

Changes for both sides now, Edmonson and Franklin back on for Hutton replacing, Lowen and Kristy Knight. Tara Fitzjohn on for Laughlin for Histon. Kinsman on the attack central for Hutton lays it on for Lauren Knight the ball cut out inside the box comes out to Appleton up on the right drives a shot in towards goal, Robinson getting her gloves up to save the ball cleared only to come straight back in headed away by Shaw.

Hutton win a rare free kick of their own outside the Histon box on the right Piggott up to take goes for goal a well struck effort that flies wide past the par post. Blair flicking the ball on Finch controlling and turning to shoot on the volley top of the area straight into the keepers gloves.

GOAL! Into the closing minutes and Kinsman central played in battles her way through in towards the top of the area Wright on her shoulder to beat the defender and get a shot away past the advancing keeper to complete her hat-trick 1-5.

Full time Histon Ladies 1-5 Hutton Ladies

Hutton with two late goals win the match 5-1, a better 2nd half from Histon came out strong at the start of the 2nd half only to concede a 2nd goal. Kelly with a superb strike to bring it back to 2-1 Hutton were quick to restore their two goal lead. Chances for both as the match opened up Hutton giving away free kicks Histon not able to find a 2nd goal apply some pressure Hutton going on to win comfortably. All for nothing in the end as they finish 2nd in Group D behind King’s Lynn Town Ladies who made it 3 wins from 3 away to Leigh Ramblers to advance to the knockout stages. Both Hutton and Histon who reached the final of the competition last season will fancy their chances in the Plate.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Notable performances from Poppy Kelly in attack and Alison Wright in defence for Histon. For Hutton it’s a close call in the finish, excellent work in midfield from captain Abigail Fry with several fantastic runs forwards during the match. Have chosen Vicky Kinsman scoring a hat-trick of course but more than that her presence up front general hold up play and strength on the ball, drawing defenders towards her giving space for others to exploit.

400 match reports written and the thing I love about doing them is no two are the same get a buzz every time. The content comes solely from the players out there on the pitch and I merely try and put it into words. Plenty more left in the tank, need those team details as always and much appreciated… on to the next one.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 27/10/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 27th October

ERWFL Premier Division

The Women’s FA Cup pushing this weeks ERWFL Round-Up back a bit. Plenty of action to cover and it is an ever changing picture at the top of the Premier Division table with new leaders at the top. Peterborough Northern Star Ladies moving a point clear at the top winning a 4th straight league game away to Haringey Borough Women on Sunday. Taking advantage of previous leaders Harlow Town Ladies involvement in the Women’s FA Cup. Leah Cudone a prolific attacker wherever she’s played joining Peterborough Northern Star this season put 4 into the back of the net on Sunday against bottom side Haringey to take her tally to the season into double figures. A first goal of the season too for Georgia Coulson as Peterborough wrapped up a 5-1 win their only loss in the league so far this season coming on the opening day.

10 goals so far for Peterborough Norther Star Ladies, Leah Cudone (photo credit PNS Ladies)

Wroxham Women taking advantage too to Harlow’s involvement in the Women’s FA Cup despite the Essex side knocking them out in the previous round to move above them in the Premier Division table into 2nd. Back in action at home after two weeks were taking on Colney Heath Ladies, the Hertfordshire side showing good form recently to climb up the 2nd in the Premier Division table. Wroxham bringing that spell to an abrupt end taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes Amber Rowland played in to shoot and find the bottom corner. Grace Birchall amongst the goals for Wroxham early in the season netting her 23rd goal from just 9 appearances midway through the 2nd half, running into a long ball to beat the defence and shoot into the top corner. An own goal from Colney Heath seeing Wroxham leading 3-0 at half-time. Lauren Bullard introduced by Wroxham at the start of the 2nd half making it 4-0 in the 58th minute would go on to get a 2nd midway through the half to help secure a 5-0 win for Wroxham.

Royston Town Women another side taking full advantage of others involvement in the Women’s FA Cup to climb up into 4th spot in the ERWFL Premier Division. Just 3 points behind the leaders level on points with 3rd placed Harlow now. Unbeaten in 4 in the league now won comfortably away from home this Sunday taking on AFC Dunstable Women. Just the bare 11 for Dunstable struggling at the bottom of the league Royston have goals in their squad this season notably from Rebecca Vass the new signing scoring 4 against Dunstable to take her to 11 for the season. Emma Slater and Ellie Wilkerson both getting a goal each with first goals of the season too for Angharad Chambers and Georgia Gannaway. An 8-0 win for Royston.

ERWFL Division One North

Four wins and a draw to start the season for newly promoted Cambridge City Ladies Development were leading the way in the ERWFL Division One North as they travelled to AFC Sudbury Ladies at the weekend. The hosts relegated from the ERWFL Premier Division losing their opening 2 league games without a point on the board a new look side this season a young squad. A great start to the match for the hosts though taking the lead in the 15th minute Rebecca Stephenson firing in a great shot from the top of the box taking a nick off a defender to loop up into the top corner. Sudbury going 2-0 up midway through the 1st half, Stephenson to target again striking from a long way out to celebrate her 2nd of the game. Minutes later Sudbury were down to 10 as goalkeeper Amelia Carter was sent of bringing down striker Bella Simmons outside the box. Sudbury lead 2-0 at half-time playing the 2nd half with 10. Battled hard in defence, Cambridge getting it back to 2-1 straight after the restart with Simmons scoring. Sudbury frustrating thier opponents wasn’t to be Cambridge’s day as they failed to find another goal Sudbury getting their first win under their belts.

