Category Archives: ERWFL League Plate

Match Report – Newmarket Town Ladies v Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

Sunday 21st April

ERWFL League Plate

 Semi-final action this Easter Sunday on Women’s Football East from the ERWFL League Plate, Newmarket Town Ladies v Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies vying for a place in the final itself on Sunday 12th May.

 Histon Ladies already through to the ERWFL League Plate final with an extra-time win away to Stevenage Ladies Reserves last weekend. Newmarket and Hoddesdon meeting in the cup just 7 days after playing each other in the league itself. Away to Hoddesdon in Division One the Hertfordshire side 2-1 with Newmarket reduced to 10 with 25 minutes to play having goalkeeper Dominika Szary sent off nevertheless mounted a comeback late on to level the scores and win in with just 20 seconds left on the clock, 3-2 with 16-year-old Annabel Cuthbert on target for all 3 goals! 2-2 when they met at Newmarket earlier in the season, a tough semi-final to call this afternoon.

Newmarket are one of 5 newcomers to the regional league this season making the step up from the county league football, encouraged by an FA Cup run the season before that saw them beat two ERWFL Division One sides and take a 3rd to extra-time. Player departures over the close season left a bit of trepidation as they began at a higher level, had a large squad however and good recruitment has seen them flourish 3rd in the table in what has proved to be a competitve tussle in the top half in a great position to secure a top 4 finish, along with a cup semi-final.

Hoddesdon are currently fifth in the ERWFL Division One and established side playing at this level, reaching the semi-finals of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup are looking to go one better in the League Plate competition. A competitive tussle in the middle of the table a late run of 4 straight league wins has seen them climb the table, Newmarket’s late winner last weekend in Hoddesdon’s penultimate league match bringing the run to an end a trip to Histon to come who both sides will be hoping to face in the final.

The Bloorie Stadium the venue for today’s semi-final game home of Newmarket Town FC, a state of the art cork based artificial playing surface. The clubhouse beside the pitch housing a bar an kitchen serving hot food and drink, a covered seated stand beside. A beautifully hot Easter Sunday, needed to find myself some suncream out at home and that’s not an easy thing to locate on a bank holiday weekend. Still with the stuff liberally applied I was all set ready to go, watching two sides I’ve yet to catch up with this season. 

Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Ellie-Rai Quinn Nicholls, Yasmin Woodfield, Holly Dryland, Olivia Cafferelli, Beth Woodfield (C), Jess Linger, Antonia Smith, Jodie Woodfield, Brooke Wickens, Laura Bailey & Annabel Cuthbert. Subs – Olivia Orme, Chloe Slater, Hannah Rogers, Sarah O’Rourke & Eleanor McLeish.

Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies starting XI – Hannah Gilmore, Leah Dunnage (C), Charley Handley, Megan Davies, Jemma Collinson, Grace Leslie, Kristina O’Connell, Chloe Makepeace, Natasha Crick, Rosy Wodhams & Rebecca Scola. Subs –  Katie Kendle, Keeleigh Berry, Bridget Kirwan, Robyn Jones & Courtney Smart.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Dominika Szary suspended, Newmarket sort special permission from the league to play Ellie-Rai Quinn-Nicholls in goal. Newmarket to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing yellow shirts, with blue shorts and yellow and blue hooped socks, Hoddesdon lined up opposite wearing red and navy vertical striped shirts, navy shorts and socks. The visitors press as Newmarket play the ball out to the right won the diagonal ball is played in up towards the top of the area, for Rebecca Scola to attack, Olivia Cafferelli their first to clear for Newmarket. 

   Newmarket are quick to turn play around the ball fed through the middle with Annabel Cuthbert running in behind, Grace Leslie sliding in with a lunging tackle to take it away from her top of the area the ball deflecting off Cuthbert running behind for a goal kick. Hoddesdon awarded a free-kick inside the centre circle Leslie over it a good delivery long into the box, Newmarket heading it away from a throw in the left, Hoddesdon sending a cross into the six yard box the ball claimed by Quinn-Nicholls. Both sides looking for runs out wide in the early stages Jess Linger with a good diagonal ball long for Laura Bailey on the left, Hoddesdon captain Leah Dunnage defending the ball out for a throw.

Hoddesdon captain, Leah Dunnage

    Newmarket win a free-kick wide left inside the Hoddesdon half Linger a threat from any set-piece sends the ball into the area plenty of pace on it bouncing through bodies Brooke Wickens throws a leg at it inside the six yard box, Hoddesdon goalkeeper keeping her eye on the ball gathers it cleanly. Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield gets across her area right to put the tackle in to deny Natasha Crick as shot as she is played through on the right wing. Fairly even in  the early stages.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Yasmin Woodfield

  Jodie Woodfield back playing for Newmarket this season after 3 years out of the game after suffering a serious injury has the ball at her feet in midfield played it to her left on for fellow midfielder Antonia Smith 30 yards out, full back Holly Dryland bursting forwards, Smith sends the ball into her path, Dunnage sliding in puts the ball away from the throw. Kristina O’Connell after a long ball sent forwards into the left corner does well to keep it in play on the flank up the line to square a cross in along the top of the area, bites at it from Scola and Rosy Wodhams outside the box, both closed down by the Newmarket defence unable to get a shot away pops out to Chloe Makepeace on the right drives a shot in low from 25 yards out the ball racing wide across goal.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Brooke Wickens

  Wickens charging forwards with the ball on the right wing held up by Hoddesdon’s Jemma Collison, a throw won high up the pitch played into Wickens top of the area she turns well letting loose a shot the strike running wide across Gilmore’s six yard box. Newmarket forced into an early change Cafferelli coming off at the back on comes Chloe Slater taking up her position at centre back. 

  Hesitation between goalkeeper and defence inside the box for Newmarket sees Crick nip in to steal the ball takes it on into the six yard box left of goal, Beth Woodfield with a fantastic sliding tackle to take the ball away from Crick before she can get a shot away. Newmarket defending the corner on the left, Slater clearing a great ball up the pitch sees Cuthbert haring after it does well to win a corner up the other end. The delivery long to the far post missed by everyone. 

Hoddesdon’s Natasha Crick looking to bring the ball forwards

  Wickens turning inside from the right looking to attack the area is brought down a free-kick in a dangerous position for Newmarket, Linger over it goes for goal putting a high ball in towards goal, Gilmore thankful to see the ball drop narrowly over the bar. A hot day but good energy levels shown fro Newmarket quick to close the ball down Bailey and Wickens looking t make runs left and right. Bailey on the left the ball rolled into feet 35 yards out turns well knocking the ball on her next touch too strong however as she enters the box allowing Gilmore to claim.

Hannah Gilmore keeps an eye on Jess Linger’s free-kick

   Midway through the first half a drinks break called by the referee, hot out there in the middle. Play resumes Wickens attacking wide playing the ball inside to Cuthbert the young attacker brought down, players go forwards as Linger sets the ball down, a high delivery into the box, Charley Handley heading it out for Hoddesdon, comes straight back on high in the air, Gilmore coming jumps to claim. Dunnage with as good challenge to stop Bailey the ball up the line for Crick. Jodie Woodfield in to win the ball linking up with Smith looks to go left for Wickens, Collison intercepting for Hoddesdon. 

   Moving into a central position Wickens pushes the ball into Cuthbert back to goal top of the D, she spots right back Yasmin Woodfield breaking forwards into space on the right plays the pass out to her, Wickens getting in towards the top of the area demanding the cross has the ball at her feet strikes for goal the attempt racing low wide across goal. O’Connell with a clever back heel almost gets Scola away in behind through the middle, Quinn-Nicholls with a good starting position out to the edge of her area sharply to pick up the ball. O’Connell furthest forwards the ball bouncing Beth Woodfield on her shoulder it won’t drop kindly for the attacker to get a shot away on target outside the box. 

 GOAL! The deadlock broken late in the first half, from a set-piece Newmarket awarded a free-kick inside the Hoddesdon half central about 35 yards out, Linger on it looks a little too far out to have a go for goal but that is exactly what Linger does strikes it perfectly arrowing straight towards goal pace on it, Gilmore back on her line gets the faintest of touches on it not enough as the ball smashes down off the crossbar over the line 1-0.

Jess Linger opens the scoring for Newmarket Town Ladies

  Newmarket come close to adding a 2nd goal straight away, Jodie Woodfield winning the ball back from a Hoddesdon throw on the right inside their half sends it inside for Cuthbert who spots Bailey breaking on into the area in behind on the left, Bailey shooting sends her strike wide across the face of goal. Crick coming back well to help out her defence winning the ball back as Newmarket attack on the left Jodie Woodfield combining well with Smith again. 

   O’Connell played in left is pushed into the corner by Yasmin Woodfield, holds the ball up well getting back up the line to sweep a cross into the six yard box, Slater getting in front of Scola sees the ball back to her keeper. Leslie is hurt in a challenge in the middle of the park, hurt hasn’t recovered properly as she goes to take it herself an immediately pulls up. The trainer on she can’t continue, comes off with Bridget Kirwan sent on. Kirwan called into action straight away defending in the middle as Wickens swings a ball in from the right.  

Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 1-0 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

  A fair tempo to the game considering the temperatures, started off fairly evenly, however as the half has grown Newmarket started to get the upper hand, closing down well disrupting Hoddesdon all over the pitch, created the better openings although clear cut chances have been low. Linger with a superbly struck free-kick the difference between the sides. A narrow lead for Newmarket to take into the 2nd half, Hoddesdon will need to find a clinical edge in the final third to get themselves back into the game. 

Hoddesdon to get the second half underway. Won back straight away by Newmarket, Dryland on the left putting the ball on down the line for Cuthbert charging after it taking it into the area, Gilmore coming out to close her down Cuthbert taking the ball past the keeper, carries out to the by-line wide of goal cutting a cross back in towards the top of the area, a good idea but no one there to attack it, Hoddesdon launch it up field.

   Handley with a strong tackle on Cuthbert well timed top of the box, is hurt, but okay to continue after treatment. Linger breaking up an attack through the middle for Newmarket pushes the ball out to Wickens on the right she sends it on for Cuthbert peeling away to make a run into the area, Handley back again to get a foot in to take the ball away from Cuthbert not out of play Newmarket close well to force a corner kick on the right. O’Connell up well inside her box to head the ball away. 

 Getting forwards in attack receiving the ball from Davies, O’Connell attacking left is brought down by Yasmin Woodfield the defender shown a yellow card a free-kick left outside the box for Hoddesdon, Scola over it blasts a shot in low through to the near post, Quinn-Nicholls saving well the ball pushed behind for a corner. Newmarket defending break the ball forwards however too much for Cuthbert to chase down. Crick is caught offside a half a yard ahead of the Newmarket defence as O’Connell puts the diagonal ball over the top. 

Hoddesdon’s Kristina O’Connell

  Davies putting in the block as Wickens shoots from the top of the area the ball sent into her from Bailey on the left. Wickens after the loose ball turning to play the ball back across the top of the area Bailey pushed inside the D, Newmarket awarded another free-kick. Linger over it keeps the ball low this time on target but Gilmore down on her line is right behind it. Dryland on the left brings the ball on the pass inside for Smith she helps it on down the line for Bailey, Dunnage getting in on her to put in the tackle regain possession for Hoddesdon. Linger on the ball central lifts it out to Wickens right top of the area takes the shot on the half volley struck over.

Newmarket’s Laura Bailey with Hoddesdon’s Jemma Collison

  Hoddesdon make a change, Scola coming off on comes Katie Kendle. Bailey left slides a ball in across the top of the area Cuthbert seeing it into her feet well turning taking it into the box, Handley marking back on her quickly to lunge in to take the ball away from her. Slater defending at the back for Newmarket as Dunnage sliding in to get the ball almost succeeds in playing Collinson in behind on the right. Gilmore dealing well inside her six yard box as Linger out wide sends a high looping ball into the area the keeper punching it down and claiming it on the bounce. 

  Another fee-kick given away by Hoddesdon central Linger to take another awkward ball for Gilmore bouncing before her skipping up off the surface inside the six yard box she pushes it wide for a corner on the left, the ball in long to the far post headed down, Hoddesdon scramble clear a shot fired back in from outside the box racing wide of the post. The game paused for drinks again both sides getting instructions from the bench. Leslie comes back on for Hoddesdon.

 Newmarket get forwards a corner won on the right the delivery in low hear post met the header driven towards goal blocked on the line, Hoddesdon penned back as Newmarket win another corner on the left this one long to the far post play stopped however with a Hoddesdon player down as the ball is cleared. Dunnage bringing the ball on plays a crossfield pass to Crick left looking up she spots Collison breaking into the box on the right lifts the ball on, too close to Quinn-Nicholls giving the keeper the chance to claim the ball. 

  Hoddesdon have a set-piece wide left players up from the back as they continue their search for an equalising goal. A good ball put into the box Handley rising on the penalty spot to meet it with her header drives her effort wide of the right post. Hoddesdon pushing on more now Dunnage forwards on the right wins a free-kick outside the area, O’Connell to play it in Quinn-Nicholls punching t out of her six yard box. Injuries and free-kicks disrupting play, a little bit of frustration creeping into Hoddesdon’s play. Bailey away on the left holds the ball up Smith providing support up the line getting the ball sends a cross into the box Handley heading it away for Hoddesdon. 

  Kirwan winning the ball central is knocked on through the middle in behind puts O’Connell away to run in behind clear of the defence into the box right of goal pulls the trigger gets her shot across the keeper but agonisingly wide of the far post.

Kristina O’Connell running behind for Hoddesdon

  GOAL! The game moving into the final 5 minutes Newmarket break to double their lead the ball fired into Woodfield 30 yards out right channel she sends the ball on through for Cuthbert to run in clear after it into the box closing in on the keeper a composed finish putting it to her left to score at the near post and runs away into the corner to celebrate her teammates close behind 2-0. 

Newmarket Town Ladies, Annabel Cuthbert

  Smith comes off for Newmarket as they send on another 16-year-old Eleanor McLeish. Hoddesdon push everyone forwards as they win a late corner, Newmarket defend the ball ending up on the roof of the net. A long range strike fired into the Newmarket box blocked the ball pinging back and forth put behind for another corner kick. Goes long but cleared straight to O’Connell top of the area her strike sent over. 

Full time Newmarket Town Ladies 2-0 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

  Newmarket win the game 2-0 to reach the League Plate final in their debut season at this level their opponents Histon Ladies. Ice lollies to celebrate as they walk off the pitch much needed with the sun still blazing down. Got the 2nd goal they needed in the end to make thing’s a little more comfortable. Later than they would have liked but with Hoddesdon pushing on trying to find an equaliser gaps would open. Hoddesdon frustrated not at their best had chances to score get back into the tie so long as it stayed a 1-0, Newmarket on the whole looking comfortable for the result and two very well taken goals see them through to the final.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Kristina O’Connell tried her best to get thing’s going for Hoddesdon. The Newmarket defence was superb in limiting attacks and putting in some vital tackles. Jess Linger’s set-pieces a constant threat, Brooke Wickens on the right with some great runs, over on the opposite side of the attack to Laura Bailey with some great runs and movement always an outlet on the wing coming close to scoring herself, she wins today’s award.

  Good to see both sides in action at last this season, congratulations to Newmarket on reaching the final. A hot day both put in alot of effort, my thanks for the help with the teams this afternoon.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 14/04/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 14th April

ERWFL League Cup

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 Round-Up – ERWFL 13/01/19

Sunday 13th January

ERWFL Cup

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.

ERWFL Finals Day – Hutton Ladies v Stevenage Ladies Reserves

ERWFL Plate Final

Sunday 13th May

 Another double bill of Cup Finals this Sunday from The County Ground in Letchworth from the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) this time around. The League Cup to come but first up it’s an 11:00am kick-off between Hutton Ladies & Stevenage Ladies Reserves for the League Plate Final.

   Hutton Ladies the current holders of the ERWFL Plate after a 1-0 win over Colney Heath Ladies last season. Were the underdogs then and once again they will be seen as the underdogs as they take on fellow league Stevenage Ladies Reserves who having won the ERWFL Division One South title are looking to complete the double.

  Hutton Ladies with one more league game to play finishing fourth in the ERWFL Division One South table. Have already claimed silverware this season lifting the Essex Women’s Trophy with a 2-1 win against Silver End United Ladies. A tough challenge against Stevenage Ladies Reserves in this season’s Plate Final but can use last season’s result as inspiration and the knowledge they were the side to eventually bring an end to the league champion’s 100% winning start to the season.

  Stevenage Ladies Reserves have led the ERWFL Division One South table from start to finish winning their opening 10 games not conceding a single goal in that period either. Both records broken in February by today’s opponents Hutton Ladies in a 3-2 win. Stevenage Ladies Reserves have conceded just 9 goals in total from 18 league games this season whilst scoring 81 up the other end. Clinching the league title with 4 games to spare are looking to end the season with the double.

Road to the Final

  The nature of the Plate, the sides knocked out of the League Cup in the opening rounds entering the competition. The Division One sides in from the North & South contesting the early Rounds of the League Cup.

  Both sides receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the Plate. Into the quarter finals Hutton Ladies were away to Division One North side, Cambridge United WFC Reserves, the game all square at 90 minutes the sides drawing 2-2 it was Hutton who went on to score the winning goal in extra-time. Stevenage Ladies Reserves drawn at home to fellow Division One South side, Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies progressed to the last 4 of the Plate with a 3-0 victory.

  Into the semi-finals and contrasting games for both sides Hutton Ladies at home were taken all the way to extra-time once again after a high scoring game with Division One North side, Histon Ladies 3-3 after the 90 minutes was up into the extra period Hutton getting themselves in front went on to add a 2nd goal to reach their 2nd successive final with a 5-3 win. Stevenage Ladies Reserves were at home in the semi-finals against fellow league side Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies and booked their place in the Plate Final with another 3-0 result.

