Category Archives: ERWFL Premier Division

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Royston Town Women

Sunday 15th September

ERWFL Premier Division

A trip down into Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch a top of the table clash from the ERWFL Premier Division, early pacesetters, Royston Town Women with a 100% record from their opening 4 matches away to local rivals Stevenage FC Women 4th in the table.

 The ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid with promotion up to the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) for the league champions. More often than not a competitive league featuring a healthy quota of playing talent the Premier Division is a strong league. Today’s match up a local derby, the clubs enjoying a good rivalry Stevenage enjoying a long period as the dominant club in the county winning county cup 5 times in that spell. Royston knocking them out of the competition last season going on to lift the county cup for the first time . Stevenage’s Development/U23s side winning the inaugural Hertfordshire Women’s Trophy.

Stevenage FC Women welcome back their captain, Lucy Webster after spending the previous season out through injury. Retain much of the squad from that season coming into the new campaign as they look to get back amongst the sides pushing at the top of the league. 3 new signings, goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves joins the club having previously been with Reading FC Women. Gemma Croucher once with Royston comes into the club having been part of the Real Bedford Ladies promotion and treble winning squad last season. Libby Monaghan joins Stevenage on a dual registration with Oxford United Women.

 Got off to a winning start at home on the opening day of the season against Enfield Town Ladies, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Lilia Dempsey and Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe on target in a 4-0 win. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Luton Town Ladies followed before Stevenage bounced back with a 6-2 victory at home to Cambridge City Women playing out a 2-2 with newly promoted Watford Ladies Development last weekend. A 3 way tie for top scorer after 4 matches with, Lilia Dempsey, Amy Makewell and Gemma Croucher with 3 each.

 Royston Town Women out of the traps flying this season with 4 wins from 4 to lead the ERWFL Premier Division table. Have been building on and off the pitch over the last few season’s as they look to be amongst those regularly challenging at the top of the table. Like Stevenage have picked up a couple of players from last seasons league champions Real Bedford, attacker, Neve Mayes and full back Amy Reed. Lucy Ford joins the club from St Albans City Women. Jodie Donley has useful experience playing for AFC Sudbury Women in the FAWNL last season, also joining from Sudbury, goalkeeper, Millie Carter on a season long loan. Tilly Want is another goalkeeper coming to the club from MK Dons Women. With Katie Hayes impressing for Newmarket Town Women last season joining Royston keen to test herself at a higher level. 

  Royston Town Women at home on the opening day up against a Luton Town Ladies sides that themselves will fancy themselves for the title. A hat-trick from last season’s top scorer, Emma Slater the difference as Royston ran out 3-2 winners. Racked up the goals in their 2nd game of the season Neve Mayes netting 4 in a 10-0 demolition of Cambridge City Women. A 2-0 win at home to Watford Ladies Development followed that with another good result away from home last time out beating St Albans City Women 4-2. Emma Slater already on  for the season after just 4 matches, while Neve Mayes has 5.

 The County Ground in Letchworth the venue for this afternoon’s match. The Hertfordshire FA headquarter nestled in one corner of the stadium. The café open situated under the main stand offering covered seating. Covered terracing opposite with small terraced stands behind the goals. The pitch 3G refreshed with new rubber prepped for the new season. The weather pleasant warm if a little muggy, cloud cover around with rain possible towards the latter end of the match.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Lucy Webster (C), Mistie Fox-Barker, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Hannah Bodily, Amy Gooderham, Gemma Croucher, Anaise Corrigan & Amy Makewell. Subs – Anna Baker-Re, Kelsey Millen, Libby Monaghan, Eva Delaney & Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe.

Stevenage FC Women

Royston Town Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Annie Georgiou, Amy Reed, Amy Houghton (C), Tally Miles, Stacey Roper, Ri Badel, Laura Mills, Katie Hayes, Emma Slater & Neve Mayes. Subs –  Jodie Donley, Lily Hall, Amy Cooper, Charlotte South & Lucy Ford.

Royston Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain. Lucy Webster & Amy Houghton with today’s match officials

  Lucy Webster back for Stevenage after a long term injury, Royston too have welcomed back a couple of key players back fit towards the end of last season, club captain Amy Cooper and midfielder Ri Badel. The latter starting for the visitors today with Cooper on the bench, Amy Houghton wearing the captains armband. It’s Royston to kick-off the first half wearing their all aquamarine away kit with Stevenage in their home colours white shirt with red trim, red shorts and white socks. Played back to the defence Stevenage rush in to press the ball, competitive right from the off Royston get the ball into Ri Badel moving left lays it forwards looking for the run Neve Mayes in attack left of the D into the area, Rebecca Edge closing in to tackle send the ball out of play.

  Royston out on the left pushing up the ball rolled into full back Annie Georgiou from deep sweeps a diagonal ball into the box, Mayes looking to attack it as it falls in front of her, Stevenage goalkeeper Lauren Reeves rushing in to close her down, making the blocking save getting clattered by Mayes in the process, the ball loose running on beyond out of play beyond the far post. 

Stevenage goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves called into action early in the game

  Royston making a positive start looking to get players forwards, Stevenage breaking up at attack outside their box look to attack played on through the middle up to Amy Makewell leading the attack, controlling the ball into her feet puts the ball across the the left looking for Anaise Corrigan pushing up to join her, can’t quite take the ball on in her stride, which might well have seen her escape the defence get into the box, however Amy Houghton can get her foot in to take the ball clear for the visitors.

  Stacey Roper closing the ball down well in the middle for Royston getting her side on the front foot. Plays it forwards into Badel who sends it on for Mayes 25 yards out central has Katie Hayes breaking forwards into the box on the left slides the ball into her, Edge lunging in to charge her shot down. Edge is then clipped on the right side as the defender carries the ball out of defence. An opportunity for Stevenage to get players up into the box for the set-piece, Webster over the ball, launched in to the far post area, Roper jumping for Royston getting her head on the ball turning it behind for a corner kick. A teasing ball delivered into the box, curling across goal over everyone out the far side for a goal kick.

Royston’s Stacey Roper

  Hannah Bodily getting onto the ball in midfield for Stevenage travels forwards, the opportunity presenting it self she pulls the trigger from 25 yards out the shot coming straight at Millie Carter back on her line. 

Hannah Bodily lining up a strike for Stevenage

  Gemma Croucher, shoved in the back by Roper off a Stevenage throw in on the right giving Stevenage a free-kick in a similar position to their previous one. Webster again to deliver swept deep towards the far post, Royston defend the ball cleared up field, Emma Slater looknig to turn and attack, Mistie Fox-Barker getting her foot in to win the ball back for Stevenage. Houghton winning it back for Royston in defence put forwards for Laura Mills, finds Mayes outside the box with her pass, the attacker evading a couple of challenges as she looks to fight her way into the area, Grace Brooks not letting her through. 

Stevenage defender, Grace Brooks

  A few niggly fouls being given away certainly has a derby feel about it, Webster brought down as the Stevenage captain makes a marauding run into midfield with the ball. Top of the circle, players forwards as Webster floats the ball in on the keeper, Carter getting her gloves up to take the ball Edge closing in to attack the ball colliding with the keeper, both going down hurt. A strong challenge referee Emma Chamberlain consulting with her linesman before issuing Edge with a yellow card. 

  Tally Miles in to tackle Amy Gooderham as she looks to turn in behind on the right, brings the ball on for Royston has Georgiou up with her the full back sending the ball up the line for Hayes who slides it into the area for Mayes making a run out to the side of the box, Brooks going with the attacker, getting across the ball to shield it out of play. 

 Webster goes on another surging run from the back for Stevenage going on into the final third central, Makewell makes a run to the right drawing defenders with her opening up the left channel, Webster looks to roll it into the path of Corrigan, just a little too much on the ball Corrigan unlucky again as the ball evades her stride. Reed tackling Corrigan as she looks to attack out on the left, cleared back into the middle, Chloe Gunn gets hold of the ball for Stevenage firing it back into the box, Makewell looking to turn and shoot, blocked by Houghton…

 GOAL! For the Stevenage attack, Royston hit their opponents on the counter the ball lifted on down the right for Slater to take on, runs into the box cutting a vicious ball across the face of goal, picks out Hayes who has burst into the six yard box on the keeper to turn the ball in from close range to put Royston into the lead in the 20th minute 0-1.

Katie Hayes opening the scoring for Royston

  A free-kicks mounting up for both sides, this time Mills is upended as she takes the ball on inside the right channel. The set-piece from Miles put into the near post area, Slater getting up to try and twist her header goal wards, looping out towards the far post Gooderham stretching out a leg turning it behind for a corner kick. Curled in from the left across the six yard box to the far post attacked and knocked over.

GOAL! Stevenage get themselves back on level terms and it from a piece of individual magic from Gooderham. Out on the right inside the Royston half sees the ball into her feet, flicking it behind her to turn her marker and get inside to charge on towards the box, driving in field moves central across the D, before letting loose a well hit left for strike to send the ball curling past the diving keeper inside the far post 1-1.

Amy Gooderham in the build up to her goal

A fabulous individual goal from Amy Gooderham to equalise for Stevenage

Is certainly an enthralling contest Stevenage getting themselves back on level terms, Miles sends the ball on up the left for Royston into Mayes has Hayes up on the wing the pair playing a one two the return pass coming to Mayes as she steals into the area sends her angled strike across the face of the Stevenage goal. 

Royston attacker, Neve Mayes

 A couple of knocks for both sides, Slater needing treatment following a Royston attack top of the area, Edge too hurt as she goes up to defend on Mayes at the back for Stevenage. Both okay to continue. Roper closing Gooderham down as the Stevenage winger looks to storm on through the right channel. Brooks winning the ball from Slater at the back for Stevenage carries the ball on into midfield aiming to put a threaded pass into Makewell, Miles intercepts well for Royston.

  Reed defending inside her box, clearing the ball as Carter coming for the ball is pressed by Corrigan. Reed finding Mills in attack as she steals in behind on the right to attack the by-line flashing a cross into the six yard box, Reeves down on it smartly to claim as both Mayes and Hayes close her down. Stevenage with a quickfire counter attack the ball into Bodily on the move through the middle for the hosts lays it on for Croucher 25 yards out moving right cuts her shot back looking to play it across the keeper, Carter getting own to gather up the ball.

Laura Mills

  Stevenage making a change, bringing off Corrigan send on Kelsey Millen comes right with Gooderham switching to the left with 8 minutes remaining in the first half. Millen involved straight away as the cross-field ball is played into her, out on the right sends the ball in over the top for Croucher attacking the area left of the D, Carter rushing out to charge her down sliding in to make the blocking save, then Reed charges down the follow-up strike. 

Royston goalkeeper, Millie Carter

  Stevenage looking to press late in the half, Gooderham inside to Bodily shapes to shoot from 30 yards out her effort put straight at the keeper. Royston quick to get on the counter up to Badel in midfield plays it up to Mayes in attack central lays it out to Hayes bombing on down the left, squares her cross into the area, cut out by Webster. Royston snatch the ball back in the final third Badel again lifting it out to the left for Hayes clips her cross back into the top of the D, Mayes looking to get it under control tackled by Brooks. Pops loose for Slater to run onto right side 20 out flashes a strike wide of the far post. 

Royston midfielder, Ri Badel

 A busy end to the first half both sides looking to get forwards, Miles with a diagonal pass into Mayes outside the box, can’t et it out of her feet before Gunn closes her down. Mills on the ball for Royston right channel fires it into the box for Mayes right post area, has Slater to her right attempts to put the ball into her feet, Brooks between the pair getting hold of it instead for Stevenage and clearing. The hosts mounting one last attack in the first half, the ball send on for Croucher left side puts it across the top of the area for Millen attacking right, Georgiou defending for Royston, then Roper gets it away as Makewell looks to pounce, won back prodded into Makewell central 25 out her shot is tame runs safely through to the keeper.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-1 Royston Town Women

 That was a highly entertaining first half, a competitive derby tussle with two committed sides. A bit of niggle added to the mix but nothing nasty. Royston started confidently positive looking to get forwards breaking from a Stevenage attack carving their opponents open to score the opening goal. Stevenage responded well getting back on level terms from a piece of individual magic from Amy Gooderham. Both sides with chances after that but defences holding firm set up brilliantly for the 2nd half.

  No chances of personnel at the start of the 2nd half with Stevenage to get things underway. A slight switch for Royston with Hayes and Slater setting up on opposite flanks. The ball put into Millen as Stevenage look to play it forwards lifted on for Makewell pulling out to the right, Miles stepping in to intercept for the visitors. Millen snapping in to win the ball back out wide lifting a cross from deep into the area claimed cleanly by Carter.

Royston defender, Tally Miles

  Houghton on the ball at the back for Royston clipping a long pass up to Slater attacking left of the D, lets loose a shot, straight forwards for Reeves in the Stevenage goal. Royston winning a free-kick on the left outside the box, Miles over the ball putting her delivery long out beyond the far post. 

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

 Stevenage burst forwards Millen on for Makewell right side turns to put in into the area with Croucher attacking the goalkeeper, Carter closing the ball down Croucher sliding in gets the ball under her to see it strike the base of the post and deflect across the face of goal, Gooderham throwing herself forwards at the far post can’t make contact as Royston launch it clear. 

Stevenage’s Gemma Croucher

  An open game both side wanting a goal Hayes in space on the right tracks on with the ball, Fox-Barker patient blocking the attempted cross turning it behind for a corner kick. Georgiou to play the ball into the box form the right curled in far post knocked down hits a defender to go behind for a corner on the left. A vicious in swinger across goal, Reeves doing well to get her fist on the ball to punch it away to the right for another corner. Edge getting up highest to head the ball away at the far post for Stevenage. 

  Badel bringing the ball on right side for Royston looking to link up with Hayes, Fox-Barker stopping the initial cross, Hayes with a 2nd attempt chipping the ball up into the area, claimed well by Reeves. Gooderham pulling up for Stevenage, has a slight injury concern as they bring her off in the 56th minute sending Corrigan back into the action. Royston making their first change too, Charlotte South going into midfield replacing Badel. Royston break away to the right Hayes taking the ball on whipping a dangerous ball into the six yard box, both Mayes and Slater closing in on the keeper, Slater with the final touch, Reeves superb staying big to save at close range bat the ball away.

  Stevenage with another set-piece on half-way Webster to play it in towards the top of the area, Roper heading clear for Royston. Corrigan on the left of attack for Stevenage tangling with Reed, coming away with the ball on the move looking to get in behind, Houghton is across on the cover to close the ball down for the visitors. 

Royston captain, Amy Houghton

 Reed playing the ball on up the right for Hayes, loops a ball into the box near side Mayes rushing in to meet it sees her effort drop wide of the post a knick off a defender though a corner signalled. Played in long from the right falling to Slater deep on the left her shot from the angle blocked inside the area, deflected back out to Hayes right of the D 25 out, holding the ball up back to goal has Miles charging past her looking for the pass ties her up Miles shooting across goal towards the far post, Reeves diving to her left getting down well to save. 

  Hayes getting in on the right for Royston sending another cross into the area, claimed by Reeves low at her near post. Reed and Corrigan enjoying a good tussle as the attacker looks to get past the full back, succeeds to race on down the line whipping a venomous ball across the face of goal, Millen sliding in on the keeper can’t get a telling touch, pops up on the line for Carter to snatch into her gloves. 

 Royston making their 2nd change of the match bringing off Mayes, send Lily Hall on to take up an attacking role on the left. Stevenage too making a change Corrigan off again, on comes Eva Delaney to take up the attacking duties on the left. All action in the middle of the park, South fouling Bodily. Mills looking for Hayes on the right, turns inside, Fox-Barker stretching to get the ball back for Stevenage.

Mistie Fox-Barker

  More changes as Gunn comes off for Stevenage, Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe coming on to join the attack. Roper off for Royston with Lucy Ford introduced to the action. Hayes in a central position outside the D, her shot smashes her shot into Croucher at point blank range a painful hit takes a few moments for Croucher to recover but is alright. 

 Croucher up the other end as Stevenage attack sees the ball into her feet well on the turn looks to slip Thomas-O’Keefe free inside the box, a vital interception from Houghton though. Stevenage working hard to frustrate Royston in the final third, Brooks winning the ball well. Slater booked as she brings down Webster. The set-piece top of the circle put in to the top of the box defended by Royston, look to get on the offensive the ball into Hayes looking to take the ball on right side, Fox-Barker tracking back with her, Hayes tripping herself up goes down hard striking her head on the 3G pitch a stunning blow play stopped so she can be checked out. Was a jarring impact but thankfully is okay to play on.

 GOAL! The clock ticking down into the final 5 minutes of the match, Royston mount an attack the ball fed on for Hall on the left knocking it down into the box central with Hayes closing in Fox-Barker with her defending well, however the ball skips up to the top of the area right of the D, for Slater to put her foot though looping back in towards goal, Reeves can’t react quick enough throwing a glove up to try and deflect the ball over, not enough as it drops under the crossbar to see Royston back into the lead 1-2. 

Emma Slater fires Royston back into the lead

 Royston making a change bringing off Hayes after the goal sending on Jodie Donley goes in at right back with Reed pushed up. Corrigan back on replacing Millen for Stevenage with Libby Monaghan on to replace Webster. 

GOAL! With Stevenage pressing looking for a reply Royston get hold of the ball and counter through the middle up to Slater top of the area central slides it on for Hall stealing into the box on her left Hall taking the ball into her stride and slotting her shot past the on rushing keeper to give Royston a 2 go cushion in the 89th minute 1-3.

Lily Hall off the bench to send Royston into a 3-1 lead

  A huge blow for Stevenage as the game moves into stoppage time a few injuries several minutes yet to be played Bodily playing the ball into Croucher right channel control and turns to slide the ball on into the box for Thomas-O’Keefe, shaping to shoot on the angle, Carter comes rushing out to slide in and make the blocking save. Croucher sending another ball into the Royston box from the right, Houghton stretching to close Makewell down, the striker shoots wide. 

  Slater coming off for Royston with Mayes sent back on. Stevenage pushing players on attacking right the ball angled low into the near post Croucher throwing herself at the ball goes wide as it brushes the near post.

GOAL! Into the 6th minute of injury time, Stevenage allowed the ball wide the cross in deep from the right is brought down well by Makewell central back to goal knocks it to her left to open up a yard of space to strike the ball back across the keeper and finds the bottom corner to pull a goal back 2-3.

Amy Makewell pulls a goal back in the dying moments for Stevenage

  A goal back for Stevenage but no time left on the clock to mount another attack as Royston see out the game to make it 5 wins from 5 to start the season and open up a 6 point lead at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division table.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 2-3 Royston Town Women

  Another enthralling contest from the ERWFL Premier Division, rarely disappoints and today was no exception. A local derby played with passion and commitment. Both sides up for it. A great one for the neutral well worth the trip down from Norfolk. Royston starting positively getting into the lead straight from a Stevenage opportunity. The host with a good reply to equalise. Chances for both in the first half to get into the lead. Stevenage looking for a positive start to the 2nd half working hard at the back to frustrate Royston, the clock timing down the visitors found the break though in the 85th minute, quickly going on to add a 3rd goal. Stevenage allowed the ball as Royston looked to see out the game getting a goal back at the death but not enough time left to create another opening. A brilliant start to the season from Royston.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several contenders for this one and hard pressed to single one out although I did have one in mind leaving the ground. A local derby played with passion and largely good spirited. Several performances of note. Grace Brooks at the back for Stevenage put in several crucial tackles and got about the back line well. Hanna Bodily battling for the ball in the middle. Anaise Corrigan caused problems when she get hold of the ball. Gemma Croucher getting into some great attacking positions. Amy Gooderham with a fantastic goal, attacked down the flank with purpose. For Royston, Tally Miles was composed and read the game well. Stacey Roper was busy in the middle of the park, set the tone early on. Neve Mayes strong up top held the ball up well. Emma Slater gets a mention because she’s Emma Slater and always amongst the contenders for Royston. Edging it today for me Katie Hayes operating on both flanks provided a great outlet for Royston throughout the match looked to get others into the action, opening the scoring. 

 A thoroughly entertaining match from the County Ground this afternoon, both sides have started the season well and have assembled a strong collection of talent between them. The ERWFL Premier Division is a strong league will be intrigued to watch t unfold as the season progress. My thanks to both sides for their help today  as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Wroxham Women

Sunday 25th August

ERWFL Premier Division

Bank holiday weekend and a trip over to The Nest this Sunday for my first taste of football action from the ERWFL Premier Division, an all Norfolk affair with newly promoted Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women taking on Wroxham Women.

The ERWFL representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England, up to full strength with two Division One’s North and South featured 12 sides apiece all vying for a place in the 12 strong Premier Division. Looks the strongest it ever has been with the talent pool growing in depth and quality throughout the game. Tier 5 onwards and the step up in quality becomes ever steeper.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women one of a number of county league sides applying for promotion to the ERWFL the season before last. Made sure thing’s were in place behind the scenes before making the move and it certainly paid off with a young talented squad more or less at the top of Division One North all season, enjoyed a tight race for the title with another newly promoted side, Hertfordshire’s Harpenden Town Women. Edging them to the title by a single point. From county football to step 5 in two season’s, have always said this is a huge jump up.

A baptism of fire for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women on the opening day, doesn’t come much tougher than a away trip to play Haringey Borough Women who are amongst the favourites for the Premier Division title this season. Proved to be a tough game with Haringey powering into a 6 goal lead at half-time. A goal back for Dussindale & Hellesdon in the 2nd half eventually going down 8-1. Now with their first home fixture of the campaign will be looking to put thing’s right albeit with another challenge from Wroxham. Have brought in a number of new faces to bolster the squad ahead of the Premier Division season. 8 in all including, Ellen Piggott, Kyla Langan, Ella Kruez. Holly Walker comes into the club having played for Wroxham previously. Jess Harper joins having previously played for Norwich City Women. Defender Rachel Jermy joins after an impressive debut season with Mulbarton Wanderers Women along with twins Lily-Ann and Anais Winney who gained valuable experience with then FAWNL side Cambridge City Women.

Wroxham Women are a long established side within the ERWFL Premier Division, keen to push on an challenge for the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL above, but with one place up for grabs winning the league is far from easy. Adam Race begins his second season in charge off the back of a 5th placed finish along with reaching the finals of both the County and League Cup.

The squad trimmed down with a few departures over the summer including striker Luci Middleton retiring from the game and Lara Densley going back to Norwich after an impressive season playing for Wroxham. However retain a strong core of experienced players and have added 5 new faces to the bring depth to the squad. Midfielder, Chloe Shipman played a vital role in Dussindale & Hellesdon’s promotion last season, comes into Wroxham off the back of those performances. Leilah Gooding previously with Norwich, joins having had a spell at fellow ERWFL Premier Division side Needham Market Women. Also joining from Needham Market attacker, Hayley Kindred. Poppy Loveland from Mulbarton and Rio Dobbie form North Walsham, two young players with lots of potential.

The Nest, a community footballing facility newly built in Horsford on the outskirts of Norwich home to both Norwich City Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. An ever growing site close to the airport to the north of the city. With Norwich also at home today, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women are playing Wroxham on the new Lauren Hemp Community 3G pitch before the main pitch. Opened by Lauren Hemp herself just last month. The pitch offering viewing along one side and goal end. Supporters able to visit the café for hot and cold food and drinks. After a rain filled day on Saturday, the weather much more pleasant today bright albeit with some dark clouds around but no rain forecast a strong breeze blowing across the pitch likely to cause issues during the game.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Rachel Bussey, Ellen Piggott, Jess Harper (C), Addi Gregory, Lily-Ann Winney, Kari Kowalcyzk, Holly Walker, Rosie George, Alisha Juby & Anais Winney. Subs – Siesha Humphries, Izzy Noakes, Ella Kreuz, Shanice Sutton & Sofia Odell.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Ella Gambell, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson (C), Breanna Rudd, Chloe Shipman, Rachel Cossey, Lily Alexander, Rio Dobbie, Hayley Kindred & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Lucy Eagle & Poppy Loveland.

Wroxham Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Today’s captain’s Jess Harper and Tigi Robson with the match officials

  Both sides missing several key players through unavailability and injury. Dussindale & Hellesdon without their 1st choice centre backs captain, Calista Tink and Jess Barnes. Wroxham with a few out with longer term injuries including their captain, Becky Russell and defender Albany Hodgson. Midfielder Jennifer Drummie out since March though is close to making her return. The wind is certainly stronger a kick-off approaches, Wroxham to take the kick-off 1st half will attack with the wind at their back wearing their away colours, mint coloured shirts with black sleeve and shoulders with black shorts and socks. Dussindale & Hellesdon wearing their all claret home kit. The ball rolled back to Lily Alexander in midfield plays it into her right back, Ella Gambell, the visitors patient keeping the ball at the back, captain Tigi Robson threading a pass into Chloe Shipman in the middle looks to drive forwards, tackled by captain, Jess Harper at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Wroxham quick to regain possession lift the ball out to the right with Hayley Kindred on the move, takes the ball down the line whipping a cross in on the angle the ball inches over the crossbar. Chelsea Clarke coming on from left back for Wroxham tracking inside before laying the ball on for striker Hannah Fuller pulling wide into the left channel, her cross put back in along the top of the area cut out by Dussindale & Hellesdon’s, Addi Gregory.

The hosts look to launch their first attack, Harper into Kari Kowalcyzk with Lily-Ann Winney pushing on through the middle, Rachel Cossey getting her foot on the ball to get Wroxham back on the offensive. A little congested in the middle, not alot of room to get hold of the ball both sides snapping at each other. Wroxham winning a throw on the left as Rachel Bussey steps in to take the ball away from Rio Dobbie. Played inside Alexander turns powering her way infield 25 yards out puts her foot through the ball her effort wind assisted flying up over the bar.  Wroxham looking to impose themselves on the game early on getting forwards with the ball.

