Semi-final weekend for the ERWFL League Cup down t the last 4 sides vying for a place in the final on Sunday 12th May. Cambridge City Ladies looking to make it a league and cup double the Premier Division Champions were at home to Essex side Harlow Town Ladies. Goals from top scorer Erin Davies, Bronte Rapley plus and own goal sealing a 3-1 victory for Cambridge City to see them into their 2nd ERWFL League Cup final in 3 seasons. Harlow not happy with some referring decisions scoring through Hannah Smith her debut goal for the 1st team after impressing and scoring plenty of goals for their Development side this season.
Injuries and player unavailability affecting Peterborough Northern Star Ladies towards the end of the season, despite that have done well to reach the last 4 of the League Cup, drawn at home to play Bedford Ladies. The game officiated by Norwegian referees guests of Cambridgeshire FA this week. A close game in the finish with the game with goals from Amy Magnus and Jasmine Ajayi seeing Bedford through the the final courtesy of a 2-1 victory.
ERWFL League Plate
Also a semi-final played too this Sunday in the ERWFL’s League Plate competition. Stevenage Ladies Reserves at home taking on Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies. The away side taking an 18th minute lead a corner returned into the area met by Katie Seagrave her header beating the keeper from close range to make it 1-0. Stevenage quick to reply level just 4 minutes later breaking with Histon appealing for a foul up the other end, Sherrie Evans getting the goal to make it 1-1. All square the game remained heading into extra-time. Histon winning the game in the 1st period of extra play, Kaya Haq scoring a superb goal from a 25 yard free kick sending a curled ball high to drop into the back of the net to send Histon into the League Plate final. Their opponents with be either Newmarket Town Ladies or Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies who met in the league this Sunday setting their semi-final up nicely.
ERWFL Premier Division
Royston Town Ladies returned to winning ways this Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division as they look to secure the runners-up spot in the league. The 2nd placed side at home to Haringey Borough Women. Royston taking the lead from the penalty spot Jo Rutherford making it 1-0, added a 2nd to double the lead with Eva Ramsey scoring from out wide to make it 3-0 Haringey puling a goal back before the break their keeper making some important saves to limit Royston to 3 goals. Francesca Smithers returning to action for Royston on target to bring up their 4th goal, Rutherford lobbing the keeper to complete her hat-trick to bring up her 19th goal of the season and see Royston win the game 5-1.
Royston Town Ladies, Jo Rutherford
A home win too for Colney Heath Ladies against Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday, goals from Charlene Moreton and Rianne Townsend-Brown securing a 2-0 victory the 3 points lifting Colney Heath over the Essex side into 8th position in the Premier Division.
ERWFL Division One
With ERWFL Division One leaders St Ives Town Ladies not in action this weekend it was an opportunity for 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies to close the gap down to just 3 points in preparation for the two sides meeting this coming Sunday. A tough local derby this weekend away to fellow Essex side Hutton Ladies. Bowers & Pitsea in good form however unlucky in 13 games in the league a single goal winning a tough battle between the sides Sophie Dowman’s 14th goal of the season extending the run to 14. A trip to St Ives now where they will be looking to end the league leaders unbeaten record.
2-2 when the sides last met in the league Newmarket Town Ladies 3rd in Division One were away 5th placed Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Goals from Rosy Wodhams and Becky Scola seeing Hoddesdon into a 2-1 lead with 25 minutes left Newmarket then reduced 10 with goalkeeper Dominika Szary sent off being adjudged to have handled the ball outside the area. Yasmin Woodfield donning the keepers gloves Newmarket having scored through Annabel Cuthbert kept battling getting themselves back on level terms Cuthbert with her 10th goal of the season, the visitors dramatically winning the game with seconds left on the clock Cuthbert lobbing the keeper to complete her hat-trick. The two sides meeting at Newmarket this coming Sunday in the League Plate semi-finals haven’t yet seen both this season and this is where I shall be.
A big win for King’s Lynn Town Ladies at home this Sunday as they continue to build momentum going into the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final in just a fortnights time. This Sunday they were playing at The Walks home of King’s Lynn Town FC, taking on Hatfield Peverel Ladies. A strong first half performance seeing King’s Lynn leading 7-0 with hat-tricks for both Oksana Imanalijeva and Tiffany Forshaw along with a goal for Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse. A further two goals added in the 2nd half with Becky Russell scoring and Imanalijeva getting a 4th to her name. The win taking King’s Lynn into 7th and in a great position to challenge for a top half finish.
Lawford Ladies were at home this Sunday in ERWFL Division One taking on bottom side Bishops Stortford Ladies. The hosts winning the game 3-1 thanks to goals from Stacey Teager, Jodie Sharp and a 1st of the season for Claire Gauntlett. Again like King’s Lynn well placed to push on up the table in their final 4 matches. Poppy Kelly scoring the goal for Bishops Stortford.
The ERWFL was again hit by the weather games falling foul of water logged pitches in both the Premier Division & Division One. Two games in the Premier Division although one of those was abandoned due to a head injury. Bedford Ladies were leading 2-1 away to Haringey Borough when striker Julia Carruthers suffered the injury and was admitted to hospital has since thankfully been given the all clear, the time of abandonment differing between clubs it has been listed as A-A on the full-time website will update if that changes.
One game going the distance then Wymondham Town Ladies fifth in the table at home to fellow promoted side Harlow Town Ladies. The Norfolk side taking a 10th minute lead with striker Hannah Waters strong on the ball sending the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring. The Essex side responding well getting back level on the half hour then going on to take the lead, Chelsea Clarke lobbing the keeper from distance to level the scores back up late in the first half to see it all square at 2-2. Harlow getting the better of the 2nd half scoring twice more to come to make the long journey home with the 3 points the 4-2 victory seeing them climb into the top half of the table. Poppy Binding scoring twice for Harlow now has 13 for the season with Tayla Handscombe also on target along with a 1st goal for the season for Ellie Wallace. Not all bad for Wymondham either as they actually climb a place up to 4th now awarded the home win against Dunstable Ladies back in December.
ERWFL Cup
One outstanding tie left to be played in the ERWFL Cup 3rd Round, Division One side Lawford Ladies making the trip to Hertfordshire to player Premier Division side Colney Heath Ladies. A first half brace for Rianne Townsend-Brown securing a 2-0 advantage for Colney Heath. A 3rd goal securing the win for the Premier Division side in the 2nd half Charlene Moreton scoring to send Colney Heath through the quarter finals of the competition.
Colney Heath Ladies, Charlene Moreton
ERWFL Division One
A switch to 3G saw one game beat the weather in ERWFL Division One on Sunday, King’s Lynn Town Ladies finally back in league action playing host to new league leaders St Ives Town Ladies. Unbeaten in the league and knowing 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies game had been called off the visitors from Cambridgeshire had an opportunity to open a 4 point lead up at the top of the table. An own goal giving St Ives an early lead, Kira Markwell making a great save to deny King’s Lynn an equaliser as they grew into the game. St Ives defending well doubled their lead through top scorer Tierney Coulson. 2-0 to St Ives at half-time. A strong start to the 2nd half from King’s Lynn it was St Ives who were to extend their lead on the hour Coulson lobbing the keeper for her 2nd of the game and 21st goal of the season to make it 3-0. Hannah Seymour-Shove extending St Ives lead 5 minutes later. 4-0 the final score harsh on King’s Lynn who although not finding the break through with a goal themselves made St Ives work for the win.
