Newmarket Town Ladies were hosting Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies this Easter Sunday as they met in the semi-finals of the ERWFL League Plate a week after meeting in the league itself. Annabel Cuthbert scoring a hat-trick to win the game 3-2 for 10 player Newmarket the wining goal scored with just 20 seconds left to play. At Newmarket meeting in the cup, Histon Ladies awaiting the winner. Newmarket making a positive start to the game few chances from open play for both sides Newmarket shooting wide across goal looking a threat from set-pieces Jess Linger good from dead ball situations coming close with one strike from distance putting Newmarket into the lead late in the first half a shot from 35 yards out getting the faintest of touches from keeper not enough as it smashed against the crossbar and over the line.
Newmarket 1-0 up at half-time dealt well with Hoddesdon in the 2nd half a hot day, the score remained 1-0 for much of the 2nd half Newmarket looking comfortable but Hoddesdon were never out of it Kristina O’Connell running clear into the area pulling a shot wide across goal. 5 minutes left and Newmarket found a 2nd goal, a fantastic assist from Jodie Woodfield (so I’ve been corrected) putting striker Annabel Cuthbert through one on one with the keeper to shoot past her and score. Newmarket into the League Plate Final on Sunday 12th May winning 2-0.
Jodie Woodfield with the assist to see Newmarket win the game 2-0
ERWFL Premier Division
Two games played this Easter Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division, a trip down south for 3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies to take on 3rd from bottom Haringey Borough Women. The visitors taking the lead late in the 1st half with strikers Hannah Waters and Laura Nicholls combining for the latter to score. 40 goals now this season for Laura Nicholls. 1-0 up at half-time Haringey got straight back on level terms in the 2nd half making it 1-1 in the 48th minute. Waters restoring Wymondham’s lead midway through the 2nd half scoring to make her 2-1 with her 24th goal of the season. Again Haringey came back to level within 5 minutes of going behind. 10 minutes left on the clock Wymondham with a free-kick just outside the centre circle, Chardonnay Johnston with a screamer finding the top corner to put Wymondham 3-2 ahead and this time they didn’t let it slip to win the game.
Wymondham Town Ladies, Chardonnay Johnston
A week after knocking them out of the League Cup to reach the final of the competition Bedford Ladies returned to the Branch Bros Stadium to take on Peterborough Northern Star Ladies in the Premier Division. Bedford coming out on top in a close game a week ago winning 2-1. There wasn’t much in it again with just a single goal enough to see all 3 points secured, this time however the result going Peterborough Northern Star’s way the 5th placed side scoring through Jessica Driscoll.
ERWFL Division One
4 league matches played in ERWFL Division One this bank holiday weekend with a clash between the top two seeing St Ives Town Ladies now needing just a point to win the title in their debut season in the league. Unbeaten at the top of the table St Ives were hosting 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies this Easter Sunday. The Essex side knowing they needed to win if they wanted to keep alive their own title ambititions, no easy task against a side unbeaten in the league and long before joining the ERWFL. Bowers & Pitsea starting well St Ives keeping them out however the sides heading in level at the break. The deadlock broken just past the hour with St Ives awarded a penalty Katie Stancombe fouled inside the box, Hannah Seymour-Shove scoring from the spot to make it 1-0. The lead doubled just 3 minutes later Ruth Fox powering a header home from a corner, St Ives weathering a late storm to win the game, next up Newmarket Town Ladies, the last side to beat them in the league back in 2017.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies are up to 5th spot in ERWFL Division One after mounting a 2nd half comeback in Essex to over turn a 2-0 half-time deficit. Hutton Ladies in 6th the hosts this Easter Sunday scoring twice in the 1st half. King’s Lynn Town Ladies meeting Wymondham Town Ladies in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final this coming Sunday at Carrow Road matching their score coming back in the 2nd period to score 3 goals and win the match to extend their winning streak to 3 matches. Tiffany Forshaw, Becky Russell and Emma Corbyn with the goals.
Histon Ladies were hosting Lawford Ladies at the Glassworld Stadium this Easter Sunday. Jade Heath scoring her first goal of the season putting Lawford into the lead. Histon awarded a penalty kick on the half hour Sophie Lanham tucking it away to level the score. Lawford getting back into the lead 5 minutes later with Heath on target for a 2nd goal to put the visitors 2-1 up at half-time. Histon getting it back to 2-2 on the hour with Kirstie Smith playing the ball in from wide sending a shot over the keeper to score. Both sides taking a point from the game.