Wroxham’s Lily Alexander

Attacking down the left Clarke on for Dobbie on the in sends the pass forwards into Fuller turning on the by-line to fire a cross in along the face of goal, cut out at the far post, turned into the top of the six yard box, Kindred is looking to latch onto the ball, getting taken out by an outstretched foot as she does, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty!

GOAL! Kindred picking herself up to take the penalty kick. Hits it well low and hard to race into the bottom left corner giving the keeper no chance as she celebrates her first Wroxham goal. 0-1. Wroxham with the lead inside 6 minutes.

Hayley Kindred sends Wroxham into an early lead from the spot

GOAL! No sooner have Wroxham taken the lead they double their advantage getting down the other end to win a corner kick on the left, Kindred coming over to play the ball into the area curled into the six yard box a mix up in the middle seeing the ball go all the way in at the far post 0-2.

Hayley Kindred is congratulated as she doubles Wroxham’s lead

Two goals for Hayley Kindred

Two goals in 3 minutes to see Wroxham gain control of the match. Dussindale & Hellesdon looking for at outlet up top play the ball over the top into space on the left, Rosie George bursting forwards, Clarke coming across brings her down outside the area top corner earning herself the first booking of the game. Harper coming up from the back to take the free-kick, strikes the ball in towards the near post, Wroxham goalkeeper, Bryony Williams right behind it taking the ball low into her body as she drops forwards.

Anais Winney closing down Robson at the back on the right side, steals possession to run in behind attack the area, goes early with her angled shot 20 yards out , looping doesn’t have the height to trouble the keeper, Williams with the easy catch. Gambell into Cossey, played right for Kindred to attack, charging down the wing drives into the box, Ellen Piggott timing her tackle well to deny the shooting chance the ball behind for a corner kick.

The delivery floated into the six yard box, cleared out to the top of the area straight to Alexander left of the D, puts her foot throw the ball her strike racing wide through the crowd behind past the far post. Clarke left putting the ball on into Fuller up to left channel, has Alexander making an overlapping run lays the ball on for her, the cross flung into the near post cleared by Harper for a throw in.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women captain, Jess Harper

The wind definitely favouring Wroxham n the 1st half, particularly from corners, see another inviting curled delivery from the left fall narrowly wide of the far post. The next opportunity swung in towards goal crashing out off the crossbar. Gambell  bringing the ball on down the right, tackled by Piggott, Shipman quickly regaining possession putting it cross-field into Dobbie, has Clarke racing past her on the overlap wanting the ball closing in on the by-line her cross caught in the wind flying to the far post, Fuller rising can’t quite get her head on the ball. George having picked up a knock for Dussindale & Hellesdon is replaced by Izzy Noakes.

Lily-Ann Winney with Chloe Shipman

Alisha Juby with the ball at her feet on the drive through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon attempts to thread the pass in behind for Walker, intercepted by centre back Breanna Rudd for Wroxham. Wroxham comfortable at the ball, Dussindale & Hellesdon moving the ball quickly but cramped up for space, with Alexander, Cossey and Shipman closing it down in the middle for Wroxham. Is space in behind with Wroxham pushing up it’s a case of whether Dussindale & Hellesdon can pick out the pass, they do with a good diagonal ball out to the left for Walker to run onto the winger on the move taking they ball on into the area rapidly closing down the six yard box, goes to pull the trigger, Robson diving in to charge the attempt down force it behind for a corner kick.

Tigi Robson moving across to close down Holly Walker as she bears down on goal

The corner from the left swung in towards the near post over everyone attacking that side drops to Robson beyond to clear safely at the far post.

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson

GOAL! Just as Dussindale & Hellesdon get an opportunity at one end they are hit on the counter attack the ball cleared into midfield played forwards into the box right post side cut out, Fuller nipping in to get hold of the ball lashes it home from six yard out to make it 3! 0-3.

Hannah Fuller latching onto the ball inside the box to turn and score

Almost a half hour played in the 1st half Wroxham with a 3 goal advantage, work for Dussindale & Hellesdon to do, Lily-Ann Winney finding Noakes on the right wing pushes on has good support from Anais Winney, look to play a one two expose Clarke as they turn the full back, Clarke though is one on the best full backs in the league and reads the pass to halt the attack.

Chelsea Clarke

Kindred has Fuller up with her on the right feeding the striker the ball, Fuller gets down the line to win a corner kick. Curled in across the six yard box comes all the way through to Robson at the far post her stooping header put back in towards goal, Cole right behind it to save for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Another change for Dussindale with Siesha Humphries on at the back in place of Piggott.

Wroxham’s Rachel Cossey

Fuller brought down on halfway winning Wroxham a free-kick. Clarke over the ball sends it long into Kindred attacking the right post, Cole with a sharp save down to get a glove on the ball turn it away from goal. Harper playing the ball out to Noakes on the right, Anais Winney making a run into the right channel ahead of her wanting the past played in behind, Noakes attempted through ball cut out by Robson. Dobbie seeing the ball into her feet on Wroxham’s left comes inside, Bussey coming back at her to put in the challenge, wins the free-kick as Dobbie comes back after the ball.

Alexander travels out to the left with the ball, Dobbie racing on down to the by-line wanting the pass, Bussey tracking back with her to win the tackle, the ball away for a throw in. Wroxham pressing late in the first half, Fuller 30 yards out right of the D, has Dobbie in ahead of her lays the ball forwards Dobbie striking the ball low and hard from outside the box, Cole with a fantastic save, getting down to glove the ball behind for a corner kick.

Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole

Curled into the mix from the right, dropping down outside the six yard box, Kowalcyzk looks to bring it away for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Wroxham quick to get the ball back find Kindred out on the right pressing forwards stopped by Humphries. Kindred receiving the ball from the resulting throw in spinning inside from the right striking the ball on the angle the effort crashing into the side netting. The visitors pushing hard for a 4th goal late on attacking through the middle Cossey with Shipman forwards for Alexander to the right of the D, 25 yards out unleashes a strike, Cole with another vital save diving to her left to push the ball away from her goal.

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-3 Wroxham Women

  Wroxham end the first half in a strong position leading 3-0. Have been strong on the ball right from the off, the wind at their backs aiding their play at times, taking an early lead from the penalty spot quickly adding a 2nd goal to put Dussindale & Hellesdon on the back foot. Play often congested in the middle of the park Wroxham pressing pushing their opponents back the hosts have struggled to get the ball into their attackers impose any pressure of their own. Alot of work to do if they are to find a way back into the game, will have the win advantage 2nd half will be interesting to see if they can make it count.

Dussindale & Hellesdon making a double switch at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Ella Kreuz and Sofia Odell in place of Kowalcyzk and Williams. The hosts getting the 2nd period underway the ball put back into midfield, Wroxham move in to press, play stifled in the middle of the park. The ball eventually clipped long out to the right for Noakes, Clarke seeing it safely out of play. 

Izzy Noakes

  Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to be positive winning a free-kick inside the Wroxham half from deep Harper floats the ball up into the box seen behind by the Wroxham defence for a corner. Curled in across the six yard box from the left, through everyone out beyond the far post for a goal kick. 

 Shipman bombs on from midfield to the left looking to combine with Kindred the ball knocked forwards, Humphries in with a firm challenge to slow the ball down, Harper coming across to hold it up and launch clear. Humphries bringing some energy onto the pitch on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting stuck in and taking the ball forwards, running into a challenge wins her side a free-kick, 30 yards out to the left of the box. Harper on it lifts the set-piece high in towards goal. Williams back on her line keeping her eye on it claims cleanly.

  Wroxham press the attack the ball cleared at the back, Clarke latches onto it 25 yards out in a central position striking the ball is over the bar. not by much as it lands on the roof of the net. Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to be more competitive getting stuck in trying to regain possession both sides giving fouls away. Robson breaking from the back with the ball at her feet for the visitors moving into the right channel prods it wide for Dobbie, Bussey winning the challenge for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Rio Dobbie and Rachel Bussey

Alexander bringing the ball left combines with Clarke and Dobbie as they move up the wing, Alexander with the ball again to send a cross in low towards Fuller poised on the penalty spot, Gregory covering though the defender in front of the attacker to cut the ball out and clear. Gambell breaking away on the right for Wroxham receiving the ball the middle as she runs inside from 25 yards out, a wild swing at the ball sees her screw her effort wide.

Lily Alexander

  Wroxham making a double switch as they prepare to bring on Poppy Loveland and Lucy Eagle, Alexander and Dobbie the players coming off. Shipman playing the ball to Fuller up top outside the box knocks it down off her head to Kindred running on down the right wing whips her cross into the box, across the top of the six yard box just over Eagle as she runs in to attack it.

 Gambell sending the ball up the right for Loveland plays it forwards looking to release Kindred in behind, Harper racing across to lunge in win the ball out behind for a corner kick. Harper on hand to block as shot from outside the box by Clarke as the full back receive the cut back from Kindred on her right 25 yards out. 

  Little for Anais Winney to feed on up top, hasn’t stopped her trying to get after the ball, forces an error at the back as she charges down the keeper as Williams goes to kick the ball clear top of her box, striking Winney it rebounds behind, however his cleared behind for a corner before she can capitalise. Swung in low from the left the ball is defended at the near post. 

 Wroxham launch a quick counter Shipman bringing the ball on lifted up towards the top of the box, Dussindale & Hellesdon stretched as Fuller breaks in behind stretching to get her foot on the ball, falling forwards even as Cole saves with her legs the ball loose rebounding back towards the attacker Fuller lunges forwards trying to get to the ball brushes her head even as Humphries comes diving in herself to try and clear the pair colliding heads, in the immediate aftermath with both players down their is a little confusion however it’s another penalty!

 Before it can be taken though both players are in some discomfort and their treatment is the priority, Fuller slowly back up the first to her feet, Humphries has come off the worse an icepack strapped to her head she can’t continue and is helped off the pitch with Piggott back on.

  GOAL! A long pause between the penalty award and play resuming it’s Gambell placing the ball down on the spot. No fuss a low hard strike into the bottom left corner sending the keeper the wrong way to extend the advantage 0-4.

Ella Gambell firing home Wroxham’s 2nd penalty to make it 4-0

 The 4th goal coming midway through the 2nd half Wroxham with possession attacking on the left Eagle after ball Bussey closing her down the pair com together, Bussey coming off the worse appears to come down hard hurting her back in the process. Play stopped immediately the physio on, alot of concern. So much so an off duty paramedic is found inside the ground and calls an ambulance for the stricken player. Unable to be move until medics arrive the decision and it is the correct one is taken to abandon the match with 69 minutes played.

Game abandoned in the 69th minute 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-4 Wroxham Women at the time.

 Player safety is of paramount importance at the end of the day. You go out there to play and enjoy the game the last thing anyone wants to see is a serious injury occur, but it will sadly from time to time. Wish Rachel Bussey all the very best hoping the injury is not as serious as it appears and for a full and speedy recovery.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  No Player of the Match award this Sunday, just a few performances to highlight. Some fantastic saves from Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole. Jess Harper making some vital challenges and clearances at the back. Rachel Bussey too dealt with the threat on Wroxham’s left well with Chelsea Clarke supporting Rio Dobbie. For Wroxham, Clarke was superb in defence and getting forwards supporting and encouraging Dobbie. Lily Alexander made some fantastic runs created opportunities too. Tigi Robson solid at the back winning the ball and timing her tackles.

 My thanks to both sides for their assistance today. A challenging day in the finish on a sad ending. Chances are the game will have to be replayed but that is for a committee to decide. Credit to everyone at The Nest for the support and help in dealing with the incident and let’s hope for good news.

*UPDATE* Pleased to say Rachel has suffered no lasting damage and after a short period of rest and recovery will be back playing football.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Real Bedford Ladies v Haringey Borough Women

Sunday 7th April

ERWFL Premier Division

Into the final 2 months of the season, crucial games up and down the league tables, teams battling for titles and promotion. And it’s a top of the table clash this Sunday on Women’s Football East, from the ERWFL Premier Division with a trip to Bedfordshire to watch, leaders Real Bedford Ladies, looking strong at the top in  their debut season under their new banner with a 100% taking on 2nd placed Haringey Borough Women.

The ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid in the east of England. An extremely difficult league to get out of with only one promotion spot as champions offered. Success earning the title winners a place in the FAWNL. Both today’s opponents having had a brief taste of life in the 4th tier.

Real Bedford Ladies formerly known as Bedford Ladies a long established side in the ERWFL. Moving to neighbouring Real Bedford the season prior adopting the name this season. The change seeing the senior women’s side bringing in a host of new players with plenty of experience in the ERWFL and the FAWNL above as they look to fulfil some very ambitious plans to progress up the pyramid. Initially under new manager Dean Perrett, has since departed with Georgia Clarke taking over the role. Not altering Real Bedford’s form one bit sitting 7 points clear at the top with a perfect record winning all 15league games so far.

In fact their only loss so far this season was at home to tier 3 Billericay Town Women in the FA Women’s Cup, (the one game I covered for WF East) that aside have also reached the finals of both the ERWFL League Cup and Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup where they will play Wroxham Women and AFC Dunstable Women respectfully. Have scored plenty of goals too with over a hundred shared amongst 15 different scorers. Top of the charts a Bedford legend, Natasha Fensome always prolific in front of goal bagging herself 29 so far from 22 appearances. 2nd and 3rd are new signings, Gemma Croucher and Francesca Partridge on 18 and 17 a piece with Neve Mayes scoring 13 and Chloe martin also into double figures.

Looking to end Real Bedford’s 100% are today’s visitors Haringey Borough Women, a run of 5 straight league wins powering them up into 2nd spot, have been amongst the sides looking to chase down the leaders all season. Are another of the most established clubs in the ERWFL, know what it takes to win the title and promotion to the FAWNL having done it back in 2017. There stay brief the North London club is back up there challenging at the top and will fancy their chances today having narrowly lost 3-2 in the reverse figure at the start of the year.

Haringey like Real Bedford have plenty of goals throughout the side with 12 different scorers this season. Bringing through another group of young talented players. Victoria Campbell leading the way with 22 to her name from 20 appearances. Ronnell Humes has found the back of the net for 15 goals with Kylie Manktelow also into double figures on 12 for the season. Have played 3 games more than Real Bedford and would need a lot to go their way to pip them to the title but nevertheless are will placed for a top three finish

McMullin Park the venue for this afternoon, ERWFL Premier Division match, just off the A421, parking leading into the ground itself, the clubhouse and bar by the entrance serving hot food and drinks. The stadium beyond a small seated stand beside a large grass pitch in great condition bearing in mind all the wet weather recently. A bright sunny day with a strong wind blowing across the pitch from one goal to the other. The teams walling out onto the pitch Real Bedford with today’s mascots.

Real Bedford Ladies

Real Bedford Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson (C), Amy Reed, Lisa Milliken, Gemma Franklin, Georgie Giddings, Erin Price, Gemma Croucher Amber Smith, Chloe Martin, Francesca Partridge & Natasha Fensome. Subs – Zara Carroll, Neve Mayes, Sophie Billing, Sophie Mulvihill & Lauren Coppin.

Haringey Borough Women

Haringey Borough Women starting XI – Liamara Hensel-Burg, Lexi Wade, Lola Shack, Chloe Ions, Summer Young, Rimini Lowe, Emily Pickard, Kylie Manktelow, Ronnell Humes (C), Jada Pollendine & Marta Boabonay. Subs – Victoria Campbell, Amy Hayes & Lillian Hart.

(roll on roll off substitutes) 

  Haringey with the wind at their backs in the 1st half taking the kick-off wearing their away colours green shirts and socks with black shorts. Bedford lined up opposite wearing  light orange coloured shirts with black shoulders, black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Kylie Manktelow in midfield she clips it long out to the right for Marta Boabonay to chase, too strong the ball carrying through to Bedford goalkeeper and captain, Sarah Hudson.

An early change for Haringey the switch made seeing Jada Pollendine coming off up top, Victoria Campbell sent on. Erin Price getting hold of the ball in the middle for Bedford laying the pass forwards for Natasha Fensome play switched out to the left with Chloe Martin on the move, Lexi Wade getting back at her to defend for Haringey prevent the cross from coming into the box.

Bedford looking to get the ball into the channels, Price on for Amber Smith away on the right, Emily Pickard tracking back with her sliding in to charge down her cross, deflect the ball behind for the corner kick. Lisa Milliken coming forwards to take the corner on the right, fired in deep towards the far post, Martin getting up to head the ball turns her effort wide of the left post.

Bedford with a lively start, Gemma Franklin with a strong challenge at the back to regain possession forwards into midfield for Gemma Croucher has Price with her laying the ball off Price sweeps the pass wide out to the left wing, Martin on the move getting hold of the ball whipping a cross into the six yard box, Fensome there under the ball, puts her header over the crossbar.

Haringey battling for the ball in the middle of the park, Manktelow forwards for Campbell looking to pull off the defence into the right channel, Franklin throwing a leg out to intercept the ball turning it out for a throw. Haringey working the ball down the line bringing themselves a corner kick. Chloe Ions to swing the delivery in across goal headed back out to the right side Ions on it up the line for Haringey captain, Ronnell Humes on the angle 30 yards out smashes a ball in across to the far post, defended by Amy Reed for Bedford before being knocked out of play for a goal kick.

Amy Reed wins the ball for Bedford

A busy start to the game both sides looking to be positive get the ball moving forwards as quickly as possible. Fensome gathering the ball into her feet with a driving run through the middle sending the ball on for Francesca Partridge up top pulling into the left channel, Summer Young getting in the tackle at the back for Haringey.

Erin Price with Haringey’s Kylie Manktelow

The visitors winning a free-kick inside the Bedford half the ball launched into the box, headed clear by the Bedford defence falls straight to Manktelow 25 yards out chips the ball back in towards goal on the half volley, straight at the keeper, Hudson right behind it with a comfortable catch. Lola Shack playing the ball on for Boabonay peeling away to attack on the right strikes the ball on the angle low and fast towards the near post Hudson has the angle covered.

Haringey attacker, Marta Boabonay

 GOAL! Just past the quarter hour mark and Haringey take the lead, the ball played up to Humes pressing Reed in possession wide getting hold of the ball, turning inside 30 yards out, Franklin coming to close her down the attacker takes the ball wide of her opening up the angle to shoot, puts her foot through the ball left of the D, I’m right behind it, it’s struck well, put the camera down as it looks in all the way whipping up over Hudson to drop into the back of the net 0-1.

Haringey captain, Ronnell Humes opening the scoring

Bedford looking for a quick response to falling behind the ball fed out to Martin racing on down the left wing her cross, bouncing into the six yard box, Smith looking to attack it far post, goalkeeper, Liamara Hansel-Burg called into action throwing herself across to make the blocking save. The visitors set off on the counter attack the ball lifted on for Humes to take forwards on the left, Reed defending for Bedford the ball rebounding back to Ions she opens up her body to fire a dangerous ball high in towards goal, wind assisted Hudson stretching to get to the falling ball back on her line does brilliantly to get her glove on the ball turn it behind for the corner kick.

Another vicious in swinger from Ions on the right drops at the far post the ball stabbed goal wards, Hudson down smartly on her line to get hold of it. End to end at times the game lively little time on the ball played forwards, Croucher out to Martin left winning a corner kick. Clipped in across the six yard box comes through to Price positioned beyond the far post heads the ball wide.

Bedford’s Georgie Giddings

Georgie Giddings on the ball for Bedford played on for Price to lay the diagonal pass out to Martin left side, tracking inside on the angle 20 yards out has an attempt on goal fires her shot straight into the arms for Hensel-Burg. Bedford regaining possession on through the middle Croucher passing the ball left for Martin to battle her way on down the line firing a cross into the six yards box, Partridge central can’t quite connect the ball not safe Haringey struggle to clear it, as Fensome takes a swing at it throws her arms up in frustration as the ball swerves wide of the right post.

Real Bedford striker, Natasha Fensome

Midway through the half, Haringey competing for everything, Rimini Lowe playing the ball into Manktelow who sends it up top for Campbell, back to goal 25 yards out looks to play Boabonay in behind on the right, Milliken with a vital interception for Bedford. Boabonay coming off then with Jada Pollendine returning to the action. Young tackling at the back to win the ball back for Haringey does well before being fouled trying to bring the ball away.

Humes playing on the right after the switch, the ball put out to her see’s her cross charged down for a corner. From the right another dangerous ball swung into the area, the crossbar struck, Bedford struggling to deal with the pace on the ball scramble it clear, look for the quick counter attack however the ball meant to release Fensome see’s her instead flagged for offside.

Haringey’s Rimini Lowe with Bedford’s Chloe Martin

Fensome turning on the ball threading the pass on into the right channel to release Smith charging forwards shoots on the angle power behind the rising ball, Hensel-Burg across to cover the angle palming the ball up into the air and claiming it. Haringey coming forwards Shack on for Ions left side looking for Pollendine in attack, Reed into challenge for Bedford, Ions after the loose ball her cross cut out by Giddings. Humes right channel looks to turn get in behind Franklin the defender getting back at her going to ground to block her cross turn the ball behind for the corner kick.

Gemma Franklin

GOAL! Haringey’s corners have caused Bedford problems all half and aided by the wind blowing towards there goal certainly favours Ions in swinging deliveries as she once again gets plenty of pace on the ball fired in across the face of goal, no one can get a touch but not needed as it whips inside the far post to see the visitors double their lead in the 31st minute 0-2.

Chloe Ions corner goes straight in

Chloe Ions celebrates her goal

A blow for Bedford as they restart the game attacking on the right Ions in to challenge Smith plays the ball up the line for Pollendine, tussling with Franklin for the ball, Bedford win it back played central into Fensome sweeps it out to Martin on the left, lifts her cross into the box, Partridge’s shot blocked the ball deflected behind for the corner. Swung into the box from the left Croucher looking to attack it central falls out towards Fensome positioned top of the area, slices her volley wide of the mark.

Shack with Ions on the left for Haringey the ball on for Pollendine checks inside looking to thread the ball in behind for Campbell making a central run, Franklin with a crucial cut out for Bedford at the back.

Bedford’s Amber Smith

Bedford mounting an attack Giddings to Partridge central plays it inside for Fensome 20 out puts the pass into the area with Croucher stealing in between the centre backs the flag going up against her straight away even as the ball runs past her on for Partridge coming round the back to send the ball home, the goal won’t stand.

GOAL! Ions is sent tumbling in midfield the free-kick awarded to Haringey inside the Bedford half, left of the centre circle. Lowe placing the ball on the ground the wind assisting anything the visitors play forwards, Lowe sets her stance before moving to strike the ball I’m right behind this one again and it’s a beauty of a strike heading for the top corner has Hudson in trouble as it drops late under the crossbar and Lowe celebrates her 5th of the season and Haringey’s 3rd 0-3.

Rimini Lowe with a beauty of a strike from nearly half way to put Haringey 3 up

Again Bedford are straight on the offensive from the restart the ball put on for Partridge powering into the left channel striking the ball on the half volley 25 yards out her effort saved confidently by Hensel-Burg. The hosts winning a throw high on the right Price getting the ball down for Smith, Shack tackling for Haringey. The Haringey defence battling for everything in to block crosses and close Bedford down in the final 3rd. Winning a free-kick wide left another opportunity to fire the ball in towards goal, whipped in on target, Hudson getting up well to deal with the threat.

GOAL! Into the closing stages of the first half Haringey getting on down the right, Humes taking the ball on her cross charged down turned behind for the corner. Ions to whip the ball in across the face of goal again, Campbell positioned at the far post getting her head onto the ball to send it over the line and extend the visitors lead 0-4.

Victoria Campbell heads home Haringey’s 4th

Half-time Real Bedford Ladies 0-4 Haringey Borough Women

Haringey’s Victoria Campbell putting the visitors 4 goals up at the break

Bedford head into the dressing room, with their 100% league record under serious threat, trailing 4-0, Haringey remain out on the field buzzing from their first half performance. An entertaining match with both sides looking to get forwards quickly both creating opportunities early on the opening goal on 17 minutes. Bedford looking for a quick reply forcing a save from the Haringey keeper, Hensel-Burg. The wind aiding Haringey going forwards took full advantage Bedford struggling to deal with their corners Ions in swinging delivery going straight in to make it 2-0, Campbell on the end of another delivery to make it 4 with a superb free-kick from Rimini Lowe in between. A tough task now for Bedford to get back into the match, but they have a side full of goals will be keen to pull an early goal back.

So much so they are out onto the pitch early for the 2nd half, Haringey excited to get going too, just one thing missing the officials and nothing can happen without them, half-time tea drunk the game is ready to restart. Bedford with a change, Zara Carroll on to replace Giddings in midfield. Bedford with the wind advantage in the 2nd half as they get thing’s underway the hosts looking to get on Croucher linking up with Price in the middle the ball out to Smith on the right dealt with.

Has been a physical game with some robust challenges, but between two sides who just get on with it. Bedford with a free-kick in midfield, Carroll on the pitch now a set piece specialist striking the ball up towards the box, Young heading it away for Haringey drops to Milliken 30 yards out on the left sends it back in on the angle, Hensel-Burg with a comfortable claim inside her six yard box.

Lisa Milliken looking to put Chloe Martin in to attack

Ions picking up a knock needs to have treatment, up and moving to the side lines is okay to play on. Price winning Bedford a free-kick on the right struck on the angle with pace the ball is driven wide past the far post. Bedford looking for an early goal to mount their fightback attacking down the left Fensome up with Martin the cross fired in with pace towards the near post Partridge racing in to attack it struck up against the crossbar and over, a corner signalled must have taken a nick off a defender. The corner curled onto the roof of the net.

Partridge taking the ball on up the left channel forcing Haringey into conceding the corner. From the left whipped in across the six yard box attacked beyond the far post turned wide. Pushing players on Haringey with their lead can sit back choose their moments to attack, Pickard winning it at the back on for Manktelow who picks out Pollendine on the move down the right breaking for the by-line looking to get into the area Milliken recovers to get back on her and put in the tackle, the ball launched clear.