All about the Cup this Sunday in the ERWFL with the League Cup reaching the last 16 and the League Plate kicking off with the quarter finals. The 1st two rounds of the ERWFL Cup contested by the Division One sides, the Premier Division sides entering in the New Year. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, St Ives Town Ladies, Hutton Ladies & Lawford Ladies the 4 Division One sides to progress to the 3rd Round of the Cup. 7 of the 8 ties played on Sunday with the match between Colney Heath Ladies & Lawford Ladies postponed.
Acle United Women the current holders of the ERWFL Cup were drawn away to St Ives Town Ladies in the last 16. The Division One newcomers 2nd in the table unbeaten in the ERWFL so far this season, a good test of their mettle up against the current Premier Division leaders. The sides goalless at half-time St Ives goalkeeper Kira Markwell making saves to keep Acle out as the visitors pressed for the opening goal, St Ives holding out to see the game enter extra-time, a long ball forwards causing seeing a mix-up at the back from Acle, Tierney Coulson capitalising to score her 18th goal of the season to see St Ives knock the holders out.
Division One leaders, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies were hosting Premier Division side AFC Dunstable Ladies in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup on Sunday. Finalists last season Dunstable struggling at times for numbers this season had just the 10 this Sunday were trailing at the half-time interval by a single goal Sophie Dowman breaking their resistance in the 33rd minute to put Bowers & Pitsea into the lead. Dunstable got off to a fantastic start in the 2nd half level within 2 minutes of the restart going on to take the lead 5 minutes later. Bowers & Pitsea with a quick response levelled it back at 2-2 4 minutes later with Holly Moore turning the ball home for her 1st goal. Dunstable battled well getting themselves back into the lead with 20 minutes left a cross/shot finding its way into the back of the net for 3-2 proved to be the winning goal, Dunstable advancing thanks to a goal from Storm Sherry Burrows and a brace for Samaira Khan.
Hutton Ladies were drawn away to Premier Division side Cambridge City Ladies in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup. The Essex side missing a few key players up against a side 2nd and unbeaten in the league above. Cambridge City have a strong and deep attacking line-up and they proved too strong for Hutton as they ran out 8-1 winners to reach the quarter finals of the competition. Bella Simmons, Erin Davies & Shannon Shaw all scoring a brace for the hosts with Charlotte Gillies & Carla Penny also on target with a goal each. Vicky Kinsman with the goal for Hutton.
Also advancing to the quarter finals of the ERWFL Cu are Peterborough Northern Star Ladies. The side 3rd in the Premier Division drawn at home to the side immediately below them in the table, Royston Town Ladies. The hosts with a strong finish to the game scoring 4 goals in the last twenty minutes to clinch victory. Emma Pollard opening the scoring in the 1st half putting Peterborough into the lead. Royston battling hard equalising late in the 1st half through Joanne Rutherford. Royston had chances in the 2nd half to take the lead Peterborough’s top scorer Katie Steward restoring the hosts lead making it 2-1, the attacker adding her 2nd with 10 minutes left. Chanade Henderson scoring with a glancing header from a free-kick to make it 4-1 with Steward completing her hat-trick in stoppage time to see Peterborough win 5-1.
Essex side Harlow Town Ladies were away to Haringey Borough Women in the last 16 of the ERWFL on Sunday. Haringey winning the trophy in their double winning season two seasons ago. Have struggled since as they look to rebuild their squad. Harlow fielding a young hungry squad progressing to the quarter finals thanks largely to a hat-trick from Poppy Binding making her joint top scorer with 8 goals now. Olivia Steele also scoring a goal in a 4-0 victory.
A hat-trick for Harlow Town Ladies, Poppy Binding
It was a close match in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup with an unfortunate own goal settling the result between Bedford Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies on Sunday. The Norfolk side travelling to Bedfordshire the sides in mid-table in the Premier Division it looked an evenly matched contest, Bedford the side capitalising on the own goal to reach the quarter finals.
Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies made the trip over the border to Suffolk on Sunday to play AFC Sudbury Ladies in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup. Goals from Danielle Butler, Leah Cowan and Cerys Adams making her 1st start for Brentwood seeing the visitors win 3-0 to reach the last 8.
ERWFL Plate
Those sides in Division One losing in the early stages of the ERWFL Cup go onto contest the Plate competition and with 8 sides left this Sunday saw it open with the quarter finals. Stevenage Ladies Reserves finalists last season through to the last 4 this time around without kicking a ball awarded an away win over Bishops Stortford Ladies.
That left 3 ties to be played Newmarket Town Ladies making the trip to Hertfordshire to play Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday. Hertford bottom of the league making Newmarket work, took the lead before the visitors came back to level the scores through Abbi Griffin early in the 2nd half. On the hour Newmarket took the lead Jodie Woodfield heading the ball in from a Jess Linger corner. Less than 10 minutes later it was the same outcome from a Linger corner just with a different Woodfield heading the ball in to give Newmarket a 3-1 lead captain Bethany Woodfield getting on the scoresheet. The win made secure 5 minutes later from another corner this time Abbi Griffin credited with the goal getting her 2nd of the game.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies were at home in the quarter finals of the ERWFL Plate on Sunday taking in Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies who had the bare 11 available. Hoddesdon taking an early lead with Kristina O’Connell finding the back of the net in the 7th minute. King’s Lynn created opportunities to level 1st half held Hoddesdon to 1-0 at half-time. The hosts with the numerical advantage with subs to bring on a quick-fire brace from Natasha Crick firing Hoddesdon into a 3-0 lead within the opening 15 minutes of the 2nd period, a further 2 goals added on the hour with substitute Rosy Wodhams making it 4-0 before O’Connell struck her 2nd of the game Hoddesdon winning 5-0.
Histon Ladies were away in the quarter finals of the ERWFL Plate a trip on Sunday to Essex to play Hatfield Peverel Ladies. An own goal on the stroke of half-time seeing the Cambridgeshire side take the lead. Histon doubling thier advantage on the hour through Georgina Huse scoring her first goal for the club helping them to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
It’s sad news to begin this weeks Round-Up with the news that Ipswich Wanderers Ladies are to withdraw from the league. A tough decision for all involved but struggling for numbers to fulfil fixtures the club had little choice. Long time members of the ERWFL they will be missed wishing everyone involved with the club all the best for the future and to those players in their search for a new club.
ERWFL Premier Division
Cambridge City Ladies continue their 100% winning start to the league campaign in the ERWFL Premier Division making it 6 from 6 with victory at home to AFC Dunstable Ladies this Sunday to go 3 points clear at the top. A brace for Erin Davies sees her goals tally move into double figures for Cambridge City. Laura Mills the clubs top scorer also on the scoresheet moves onto 13. Winger, Charlotte Gillies getting a goal to as Cambridge City ran out 4-0 winners keeping their first clean sheet in the league in the process.