A local derby elsewhere in the ERWFL Division One North with Suffolk sides East Bergholt United Ladies & Needham Market Women meeting in the league for the 1st time both promoted to the ERWFL this season following a season long battle last season at the top of the Suffolk Women’s Division. Contrasting starts to the season, East Bergholt beginning with 2 straight wins before losing to Cambridge City a third win keeping them 2nd in the table a loss last time out narrowly at home to King’s Lynn. Needham Market Women have played just one league match to date a 3-3 draw against Histon Ladies. Meeting this Sunday the sides enjoying another close game in the end a single goal enough to secure the 3 points the win going to hosts East Bergholt, ex-AFC Sudbury player Megan Partridge on target for her 5th goal of the season since joining the club. East Bergholt moving to within a point of leaders Cambridge City.

A single goal too enough to win the 3 points for Histon Ladies away from home on Sunday taking on Newmarket Town Women in the ERWFL Division One North. A frustrating start to the season for Histon Ladies, just one point won in 3 league games coupled with two cup defeats. Bringing in several new players to bolster the squad over the close season have started to find some form back to back wins in league and cup were looking to make it 3 on the spin away to Newmarket who were keen to get their season going themselves making a good start themselves with a win and a draw. A hard fought win going Histon’s way in the finish the winning goal coming on the hour, Poppy Kelly latching onto Lauren Martin’s through ball to shoot past the keeper. Histon up to 3rd in the table with 7 points on the board.

ERWFL Division One South

Two game played in the ERWFL Division One South this weekend and with the top two not in league action it was a chance for 3rd placed Millwall Lionesses to close the gap as they hosted bottom side Lawford Ladies. The bare 11 for Lawford, Millwall making an unbeaten start to the season with 2 wins and a draw. Millwall getting off to a brilliant start getting themselves into a 4-0 lead inside 15 minutes! Ellie Lunn finding the bottom corner to open the scoring in the 7th minute. Molly Hawkins scoring from close range doubling the lead in the 12th minute. Hawkins with a quick fire double chipping the keeper on the volley to make it 3-0. Shannan Drewe intercepting and firing in a shot across goal bringing up the hosts 4th. Lawford rallying somewhat battling hard at the back. Millwall striking the woodwork. Lawford pulling a goal back in the 34th minute the ball lifted over the keeper. Hawkins though completing her hat-trick to see Millwall leading 5-1 at the break.

Millwall slow out of the blocks 2nd half, Lawford pulling it back to 5-2 scoring from a corner. 10 minutes into the 2nd period and Millwall themselves were back amongst the goals Ruby Snowden firing into the top corner to make it 6-2. A 7th goal brought up on the hour with Samantha Middleton getting on the scoresheet with the finish. An 8th goal soon following Drewe rifling home for her 2nd of the match. Lawford not giving up by any stretch getting on the scoresheet for a third goal themselves bringing it back to 8-3. Drewe seeing her shot saved new signing Hannah Cheeseman chasing in on the follow up sending the ball over the line for her first goal for the club. Snowden getting her 2nd goal of the match to see Millwall reach double figures with 15 minutes left. A 10-3 win seeing Millwall move level on 10 points with 2nd placed Stevenage FC Women Development.

Elsewhere in ERWFL Division One South newly promoted Leigh Ramblers Ladies young guns were at home to Wodson Park Ladies. A win and a loss for Leigh Ramblers so far from 2 league games played. Wodson Park yet to win a point frustrated at the start of their season. Leigh Ramblers bringing in Georgia Holdaway this season, amongst the goals last season playing for Brentwood was on target again this weekend for her 3rd goal since joining the club. Emily Diwell also on target getting her third goal of the campaign to see Leigh Ramblers win the match 2-0 to move clear in 4th place in the table.

ERWFL League Cup

Postponed from a fortnight ago ERWFL Division One South leaders Hutton Ladies were away to Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies in the ERWFL Cup group stage this weekend. The Essex side with a 100% success rate so far in league and cup matches to start the season and scoring plenty of goals in the process, a strong start for Hutton, King’s Lynn making an indifferent start doing well to keep their opponents for scoring this weekend for the first time this season Hutton drawing a blank in front of goal. King’s Lynn going on to win the match 3-0. Captain Becky Russell scoring twice to move onto 5 goals for the season with attacker Oksana Imanalijeva scoring her first goal of the season.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 20/10/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 20th October

ERWFL Premier Division

Continues to be very tight on the ERWFL Premier Division, now a 4 way tie at the top on 13 points, with everyone else bunched up behind, all the way down to 10th place St Ives Town Ladies who lay 6 points behind the leading pack. Harlow Town Ladies despite not being in action holding onto top spot on goal difference, Colney Heath Ladies in County Cup action this weekend retaining 2nd spot, joining the pair on 13 points at the top of the table are Luton Town Ladies & Peterborough Northern Star Ladies.

Luton Town Ladies back up into 3rd place were back in league action for the 1st time in 3 weeks having lost for the first time this season away to current leaders Harlow Town Ladies. At home this Sunday were taking on bottom side Haringey Borough Women. Luton taking the lead inside the opening 2 minutes Funmi Babalola scoring her 4th goal of the season. Haringey holding Luton at bay for another half hour before the hosts doubled their lead Zara Carroll’s shot finding the top corner. Jess McKay making it 3-0 with her 7th goal of the season late in the first period. A 4th goal coming early in the 2nd half Erica Bryon scoring her first goal of the season on 47 minutes would go on to score a hat-trick with two quick fire goals on the hour. a 6-0 the goals flowed then for Luton on top adding a further 5 to win the game 11-0. Babalola going on to complete her hat-trick, Carroll adding a further goal along with a brace for Rebecca Kane.

Katie Steward

Peterborough Northern Star Ladies away to AFC Dunstable Women at the weekend like Haringey with just the one point on the board. Peterborough Northern Star undefeated since a narrow loss on the opening day gunning for a 3rd straight win. A brace each for Leah Cudone taking her to 6 goals for the season and last seasons top scorer Katie Steward seeing Peterborough Northern Star head home with the 3 points to put them level amongst the leading pack on 4th spot.