Haringey’s Jada Pollendine

Fensome brought down as she attacks wide left on half way. Milliken to send the free-kick into the area swung in central looping over Fensome, Partridge rushing in at the far post, Hensel-Burg down smartly on her line stretching to smother the ball into her body.

Hensel-Burg called up as Bedford attack the ball out to Smith right fires a cross in to the far post looking for Fensome racing in to attack it, the keeper moving across to try and cover the angle as the ball lands just behind Fensome, Martin though is running into the area on the follow-up six yards out looks to smash the ball goal wards, her effort rising, Hensel-Burg gets up off the ground excellently to make herself big throwing her arms up to tip the ball over the bar.

It’s a scrappy game now Bedford putting the pressure on Haringey battling for everything at the back. Milliken left clips the ball forwards for Fensome, into the area too much to do as it runs safely through to Hensel-Burg. Fensome nipping into win the ball at the back sends it out to Martin wide on the left she lifts her high cross looping up into the six yard box dropping central, Hensel-Burg keeps her eye on it making the catch above her head not distracted by Croucher closing her down.

Smith running onto a diagonal ball played out to her on the right taking it on sees her cross blocked by Pickard for Haringey. The hosts winning a corner on the left fired into the near side defended by Campbell behind for another corner. Put into the mix the ball is cleared out to the right falling to Fensome on the angle strikes it back in towards goal, Hensel-Burg with another brilliant save to turn the ball over the bar for a corner out on the left.

 GOAL! The pressure tells with Bedford pulling a goal back past the hour the corner powered in across the six yard box coming to Price at the far post meets it well to drive her header back across the goal and over the line 1-4.

Erin Price pulling a goal back for Bedford

Bedford making a double change after the goal breaking on Sophie Billing and Neve Mayes to replace Martin and Partridge in attack. The ball won back in the middle played out to Fensome pulling into space wide left turns her marker to get in behind to cross the ball in central, Mayes on the spot closing it down, Hensel-Burg reacting sharply getting down to save block the ball on the line.

Neve Mayes

Young with a vital header at the back to clear Milliken’s diagonal ball aimed to Mayes pulling off the right channel. Time for a double switch from Haringey with Boabonay coming back on along with Amy Hayes replacing Pollendine and Campbell. Bedford attacking up the right the ball inside for Fensome, Wade closing her down making the tackle for Haringey. The clock ticking down, Haringey working hard, frustrating Bedford as they look to get the ball forwards. Lowe on the end of a strong challenge up ended as she looks to take the ball forwards for the visitors.

Hensel-Burg saving for Haringey again getting down to hold onto the ball as Fensome steals possession back left corner of the area to fire a shot in low on the angle. Franklin at the back for Bedford getting back t tackle Humes as she looks to break in behind down the left, the ball back to Carroll, lifts it forwards towards Billings, Manktelow closing her down for Haringey.

Humes marauding forwards down the left flank for Haringey, Franklin stretching dives in to make the tackle send the ball behind for the corner. A change before the corner for the visitors Shack coming off, Lillian Hart sent on moving up into the box. Swung in across the area, Reed defending getting her head on it Hudson catching the ball looking to get her side moving.

Lauren Coppin coming on for Bedford replacing Smith on the right side of attack. Haringey scrapping for ball winning it back central looking for Humes bursting down the left, too much for her to do this time. Bedford with a corner out on the right curled in across the face of goal knocked down, Hensel-Burg throwing herself down on her line getting behind it to save.

Haringey winning a free-kick wide a chance for Manktelow to play the ball into the area from the right put across to the far post knocked down back across to the opposite post, Hudson across well to lay claim to the ball with Hart closing in. Bedford counter rapidly the ball lifted long up the left Fensome to whip the ball in across the face of goal, Coppin throwing herself at the ball far post, can’t get a touch.

Bedford’s Gemma Croucher

Price taking the ball through the middle forwards into Mayes out to Fensome inside the left channel, but can’t quite take it on as Lowe gets her challenge in. Hensel-Burg throwing her glove up with the faintest of glances to deflect Coppin’s cross from the right onto the roof of her net.

Haringey’s goalkeeper, keeping Bedford at bay with another superb save this time on Fensome central as the ball is crossed into her from the right, getting her foot up over the ball looks to strike it back to the right post, Hensel-Burg diving full stretch to her left to keep the shot out.

Haringey goalkeeper, Liamara Hensel-Burg in the thick of the action.

More goalkeeping heroic’s from Hensel-Burg a double save as the ball is fired at her from close range by Mayes inside the six yard box off a Coppin ball fired in from the right. Hensel-Burg everywhere in the six yard box throwing her body on the line to thwart Bedford as they fight to get a goal.

An intense finish to the game Haringey fighting to keep Bedford out at one end looking for the chance to counter up the other with Humes and Boabonay working the channels left and right ready to run in behind. Milliken pushed up late on with a scuffed shot 30 yards out central running through to the keeper. Humes surging into the box from the left flank crowed off the ball by the Bedford defence.

Full time Real Bedford Ladies 1-4 Haringey Borough Women

The final whistle blows and Haringey celebrate as they win the 3 points and bring an end to Bedford’s 100% league record. Closing the gap at the top to 4 points. Battled hard for the win, the damage done in the first half. A 4 goal cushion to defend was always going to be a hard task to find a way back into the game but Bedford gave it a good go 2nd half creating chances only came up against a determined defence and goalkeeper. 15 league wins on the spin is no less an incredible achievement and Bedford shouldn’t be to disappointed. Seen a few of these runs end over the season’s they take some doing and no doubt the club will be setting it’s sights on a new run.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. For the 3rd game in a row it’s a straight forward decision, isn’t often the case, but another clear winner today. A few performances of note to mention first though. For Bedford, Erin Price won the ball well in the middle and drove forwards with it at her feet looking to bring her attackers into play. Gemma Franklin with some vital stops at the back. Natasha Fensome working hard up top to create goal scoring opportunities for herself and others, just wasn’t to be today. For Haringey captain Ronnell Humes was strong on the ball in attack a ready outlet looking to take on the defence opened the scoring. Chloe Ions corner deliveries a threat throughout especially first half scoring from one and assisting the 4th goal. Lola Shack with several important tackles at the back along side Summer Young and Rimini Lowe. Kylie Manktelow with some excellent passing from midfield. The award though goes to Haringey’s 17 year old goalkeeper, Liamara Hensel-Burg what a performance, acrobatic threw herself into her saves getting across her line to make several vital stops and help keep her sides lead largely intact.

Another entertaining game from the ERWFL Premier Division. An enjoyable trip to Bedfordshire. Whether I’ll be welcome at McMullin Park again is another matter as Bedford have only lost twice this season and I’ve been there both times (sorry). Still it’s a welcoming club and I appreciate the help from both sides today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Royston Town Women v Barking FC Women

Sunday 4th February

ERWFL Premier Division

 For the first time in 2024 heading out of Norfolk to watch some women’s football action. A trip into Hertfordshire today to Garden Walk to watch Royston Town Women take on newly promoted Barking FC Women in the ERWFL Premier Division.

 The 12 strong league representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid across the East of England growing ever stronger with the talent pool increasing within the women’s game. Remains a tough league to conquer with the title bringing with it promotion to the FAWNL. AFC Sudbury Women achieving back to back promotions to achieve that dream last season. Real Bedford Ladies looking the strong favourites to take the title this season yet to drop a point at the top of the table 11 points clear of the rest. Is a frantic tussle for 2nd spot with just 4 points between the sides in 2nd down to 6th spot.

 Royston Town Women winning 3-1 away to AFC Dunstable Women last weekend to edge themselves up into 2nd as they recorded a 7th straight league win. Recovering well from a slow start that saw the club take just 4 points from their opening 6 matches. Now up to 2nd off the back of their 7 game winning streak move up into 2nd spot with an astounding 10 of their 13 league games played to date coming away from home! The last time Royston played at their Garden Walk home stadium was back at the start of November. Having nudged their way into 2nd spot have 8 of their remaining games at home and will be looking to press the advantage.

 Knocking local rivals and current holders, Stevenage FC Women out of the Hertfordshire County Cup, Royston have progressed to the semi-finals of the competition where they will play at home to ERWFL Division One North title hopefuls, Harpenden Town Women. Emma Slater leading the goal scoring charts this season with 14 goals coming in 15 appearances. Jordanne Sillitoe joining Royston from Haverhill Rovers Women following a short stint at Thetford Town has scored 7 goals in her 8 appearances for the club.

 Barking FC Women are newly promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division after running away with the Division One South title last season. Went the whole campaign unbeaten winning all but one of their 16 league matches. Scoring 80 goals in the process, Laura Bunton who has always been prolific in front of goal for the club as Barking and previously as Collier Row Ladies scoring 30 goals during that campaign.

 Bunton once again amongst the goals as the club competes in the 5th tier for the first time scoring 23 goals in 19 appearances. Lindsay Sibbons the next closest scoring 6 from the 12 matches she has featured in. Formerly Collier Row Ladies before the move to Barking has seen the side grow rapidly now promoted to the Premier Division and setting up a new Reserves sides competing in Essex Women’s Division Two this season. Have gotten their games played well out in front in that regard 17 of their 22 league games completed sit in mid-table in 6th spot amongst the cluster of sides pushing for 2nd, could well run out of fixtures in what has been an inconsistent campaign so far losing as many games as they’ve won.

 

 Garden Walk the venue for today’s match little used by Royston themselves so far this season will be regulars come the latter part of the season. Their first game at home since November. The Stadium very much in the heart of the community in a build up area surrounded by housing. A large sloping grass pitch with seated stands on one side of pitch and behind one goal. Small covered stands dotted around the other side by the dugouts the clubhouse and changing rooms behind the other goal leading into the ground the bar open serving hot and cold drinks with a burger van also available. A bright sunny day with a little cloud around and a stiff breeze blowing making things feel chilly. Knew things were going too well this morning 40 minutes to KO, finished my cup of tea and discovered the memory card was corrupted in my camera (has played up since the soaking it received at the Manea game before Christmas) One mad dash to the local Tesco’s later and a replacement installed got back in time to get set up before kick-off. Phew!

Royston Town Women

Royston Town Women starting XI – Elie Sarter, Emma Todd, Annie Georgiou, Tally Miles, Amy Houghton, Erin Davies, Charlotte South (C), Laura Mills, Lily Hall, Emma Slater & Poppy Smith. Subs – Katie White, Nicole Hendrick, Jordanne Sillitoe, Amy Josland & Emily Smith.

Barking FC Women

Barking FC Women starting XI – Serena Hand, Juliet Thomas, Jemma McCarty, Daisy Cook (C), Sarah Finch, Poppy Hartwell, Kiera Colthart, Maisy Wyer, Chloe Jackson, Ammarah Ali & Laura Bunton. Subs – Niamh Pridie, Emily Glensman, Brooke Reed, Grace Holt & Isabella Curran.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s the hosts, Royston to kick-off the first half wearing the white coloured shirts and socks with black shorts with Barking lined up opposite in an all blue kit. The ball played back to the defence, Barking rush forwards to press the ball, Amy Houghton turning to play the ball back to her goalkeeper, Ellie Sarter to clear. Houghton then playing the clipped diagonal pass long to the right for Emma Slater to attack on the flank, checks infield to loop a cross into Laura Mills positioned outside the box right of the D, looking to get her foot over the ball to shoot, lacks power as it runs safely through to Barking goalkeeper, Serena Hand.

  A lively start Barking setting out their stall to get after the ball inside the Royston half, a little over zealous give away a free-kick, knocked forwards into the feet of captain, Charlotte South drives forwards looks to plough her way towards the box, Maisy Wyer and Kiera Colthart convert to crowd her off the ball for Barking. A little scrappy with players being closed down rushed into realising the ball, failing to find its mark.

Captain, Charlotte South powers her way forwards for Royston.

  Barking’s Laura Bunton pulled over to the left of the pitch seeing the pass from Ammarah Ali into her feet, spins cleverly to take the ball in behind the defence looks to get after it as it runs into the area, Tally Miles racing across on the cover from centre back to clear the ball away for a throw. Royston bring the ball out from the back, Erin Davies with the cross-field ball finding Lily Hall out wide left taking the ball on sends an early cross in towards the top of the area looking for Slater coming off the right flank, Juliet Thomas going with her for Barking the full back winning the ball.

Barking’s Laura Bunton

  Slater getting on well up the right for Royston, coming inside has South up with her waiting to receive the ball top of the area, looking to turn and strike is quickly closed down by three Barking players the ball cleared. Davis seeing the ball down into her feet off a throw on the left for Royston hooks it forwards into the channel her target Poppy Smith in attack, Daisy Cook captaining Barking, intercepting the ball.

Royston’s Erin Davies beating Barking’s Kiera Colthart to the ball

  Bunton getting about the Royston back line looking for the ball, Ali left and Chloe Jackson right looking to get close to support take the ball in behind, Houghton cutting a pass out well for Royston. Annie Georgiou at left back, challenging Jackson as she attempts to drive on down the right. 

Royston defender, Amy Houghton

  Miles getting hold of the ball at the back for Royston decides to burst forwards over half way before threading the ball on for Mills pulling into the left channel the ball knocked on ahead of her as she drives for the box left of goal, the angle closing fast stabs the ball goal wards with the outside of her boot, Hand across to defend her near post seeing the ball up into her gloves.

  Bunton never needs an invite to shoot and seeing the ball into her feet out on the left 25 yards out shifts it onto her right foot before unleashing a strike angles in low across the keeper, Sarter diving to her left getting behind the ball to make the save.

  South combining with Smith through the middle playing the one two South sending it on for Smith to attack the area, Sarah Finch getting in to close her down, defending well as she backtracks towards her box the ball cleared to the left. Royston attack with Hall on the ball left the cross swept into the area, the flag going up for offside against Slater even as Hand comes sliding in to save at her feet.

Barking’s Sarah Finch

Royston’s Lily Hall

  Barking continue to press the ball unsettling Royston pinging back and forth in the middle the ball races back towards Sarter’s area comes out to her left to clear the ball, outside the area unable to pick it up with Jackson pushing forwards to close her down she strikes the attacker with her attempted clearance the ball rebounding off Jackson, safe behind for a goal kick.

Barking’s Chloe Jackson

 Colthart getting across the pitch steaming in to win the ball for Barking on the right sends Jackson away down the flank, Hall tracking back to defend bringing the Barking winger down right on the edge of the area a free-kick outside the box to the right of goal, Ali over it clips the ball into the six yard box, Sarter back on her line down to claim seeing it all the way.

Royston goalkeeper, Ellie Sarter

  Barking working hard across the pitch to frustrate Royston’s build up, Poppy Hartwell getting her tackles in to win the ball. Mills up top for Royston getting into some useful positions as she looks to find an opening set up her teammates. Smith finding Hall with the pass out on the left fires a cross in central towards South, is quickly closed down by Hartwell before she can craft an opportunity to strike the ball. 

Poppy Hartwell

  Davies and Colthart enjoying a good battle in the middle of the park, Davies getting away from Colthart this time to play the ball forwards into Smith back to goal looks to drop her shoulder spin off Cook behind her, the defender reading it however, sticking a foot out to intercept the ball. A lively opening 20 minutes. Royston finding Hall out on the left looking to get into the area, Hand comes rushing out to save at her feet batting the ball away, out of position as Smith latches onto the ball wide but her defence has gotten back to cover the goal as the ball is swept back into the six yard box and hooked clear.

Poppy Smith

  Bunton out on the left with another ambitious effort from range all of 35 yards out on target, Sarter covering her near post right behind it to make the catch. Barking look to break in behind, Bunton over on the right sending it on for Jackson in the clear can’t quite take the ball in her feet catching in the turf, Bunton right up with her snatching the ball to knock it on into the area, looking to bear down on goal from the right, Miles recovering her ground superbly getting across her run to block the shot she the ball spin away behind for a corner kick.

  Barking sending players up for the corner looped into the six yard box headed clear falls to Thomas 30 yards out to the right lays it back out to the corner taker to launch the cross back into the mix, South doing the defending for Royston. The throw in high on the right dropped into Colthart inside the area holds off her marker to turn and send the low ball in towards goal, Sarter on her line right behind the shot to save.

  Bunton is all action up top for Barking a great outlet looking to pull off the defence, hold the ball up. Royston seeing an opportunity to press themselves from Barking’s goal kicks are prepared to push players up around the area, Finch and Jemma McCarty both making blocking tackles on South as she pushes up to receive the ball. Bunton linking up with Jackson through the middle in attack, Jackson racing with Miles on her shoulder towards the box, Sarter rushing out to slide in and claim the ball at their feet.

Ellie Sarter rushing in to claim the ball for Royston

  All action as Georgiou intercepts at the back for Royston sends it long up the left for Hall in an advanced position, appears to be fouled by Cook as she manages to squeeze the ball into the D for Smith who is challenged by McCarty the ball running back to Hall who stabs her shot wide of the left post from 20 yards. 

 Frantic at times with players getting at one another, a little heated at times a few challenges causing concern for the Royston bench. Georgiou with the diagonal ball out to Slater on the right getting it down onto her feet travels inside and finds her path blocked by the Barking defence.

  GOAL! End to end at times Barking break quickly Colthart out to Jackson on the right, the midfielder continuing her run into the box as Barking carve open the Royston defence, Jackson right of the area firing in the ball towards Colthart central, Todd lunging in to block her strike for Royston the ball deflected out to the left Ali and Bunton forwards to get hold of the ball, Bunton shifting it onto her right foot to strike the ball hard across the keeper into the bottom corner 0-1.

Laura Bunton fires in the opening goal for Barking

  The goal coming with 10 minutes left on the clock in the first half. Barking getting on well to pressure Royston at the back get in behind to score. Miles carrying the ball on through the middle for Royston sees an opening to push on all the way, McCarthy needing to get across to halt her run. 

 Colthart working hard to get after the ball for Barking spins off her marker making a strong run towards the area, forwards into Bunton, Houghton getting a leg out to nick the ball off her conceding the corner on the right. Swung in towards the six yard box headed clear out of the area to the right the ball won back by the visitors hooked back in long to the far post players queuing up to attack it Colthart not getting a firm header the ball knocked into the ground Sarter pouncing onto it for the hosts.

  Royston remain unsettled haven’t really found their flow, Barking doing well in that aspect, Colthart out to Ali breaking on the left swinging a looping cross into the area, claimed at the far post by Sarter. Smith turning on the ball 25 yards out for Royston sees her shot charged down by McCarty. 

 Late into the first half Royston continue to be frustrated push players on Davies up to Smith central top of the D her attempt charged down the ball spinning away to the right, Mills stretching latching onto the ball for the hosts sending it on towards goal Hand can’t get down in time, the ball rebounding back off the post falls to South in on the follow up, sees her first time effort deflected wide past the left post for a corner kick. 

The corner swung in towards the far post, Hand up well to glove the ball away to the right. Smith back for Miles pushing up for Royston threaded forwards into South outside the box drives on, Finch closing her down with the blocking tackle for Barking.

Half-time Royston Town Women 0-1 Barking FC Women

  A frustrating first half for Royston as they go into the changing rooms trailing at the break. Barking working hard to close the ball down get after their opponents. Bunton a lively outlet up to ready to receive the ball pulling into the channels always looking for the shot or to set up a teammate, shooting from inside the box to open the scoring. Royston getting forwards well enough creating opportunities but haven’t been able to impose themselves on the game. A single goal in it remains all to play for.

  No changes for either side at the break in terms of personal, Slater and Hall switching flanks at the start of the 2nd period for Royston as Barking get the 2nd half underway, played back to Thomas sends the ball up the left for Ali racing forwards, Davies across to cut the ball out for the hosts, Royston showing their intent straight away at the start of the 2nd half with South pushing on to support the attacking players, South seeing the ball into her feet outside the area laid back to Todd to clip a high ball into the area over the defence bounces up and claimed high by Hand in the Barking goal.

  Houghton’s clearance launched forwards threatens to release Slater attacking on the left, Cook alert moving forwards into her path to intercept the ball 25 yards out. Royston pressing the Barking defence in the final 3rd. Slater charging down the keeper as Hand comes rushing out of the box left side the ball rebounding behind for the goal kick. Barking making a change early in the 2nd half bringing off Finch at the back, Niamh Pridie coming on. 

Barking captain, Daisy Cook

 Hand racing out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball as Davies hooks it forwards for Smith to attack from the flick on. South laying the ball out to the left for Georgiou to take on as she breaks forwards squaring a low cross into the box his just behind Slater attacking the near post six yards out runs on for Smith central, can’t dig the shot out from under her feet the ball trickling to the left post Hand down to claim it caught accidentally by Slater as she makes a stab for it.

Hand okay to continue, Barking sitting back waiting for the opportunity to launch a counter attack, Ali through the middle has Colthart moving out to her left, turning infield swings the pass into Bunton, central sweeps it on for the far post with Jackson stretching her legs trying to get there, Georgiou going with her, cutting the ball out to clear the threat for Royston. 

  Royston competing in the middle for the ball Davies into South played on for Smith outside the D, looks to turn is closing watched by McCarty the defender winning her tackle. Royston on top in the 2nd half looking to take the game to Barking, the visitors setting out their stall to defend launch the counter with Bunton the willing outlet up top. South inside the box left of goal seeing the pass into her from Slater lays it back out to the top of the area for Todd, her shot charged down by Hartwell.

Barking midfielder, Kiera Colthart

  Mills breaking into the box as the ball is fired into the near post, can’t quite latch onto it before Hand can snatch the ball into her gloves. Royston pushing on looking for the equaliser South central chipping the ball forwards Mills with the flick off her head to lay the ball into Hall’s path as she bursts into the area, on the angle strikes the shot, Hand with a brilliant save sharp diving down to her left to push the ball behind for the corner kick. 

 Miles on the corner a great ball swung in under the bar, central Hand is equal to it reaching up above her head to pull the ball down into her body.

  Barking inviting pressure as they pull back to defend, Royston able to commit players on knowing Bunton has a lot to do up top should the ball break to her. The ball launched into the box from deep on the right, Cook up to head the ball down far post falls straight to Smith who attempts to lift the ball over the defence sees her effort come down off the crossbar before being cleared long.

Barking’s Ammarah Ali

  Barking dangerous on the counter Bunton seeing the ball down sweeping the pass out to Jackson bursting clear wide right, plays the ball inside for Colthart breaking central, Miles closing her down, getting back to cut out the pass. Georgiou fouled Royston with a free-kick 40 yards out, Miles smashing her strike into the barking wall the ball spinning away to the right Miles chasing it down with Bunton, a strong shoulder charge to stop Miles getting the ball, the hosts appealing but not getting the decision, goal kick.

Royston full back Annie Georgiou

  Royston forced a corner on right. Make a change before it’s taken bringing off Houghton, sending on Amy Josland. The corner fizzed in low through the six yard box comes to the substitute who sends the ball over the crossbar with her first touch. 

  Ali takes the ball on for Barking on the left linking up with Colthart as the visitors gain ground the cross fired in towards Jackson racing in right of the D, Miles intercepting the ball for Royston. Mills chasing after a lost cause on the right as Royston put the ball forwards an excellent turn of pace seeing Mills get to the ball on the by-line then back heels cleverly against the onrushing defender to send it out for a corner kick. 

Laura Mills

The corner count mounting for Royston, Miles with some dangerous deliveries, Barking needing to stay sharp at the back. The hosts pressing, not getting the rub of the final all, Barking a threat on the counter Ali pushing up with Bunton through the middle, Todd defending well at the back for Royston. 

Royston’s Emma Todd

  Ali screws a shot wide from all of 30 yards in the left channel as Thomas getting up on the wing plays the pass into her feet. Slater getting onto the ball, puts it on for Mills pushing inside, McCarty challenging to halt her run for Barking. Josland drops a shot wide from 30 yards out as the ball is deflected back to her. 

 Bunton still full of running for Barking having to push on by herself at times taking the ball out to the right held up by Georgiou before sending a cross into the box, Miles allowed to bring it away unchallenged. Miles spinning on the ball central attempting to play it into Slater’s path top of the area, Cook stepping in to win the challenge for Barking.

Royston’s Tally Miles

  Barking making a 2nd change bring on Brooke Reed to replace Wyer with 28 minutes played in the 2nd half. Hall fouled for Royston deep on the left as she tries to take the ball forwards. Players lining up top of the area as Miles launches it forwards across the goal, Hand needing to get down to her left to push the ball out for the corner kick. Royston making a double switch before the corner bringing of Poppy Smith and Hall, sending on Katie White and Emily Smith.

  The corner fired into the six yard box from the right falls straight to Emily Smith her snap shot put back across to the right side off target before being hooked clear. Royston knocking on the door looking got an equalising goal, just isn’t happening. Mills with the ball at her feet shifting in inside to shot from outside the box left of the D, Hand down sharply to her right to save push the ball away, the corner conceded. 

  Miles from the left overcooking this one swept wide of the far post. Jackson firing over from range as the ball comes out to her following a break through the middle between Ali and Bunton. 

  Hand’s rushed clearance falling straight to White out on Royston’s left wing, comes inside to shoot, Hand getting back to cover her near post bat the ball away for a corner on the left. Flung in across the face of goal, Emily Smith attempting to go for it can’t quite get a touch as it flashes past the far post for a goal kick. Jackson picking up a yellow card as she trips Miles with the defender looking to break forwards. 

Emma Slater attacking for Royston

  Moving into the final 5 minutes of the match plus what ever stoppage time the referee applies, time running out for Royston to get something from the game. Barking soaking up a lot of pressure the threat of a break remains, Bunton out with Ali to the left the cross into the area cleared by Georgiou for Royston. 

Barking goalkeeper, Serena Hand

  Racing to the by-line right side, Slater battles for possession against Thomas, getting inside the box to shoot can only put the low ball straight into the keeper’s gloves. 

  GOAL! Royston have been knocking on the door all 2nd half and at last their perseverance pays off winning the ball on half way knocked forwards Mills gets her head on it to flick in in behind right channel send Emily Smith through to attack the box, one on one with the keeper as Hand comes to close her down Smith shoots, Hand going to ground making the blocking save the ball deflected on behind her to the right of goal Smith after it into the six yard box pokes it over the line to level! 1-1.