Hertford Town Ladies got back to winning ways in Division One coming home with the 3 points travelling away to Hatfield Peverel Ladies this Easter Sunday. Despite Jasmine Cox scoring twice for Hatfield Peverel they conceded twice as many at the other end to see Hertford Town win the game 4-2.
Semi-final weekend for the ERWFL League Cup down t the last 4 sides vying for a place in the final on Sunday 12th May. Cambridge City Ladies looking to make it a league and cup double the Premier Division Champions were at home to Essex side Harlow Town Ladies. Goals from top scorer Erin Davies, Bronte Rapley plus and own goal sealing a 3-1 victory for Cambridge City to see them into their 2nd ERWFL League Cup final in 3 seasons. Harlow not happy with some referring decisions scoring through Hannah Smith her debut goal for the 1st team after impressing and scoring plenty of goals for their Development side this season.
Injuries and player unavailability affecting Peterborough Northern Star Ladies towards the end of the season, despite that have done well to reach the last 4 of the League Cup, drawn at home to play Bedford Ladies. The game officiated by Norwegian referees guests of Cambridgeshire FA this week. A close game in the finish with the game with goals from Amy Magnus and Jasmine Ajayi seeing Bedford through the the final courtesy of a 2-1 victory.
ERWFL League Plate
Also a semi-final played too this Sunday in the ERWFL’s League Plate competition. Stevenage Ladies Reserves at home taking on Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies. The away side taking an 18th minute lead a corner returned into the area met by Katie Seagrave her header beating the keeper from close range to make it 1-0. Stevenage quick to reply level just 4 minutes later breaking with Histon appealing for a foul up the other end, Sherrie Evans getting the goal to make it 1-1. All square the game remained heading into extra-time. Histon winning the game in the 1st period of extra play, Kaya Haq scoring a superb goal from a 25 yard free kick sending a curled ball high to drop into the back of the net to send Histon into the League Plate final. Their opponents with be either Newmarket Town Ladies or Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies who met in the league this Sunday setting their semi-final up nicely.
ERWFL Premier Division
Royston Town Ladies returned to winning ways this Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division as they look to secure the runners-up spot in the league. The 2nd placed side at home to Haringey Borough Women. Royston taking the lead from the penalty spot Jo Rutherford making it 1-0, added a 2nd to double the lead with Eva Ramsey scoring from out wide to make it 3-0 Haringey puling a goal back before the break their keeper making some important saves to limit Royston to 3 goals. Francesca Smithers returning to action for Royston on target to bring up their 4th goal, Rutherford lobbing the keeper to complete her hat-trick to bring up her 19th goal of the season and see Royston win the game 5-1.
Royston Town Ladies, Jo Rutherford
A home win too for Colney Heath Ladies against Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday, goals from Charlene Moreton and Rianne Townsend-Brown securing a 2-0 victory the 3 points lifting Colney Heath over the Essex side into 8th position in the Premier Division.
ERWFL Division One
With ERWFL Division One leaders St Ives Town Ladies not in action this weekend it was an opportunity for 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies to close the gap down to just 3 points in preparation for the two sides meeting this coming Sunday. A tough local derby this weekend away to fellow Essex side Hutton Ladies. Bowers & Pitsea in good form however unlucky in 13 games in the league a single goal winning a tough battle between the sides Sophie Dowman’s 14th goal of the season extending the run to 14. A trip to St Ives now where they will be looking to end the league leaders unbeaten record.
2-2 when the sides last met in the league Newmarket Town Ladies 3rd in Division One were away 5th placed Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Goals from Rosy Wodhams and Becky Scola seeing Hoddesdon into a 2-1 lead with 25 minutes left Newmarket then reduced 10 with goalkeeper Dominika Szary sent off being adjudged to have handled the ball outside the area. Yasmin Woodfield donning the keepers gloves Newmarket having scored through Annabel Cuthbert kept battling getting themselves back on level terms Cuthbert with her 10th goal of the season, the visitors dramatically winning the game with seconds left on the clock Cuthbert lobbing the keeper to complete her hat-trick. The two sides meeting at Newmarket this coming Sunday in the League Plate semi-finals haven’t yet seen both this season and this is where I shall be.