  The County Ground, Letchworth home of the Hertfordshire FA the venue once again for this season’s ERWFL Finals. The main seated stand housing the clubhouse and bar the changing rooms beyond. A nice wide pitch looking in very good condition with plenty of grass cover. The weather good, warm with the sun trying to get out cloud cover for the morning kick-off for the 1st of today’s matches.

Hutton Ladies starting XI – Krissie Glover, Nicola Walker, Rianne Dimmock, Hannah Page (C), Kelly Roberts, Amy Crumpler, Kaitlin Sugg, Keeley Walker, Lucy Critchell, Kate Lowen & Laura Allen. Subs – Patrizia Leo & Lucy Blurton.

Stevenage Ladies Reserves starting XI – Emily Goodacre, Holly Darling, Amy Notschild, Laura Henning, Stacey McConville, Becky Day, Sherrie Evans (C), Hayley Wood-Thompson, Hannah Marshall, Daniela Martucci & Emily Schofield. Subs – Naomi Sleator, Rebecca Brooker, Mary Lisle, Stef Cowell & Izzy McAree. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Stevenage to get the ERWFL Plate Final underway kicking off 1st half wearing an all blue kit with red and white piping around the collar and sleeves of the shirts. Hutton kitted out in their all red kit with white across the shoulders of the shirts. Becky Day playing the all out into the right channel for Daniela Martucci to chase the Hutton defence can see it safely out for an early goalkick. Stevenage make progress down the left, Hutton goalkeeper Krissie Glover coming out of her area to kick the ball clear see’s striker Laura Allen after it to attack the Stevenage area, Amy Notschild across the get in front of her and clear the ball for a throw. 

Emily Schofield with the ball for Stevenage Ladies Reserves

  The ball pressed early on cut out at the back. Allen and Kate Lowen try to link up through the centre to attack the Stevenage defence the attempted one two cut out Notschild. The first corner of the game awarded to Stevenage, Hayley Wood-Thompson to play the ball into the box the ball half cleared Emily Schofield on the right hooks it back in towards go, Martucci closing in on it near post, Glover has it safe on her gloves first. Holly Darling slides in to deny Hutton’s Critchell as Crumpler plays the through ball to her on the left.

  Stevenage counter attack breaking forwards Hutton back tracking conceding a corner on the left side Schofield to play it in Kelly Roberts with the stooping header near post defends for Hutton. The ball coming onto Wood-Thompson just outside the box left of the D, goes to strike the ball her effort charged down. Lowen and Allen are looking to combine once again through the middle for Hutton as Kaitlin Sugg plays the ball forwards, Notschild getting in between them to break up the attack. 

Hutton’s Kelly Roberts, tackles Stevenage’s Becky Day as she s about to shoot

  Lucy Critchell finding room to run into on the left lifts a cross into the area, Stacey McConville clearing for Stevenage a rapid counter is launched the ball played on to Wood-Thompson coming away with the ball left side looks to put Hannah Marshall in behind on the opposite flank send the diagonal ball crossfield, Nicola Walker defending well for Hutton Ladies at left back. Working hard early on to break up Stevenage’s flow, Hutton are gaining encouragement from their play. 

Hutton Ladies, Lucy Critchell

  Bringing the ball on over half way Sugg send the ball forwards releasing Lowen through on goal as she bursts in behind the Stevenage defence, right of goal into the box, takes an extra touch, enough to allow goalkeeper Emily Goodacre coming towards her to slide in and save at the strikers feet. Stevenage press players forwards Schofield moving out to the right to gather the ball, Hutton captain Hannah Page gets across to challenge the striker 20 yards from goal. Roberts intercepting inside the box as Wood-Thompson looks to run in on goal from the left as a high ball from the right is fired into the Hutton area.

  Stevenage haven’t settled Hutton are lively looking to close down everywhere on the pitch. A free-kick awarded to Hutton 35 yards out left of the centre circle players go forwards as Lowen plays the ball in long towards the far post, Sugg getting up highest sends her header into the back of the net Hutton celebrate thinking they have taken the lead, but no the flag is raised for offside it doesn’t stand. Another free-kick to Hutton same position only right of the centre circle this time Amy Crumpler to deliver this time long to the far post again headed down back across the six yard box, Rianne Dimmock there for Hutton but no opportunity to shoot as she is quickly closed down and Stevenage scramble the ball away.

  Martucci spinning off her marker in the middle releases the ball into Schofield’s run on the left, sends a cross long the top of the six yard box, no one gambling for Stevenage. Hutton get it clear. A chance created for Stevenage on their left as Wood-Thompson goes to charge down a defensive clearance the ball spinning into the D, Page looking to control under pressure from Schofield the ball prodded into the area with Marshall coming onto it her shot straight at Glover the keeper making the save. 

Stevenage’s Hayley Wood-Thompson looking for options as she brings the ball forwards

  Hutton are battling for everything frustrating Stevenage in the process. Riding their luck at times Dimmock slicing her clearance the ball spinning favourably into the box for Glover to grab. Goodacre with an excellent save to deny Hutton from another set-piece similar to the earlier one on the left a little closer this time Crumpler goes for goal the ball arrowing in high on target central Goodacre throwing herself at the ball punches it over the crossbar.

  All action the ball from one end to the other Dimmock sending a shot wide from a corner at the near post for Hutton. Laura Henning charging a Hutton ball down in half way brings in on fires a pass into Martucci back to goal inside the D she spins off her marker sending the ball on into the box Wood-Thompson arriving can’t quite bring it down on her chest to set up a shot the ball running wide. Hutton make a change, Walker coming off Patrizia Leo coming on the move seeing Critchell dropping deeper. 

Stevenage Ladies Reserves, Daniela Martucci

  A free-kick wide right for Stevenage the ball played in towards the top of the box Martucci with a clever flick to send the ball on into the area, no one there however Glover can claim unchallenged. Keeley Walker snapping at the ball in midfield wins it from Day plays it on for Lowen right side she plays it on into the area near post Allen closing her down Goodacre stays composed claims the ball. Glover with a top class save at the other end to deny Schofield the ball played into the striker on with the ball she arrives at the top of the area Glover coming to close her down Schofield looks to prod the ball wide of her, almost succeeds Glover however manages somehow to get her foot in the way of the ball and deflect it away for a corner. 

 Stevenage bring the ball on possession on the right brings a corner kick the ball played into six yard box Sugg heading away for Hutton, out of the area Day with the looping header back in Martucci interested, Glover comes punching the ball away from the strikers head. Hutton get the ball forwards Walker on for Lowen a one tow with Allen the ball sent on for Lowen to chase right side McConville goes with her concedes the corner. 

  A late opportunity in the first half for Stevenage to take the lead, awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position left of centre Martucci with the right foot strike a superb effort the ball swerving as it flies in on target bring a magnificent save from Glover falling back as she throws her hand towards the ball the merest of touches diverting it onto the crossbar, rebounding back into play Hutton scramble away for the corner. Coming in from the right Glover is fouled as she comes for the ball right on the stroke of half-time.

Half-time Hutton Ladies 0-0 Stevenage Ladies Reserves

  Goalless at the break one side with a goal disallowed the other striking the bar a really interesting contest and proof that the form book can go out the window in a cup final. Stevenage haven’t really settled yet into any rhythm, frustrated, Hutton have worked well right across their side to pressure the ball and break up attacks have created opportunities themselves as they have been encouraged by their performance. Defending well at the back Glover with a couple of crucial saves. Stevenage know they can play better and will no doubt look to come out strong in the 2nd half. Hutton if they can duplicate what they have achieved in the 2nd half will be hard to break down.

Hannah Page, defending for Hutton Ladies

  Hutton kicking off the 2nd half start confidently Critchell bringing the ball on from the left looks to take the ball infield is tackled by Notschild. Stevenage build on the right the ball fed on for Schofield turns inside towards the goal into the area her shot in towards the near post not troubling Glover. Walker with good work in the midfield for Hutton gets her pass on for Lowen right side holds it up before turning her marker and sending in a cross long towards the far post just out of Allen’s reach. 

Keeley Walker for Hutton Ladies getting to the ball before Stevenage’s Becky Day

  Stevenage get froward on the left Schofield moving into the channel has the ball squares it inside to Evans 30 yards out central time to line up a strike pulls the effort wide of the left post. Schofield is covering alot for ground up top getting into good crossing positions for Stevenage, the final ball more often than not collected by Glover. Critchell is yellow carded as she tugs back Wood-Thompson trying to get inside her from the right. The free-kick from a wide position sent over the bar. Stevenage make a change Darling coming off to be replaced by Izzy McAree.

Stevenage Ladies Reserves captain, Sherrie Evans

  Martucci with an opportunity to play the ball in towards goal from a set-piece left of goal 30 yards out as Hutton with away a free-kick, her strike wide at the near post. Day come on with the ball for Stevenage on for Marshall has Schofield on her left giving her the ball she is tackled by Dimmock as she charges at the Hutton defence. Hutton’s Walker intercepts a cross from the left from Marshall getting back as Evans breaks forwards through the middle. 