Emily Smith breaking into the box to shoot her initial effort saved by Serena Hand, Smith sending home the follow up.

Emily Smith scoring the late equaliser for Royston

  The goal coming as the game moves into stoppage time Royston back on level terms, eager to get the game underway seek out a winning goal. Hartwell fouls Slater to pick up a yellow card. The free-kick on halfway launching into the box bounces safely through to the keeper. The ball clipped long for Slater to attack on the right flank, twist and turns to get into the box her cross put to close to the keeper, Hand down low to grab.

  Todd clears the ball long out into the right corner, Mills rushing on to close it down, shifts inside plays her cross straight into Hand’s gloves. Time almost up Barking making a change bringing Ali off with Emily Glensman coming on to support Bunton up top. Looks to put herself about win the ball for her team try to get Barking one last telling attack, Miles cutting out the pass for Bunton. 

Full time Royston Town Women 1-1 Barking FC Women

  Full time and the points are shared, Royston pushing all 2nd half for the equaliser grabbing it late on to salvage a point from the game. A strong 2nd half performance getting after the Barking defence applying pressure through out risking the counter but Barking not able to get the numbers up to support. The visitors soaking up a lot of pressure defended their box well, a hard fought match will be disappointed they couldn’t hold on for the clean sheet and 3 points. Royston getting the goal, frustrated it didn’t come earlier may well have opened up the game led to further goals. Remains tight in the top half of the table Royston dropping to 3rd following Haringey Borough’s 2-1 win against Wroxham. Barking up into 4th spot and Stevenage FC Women up to 7th joining the party undefeated in 5.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Boy this is a tough one let me tell you. Both sides with several strong performances really hard to single it out to just one but we’ll try and their will definitely be some differing opinions but here we go. For Barking goalkeeper Serena Hand pulled off a number of crucial saves to keep the lead intact for much of the game claimed well. Jemma McCarty with several vital tackles and blocks in defence. Poppy Hartwell working hard in the middle to disrupt Royston’s flow especially first half while Kiera Colthart got about the pitch to win the ball. Laura Bunton led the line well pulling off players coming to the ball and creating scoring opportunities. For Royston, Tally Miles was composed at the back reading the game and getting in her tackles, a danger with a set-piece too. Erin Davies won the ball well setting Royston up going forwards. Lily Hall providing a great outlet out wide with some good link up play. Emma Slater attacking down the left and right flank making several useful attacking runs. Laura Mills with a freer role getting into some good positions for herself to create chances and set up others. The award though goes to captain, Charlotte South took the game to Barking made some great runs in the first half and pushed on 2nd half kept the visitors under constant pressure. 

  Apart from the mad dash to the supermarket for a memory card a good afternoon at Garden Walk, is a good atmosphere and Royston have plenty of home games to come. Good to see Barking too especially as they featured in a rather heavy defeat last time out. Both strong outfits in the ERWFL Premier Division which itself is a strong league always guaranteed an entertaining match. My thanks to both for the help with the team details today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Sunday 24th September

ERWFL Premier Division

 Travelling to Trafford Park this Sunday to take in my first game of the season from the ERWFL Premier Division, representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid is a strong league with plenty of talent on show today’s game featuring Wroxham Women taking on Essex side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. 

 A competitive title battle last season seeing Luton Town Ladies getting off to a flying start before the others hauled them in with newly promoted AFC Sudbury Women clinching the title to secure back to back promotions to reach the FAWNL for the first time in their history. With just one promotion spot up for grabs it’s sure to be another tense battle at the top. A new look Real Bedford Ladies side setting the early pace with 5 wins from 5 to sit 7 points clear of the rest… a long way to go however. 

  Today’s game featuring two sides long established in the ERWFL, both under going transformations along the way. Wroxham Women formerly Acle United Ladies merging with Wroxham in 2019, the club keen to build on a side pushing for promotion to the FAWNL themselves and go all the way. Covid coming along to disrupt every bodies plans, Wroxham haven’t quite found the consistency to push for the top in what is a highly competitive league. A new start for the club this season bringing in a new manager, Adam Race, previously with Long Stratton Women, having turned the Norfolk Division One side into a strong team ready to challenge at the top of the league.

 Have recruited strongly over the past couple of season’s bringing in a number of fresh faces under previous manager Joe Simpson with the likes of goalkeeper Megan Gowing joining last season from Beccles. Brought in several players from their one time league rivals Wymondham Town Ladies with more joining this campaign, defenders Leah Newcombe and Chelsea Clarke, winger Natasha Youngs and midfielder Rachel Cossey returning to the pitch after battling back from 2 season’s lost due to injury. Ella Gambell joining from Norwich City Women along with Lily Alexander. Race also bringing striker Luci Middleton with him from Long Stratton after finishing top scorer in the league with 35 goals from 20 appearances. Hit the ground running with a 12-0 demolition away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies on the opening day. defeats away to Luton and at home to Real Bedford were to follow before earning the 3 points with a good win away to Needham Market Women last Sunday.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies like Wroxham establishing themselves in the ERWFL under a different guise as Little Thurrock Dynamo’s before going on to become an integral part of the Bowers & Pitsea family in 2018, going on to secure promotion to the Premier Division that season. Having consolidated building into a strong team within tier 5 more than capable of beating anyone on their day. Robert Elmes coming in to manage the first team this season.

The first team backed up by a Reserves team playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division and a strong youth set-up with a number of new recruits to the squad promoted from their treble winning U18s side with the like of goalkeeper Hannah Stone, Libby Cooper, Darcy Drewitt, Ella Ford, Olivia Harris, Ellie Barrett and Chloe Bardsley all featuring today. Danielle Hindley also joining this season from Hutton Ladies with Isabella Darby also new to the squad joining from London Seaward. Came out on top in a 7 goal thriller on the opening day winning 4-3 at home to Royston Town Women that followed up by back to back draws both 2-2 at home to AFC Dunstable Women and away to newly promoted Barking FC Women. Losing out narrowly 1-0 away to leaders Real Bedford Ladies last time out. 

 Trafford Park the venue for today’s game home, the large grass pitch with a slight gradient a good test for players fitness space to exploit. A small covered stand on one side with the clubhouse housing the bar and kitchen on the opposite side serving hot food and drink. The weather still mild as we enter autumn, cloudy but warm whenever the sun breaks through, still with no chance of rain. Still nursing a soar knee but the most comfortable position is standing up a god cup of tea and cheeseburger all set for the game.

Wroxham Women

  Wroxham Women starting XI – Megan Gowing, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson, Albany Hodgson, Becky Russell (C), Rachel Cossey, Lara Densley, Lauren Bullard, Ella Gambell & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Jennifer Drummie, Ellie Overton, Luci Middleton & Lily Alexander.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Hannah Stone, Holly Moore, Libby Cooper, Natalie Strange (C), Olivia Bilson, Danielle Hindley, Megan Elwes, Ella Ford, Millie Isherwood, Whitney Locke & Darcy Drewitt. Subs – Olivia Harris, Isabella Darby, Ellie Barrett & Chloe Bardsley.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Couple of familiar faces in the Wroxham squad with new names this season both through marriage, midfielder Jennifer Codman now Jennifer Drummie while the Fuller girl who was scoring all the goals in pre-season like she was Hannah Waters, is Hannah Waters (now Fuller) although I’m so used to writing Waters in my notes it’ll take a while to adjust. A new captain too for Wroxham with Becky Russell taking over as captain. Natalie Strange captaining Bowers & Pitsea this season.

  It’s the visitors to kick off the 1st half attacking up the slope with Bowers & Pitsea wearing red and white vertical striped shirts with red shorts and socks. Wroxham opposite lined up wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball pushed back into midfield played out to the right into Millie Isherwood held up and Libby Cooper gets up in support moving inside the ball rolled into her is fouled presenting Bowers & Pitsea with an early opportunity to push players up into the opposition box. 25 yards out to the right of the area Isherwood on the ball clips a high ball in towards the far post, over everyone and out of play for the goal kick. 

  Bowers & Pitsea fast to close Wroxham’s defence down at the start preventing the ball getting upfield. Leah Newcombe on the right clearing the ball up to Lauren Bullard in attack moving into the right channel for Wroxham squares it inside 20 yards out for Ella Gambell who in turn attempts to thread the ball through the Bowers & Pitsea defence onto Fuller right inside the box, Danielle Hindley sticking a foot out getting a nick on the ball to divert it back for her keeper to claim. 

 Gambell rolling her marker well on the left as she looks to take the ball on down the wing, Cooper in to close her down for Bowers & Pitsea. Albany Hodgson winning the ball at the back for Wroxham sending it long up to Fuller in attack right outside the box held up plays it back to Newcombe with Lara Densley coming over to support, Hindley tackling for the visitors the ball out for a throw in.

  Gambell with the ball left for Wroxham, checks inside passing central for Russell she opens her body to turn the ball into Fuller outside the D, Hindley close in tackling to win the ball back for Bowers & Pitsea cleared releases Whitney Locke, carrying the ball forwards well as they counter sends the ball inside for Darcy Drewitt making a central run in behind, goalkeeper Megan Gowing rushing out to close her down takes the ball wide of the keeper moving left looks to send the ball back across into the open goal, defenders racing back to try and clear their lines, the ball through rolls wide of the right post, an opportunity to open the scoring missed inside the opening 7 minutes.

Bowers & Pitsea’s Darcy Drewitt

  Ella Ford bringing the ball on for Bowers & Pitsea lifts it up to Locke breaking right, 20 yards out turns infield, Hodgson setting a leg out to tackle winning the ball well for the hosts. Gambell looking to get on down the left for Wroxham threatening to get onto the ball inside the box, Moore gets across her shielding the ball out of play Gambell hustling her is disappointed when a corner is given to Wroxham. A great in swinging corner from the left across the six yard box, Hodgson up to attack just a little too high gets her head to the ball but can’t direct it on target drops to the right of goal Bowers & Pitsea clear but can’t retain possession as Wroxham turn play around looking to carve their way through the middle, crowded, Bowers & Pitsea shut the door.

Wroxham defender, Albany Hodgson

  Strange playing the ball into midfield, helped on into Locke, has Megan Elwes making a run out to the right lays the ball into her feet reaching the top of the area crosses into towards the far post looking for Drewitt, too close to the keeper though, Gowing down well to lay claim to the ball in her six yard box. Bowers & Pitsea quick to build an attack getting the ball into midfield the diagonal pass fired up towards Isherwood left of the D, looks to control bring it down and spin off her marker, Newcombe though has read it backing off so she is ready to challenge as Isherwood turns.

  A intriguing contest both sides cancelling each other out to a degree, closing each other down, trying to use the width without getting any killer balls into the box. Bullard getting the ball into Fuller from the right 20 yards out over the ball sends her shot angling in towards goal straight into Stone’s gloves. Moments later a diagonal ball deep from the right from Wroxham wrong foots the Bowers and Pitsea defence leaving Fuller free inside the area one on one with the keeper, Stone staying big composed as Fuller trying to send the ball wide of her, saves well with the ball struck at her. 

Hannah Fuller with a one on one with the goalkeeper Hannah Stone

  Wroxham looking strong as they flood forwards attacking left the ball into Gambell drives infield 25 yards out curling a shot in towards goal looping up Stone again behind it backing up to claim the ball high.  Wroxham with two good chances to score in as many minutes. Bowers & Pitsea winning a free-kick the ball up to Drewitt outside the box, Rachel Cossey defending on her for Wroxham, the visitors press on the left winning the ball back send on for Drewitt in behind on the left, on her out looking for support Wroxham close her down en masse to clear.

Libby Cooper

Wroxham looking to counter with Cossey sending the ball out to Gambell on the left, good foot work to get away from her marker turning inside, Locke tracking back well to help her defence out regaining possession. Cooper up on the right with the ball at her feet for Bowers & Pitsea playing it on for Locke pulling wide moving into the corner fires a low cross into the six yard box Drewitt coming in central, Gowing down to save turning the ball behind for a corner kick. From the right dropping for Drewitt top of the area right side of the D. pulls the trigger, Bullard in the way blocks and clears.

Wroxham goalkeeper, Megan Gowing

  Bullard bringing the ball down well of her chest turning as it drops to lay the ball forwards for Fuller to attack bursting through the Bowers & Pitsea back line to the right of goal, Stone quickly off her line out to lay claim to the ball before it can be attacked. Hodgson sees the ball out for a corner as she defends with Cooper as Locke on the right lays the ball into her. The corner played into the top of the area from the right met in the air by Olivia Bilson a bullet header knocked down heading towards goal, Chelsea Clarke coming off the post to stick a leg out block the shot.

  Newcombe booked for Wroxham as Bowers & Pitsea are awarded a free-kick out wide on the left. The delivery sent long beyond the far post. The visitors winning another set-piece in a central position the ball fired up into the area, Gowing calls for it and coming claims well. Clarke breaking on the left for Wroxham with Gambell on the overlap, whipping a cross into the area intercepted by Bilson for Bowers & Pitsea. Fuller picking up a yellow card for Wroxham as they make a change with Densley coming off, Luci Middleton coming on.

  Elwes pushing up on the right with Locke as Bowers & Pitsea push forwards in attack looking to play a one two outside the box, Elmes can’t quite take the ball on past Wroxham’s Tigi Robson as Locke lays it back into her. Cossey charging down Harris as she lines up a strike from 20 yards out. Bowers & Pitsea upping the tempo towards the end of the 1st half but they are caught out as Wroxham turn play around sending a forwards pass long for Fuller breaking wide right fires the cross inside for Bullard in behind the defence Stone rushing out to the top of her area to close it down, Bullard dragging it wide of the keeper to put herself clear into the box rolls the ball in towards the open goal, defenders racing back to defend the line, between them Bilson and Hindley clear the ball for a corner on the left. In high to the far post Gambell rising heads the ball wide.

Wroxham’s Lauren Bullard

 

Hodgson playing a great ball out to Clarke on the left as the full back gets up the wing sending a good cross into the area, Stone getting up to catch it bring the ball down safely. The hosts building on the right Russell out to Bullard strikes the shot from 25 yards on the angle fired low wide past the far post. Both full backs looking to get on for Wroxham now Newcombe forwards on the right as Cossey and Russell link up trough the middle, Bowers & Pitsea defending seeing the ball out for a goal kick. 

Millie Isherwood

 Drewitt on through the middle for Bowers & Pitsea the pass out to Locke pulling right shoots on the angle a low drive in towards goal, Gowing down low to save. A change late in the 1st half for the visitors with Isabella Darby coming on for Hindley. Middleton combining with Bullard out on the right for Wroxham the ball fed back to Russell in the middle strikes from distance 30 yards plus fired wide across goal. Middleton with the ball on the right crossed in central Gambell not catching the volley cleanly the ball deflected safely into the box for the keeper to collect. 

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-0 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  All square at the break and fair enough on the balance of play however both sides with a gilt edged chance to score. Has been competitive with both sides cancelling each other out at times, enjoying good spells in attack looking to use the pitch without delivering too many killer balls both keepers called into action nevertheless looking comfortable. All set up for an exciting 2nd half.

  Both sides making changes at half-time a triple substitution for Wroxham with Jennifer Drummie, Ellie Overton along with Densley returning for Cossey and Newcombe and Bullard. A double switch for Bowers & Pitsea with Chloe Bardsley and Ellie Barrett on for Isherwood and Elwes. Wroxham to get the 2nd half underway put into Russell central sends it long for Gambell out left the visitors can see it safely out of play for a throw in, Wroxham taking it quickly down for Fuller knocks it inside for Middleton to strike on the volley from 25 yards on the angle her shot looping straight into the keeper. 

Luci Middleton lining up the volley for Wroxham

  Drummie bringing the ball on for Wroxham into space on the left lifting the diagonal ball into the box Stone keeping her eye on it taking it cleanly on the bounce not distracted by Fuller closing her down. Bowers & Pitsea get the ball down on the left, Locke now over on that side looknig to combine with Bardsley in attack shifting inside, Robson getting the tackle in for Wroxham top of the area. 

Tigi Robson defending for Wroxham

 Middleton seeing the ball into her 20 yards out flicking it out to Densley breaking clear into the box on the right, the flag going up against her as she chips the ball up over the keeper to cannon off the base of the far post. Bowers & Pitsea mount an attack on their left Cooper up with Locke the ball flashed across the top of the area collected by Drewitt right side, Clarke in to charge her down as she goes to shoot the ball deflected away for a corner. An in swinging ball high into the six yard box Gowing fouled as she rises to punch the ball. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Olivia Harris

  GOAL! Cooper carrying the ball forwards well for Bowers & Pitsea on the left covering the ground before flashing a shot wide across the six yard box as players pile forwards, retrieved by Bardsley out beyond the fire posts sends it back into the danger area, a spot of pinball ensues as Wroxham look to clear their lines rebounds straight to Ellie Barrett up on the right to strike the ball on the angle 20 yards out to race along the ground to find the bottom corner scoring her 1st senior goal to put the visitors into the lead 0-1.

Ellie Barrett with the opening goal for Bowers & Pitsea

  Bowers & Pitsea breaking the deadlock early in the 2nd half Wroxham straight on the attack from the restart the ball out left with Gambell and Fuller crossed into the area, Middleton inside the box looking to hook it over her shoulder from 12 yards out plants it wide of the far post. Cooper taking on the ball as Bowers & Pitsea look to counter taking it left fed on for Bardsley, Gowing though out to the edge of her area quickly to claim.

  Middleton releasing Densley racing away on right with the ball into space crossing into Russell central 20 yards out her shot blocked by Bilson well, and then again the defender sticking a leg out to deflect the ball as Russell retrieves it for a 2nd bite.   Changes for Bowers & Pitsea as they bring Isherwood and Drewitt back on for Locke and Moore. Game on with Bowers & Pitsea looking top extend their lead, the goal though sharpening Wroxham up as they look to close in for the ball. Middleton clashing with Cooper as they go up for the ball, a little blood to wash out of her mouth Middleton frustrated as she has to go off to come back on. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Whitney Locke with Wroxham’s Ellie Overton

  Off the resulting drop ball, Isherwood is put clear on the left to send a cross looping into the six yard box won and cleared by Clarke for Wroxham. Middleton taking the ball on from Drummie drives on central before being taken out the advantage played as the ball drops to Densley free on the right she swings a cross into the area, caught high by Stone. Hodgson with a word from the referee as she brings down Isherwood top of the circle the ball lifted into the area, Bowers & Pitsea appealing for a penalty as Bilson is sent tumbling but the protests waved away as the visitors press the ball high Wroxham scrambling it clear Russell sending it up to Fuller pulling left, Barrett doing the defending for Bowers & Pitsea. 

Olivia Bilson

   Moore back into the action for Bowers & Pitsea replacing Ford. Isherwood left putting the ball on for Harris for Bowers & Pitsea on the left, Overton in to close her down win the challenge for the hosts carries the ball into the middle forwards into Middleton who in turn sends it on for Densley peeling away right, Moore tackling well for Bowers & Pitsea. 

Wroxham’s Lara Densley

  Wroxham with a strong spell, Bowers & Pitsea a little disjointed on the back foot conceding a corner on the left defended at the near post. Lily Alexander on now for Wroxham replacing Gambell on the left. Into the final 15 minutes Clarke rifling a shot in towards goal from range held by Stone in the Bowers & Pitsea goal. The assistant referee raising his flag the keeper carrying the ball over the line… for a corner. Not spotted by the referee at first play goes on as Wroxham protest… play brought back for the corner Bowers & Pitsea not happy.

  GOAL! The corner played into the area half cleared a Wroxham player lining up a shot from the left on the angle 25 yards out driven in low Stone down sharply to save only succeeds in pushing the ball across her goal into the path of Middleton the striker reacting instinctively to smash the ball back across goal and in to equalise 1-1. 

Luci Middleton with the equaliser for Wroxham

 Bowers & Pitsea furious with the decisions that led to the equaliser, captain Strange going into the book for her protests. Heated from the bench too and as play build on the right the referee stops proceeding to issue the Bowers & Pitsea manager with a red card. Bowers & Pitsea need to regain their composure winning a free-kick 25 yards out right of the goal. Harris over it goes for the shot sending the ball over the bar. 

  More frustration for the visitors as Drewitt feeds the ball through for Isherwood breaking into the box right of goal to strike a low shot past the keeper into the back of the net nut throws her head up in dismay as she sees the flag raised against her. Hodgson winning the ball strongly at the back for Wroxham pinging the long pass forwards for Fuller pulling wide left drills an angled shot in low towards the near post, Stone getting her leg in the way deflecting the ball into her side netting. Gambell back on for Wroxham going to the right in place of Densley.

 Wroxham on the front foot pushing forwards Overton with Densley on the right taking the ball past her on the overlap, squares a cross into the box a dummied header from Fuller sees the ball drop past her into Drummie central, Bilson in to close her down can’t dig the ball out from under her feet. Strange furious talks herself into trouble once again, this time though she is sent to the sin bin leaving Bowers & Pitsea down to 10 for the final 10 minutes.

  Clarke getting on well for Wroxham in the 2nd half gaining ground with the ball, Bilson out to close her down. Russell striking a shot wide from distance as the hosts look to use their player advantage. Fuller holds the ball up on the left for Wroxham looking for support, Russell offering it laid into her 20 yards out, Bilson tackling to win the ball back. Don’t keep it for long as Overton find Gambell on the right to cross the ball into the area for Fuller central looking to see the ball down catch it on the volley, puts her effort wide of the far post.

Wroxham’s Chelsea Clarke

  Getting feisty a few tempers flaring Bowers & Pitsea unhappy with how the game has gone on the back foot in the closing stages the game moving into stoppage time Wroxham pressing forwards winning the ball inside their opponents half.

 GOAL! Wroxham with the ball on the left Clarke bring it on with an inch perfect past over the top to put Fuller though on goal one on one with the keeper composed with a finishers instinct sends the ball past her into the back of the net and turns with her arms raised in celebration moment before being piled on by her joyous teammates 90+3 2-1!

Hannah Fuller celebrates after scoring the winner for Wroxham in stoppage time

Fuller piled on by her joyous teammates after her goal at the death

 Strange allowed back on as Wroxham have the ball on the corner on the right Gambell with Fuller looking to keep it in the corner win a throw then a corner kick taken short into Fuller knocked off her behind for a goal kick. Bowers & Pitsea mounting one last attack going right Clarke defending but the free-kick conceded players forwards the ball flung into the area knocked out and launched clear by Middleton as the final whistle blows. Wroxham coming back from a goal down to win at the death.

Luci Middleton launching the ball clear at the final whistle

Full time Wroxham Women 2-1 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  Wroxham coming from a goal down to win the game 2-1 at the death. Both sides with good opportunities to score in the first half nevertheless going into the changing rooms goalless at the break. Bowers & Pitsea getting their noses in front early in the 2nd half with both sides looking to score after that, Wroxham livening up after conceding as Bowers & Pitsea looked to extend their lead. A spot of controversy leading to the equaliser Bowers & Pitsea not happy with the awarding of the corner in the first place, incensed when it led to the goal their captain booked and manager sent off. Wroxham pushing hard in the final 10 minutes, Bowers & Pitsea reduced to 10 with Strange sin binned used the advantage pressing to the end Clarke’s inch perfect pass sending Fuller through on goal in stoppage time to score the winner. The result lifts Wroxham into 3rd in the table.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’ Football East – Player of the Match award. As often is the case a tough on to call with several strong performances on the pitch. A few to mention firstly for Bowers & Pitsea. Goalkeeper Hannah Stone with some great positioning and composure. Olivia Bilson with a number of strong challenges at the back to win the ball. Darcy Drewitt taking the ball on well as did Libby Cooper with Whitney Locke looking to make things happen out wide. For Wroxham, Luci Middleton made a real impact coming on late in the first half looking to get onto the ball set up others as well as for herself. Ella Gambell with some strong runs out wide. Hannah Fuller (I’ve deleted the W a dozen tomes while writing this report) a force in attack taking on the defence and pulling out wide to set up chances, scoring the winner. The award though goes to defender Chelsea Clarke won the ball well at the back putting in the blocks and a threat carrying the ball forwards an inch perfect pass to set up the winning goal.

Another enjoyable trip to Trafford Park my thanks to both clubs for their help today and hospitality. As I’ve come to expect another competitive and well contested game from the ERWFL Premier Division plenty of talent on show.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Luton Town Ladies

Sunday 5th February

ERWFL Premier Division

It is becoming an intense battle at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division with just 4 points separating the top 6, all with ambitions to win the title an achieve promotion to the FAWNL. Today’s it’s a clash of the top two with leaders Luton Town Ladies away to Hertfordshire rivals Stevenage FC Women.

  Luton Town Ladies now back on top after setting the pace early on, the chasing pack gaining ground Stevenage FC Women briefly on top themselves just 2 points back in 2nd. Behind them all on 18 points newly promoted sides AFC Sudbury Women & Needham Market Women along with Haringey Borough Women and Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies.

  Stevenage FC Women looking to bounce back to the FAWNL at the 1st attempt suffering relegation last season ending a 6 year stay in the FAWNL, recoding a 6th placed finish along the way. Achieving promotion to the FAWNL though no easy task as today’s opponents Luton Town Ladies will testify. The ERWFL Premier Division featuring some strong sides very competitive with just the title winners going up. Stevenage though are well placed to mount a title challenge assembling a strong squad, briefly taking over the lead a fortnight a go a 1-0 loss in a controversial game at Haringey Borough Women last Sunday seeing them drop back to 2nd. Amy Makewell leading goal scorer with 11 goals from 10 appearances, Becky Shepard and Emily Schofield with 6 and 5 respectfully. Have played 3 games more than Luton so a positive result is vital to stop them pulling away.