Leah Cudone

7 points earned from their last 4 league games Bedford Ladies climb up to 7th spot in the ERWFL Premier Division onto 10 points level with 6th placed Royston Town Women albeit having played 3 games more and just 3 points from the leading quartet. Bounced back from last weekend defeat away to Wymondham Town Ladies to win the 3 points at home to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies who find themselves slipping down the table after making an encouraging start to the season. Bowers & Pitsea making a great start taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes new signing Yasmin Cowley striking for her first goal for the club. Bedford coming back to quickly equalise the initial shot well saved Carissa Kaczorowski there on the follow up to send the ball over the line to make it 1-1. The sides level at half-time Bedford would go on to find the winning goal midway through the 2nd half. Maya Sidhu in plenty of space on the left a through ball finding her taking the ball on to slot into the bottom corner to put Bedford into the lead.

ERWFL Division One North

Cambridge City Ladies Development making a fantastic start to the season following promotion to the ERWFL playing in Division One North 4 wins from for so far, were defending their 100% start at home to Newmarket Town Women this Sunday the visitors with a 100% win record themselves albeit having played just the one league match so far. Newmarket starting well taking the lead on the 17th minute, winning a corner Chloe Slater to put the ball in, Beth Woodfield heading on across goal, Jodie Woodfield nodding in from close range to make it 1-0. Striker Annabel Cuthbert making it 2-0 with her 8th goal of the season. A chance to go 3 up from the penalty spot missed by Cuthbert towards the end of the first period hitting the bar. Cambridge’s defence working hard to keep Newmarket at bay needed a better 2nd half performance. The hosts awarded a penalty on the hour dispatched by Carla Penny to put her joint top scorer on 9 with Bella Simmons making it 2-1. Cambridge pressing for another goal forcing a good save from Newmarket keeper Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls. The hosts given a 2nd penalty with 20 minutes to go Penny successful from the spot levelling the scores to see Cambridge & Newmarket share the points losing their 100% starts stay undefeated.

Far from the start to the season that King’s Lynn Town Ladies were looking for losing their opening two league matches in ERWFL Division One North postponements halting their season for the past two weekends were finally back in action this Sunday the Norfolk side travelling down into Suffolk to play newly promoted East Bergholt United Ladies who have made a promising start to the season playing at a higher level winning 3 of their opening 4 league games currently 2nd in the table. King’s Lynn beginning the match well dominating early on getting into the lead midway through the first half, striker Tiffany Forshaw firing home her 4th goal of the season. The lead doubled on the stroke of half-time captain Becky Russell driving a shot in, King’s Lynn 2-0 up at half-time. East Bergholt came out battling in the 2nd half looking to get back into the match eventually pulling a goal back in the final quarter hour Katie Bruce on target with her first goal of the season. King’s Lynn holding out to claim their first league points of the season.

Histon Ladies with just a point on the board after 3 played in Division One North were looking for their first league win of the season this Sunday at home taking on AFC Sudbury Ladies. A chance to take an early lead as the hosts were awarded a penalty in the opening couple of minutes. Alison Wright to take scoring off the rebound to make it 1-0. Sydney Graham on target to score her first goal for Histon in the 36th minute seeing them into a 2-0 lead at the break. Histon creating further chances in the 2nd period Graham hitting the bar and Sophie Hopkin seeing a shot pushed onto the post Sudbury pulled it back to 2-1 in the 81st minute with scoring her first goal of the season to set up a nervous finish Histon though celebrating the win at the final whistle.

Histon Ladies, Sydney Graham (photo credit Gary Reed)

ERWFL League Cup

One game from the group stage of the ERWFL League Cup played this Sunday postponed from last weekend, in Group C Gorleston Ladies hosting Needham Market Women. Both new to the league. Jason Croft stepping down as Gorleston’s manager this week, oversaw the clubs rise through the leagues gaining two promotions. Player/coach Sophie Gillett stepping up to become manager as the club look to build within the ERWFL. Needham market keen to to make their mark in the ERWFL. A close game scrappy on occasions Gorleston working hard with Needham Market creating opportunities early on the visitors taking the lead in the 11th minute with captain Nicola Henderson’s cross sot finding it’s way over the line. Gorleston proving hard to break down Needham Market without creating too much to trouble Needham market at the other end the hosts having one ruled out for offside, Henderson’s early goal proving the difference.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 13/10/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 13th October

ERWFL Premier Division

Was once again another great weekend for Colney Heath Ladies in the ERWFL Premier Division, once again they were the only top 6 side in action in the league on Sunday and took full advantage with back to back wins to climb up into 2nd in the table level on points with leaders Harlow Town Ladies. Away this Sunday were playing newly promoted Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Colney Heath rattling the post in the opening minutes with captain Sheree Oliver striking from 18 yards out. The visitors lacklustre for a spell after came to life again on the half hour another warning shot with Charlene Moreton seeing a shot cannon off the bar. The opening goal scored with 7 minutes left of the first half Samaira Khan with the cutback for Oliver to tap home. A corner won a minute later the ball in controlled by full back Eustacia Randles inside rifling the ball into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 and see her celebrate her first goal of the season.

Opportunities for Bowers & Pitsea trailing 2-0 at the break were soon trailing by 3 Colney Heath scoring again 4 minutes into the restart, Samaira Khan proving to be a potent goal threat since joining from AFC Dunstable scoring her 8th goal of the season. Goalkeeper Amy Butler saving to deny Bowers & Pitsea a goal the visitors awarded a penalty on the hour a clinical finish from Lucy Hancock t make it 4-0. Khan wrapping up a 5-0 win scoring her 2nd of the match with 15 minutes left.