 GOAL! Seemingly out of nothing the deadlock is broken and it’s Hutton who take the lead the ball brought on though the middle Hutton have players forwards lined up across the top of the Stevenage penalty area the ball is played into Lowen inside the D she flicks the ball on sending it looping up high into the area, dropping towards goal Goodacre back on her line tries to palm it out from under her crossbar her glove caught in the net can’t get to it as it drops past her into the goal, Hutton take the lead, everyone converges on Lowen in celebration so I had to check afterwards to be sure it was her 1-0.

  A valuable lead for Hutton. Stevenage look for a quick reply Day bringing the ball on the pass out to Martucci, Page coming across defending well for Hutton. Henning winning the ball as she moves forwards for Stevenage is allowed to travel with the ball has a pop at goal from distance her strike straight at Glover positioned central in the Hutton goal. Stevenage attack Evans getting the ball out to Schofield moving clear on the right a run at the Hutton defence cuts back inside getting into the box sends a fierce cross along the six yard box Martucci arriving far post meeting it sends the ball over the Hutton crossbar. 

Stevenage Ladies Reserves, Laura Henning

  Marshall attacks on the left for Stevenage runs into too many bodies as Hutton close the gap in front of her. The ball cleared is picked up by Henning and fired back in Martucci with the shot puts the ball straight at Glover the keeper with a comfortable save. Hutton make a change Crumpler coming off on comes Lucy Blurton. Hutton continue to work hard to break up the play, Page and Roberts both getting to the ball first as Stevenage play it forwards for Martucci and Marshall to chase down. 

Hannah Marshall with the ball for Stevenage Ladies Reserves

 Lowen receiving the ball as she breaks into the right channel looks to knock it past McAree, the Stevenage defender putting in the challenge to win the ball. Marshall left side fires a cross infield into Martucci position top corner of the Hutton box, shows great control to bring the ball down and swivel into the shot like so many others before it however the ball is straight into Glover positioned at her near post taking it low into her body. Hutton build an attack Walker on for Lowen central inside her is Allen playing the ball into her Walker has run on into the box Allen picking her out no shot on lays the ball back to Leo 25 yards out curls her shot up over the crossbar. 

Leo with another shot at goal moments later as Hutton attack with Lowen on the right squared across the top of the area with Walker central helped onto Leo she fires her strike up over the bar from the edge of the box. Leo with a 3rd effort in quick succession as Allen and Lowen work the ball forwards Lowen attempting to get on the end of Allen pass into the box favours Leo left of goal blasts the ball straight at Goodacre a great blocking save at close range the ball lose Stevenage get it clear of their box. Allen with a dipping volley from outside the box as the ball is put into her from a throw on the left her effort caught easily by Goodacre. 

Hutton Ladies, Patrizia Leo

  Glover with another fine save to deny Day as she hits the ball back in towards goal after Schofield’s initial shot from the right. Roberts with the near post header defends for Hutton from a Stevenage corner from the left. Stevenage with the change Day the player coming off Stef Cowell coming on with around 10 minutes left on the clock. McConville bringing the ball on for Stevenage inside to Martucci, she plays it on for Schofield her touch taking her inside a run at the box is brought down inside the D by Dimmock. A free-kick awarded Schofield has picked up an injury. Stevenage make the change before the free-kick Schofield helped off on comes Mary Lisle. 

  The set-piece just a foot outside the box. Martucci on it, a good effort gets the ball up over the wall but also narrowly over the crossbar too. Wood-Thompson is off for Stevenage with 5 minutes left to play Naomi Sleator coming on. Lowen finding room with the ball on the right cuts inside along the top of the box moving across the D gets a shot away back across goal wide of the post. 

Hutton Ladies, Rianne Dimmock

  Into the closing minutes of the match Hutton get a corner left side played in Evans puts it out near post for a 2nd corner this time Hutton try to hold it up in the corner. Stevenage regain possession fire the ball up to Martucci tries to turn inside run at the Hutton defence Page close on her winning the ball back. McConville with a late strike from distance is straight down Glover’s throat the keeper dropping down onto the ball. That’s it the final whistle blows and Hutton Ladies celebrate a 1-0 win to win the ERWFL Plate Final for the 2nd successive season.

Full time Hutton Ladies 1-0 Stevenage Ladies Reserves

  An impressive performance from Hutton Ladies don’t think they even believed they could do it at the start of the match but just like last season they overcame the odds to win the trophy. Encouraged early on pressing the ball well and defending strongly gained the belief that they could get something going forwards themselves. The winning goal coming in the 2nd half, Hutton looked comfortable afterwards with the narrow advantage. Stevenage created chances and got players forwards just didn’t get the luck of the green today. Glover in the way of anything they threw at her. Miss out on the double and will no doubt feel disappointed but must remember they have dominated the league this season and are the League Champions.

 Three trophys in two season’s for Hutton Ladies not a bad return at all.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  There were several contenders for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match in today’s final and I knew my notes were going to have to help me out on this one. It was a strong all round team performance from Hutton in today’s Plate Final. The defence superb, Dimmock, Page and Crumpler. Walker impressed in midfield. The last line of any defence is the goalkeeper however and for Hutton Krissie Glover was behind everything Stevenage put into her box made a number of crucial saves too during the game and she is the ERWFL Plate Final’s Player of the Match. 

Hutton Ladies 2017/18 ERWFL Plate Winners

  Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning today’s ERWFL Plate Final.

  If that was the starter I can’t wait for the main course. Was a really entertaining final Hutton proving lightening can strike twice. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team line-ups. A little time to relax before the ERWFL League Cup Final kicks off.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 08/04/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th April

ERWFL League Cup

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.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 11/03/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 11th March

ERWFL Premier Division

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.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 25/02/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 25th February

ERWFL Cup

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.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 07/01/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 7th January

ERWFL League Cup

3rd time lucky for the ERWFL League Cup for the 3rd Round tie yet to be played postponed twice in December because of bad weather rolled over into the New Year. Acle United in the end progressed without kicking a ball their game away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies postponed twice already off this Sunday as King’s Lynn couldn’t field a side having to forfeit. More sad news coming out from King’s Lynn Town Ladies with coach Joe Simpson leaving his role with the club instrumental in the women’s sides recent success he will be a loss to the game wish him all the best for the future.

Of the other two sides from the Division One North still left in the competition both were hosting Premier Division opposition at home tough games for both. Wymondham Town Ladies taking on Essex side Writtle Ladies. The hosts starting the game well however Wymondham 2-0 up inside the opening 12 minutes, top scorer Laura Nicholls continuing the great form she showed towards the end of 2017 scoring on 6 minutes, Hannah Waters recently signed having been at Lowestoft making it 2-0. That the lead at half-time Writtle pulled it back to 2-1 with Leanne Stubbings on target before Wymondham restored their 2 goal lead Nadine Basson making it 3-1. Nicholls with her 2nd of the game making it 4-1 4 minutes later. Georgina Tricker made it 4-2 for Writtle with 10 minutes left, Wymondham with the win the only side outside the Premier Division to make the League Cup quarter finals.

A tough test at home to for Ipswich Town Ladies Development also hosting an Essex side in the 3rd round of the League Cup, Billericay Town Ladies the visitors. Paris Smith was on the scoresheet with 5 goals in the tie for Billericay with both captain Lindsey Morgan and new signing Georgia Box getting a brace each the final score 10-0 to Billericay.

One tie yet to be played in the 3rd Round of the League Cup an all Premier Division clash with Royston Town Ladies playing Colney Heath Ladies this coming Sunday.

   Will publish the full details of the quarter final draw on twitter once I have the final line-up.

ERWFL League Plate

One tie played in the 1st Round of the ERWFL League Plate competition another postponed twice already Histon Ladies were at home at the Glassworld Stadium taking on fellow Division One North side Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. A brace form Sophie Lanham along with a goal each from Abigail Davis and Katie Seagrave sealing Histon progress with a 4-0 victory.

ERWFL Premier Division

Two games played in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday featuring sides in the lower half of the table. Bedford Ladies in 6th were hosting Royston Town Ladies in the bottom 3 looking to try and close the gap to the sides in mid-table. Goals from Samantha Edgar and Sammy Tinsley seeing Royston Town start the year with a win just their 2nd in the league this season along with 3 draws to move them onto 9 points.

A 7 goal thriller between AFC Sudbury Ladies and Brentwood Town Ladies, the side from Essex leaving with all 3 points in the back edging the score 4-3, Angela Arnold netting a brace, with a goal each for Georgia Holdaway and Nicole Manning sees Brentwood continue their recent good form winning 3 of their last 4 league games to climb out of trouble. Rebecca Chandler with one and Mia Etheridge with a brace scoring for AFC Sudbury who slip to 2nd bottom following Royston’s win.

ERWFL Division One North

 Another match that had been postponed twice at the end of 2017 was finally played this Sunday in ERWFL Division One North with Cambridge United WFC Reserves hosting Essex side Silver End United Ladies. Goals from Lucy Gateson and Bethany Morrell seeing Cambridge United claim all 3 points with a 2-1 win. Rebecca Donnelly scoring for Silver End United. Cambridge move above Histon Ladies into 4th in the table their highest position in the league so far this season. 