  Luton Town Ladies themselves a long established side in the FAWNL their run in the 4th tier coming to an end 3 season’s ago. The Covid pandemic disruption no doubt hindering their attempts to get back to the FAWNL are no back in strength ready to make a solid promotion push. Got off to a flying start with a 100%, 8 game winning streak seeing them pull away from the chasing pack. Were dragged back into the mix by the sad withdrawal of Harlow Town Ladies due to the pitch issues at the Harlow Arena, those points 6 in total wiped off saw those behind right back in it. A draw with King’s Lynn Town Ladies their only points dropped so far returned to the top with a 3-0 home win against Royston Town Ladies last Sunday. Jess Mckay and Lil Sanders are both on 11 goals from 13 appearances each with Leyah Maddix netting 8 from 13 played. Nikki Baker stepping down as first team manager, Rob Burton taking on the role this season with Myles Maddix as head coach.

The County Ground, Letchworth the venue for today’s game, situated by the Hertfordshire FA’s offices the artificial pitch and stadium seeing a number of improvements in recent seasons with an updated bar and cafe area behind the main stand serving hot and old drinks. The main stand covered offering plenty of seating with terraced stands behind one goal and the opposite side of the pitch, where I headed to today to have the low sun at my back, albeit putting me in the shade in what was otherwise a pleasant, mild and still day with no wind or rain forecast excellent playing conditions.

Stevenage FC Women

 Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Tea Oldroyd, Lucy Webster (C), Anna Re, Nicole Farmer, Vicky Neal, Holly Greenwood, Hannah Bodily, Erin Price, Jodie Bellinger, Kelsey Millen & Emily Schofield. Subs – Katie White, Shianne Swarres, Becky Shephard, Amy Gooderham & Amy Makewell.

Luton Town Ladies

 Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Angelika Kopec, Maria Taylor, Hannah Major, Tanya Blacksley, Elly Wade, Kiera Palmiero, Jess McKay (C), Fi Constable, Andie Dickens, Lil Sanders & Leyah Maddix. Subs – Hannah Payne, Shanice Lewis, Shakeela Hussain, Adi Milton & Lilac Wilson.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   Both sides naming 5 on the bench with plenty of attacking options to bring on, Luton to get the match underway wearing orange shirts and socks with navy coloured shorts. Stevenage lined up opposite wearing red top coloured shirts fading to black about the middle, red shorts with white socks.

The ball played back to captain Jess McKay in the centre of midfield she clips a diagonal pass long out to the right as Andie Dickens breaks up the line, Anna Re dealing with the threat at left back for Stevenage. Play paused with an injury on the far side of the pitch, Stevenage’s Emily Schofield having taken a knock before the dig outs the trainer called on, Schofield accessed and waved back on as play resumes. Lil Sanders showing good pace in attack linking up well with Dickens on the right in the early exchanges as Luton press the ball and get it moving quickly.

Stevenage captain Lucy Webster at right back has a decent throw on her as she looks to get Kelsey Millen away up the flank, McKay tracking back to lunge in with the challenge take the ball away from the attacker. From the resulting throw higher up the pitch Webster gets the return pass down the line and wraps her foot around the ball to send a dangerous cross into the six yard box, long Jodie Bellinger latches onto her inside the area but can’t smuggle her shot past goalkeeper, Angelika Kopec as she stoops to grab up the ball.

Stevenage’s Jodie Bellinger

A competitive midfield battle going on Luton moving in quickly to close Stevenage down on the ball, Erin Price however managing to evade a tackle stretching forwards to lift her pass long out to Millen breaking on the right wing in behind, Tanya Blacksley comes out from the centre to charge down her cross. Millen finding space on the right a good outlet for Stevenage as they continue to be harried on the ball in the centre of the park, bringing the ball inside links up with Price the midfielder unable to thread the ball behind an organised Luton back line.

Luton’s Tanya Blacksley

Two sides looking to get at each other no one afforded much time on the ball, neither wanting it looking to get the ball moving, Stevenage caught out with a high line as Kiera Palmiero sends the ball forwards for Sanders racing clear out wide left her ball driven into the box from the angle racing through the six yard box Leyah Maddix getting it under control left side turning back inside unleashing a low drive towards goal, a Stevenage defender blocking it with goalkeeper Tea Oldroyd down having it covered behind.

Stevenage’s Hannah Bodily with Luton’s Leyah Maddix

Luton with good pace up top Maddix getting onto the ball central carrying it forwards, sending it through for Sanders clear of the defence, Oldroyd aware of the threat quickly out of her area to kick the ball clear, Fi Constable closing down well to take on possession left side bringing it down for the shot, swerving in towards goal, the curl may well have seen it race narrowly wide of the top corner, however Oldroyd has gotten back into position and leaping up snatches the ball down safely. Luton getting on top in midfield putting the Stevenage defence under pressure with Constable wriggling free on the left wing driving into the corner her cross into the box headed away by Vicky Neal, coming back to Constable, winning a corner kick. Players up from the back the far post attack as the inswinging delivery comes in however a push is spotted by the referee Stevenage have the free kick.

Luton’s Fi Constable

McKay is dominating the midfield for Luton in the opening 15 minutes with the ball at her feet powers her way forwards evading two tackles before releasing a long pass out to the right, a little too much on it for Maddix to chase down. Millen out on the right remains the best outlet for Stevenage to counter as Price picks her out with the past in behind whips a great ball into the box bouncing through the six yard box to the far post Schofield after it held off by a defender the attacker can’t get enough on the ball to send it past the keeper as Kopec comes to claim.

Luton captain, Jess McKay

Neal with a timely interception at the back cutting out the attempted through ball for Sanders as she attempts to spin in behind. A strong pressing game from Luton getting into Stevenage forcing errors inviting mistakes while getting the ball moving quickly when they have possession. Sanders is down for Luton on halfway looks to have picked up a knock, needs to come off the visitors making a change sending on Shanice Lewis to join Maddix in attack. The game being played at a high tempo while having a cagey edge to it.

Stevenage’s Vicky Neal

Luton with a free-kick inside the Stevenage half right of the centre circle players coming forwards from the back as the ball is flighted in to the near post attacked Elly Wade very nearly connecting with the header, wouldn’t have counted however as the offside flag is up against her. Luton showing good energy frustrating Stevenage who want to press themselves but have the middle so congested it’s had to pick a pass. Hannah Major doing well at the back for Luton on the right as Stevenage look to get forwards with Schofield and Bellinger combining.

Emily Schofield

Constable attacking on the left for Luton cutting back inside across the top of the box 20 yards out fires it across to the right side, Re turning to charge down Dickens as she lines up a shot. Kopel’s turn to come rushing out of her area to clear as Re clearing the ball from the back almost sends Bellinger through to attack the area. Stevenage need someone to get thing’s going give the hosts some thrust and that person is the captain herself as brings the ball under control halfway on the right she shifts infield going to a powerful run forcing her way all the way into the box left of the D, before being chopped down by Major. Penalty!

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

Major is shown a yellow card. Bellinger the player placing the ball on the spot to take the set piece for Stevenage. Her strike send it low to close to the keeper, Kopec going the right way down to her left to get her body behind the ball and save turning it away to the left, scrambling across goal between the keeper and her defence prevent any follow up getting through the ball cleared long.

Angelika Kopec saving the penalty

Lewis coming forwards with the ball for Luton heading central has Sanders up in support, the move breaking down as she fouls Neal off the ball. Dickens a threat on the right for Luton going on before sending a cross from the touchline deep into the box, Webster heading it clear for Stevenage at the far post. Half a hour played and Stevenage make their first change in midfield bringing off Greenwood and sending on Shianne Swarres. Straight into the action in to win the ball on the left linking up with Bellinger the ball crossed into the Luton area cleared by Maria Taylor. Stevenage press the ball in the final third coming to Swarres 20 yards out clips a high ball up into the box has Kopec back pedalling back on her line the ball drops onto the crossbar and over.

 Webster getting forwards on the right tracking inside sees a deflected shot claimed by the keeper. From Oldroyd’s goal kick Swarres on halfway heads the ball on for Millen her touch up top taking her away to the right away from her marker moving into the right channel opts for the early shot 20 yards out rising but never troubling the keeper. Swarres’ introduction having an immediate impact. Stevenage getting after the ball better taking the game to their opponents. Swarres winning control of the ball on halfway threading a pass into Schofield left channel knocking in on heads for the box has her heels clipped right on the edge by Major, risky when already on a yellow. Stevenage have a set-piece in a dangerous position left corner outside the box players forwards as Swarres stands over it.  Strikes it well angling in towards goal past Kopec smashes down off the cross bar then scrambled clear by the Luton defence. Stevenage ending the first half strong Swarres from another set-piece from distance to the right smashing it low past the far post.

Stevenage (& Women’s Football East sponsored player) Shianne Swarres

  Sanders ready to return to the field for Luton coming back on for Lewis. Wade defending well top of the area on Schofield as the Stevenage attacker looks to bring the ball on from the left. Maddix pulled down on the right Luton with the free kick 30 yards out the strong ball in no one can reach it as it whistles in past the far post. Maddix bringing the ball on well through the middle for Luton lifting it out to the right wing for Dickens her cross dipped in near post held well by Oldroyd getting down to catch. 

 Kopec out smartly to the left corner of her area to get hold of the ball as Millen looks to break as a good diagonal pass is released from Price in the middle. The first half draws to a close with the goals still intact… just!

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 0-0 Luton Town Ladies

  Goalless at the break, Stevenage with the better chances striking the woodwork twice and seeing a penalty saved. That said for much of the first half Luton were the better side starting the game well closing the ball done, competitive in the middle showing good energy though out. Frustrating Stevenage moving the ball about looking to carve out an opening. The middle of the park often congested, Webster looking to get her side going with a thrusting run that led to the penalty ultimately saved by Kopec. A change on the half hour seeing the introduction of Swarres and Stevenage getting hold of the ball in the middle and applying some pressure of their own ending the first period strong while Luton look a threat on the counter with pace up top. Well poised for the 2nd half.

  Both sides unchanged at the start of the 2nd half, Luton out early ready to go as Stevenage get the 2nd half underway. The ball sent on the diagonal out to the right, dealt with comfortably by Taylor for Luton. Webster getting forwards well on the left for Stevenage at start of the 2nd half tracking inside picking out Swarres central 30 yards out she sends it on for Millen attacking right wing her cross whipped into the box cleared by Blacksley. Stevenage press the ball in the final third successfully appealing for a hand ball and getting the free-kick in a threatening position 25 yards out to the right of the D. Players forwards as Farmer stands over it, catches it well floating it in towards goal loops down onto the cross bar the woodwork coming to Luton’s rescue again.

Nicole Farmer

   The free-kick count beginning to add up Stevenage with another from deep flicked on outside the box cut out well by Blacksley at the back for Luton. Re with an ambitious attempt from half way that sails over. Luton have the ball in the middle Maddix surging on has Constable to the left sends the ball on in turn threaded into the box for Sanders pulling off her marker left of goal Oldroyd rushing out to close her down goes to ground at her feet the striker taking the ball around her and shooting, the ball cleared off the line by Neal for Stevenage! 

Luton’s Lil Sanders

  GOAL! Looking threatening at the start of the 2nd half Luton expose Stevenage on the right to open the scoring. The midfield pass finding Dickens bursting away on the right wing heading for the by-line before sending a superb cross in along the face of goal to be met by Maddix at the far post to turn back across the keeper and in 0-1.

Leyah Maddix with the goal for Luton

  Luton make an immediate change after scoring breaking on Lilac Wilson for Major with Palmiero going to right back. Almost straight away an opportunity to extend the lead and McKay’s pin point pass from midfield finds Sanders pulling off into the channel right of goal into the box, setting up a 1 v 1 versus the keeper, Oldroyd back in her six yard box poised, as Sanders goes to strike it across her into the bottom corner, Oldroyd down smartly low getting a touch to deflect it wide beyond her far post for a corner kick. Oldroyd coming to claim as it is flashing in near side.

   Wade in hard on Bellinger catching her on the toes a painful one a free-kick out wide Webster to launch it into the box headed clear by the Luton defence. Dickens with the neat flick on as the ball is fed into her knocked on for Sanders the bounce however favouring Re allowing the full back to nick it away with her boot outside the D. Dickens with a 25 yard strike that swerves wide of the right post. Stevenage make a double change in the 57th minute bringing off Bellinger and Schofield with Becky Shephard and Amy Gooderham joining the attack. 

Luton’s Andie Dickens

  Webster strong going forwards on for Price the midfielder making ground evading two tackles before laying the ball off for Gooderham out wide left the substitute winning a throw then a corner. On the left a high looping ball dropping into a crowded six yard box, an infringement spotted Luton have possession. McKay is hauled down as she bursts forwards with the ball a free-kick top of the circle players up from the back the ball dropped into the box, Wade attacking it getting a glancing header sending it wide of the left post.

   Another shirt pull spotted, this time on Webster some 30 yards out players up into the box spots Gooderham totally unmarked free left sends her the pass shifting inside Gooderham attempted cross/shot flashes behind the goal. Luton with another change bringing off Dickens for Adi Milton. Is a competitive tussle between two committed sides. Millen appeared to have brought down Sanders, however it’s the Luton player that recieves the booking. The free kick right of the circle played early long to the far post with Gooderham closing in the ball too close to the keeper however Kopec claiming it. 

Luton goalkeeper, Angelika Kopec

   Luton attack on the right Sanders with McKay in support the ball taken to the by-line the cross lifted in taken by Oldroyd. Luton defending their box as Stevenage press, Milton unlucky to have a handball adjudged against her another set-piece for Stevenage in a threatening position 20 out left of the D. Before it’s taken Luton making a change bringing off Maddix with Lewis going back on. 

  GOAL! Webster over the set-piece a two player wall giving her a good sight on goal, strikes it high looping up towards the far post has Kopec worried the keeper throwing herself across her goal can’t reach it as it drops under the cross bar and goes in off the upright for the equaliser 1-1.

  20 minutes left to play Stevenage getting back on level terms the woodwork on their side at last as Webster sends the free-kick home. Katie White introduced for Stevenage out on the right replacing Millen. Swarres holds of Milton as the Luton player attempts to get forwards her attempted shot from 30 plus yards out falling wide. A robust challenge on Re sees another decision going against Luton whose frustration is beginning to show. McKay with a fantastic turn in the middle to release the ball forwards Sanders looking to deceive Neal drawing her one way then turning inside, Neal experienced however getting her left heel up to stop the ball in it’s tracks kill off the attack. 

Adi Milton

  Swarres not afraid to have a go from distance with a vicious strike fired over from 25 yards out. Luton making a change bringing off Taylor for  ex-Stevenage player Shakeela Hussain. Bodily with a rare surge forwards on the ball  threatening as she links up with Price who finds Swarres to the right back inside Bodily is fouled outside the box by Wade. Webster over the set-piece a little further out than her goal, sweeps the ball in to be attacked far post Price the closest to it but no contact out for a goal kick. 

Hannah Bodily

  Webster with good defensive work having already gone to ground trying to deal with the initial threat posed by Sanders right of the D, sweeps the ball away before the attacker can reclaim it. Luton get a free-kick inside the Stevenage half Wade up from the back getting onto the end of it inside the box heading over. Luton bring Dickens back on for Luton replacing Sanders with 10 minutes left on the clock. Both sides still after one another the energy levels haven’t dropped the fouls adding up Stevenage using the width more with Gooderham on the left and White on the right. Bodily the latest player substituted with striker Amy Makewell coming on.

Luton’s Elly Wade

  White fouled out wide on the right Stevenage with another free-kick look a threat from a dead ball situation. Swarres to deliver the ball knocked down across the six yard box skips up to White at the near post lifts her hurried shot over the bar. Stevenage applying all the pressure now late in the game attacking on the right Makewell taking the ball off White on the right shifting inside to angle a cross into Gooderham inside the box at the far post, stooping to head the ball doesn’t get a firm enough touch to take it past Kopec the keeper claiming solidly. 

Shanice Lewis

  Lewis carrying the ball on for Luton left side sending a cross in towards the top of the area cut out by Neal. Stevenage are straight on the counter attack, Prices pass cut out by Wade at the back for Luton. Dickens with the ball on the right combining well with Hussain the cross into the box easy for the keeper. Gooderham driving on with the ball on the left Wade coming back to challenge on the by-line Gooderham winning a corner off the defender. Lifted in near post Kopec up well to knock it down and clear. The game moving into stoppage time Price with a diagonal ball out to the left looking for Shephard a corner won.

Erin Price with Jess McKay

  GOAL! One last chance for Stevenage to send players forwards into the box, one of those Neal hasn’t come forwards for a corner all 2nd half but then they have all been from the left this one is on the right. Shephard with a superb kick to angle the ball in across the face of goal with pace, players racing into meet it one of those Neal nails the header to bury the ball into the back of the net to win the game for Stevenage and races over to Shephard in celebration 2-1. 

Vicky Neal (6) scoring the winning goal

Little time left on the clock for Luton to get a goal back a sucker punch right at the end of the game, Stevenage scoring from another set-piece. The clock ticking down game management now from Stevenage win a free-kick run the ball into the corner.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 2-1 Luton Town Ladies

 The final whistle blows and Stevenage come back from a goal down to win it at the death to claim the 3 points and return to the top of the ERWFL Premier Division. Strong and a threat from set-pieces all game the tally adding up as the game progressed. Luton starting the game the better winning the ball well and keeping Stevenage quiet, the game changing with a thrusting run from Stevenage’s captain and the resulting penalty, saved but it gave Stevenage the kick they needed then Swarres’ introduction brought a more competitive edge to the midfield. Goalless at the break Luton were to make a fast start to the 2nd half scoring early and with 2 good chances to add goals. Webster was to strike home the equaliser with 20 minutes left Stevenage coming back strong taking the game to Luton, almost held on but the set-pieces kept being given away with the winner coming from a corner at the death. A thrilling game at the top of the ERWFL.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Was a great game a good contest between two committed sides and several performances of note to mention. Firstly for Luton. Elly Wade was strong at the back with a number of important tackles and looked a danger from a set-piece. In the middle captain Jess McKay was strong, ran the show in the early stages with good tacking movement and passing. Andie Dickens was also excellent out on the right a threat going forwards creating opportunities in the final 3rd. For Stevenage, Vicky Neal had a strong game at the back reading the game well especially when her side was under pressure, popping up to score the winning goal. Shianne Swarres’ introduction changed the game for Stevenage making them more competitive in the middle and adding and edge to their attack. The award winner however was chosen before the final whistle and an in agreement with the match day award, goes to Stevenage captain Lucy Webster. Had a fantastic game at the back. When the game needed something extra she provided it giving her side the lift they needed got forwards well and scored the equalising goal.

  Another excellent contest from the top of the ERWFL Premier Division. Expect little else these days is a great league to watch and highly underrated. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups today much appreciated onto the next one.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Haringey Borough Women

Sunday 27th November

ERWFL Premier Division

This Sunday’s football action comes from the ERWFL Premier Division as Stevenage FC Women currently 2nd in the table take on 3rd placed Haringey Borough Women. 

The pair level on 13 points each leading a pack of sides chasing Luton Town Ladies leading the way with a strong 8 point lead having won all 7 of their Premier Division games to date. Luton’s game away to Royston called off today due to a water logged pitch a chance for both sides to close the gap at the top.

Stevenage FC Women looking to bounce back to the FAWNL at he first attempt having suffered relegation last season in a campaign that saw 4 sides go down as the league looked to adjust numbers following the pandemic hit season’s. A tough ask with only one side the ERWFL Premier Division winners themselves gaurenteed promotion. Have retained much off the squad from last season having recruited heavily during that campaign have one of the largest squads in the ERWFL with 27 of those featuring so far this season.

A few new faces coming in most recently full back Anna Re who was with Cambridge United WFC last season with Hannah Bodily joining up with side on the bench for today’s game the midfielder having plenty of experience in the FAWNL with Cambridge City Ladies. Making a winning start to the new season followed by a defeat and draw. Finding their feet in the league have recorded 3 wins on the spin to propel them up the table into 2nd spot. Amy Makewell and Becky Shephard the joint top scorers with 5 goals a piece so far.

 Haringey Borough Women have tasted life in the FAWNL  themselves having won the ERWFL Premier Division, having assembled a strong squad, went on to struggle as players moved on and and having returned to the ERWFL have been at the wrong end of the table for a few season’s. A new look side improving towards the backend of last season have hit the ground running scoring plenty of goals along the way too. Shakira Roberts top scorer with 11 goals from 8 appearances with captain Victoria Campbell and midfielder Kylie Manktelow both scoring 5 each.

  Haringey Borough featuring in some high scoring matches in the Premier Division winning 4 of their 7 matches played with a draw and two defeats. Their 4 wins all coming courtesy of 4 or more goals scored a 4-3 and 5-2 win respectfully to start the season a loss and draw following before they smashed 8 goals into the back of the net away to Wroxham, a 4-3 win at home to Bedford putting them into 3rd level on points with today’s opponents.

   The County Ground in Letchworth the venue for today’s match home to Stevenage FC Women the 3G pitch a good size offering lots of width the ground undergoing so improvements in recent seasons, the clubhouse/cafe area behind the main stand serving hot food and drinks. The main seated stand overlooking one side of the pitch with covered standing on the opposite side and behind the goals. A dull over cast day with grey clouds all around a few spots of rain in the air but none forecast for the game. 

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Celine Ray, Lucy Webster (C), Anna Re, Vicky Neal, Nicole Farmer, Erin Price, Jodie Southby, Hannah Nebbitt, Jodie Bellinger, Becky Shephard & Amy Makewell. Subs – Emily Schofield, Kelsey Millen, Susan Uwaifo & Hannah Bodily.

Haringey Borough Women

 Haringey Borough Women starting XI – Maisie Swann, Chloe Ions, Sarah McDermott, Megan Peters, Louise Askey, Emily Packard, Amber Leighton, Kylie Manktelow, Rimini Lowe, Victoria Campbell (C) & Shakira Roberts. Subs – Alena Hubbard & Naomi Rawdling.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Haringey naming just the two on their substitutes bench with Stevenage having 4 available to bring on including ew signing Hannah Bodily. It’s Stevenage to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing red and black shirts with red shorts and white socks. Haringey in their change strip off green shirts and socks with black shorts. The hosts looking to play the ball down the right early on for Jodie Bellinger to attack, full back Chloe Ions getting to the ball first to clear out for a throw for Haringey. 

  Defending the ball into the box from the right Haringey clear the ball upfield up to striker Shakira Roberts looking to head the ball on give chase, goalkeeper Celine Ray gets hold of it for Stevenage. Worked rapidly out to the left captain Lucy Webster put for for Hannah Nebbitt on the left wing too much on the pass Nebbitt can’t keep it in play. Early pressing from Stevenage getting players up around the Haringey area, Bellinger crossing from the right into Makewell, held up by Haringey’s Megan Peters before the visitors clear.

Haringey’s Sarah McDermott with Stevenage striker Amy Makewell

  Nebbitt getting on down the left delivering a cross into the six yard box comfortably claimed by goalkeeper Maisie Swann. Both sides going in to close the ball down setting a good tempo to the match, Louise Askey in on Bellinger to win the ball left side cleared up the wing for Roberts to attack, pace to burn drives on her cross cut out by Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer. Anna Re coming on with the ball from right back plays a great diagonal pass forwards into the box with Makewell pulling off the defence near post the ball dropping can’t quite take it in her stride to turn goalwards runs out of play.

  Haringey get hold of the ball in the middle Emily Piccard clipping it out to captain Victoria Campbell right side all of 30 yards out nevertheless tries an ambitious attempt hoping to catch the goalkeeper off guard in the opening minutes her lobbed effort dropping over. Certainly a committed contest Haringey going in to close the ball down looking to unsettle Stevenage, the visitors winning a free-kick on the left wide floated into the top of the area headed clear out to the left for a throw. Roberts with the ball out wide left squaring the cross into Campbell inside the area right of the D, Neal stabbing a foot in to initially take the ball off the attacker, Campbell getting it back evading the challenge of another defender to get forwards stabbing a shot wide of the left post. 

  GOAL! Haringey’s pressing sees a mistake from Stevenage in the middle the ball passed on for Roberts on the left, her pace seeing her out run the defence before striking the ball low and hard on the angle across the keeper and into the bottom corner 0-1. Haringey ahead in the 11th minute.

Haringey captain Victoria Campbell open the scoring

  Lucy Webster has a good long throw on her and Stevenage are looking to exploit it to get players turned in behind the defence cause Haringey some issues, one such move seeing Makewell after a miscued header to attack the box left corner, Peters going with her close in getting across the attacker before producing a well executed tackle to see the ball clear. 

  GOAL! Attempting to get something going at one end Stevenage quickly find themselves two goals down as Haringey compete for the ball in the final 3rd Kylie Manktelow forwards with Roberts left of the D 25 yards out the midfielder seeing her strike blocked the ball spinning away to the left flank, Roberts after it getting hold of the ball before turning a cross in towards the top of the area Campbell getting on the end of it to chip a shot over the keeper to make it 0-2.

Shakira Roberts doubling Haringey’s lead

  Ray hurt the Stevenage goalkeeper recieving some treatment on the pitch is okay to continue. The host 2 nil down inside the opening 15 minutes. Roberts pace proving a handful keeping the Stevenage defence busy, Neal tackling giving away a free-kick. Re looking to inject some urgency into the Stevenage attack as she brings the ball out from the back coming inside looking for Makewell, closely marked by Peters. Erin Price sending a diagonal ball on for Bellinger right side, Askey in to defend for Haringey. 

   Stevenage win a corner out on the right a chance to send players up into the box apply some pressure to the Haringey defence, the delivery comes in turned out to the left for a throw to Stevenage. Webster attempting the long one into the area the clearance from Peters headed back to her hits the cross on the half volley turned behind for a goalkick. Bellinger getting on with the ball right cuts inside 25 yards out cuts it back into Jodie Southby top of the area right of the D, sent on for Makewell ahead of her on the angle pulls the trigger, her strike flashed wide across goal out past the far post. 