A big win for King’s Lynn Town Ladies at home this Sunday as they continue to build momentum going into the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final in just a fortnights time. This Sunday they were playing at The Walks home of King’s Lynn Town FC, taking on Hatfield Peverel Ladies. A strong first half performance seeing King’s Lynn leading 7-0 with hat-tricks for both Oksana Imanalijeva and Tiffany Forshaw along with a goal for Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse. A further two goals added in the 2nd half with Becky Russell scoring and Imanalijeva getting a 4th to her name. The win taking King’s Lynn into 7th and in a great position to challenge for a top half finish.
Lawford Ladies were at home this Sunday in ERWFL Division One taking on bottom side Bishops Stortford Ladies. The hosts winning the game 3-1 thanks to goals from Stacey Teager, Jodie Sharp and a 1st of the season for Claire Gauntlett. Again like King’s Lynn well placed to push on up the table in their final 4 matches. Poppy Kelly scoring the goal for Bishops Stortford.
Cambridge City Ladies have won the ERWFL Premier Division with 3 games to spare, a 4-0 home win over Peterborough Northern Star Ladies last Sunday. This Sunday they travelled to Hertfordshire to play Royston Town Ladies looking to end the season unbeaten, just the two points dropped so far. Those coming in the reverse league fixture with Royston who are enjoying a god season themselves in the league 2nd with a 4 point gap over 3rd placed Acle United Women going into the game. A rainy afternoon Royston started well but it was Cambridge who took the early lead Shannon Shaw heading the ball in from six yards after the delivery from a corner wasn’t cleared. Further chances for Cambridge to extend the lead 1st half as they worked hard to limit opportunities up the other end. A 1-0 lead at half time.
Royston’s Sammy Tinsley battles with Cambridge’s Sarah Mosley for possession of the ball
More urgency from Royston 2nd half as they looked to get back on level terms, hitting them on the break Shaw was put through in the left channel to shoot from the top of the area her shot squeezing in inside the post on the hour, a well taken goal from the edge of the area from 16-year-old Freya Standing seeing Cambridge extend their lead. A frustrating afternoon for Royston their advantage in 2nd cut to a point but remain in a strong position with 3 matches left to play.
Acle United Women have been amongst the title challenges for the past 3 season’s, pushing all the way in earlier campaigns haven’t managed to exert pressure on the leaders this season, not that anyone else has. Nevertheless in the top 4 all season are looking for a strong finish into 3rd clinched the 3 points at home on Sunday to close the gap to a point on 2nd placed Royston. Harlow Town Ladies making the long trip up to Norfolk this weekend. The visitors playing 2 thirds of the game with 10 players after Rubie Smith got her marching orders in the 32nd minutes for a rash challenge that saw Acle captain Anna Larkins forced off through injury. Both sides creating openings early on. The game goalless at half-time. Harlow battling hard in the 2nd period to keep Acle at bay as they pushed forwards looking a goal, the winner coming with 6 minutes left of normal play Mary-Anne Hoy stretching out a toe to get on the end of a cross and sent it into the back of the net for her 1st goal for the club.
A 4-1 win at home to Wymondham Town Ladies over Bedford Ladies a month ago, the Norfolk side travelled to Bedfordshire this Sunday to play the reverse fixture. 4th in the Premier Division table, Wymondham opened the scoring on 22 minutes after making a good start Laura Nicholls on hand to score the ball flicked on by Chardonnay Johnston. Jorja Patterson doubling the lead just 6 minutes later to see the visitors 2-0 up at half-time. Bedford starting the 2nd half well forcing a save from Wymondham keeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan in the 50th minute, Bedford get it back to 2-1 moments later scoring from a corner. The equaliser coming midway through the 2nd half. The points shared, Eden Kibron and Michelle Byrne Bedford’s goalscorers.
3 wins in a row now for Colney Heath Ladies finding a bit of form towards the end of the season, an away win over Haringey Borough Women this Sunday. The Hertfordshire sides taking the lead in the 1st half a cross put in from the byline parried by the keeper falling to Melissa Godino to smash the ball into the back of the net to score her 1st goal for the club the goal proving to be enough to win the game.