ERWFL Division One South

Two matches played in ERWFL Division One South this Sunday and league leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves relentless good form continues from where they left off in 2018 now winning 10 straight league games scoring 58 along the way now and still yet to concede a goal. Were playing bottom side Hertford Town Ladies this Sunday. Scoring 6 goals in the match with 6 different names on the scoresheet, Sherrie Evans, Amy Josland, Daniela Martucci, Stacey McConville, Naomi Sleator and Jenny Hepton all grabbing a goal.

Harlow Town Ladies were playing just their 6th league game so far this season on Sunday in 3rd place in the Division One South table were hosting Hutton Ladies. Both on 9 points, Harlow with the superior goal difference moved 3 points clear after the final whistle with a 3-0 win, Lily Bruno, Frances Gamble and Rosi Webb in her 2nd appearance for the club netting her 1st goal.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 24/09/17

The Round-Up

Sunday 24th September

ERWFL Premier Division

A full programme of fixtures played in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday and it’s Billericay Town Ladies who continue to set the early pace now winning their 1st 4 opening league matches. A tough trip away to AFC Sudbury Ladies. Goals from captain Lindsey Morgan, Lauren Knight and new signing Dempsey Favell her 1st for the club since joining from Harlow Town Ladies seeing the visitors win 3-1. Mia Etheridge scoring the goal for Sudbury who drop to 2nd bottom in the table.

Writtle Ladies also continue their fine start to the season and continue to score…. and concede plenty of goals in 2nd spot 2 points behind Billericay. Were involved in another high scoring game at the weekend at home to Bedford Ladies. A 7 goal thriller Writtle edging Bedford out 4-3 to take all the points. Eden Kibron with a brace and captain Jodie Molloy scoring for Bedford. Writtle’s captain, Abigail Fry scoring a goal for the home side along with Lucy Jones, Leanne Stubbings and Charlotte Bryant the result ending Bedford’s unbeaten start only the top two remain undefeated now.

   Acle United Ladies move back up to 3rd position in the Premier Division table after securing a late win at home to Cambridge City Ladies on Sunday. The visitors had Laura Mills making her debut and she was on hand to score and put Cambridge City into an early lead. Held onto the advantage going into the half-time break. Acle got themselves back on level terms early in the 2nd half Lauren Bullard scoring the goal. The winning goal coming 5 minutes from time, Megan Todd sending the ball into the back of the net.

   AFC Dunstable Ladies finally got a league win under their belts after 4 attempts this weekend at home to Brentwood Town Ladies. 2 draws and a defeat in their previous 3 games goals from Charlotte South and a Danielle Carty free-kick enough to secure the 3 points with a 2-1 win, Rosi Webb scoring for Brentwood.

 Colney Heath Ladies travelled up to Suffolk on Sunday to play an under strength Lowestoft Town Ladies, having won their previous two matches Lowestoft could only field 9 players which was later to drop to 8 during the game. Despite this managed to score 2 goals but Colney Heath at full strength took full advantage,Christina Freestone top scoring in the game netting a hat-trick. Samantha May and captain Sophie Joseph both scoring a brace, Annie Hickey and Nicola Hollocks also on the scoresheet in a 9-2 that lifts them up into the top half of the Premier Division Table.

  3 straight losses in the Premier Division to start the season for Royston Town Ladies, that all changed this Sunday as they picked up their 1st win of the season in spectacular fashion. At home to bottom side Colchester Town Ladies, 4…yes 4 players all got themselves a hat-trick in a 12-1 win. Sammy Tinsley and Gemma Croucher, along with new signings Becky Shephard and Frankie Smithers her 1st goals for the club since joining from Watton Ladies.

ERWFL Division One North

King’s Lynn Town Ladies should have been in league cup action this weekend but with opponents Offley & Stopsley WFC folding they were instead playing a rearranged league match at home to Ipswich Town Ladies Development. It was King’s Lynn who clinched their 3rd straight win in the league to start life in the higher division and in doing so go 2nd in the table on goal difference behind Histon Ladies. Goals from Oksana Imanalijeva and captain Shelley Woods securing a 2-1 win.

ERWFL League Cup

4 games played in the 1st Round of the ERWFL League Cup this weekend featuring sides from Division One. Stevenage Ladies Reserves were hosting Cambridge United WFC Reserves. It was the visitors who took the lead Liz Pamplin sending her free-kick into the back of the net. Stevenage pulling it back to 1-1, Teonie Peyton scoring to restore Cambridge’s lead. Again Stevenage came back to level, then saw a penalty saved before getting a 3rd goal to win the match and see them through to the next round. A goal for Hayley Wood-Thompson along with a brace for Emily Scofield the goalscorers for Stevenage.

  It was an all Division One North clash in the 1st Round of the League Cup between Wymondham Town Ladies at home to Ipswich Wanderers. Drew 2-2 early on in the league a different result this time around with Wymondham dominant to progress with a convincing win. Kayleigh Holloway putting the home side in front inside the opening 5 minutes. Brooke Cheal-Ferris scoring on 19 minutes to give Wymondham a 2-0 half-time lead. Cheal-Ferris adding another goal a minute into the 2nd half had Wymondham in control of the game, Alice Collins and Laura Wiseman both adding more goals before the 60th minute. Laura Nicholls with a goal on 78 minutes sealing a 6-0 win.

  The other 2 tie featured sides from Division One South, Hutton Ladies at home to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies. Amy Crumpler scoring for Hutton, it was Little Thurrock Dynamos who advance in the competition Georgia Fraser scoring twice to secure a 2-1 win.

  Bishops Stortford Ladies and Hertford Town Ladies have been seeing alot of each other recently. Previous meeting in both the league and FA Women’s Cup both going Bishops Stortford’s way this time in the league cup Bishops Stortford the hosts conceded two goals, Bilge Taspinar and Donna Watts scoring for Hertford. Were knocked out of the League Cup as Bishops Stortford won the game 3-2 Rebekah Coppin, Teigan McHale and Brooke White scoring the goals.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 14/05/17

The Round-Up

ERWFL – Sunday 14th May

For the 3rd Sunday in a row the Supporting Women’s Football Blog was covering a cup final double this time from the ERWFL as they hosted the League Plate and Cup Finals at The County Ground, Letchworth. The league season at least in the Premier Division done and dusted a fortnight ago in Division One Hutton Ladies and Champions, Cambridge City Ladies had to face each other in their final games both involved in this Sunday’s action. Hutton Ladies reaching the Plate Final were the underdogs as they took on Division One runners-up Colney Heath Ladies who had reached their 3rd successive Plate Final. Cambridge City Ladies had reached the League Cup Final were looking to make it a double but so too were opponents, Haringey Borough Women who had won the Premier Division, the report from both games can be read below.

ERWFL Plate Final

Cup Final Report – Colney Heath Ladies v Hutton Ladies

 

  Another busy Sunday on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog heading to the County Ground, Letchworth for this season’s ERWFL Final’s day, 1st up an 11am kick-off for the Plate Final between Colney Heath Ladies and Hutton Ladies.

  The Plate competition for the sides from ERWFL Division One in it’s various guises over the past few seasons that don’t go beyond the quarter-finals of the league cup, Colney Heath Ladies have reached the last 3 finals in succession, runners up in the previous two will be looking to go one batter this time and win the final. Have grown as a side over those past 3 season’s having had their best season to date clinching 2nd place in the Division One table.

  Will play Essex side Hutton Ladies this time around into their 1st ERWFL Plate Final have had an up and down season in the league flirting with the top 4 at one point fell away in the end to eventually finish 9th. Behind on their fixtures have had competitive football right up to this weekends final. Colney Heath have kept thing’s ticking over with friendly matches over that same period.

Road to the Final

Beginning with the quarter-finals this seasons plate competition saw Colney Heath drawn at home to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies edged the score 3-2 to reach the semi-finals. Opponents Ipswich Wanderers Ladies couldn’t field a team for the semi-final Colney Heath advancing without kicking a ball to the final itself.
  A Bye for Hutton Ladies in the quarter-finals were drawn at home to Stevenage Ladies Reserves in the semi-final always looked a close contest on paper and proved so on the day the scores level at 2-2 after 90 minutes the semi-final went into extra-time, Hutton Ladies finding the winning goal to make it into the Plate Final.
 The County Ground in Letchworth, Hertfordshire once again the venue for this season’s ERWFL Finals. The large grass pitch has seen alot of cup final action recently but with the unusually dry weather in April has held up well looks in good shape a large pitch. The mainstand providing covered seating down one side behind the dugouts the bar situated at one end the Pukka Tukka trailer the other 1st stop upon arrival for a bacon bap. Rain to start the day however this was clearing and the sun warming things up a slight breeze chilly in the shade.
 
 Colney Heath Ladies starting XI – Amy Mullett, Kelly Hancock, Adrienne Milton, Rachel Sherlow, Kelly Glynn, Kirsty Feasey, Lucy Hancock, Annie Hickey, Sophie Joseph (C), Holly Sheridan & Christina Freestone.
 subs – Jennifer Mansfield, Sammy May, Molly Slade, Eustacia Randles & Victoria Allen.
 