Also making a 100% winning start to the season in the Premier Division are Royston Town Ladies a 5th straight win for them lifting them up into 2nd spot. Royston’s record looked under threat after they found themselves 2 goals down away from home to former Premier Division leaders Brentwood Town Ladies. A 5 game winning streak for Brentwood seeing the Essex side go top, that run ending last time out away to Bedford, goals from Danielle Butler and Kirsty Knight seeing them make a great start. Royston though were to fight back, Amy Cooper pulling a goal back, Royston’s captain with her 1st goal of the season. Teonie Peyton with 2 goals for Royston on her debut a fortnight ago found the back of the net once again to level things up at 2-2. Hayley Elderd’s 6th goal of the season winning the match for Royston as they come back to win 3-2.
Acle United Women climb up to 4th in the Premier Division after victory in Sunday in their Norfolk derby away to Wymondham Town Ladies. A tight contest between the sides Acle getting their noses in front early on, Grace Birchall scoring for the 11th time this season. Managed to keep Wymondham at bay up the other end to claim the win. All very tight in the top half of the Premier Division with 3 points separating 2nd to 6th, Cambridge City know they are all waiting should they slip up.
Harlow Town Ladies move onto double figures for the season up to 7th right behind the sides hoping to chase down the leaders getting back to winning ways in the league with victory away to Haringey Borough Women this Sunday. There were braces for both, Lily Bruno and Poppy Binding as the Essex side got the 3 points courtesy of a 4-1 win.
ERWFL League Cup
League Cup weekend with 4 ties contested in the 2nd Round this Sunday all high scoring affairs with the sides from the Premier Division entering in the 3rd Round.
Bowers & Pitsea Ladies travelling to Cambridgeshire to play Histon Ladies. The Essex side going 1-0 up inside the opening 5 minutes with Georgia Fraser on target with the goal. Fraser striking again past the hour hour to double Bowers & Pitsea’s advantage. 4 minutes later Louise Daley found the back of the net to see the 1st half end with Bowers & Pitsea 3 goals to the good. Keeping Histon out the other end, the lead was extended 11 minutes from time, Eloise Ives scoring the 4th goal.
A 7 goal thriller between Newmarket Town Ladies and Lawford Ladies in the 2nd Round of the League Cup, a recent 2-2 draw between the sides 3rd and 4th in Division One, Lawford Ladies made the better start getting themselves into a 3-0 lead. Newmarket fought back well getting 3 goals themselves, Brooke Wickens, Jess Linger and Yasmin Woodfield the scorers. Lawford edging the win as they added a 4th goal to see them progress to the 3rd Round, captain Daisy Canny with a brace. Top scorer Jasmine Cox also on target with her 15th goal of the season and making just her 2nd start for Lawford Tess Ryan scored her 1st goal too.
It was a 9 goal thriller in Hertfordshire with Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies hosting St Ives Town Ladies in the 2nd Round of the League Cup. A goalless draw between the sides as they met just a fortnight ago. A total contrast this Sunday both sides on the attack Hoddesdon opening the scoring with Rosy Wodhams making it 1-0 in the 8th minute. St Ives Town coming back to level the scores Tierney Coulson making it 1-1. The visitors going on to take the lead Coulson scoring her 2nd of the game. Hoddesdon’s turn to come back and level it up Grace Leslie firing the ball home from a free-kick to make it 2-2 in the 38th minute. The hosts retaking the lead themselves late in the 1st half, St Ives Town defender, Ellie Brown suffering a dislocated jaw needing hospital treatment.
Hoddesdon extending their lead early in the 2nd half Hannah Kelly scoring to make it 4-2 with barely a minute played in the 2nd period. Coulson with a strike from outside the area pulling it back to 4-3 midway through the 2nd half. Into the final 10 minutes St Ives Town were awarded a penalty. Georgia Stancombe sending the ball home to bring it back to 4-4. Just a minute left to play and Coulson with her 4th of the match scoring to turn the game completely on its head and send St Ives Town though with a 5-4 win.
Tierney Coulson scoring 4 goals for St Ives Town seeing them progress in the League Cup
Also in the 2nd Round of the League Cup, Hutton Ladies were hosting Division One leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves. A good first 45 minutes from the Essex side saw Hutton leading the game 3-0. Sydney Webb pulling one back for Stevenage on the hour. Hutton creating chances went on to score three more in the final 20 minutes to ease through to the 3rd Round with a 6-1 victory. Rosi Webb scoring a brace, there were goals for for Sally Appleton, Vicky Kinsman and Kayleigh Franklin with her 1st goal of the season.
Just the one game in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday with several of the other teams involved in the FA Women’s Cup. It was a significant result though at home for Brentwood Town Ladies over Bedford Ladies. Goals from Jessica Mills her first of the season and Georgia Holdaway on target for her 8th already this season enough to secure a 2-1 victory, Brentwood’s 3rd successive league win taking them up to 2nd in the ERWFL Premier Division table. Charlotte Demmon with her 1st goal of the season not enough as Bedford having gone 4 league games unbeaten at the start of the season suffer back to back defeats.
ERWFL League Cup
In ERWFL Division One this Sunday the action focused to the League Cup, with 5 ties from the 1st Round taking place. Plenty of goals scored and big wins in 4 of the 5 games too. There were plenty of goals scored in the other 1st Round tie too but it was a much closer game between Stevenage Ladies Reserves at home to King’s Lynn Town Ladies the sides sharing a 9 goal thriller in the finish. Stevenage getting off to the better start getting themselves into a 3-1 lead King’s Lynn fighting back saw the sides drawing 4-4 before Stevenage scored for a fifth time to take the win. Daniela Martucci another attacker showing great form at the start of the season moving onto 8 as she bagged a hat-trick for Stevenage, Rebecca Brooker with her 1st of the season and Hannah Marsh also on target. Also 8 goals for the season too for King’s Lynn striker Oksana Imanalijeva as she scored all 4 of the visitors goals.
Elsewhere the results were more one sided in the 1st Round of the League Cup. Lawford Ladies were on the road taking on Bishops Stortford Ladies. A hat-trick for captain, Daisy Canny with Jasmine Cox going one better with 4 goals seeing Lawford safely through to the 2nd Round with a 7-0 win.
Bowers & Pitsea Ladies were getting to play at home for first time this season at the newly refurbished The Len Salmon Stadium. Were hosting Ipswich Wanderers Ladies in the 1st Round of the League Cup. Bowers & Pitsea coming back from a goal down to lead 2-1 at half-time with Danielle Styles and Emma Mackie on target. The hosts finishing the game strongly scoring 7 goals in the final 23 minutes to run out 9-1 winners with Styles adding two more to complete her hat-trick. A hat-trick too late on for Ebony Moore. Georgia Fraser also scoring to begin the 2nd half goal feast, Louise Daly netting her first goal for the club along with a late strike for Sophie Dowman seeing Bowers & Pitsea progress.