A run of frustrating results for Wymondham Town Ladies was brought to an end at home this Sunday was they recorded their 2nd league win playing Bedford Ladies. The Norfolk side taking the lead in the 23rd minute Hannah Waters lobbing the keeper to score her 8th goal of the season. Chelsea Clarke involved in the build-up to that goal had the assist to see Waters double the lead just 3 minutes later. Bedford catching Wymondham in possession Carissa Kaczorowski capitalising to pull it back to 2-1 before half-time. That how the scores remained leading up to the final 15 minutes of the game Mollie O’Callaghan sending a shot across the keeper to give Wymondham a 2 goal lead. Wymondham adding a 4th goal with 10 minutes left to win 4-1 O’Callaghan seeing her corner headed against the Bedford crossbar by one of their own defenders Freya Symonds pouncing on the rebound to score.

St Ives Town Ladies are beginning to find their feet and confidence playing at this level for the first time have now collected 7 points from their last 3 games after losing their opening 4 league games since winning promotion as Division One champions last season. Away to struggling Haringey Borough Women this weekend came home with all 3 points in the bag. Attackers Georgia Stancombe and Tierney Coulson both getting on the scoresheet with a goal each along with captain Hannah Seymour-Shove scoring from the penalty spot in a 3-1 win.

ERWFL League Cup

The 2nd Round of group games from this season’s new look ERWFL Cup played this weekend the 16 (now 15) Division One sides North & South divided up into 4 groups of 4 playing each other once with the group winners progressing to the knockout stages. 7 matches scheduled the weather playing it’s part unfortunately seeing the games between Gorleston , & Needham Market & King’s Lynn & Hutton postponed. AFC Sudbury awarded an away win over Lawford Ladies left 4 to be played.

In group A, Newmarket Town Women were hosting Stevenage FC Women Development both starting with a win. Newmarket’s win however against the now withdrawn Bishops Stortford and not sure that result win count. Nevertheless playing Stevenage in good form in Division One South, Newmarket picked up another great result winning the match 4-0. Young striker Annabel Cuthbert scoring a brace in the game has 7 goals now from 5 played. Katie Webb not far behind with a goal in the game to take her to 6 goals from 5 played. Lauren Deller also on the scoresheet with her 3rd goal of the season.

A 100% winning start to the season in both league and cup for Cambridge City Ladies Development topping Division One North were away to Millwall Lionesses unbeaten in 3rd in Division One South this Sunday also winning their opening League Cup group match. Meeting in group B. An early goal for the hosts Ellis Lunn chasing the ball down forcing an error from the keeper to tap home into the empty net beyond. Cambridge getting it back all square midway through the 1st half Ellie Cullum seeing her initial shot come back of the keeper slotting the ball in to make it 1-1. Lunn from close range restoring Millwall’s lead, Cambridge hitting back with an instant reply Bella Simmons pouncing as the hosts failed to deal with a long ball. 2-2 at the break. Millwall taking the lead again on the hour Cansu Mentash getting onto the end of a corner to find the back of the net. The clock closing down to the final 10 minutes Millwall extended their lead Shannan Drewe striking to find the bottom corner from outside the box. Again Cambridge came back with an instant reply Simmons with her 2nd of the game to make it 4-3. The visitors rescuing a point in the final minute of the game Rachel Pearce scoring the goal to see it finish 4-4.

All very tight in Group C with 3 sides all on 3 points now. Wodson Park Ladies losing their opening group game against Gorleston away to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies this Sunday. Hoddesdon losing to Needham Market in their opening group match was a vital victory in the competition for Wodson Park as they collect the 3 points courtesy of a 4-0 win.

Was also a vital win in the competition for Histon Ladies on Sunday away to Essex side Leigh Ramblers Ladies both losing their opening group D games to King’s Town Ladies & Hutton Ladies respectfully that game called off a chance for one or the other to join the pair on 3 points. Goals from Siobhan White and Poppy Kelly on her debut seeing Histon leading 2-0 at half-time. Leigh Ramblers battling back 2nd half to level the scores with Rebecca Dalgarno and Georgia Holdaway on target with a goal a piece. Kelly scoring an 89th minute winner for Histon was unfortunate to see a penalty saved in injury time to deny her a hat-trick.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 12/05/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 12th May

ERWFL League Cup

A big weekend in the ERWFL calendar as the season draws to a close the league titles settled, this Sunday it was the turn of the cup competitions the League Cup and Plate. Women’s Football East was at both games and as I already written over 7,000 words in those match reports shall simply say to read the full report simply scroll down the page to the previous posts.

Nevertheless we’ll start at the end. The winners! Beginning with the League Cup, Cambridge City Ladies looking to do the double having won the Premier Division taking on Bedford Ladies. A fast start to the game from Bedford saw them race into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 5 minutes, captain Michelle Byrne from a corner and Eden Kibron shooting across the keeper the goalscorers. Cambridge making a sluggish start slowly getting back into it making changes, a free-kick fired into the near post spilt by the keeper seeing Megan Tonks fire home to make it 2-1 before half-time.

Hannah Bodily sending a shot in from outside the box to make it 2-2 in the 2nd period both sides creating further chances, none taken the game heading into extra-time a tense period of extra play following neither side finding the winning goal it went all the way to penalties. Cambridge up first scoring, then goalkeeper Tee Mhunduru saved Bedford’s opening penalty, scoring there next three, Bedford having scored their next two penalties had to score their 4th to stay in it put wide, Cambridge City were the side celebrating winning the League Cup and doing the double.

Cambridge City Ladies 2018/19 ERWFL League Cup winners

ERWFL League Plate

Before the League Cup Final, Histon Ladies and Newmarket Town Ladies met in a morning kick-off to contest the League Plate Final. Another closely fought game. Newmarket taking an early lead awarded a free-kick, Jess Linger shooting from distance her shot not kept out. Histon though were soon back on level terms awarded a free-kick of their own wide on the area Kaya Haq striking it well putting her shot over the keeper in under the bar at the far post. Histon going on to take the lead themselves scoring from another fee-kick put into the box, the ball falling to Rebekah Finch to score from close range.