 Hutton Ladies starting XI – Krissie Glover, Kirsten McLeavy, Amy Crumpler, Kelly Roberts, Rianne Dimmock, Amy Reed, Kaitlin Sugg, Hannah Page (C) Kate Lowen, Hayley Critchell & Laura Allen.

 subs – Sam Kuski.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  An 11am kick-off for the Plate Final, Hutton to get the match started 1st half wearing red shirts with white across the shoulders and collar, with red shorts and socks. Colney Heath lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts. A quiet start to the game both sides looking to put the ball out wide test the others back line. 

  Hutton’s Kate Lowen goes after a high ball put forwards by Kaitlin Sugg  out to the right wing is tracked by Colney Heath’s Adrienne Milton makes the tackle putting the ball out for a throw deep in the corner. From the throw the ball helped on loops up into the area Sugg has the ball headed into the side of her face as the Colney Heath defence win the header comes back out to the right the return ball into the box cleared by Rachel Sherlow. 

“We’ll have that!”

  A positive start from Hutton pressing Colney Heath for the ball inside their own half, win a corner on the right, then the left side the inswinging ball striking the post coming back out into play is scrambled clear. Colney Heath get the ball wide out to the right winning a throw high up the pitch the cross is fired into the six yard box behind the strikers attacking the ball, Amy Reed gets the ball out of the area for Hutton goes straight to Lucy Hancock all of 30 yards out central, meets the ball sweetly with her boot sending it arrowing back in towards goal, Krissie Glover in goal for Hutton can’t stop it strikes the crossbar smashed down into the six yard box, Colney Heath striker Christina Freestone is on it in a flash gets her foot up to met the ball in the air is straight at Glover into her body the keeper gets a firm grip on the ball to save.

Colney Heath Ladies striker, Christina Freestone knocks the ball on into the box

  Colney Heath continue to come on with the ball 10 minutes played Milton is fouled by Hutton’s Amy Crumpler wide left on halfway the ball played up into the box is headed away by Rianne Dimmock a throw in the left the ball played up into the area Freestone strikes it as it falls at her feet is blocked deflected behind a for corner. Hutton defend look to break, Anne Hickey tackles to regain possession in the middle the ball on into Freestone takes a pop from distance her curling shot only finding the goalkeeper.

  Colney Heath captain, Sophie Joseph holds the ball up as it is played into her feet on the left, Milton goes past her on the overlap the pass finding her her cross into the box finds Freestone near post, looks to find room for a shot no way past Hutton’s Kirsten McLeavy marking her closely put back out to Joseph arriving left side of the box the ball is played back into the area, knocked back out centrally comes to Hickey strikes the ball from outside the box the shot whistling over the crossbar.

Colney Heath Ladies captain, Sophie Joseph

  A vital interception from Hutton’s McLeavy at the back as Freestone seeing the ball into her feet 30 yards out turns spotting Holly Sheridan on the move on the right, had the ball found her would have been one on one with the keeper. A competitive start, Hutton do’t want Colney Heath to settle on the ball as working hard to hustle the ball. Get up the other end Lowen winning a corner on the right the ball sent in near post is cleared by Colney Heath’s Kelly Hancock. 

  Milton and Joseph link up on the left side going forwards the cross played in early across the top of the area finds Sheridan on the right outside the area, leaning back as she goes to strike the ball sends her shot across goal looping up starts to dip, not enough to fall under the crossbar. Hutton make an early switch Sam Kuski coming on for Reed midway through the 1st half. 

  A great chance for Colney Heath to open the scoring in the Plate Final as Hickey bringing the ball on through the middle puts it into Freestone before bombing forwards getting the ball returned to her left outside the area, Hutton’s Kelly Roberts goes to ground making the tackle, The ball isn’t away Hickey wriggles clear with it in behind into the area, looks to pick her spot across the keeper coming to close the angle, Glover makes a fantastic stop with her leg to deflect the ball away across her six yard box. 

Annie Hickey wins the header under challenge from Hutton’s Sam Kuski

  Colney Heath continue to create chances as they look to break down a stubborn and organised Hutton defence, Kirsty Feasey carries the ball on through the middle evading a challenge plays a great ball into Sheridan moving to the right into the box is closed down by Kuski as she goes to shoot the ball put a yard wide of goal. Amy Mullett has been little troubled in the Colney Heath goal Glynn and Sherlow winning most thing’s in front of her.

  The same two players involved as Colney Heath come forwards again this time it’s Sheridan with the ball taking it down the left puts the cross in along the top of the Hutton area runners coming on from midfield, Feasey arriving right side hits the ball 1st time straight at Glover in the Hutton goal the keeper claiming the ball. Kelly Hancock joins the build up on the right side going on with the ball cuts it back into the area Sheridan just inside shoots from the angle again the shot goes straight into Glover. 

Front of picture, Colney Heath Ladies, Kirsty Feasey

  Into the final minutes of the 1st half Colney Heath are stepping it up a level looking to find the break through, Dimmock and Roberts closing down any attempt made to get though the middle. If Colney Heath find a way through the shot is going straight into Glover the keeper well positioned throughout. Feasey plays the ball on for Sheridan with acres of space to run into on the right, puts the ball into the area, Roberts clearing for Hutton in front of Freestone.

Half-time Colney Heath Ladies 0-0 Hutton Ladies

  Goalless at the break as the two sides head back to the dressing room. An intriguing 1st half, Colney Heath on another day might be leading 3-0 however Hutton have defended well kept a good shape and Glover has been in the right place everytime Colney Heath have gotten a shot away from the edge of the area. Little opportunity up the other end Critchell and Lowen getting on the ball left and right trying to thread the ball through the middle Colney Heath’s centre backs, Kelly Glynn and Sherlow have converged quickly to close the door in front of goal. All to play for 2nd half. 

Colney Heath Ladies, Annie Hickey tackling Hutton’s Amy Crumpler
 Colney Heath to get the 2nd half underway. Attacking down the left the cross is cut out cleared by Dimmock, Kelly Hancock picks it up coming forwards down the right, cutting inside rolls the ball into Feasey, time to line up a shot from 25 yards out, same as in the 1st half is straight at the keeper Glover making a comfortable save. Hickey comes forwards with the ball into the middle has Sheridan drifting out wide right top of the area plays the ball into her, she puts it into Freestone inside her right of the d 20 yards out her shot is blocked by Hutton’s Roberts rebounds back out to Hickey 25 yards out right side of goal shoots the ball fired wide of the far post. 

  Freestone gets hold of the ball turning centrally the pass finds Sheridan to her right, looking to drive at the Hutton defence is closed down by Dimmock, with support from Critchell the pair regain possession of the ball. Lucy Hancock plays the ball into Freestone holding it up well right, Sheridan makes a run into the area, Freestone looks to thread the ball into her feet, Roberts does well closing her down and winning the ball in the six yard box. A risky back pass from Dimmock as Colney Heath put the ball straight up through the middle, bouncing Freestone flicks it on for Sheridan falling down into the area Dimmock holding the striker off volleys the ball into her keeper, little time to react Glover meets the ball in the air volleys it out of her box. 

Hutton Ladies, Kelly Roberts

  Hutton’s Kuski charging down the ball inside the Colney Heath half on the right goes on before sending it long on the diagonal for Lowen left side, gets the down and manages to keep hold of the ball as Kelly Hancock goes to ground for the challenge moving into the box left looks to shoot, Sherlow recovers getting back throwing her herself across Lowen’s path to make the block. 

 Both sides make a change, Hutton bringing Reed back on for Kuski. Eustacia Randles coming on for Colney Heath replacing Freestone. The substitute filling in at left back with Milton coming across to right back, Kelly Hancock pushed higher up the field. Colney Heath have a free-kick in a dangerous position 22 yards out left of the D, Feasey over the ball goes for goal, Glover calls for it and claims at her far post. 

Hutton Ladies captain, Hannah Page getting hold of the ball

  20 minutes left on the clock Hutton get players forwards Allen winning a throw on the left put in long into the area, Sherlow heads away for Colney Heath, Joseph picking up the ball looks to counter, Page comes in to tackle her wins the ball back as they continue to defend.

 GOAL! Against the run of play it’s Hutton who break the deadlock finding the back of the Colney Heath goal, the ball won in the middle by Page is played up top with Critchell on the move left side getting onto the ball looks to take the defender on in front of her is pushed wide as she enters the area then unchallenged in the box  sends a looping ball in towards goal up and over the keeper into the back of the net 0-1.

  A blow for Colney Heath attack straight from the restart winning a corer kick on the left the ball floated in centrally, Glover comes for it going to push takes it off Feasey’s head on the penalty spot, catches the player aswell as the ball but is okay after treatment. Jennifer Mansfield comes on for Colney Heath replacing Hickey. Dimmock with a controlled header back to her keeper a Sheridan tries to flick the ball on a Kelly Hancock coming forwards plays the ball into her.

Colney Heath Ladies, Kelly Hancock

   Closing in on the final 10 minutes Colney Heath make a triple substitution as they try to break down Hutton’s stubborn defence. Molly Slade, Sammy May and Freestone returning come on for Glynn, Kelly Hancock and Joseph. Lucy Hancock on through the middle for Sheridan the tackle made by Dimmock outside the box. With room at the back now as Colney Heath push on Allen taking the ball down the right wins a corner. coming in near post is knocked on towards goal, back on her line Mullet punches the ball away.