A hat-trick each for Victoria Kinsman and Rosi Webb along with a goal for Sally Appleton her first for the club saw Hutton Ladies win comfortably at home in the 1st Round of the League Cup against Hatfield Peverel Ladies on Sunday. Kinsman now has an incredible 13 goals from 5 appearances so far this season, Webb with 7 in the goals scored column from 4 appearances.
St Ives Town Ladies also progressing to the 2nd Round of the League Cup with a good result at home against Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday. Georgia Stancombe netting a brace, there were goals too for Hannah Seymour-Shove and Katie Stancombe with new signing Francesca Worrall also getting a goal her 1st for the 1st team.
With 3 sides receiving a bye’s in the 1st Round of the League Cup 4 ties with take place in the 2nd Round with the winners joining the Premier Division sides entering in the 3rd Round. The draw to be played Sunday 28th October is as follows :-
Onto the 2nd of today’s ERWFL Final’s the League Cup. This season being contested by Acle United Ladies and AFC Dunstable Ladies.
Acle United Ladies in contention for the Premier Division title all season losing out in their penultimate game to leave them in 3rd position 3 points short of Champions Billericay Town FC. A busy spell at the end of the season games to be squeezed in a County Cup Final appearance too ending again in a close loss to Wymondham Town Ladies who will be joining them in the ERWFL Premier Division next season. Takes the shine of what has been another strong campaign one more shot at silverware though for the Norfolk side the ERWFL League Cup.
Looking to stop them are Bedfordshire side AFC Dunstable Ladies finishing 6th in the ERWFL Premier Division this season haven’t matched the form of last season that saw them pushing the title challengers all the way. Have picked up some good results and one their day can beat anybody in the league. Ending their season with an opportunity to win silverware.
Both sides short of a full squad coming into this afternoon’s final. Acle United losing the spine of their side with 3 players shown red in their final league game played against Cambridge City, adopting a new formation for the ERWFL Cup Final dubbed ‘The Christmas Tree’ formation.
Road to the Final
The ERWFL Premier Division sides entering the League Cup at the 3rd Round stage. Easy progress for both sides Dunstable receiving a bye into the quarter finals. Acle awarded the away win against King’s Lynn Town Ladies.
Onto the quarter finals a trip to Hertfordshire for Acle to take on Royston Town Ladies a 3-1 victory sending them through the the last 4 of the competition. Dunstable held home advantage in their quarter final against AFC Sudbury Ladies neither side able to find a goal in regular or extra-time it went all the way to penalties Dunstable emerging the winners 6-5 in the shootout.
The last 4 and both semi-finals were hard to call. Close matches too, Acle at home to eventually League Champion’s Billericay Town Ladies. Knocked them out of the League Cup with a 3-2 result. 3-2 was also the winning margin for Dunstable as they travelled to Essex to take on Brentwood Town Ladies in the semi-finals.
The ERWFL Premier Division proving all season any side can beat another on it’s day.
The venue of course still the same the sun out properly for the League Cup Final this afternoon.
Acle United Ladies starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Anna Larkins, Chloe Shields, Naomi Cooper, Grace Birchall, Broghan Scully, Laura Holden, Lauren Bullard, Megan Todd (C), Kirstie Kindred & Rhianne Brister. Subs – Lauren Bailey & Rebecca Burton.
AFC Dunstable Ladies starting XI – Hannah Payne, Rebecca Langthorpe, Lauren Chimes (C), Elly Wade, Steph Fisher, Rachel Moffat, Shianne Swarres, Danielle Carty, Samaira Khan, Charlotte South & Charlene Moreton. Subs – Jodie Patterson & Rianne Townsend-Brown.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
It’s Acle wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks to get the League Cup Final underway. Dunstable opposite wearing an all blue kit. Dunstable get hold of the ball as Acle look to play it forwards Charlene Moreton playing the ball long, Samaira Khan played in behind on the right side a run down the channel into the area Cyan Fullbrook in goal for Acle comes to close her down, Khan evading her challenge takes the ball beyond her before sending a cross in along the face of goal, no one there for Dunstable, Acle get the ball clear.
GOAL! A chance for Dunstable at one end it’s a goal for Acle up the other. A brilliant individual goal from Acle captain, Megan Todd the ball sent up towards her on halfway from Fullbrook’s goal kick. On the left wing Todd brings it on over halfway carrying it forwards down the wing a powerful run all the way into the box not challenged closing in on goal scoops a shot up rising past the goalkeeper in past the near post 1-0.
Acle United Ladies captain Megan Todd setting off on her run to score the opening goal
Shianne Swarres getting hold of the ball central for Dunstable across to Rebecca Langthorpe moving forwards from right back she passes the ball on for Khan on the wing, getting in behind she fires another cross along the face of the Acle goal. Dunstable finding a few gaps in the Acle back line early on. Langthorpe with the ball on the tries to send Charlotte South away through the middle, Chloe Shields getting across to intercept for Acle.
AFC Dunstable Ladies, Charlotte South
Khan with a drive towards the Acle defence in the central is clipped as the ball spins away to the left, no advantage play brought back for the free-kick in a dangerous position in front of goal just outside the D. Danielle Carty on the ball goes for goal her effort up over the crossbar. Acle giving away free-kicks, Moreton on one inside the Acle half launched up towards the top of the area, Shields under it for Acle heading clear. Dunstable pressing forwards having more of the ball.
AFC Dunstable Ladies, Danielle Carty
Todd the outlet for Acle as Anna Larkins wins the ball at the back up field into Laura Holding her pass on for Todd over on the right side another driving run forwards her shot fired in from outside the area with of Hannah Payne’s near post. Moreton hooks the ball forwards from inside the Acle half out to Khan on the right, Naomi Cooper defending for Acle at left back. Dunstable bring the ball on Moreton on for Khan central, Charlotte South supporting, Acle squeeze the ball at the top of their box regain possession.
Charlene Moreton hooks the ball forwards for AFC Dunstable Ladies
Rhianne Brister up front for Acle comes out to the right with the ball, support from Grace Birchall coming on past her, Dunstable captain Lauren Chimes challenging for the ball breaks up the attack. Larkins sending the ball up field from the back sets Todd up for a run in behind the Dunstable defence closing in on the box, Payne coming out towards her Todd goes to try and lob the keeper, get’s it past her Payne getting a touch on the ball however as it runs wide of her goal the corner signalled. A high ball in Todd the target far post is over her as she leaps up for it.
Acle United Ladies, Anna Larkins
A give and go between Todd and Lauren Bullard on the left the ball crossed into the box just behind Kirstie Kindred she recovers laying it back for Todd, her strike charged down. Acle press the ball high win a corner kick the ball defended at the near post. Acle win another corner, Dunstable can’t get it clear the delivery going long out to the left gathered by Todd she tries to get past Langthorpe the corner won. The ball played in knocked back to the taker before being sent in high towards the far post Todd up to head the ball puts it wide. Dunstable make a change Khan the player coming off on comes Rianne Townsend-Brown.