2-1 to Histon at half-time Newmarket making a bright start to the 2nd half were level on 55 minutes a young striker Annabel Cuthbert getting free at the far post to stab a shot under the keeper. 2-2 the game moving into the final 15 minutes Newmarket scoring a 3rd goal. Hannah Rogers straight from a corner. Proving to be the winning goal Newmarket winning silverware in their debut season in the ERWFL.

Newmarket Town Ladies, 2018/19 ERWFL Plate winners

ERWFL Premier Division

Two games played in the ERWFL Premier Division too this Sunday and both involving the battle for 2nd place. Royston Town Ladies holding the spot going into their final game of the season were at home to Peterborough Northern Star Ladies. Level on points with 3rd placed Acle United Women, Royston started positively against Peterborough even early on the visitors opening the scoring through Katie Steward who then make it 2-0 past the half hour. Leah Cudone on target with a goal too to see Peterborough leading 3-0 at half-time.

2 quick goals at the start of the 2nd half from Emma Pollard and Vicky Gallagher with a stunning strike making it 5-0 to Peterborough with less than 5 minutes played in the 2nd period. Steward going on to complete her hat-trick minutes later to make it 6. Another goal for Steward making it 7-0 with her 19th goal of the season. Royston getting a consolation goal back through Charlotte South. Cudone found the back of the net for her 2nd of the afternoon to see Peterborough win convincingly 8-1 to keep alive their hopes of a 5th placed finish and inflict a damaging defeat on Royston.

Costly in their final game to as they finish 3rd, over taken by Acle United Women who were playing their last ever game under that name as they become Wroxham. Playing their final game at Wroxham’s Trafford Park to showcase their talents to their prospective new support ended on a high taking on Colney Heath Ladies who were ending the season positively themselves this game abandoned earlier in the season. Grace Birchall firing Acle into the lead first half. Charlene Moreton getting Colney Heath back on level terms the sides all square 1-1 at half-time. Acle coming up with the winning goal 2nd half Birchall scoring her 2nd of the game and 33rd of the season over all to see Acle win the game and in doing so clinch runners-up spot.

ERWFL Division One

Likewise there were two games played in Division One this Sunday. King’s Lynn Town Ladies coming on strong towards the end of the season up to fifth with games in hand on the sides above were away to bottom side Bishops Stortford Ladies playing their final game of what has been a very difficult season. The hosts scoring twice through Natasha Coppin and Poppy Kelly, King’s Lynn coming back to Norfolk with the 3 points in the bag scoring 6 up the other end with 4 of those goals belonging to Rachel Skinner her first goals for the club. Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse and Annie Rooks celebrating the other goals two games left go to champions and unbeaten St Ives Town Ladies next.

In the other game on Sunday in Division One their were plenty of goals to as Hutton Ladies hosted Lawford Ladies playing their final game of the season. Vicky Kinsman scoring her 49th goal (1st team) of the season for Hutton along with a goal for Rosi Webb and a 1st goal for Danielle Cliffe. Lawford matching them up the other end however scoring three themselves to end their first season in the ERWFL on a positive note.

Match Report – Cup Final Special

Sunday 12th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Bedford Ladies v Cambridge City Ladies

On to the 2nd final of the day the sun high in the sky to greet Bedford Ladies and Cambridge City Ladies as they step out onto the pitch at The County Ground in preparation for this afternoon’s ERWFL League Cup Final.

ERWFL League Cup

Another close looking final on the cards between the two Premier Division sides. Bedford a long established side at regional level a brief spell in the FAWNL coming to an end 3 seasons ago. Currently in mid-table on their day a side capable of beating anyone else have won as many as they have lost often by the odd goal. A strong run in the League Cup aswell as the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup where they successfully defended the trophy against rivals Luton Town back in March. A tough test today as close as it might appear Cambridge City remain unbeaten in the ERWFL this season.

Cambridge City’s stay in the ERWFL soon to come to an end after 3 season’s a rapid rise in that time losing just 4 league matches along the way. Winning the ERWFL Division One title in their debut season at this level along with a League Cup final appearance. A runners-up finish in the Premier Division following last season. Pushed on again this campaign winning the title with games to spare unbeaten dropping just 2 league points, now looking to follow that up with the double a success acheived two season’s ago by Haringey Borough Women. Promotion to the FAWNL to come the club with a strong youth set up to back up the first and development teams, Goals throughout the side.

Road to the Final

The ERWFL Premier Division sides entering the League Cup competition at the 3rd Round stage. The last 16 Bedford Ladies handed a tough draw at home to Premier Division newcomers Wymondham Town Ladies, a single goal enough to see them beat the Norfolk side. Cambridge City Ladies alos at home in the last 16 hosting Division One side Hutton Ladies with new striker Vicky Kinsman in their ranks firing in plenty of goals. Cambridge City restricting her to just the one however as they found the back of the net up the other end for 8 goals themselves.

Into the quarter finals another tough looking draw for Bedford as they were away to St Ives Town Ladies the Division One newcomers hitting the ground running making an unbeaten start, not conceding many either the tie going all the way to extra-time Bedford finding the crucial winning goal to book a spot in the last 4. Cambridge City at home to Colney Heath Ladies a 2-0 win against their fellow Premier Division side seeing them into the semi-finals.

Into the last 4 and a strong all Premier Division line-up, Bedford on the road again to take on Peterborough Northern Star Ladies the first of 3 encounters they would have over the next four weeks, all close Bedford edging their opponents out 2-1 to reach the League Cup Final. Cambridge City at home once more this time taking on Essex side Harlow Town Ladies like Wymondham promoted to the Premier Division this season, having secured a top half finish proved a tough opponent Cambridge coming through however to reach the League Cup Final courtesy of a 3-1 victory.