 The Haringey defence putting in some great tackles to deny Stevenage the opportunities to get the ball into the area, McDermott at right back enjoying a good contest with Nebbitt. On the opposite flank Bellinger and Re combine playing a one two before Bellinger wraps her foot around the ball to cross into the six yard box claimed by Swann, Makewell obstructing the goalkeeper as she looks to kick the ball picks up the first yellow card of the game. Bellinger seeing a good share of the ball on the right for Stevenage a high cross put in towards goal, has Swann back peddling the goalkeeper doing well to pluck the ball down from over her head as it threatens to drop under the crossbar is quick to set up a counter attack the ball up to Roberts her pace seeing her win a throw in high up the pitch. 

  Nebbitt on the move down the left flank with the ball knocked inside for Makewell who sends the return ball on for Nebbitt to attack down to the by-line, McDermott recovering well for Haringey to get back at her tackle and see the ball rebound off the attacker for a goalkick. Midway through the 1st half shaping up to be a lively contest. Haringey battling for the ball, energy in the middle first to the ball. Roberts pulling right with a strike from distance running wide of Ray’s far post.

   Amber Leighton with Pickard winning the ball in the middle for Haringey put forwards into Campbell right channel attempts to pick out Roberts pulling away left, Re stretching to incept taking the ball out of Roberts path the striker racing after it into the box, Farmer though reading the threat for Stevenage as the centre back gets across to lunge in with the challenge take the ball from Roberts. 

Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer

 A corner won on the left for Stevenage players up the ball curled into the six yard box headed away by Peters, the visitors attempting to break, Shephard winning the ball well for Stevenage looking to lift it back into the area, too close to the keeper Swann can come get her gloves around the ball. Stevenage winning a free-kick in a dangerous position 30 yards out to the right of the box, players forwards as Nebbitt plays the ball in across the penalty spot, Shephard rising to meet it with the header sees her effort crash up off the bar and out for a goal kick.

   Ions coming forwards on the left fouled by Re, Haringey winning the free kick. A change for Stevenage before it is taken Emily Schofield coming on on the left in place of Nebbitt. The free-kick fired in across the face of goal, Ray under pressure seeing it pop out of her gloves but is quick to recover drop on the loose ball. 

  Stevenage advance though the middle Price on for Southby opens up her body to send a goo ball forwards into Makewell pulling away right channel into the area striking the ball on the angle, Swann down low making a superb save to turn the ball wide across her goal out for a corner kick. Played in across the six yard box over the tall Price drops for Neal sent back out to the taker on the left bundled out for a 2nd corner. 

GOAL! The delivery long from the corner into a crowded back post area inside the six yard box, the ball knocked up not clear attacked by Southby at close range to squeeze her header by the keeper inside the post 1-2 a goal back for Stevenage with less than 10 minutes left in the first half. 

  Haringey get the ball forwards on the right long for Rimini Lowe to attack gets down into the corner forcing a corner kick as her attempted cross is turned behind. The ball in cleared by Neal Stevenage looking to get Schofield on the over left side, tackled by McDermott. Peters stopping Makewell from turning as she sees the ball into her feet top of the D. Good battles all over the pitch. The clock ticking down at the end of the first half, Schofield with the ball driving down the left wing getting deep before being brought down presenting Stevenage with another set-piece in a dangerous area.

Stevenage’s Emily Schofield

GOAL! Shephard placing the ball down to deliver the free-kick wide of the six yard box fires in a very good ball met by Neal towards the far post drives her header down into the ground back across the keeper into the back of the net to level the scores 2-2. Stevenage right back in it scoring from 2 set-piece. 

Vicky Neal levelling the scores for Stevenage late in the half

  Haringey with Manktelow on the ball on for Roberts pulling away right, Neal getting out to close her down send the ball out for a throw in. Stevenage look to counter attack with Southby on the ball central looks to lift it on for Bellinger playing through the middle, just a little too strong, however the flag would have gone up had Bellinger done so having strayed offside. One last attack in the half for Haringey with the pacy Roberts away on the left crossing into Campbell left of the D moves across it before attempting the shot her strike blocked, Lowe after the rebound some 25 yards out right of goal lift her shot wide of the right post.

 

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 2-2 Haringey Borough Women

  A lively first 45 minutes a committed contest between the side very entertaining some good battles developing out on the field. Haringey with the early strike to take the lead then quickly following it up with a 2nd capitalising a mistake in midfield from the hosts. Somewhat unsettled Stevenage who nevertheless were getting players forwards creating a few chances. Haringey with some good defending pressing the ball well undone in the finish from two set-pieces as Stevenage came back to level the scores late in the half, to set up what promises to be a great 2nd half.

  No changes for either side a the start of the 2nd half getting gloomy out there the floodlights coming on. Haringey to get the 2nd half underway put back into midfield out to Ions coming on left side lifts it forwards ray can come gather for Stevenage the goalkeeper sending it long for Bellinger on the right, Peters though can see it safely back to her goalkeeper. Price getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Stevenage driving on before sending it out to Bellinger right side, her attack halted by a raised flag. 

Stevenage’s Jodie Bellinger

  Roberts left channel seeing the ball into her feet turning 30 yards out and driving for the Stevenage area into the box shifts inside to evade a challenge unleashing a shot angling into the bottom corner, Ray with a spectacular save throwing herself down to her left getting her glove behind the ball to deflect it wide for a corner kick. 

Celine Ray with an excellent save for Stevenage

  The corner in from the left cleared Stevenage looking to hit Haringey on the break forwards for Makewell helped on for Bellinger, right, Peters back at her the centre back challenging the ball pushed wide. A lively start to the 2nd half from Stevenage looking to get after Haringey, risk the long clearance up to Roberts, Ray launching the ball out of the ground over the mainstand. Southby winning Stevenage a throw high on the right that brings a corner kick players come forwards the delivery from Shephard flashed in across the face of goal attacked central no contact before dropping to Makewell free at the back stick volleys her effort over from close range. 

GOAL! Stevenage knocking on the door when out of nothing Haringey retake the lead. Manktelow with the ball at her feet some 40 yards out right of the centre circle scoring one hell of a goal, striking the ball from distance is rifled into the back of the net past the diving Ray 2-3.

Kylie Manktelow with a rocket from distance to restore Haringey’s lead

  The goal giving Haringey a much needed boost with almost 15 minutes of the 2nd half played coming on with the ball Pickard to Roberts left side the attacker bursts forwards cutting inside towards the D, the Stevenage defence back peddling, Campbell and Manktelow both making great runs into the area, leaves Roberts caught in two minds whether to shot or lay the ball on, ends up doing neither her forward ball way wards out past the right post for a goalkick.

  Haringey make their first change bring off Piccard for Naomi Rawdling. Ray with another superb save for Stevenage as she drops low to her right to deny Campbell as the Haringey captain steals in behind the defence inside the box off a right sided cross from Lowe. The resulting corner played in from the right dropping central both Campbell and Peters going for it neither getting a shot away the ball cleared back out to the right Lowe’s cross in claimed by Ray. 

Haringey’s Chloe Ions

 Stevenage getting a little frustrated mounting an attack on the right Re getting forwards to combine with Bellinger cutting inside Bellinger’s cross is deflected behind by the outstretched leg of Askey. The ball fired into the middle, is headed into the back of an empty net however it won’t count as referee Chris Geelan had already blown his whistle. Haringey launch the ball forwards Campbell with the flick on to put Roberts away left channel, Neal tracking her run into the top of the area, Roberts looking to skip inside, Neal not having any of it reading the move getting her heel up to deflect it away for a corner. 

  Haringey tiring a little slower to the ball in the middle as Stevenage look to push forwards Price out to Re on for Bellinger, Ion across to tackle for the visitors. Haringey attack right Lowe coming on with the ball delivering a dangerous ball into the six yard box, Ray stretching as she goes up for the ball getting her gloves to it proves to be a touch as it takes the ball off the head of Roberts stealing in unmarked behind her, Manktelow volleying over from close range beyond her.

GOAL! Disaster! One moment keeping the opposition from scoring Ray is caught on the ball inside her box confusion between her and Neal sees Roberts racing in to steal the ball nip past them and slot the ball into the empty net to score her 2nd of the game and extend Haringey’s lead 2-4. 

Shakira Roberts pouncing to extend Haringey’s lead

 Haringey with a 2nd change Alena Hubbard coming on for McDermott joining the attack, Roberts going into the right back position. Ions comes on left side for Haringey plays it forwards for Hubbard on the move down the wing her cross in cut out by Neal inside the box. Stevenage make another change bringing off Southby, on in her place Kelsey Millen. Campbell with an ambitious attempt on the half volley over 30 yards out sent over. Stevenage frustrated having conceded twice Haringey putting them under pressure Ions brought down outside the box awarded the free-kick the ball crossed into the area. Neal up to defend a controlled header down for her keeper to gather.

  Campbell closing the ball down unleashing an effort on goal form 30 yards drilled wide of the mark. Stevenage with another change an attacker for a defender with 15 minutes to go Susan Uwaifo on for Re. A clearance form Farmer launched up into the box puts Swann under pressure to claim as she is closed down by Uwaifo, not taken cleanly is able to get a 2nd bite on the ground to snatch the ball into her body. Hubbard adding fresh legs to the Haringey attack on the left cutting inside is tackled by Neal.

Stevenage midfielder Erin Price

 Uwaifo adding some strength to the Stevenage attack as she gathers the ball into her body off Bellinger right side and looks to drive into the box, Askey going with her sliding in with a good tackle to win her side a goal kick. Webster cuts out a ball from Manktelow as she cuts inside from the left. Stevenage making a fourth change as they take off Bellinger bring on new signing Hannah Bodily. Campbell pulling right side beating the offside trap 25 yards out sees the keeper off her line attempts to lob her but sends her effort wide, pulling up in the box with cramp. 

  Neal involved in a good contest with Hubbard with the hosts sacrificing a defender as they search for a goal to get themselves back into the game with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. Stevenage attack left Uwaifo cuts the ball into the centre for Makewell who in turn helps it out to Millen in space out on the right drives forwards her cross driven into the box cut out by Askey turned behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! Set-pieces have been key to Stevenage and they make one count again as Shephard fires in a great ball across the face of goal from the right not picked up by the Haringey defence, comes to Neal unopposed at the back post as she rises to drive her header into the back of the net, quick to retrieve it again get the game restarted 3-4.

Vicky Neal with the headed goal for Stevenage

  The hosts determined coming on with the ball Millen on the right inside to Uwaifo in the box, tackled well by Peters. The game getting a little physical free-kicks being given away players tiring. A shot sliced over from distance as Schofield on the attack right squares the ball inside to Makewell. Haringey making a switch, Piccard coming back on for Hubbard seeing Roberts restored to the attack. 

Haringey goalkeeper Maisie Swann

  Swann with a brilliant save with her legs down at her near post to stop the effort from Makewell  driven in low on the angle from inside the box on the right. Stevenage pressing hard late in the game. 

GOAL! Stevenage with a free-kick on the right over the half way line Farmer to play it forwards up toward the top of the area Peters sticking a leg out attempting to cut it out for Haringey comes off the defender running on in behind out wide left of goal inside the box Shephard racing clear at the far post to strike it on the angle past the keeper into the bottom corner to equalise in the 89th minute! 4-4!

Becky Shephard with a late leveller for Stevenage

 For the 2nd time in the game Stevenage come back from a 2 goal deficit, is there enough time left in stoppages to find a winner from either side. Askey is booked as she bundled Uwaifo down. The free kick wide right played into the box by Farmer dropping far post is claimed by Swann. Haringey in turn win a free kick over half way on the right wide the ball played in towards the area headed clear by Farmer for Stevenage. 

Stevenage captain Lucy Webster tackling Haringey captain Victoria Campbell

Manktelow attempts another long range strike this time safely gloved down and caught by Ray. Roberts with the ball on the attack right side for Haringey tackled by Farmer, then adjudged to have fouled Farmer as she attempts to regain possession. One las push from Stevenage Millen out on the right crossing inside to Uwaifo to of the area takes the ball into the D looking for room to unleash a shot gets it away, Campbell back there to lung in block turn it behind for a corner. Stevenage get the ball into the mix central everyone back to defend for Haringey scramble the ball away the final whistle blows the points shared.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 4-4 Haringey Borough Women

Another cracking game from the ERWFL Premier Division, the points shared between Stevenage and Haringey. The visitors getting into a 2 goal lead in both halves only to be pegged back by Stevenage. Haringey battling well in a committed contest pressing the ball forcing errors capitalising to open the scoring first half quickly getting into a 2 goal lead. Set-piece’s proving key for Stevenage as they came back late on with headers from Jodie Southby and Vicky Neal to level it at the break. Stevenage looking to get on the front foot early in the 2nd half had Celine Ray to thank for an excellent save to keep it level before a long range rocket from Kylie Manktelow restored Haringey’s lead. A mistake at the back seeing the visitors go 4-2 up. Stevenage kept pressing their changes playing their part fresh legs winning more set-pieces Neal with a bullet header from a corner with less than 20 to play putting the hosts back in the game, another free-kick in the 89th minute seeing Becky Shephard steal through to make it 4-4. A point a-piece sees both drop a place as the other 3G hosts AFC Sudbury Women and Needham Market Women both won at home to move above them into 2nd and 3rd, remains tight in the top half Luton still the side to be caught.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and boy is this a tough on probably the hardest I’ve had to choose mainly because I name one clear winner and the contenders field is a very strong one from both sides. A great contest with several performances of note. Jodie Bellinger was a constant threat out on the right for Stevenage backed up well by Anna Re getting into some great positions with some dangerous balls into the box. Shakira Roberts pace and direct running gave Stevenage real problems took her goals well. Both goal keepers pulled off some fantastic saves, Maisie Swann for Haringey and Celine Ray for Stevenage without her intervention Stevenage could have been dead and buried. Odd as it sounds however in a 4-4 the award today goes to a defender, just a case of picked one above the others some fantastic tackling and blocks from Haringey’s Megan Peters and Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer. Louise Askey was excellent at the back for Haringey made a number of critical challenges inside the box, it’s the goal that matter in the end and 2 for Vicky Neal sees her named Player of the Match. Was a great performance at the back winning the ball her two pinpoint headers setting up Stevenage’s fightback in both halves. Ultimately both sides will fell disappointment with the result Haringey for not holding out for the win and conceding from 4 set-pieces. Stevenage with the goals they conceded to put them on the back foot, still dug deep to fight back both halves.

 Another great encounter from the ERWFL never fails to disappoint is an underrated league with some very talented players on display. Great to return to the County Ground my thanks to both sides for the team details today. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Bedford Ladies v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Sunday 16th October

ERWFL Premier Division

Football action from the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday with a trip down into Bedfordshire to watch Bedford Ladies take on Essex side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies.

 Representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England the ERWFL Premier Division consists of 12 sides, looks once again to be a strong league. Luton Town Ladies currently out on front recording 5 straight wins at the start of the season the ultimate prize for all winning the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL.

  Bedford Ladies themselves have tasted life in the FAWNL a two season stay before dropping back down into the ERWFL, one of the leading women’s and girls clubs in Bedfordshire with 17 different sides across various age groups currently. Luton often their rivals, between them have dominated the County Cup in recent seasons, Bedford firmly with the upper hand currently successfully retaining the trophy against newcomers Biggleswade United last season. Currently in the process of finding a new manager with Simon Henry stepping down from the role, John Frost currently in charge as interim manager.

 Natasha Fensome a prolific goal scorer for Bedford over the season’s a very strong campaign last time out netting 30 of the 52 goals Bedford scored during the 2021/22 season with the club finishing in 6th spot. Is amongst the goals again this season with 3 so far, but not alone as top scorer with Zara Carroll and Aliya Bhatti also scoring 3 goals. Currently 10th in the Premier Division table with just the one win from the 4 league matches played. That on the opening day away to Harlow Town Ladies with Aliya Bhatti scoring both goals in a 2-0 win. Victory today getting Bedford back into the close tussle in the middle of the table.

 Heading that pack at the moment are Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, the Essex side currently in 5th spot on 6 points with 2 wins from their 5 league matches played so far. A change of management too for Bowers & Pitsea with vastly experienced coach Nikola Strizovic coming very early in the summer. Bringing in a number of new faces to the squad that has become an established side in the 5th tier since the women’s set-up became involved with Bowers & Pitsea. Maddie Thomas, Kesley Smith and Jodie Osborne all with Hashtag United Women previously joining the side. Goalkeeper, Margot Farnes coming to the club from West Ham United Women’s Academy set-up. Defender Mollie DeBell adding experience to the back line, Jessica Strizovic returning to football after a spell away most recently with Crystal Palace. Mia Lempiere moving up to the 1st team squad from the Reserves side. With the most recent signing being Millie Isherwood who won the FA Girl’s Youth Cup with Chelsea U16s last season.

 Have a reserves, U18s side and U16s side with players looking to progress throughout within the club. Goalkeeper Hannah Stone an example of that on the bench to day from the u18s squad. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies getting off to a flying start in the league with an 8-1 opening day home win over Colney Heath Ladies. Results very much up and down since a narrow home loss to AFC Sudbury followed by a good 4-2 away win at Wroxham, losing twice more in the league to Stevenage and Royston, beating Stevenage at home the following week 3-2 in the FA Cup. Will need to find more consistency if they wish to push for the top of the league. Several new players to bed in Maddie Thomas hitting the ground running with 4 goals leading the goals charts early on.

 McMillen Park the venue for today’s game situated right next door to Bedford Town FC where Bedford Ladies were playing last season. Real Bedford FC’s ground situated just off the A421 leading into Bedford easy to find. The clubhouse and changing rooms leading into the the ground itself serving hot and cold drinks. A small seated stand with a further covered viewing area beside. Standing available all around the large grass pitch. Trees  protecting the stadium from the busy road beyond. Staying warm and pleasant as we move into the middle of October, bright and sunny, dry with no chance of rain perfect playing conditions.

Bedford Ladies

Bedford Ladies starting XI – Erica Turner, Carol Cripps, Chloe Esposito, Gemma Franklin (C), Jasmine Ajayi, Zara Carroll, Ella Meadowcroft, Alyssa Revis, Destiny Pap, Natasha Fensome & Aliya Bhatti. Subs – Priya Bhatti, Ocean Gregory, Lauren Coppin & Katie Hunter. 

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Margot Farnes, Holly Moore, Kelsey Smith, Mollie DeBell, Danielle Styles, Natalie Strange (C), Kirstie Jackson, Maddie Thomas, Sarah Wilson, Millie Isherwood & Whitney Locke. Subs – Hannah Stone, Courtney Fraser, Georgia Fraser, Phoebe Keyes & Katie Whitehead.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Natalie Strange and Gemma Franklin with today’s match officials

  It’s the hosts Bedford to get the match underway kicking off first half wearing blue shirts with black vertical stripes, blue shorts and socks with Bowers& Pitsea lined up opposite wearing red shirts with white across the chest and down the sides and the end of the shirt sleeves, red shorts and socks. The ball played back to Zara Carroll in middle her crossfield pass picking out Destiny Pap on the left looks to go on tackled by Bowers &Pitsea’s Kelsey Smith the ball sent onto Sarah Wilson on the right the visitors getting on the attack the pass inside for captain Natalie Strange clipped onto Millie Isherwood tracking into the top of the box from the left, Bedford’s Chloe Esposito getting in close to make the challenge regain the ball.

   Bowers & Pitsea making a fast start to the game taking the game to Bedford hustling the ball inside their opponents half fed on for Isherwood she sends it on into Whitney Locke inside the D, Bedford captain, Gemma Franklin holding the striker up the ball not cleared lifted out to the left Isherwood flagged offside. 

Carol Cripps in to win the ball back for Bedford

  GOAL! The visitors strong in the opening 3 minutes the ball won in the final 3rd played forwards to Wilson attacking on the right Chloe Cripps going with her for Bedford gets in front of the winger to play the ball back to goalkeeper Erica Turner to kick clear. Her ball falling straight to Maddie Thomas unmarked 20 yards out right of the D, controls and smashes a shot into the middle of the net 0-1.

Maddie Thomas with the opening goal for Bowers & Pitsea

   Bedford losing the ball straight from the restart as Kirstie Jackson plays the pass forwards to Wilson breaking on the right her cross taking a nick off Franklin to go behind for a corner kick. An inswinging delivery an easy claim above her head by Turner. Bowers & Pitsea after the ball are soon on the attack coming right Wilson has Thomas moving on into the corner the ball played into her, her cross turned behind for another corner. Smith with a good inswinging ball, Turner getting up to get something on the ball with Thomas coming in on her looking to connect with the header, the ball cleared.

  Mollie DeBell winning the ball on halfway for Bowers & Pitsea out to Wilson on the right surging on winning a corner, Swung into the six yard box headed clear at the near post. Bowers & Pitsea forcing errors from Bedford  won 20 yards out Franklin charging down a shot the ball loose inside the D, Thomas getting hold of it dragging her low shot wide of the left post. Bedford very much on the back foot in the opening 10 minutes finding it tough to get anything up to their attacking players Bowers & Pitsea turning play around far too easily. The hosts get some joy on the right Alyssa Revis coming forwards looking for Natasha Fensome up top the pass put back to Carroll in midfield has a powerful shot on her lines up a strike from all of 35 yards out right of the D struck well bounces through the area not troubling the keeper wide of the far post. 

  Wilson has picked up a knock for Bowers & Pitsea the trainer on can’t continue the visitors making an early change Wilson off with Katie Whitehead the player coming on taking Wilson position on the right. A throw high on the right contested the rebound skipping down the line straight to Thomas free to turn and run down the line before sending a cross racing along the top of the 6 yard box, Esposito getting to it before Isherwood can pounce. The clearance falling straight to Whitehead top of the area right side the Bowers & Pitsea substitute lifting her effort over the bar. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Katie Whitehead

  Franklin winning the ball at the back for Bedford plays it out from defence travelling into midfield sending the pass on for Jasmine Ajayi who in turn plays it on for Fensome moving left of the D with Ella Meadowcroft, a burst of pace seeing Fensome escape to the by-line wrapping her foot around the ball to send a vicious cross past the Bowers & Pitsea goal over goalkeeper Margot Farnes, Aliya Bhatti attacking the ball at the far post her header over. Bedford beginning to up their tempo get players forwards.

  GOAL! Just as Bedford start to get players forwards higher up the pitch they get themselves back level the ball won back high on the right driven low into the box finding Fensome stealing in unchecked left of the penalty spot to fires in a low strike, Farnes down sharply can only brush it with her fingertips as the ball nestles in the back of the net 1-1. 

Natasha Fensome levelling the scores for Bedford

 Bedford on the attack the ball played out to Pap on the left wide sends it inside for Fensome up top left of the D, getting a quick strike away pulls the ball wide of the near post. Thomas with Whitehead attacking on the right for Bowers & Pitsea, in behind the Bedford defence Thomas looking to turn and cross, Carroll tracking back for Bedford closing in to block the ball. A throw in the corner on the right deflected behind for a corner to Bowers & Pitsea. Played long across the six yard box retrieved out wide left the cross back in intercepted by Franklin, her clearance coming straight to DeBell inside the D squares it to Thomas to the right her angled strike charged down behind for a corner on the right,

  GOAL! The corner balls from Smith on the right have been a threat so far and as she plays in another inswinging ball into the box, Isherwood steals in unmarked centrally to get her head onto the ball nod it down into the goal to restore the visitors lead 1-2.

Millie Isherwood heading home Bowers & Pitsea’s 2nd goal

  Turner coming out well to the right corner of her area needing to get to the ball slide in to claim at the feet of Whitehead as Thomas plays her in behind with a well timed pass from the middle. 

  GOAL! A quickfire double from Bowers & Pitsea as Locke nips in to rob the defence 20 yards out and break into the area moving forwards plays her shot across the advancing keeper to score 1-3. 

Whitney Locke stealing the ball to break into the box and score Bowers & Pitsea’s 3rd goal

  GOAL! Bedford their own worst enemy as they are caught in possession at the back with Isherwood nipping in to take hold of the ball 25 yards out putting the ball on a plate for Thomas breaking in behind to the right of the D, into the box the keeper coming to meet her Thomas waits till she’s committed to play the ball around her to the right the angle closing as se wraps her foot around the ball to score her 2nd of the game 1-4. 

Maddie Thomas celebrating after putting Bowers & Pitsea into a 4-1 lead

  Midway through the first half Bowers & Pitsea capitalising on mistakes at the back from Bedford to score 3 quick goals to race into a strong lead. Bedford with the ball in midfield played up to Fensome 25 yards out turns to nudge the ball forwards out to the right Revis getting the hosts a corner kick Drops into the box, no one able to attack it before Bowers & Pitsea scramble it away. Franklin onto the ball top of the her strike charged down then cleared.

  Revis coming on with the ball right lay it back into the middle for Carroll who hits it long for Fensome looking to get into the box left of goal, getting it on the by-line wrapping her foot around the cross, the ball claimed well by Farnes. Bedford looking to take the game to Bowers & Pitsea more now with Revis attacking right laid back to Carroll winds up another long range strike miscued though is deflected out favourably for Pap getting on into the box her cross flashed across the face of goal.

  Ajayi on for Bhatti coming left with support from Pap wide taking the ball on delivering a dangerous cross in towards goal over the keeper, headed clear at the far post by Bowers & Pitsea left back Holly Moore. Danielle Styles in the middle of defence for Bowers & Pitsea defending on Fensome top of the area as Meadowcroft plays the ball on. The visitors are quickly on the counter the ball fed on by Strange through the middle with Locke looking to break in behind, Franklin lunging in to try and get the ball just about gets enough on it to take it away from Locke allow Turner to clear. 

  Carroll comes to her captain’s rescue moments later as Franklin slips going to attack the ball from a Bowers & Pitsea throw on the right, Locke immediately after it, Carroll round on the cover getting across her to see the ball back to her keeper. Cortney Fraser coming on for Bowers & Pitsea replacing Isherwood. Fensome seeing the ball into her feet right of the area with a turn and hit striking the ball over for Bedford. Thomas coming on through the middle with the ball for Bowers & Pitsea laying it on for Fraser attacking left side, Esposito coming out to close her down tackling for Bedford. 