Acle having a good spell starting to get hold of the ball and cause Dunstable problems Todd right squared to Kindred she sends the ball into Brister inside the box Payne makes the save as she comes charging out to met her blocking the shot. Payne comfortable as she moves across her goal to palm down Todd’s strike from distance. Holden with the pass inside to Bullard back for Broghan Scully plays it forwards onto Kindred who shoots from the top of the area Payne making a double save stopping Kindred’s strike then as Birchall heads the ball back towards goal gloves it wide for the corner.
AFC Dunstable Ladies, Elly Wade
A lively contest the game played at a rapid pace. Scully over a free-kick top of the centre circle for Acle plays the ball up into the area, Payne taking the catch. Moreton coming to get hold of the ball for Dunstable plays it out to Carty on the move on the left shoots early sending the low ball racing wide of the near post. Swarres with good control in the middle playing the ball on for Carty on the left her cross into the box, South the target, Shields gets in front of her to defend for Acle. Larkins with a good tackle to stop Moreton as she comes on with the ball for Dunstable.
Steph Fisher putting in the tackle on Brister as Kindred looks to put the ball into her make the run in behind. Dunstable come forwards press the ball at the back Moreton getting the ball out to Carty on the right 25 yards out goes for the shot dipping Fullbrook can’t get to it as it strikes the crossbar. Dunstable ending the 1st half well. Elly Wade across to intercept the ball as Holden plays it on for Brister to chase out on the left. Bullard getting in behind Langthorpe on the right goes on into the box Langthorpe recovering well gets back on her is fouled by the attacker inside the box.
Acle with one last attack in the first half Todd on the left seeing the ball into her feet spins in behind running down the line cutting inside into the box fire a low cross along the face of goal, Chimes going to clear it smashes the ball against Kindred rushing in the ball loose Dunstable scramble it away.
Half-time Acle United Ladies 1-0 AFC Dunstable Ladies
An entertaining first half to this season’s ERWFL League Cup Final. Acle scoring in the opening 2 minutes have held onto their 1-0 advantage both sides creating chances Dunstable striking the bar. The game far from settled yet.
Changes for both sides, Lauren Bailey on at right back for Acle, Jodie Patterson on for Dunstable as well as Khan as they get the 2nd half underway. Getting a throw high up the pitch on the right. Into Moreton inside the pressuring the ball out to Khan she shoots Fullbrook dropping onto it at her near post. Todd driving forwards with the ball looks to get in on goal Wade coming back on her lunges in to take the ball away for the throw left side.
Samaira Khan attacking for AFC Dunstable Ladies
Acle starting the 2nd half well the ball on for Brister she pressure Patterson into conceding the corner. An inswinging delivery Payne is on it at the near post knocking the ball down Dunstable launch clear of their box. Acle make a change Birchall off at the start of the 2nd half coming on for Brister.
GOAL! Birchall involved straight away as Acle go on to double their lead early in the 2nd half. Play spread from left to right Birchall going after it picks the ball up and surges on down the right evading a challenge cutting a cross back in the ball racing across the face of the Dunstable goal, Todd arriving at the far post smashing the ball home from close range 2-0.
A free-kick to Dunstable as Khan is brought down trying to bring the ball inside from the right. The ball central Carty over it goes for the shot floating the ball in towards goal it cannons off the crossbar for a 2nd time. Acle counter attack Birchall in the clear on the right takes on the early shot as she closes in on the top of the area her attempt racing wide across the six yard box out the far side. Dunstable attack on the right Khan inside the area Shields defending as Fullbrook collides with her, Khan retrieving the ball as Dunstable get players forwards in support cut back to Carty to play the shot in towards the near post Fullbrook recovering has gotten back onto position to claim the ball.
GOAL! Acle extend their lead as play becomes stretched, Todd breaking over halfway on the left a strong run with the ball squares it inside for Holden top of the area left of the D, picks her spot sending her shot in low past the keeper at her near post 3-0.
Townsend-Brown is played onto the ball by South coming left, Bailey with the attacker gets the challenge in Dunstable winning the corner. End to end Carty with a diagonal ball into the box from the right Shields heading away for Acle. Moreton plays the ball on into Townsend-Brown top of the area turns in behind her marker and delivers a low strike across the face of the Acle goal as the game moves into the final 20 minutes.
Acle United Ladies, Laura Holden
GOAL! Acle go further into the lead taking control of the game Kindred with good work on halfway winning the ball, Todd latching onto it drives forwards, Holden ahead of her finding space Todd playing her in on goal Holden shoots from 20 yards out the ball striking the back of the net for her 2nd of the game 4-0.
GOAL! Acle hammer home their advantage as Dunstable lose their shape Birchall spinning away plays the ball into Holden supporting on the right squared back to her Birchall sends a dipping shot in towards goal Payne making the save pushing the ball away lose inside the six yard box Kindred racing in on the follow up buries the shot 5-0.
Acle looking strong now make a switch Holden rested, Brister back on. Dunstable go forwards South bringing it forwards put on for Moreton out to Townsend-Brown on the left sweeps a cross in early, Shields getting hold of it for Acle clears for the corner.
GOAL! It’s a 6th goal for Acle Dunstable caught high up the pitch a great individual goal form Birchall. Getting onto the ball on the right as Larkins clears it up the line bursts forwards she evades Wade’s sliding challenge then shooting from the top of the area the ball races across the Dunstable goal and inside the side netting at the far post 6-0.
A pause in play a player down a chance for a breather. play resumes.
GOAL! Dunstable pull a goal back Moreton the scorer as she gets into the area played in by Khan attacking on the right, her initial effort stopped Moreton with a 2nd bite at the cherry lifts the ball in over the keeper to score 6-1.
Townsend-Brown controlling the ball on the left cuts it back into the middle for Carty coming on, can’t quite get the ball under control before Acle recover and close her down. Bailey comes forwards for Acle, Wade tackling the ball away for a corner. Dunstable deal with the threat, try to get out Acle closing the ball down regain possession. Birchall with space on the left plays it inside for Todd 30 yards out time to line up a shot her effort bouncing wide out past the post.
Rianne Townsend-Brown bringing the ball under control for Dunstable Ladies
Birchall with the ball at her feet a great run central for Acle evading two challenges before sending a shot over the crossbar. Up the other end Dunstable strike the crossbar for the 3rd time in the game, South and Carty linking on the left the ball into Townsend-Brown positioned top of the Acle area curls a shot in towards goal sees the ball collide with the woodwork. Acle go on the attack the ball on for Brister left inside for Birchall sees Bailey clear coming in on right she strikes the ball sending it across goal past Payne a defender back on the line gets there in time to block the ball skipping up into her keepers gloves.
Full time Acle United Ladies 6-1 AFC Dunstable Ladies
The final whistle blows and Acle celebrate as they end their season with silverware winning the ERWFL League Cup with a 6-1 win over Dunstable. Created plenty of chances throughout the game and were clinical in front of goal. Todd getting them the early lead. Dunstable had good spells in the first half coming close the levelling the scores. A narrow advantage at half-time Acle doubled the lead early in the 2nd half and going 3-0 up two quickfire goals to make it 5-0 put them in complete control of the match. Dunstable getting a late consolation goal ended up striking the crossbar 3 times. Acle the stronger side in the 2nd half.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Now for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. The captain led by example for Acle and scoring a fantastic solo goal early on was a handful for Dunstable to deal with all match as she moved across the front line from left to right. Adding the 2nd goal and setting up numerous chance, the award goes to Megan Todd.