ERWFL Division One
St Ives Town Ladies remain 6 points clear and unbeaten still at the top of ERWFL Division One well on course for back to back promotions were up against the side where their excellent season began with a trip to fellow promoted side Lawford Ladies. A close contest Lawford finding their feet in the league well after a heavy loss to St Ives on the opening day. Chances for both side it was St Ives who open the scoring Georgia Stancombe heading in at the far post from an Emily Stephenson cross. Lawford coming back to level inside 10 minutes Daisy Canny captaining Lawford with a good run and pass to tee up Michelle McRae to score her 1st goal for the club. Level at half-time St Ives starting the 2nd half well Lawford battling to keep them out, the scores level heading deep into injury time the visitors pressing Tierney Coulson finding Emily Smith inside the box she took her chance to score and win the game for St Ives.
2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies can only win their games now and home St Ives slip up keep the gap to 6 points with the two sides due to play at St Ives in a fortnight. This Sunday they were taking on 3rd placed Newmarket Town Ladies at home. 3 draws in a row seeing Newmarket slip away from the title picture themselves, a good season so far playing at this level for the 1st time. Bowers & Pitsea losing just the two matches in the league this season strong themselves buoyed by recent success in the Essex Women’s Trophy Final. Sophie Dowman on target for her 13th goal of the season opening the scoring for Bowers & Pitsea in the 12th minute. That the only goal of the first half. The hosts scoring early in the 2nd half Dowman with the assist putting Georgia Fraser in to slide a shot under the keeper to make it 2-0 her 17th of the season. Jennifer Lyttle with a 25 yard strike in the 86th minute seeing Bowers & Pitsea to a 3-0 win.
A trip to Hertfordshire for King’s Lynn Town Ladies this Sunday as they took on 4th placed Stevenage Ladies Reserves. King’s Lynn looking t get some form under their belts in the lead up to the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final being played at Carrow Road. Came home with all 3 points putting in a good team performance, winning the game 2-1, Olivia Baker scoring both the goals enough to win the game with Emily Schofield scoring for Stevenage.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies are up to 5th place in the ERWFL Division One table continuing their recent run of good results that has seen them win 4 on the bounce now. Were away to bottom side Bishops Stortford Ladies this Sunday. Rosy Wodhams scoring a hat-trick moving her ahead in the goal scoring charts with 15 now for the season. Both Grace Leslie and Rebecca Scola also getting a goal each too in the 2nd half for the visitors Hoddesdon winning the game 5-2, and they are also credited with scoring both goals for the hosts.
Histon Ladies bounced back from last weeks home defeat to Stevenage Ladies Reserves to pick up the points on the road this Sunday against Hertford Town Ladies. A single goal enough to win the 3 points coming late on with just 3 minutes left on the clock. Kirsty Geal making her first appearance for Histon scoring the decisive goal. The win putting Histon to within a point of the top half of the table.
The league action this Sunday from the top of the ERWFL Premier Division. A clash between the top two with 2nd placed Royston Town Ladies at home to newly crowned Champions, Cambridge City Ladies.
A bit like After the Lord Mayor’s Show turning up to watch Cambridge City Ladies this Sunday after they clinched the league title at home to Peterborough Northern Star Ladies last weekend with a comfortable 4-0 win. A massive achievement winning the Premier Division title, in just their 3rd season playing regional league football a 3rd league title in 4 seasons, and runners-up in the year they didn’t. A rapid rise through the women’s football pyramid, FAWNL football beckons next season and with it a few local derby matches.
Royston Town Ladies, today’s hosts enjoying a great season in the Premier Division themselves, the Hertfordshire side in a strong position to clinch runners-up spot in the league currently 4 points clear of 3rd placed Acle United Women with both having 3 games to play. Amongst the top sides in the league pressurising Cambridge City Ladies at the top. A good start to the season unbeaten in 7 winning 6. The only side to take league points off Cambridge City so far this season drawing away from home 4-4.
Cambridge City Ladies joining the ERWFL 3 season’s ago, Division One Champions in their debut season along with a League Cup final appearance. Runners-up in their first season in the Premier Division. Have won the title with 3 games to spare so far unbeaten dropping just 2 points all season from 19 played. Are into the last four of the League Cup once more a double very much possible. An unbeaten league season the icing on the cake as they move up to the FAWNL next season. Their Development side on course to win the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership aswell as two cup final appearances themselves. A strong youth set-up too within the club where it has made it’s name previous, just last Friday their U14s winning their League Cup final.