Still at The County Ground, Letchworth home of the Hertfordshire FA, the 3G pitch new along with the barriers surrounding it and a redeveloped bar/cafeteria serving hot and col drinks. The sunny still beating down good job I brought my suncream still had the umbrella in the bag too mind the odd black cloud around but these wouldn’t yield anything.

Bedford Ladies starting XI – Lauren Webb, Gemma Franklin, Priya Bhatti, Jodie Molloy (C), Sophie Mulvihill, Michelle Byrne, Jasmine Ajayi, Eden Kibron, Carissa Kaczorowski, Catalina Costas & Mya Sidhu. Subs – Amy Magnus, Lauren Murray, Sector Acolatse, Jessica Bunnage & Sian Beames.

Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Tee Mhunduru, Lauren Tomlinson, Ceri Flye, Becca Fay (C), Robyn Phillips, Sarah Mosley, Amy Reed, Anna Goggin, Hannah Bodily, Erin Davies & Shannon Shaw. Subs – Freya Standing, Laura Mills, Carla Penny & Megan Tonks.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Cambridge to get this season’s League Cup Final underway wearing white shirts, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. Bedford lined up opposite wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with black shorts and blue socks. The ball played long to the left Bedford goalkeeper Lauren Web out to kick the ball clear. Eden Kibron picking up the ball right side for Bedford driving forwards attempts to play Catalina Costas in as she makes a near post run into the box, Cambridge captain Becca Fay intercepting at the back.

Bedford with a fast start to the game getting the ball into the Cambridge half a throw won on the left headed on by Costas top of the area the ball finding its way through to Cambridge goalkeeper Tee Mhunduru. Bedford win it back in midfield play it wide down the right winning a corner.

GOAL! Bedford take an early lead in the game scoring inside the opening 3 minutes the delivery from the corner flicked on into the middle by Sophie Mulvihill into the six yard box, captain Michelle Byrne free sticking up a leg to bring the ball down well and smashes it into te back of the net 1-0.

Cambridge looking for a quick reply the ball at the feet of Erin Davies attacking left side her cross into the box cut out by Bedford captain, Jodie Molloy.

GOAL! No sooner have Bedford taken the lead then they counter to double thier advantage 2 goals t the good right at the start of the game 5 minutes played the ball put on through the middle into Mya Sidhu 30 yards out to the left flicking the ball over her shoulder inside to drop into the path of Kibron breaking into the box from the right, no need to check her stride meeting the ball she strikes it low and hard from inside the area to send it across the diving keeper into the bottom corner 2-0.

Eden Kibron with Bedford’s 2nd goal

A fantastic opening to the game from Bedford, Cambridge shell shocked 2 goals down inside the opening 5 minutes of the match. Bedford lively early on have come out of the blocks running quick to close the ball down, Kibron making several powerful runs forwards. On for Costas in attack moving wide her cross swung into the box claimed by Mhunduru. Cambridge with a free-kick wide on the right as Gemma Franklin fouls Amy Reed. The delivery in towards the top of the box met by a Cambridge head the ball headed on in towards goal lacking pace gathered by Webb.

Bedford’s turn to have a free-kick inside the Cambridge half, played forwards to drop into the box, Mhunduru coming forwards to claim it not put off by the onrushing Kibron. End the end as a shaken Cambridge look to get back into the game, Bedford winning it through Byrne in the middle as Anna Goggin looks to play the ball forwards. Bedford making ground on the left win getting a corner the delivery in close to goal, Mhunduru up for it is fouled. Kibron right the ball put inside to Costas making the near post run can’t quite get the ball under control as Mhunduru comes to collect.

Cambridge’s Ceri Flye with Bedford’s Mya Sidhu

Sarah Mosley with the ball 30 odd yards out allowed time to line up a shot her strike in looks to be heading over, dipping on Webb late back on her line the keeper producing a fantastic save to tip the ball up over her bar. Th corner played to towards the top of the area headed on wide across the goal. Bedford counter with pace and purpose Kibron forwards inside to Carissa Kaczorowski on for Costas, Robyn Phillips regaining possession for Cambridge. Sidhu with another flicked ball over the top of the Cambridge defence 25 out left to right, Costas the target this time can’t connect with the shot.

Goggin with a good run on the ball central for Cambridge getting forwards is tackled by Bedford’s Franklin. Bedford winning a corner right players come forwards the delivery into the six yard box the attempted clearance by Cambridge struck straight t Kibron 8 yards out closed down as she attempts to get a shot in the ball hustled out to the top of the area met by Bedford Jasmine Ajayi her shot in low has no power safely in Mhunduru’s gloves. Kaczorowski out wide right on the ball in the final third shoots Mhunduru diving in front of her goal to her left to push the ball away.

Bedford’s Jasmine Ajayi

Davies central looks to combine with Shannon Shaw in attack the attempted one two not coming off as Bedford’s Mulvihill charges the ball down. Bedford appealing for a penalty as Kibron bursts into the box left of goal put in by Sidhu, goes down under challenge but the appeals waved away. Mhunduru with another vital save to keep the scoreline down as Bedford press well getting forwards Costas into the box appeals for a push still managing to get something on the ball Cambridge’s keeper having gone to ground in front of her getting a arm up to pluck the ball down as it threatens to go over her inside the six yard box.

Ceri Flye bringing the ball on for Cambridge right side allowed to travel with it pace to get into the area Franklin sliding in to tackle win the ball for Bedford. Bedford make a change, Kaczorowski the player heading off on comes Sector Acolatse. Mosley peeling away to the left as Cambridge come forwards puts an early ball into the area Davies making the run near side, Webb coming to get to the ball and claim before she can reach it. Cambridge make a double switch bringing Mosley and Shaw off, Carla Penny and Megan Tonks on. Bedford bring on Amy Magnus in attack for Sidhu.