Acle United Ladies lift the ERWFL League Cup
Congratulations to Acle United Ladies on winning the 2017/18 ERWFL League Cup.
Acle United Ladies, 2017/18 ERWFL League Cup Winners
An enjoyable day spent at Letchworth watching the ERWFL Final’s. Two entertaining matches. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams and to the ERWFL committee members for all the hard work they put into the league itself.
Billericay Town Ladies lead the ERWFL Premier Division by 7 points following a 4-1 win over AFC Dunstable Ladies in their penultimate league game of the season this Sunday. Courtney Clare opening the scoring for the host side Hayley Piggott from the penalty spot doubling the lead further goals from Hope Strauss and Paris Smith seeing Billericay Town go on to win the match 4-1. Danielle Carty with the goal for AFC Dunstable.
2nd placed Cambridge City Ladies were at home on Sunday taking on Royston Town Ladies who had climbed up to 5th in the ERWFL Premier Division following a 2-1 home win over AFC Sudbury Ladies in midweek. Becky Shephard scoring to put Royston into a 1-0 half-time lead. Shepard netted again in the 2nd half to double the advantage. Cambridge City came back into it with a goal from Stacey Fullicks to make it 2-1. Sammy Tinsley restoring Royston’s 2 goal lead. Goals from Bella Simmons and Charlotte Gillies seeing the points shared as Cambridge City came back again to draw the game 3-3.
Bedford Ladies were awarded a home win in their final league game of the season leaving them in 3rd spot level on points with Cambridge City Ladies. The fixture against AFC Sudbury Ladies whose league campaign also drew to a close on Sunday.
In 4th position Acle United Ladies again find themselves in the position of having games in hand on the leaders and the potential points available to chase them down a maximum haul seeing them finish level with Billericay assuming neither drop any. A double header this Sunday for Acle United at The Flegg FDC taking on Brentwood Town Ladies.
In the 1st match the 1st half was a fairly even affair the dead lock broken late on a goal from Laura Holden seeing Acle United lead 1-0. A totally different story in the 2nd half Acle United starting well Megan Todd doubling the lead 3 minutes into the 2nd period. Two quick goals from Lauren Bullard and Holden with her 2nd of the match putting Acle United 4-0. Brentwood responded with 2 quickfire goals from Nicole Manning and Emma Mackie to get it back to 4-2 A goal for new signing Rosie Filby on her debut put Acle United into a 5-2 lead with late goals from Rhianne Brister and another from Todd making the final score 7-2.
A dominant 2nd game from Acle United saw them take maximum points away from both games. Megan Todd to target with another goal putting Acle United into a 1-0 half-time lead. Goals from Laura Holden then Kirstie kindred making the score 3-0 then Todd struck late on for her 2nd of the game to see Acle United win 4-0.
ERWFL League Plate
Fresh from their Essex Women’s Trophy success Hutton Ladies were looking to reach a 2nd final of the season this Sunday. The current holders of the ERWFL League Plate hosting Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies. The away side starting well getting into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes. Kirsty Smith with the strike to make it 1-0 a free-kick sent in by Hannah Gordon 2 minutes later making it 2-0. Hutton pulled it back to 2-1 with 10 minutes of the 1st half left. Histon scoring late on with Gordon on target for her 2nd goal of the game to lead 3-1 at half-time.
Hutton came back into the match in the 2nd half scoring twice to get it back all square at 3-3. The semi-final heading into extra-time. The home side taking the lead for the 1st time in the game midway through the 1st period of extra play followed it up with another quick goal to lead 5-3 and held on to win the game and reach their 2nd successive League Plate Final. Hutton’s goals scored by Hayley Critchell, Patrizia Leo, Laura Allen, Katie Lowen and Lucy Critchell. Hutton will be the underdogs against ERWFL Division One South leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves… but then they were also the underdogs last season and beat the odds.
ERWFL Division One North
In ERWFL Division One North, Wymondham Town Ladies had secured the league title last weekend away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies with 3 games left to play. Unbeaten dropping points in just the one game to date the Norfolk side travelled to Cambridge United WFC Reserves this Sunday who were playing their last match of the season. The visitors found themselves trailing at the break as Cambridge United scored from a free-kick late in the 1st half, Liz Pamplin sending the ball in from the edge of the area. Wymondham Town started the 2nd half strongly and within 8 minutes of kick-off were back on level terms, striker Hannah Waters scoring to make it 1-1. 2 minutes later Wymondham Town were leading Waters striking again to make it 2-1. Alice Ladbrooke on hand to put the ball home in the 63rd minute after Waters sees her shot saved. 3-1 the winning score two matches left for Wymondham both away to Histon Ladies.
In the other match played in ERWFL Division One North this Sunday, Ipswich Wanderers Ladies playing their last match of the season were hosting 2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies. A single goal enough to secure all 3 points for the visitors Olivia Baker the scorer for King’s Lynn, have one match to play against 3rd placed Histon Ladies have an 8 point lead over the Cambridgeshire side that game scheduled for the 6th May, King’s Lynn could well secure the runners-up spot before then if Histon can’t end Wymondham Town unbeaten record. A promising start to the season for Ipswich Wanderers Ladies picking up some good results dropping away toward the end of the season will be looking to recruit new faces over the close season.
ERWFL Division One South
Harlow Town Ladies looking odds on now to at the least clinch runner’s up spot in ERWFL Division One South as they moved 9 points clear of 3rd placed Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies with a home victory against them on Sunday. A single goal scored by Lily Bruno enough to seal the victory. Moves Harlow to within 2 points of leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves who they host on Wednesday. Have played 3 games more however. Results have been against Little Thurrock in the run in as they lose for the 4th time in 5 league matches 4 left to play 3 against Stevenage Ladies Reserves.
One of those losses in midweek away to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies, Stephanie Iaonnou scoring the late winner. A busy week for Hoddesdon Town with 3 games in 6 days. Women’s Football East at their game on Sunday at home to Hertford Town Ladies. Danny Barley their new manager in charge for the 1st time. A brilliant start for Hoddesdon Town as Sian Owens struck the ball inside the D inside the opening 30 seconds to find the back of the net and make it 1-0. Hertford Town came back into the game well competing for the ball and defending well against Hoddesdon Town causing some frustration amongst the home side.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies, Kristina O’Connell
1-0 the lead at the break Hertford Town felt confident they could get it back all square, Hoddesdon Town making changes during the interval. A close 2nd half the game end to end at times with the quality in the final 3rd Hertford pushing for a leveller conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out with 12 minutes left, Kristina O’Connell within shooting range struck the ball well sending it over the keeper and in to double the lead. Hertford Town responded straight away getting up the other end Olivia Worsfold pressuring the defence pouncing on the loose ball and turning it in from the angle for her 1st goal of the season. Not enough ultimately as Hoddesdon Town held on for the 2-1 win. The match report featuring in the previous post.