  Feasey makes ground with the ball coming through the middle, fires the ball up towards Freestone chests down and turning rolls it into Sheridan right of her into the area, closed down she slides in gets to the ball 1st, her strike narrowly wide of the post. Hutton bring Kuski back on for Crumpler. A long ball from right to left falls to Mansfield inside the box on the left, looks to bring it down and shoot, Reed gets back in time to close her down tackling put the ball behind for the corner. A good delivery going long to the far post, no one can connect sails out for a goal kick. 

 All out attack from Colney Heath as the game goes into stoppage time players swarming around the box but Hutton defend for their lives protecting their lead, Glover coming well plucks the ball of Feasey’s raised foot as the midfield tries to bring down a high ball put in from the right. That’s it the final whistle blows and Hutton Ladies celebrate winning the ERWFL Plate Final.

Full time Colney Heath Ladies 0-1 Hutton Ladies

    Joy for Hutton Ladies winning the final. Heart break for Colney Heath Ladies suffering defeat for the 3rd successive final would have gone in confident after their successful league campaign, and created a host of chances especially 1st half just couldn’t get the ball past Glover in goal. Hutton the underdogs performed well battled hard were resilient and took the lead with one of the few chances they fashioned in the 2nd half.
 

SWF Blog – Player of the Match

 It’s that resilience and determination in defending that sees today’s SWF Blog – Player of the Match go to Hutton Ladies, Rianne Dimmock defended superbly winning the ball, getting across Colney Heath attackers and making some vital interceptions.


Hutton Ladies, ERWFL Plate Final Winners 2016/17

 Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning the ERWFL Plate Final today.

  My thanks to referee Chris Abbott for helping me out with today’s team line ups.

ERWFL Cup Final

Cup Final Report – Haringey Borough Women v Cambridge City Ladies

 

 Onto the 2nd Final of the day at the County Ground, Letchworth the ERWFL Cup Final. Will be a league and cup double for whoever wins the trophy this afternoon with Premier Division Champions, Haringey Borough Women taking on Division One Champions, Cambridge City Ladies.

  A great season for both clubs at the top of their respective leagues all season going all the way to win the title and promotion. For Haringey Borough Women it was a poignant triumph to win the ERWFL Premier Division doing so for their former manager Steve Browne who tragically lost his battle with cancer over the New Year. The squad clinching the title with a final day win against challengers Acle United Ladies to achieve promotion to the FAWPL above for the 1st time in their history, now the chance to make it a double success with the league cup.

  So to for opponents Cambridge City Ladies however after they won the ERWFL Division One title in their 1st season playing at regional level following promotion as Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership Champions last season. Just the one defeat on their way to the title wrapped it up with 4 games to spare. An ambitious club are looking to follow Haringey Borough Women’s success and reach the FAWPL. A good test of their credentials taking on the Champions from the league above.

Road to the Final
 
  All the sides from the ERWFL’s two divisions enter the League Cup competition. The Division One sides contesting the 1st two rounds, the Premier Division sides entering in round 3.
  A Bye for Cambridge City Ladies in the 1st Round were drawn away to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies in the 2nd Round a 1st half goal from Charlotte Gillies enough to send Cambridge City into the 3rd Round. Faced fellow Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies from the Premier Division away from home Cambridge advanced to the quarter finals with a 3-0 victory.
  A trip to Norfolk in the quarter finals to play eventual Premier Division runners-up Acle United Ladies. Won through to the semi-finals with a narrow 2-1 win to reach the semi-finals and another tough test away to another Premier Division high flyer AFC Dunstable Ladies. Bronte Rapley and Bella Simmons with the goals to send Cambridge City into the final.
  Haringey Borough Women were drawn away to Colchester Town Ladies in the 3rd Round, after a goalless 1st half strikers Klesha Darroux and Julia Carruthers both scored to seal a 2-0 win to put Haringey Borough into the quarter finals. 
 Were awarded a home win over Division One side Silver End United Ladies to advance to the quarter finals where they were away to Norfolk side Wymondham Town Ladies holding their own in 3rd place in the Division One table following promotion this season. Haringey Borough proving to strong in the end wrapping up a 4-1 win to reach the final.
  A 2 hour window between today’s finals giving me the opportunity to devour a bacon sausage and egg bap very tasty it was too. All the cloud had burned away it was a hot sunny afternoon for the League Cup Final at the County Ground. 
 
  Haringey Borough Women starting XI – Cherkish Young, Brooke Hills, Shernelle Francois, Roisin Cormack (C), Robyn Reardon, Shaydean Gorman, Morgan Lundberg, Karesha Iton, Anele Komani, Klesha Darroux & Julia Carruthers.
  subs – Roxanne Eshun, Shanice Nourrice, Jaidene Brown, Martina Stankova & Stephanie Cooper
 
  Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Tee Mhunduru, Amy Reed, Lauren Tomlinson, Becca Fay (C), Robyn Phillips, Emily Reed, Sarah Mosley, Grace Stanley, Charlotte Gillies, Stacey Fullicks & Bella Simmons.
  subs – Saffron Henry, Carla Penny, Rachel Pearce, Izzy Broadbent & Philippa Witherspoon.
 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 The sides gather on the centre circle before the match a minutes silence, Haringey wearing black armbands with their former managers name on. Cambridge to kick-off the ERWFL Cup Final wearing white shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. Haringey opposite wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. A good atmosphere building the Haringey supporters in good voice willing their team on. 
  A competitive start to the match the ball pinging back and forth between the sides Anele Komani picking the ball up in the middle puts it over the top for striker, Julia Carruthers in behind, Cambridge goalkeeper, Tee Mhunduru off her line early gets to the ball 1st. Cambridge send the ball long out to the right Charlotte Gillies fouled in the corner gets the free-kick. Played into the box Haringey goalkeeper, Cherish Young claims at her near post.
 GOAL! Haringey take an early lead in the final the ball quickly releases by Young is helped on through the middle, Carruthers after the ball bouncing high on the hard surface drifting right into the box gets the wrong side of the defender can’t hold her off the striker seeing the ball into her feet smashes her shot low and hard past the keeper into the back of the net 1-0.

An early set back for Cambridge push on with the ball down the right from the restart Emily Reed on for Sarah Mosley then Gillies down the line a spell of possession the ball rolled back to Mosley top of the area 20 yards out right side, shoots puts her strike wide of the near post. Komani receiving the ball from Morgan Lundberg goes forwards tries to put it on for Carruthers again central into the box, Cambridge’s Robyn Phillips gets in front of the striker this time shields the ball as Mhunduru comes to gather. 

 

  Bella Simmons up top for Cambridge sees the ball into her feet back to goal central 30 yards out rolls her marker sending Grace Stanley away on the left taking the ball down the line looks to turn inside get into the area, Haringey captain, Roisin Cormack closing her down cuts out the cross and clears. A free-kick for Cambridge inside the Haringey half in front of the centre circle captain Becca Fay over the ball looks to go for goal plenty of power behind her shot Young isn’t troubled however as it flies past her right post.

  A free-kick for Haringey inside their own half wide right, Brooke Hills over it plays it into Komani who spins in behind the Cambridge defence right side taking the ball on into the box reaching the six yard box goes to shoot a vicious strike, Mhunduru makes a superb save with her leg going to ground the ball deflected out for the corner kick. Before the corner can be taken the trainer is called on with Komani down in the box, injured has to come off Jaidene Browne comes on.

Cambridge City Ladies goalkeeper
Tee Mhunduru
 GOAL! Haringey double their lead as the corner kick by Hills from the right is played long across the six yard box falling far post, power and accuracy on the header by Darroux arriving late sends the ball home to make it 2-0.

  15 minutes played Haringey look dangerous going forwards, Stacey Fullicks tracks back to tackle Lundberg as she looks to play the ball into Carruthers go on beyond her. Keeping the ball Haringey win a corner on the right, Hills with another long deliver, Emily Reed gets her head on the ball for Cambridge. Lauren Tomlinson fouls Lundberg as she looks to get away on the right the set-piece half way inside the Cambridge half Hills on it puts it up into the box, Mhunduru calls and gets up to claim.

Bella Simmons fouled by Robyn Reardon as she tries to protect the ball

   Fay sends the ball up field for Stanley on the left her first touch sends her in behind the Haringey defence wide of the area, Cormack recovers the ground well getting in on Stanley to play the ball out for the corner. The delivery towards the top of the area is gathered by Mosley looks to put it back into the six yard box, Robyn Reardon wins the header for Haringey knocks it out to the right, Simmons on it takes the ball into the area before shooting her low strike in towards the near post saved by Young.

   GOAL! Haringey go straight on the counter attack getting players forwards as Cambridge look to get back into position from the corner, the diagonal ball put long out to the right is send long into the box Karesha Iton arriving unmarked meets the ball on the volley far post buries it into the back of the net 3-0. 