Bedford defender Chloe Esposito

  The clock running down the the first half the game a little stretched with Bedford looking to get another goal late on Bowers & Pitsea counter Whitehead carrying the ball on right side 20 yards out sending a cross in towards the far post, both Locke and Fraser attacking it neither can get a touch before the ball runs out of play. Pap up on the left winning Bedford a throw the ball brought down controlled the cross swung into the area headed clear by Styles. Bowers & Pitsea attack on the right side Thomas playing the ball on for Whitehead her cross fired into the top of the six yard box cut out by Franklin, Thomas hustling to regain possession inside the box right side turns to shoot drags her shot wide across past the far post.

Aliya Bhatti going forwards for Bedford

  Bowers & Pitsea finishing the half the stronger Whitehead bursting on down the right wing sending her cross long past the far post, Fraser looking to bring it down under control rushed into her shot lifts the ball over the bar. Bedford with one last attack in the first half the ball on by Carroll into Fensome right outside the area combining with Bhatti and Revis the ball played into the area left side finding Pap clear top of the six yard box left of goal lifts her shot over.

Half-time Bedford Ladies 1-4 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

 Mistakes at the back costing Bedford dear in the first half as their opponents capitalised to take a strong 4-1 lead into the break. Bowers & Pitsea making a brilliant start getting after the ball inside the opposition half scoring the opening goal inside 3 minutes looking to build on it creating chances. Bedford on the back foot digging in clawing at back to 1-1 were then underdone by mistakes forced by Bowers & Pitsea to concede 3 quickfire goals. Found a goo response with a couple of half chances as they got to see more of the ball Bowers & Pitsea though remained a threat able to sit back and pick their moments to attack. A mountain to climb if Bedford are to get back into the game 2nd half. Bowers & Pitsea playing a game on Friday evening although not all of today’s squad were involved will tiredness be a factor 2nd half. 

  Changes for Bedford at the start of the 2nd half with Cripps and Meadowcroft the players off, Priya Bhatti and Lauren Coppin the players on Pap dropping into the back 3. Bowers & Pitsea to get the 2nd half underway. The ball played out to the right dealt with by Pap, the visitors pressing the ball in the middle Jackson on for Thomas out to the right the diagonal ball into towards the top of the area cut out by Franklin for Bedford. 

Lauren Coppin on for Bedford in the 2nd half

 Bedford looking to make a stronger start to the 2nd half as Carroll brings the ball on played out to the left for Coppin, Smith defending for Bowers & Pitsea. Bedford snapping in to win the ball back Ajayi to Carroll attempting the through ball for Fensome in behind, Styles across her run shielding the ball back to her keeper. Aliya Bhatti passes the ball out to Revis wide on the right does well to dig a cross out into the area cleared by Styles a throw won high up the pitch Bedford lose possession Bowers & Pitsea launching a rapid counter attack Whitehead through the middle to Thomas wide right laid back inside for the advancing Strange she sends it out with to Smith her cross/shot from deep claimed by the keeper.

   Bowers & Pitsea with the ball through the middle up to Thomas out to Smith advancing on the right forwards for Whitehead, Priya Bhatti getting across to make the tackle for Bedford. The hosts get the ball forwards on the right a throw won Priya Bhatti on for Aliya Bhatti moving down the line firing a cross into the box, Fensome taking a swing it it not connecting as it runs across her. Moore defending for Bowers & Pitsea as Bedford come forwards Aliya Bhatti sending the ball on for Revis, Moore coming to close her down top of the area. Fensome dropping into the middle her lay off into Carroll 30 yards out puts her foot through the ball her strike over the bar. Bedford encouraged by their start to the 2nd half.

  GOAL! With the hour mark fast approaching as Bowers & Pitsea break way to further extend their lead getting the ball forwards on the right stretching the Bedford defence Thomas sending a cross angling in across goal past the keeper with Courtney Fraser running in far post to turn the ball in from close range at the far post 1-5.

  A hammer blow for Bedford they pick themselves up go again winning a throw inside the Bowers & Pitsea half on the right, Ajayi with a clever touch and turn to send a cross angling it to the far post, Coppin closing in can’t reach it before Farnes can lay claim to the ball. Bedford get players forwards Revis to Fensome into Priya and Aliya Bhatti top of the area inside put back inside cleared by a defender on the ground, looked like a hand might have been involved but no one appeals the ball coming to Revis right off goal scoops her shot over.

   Turner out well to the right of her box again to slide in a claim the ball at the feet of Whitehead as Locke attempts to feed the ball from Thomas on centrally.

  GOAL! Out of no where Bedford pull a goal back. I say out of no where, it’s always possible whenever Carroll gets onto the ball from distance and is allowed to strike it a good distance out 40 or so yards connects with it well lifting the ball in towards goal dropping Farnes back peddling in trouble can’t get anything on it as it sails over her into the back of the net 2-5.

Zara Carroll with a 40 yard strike pulling a goal back for Bedford

  Georgia Fraser coming onto the pitch for Bowers & Pitsea on the right side. Ajayi with a well played diagonal ball into the box for Revis right side into Aliya Bhatti central her shot dragged across the six yard box retrieved by Fensome on the left on the by-line squeezes a cross back across the face of goal the ball headed clear by Styles. Bedford making a change with Revis coming off on the right Katie Hunter coming on. The game opening up as players begin to tire Georgia Fraser sending a shot over the bar from wide on the right. Another change for Bedford with Aliya Bhatti off in attack Ocean Gregory coming on.

Turner reacting quickly again to rush out to the top of her area as Locke steals in past Franklin to break into the box claims at her feet. Fensome catches DeBell a little flat footed outside the box nicking the ball attempting a quick shot with the outside of her boot held by Farnes. Fensome racing in to put pressure on Farnes as she is sold sort on a back pass sliding in the ball deflected behind off target. Esposito with a fantastic piece of defending at the back for Bedford the last player has to win the ball as Locke escapes in behind right channel, racing for the box Esposito stabbing a leg out to take the ball away from the attacker before she can shoot.

Chloe Esposito with he tackle to deny Locke a shot on goal

   Bowers & Pitsea winning a corner out on the right taken shot played inside to Locke hits it on the turn from outside the area angled in held into her midriff by Turner. Locke’s last action of the game as she comes off to be replaced by Isherwood returning to the game for the final 15 minutes or so. A more even 2nd half Bowers & Pitsea with a healthy lead to defend able to pick their moments to get players forwards. Another blow for Bedford with Esposito down looks to have rolled her ankle needs to come off Cripps sent back on.

 Bedford attacking a shot wide a deflection seeing a corner awarded, swung in near post Moore getting her head on it miscued played across goal to drop wide far side a 2nd corner awarded. Again form the right, another good delivery fired into centrally Carroll attacking it with her head, roars in frustration as her effort goes over the bar with a little over 5 minutes of regular time left on the clock.

Bedford’s Jasmine Ajayi

   Bedford pushing on looking for a goal late in the game Fensome has put in a shift up top getting onto the ball left channel plays in into the box to the right looking for Gregory, Moore defending for Bowers & Pitsea cleared out to the left the cross then intercepted by DeBell. Ajayi with a strike from distance drops wide of the right post. Bowers & Pitsea bring players on through the middle Thomas lifting it into the Isherwood 25 yards out to the left of the D attempts to lob the keeper with Turner off her line, not enough on it however with the keeper about to scramble backwards to catch the ball safely.

Bedford’s Ocean Gregory

   Isherwood with a strike on the turn as the ball flashes into her from the right outside the area struck over the bar. Franklin with a last ditch block with Isherwood playing the ball on. Bedford bring the ball on late in the game Fensome moving right with Hunter ahead of her looking to get into the box, the pass put on, Moore getting on Hunter’s shoulder to time her tackle send the ball away for a corner. Taken short up the line the cross sent in missed as it is attacked far post. Thomas with a shot from distance in the closing seconds for Bowers & Pitsea crashing into the side netting.

Danielle Styles winning the ball at the back for Bowers & Pitsea

Full time Bedford Ladies 1-5 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  Bowers & Pitsea Ladies travel back to Essex with their 3rd win of the season in the back to maintain the pressure on the top 4 sides. A strong performance starting the game well straight on the front foot scoring a goal inside 3 minutes. Looking to get hold of the ball inside the Bedford half and attack as a result had Bedford on the back foot early on the hosts doing well to get it back to 1-1 but mistakes at the bac were to cost them dear as they went on to concede 3 quick goals. Bowers & Pitsea creating further opportunities, Bedford rallying towards the end of the first half with a mountain to climb 2nd half. Making a good start looked better getting players on to support Fensome in attack but were hit with a 5th goal from their opponents. Again responded well a long distance strike from Carroll to pull it back to 5-2. The game more even 2nd half with opportunities for both sides but in the end Bedford will rue the errors they made.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – player of the Match. Isn’t always the case that I leave the ground being fairly confident with who that is going to be but despite a late challenge am sticking to my decision. A few performances of note first though, for Bedford Natasha Fensome worked tirelessly up top to find space and get onto the ball bring others into play scoring one while creating a number of other opportunities. At the back Gemma Franklin made a number of vital tackles and blocks as did Chloe Esposito. A strong team performance from Bowers & Pitsea. Millie Isherwood with some clever runs and movement out on the left in attack. Holly Moore at the back with some great defensive work, while Danielle Styles was superb in the centre of defence. Today’s award though goes to Maddie Thomas had a fantastic game taking the ball on and setting the tempo early on with some powerful runs from midfield linking up the attack and scoring a brace.

  Always enjoy a game from the ERWFL Premier Division is a competitive league and rarely disappoints. Good to catch up with both sides, my thanks to both for the team details as is always the case much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Colney Heath Ladies

Tuesday 6th September

ERWFL Premier Division

A trip down into Hertfordshire this evening for another game under the lights from the ERWFL Premier Division and a special occasion for Stevenage FC Women as they get to play at The Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC as they take on Colney Heath Ladies.

The pair meeting most recently in last season’s final of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup, Colney Heath Ladies reaching the event for the 1st time in their history a league below Stevenage FC Women who have regularly reached the final 2 of the competition in recent seasons. A battling performance from Colney Heath, Stevenage FCW  Women going on to win 3-1 to lift the trophy.

 The County Cup the high light of an otherwise difficult season for Stevenage FC Women as they were to be relegated from FAWNL South East Division One despite a late rally to try and avoid the drop with 4 sides going down last season, returning to the ERWFL Premier Division along with Harlow Town Ladies. Planning for an immediate return to the FAWNL know it will be a challenge with only one spot up for grabs and the early signs showing alot of teams can beat the other on their day with Luton Town Ladies the early pace setters. To that end Stevenage have had another busy close season bringing in new faces to the squad, 10 in all.

Amy Gooderham joining from MK Dons, with a trio of players coming in from rivals Harlow Town, midfielder Daisy Jenkins, defender Nicole Farmer and attack minded player, Becky Shephard. Goalkeeper, Celine Ray comes in from Northampton backed up by Mia O’Brien from Royston. Katie White from Cambridge United along with Kelsey Millen from the unfortunately folded Herts Vipers. Erin Price and Ciara Craig joining too. Plenty of options to pick from for manager Fadi Mazloum to choose from. Began the season with a trip to newly promoted AFC Sudbury Women, getting into a 3-0 lead Sudbury fought back to 3-2 before Stevenage held on for the victory. Was also 3-2 in their other game so far this season against local rivals Royston Town Women where they were undone by a late winner after getting it back to 2-2. 

  Colney Heath Ladies have had a frustrating start to the season having suffered a heavy defeat on the opening day losing 8-1 to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Postponed games since have left them without a chance to bounce back. Will be buoyed from their performances last season, reaching the County Cup final for the 1st time aswell as a strong finish to their ERWFL Premier Division campaign, looking established at this level now have long been a side that has built on youth bringing players on through the club their Reserves side winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division last season too.

  Not always a side that makes a lot of new signings close season have strengthened their squad with 7 new faces this season adding experience too. First up Rebecca McShane, lastly with Enfield Town Ladies has played for both MK Dons and Watford. Young player Hollie Thornton coming to Colney Heath after scoring 41 goals in 20 games for Harvesters FC. Paige Pryor is another new addition joining from Stevenage. With a quartet of ex-Herts Vipers players coming in, Rebecca Edge, Natalie Powell, Ciara Meeking and goalkeeper Sophie Harris. 

 A great occasion for both sides as they get to showcase their talents at The Lamex Stadium, home of League Two side Stevenage FC. One of a number of clubs seeing what the Lionesses have done for the game winning the Euro’s and giving their women’s side the opportunity to play at a high profile stadium. Is a nice venue the North Stand open a number of tickets sold in advances hoping for over 300 at least. The tea hut open in one corner offering hot food and drinks a covered stand offering some much needed protection from the heavy rain around the area, torrential down pours driving in and one sending the Stevenage team back to the changing room’s for a few moments. The grass pitch looking superb will be a slick surface with the water falling.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Celine Ray, Nicole Farmer, Dionne Manning, Vicky Neal (C), Katie White, Shianne Swarres, Holly Greenwood, Becky Shephard, Amy Gooderham, Emily Scofield & Susan Uwaifo. Subs – Shakeela Hussain, Stef Paci Kesley Millen, Ceira Craig & Mia O’Brien.

Colney Heath Ladies

 Colney Heath Ladies starting XI – Naomi Swift, Sofia Santangelo, Melissa Godino, Holly Williams, Lucy Hancock, Rebecca McShane (c), Kelly Hancock, Keira Ward, Grainne Kellet, Terri Harvey & Elsbeth Cunningham. Subs – Darci Harwood, Esme Hume, Lily Nellis, Natalie Powell & Hollie Thornton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s the visitors to get the 1st half underway, Colney Heath wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks with Stevenage lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black shoulders and lower half with red short and white coloured socks. The ball going right, Dionne Manning defending on the left side for Stevenage dealing with the ball seen back to goalkeeper, Celine Ray. Stevenage quick to get the ball moving through the middle into Becky Shephard forwards for striker Susan Uwaifo breaking right of the D towards the box, Naomi Swift out towards the top of the box able to see it inside safely gather the ball.

  Katie White seeing the ball into her feet right for Stevenage takes it forwards before threading the pass on up the wing for Amy Gooderham, she turns infield looking to travel into the area, tackled by Colney heath’s Kelly Hancock. Stevenage looking to get on the front foot from the off working the ball on from a throw high up the pitch, turned in towards the keeper, Swift able to pick it up. Keira Ward for Colney Heath on the left wing plays it forwards looking to put Elsbeth Cunningham in in attack, too heavy, Ray able to get out to the top of her area lay claim to the ball. Colney Heath pushed back in defence defending inside their box at time allowing Stevenage to come on, the ball won in the area the clearance falling straight to Shephard 25 yards out top of the D, struck 1st time her shot racing wide of Swift’s left post.

   A bright start from the hosts Shianne Swarres out to White right side plays the pass forwards as Uwaifo makes the run in behind right channel on into the box, Kelly Hancock going with her keeping her wide of, blocking her shot deflecting it behind for the 1st corner of the game. Colney Heath with plenty back to defend the set-piece winning the clearance. Nicole Farmer bringing the ball on from the back for Stevenage with the straight pass on for Gooderham on the move right wing, Melissa Godino getting back at her for Colney heath to play the ball out for a throw in. 

  A free-kick won by Stevenage inside the Colney Heath half in front of the circle to the right, plenty up as Shephard sets it up. A great delivery angled in across the far post, Manning rising well just can’t get her head on the ball, out goal kick. Colney Heath soaking up alot of pressure in the opening 8 minutes a chance to get on in attack as captain Rebecca McShane plays the ball on into the attackers, Terri Harvey racing forwards with Cunningham to her right, Ray out rapidly to the top of her box to slide in get hold of the ball before either can pounce. Stevenage get straight on the counter Swarres with a great ball to find Gooderham moving into space on the right shooting on the angle from outside the box her effort flashing over the crossbar. 

Colney Heath Ladies captain, Rebecca McShane

  Stevenage captain, Vicky Neal at the back with a strong tackle sliding in to deny Cunningham as she looks to get away from her left of the area. Cunningham down for a moment getting up gingerly. The hosts coming left Holly Greenwood up the field with Emily Scofield, Sofia Santangelo defending for Colney Heath giving away a corner. Cunningham down needs treatment comes off the pitch to be accessed. The delivery from the left inswinging missed by Swift drops into the six yard box scrambled clear Colney Heath looking to counter but Ward is flagged offside on the left. Cunningham back on for Colney Heath.

Colney Heath’s Elsbeth Cunningham

  Ray coming out of her area on the right gets herself into trouble as Grainne Kellet drives on with the ball for Colney Heath, the free-kick given away Ray spoken to by the referee. A high ball lifted into the area near side Stevenage comfortable in defence. Manning with a crossfield ball out to Gooderham on the right for Stevenage, Kelly Hancock getting across with the sliding challenge, comes back off the attacker for a goal kick. Colney Heath playing deep is allowing Stevenage to come on but little room to get in behind the back four and keeper, working hard to keep it tight. 

Stevenage captain, Vicky Neal

  Swift alert moving forwards quickly to get her gloves on the ball, deny Uwaifo a chance to shot as Manning dinks one over the top for her. The pitch slick with the rain that has fallen the ball skipping away from players as they look to get on. Swarres free in the middle opening up her body to play the pass long out for Gooderham, Kelly Hancock cutting it out. Stevenage are quick to regain possession back out wide to Gooderham right sends a teasing cross through the six yard box, Swift unconcerned leaving it to go wide of her far post. Ward tackled hard on the left as she looks to travel with the ball for Colney Heath, Stevenage putting it forwards for Gooderham central looking to move right, Lucy Hancock getting across to block her run regain possession.

Stevenage’s Shianne Swarres

   20 minutes played a strong start from Stevenage seeing alot of the ball inside their opponents half. the visitors proving tough to break down. Kelly Hancock blocking a Stevenage shot driven in from distance deflected away for a corner kick. From the right another fast delivery across the penalty spot, no one attacking it. Ray comes racing out of her box again to deal with the threat of Cunningham as she is played on 30 yards out, no need as Neal his gone with her and comfortably deals with threat clearing the ball for a throw on the left as she puts in the tackle. Holly Williams getting across to the left to tackle Stevenage’s White as she takes hold of the ball to the right following good work from Swarres.

   Gooderham seeing a lot of the ball on the right of attack for Stevenage winning a corner kick. Played long across the top of the six yard box, knocked down towards goal, Swift beating it away to the left. Stevenage largely in control taking the game to Colney Heath who are working doggedly in defence, seeing little of the attack Neal and Farmer dealing with most forwards balls. Greenwood getting forwards on the flanks flashing a cross in across the face of goal neither Uwaifo or Gooderham racing in can get a touch. Kellet getting on with the ball left side play brought back for a foul against her. Players up for Colney Heath queueing up along the top of the area as McShane plays a fantastic ball forwards, plyers turning to attack as it lands inside the box, no one making contact as it skips out to the left. 

  Neal bringing the ball on feeding it through to Schofield on the left of attack, played back up the line for Manning to send a cross into the six yard box, cleared at the far post, drops to Swarres free 3 yards out, tries her luck from distance bouncing wide of the near post. Stevenage starting to find space in the box as they look to press the advantage getting on well from the back Manning on for Schofield to send a cross in from the left, Uwaifo central six out looks to have an open goal as she meets the ball knocked up into the air spins out to Gooderham wide of goal on the right getting her foot over the ball to smash a shot goalwards, Swift moving across her line right behind it to make the save.

  Play brought back with no advantage after Manning is bundled over inside the Colney Heath half. To the left is another teasing delivery played into the far post, there to be attack, no one going after it. Stevenage continuing to knock on the door with a little over 10 minutes left to play in the first half. Rain starting to fall more heavily again. Schofield getting Stevenage a corner on the left. Played short into Swarres free 25 yards out to the left corner of the area sends a shot in, racing across gaol wide beyond the far post. 

  GOAL! The pressure Stevenage have been exerting finally bringing a goal, Gooderham a strong threat out on the left played in down the line taking the ball to the by-line drawing players with her lays it back to Greenwood top of the box she in turn crossing to Manning some 30 yards out to the left of the D, struck beautifully, power as it arrows into the goal inside the near post before Swift can get down to it 1-0.

Dionne Manning opens the scoring for Stevenage

  Straight of the restart Harvey looking to get on with Kellet on the left for Colney Heath, Manning getting in between the pair to challenge for the ball winning it back for the hosts. Colney Heath getting a corner on the left moments later. Fired into the middle of goal top of the six yard box Williams gets up well to head the ball down into Kellet two yards out before the right post looking to turn into the shot, is charged down. Colney Heath’s strongest spell coming after conceding the goal winning a free-kick wide left players up into the box another good delivery in curling inside the six yard box, Farmer pulling back getting her head on the ball knocking it up looping back threatens to catch Ray out drop under the bar, the keeper with a brilliant reflex save to glove the ball up over her crossbar. 

  Swarres dealing with the resulting corner inside her own box to send clear. Seeing the ball into her feet Uwaifo turns bursting on inside the left channel carrying the ball on contact as Colney Heath try to get in a challenge, Uwaifo could have gone down stays on her feet driving into the area shooting on the angle, Swift making the save look comfortable at her near post. The game opening up suddenly on the closing stages of the half Swarres is a quality passer of the ball given space in the middle a plays the diagonal ball on for Schofield left side, cutting the cross inside for Uwaifo as she meets it top of the area shoots Swift down well to save it on her line. 

  The rain really coming down now as Stevenage look to counter the ball sent upfield to the left Uwaifo offside but leaves it, as Schofield runs in behind left side, the hosts left frustrated as the flag goes up to halt their progress.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-0 Colney Heath Ladies

  A single goal the difference at the break a superb strike from Dionne Manning in the 37th minute seeing Stevenage leading 1-0. A strong first half for the hosts could well have been leading by more. Not as clinical as they need to be and Colney Heath have been solid in defence deep at time allowing little space in behind limited opportunities has restricted their own opportunities going forwards but overall will be pleased with the score-line at half-time still well in the game a couple of half chances themselves will have to risk opening thing’s up a bit more 2nd half if they want to get a reply is a case of taking their chance when it falls. A double change for the visitors at the break with Cunningham who took a knock 1st half and Kellet coming off. Hollie Thornton and Natalie Powell.

  Stevenage to get the 2nd half underway looking to make a fast start Shepherd breaking forwards the ball though going for a goalkick. The crowd are excited getting behind the team a short lived cheer as they think Uwaifo has doubled the lead. Swarres diagonal ball into the area partially blocked by Lucy Hancock escaping through to the far post Uwaifo throwing her self at it driving the ball into the advertising hoardings. Stevenage starting the 2nd half as they did the first getting on the front foot a free-kick won right on the edge of the box Shephard placing it inside the D taking on the shot, her attempt a foot over the bar. 

  Lucy Hancock giving away the corner as she challenges Uwaifo out left. Placed into the six yard box Uwaifo with the header knocked up into the air, the ball scrambled away as it lands in the six yard box. Shephard looking to break from midfield finding some joy in the left channel getting the ball down to turn and hit a shot 30 yards out, lacks the power to trouble Swift in the Colney Heath goal. Uwaifo sliding in as she looks to pressure the back pass to Swift the keeper getting it away the attacker sliding on the wet ground catches her little she could do to avoid contact Swift bundled over getting the free-kick, no malice is up quickly as play resumes.

  The pitch is slick with the rain just taking the ball on away from Shephard quickly as she makes a couple more intelligent runs into the channels. Powell and Thornton playing through the middle in attack for Colney Heath now linking up Thornton taking the ball on through the middle setting Powell through into the box left of goal, shooting on the angle her rising effort taken cleanly by Ray. 55 minutes played Godino down having picked up a knock  coming off, Esme Hume coming on at right back.  

  Manning getting the ball up top into Uwaifo, has Shephard on the move as she looks to flick it through, the attack scuppered as Shephard is caught offside. Lucy Hancock sliding in has to make contact with the ball to deny Shephard left channel as Swarres plays her in, the defender winning the ball. Shepherd carrying the threat left channel for Stevenage winning a throw high up the pitch, Neal to take has a decent throw in her arsenal launched into Uwaifo inside the area, Lucy Hancock close in not allowing her to turn.

  Is more open 2nd half Stevenage looking to up the tempo find a 2nd goal. Schofield bringing the ball out to the left shifting well to drive into the box wide drives a cross/shot in across goal, Shepherd flinging herself down to try and make contact gets a touch agonisingly though it goes wide of the post. 

  Changes for both sides, Stevenage with a double change, Kelsey Millen and Stef Paci coming on for Greenwood and Gooderham. Darci Harewood on for Colney Heath replacing Williams. Swarres sending a ball forwards escaping in behind, Hume getting to it left to clear before Schofield can get there. Schofield linking up well with Shephard on the left going forwards a cross flashed into the penalty area just beyond Uwaifo on the penalty spot runs through to Millen beyond is closed down quickly as she looks to get hold of the ball. 

 The clearance doesn’t go far Stevenage rapidly turning play around to get back on the attack, Uwaifo pulling off the defence as the ball is dropped over the back line right of the D, Swift rushing out to slide in make the blocking save, the ball loose Uwaifo moving towards it, Swift scrambling across to throw her body in to charge the shot down! The ball turned behind for a corner. Stevenage piling on the pressure, the visitors resilient. Kellet back on for Ward for the visitors.

  Santangelo cutting the ball out knocked behind as another pinpoint pass from Swarres in the middle finds Millen on the move right side. Stevenage coming on looking for a 2nd goal with 20 minutes left to play. 