The game played at a furious pace, Bedford putting alot of effort in to keep the ball moving keep Cambridge from getting any momentum going forwards. The sun beating down is hot out there. Lauren Tomlinson defending for Cambridge at left back as Costas tries to get in behind n the right wing. Davies making some great runs forwards for Cambridge through the middle getting into the box as a cross is put in from the left sees it across her body getting a shot away before she can be challenged the ball swerving in the air it favours Webb in goal falling straight to her.

Davies combining with Penny in attack for Cambridge no final ball as Bedford defend the ball cleared straight to Hannah Bodily she strikes it from 25 yards out the shot wide. Cambridge gaining a little bit of the attack the ball forwards win a corner out on the right, the delivery in defended headed away Reed fouled as she looks to retrieve outside the box to the right of goal.

GOAL! Cambridge getting a goal back late in the first half scoring from the free-kick, Reed on the ball looks to play the ball in towards the near post little to aim at finds the target, Webb closed down by players from both sides going to claim the ball squeezing out of her gloves on behind her in front of goal, Tonks on the follow up for Cambridge getting her boot on the ball to send it on into the back of the net 2-1.

Bedford attack coming left the ball inside to Byrne in an advanced position a great touch to lift the ball over the top for Kibron bursting into the area, closing in on the byline the angle against her twists to get the ball in towards goal, landing awkwardly as she does so, too close to Mhunduru the goalkeeper claiming. Kibron up slowly didn’t look good but after treatment as allowed to come back on. Ajayi with a superb ball on for Acolatse through the middle, Mhunduru out to close he down the ball scrambled clear.

Into stoppage time the 1st half racing by Bedford bringing the ball on Acolatse lining up a shot outside the area right of the D, Flye getting a foot in to block.

Half-time Bedford Ladies 2-1 Cambridge City Ladies

A fast paced lively 1st half comes to a close, Bedford making a blistering start to the game getting themselves into a 2 goal lead within the opening 5 minutes, on the front foot for much of the half since, getting forwards well with intent as well as working hard to close the ball down. Cambridge stunned early on far from the start they wanted has taken them a while to get going as an attacking force slowly building momentum in the final 3rd, pulling a goal back late in the half to trail by just the one, Mhunduru in goal keeping the score down.

Bedford out early for the start of the 2nd half Kaczorowski back on the pitch in place of Acolatse Sidhu back on too. Bedford to get the game restarted an early clash of heads between Costas and Flye in the area, both players okay. Byrne winning the ball central for Bedford playing it forwards, Fay stopping it at the back for Cambridge.

Bedford have a throw on the right inside the Cambridge half the ball put inside to Costas helped in field to Sidhu 25 yards out, spots Kaczorowski making the run to her left into the box slides the pass on for her, Mhunduru out quickly to close the single and save at the attackers feet. Davies attempting to carry the ball forwards in attack for Cambridge supported by Bodily in the centre. Davies coming left the ball on for Tonks in attack, Mulvihill with the tackle the ball pushed out wide picked up by Penny her shot back in towards the near post tame gathered by Webb.

Erin Davies always looking to get into an attacking position for Cambridge City

Bedford come left the ball hit on the diagonal into the area Kibron lunging forwards getting a touch to send the ball goalwards under diving Mhunduru, to strike the base of the post, the flag up against her however. Davies and Bodily winning more of the ball in central areas now. Penny strong in possession on the left for Cambridge the pass forwards for Tonks holds it up trying to turn get in behind closed down by Molloy who tackles to regain the ball. Cambridge push on the right winning a free-kick put long to Penny top of the box left of goal brings the ball down well to turn into the shot lifting the ball over the crossbar. Freya Standing on for Cambridge in place of Flye.

Bedford’s Carissa Kaczorowski tackling Cambridge’s Carla Penny

Mulvihill tackling Davies as she brings the ball on a throw out left, Tomlinson with a long delivery to take sends it into the area cleared back to her, moves out towards the top of the area before striking from distance Webb back on her line making the save. Cambridge with a bit more of the ball, Bedford still looking a threat closing down and getting forwards. Priya Bhatti close on Penny to prevent the winger getting forwards. A corner on the right fro Cambridge in high central Webb punching the ball high in the air Franklin seeing it don sends clear. Goggin moving with the ball left pushes it into Penny looking for the return pass top of the area, Byrne charging the shot down.

GOAL! 20 minutes played in the 2nd half and Cambridge come back to level the scores at 2 a piece scoring from a throw wide on the right top of the area put into Davies closing in on the area puts the pass up towards Bodily positioned to corner catching it well lifts a shot in towards goal looping high over the keeper to fall into the bottom corner 2-2.

Hannah Bodily with Bedford’s Jasmine Ajayi

Cambridge make a change with Mosley back on for Goggin. Davies in to win the ball 20 yards out looks to play in Tonks but can’t get a pass into the box instead plays it out to Penny on the left she switches play putting a cross long to the far post for Standing running in can’t reach it out for the goalkick. Acolatse back on for Bedford attacking left is brought down by Phillips complaints from the Bedford bench about her being the last defender, but 30 yards out players were in a position to get back central. The free-kick a long way out the shot nevertheless taken on put over.

Tomlinson with the ball for Cambridge has space to run into runs unopposed 3 quarters of the pitch getting into the box left of goal sending a shot up over the bar. The game entering the final 15 minutes, tension out there from both sides Cambridge attacking, Bedford defending well especially on their flanks Franklin and Bhatti. Tonks comes off for Cambridge, Shaw rejoining the attack. Bedford with the ball left the cross in low cut out Fay near side her clearance straight to Byrne outside the box she puts it back in for Kibron lunging for it the ball held by Mhunduru.