Back in action just 24 hours later last evening Hoddesdon were hosting Bishops Stortford Ladies and ended the night celebrating 3 straight wins. A successful spell ending with a 3-0 victory. Rosy Wodhams with a goal along with a brace for Charley Handley.
Semi-final weekend in the ERWFL League Cup. Two tasty looking ties in the last four of the competition too. Premier Division leaders Billericay Town Ladies were away to Acle United Ladies the Norfolk side could yet challenge them for the title. Focus on the League Cup this Sunday a feisty encounter by all accounts. Plenty of action in the first half, Acle United going in front in the 7th minute Lauren Bullard getting the goal 4 minutes later the lead was doubled the hosts scoring from a corner captain, Megan Todd rising to head the ball home to make it 2-0.
Billericay were far from out of the tie and on 22 minutes pulled the score back to 2-1 like Acle United added a 2nd goal a few minutes later to bring it all level at 2-2. Acle United getting their noses back in front with 5 minutes left to play in the 1st half Grace Birchall scoring from a free-kick. The 2nd half saw chances fall to both sides Billericay having a penalty shout rejected aswell as striking the bar twice. Couldn’t find the goal however to get it back to 3-3 as Acle United held on for a 3-2 to book their place in the League Cup Final.
In the other semi-final it was another hard game to call with Brentwood Town Ladies hosting AFC Dunstable Ladies on Sunday. Paida Dedza netted a brace for Brentwood Town her goals cancelled with Beth Stanton and Bianca Vassell both scoring for AFC Dunstable to see the sides finish the 90 drawing at 2-2 and heading into extra-time. 5 minutes into the extra period and AFC Dunstable struck to take a 3-2 lead, Samaira Khan scoring what would prove to be the winning goal as Brentwood Town couldn’t find a reply. AFC Dunstable will play Acle United Ladies for this season’s ERWFL League Cup scheduled for Sunday 13th May at The County Ground, Letchworth.
ERWFL Premier Division
Two matches in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday a trip to Suffolk for 2nd placed Cambridge City Ladies taking on AFC Sudbury Ladies. A tight first half between the sides a goal from Laura Mills the difference to give the visitors the lead. Cambridge City making the 3 points secure in the 2nd half with Bella Simmons making it 2-0 with her 23rd goal of the season.
Bedford Ladies are in 3rd place in the ERWFL Premier Division playing their penultimate league match at home this Sunday against bottom side Colney Heath Ladies. Another battling performance from Colney Heath they just haven’t been converted into points this season. A single goal for Bedford Ladies scored in the 2nd half enough to see them claim all 3 points.
ERWFL League Plate
Also semi-final weekend in the ERWFL League Plate, just the one taking place however with Hutton Ladies involved in the Essex Women’s Trophy Final this Sunday will take on Histon Ladies next Sunday in their Plate semi-final. This Sunday Stevenage Ladies Reserves leading the Division One South table were hosting fellow league side Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies in the last 4. Stevenage taking the lead in the 10th minute, Naomi Sleator with the goal. 1-0 the half-time lead the final berth wasn’t secured until late in the game Emily Schofield scoring from a free-kick making it 2-0. Hannah Marshall also scoring as Stevenage ran out 3-0 winners to reach the final will know their opponents after the weekend.
ERWFL Division One North
Wymondham Town Ladies are the Champions clinching the ERWFL Division One North title this Sunday away to 2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Favourites at the start of the season to win the title and promotion to the Premier Division following on from a strong debut season in the ERWFL. Are Champions with 3 games to spare unbeaten too with just the one draw in their 15 league games played so far. A 2nd successive Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final to look forwards to as well at the end of the month.
This Sunday away to King’s Lynn Town, top scorer Laura Nicholls put Wymondham into the lead inside the opening 15 minutes. A purple patch followed as the 1st half approached the half hour, Mollie O’Callaghan, Kayleigh Holloway and striker Hannah Waters scoring 3 goals in 4 minutes. Waters adding a 2nd goal 5 minutes later. Nicholls getting her 2nd of the match too with 3 minutes left of the 1st half to see Wymondham in full control with a 6-0 lead. Brooke Cheal scoring in the 2nd half Wymondham Town celebrating the title with a 7-0 victory.
Congratulation’s to Wymondham Town Ladies
Wymondham Town Ladies, ERWFL Division One North Champions (picture credit Wymondham Town Ladies)
In the other game played in ERWFL Division One North it was a depleted Ipswich Wanderers ladies side that played host to Histon Ladies this Sunday. Just the 7 available they put on a spirited performance but Histon made their numbers count. Abigail Davies putting the visitors into the lead in the 17th minute. Histon captain Sophie Lanham scoring to make it 2-0 midway through the 1st half. Alison Wright netted a goal for 3-0 before Lanham scored her 2nd of the game with 5 minutes of the 1st half left to see Histon leading 4-0. Sophie Hopkin and Brie Baker both scoring midway through the 2nd half saw Histon consolidate 3rd spot in the table and might yet threaten King’s Lynn Town in 2nd spot with the gap 5 points Histon having a game in hand and have to play King’s Lynn Town one more time this season. Two games against Wymondham Town however and I don’t think they’ll want to let their unbeaten record slip.
In midweek Ipswich Town Ladies Development wrapped up their 1st season in the ERWFL with a home win against Ipswich Wanderers, finishing with a win Ipswich Town ran out 4-0 winners.
ERWFL Division One South
Two games in ERWFL Division One South this Sunday, Harlow Town Ladies opening up a 6 point lead in 2nd position with an away win against Hertford Town Ladies. Both Lily Bruno and Tayla Handscombe scoring two goals each in a 4-1 victory for Harlow Town. Lisa Kline scoring the Hertford Town Ladies goal.
A good point earned by bottom side Bishops Stortford Ladies at home to 3rd placed Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies this Sunday. Goals from Heather Martin and Samantha McComish her 1st of the season seeing the hosts draw the game 2-2. Ebony Moore and Sophie Dowman scoring for Little Thurrock Dynamos who pick up a point after two successive defeats, still have games 3 games in hand on 2nd placed Harlow Town.
A few postponements affecting the ERWFL this Sunday as pitches remain water logged following the recent snow fall and a new band of rain coming in over Friday and Saturday. Two matches beat the weather in the ERWFL Premier Division with the top two Billericay Town Ladies and Cambridge City Ladies in action.
Billericay Town Ladies 7 points clear at the top of the table were at home on Sunday taking in local rivals Brentwood Town Ladies. A hat-trick from captain Lindsey Morgan (pictured) along with a strike from top scorer Paris Smith seeing the hosts to a 4-1 victory. Marie barker with the goal for Brentwood. With 4 league games left for Billericay they have a healthy lead at the top of the Premier Division table and know if they pick up maximum points from those matches that they cannot be caught.
Second placed Cambridge City Ladies are enjoying a strong season themselves, a narrow victory on Sunday moving them onto 26 points 4 clear of 3rd placed Acle United Ladies who have 3 games in hand. At Creasey Park taking on 7th placed AFC Dunstable Ladies. A hard fought win Stacey Fullicks netting the goal to give Cambridge City the lead, finished the game with 10 however with Sarah Mosley sent off.