  GOAL! Have battled hard at one end Swift with a brilliant double save to keep it down to 1-0 have had limited attacks off their own managing to get bodies forwards on the right win a free-kick outside the area. McShane on the set-piece driven into the mix cleared out to the top of the area, Harvey latching onto it outside the D, putting her foot through the ball, rifling it back in towards goal through a crowd, Ray down to her right as it skips up off the grass evades her to go in inside the post 1-1.

Terri Harvey equalises for Colney Heath

  A equaliser for Colney Heath with 18 minutes left to play. A blow for Stevenage who could well have on another evening been out of sight. The visitors ecstatic, as Stevenage go right Millen shifting the ball on for Uwaifo jinking into the area fires a cross in to the far side, with Schofield closing in can’t quite get there. Shephard with a fantastic crossfield pass to find Millen high on the right lifts a cross into the area, Hume needing to get there to clear for a corner kick with Schofield aiming to come in behind her. The corner in from the left headed clear by Lucy Hancock.

Colney Heath’s Lucy Hancock

  Stevenage making a 3rd change with Ciara Craig on for Schofield. Less than 15 minutes to play. An offside flag saving the referee having to make a decision as Uwaifo is blocked inside the box. Colney Heath with their tails up have renewed energy as they look to battle for everything at the back. Swift strong in goal calling and claiming a high cross from Millen on the right. Kelly Hancock putting the ball into Harewood in midfield plays it out to Kellet on the left wing bursting on, Farmer out to close her down putting the ball out for a throw. The sting somewhat taken out of Stevenage’s attack the crowd quietened by the equaliser. 

Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer

  Craig getting up on the right with Millen crossing into the area, Lucy Hancock getting in front of Uwaifo to turn her header back to the keeper. Lily Nellis on for Colney Heath as the game moves into the last 5 minutes Powell coming off. Colney Heath looking strong in the closing stages, Shephard off for Stevenage, Schofield back on. Craig with a good long pass into Uwaifo  top of the D, the ball snatched off her feet before she can unleash a shot. Swarres getting hold of the ball  goes for goal from distance, Swift with the catch.

 Swift out to claim the ball at the top of her area as it is played through of a defender, Uwaifo after it, the goalkeeper getting to it before she can latch onto it. Just not happening for Stevenage as they press on in attack in stoppage time Millen’s cross long over Schofield, with Craig beyond deflected off Hume for a late corner. Cleared at the near post back out to the corner taker Swarres, she sends a driven ball back into the six yard box, Swift getting her gloves on the ball to knock down and grab. 

  Uwaifo seeing a shot inside the box blocked spinning away for a corner right. Played long to Swarres outside the box shoots is unfortunate as her strike hits her own player, Craig first to the rebound smashing it goalwards, Swift sharp to get her gloves around the ball. Seconds left to play Colney Heath hanging on as Swarres shoots over from 40 yards out. 

Full time Stevenage FC Women 1-1 Colney Heath Ladies

  The points are shared. Colney Heath battling hard with a resilient performance on the back foot for most of the game soaking up the pressure as Stevenage came at them. A frustrating night for the hosts in the finish as they took the game to their opponents creating opportunities just not clinical enough on the night. Came forwards well, Colney Heath defending deep hard to break down, making vital tackles and blocks, with Swift making a number of saves behind to keep them in the game taking their chance when it came to level the scores and earn their 1st point of the season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match a few contenders as per the norm. Some performances of note, Shianne Swarres with an excellent range of passes for Stevenage, Dionne Manning strong in defence, getting forwards well to support the attack with a good finish for her goal. Amy Gooderham attacking on the right looked a real threat especially first half while Becky Shephard came into her own in the 2nd half with some fantastic runs into the channel. A dogged performance from the Colney Heath team, the defence solid working hard. Lucy Hancock in particular with some fantastic tackling, winning the ball. The award though goes to goalkeeper Naomi Swift. Gave nothing away, claiming well and getting across her goal, her saves going a long way to keeper Colney Heath in the game and see the point won.

  An enjoyable first visit to The Lamex Stadium, a great occasion for the players and staff on both sides showcasing the women’s game in Hertfordshire. A brilliant crowd of nearly 500 in attendance and having already been at attendances of 435 an 648 this is another fantastic figure and let’s hope Stevenage FC Women play their again soon. My thanks to the staff at Stevenage FC and Stevenage FC Women for their assistance this evening as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Sunday 4th September

ERWFL Premier Division

Back to the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday after a midweek derby double from the FAWNL. A trip to Suffolk to the MEL Group Stadium to watch AFC Sudbury Women newly promoted to the league taking on Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies.

 The ERWFL Premier Division representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. 12 sides competing looks to be a highly competitive league already with just 2 weekends played so far.

AFC Sudbury Women promoted to the league along with fellow Suffolk side Needham Market Women after clinching the Division One South title last season. Coming out on top of what proved to be an intriguing 5 way battle at the top. The league title part of a treble as the club also won the League Plate and lifted the Suffolk Women’s County Cup after a long period of dominance from Ipswich Town Women. A young squad striker Jess Allen top scorer last season with 21 goals, has moved on to America to play her football this season.

 Fully integrated with AFC Sudbury FC and their academy the women’s section features two women’s sides, with their Reserves also stepping up to the ERWFL this season playing in Division One South. Looking again to be one of the leading women’s clubs in the county. Lifting the County Cup last season a huge banner to wave in that regards, will be aiming to retain it this season as they look to establish themselves in the Premier Division. Unlucky on the opening day as they lost out at home to Stevenage FC Women, 3-2 with Evie Creaton netting both goals. A trip to Essex last Sunday playing early leaders Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, Sophie Jeffery scoring the only goal of the game to see Sudbury come home with their 1st 3 points of the campaign.

  King’s Lynn Town Ladies enjoying a strong debut season in the ERWFL Premier Division last year. Picking up some good results going on to finish comfortable in mid-table. That despite there being a change of manager through the season with Joe Simpson now at Wroxham stepping down. Alex Cook taking over as 1st team manager. Playing the majority of their games at The Walks stadium are themselves rapidly establishing themselves as one of the leading women’s side in the county. Supporting the Pandora Project, a local charity that offers advice and support to women and children affected by domestic abuse and will be wearing t-shirts promoting that initiative during their pre-season warm-ups.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies wearing their ‘Say No to Domestic Abuse’ t-shirts in support of the Pandora Project.

  A few changes of personnel over the close season with last season’s captain, Tiffany Forshaw, Zara O’Neill and Mary-Ann Hoy following Simpson to Wroxham. Forshaw one on the joint top scorers last season with 9 goals along side Ella Gavaghan who has also moved on and Amy Magnus. Have brought in Norwich development striker Samara Nche with midfielder Deva Rawlings returning to the club. Steph Powell a vastly experienced defender coming in towards the end of last season. Jodie Hopkins taking on the role of captain this season with Fran Peeling vice-captain.

AFC Sudbury’s, MEL Group Stadium the venue for today’s game, the artificial pitch a decent size seeing plenty of action. Hot and cold refreshments available on the way to the clubhouse and bar area with a seated stand beside the changing rooms behind. Covered standing behind both goals with a terraced stand on the opposite side between the dugouts my preferred position from which to watch the game. A pleasant afternoon bright and warm a little cloud cover but still otherwise. 

AFC Sudbury Women

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Jodie Donley, Ashtyn Newley, Ronni Harrison (C), Teigan McHale, Kate Edwards, Emily Smith, Phoebe Guiver, Alex Penny, Holly Kennard & Evie Creaton. Subs – Jess Egan, Alice Bartlett, Aliyat Lambe, Caitlyn Charles.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies

King’s Lynn Town Ladies  starting XI – Alice Collins, Sam Davies, Jodie Hopkins (C), Fran Peeling, Steph Powell, Kim Fairweather, Deva Rawlings, Lily Porter, Rachel Skinner, Oksana Imanalijeva & Amy Magnus. Subs – Tilly Sands, Olivia Skinner-Pelaz & Katie Ward.

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

A few players unavailable for King’s Lynn, including new signing Samara Nche and goalkeeper, Christina Vivas. Outfield player Alice Collins donning the gloves for todays match. The visitors wearing their away colours this afternoon and all pink kit with yellow numbering isn’t the easiest to read and am going to have to fall back on my knowledge of the squad as back up. Looks nice though. Sudbury with the kick-off first half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. The ball played back into midfield, Kate Edwards putting the pass long to Holly Kennard getting on on the left flank, working her way forwards her cross squared in low 20 yards out, intercepted and cleared by King’s Lynn’s Kim Fairweather.

Oksana Imanalijeva gets hold of the kick out of the back from Sudbury goalkeeper, Millie Carter 35 yards out looks to try and release Amy Magnus in behind the defence, Teigan McHale getting her foot on the ball putting it back to her goalkeeper to clear. Rachel Skinner taking the ball on right side for King’s Lynn, Magnus across offering support, Jade Donley getting a challenge in to take the ball away for Sudbury. The hosts looking to break quickly early on looking for Kennard on the left at every opportunity, Sam Davies up against her defending for King’s Lynn,

Ronni Harrison, captaining Sudbury steps out of the back line to tackle King’s Lynn midfielder Lily Porter as she attempts to make ground through the middle. Sudbury’s manager, Luke Mallet wanting his side to get the ball out to the right side as they come left once again, Evie Creaton in attack taking the ball into the left channel backed up by Phoebe Guiver exchange passes before the crossfield pass is whipped across the top of the King’s Lynn area, Alex Penny out on the right latching onto it blasting a shot goalwards, Collins behind it to save at her near post.

A fairly even start to the game, players from both sides snapping in to win the ball, a few late challenges but this is more from players releasing the ball quickly than anything else. Sudbury getting the ball out to both flanks now with Kennard and Penny looking to get on. Porter threading the ball into Magnus top of the D, attempts to flick it past Harrison close in on her, Ashtyn Newley around on the cover well getting her foot on the ball to help out her captain. Cleared up the left Sudbury break forwards Kennard racing onto the ball taking it on travelling all the way into the box goes down looks like a push Sudbury are certainly questioning it but the referee waves play on seeing a touch to win the ball.

King’s Lynn midfielder, Lily Porter

Magnus seeing the ball into her feet well right channel spinning the pass out to Skinner wide right turning into the area as Skinner crosses for King’s Lynn, McHale clearing the ball for Sudbury. Kennard winning a throw for Sudbury high on the left inside to Creaton she looks to put Kennard in as she runs into the area, Davies tackling well for King’s Lynn. 10 minutes played and Sudbury are finding some momentum quicker to the ball playing it out to their wide players Penny crossing in wide right, Collins claiming at her near post. Both Kate Edwards and Emily Smith in the middle playing the diagonal ball out to the wide players for Sudbury.

Sam Davies with Evie Creaton

Fairweather on for Porter she sends the ball through to Skinner right side, taking the ball on looks to plough her way through the Sudbury defence is eventually outnumbered. Imanalijeva up on the left getting King’s Lynn a corner. Is a teasing delivery in  across the six yard box everyone drawn near side drops far post and out of play.

GOAL! King’s Lynn frustrated after play is brought back for a free-kick wide left close to half way with McHale clipped coming forwards, with Sudbury making no headway in attack. McHale to play the ball in as players go up into the box a great delivery angled in across goal, King’s Lynn’s defence getting a head on it knocking it back down to the top of the box right side 25 yards out, comes to Penny gets her foot up over the ball to lash a powerfully hit ball in back across goal into the back of the net 1-0. 

Alex Penny opening the scoring for Sudbury

Sudbury getting their noses in front with 15 minutes on the clock. King’s Lynn certainly not happy, quickly concede another set-piece on the edge of their box to the left, played in across the penalty spot captain Jodie Hopkins getting hold of it to clear beyond the far post. Another rash challenge giving Sudbury another free-kick a little further back from where the opening goal came from. McHale putting the ball into the box right of the D, a scramble to clear before it pops up for a Sudbury body to smash goalwards driven wide of the far post.

Sudbury captain, Ronni Harrison

 

The goal giving Sudbury confidence are looking sharper to the ball popping about in midfield the rebound comes on for Kennard drifting central from the right 20 yards out gets control shifting it inside, Fran Peeling coming out to close her down, blocking the shot well for King’s Lynn.

King’s Lynn’s Fran Peeling setting up to block Holly Kennard’s attempt on goal

Plenty happening King’s Lynn losing it going forwards put up field rapidly, dropping into the top of the area Collins getting up to claim it as Creaton closes her down, coming together as Collins drops the ball escapes her gloves, Creaton instinctively attacking it, play stopped with Collins down hurt. The goalkeeper okay to continue after treatment. Magnus again seeing the ball into her feet well spinning inside off her marker presenting the ball at the feet of Imanalijeva inside the D, shifts it to her eft before pulling the trigger, not a strong hit, runs through safely to Carter to collect.

Alice Collins going to claim the ball with Sudbury’s Evie Creaton closing in

Penny fed the ball on the left, doing well riding a couple of rash tackles the advantage played as she drives on into the area firing in a shot close on the angle Collins with a sharp blocking save at her near post the ball spinning out on across the six yard box Creaton after it stretching annoyed as she turns it wide of the far post.  Sudbury stretching their opponents Smith with a great pass wide for Penny to bomb on right side her cross in missed by Collins near side, Creaton retrieving the ball beyond the far post looks to turn inside back to goal, Fairweather getting a foot in to clear taking a painful blow in the process.

 

Creaton linking up with Penny on the right as the pair come forwards for Sudbury exchanging passes before Penny strikes one over from the angle outside the box. King’s Lynn on the back foot finding it difficult to get their attackers into the game. Sudbury with possession at the back a sloppy ball from McHale off her goalkeeper in the six yard box is presented straight to Skinner 20 yards out right of the D, charges into the box, McHale charging forwards to put in the blocking tackle the hosts very nearly gifting an opportunity to their opponents. .

Sudbury living dangerously, the ball out on the left lost as Hopkins gets up with Imanalijeva to pressure he full back, Imanalijeva turning goalwards powering on into the area, Carter coming missing the ball as it is fired in across the six yard box, Magnus closing in but comes to Donley to put her foot through it her attempted clearance striking the on rushing Magnus could go anywhere for Sudbury’s sake it rebounds wide of the right post for a goalkick. Half an hour played Sudbury very sloppy at the back messing around in possession putting themselves under pressure another loose pass from the box snatched by Porter 30 yards out fed into Magnus right of the D turns aiming to plough a hole though the defence, McHale solid in her challenge as she comes to block.

Teigan McHale in to win the ball for Sudbury

The game opening up Sudbury with a rapid break the ball cleared up to Kennard takes the ball on though the middle, Collins coming to close her down lifts her shot from all of 20 yards over the advancing keeper, drops over her to strike the base of the post spinning inside across goal, Collins scrambling back to lay claim to the ball before it can creep over the line. King’s Lynn gift possession straight back to Sudbury laid into Kennard left on the left into the box, closes in on goal smashes it in low, Collins with a sharp save down to block the ball cleared away for a corner. Played in long clear beyond the far post. 

King’s Lynn goalkeeper, Alice Collins

Imanalijeva in the middle lining up with Skinner inside right giving her back the return pass as she drives on through the middle. Hopkins bursting down the left flank to get into the box, Newley doing the defending for Sudbury. Peeling on the ball going on into midfield for King’s Lynn playing a good ball on into Imanalijeva 20 yards out left of the D, tries to lay it on into the path of Magnus breaking into the box right side, Carter alert quickly out to snatch the ball into her gloves. King’s Lynn have changed formation getting more players Imanalijeva finding a pocket of space between midfield and defence sees a pass from Rawlings into her clips it on into the box for Magnus making the run in behind left of goal wants to strike the ball as it drops across her, Donley racing round on the cover going to clear collides with Magnus as Carter gathers the ball. 

Sudbury’s Ashtyn Newley

 Skinner with the ball 30 plus yards out cuts inside looking for an opening strikes the ball on the run with the outside of her boot the effort bouncing wide of Carter’s left post. Is a physical encounter, Sudbury especially not happy with some of the challenges. Rawlings striking a shot wide from distance for King’s Lynn as Porter and Magnus pressure the defence right side. Guiver with a clever turn on the ball central looks to send Penny through on the right is a vital interception from Hopkins at the back. 

A little over 3 minutes left in the 1st half Sudbury have been guilty of giving the ball away in their final 3rd this is giving King’s Lynn opportunities they shouldn’t have had as they look to find a reply. Skinner getting forwards nicks the ball off McHale in the box as she attempts to play it out, the attacker driving for goal closing in on Carter at the near post pulls the trigger, Carter getting down quickly getting hold of the ball well. King’s Lynn knocking on the door late in the 1st half Hopkins up on the left catching the ball on the turn a half volley from 25 yards out that drops wide of Sudbury’s goal. 

King’s Lynn’s Rachel Skinner

 Sudbury with a late corner on the right put in by Penny, cleared behind for a 2nd corner this one put back to the taker, Penny playing it back in Guiver at the far post, the ball not cleared sent wide. A late charge from Sudbury Kennard over on the right now with Guiver squared inside for Edwards, lining up a shot on goal, Fairweather rushing out to charge the ball down.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 1-0 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

 Alex Penny’s strike on 15 minutes the difference between the sides at the break. The hosts growing into the game after a fairly even start. Taking confidence from the goal came on well finding their wide players Penny and Kennard strong going forwards right and left. King’s Lynn struggling to get any rhythm until the hosts became a little sloppy in their play mistakes at the back presenting opportunities, a change of formation seeing King’s Lynn get players on better half chances created. Sudbury with a strong appeal for a penalty turned down creating some good chances of their own unfortunate not to hold a bigger lead. At 1-0 though it remains very much everything to play for.

  Sudbury out for the 2nd half early appear unchanged. King’s Lynn with a double change with Davies and Fairweather the players off, Katie Ward going to right back on, along with Tilly Sands joining the attack. King’s Lynn to get the 2nd half under way the ball in the centre before being released to Skinner on the right, her early cross into the box dealt with by Harrison. King’s Lynn pushing on right side Magnus out wide with Skinner linking up the pass into Sands right of the D 20 yards out, takes on the shot angled in low towards goal Carter down to get her body behind the ball.

  A good start to the 2nd half from King’s Lynn coming right the ball swept into the area left side collected by Imanalijeva her touch seeing her shift inside looking to turn into the shot, the ball striking Harrison as she blocks, the referee pointing to the spot for penalty, Harrison adjudged to have handled the ball. 

  Magnus over the penalty a chance early in the 2nd half for King’s Lynn to level up the scores, hit low lacks the power to beat carter as she goes the right way makes the save. A let off for Sudbury with the half 3 minutes old, break down the left Kennard, Ward getting in to make the challenge as she attempts to push past her. The foul count is stacking up Sudbury not happy with some of the challenges. Harrison with a timely interception to stop Magnus stealing in on goal through the middle off a Porter through ball.

Millie Carter saves the penalty for Sudbury

  GOAL! Moments after King’s Lynn see a penalty saved to equalise then Sudbury get up the other end to double their lead attacking on the right Penny inside, Guiver pressuring the King’s Lynn defence on the ball, stealing possession inside the box right side strikes a rising shot in, Collins throwing her gloves up to block might have gotten a glancing touch the ball beyond her cannoning down off the cross bar dropping far post, Creaton attacking it, Collins across sliding down attempting to block stops her initial attempt the ball loose Creaton grounded does well to swing out a leg to cut the ball back over the line to score 2-0.

Evie Creaton double Sudbury’s lead

  A blow for King’s Lynn get on the attack from the restart, Rawlings on through the middle looking to pick out Magnus, Harrison blocking to stop her getting into the box. Carter alert to take the ball at her near post as Skinner flashes a cross in on the angle from the right. Hopkins on the move with the ball left for King’s Lynn up with Imanalijeva the crossfield pass cut out by Sudbury’s Smith. A change for Sudbury, Aliyat Lambe entering the pitch. Harrison continuing to frustrate King’s Lynn at the back as she cuts out another attempted ball through the middle.

King’s Lynn attacker, Amy Magnus

  An hour gone by no means a classic both sides sloppy at times, Sudbury guilty of over playing at the back, whilst King’s Lynn cannot find any rhythm at all, leaving them frustrated as decisions go against them. Smith on the ball through the middle for Sudbury forwards well for Creaton peeling off Powell at the back, racing on, Powell reading the move giving herself room to make the recovering run take the ball away from the striker. Kennard racing on with the ball left side getting all the way into the box closing in on the six yard box before Peeling gets across to clear behind for a corner, which is successfully defended at the near post.

Sudbury’s Emily Smith

  Penny over on the right racing onto a cleared ball from the back digging the cross out from the by-line, back across the top of the area is just over Creaton rising centrally cleared by the King’s Lynn defender beyond Sudbury immediately go up in protest claiming a handball, not a penalty in the referees opinion. Mallett getting a talking too for voicing his protests too loudly. McHale coming on down the line for Penny, Powell getting back on the right sided player to tackle put the ball out for a corner. The ball put into the six yard box headed back out to the right by Magnus, Penny back on it as Magnus’s momentum sees her close the winger down bringing her down just outside the box, earning her a yellow and a free-kick to the hosts. Same result though Penny’s delivery cleared by Magnus’ header for another corner. 

Aliyat Lambe

Olivia Skinner-Pelaz

Penny sending her corner arrowing in low to Lambe top of the area, no shot on lays it back to Penny wide her 2nd attempt cleared back to her in the corner where she sends a dangerous looping ball in across the face of goal dropping far post both Creaton and Kennard there bounces over. Sudbury livening up pressing the ball better winning in on the left of the box 25 yards out a shot racing in has Collins diving across her six yard box, the ball though runs wide of the far post. Kennard running at the King’s Lynn defence on the left rides one challenge then another, play brought back for the first challenge. An inviting ball in drops wide past the far post.

Alex Penny with King’s Lynn captain, Jodie Hopkins

 20 minutes left on the clock Sudbury make another change with Jess Egan coming on for Newley. McHale putting in the tackle as Sands and Skinner look to combine right side for King’s Lynn. Imanalijeva off for the visitors, Olivia Skinner-Pelaz coming on. The game stretched at times as King’s Lynn taking a few risks get on looking to find Skinner on the right. Davies and Fairweather being prepared to come back on Rawlings and Magnus coming off. Penny finding space to run into on the right after a spinning clearance whips a ball in across goal Davies putting it behind for a corner. A great ball in from the left through everyone in the six yard box no one gambling at the far post. 

Oksana Imanalijeva

  King’s Lynn have a player down far side, Ward I think is struggling, Imanalijeva sent back on with a little over 10 minutes to play. 

 GOAL! The game is stretched players tired on both sides, Sudbury’s diagonal balls have been a threat all game, Kennard now over on the right side seeing a good delivery into her find inside the box, her control seeing her beat her marker, shift inside to shoot, rising into Collins quickly doesn’t get hold of it as it slips out of her gloves to run on into the goal behind 3-0.

Holly Kennard scores Sudbury’s 3rd goal, Caitlyn Charles in the background

  Straight on the attack, King’s Lynn out to Skinner racing forwards right shoots on the angle fired in low Carter saving low at her near post. A triple change from the hosts with Creaton, Edwards and Harrison coming off. Caitlyn Charles, Alice Bartlett and Newley the players coming on. Kennard full of running for Sudbury moving right with the ball her cross cut out by Peeling. A brief rest for Edwards and Creaton for Sudbury as they return to the field, Smith and Penny giving way.

 GOAL! Into the final minute of regular play Kennard racing clear to the by-line on the right has the legs to get to the ball flashing in a ball across the face of goal has teammates lining up to meet it inside the box, turned home from close range, Caitlyn Charles with the all important touch 4-0. On late so I don’t have a better picture of Charles than the one with Kennard above.

  Carter out well to claim at the feet of Skinner late on a King’s Lynn send it long to her on the right. Imanalijeva’s ball in from the right put behind by McHale for a corner. Carter with another acrobatic save off Skinner as the ball is blasted into her from the right turned behind for the corner. Carter up well to claim from the set-piece. 

Sudbury’s Jess Egan

  Deep into stoppage time King’s Lynn flat having conceding twice late on to see the game slip away. Sudbury continue to snap into their challenges, Imanalijeva coming on right side sending a cross into the area won well by Egan conceding a late late corner. Sudbury clearing push out celebrating as the final whistle blows.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 4-0 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  A 4-0 win lifting Sudbury up into 3rd spot in the early Premier Division table. Rode their luck at times and know it wasn’t their best performance, a bright start to get their noses in front in the 15th minute. Fell away first half with some poor play at the back giving King’s Lynn encouragement as they changed thing’s around. 1-0 at the break an early penalty giving the visitors a chance to level the scores early in the 2nd half, Carter saving, a further blow as they went on to concede a 2nd. Sudbury having an appeal for a penalty themselves 1st half with another strong shout 2nd didn’t get it but with their wide players a threat through out looked goo for their lead adding a 3rd and 4th goals late on to claim the 3 points. A disappointing afternoon for King’s Lynn struggle to get going find any rhythm that said created opportunities and weren’t totally out of the game until the final 10 minutes.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time for this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, a relatively easy decision except for the fact there were two very strong contenders for it. A few performances to mention though. For King’s Lynn, Oksana Imanalijeva did well finding some good pockets of space between midfield ad defence and on another day she sets up a goal or two. Amy Magnus up top providing a good target to put the ball too got others into play with her hold up play. For Sudbury, Teigan McHale and Ronni Harrison put in some great challenges to stop King’s Lynn getting in behind. Emily Smith in midfield broke up play well shoeing a great range of passing. Evie Creaton strong in attack. It comes down to splitting two players for Sudbury, Alex Penny and Holly Kennard both where excellent on the flanks getting into good positions for the hosts taking the ball on and setting up openings both scoring too. Comes down to who got the most mentions in my notes and that is Holly Kennard well done.

  Another enjoyable trip over to the MEL Group Stadium, is a nice venue and improving all the time a warm welcome from the club. My thanks to both clubs for the help with the team details today. More ERWFL Premier Division action to come on Tuesday evening with a trip to the Lamex Stadium home of Stevenage FC as there women’s side host Colney Heath Ladies.

by Darren Gilham