Carla Penny coming forwards for Cambridge City

The play getting scrappy as both sides rush passes late on Penny fouled on the left the ball played down the line Mosley with the run looks to play the return ball to Penny, Mulvihill tackling for Bedford. Tomlinson off for Cambridge Flye back on. Shaw driving on through the middle for Cambridge, Mulvihill out o the area to slide in to win the challenge. Sidhu off for Bedford, Kaczorowski back on. The game looks to be heading to extra-time neither side getting a clinical chance late on Shaw winning Cambridge a late corner the ball in headed on towards goal Webb behind it.

Full time Bedford Ladies 2-2 Cambridge City Ladies

Nothing to separate the sides Cambridge coming back to level the scores 2nd half and send the final into extra-time, both sides putting alot into it especially Bedford some tired legs out there. An extra 30 minutes to play 2 15 minute halves for either side to find a winning goal the temperature remains high.

Extra-time

Cambridge to get extra-time underway, Bedford winning an early free-kick Molloy on it left side played on to Kibron she looks to put Sidhu away on the right side. Mhunduru out to her saves well, Sidhu after the loose ball falling awkwardly and she attempts to put it back in on the angle. After treatment is okay play resuming with a corner the ball in high claimed by Mhunduru.

Franklin does well in defence to get back on Standing as Davies moves over to the right with the ball. Sidhu left plays a low ball into the six yard box, Mhunduru out to claim before Kaczorowski can get there. Lauren Murray coming on for Bedford in place of Sidhu. Standing on the right gets the ball into the box for Davies near post looking to control then shoot is closed down by Franklin and Molloy both sliding in to block a corner conceded the ball in central Shaw goes for it can’t connect half cleared falls straight to Bodily 25 yards out a nick on her shot but Webb can make the save.

Kaczorowski striking a shot on the half volley right of the box the ball held by the keeper. Both sides working hard to stop the other cancelling each other out a 2nd ball thrown onto the pitch as Bedford look to get forwards, play stopped the referee having words with the Bedford bench. The fist half of extra-time comes to an end the sides still level.

Tomlinson returning to the field for Cambridge as Bedford get the 2nd period of extra-time started. Phillips defending for Cambridge as Kibron plays the ball on. Sian Beames on for Bedford played on by Kibron on the right crossing the ball early cut out Phillips. Murray bringing the ball on for Bedford support from Beames played out to Ajayi moving clear on the left her cross in met be Kibron central her touch too strong allowing the Cambridge defence to clear.

Play scrappy players giving away free-kicks tension showing passes going astray. Flye cautioned for a foul on Kaczorowski. Standing coming off Tonks back on. Beames conceding a corner on the right the delivery in central under the bar Webb punching the all landing amongst a crowded far post the ball lifted over the bar. Tomlinson sees a ball fired into her inside the box as Cambridge attack right she prods her shot wide of the near post.

Cambridge make one last push winning a corner the ball defended near post another corner won, this one flicked on by Phillips a shot blocked from close range at the far post. Reed comes on for Cambridge, Bedford defend. A late goal ruled out for offside. Cambridge come right a cross into the box put on to Tomlinson far post her shot striking the upright before being scrambled clear. The final whistle blows this season’s ERWFL Cup Final to be settled on penalties.

Penalties

No fan of a penalty shootout but a game has to be decided somehow. Five for each side if still not decided it then goes to sudden death.

Cambridge up to take the first penalty, Mosley placed the ball on the spot, scores sending a pacy ball wide to the right evading the diving keeper 1-0.

Magnus to take Bedford’s opening penalty Mhunduru saving superbly as she dives to her left to keep the low strike out 1-0.

Tee Mhunduru saving Bedford’s opening penalty

Shaw up next for Cambridge, a composed finish straight through the middle the keeper rooted to the spot 2-0.

Mulvihill up next for Bedford opts for power her rising shot cannoning down and in off the crossbar 2-1.

Tomlinson forwards to take Cambridge’s third penalty kick goes for placement sending the ball low racing into the bottom left corner to make it 3-1.

Jessica Bunnage on late on to take Bedford’s third penalty shoots to the right Mhunduru getting her fingertips to it but not enough to keep it out 3-2.

Tonks placing the ball on the spot for Cambridge’s fourth a cool finish finding the bottom corner to score 4-1.

Bedford have to score to keep themselves in the shootout, captain Byrne up to take the penalty, agony as she sends it wide of the post to see Cambridge roar in celebration and rush from the halfway line to Mhunduru winning the shootout 4-2 to win the ERWFL League Cup and do the double.

Joy for Cambridge heartbreak for Bedford a cruel finish to an entertaining final, both sides playing their part. Bedford racing out of the blocks taking a 2 goal lead early in the match putting Cambridge on the back foot, slowly they came back into the game pulling it back to 2-1 before half-time scoring the leveller in the 2nd half the game getting tense late on scrappy neither side on top chances for both. Extra-time unable to separate them.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Another competitive final with a few contenders from both sides. Eden Kibron setting the tone early on for Bedford helping them get off to a fantastic start. At the back Gemma Franklin was strong nothing much getting past her. For Cambridge City, Erin Davies making some positive forward runs looking to get on in attack. Carla Penny making a huge impact coming on, Hannah Bodily supporting Davies playing well too. The award though goes to Cambridge City goalkeeper Tee Mhunduru pulling off some vital saves as Bedford started strong commanding her area and the all important save in the penalty shootout.

Cambridge City Ladies 2018/19 ERWFL League Cup winners

Congratulations to Cambridge City Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Plate Final and on the double.

Another highly entertaining match, great to see to competitive finals today a fantastic advert for the ERWFL. An enjoyable but tiring day, thanks to everyone for their help today. Alot of kind comments too much appreciated, will be tired once the dust has settled on another busy Sunday not many to go now however the season soon coming to an end.