Haringey’s Karesha Iton up to win the header

  3 goals conceded after the opening 20 minutes Cambridge are well and truly on the back foot, manager Tim Rapley calls for a positive response, getting the ball out to Gillies on the right she takes it down the line twisting and turning back inside the lay off for Mosley a long way out meets the ball on the volley puts the shot wide of goal. 

  Haringey get in behind on the right Browne taking it on plenty of pace, into the box Tomlinson recovering well manages to close her down just as she goes to shoot the strike swerves away from goal out for the goalkick. Tomlinson wins the ball of Lundberg on the left puts it long for Stanley to go after running into space Cormack coming to close her down concedes the corner kick. Curled in towards the near post the low ball strikes the post and goes behind. 

Cambridge City Ladies, Lauren Tomlinson

  A turn and shot from Iton inside the D as the ball is put into her by Lundberg from a throw in on the right her shot up over the crossbar. Cambridge make their 1st change, Simmons coming off up top Phillipa Witherspoon coming on. Browne latches onto a goalkick from Cambridge right side lays the ball inside for Carruthers knocked up into the air the striker looks to strike the bouncing ball as it falls 25 yards out her looping shot sails over the crossbar.

  Lundberg has taken a knock hurt her arm or shoulder is taken off, Roxanne Eshun coming on for Haringey. Cambridge make a change at the same time Saffron Henry coming on for Emily Reed. Another knock for Haringey’s Shernelle Francois a few minutes later sees her replaced by Shanice Nourrice. Haringey are awarded a free-kick inside the Cambridge half, central, Hills to play it forwards into the top of the area, Klesha Darroux is through on goal as the Cambridge defender going to clear the ball slips, the Haringey attacker stabbing the ball up off the surface outside the six yard box lifts her shot up over the goal. 

  Browne strikes the near post from close range as she cuts into the area from the right the ball out for a goalkick. Nourrice looks to take the ball past Tomlinson down the line the left back with a robust tackle takes out the winger and the linesman as she crashes into him, Nourrice coming off the better on her feet, it takes the linesman several minutes to get back to his feet. From the resulting free-kick Hills sends the ball in towards the top of the box, knocked out to the left Darroux sends in back into the middle, Iton onto the ball is flagged offside.

Haringey Borough Women’s
Shanice Nourrice

  Haringey finish the 1st half strongly the ball from Nourrice into Carruthers through the middle in behind, shoots as Mhunduru comes racing out to close her down, the ball past the keeper she might have gotten her fingertips in the ball, enough to take it wide of her empty net beyond.

Half-time Haringey Borough Women 3-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  A fantastic start to the 1st half from Haringey Borough Women sees them in control of the ERWFL Cup Final with a 3-0 lead could have added more goals power and pace players on the move early when possession is regained at the back, Cambridge have been on the back foot as they looked to find a response, a lot of work to do if they want to find a way back into the game 2nd half. 
  A change of personnel at the start of the 2nd half the linesman injured late in the 1st half not returning, a replacement available as one of the officials from this mornings Plate Final is still in the ground. A change too for Cambridge with Fullicks substituted, Carla Penny on taking up a left attacking position with Stanley now in behind Witherspoon through the middle. Haringey to get the 2nd half underway. Amy Reed wins the ball for Cambridge plays it up towards Witherspoon lays it onto Mosley 25 yards out her 1st time strike is wide. 
  Cambridge press forwards early 2nd half the ball towards the D, Stanley and Witherspoon try the one two get the free-kick a dangerous position left of the D, Penny over the ball lines up a shot her attempt over the bar. Pushing forwards Cambridge have to watch they aren’t caught on the counter attack Reardon with the ball plays it up to Eshun who looks to slide Nourrice through into the box right side, Mhunduru is rapidly out sliding in to claim the ball at the attackers feet. 
Haringey Borough Women’s, Robyn Reardon
  A fast tempo to the beginning of the 2nd half, Nourrice with a driving run with the ball down the right wing whips the cross into the area cleared by Phillips at the back for Cambridge, getting it up the other end a throw deep on the right played long into the area by Henry, cleared by Hills, trying to bring it forwards Amy Reed comes onto the ball getting hold of it pushing forwards lifts it up in to the box, dropping for Witherspoon the striker turns as the ball falls puts her foot through it, straight at Reardon who makes the block. 
Cambridge City Ladies striker, Phillipa Witherspoon
  Amy Reed is fouled wide on the right wing as she gets forwards with the ball the set-piece is played long into the box Penny coming in far post plants her header wide of the goal. Mosley comes on with the ball evading a challenge space for Gillies to move into right, Mosley picks her out getting into the box her low drive is hit hard, Young right behind it gets down holds onto the shot. A change for both sides Komani returning to the field for Haringey in place of Darroux. Tomlinson off for Cambridge, Izzy Broadbent on. 
Amy Reed bringing the ball forwards for Cambridge City Ladies
 A chance for Haringey to extend their lead Komani in the thick of the action as soon as she returns to the pitch the ball into her feet slides it on for Carruthers into the area left side of goal, is closed down by Reed stabs her shot narrowly wide of the post. A give and go between Gillies and Stanley through the middle, Gillies with the shot from 25 yards out Young scrambling across her goal sees it whistle past the top corner of her goal.

 GOAL! The high tempo from Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half has caused Haringey some problems not as able to bring the ball out from the back now it brings them the goal they were looking for the ball fired into Witherspoon inside the box back to goal control and strikes it on the turn, straight at Reardon the defend with instinctive stab to try and clear the ball puts it straight into Stanley’s path far post the no 11 blasting the ball into the back of the net, quickly retrieving the ball and running back to the centre circle. 

  Has been a bit of niggle between the sides throughout some strong challenges both sides up for it however the referee keeping a lid on things. Midway through the 2nd half Cambridge make a double switch, Simmons coming back on along with Rachel Pearce, Witherspoon and Mosley the players taken off. Haringey send Darroux back on for Hills. Iton picks up a knock and is replaced by Francois.

  Eshun comes off for Haringey, Lundberg back on as Cambridge pile everyone forwards a 2nd goal their for the taking would get them right back into the final have switched to 3 at the back now. Play is stretched Cambridge win a corner of Cormack taken from the right Haringey scramble it away near post launch a counter Browne bursting forwards moving right her cross looping up into the area cleared by Fay. 

  Fay over a free-kick on the left delivers the ball into the top of the area, Lundberg headers clear for Haringey. Haringey have some of the loudest supporters I’ve heard at a women’s game in a long while, they are loving it willing their team on. Hills comes back on in place of Nourrice for Haringey. Simmons gets bowled to the ground in the middle players go forwards into the box from the back for Cambridge, Stanley to put the ball into the mix falling to Fay on the penalty spot the Cambridge captain puts her head in her hands in despair as her turn and strike goes over the bar. Lundberg is injured again in alot of pain holding her arm has to come off, Iton comes back on.

  GOAL! Late into the game desperate to find a 2nd goal Cambridge are hit on the counter to concede a 4th goal, Haringey getting Komani in behind on the right travelling towards the box, Mhunduru comes racing out of her area looking to kick the ball away, miscues her strike putting off Komani as she falls the grounded keeper knocks the ball away from Komani before she can recover unfortunately the ball rolls straight into the onrushing Iton 25 yards out an empty goal to aim at she doesn’t miss 4-1.

  Into stoppage time Cambridge keep going get the ball down the other end have a corner on the left, Henry gets her head on the ball knocking it down inside the six yard box Haringey clear.

  GOAL! Penalty! Haringey launch a rapid counter attack players from both sides racing up the pick put on for Komani she drives into the box, Henry gets back on her but leaning in brings the attacker down and the referee points to the spot. Browne to take it, roars in celebration and it buries under her team mates as she powers the ball into the corner of the goal 5-1

Jaidene Browne lets out a roar as she scores from the penalty spot late in the game


Full time Haringey Borough Women 5-1 Cambridge City Ladies

 Not long after the final whistle blows and Haringey Borough Women complete a league  cup double winning the ERWFL Cup Final 5-1 to cap off a great season one for their former manager looking down upon them. A strong performance 1st half had Cambridge on the back foot right from the start with a 3 nil lead in control of the final. Cambridge did rally 2nd half and put in a great effort to try and fight their way back into the game scored had other chances only to be hit on the break with 2 goals as they sacrificed space at the back. 
Haringey Borough Women celebrate their league & cup double after the final whistle
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

 A determination about Haringey Borough Women today to get the job done and win the double, that spirit shown throughout the side none more so than Jaidene Browne she is the SWF Blog – Player of the Match.
 Congratulations to Haringey Borough Women on a memorable season winning the ERWFL Premier Division and League Cup. 
A tribute to former manager Steve Browne the Haringey players and supporters releasing balloons into the sky
 A great 1st season playing at a higher level for Cambridge City Ladies too, winning the Division One title and getting all the way the League Cup final.
 An entertaining League Cup final to cap of an enjoyable if long day out at Letchworth. My thanks to both clubs for their help with today’s teams and to the ERWFL committee members for their help today. Three cup double Sunday’s in a row I’d sleep well tonight if I didn’t have two match reports to write up! But you know I love it really.