ERWFL Cup
One outstanding quarter final tie to be played in the ERWFL Cup at last took place on Sunday between two sides that have had to endure a long period of inactivity. Acle United Ladies in action again for the 1st time in 5 weeks, for Royston Town Ladies the whole of February was a washout their last game on 28th January a few midweek matches coming up to help get them back on track.
On to the match both sides creating chances the deadlock was broken late in the 1st half with Royston getting their noses in from Hayley Graham putting the ball into the back of the goal to give the hosts a 1-0 half-time lead. Royston coming close to doubling their lead early in the 2nd half, Acle pushed them looking to get back on level terms the equaliser coming on the hour Laura Holden making the run to put Megan Todd’s cross home. Into the final 20 minutes and Acle went on to take the lead, Todd on target to make it 2-1. Royston battled to get back level the tie settled in the final minute as Acle’s Kate Pasque scored to make it 3-1 and send Acle through to the semi-finals where they will be away to Billericay Town Ladies.
ERWFL Plate
Like the ERWFL Cup one outstanding tie remained in the quarter finals of the Plate competition with Division One North side Cambridge United WFC Reserves hosting Division One South counterparts Hutton Ladies. This one looked to be a really close one on paper two sides evenly matched and the tie itself when all the way to extra time. Teonie Peyton putting Cambridge into the lead the hosts holding a 1-0 advantage at the break. Hutton coming back in the 2nd half to level the scores through a Laura Allen goal. The tie heading all the way into extra-time, Lucy Critchell scoring her first goal for the club to win the tie for the Essex side setting up a semi-final clash at home to another Cambridge shire side Histon Ladies.
ERWFL Division One North
One game played in ERWFL Division One North on Sunday top versus bottom with Silver End United Ladies travelling to Norfolk to play Wymondham Town Ladies. The hosts getting off to a fast start in recent games scoring in the opening minutes, Silver End working hard to keep their goal intact were awarded a free-kick past the half hour, Megan Jiggins on the set-piece sending the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0. A lead at the break Wymondham Town came back to level the scores 20 minutes into the 2nd half striker Hannah Waters brought down inside the box, top scorer Laura Nicholls stepping up to put the ball home for 1-1. Late drama the winning goal coming in the final minute of the match it was jubilation for Wymondham, heart break for Silver End with Nicholls hitting her 37th goal of the season for a 2-1 win taking Wymondham 4 points clear at the top of the table.
ERWFL Division One South
One game also in ERWFL Division One South at the weekend and a big one too with 2nd placed Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies hosting 3rd placed Harlow Town Ladies both side in contention for runners-up spot 3 points between the sides. Always going to be a competitive fixture Sophie Dowman getting on the scoresheet for Little Thurrock, Harlow Town getting goals through Lily Bruno and Tayla Handscomb to claim the 3 pints with a 2-1 win takes them into 2nd above Little Thurrock on goal difference.
Quarter finals weekend in both the ERWFL Cup & Plate competitions a place in the last 4 up for grabs all the sides knowing where and who they will face in the semi-finals should they progress. Unfortunately a postponement in each competition in the Cup Royston Town Ladies home tie against Acle United Ladies being called off. Elsewhere in the Cup it was very tight with few goal scored and two ties going all the way to penalties.
A clash of the league leaders as Division One North forerunners Wymondham Town Ladies travelled down for an overnight stay in Essex to take on Premier Division leaders Billericay Town Ladies. The sides drawing 0-0 at the break Wymondham giving it their all striking the post whilst Billericay’s goalkeeper Robyn Strauss produced some excellent saves. The game won by a single goal in the 2nd half by another Strauss in the 65th minutes. U18s player Hope Strauss scoring her 1st senior team goal to send Billericay into the semi-finals.
AFC Dunstable Ladies were at home to AFC Sudbury Ladies in the quarter finals of the ERWFL Cup both given a bye in the previous round it was another close contest Sudbury unlucky not to score in open play striking the crossbar the tie was goalless heading into extra-time still neither goal could be breached onto penalties. Even that was close as AFC Dunstable nudged their way into the last 4 winning the shootout 6-5.
A close match too in the last quarter final played between Bedford Ladies at home to Brentwood Town Ladies. Separated by a place in the Premier Division the sides drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes Setor Acolatse scoring the goal for Bedford, Georgia Holdaway with her 9th goal of the season for Brentwood the tie moving into extra-time. With neither finding a winning goal there was once again a penalty shootout, Brentwood the side advancing with a 5-4 win to book their place in the last four.
That leaves the semi-final draw looking like this: –
Royston Town Ladies or Acle United Ladies v Billericay Town Ladies
Brentwood Town Ladies v AFC Dunstable Ladies
The semi-finals of the League Cup scheduled to be played Sunday 8th April.
ERWFL Premier Division
One match played in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday, with Writtle Ladies moving up a place to 4th in the table with a win at home to bottom side Colney Heath Ladies. The sides going into the changing rooms at the break with the scores all square at 0-0. Writtle went on to claim the win in the 2nd half, goals from Amy Simmons, Leanne Stubbings and Georgina Tricker sealing a 3-0 victory.
ERWFL Plate
Like the ERWFL Cup one of the 4 quarter final ties fell foul to the cold weather, Cambridge United WFC Reserves match at home to Hutton Ladies called off.
Histon Ladies from Division One North were hosting Division One South side, Hertford Town ladies in the Plate quarter finals. Reached the last 4 with a comfortable result, Abigail Davis scoring a hat-trick with Katie Seagrave also getting a goal in a 4-0 win.
Two all Division One South quarter finals, Bishops Stortford Ladies were at home to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies on Sunday. The visitor getting their noses in front in the 21st minute, Kristina O’Connell with the goal. Bishops Stortford responded quickly to falling behind Daniela Ferraro levelling thing’s up 4 minutes later. 1-1 at half-time Hoddesdon went on to reach the semi-finals with two goals in the last 15 minutes of the 2nd half Hannah Kelly putting the visitors 2-1 up on 75 minutes, O’Connell with her 2nd of the match scoring just 4 minutes later to secure the 3-1 win.
In the other all Division One South quarter final in the Plate, league leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves were taking on 2nd placed Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies. The sides sharing a close contest in the regular 90 minutes neither able to break the deadlock the game heading into extra-time. A different story in the extra period as Stevenage took the lead going on to get two more goals to win the tie 3-0 to book their semi-final spot. Hannah Marshall with a brace, Emma Marshall getting the other goal.
That leaves the semi-final draw looking as follows: –
Stevenage Ladies Reserves v Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies
Cambridge United WFC Reserves or Hutton Ladies v Histon Ladies
The semi-final ties scheduled to be played Sunday 8th April
ERWFL Division One North
One match played in the ERWFL Division One North on Sunday featuring the bottom two, Silver End United Ladies buoyed by reaching the Essex Women’s Trophy final last weekend travelled to Ipswich Town Ladies Development. In the end it was a crushing defeat for Silver End as Ipswich Town Ladies Development recorded an 8-0 win to move 10 points clear of them with their 4th win of the season.