The venue for this afternoons match Royston Town FC’s Garden Walk Stadium. The entrance can be easy to miss, but that led me to discover the Civic Car park close by last time so this is where I pitched up this time a short walk to the ground. Nestled behind houses is nevertheless a good sized stadium offering a large pitch looking in great condition offering plenty of width. A clubhouse with bar and hot drinks available. Some covered seating, needed too with the weather forecast predicting rain in the area, wet when I arrived would persist for much of the afternoon, overcast conditions.
Royston Town Ladies starting XI – Yasmine Walford, Katie Seymour, Angharad Chambers, Amy Cooper (C), Beki Fisk, Samantha Edgar, Danielle Carty, Hayley Eldred, Sammy Tinsley, Charlotte South & Jo Rutherford. Subs – Eva Ramsey, Georgia Gannaway, Paris Coldicott-Stevens & Ellie Pickard.
Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Tee Mhunduru, Ceri Flye, Lauren Tomlinson, Anna Goggin, Becca Fay (C), Hannah Bodily, Sarah Mosley, Erin Davies, Carla Penny, Shannon Shaw & Bella Simmons. Subs – Amy Reed, Freya Standing & Bronte Rapley.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
Both sides home colours black and white, Royston wearing those colours today, white shirts and socks with black shorts. Cambridge wearing thier sky blue away kit. The rain falling heavily at kick-off, Cambridge to get the 1st half underway, go left Royston quick to close the ball down, Hayley Eldred backed up by Katie Seymour at full back win the ball played up to the strikers, Jo Rutherford looking to win the head beaten to the ball by Cambridge centre back Anna Goggin. Royston press on the right Eldred forwards looking to put the ball on for Rutherford in attack the Cambridge defence intercepts.
Cambridge City Ladies, Carla Penny holding the ball with Royston’s Angharad Chambers marking
A positive start from Royston putting the ball forwards looking to attack win a corner out on the right a high ball into the area cleared, Cambridge break through the middle the ball pushed on sees striker Shannon Shaw clear running in behind 20 yards out takes on the shot early, Royston goalkeeper Yasmine Walford back-peddling slightly unprepared reacts well adjusting to dive to her left and get her gloves to the ball push it wide and behind for a corner to Cambridge.
GOAL! The ball played in towards the near post Walford coming to punch gets something on the ball but only succeeds in knocking it up high into the air and spinning further into the six yard box in front of goal, Cambridge attack it Shaw with the telling header to drive the ball into the back of the net to give the visitors an early lead, just 3 minutes on the clock 0-1.
Shannon Shaw opening the scoring for Cambridge City Ladies
Cambridge’s turn to press the ball on their right, Erin Davies to Carla Penny moving into the right corner holds the ball up as full back Ceri Flye gets forwards in support the ball put back up the line Flye sends a cross into the area, the flag up as striker Bella Simmons strays offside. Simmons with a great run moving right gets in behind drives on coming in field getting into the area lets fly with a shot racing in near post Walford with a reactive save gloves out to send the ball wide and behind at her near post. Royston dealing with the resulting corner.
Seymour recovering well at the back for Royston as Simmons touch sees her get inside her, the full back diving in to make a good tackle win the ball 30 yards from goal. Royston with a free-kick on halfway captain Amy Cooper to play the ball up towards the top of the area, Charlotte South up well to nod the ball down, sky blue shirts reacting quickest to clear the loose ball. Sammy Tinsley lively on the left for Royston is fouled, Angharad Chambers putting the ball up the line, South after it flagged offside.
Royston Town Ladies, Angharad Chambers
Flye with a strong run after the ball carries on down the right closing in on the byline squares a cross into the Royston six yard box is behind Simmons, Cooper latching onto the ball clearing it with Shaw behind her. Is a little scrappy, a few robust challenges coming in from both sides, some decisions angering the Royston bench. Cambridge have the ball on the left get forwards the cross whipped in early Shaw getting in front of her marker near side turns the ball goalwards, Walford can see it safely wide across her goal.
A competitive tussle in the middle of the park, Royston looking to find the final ball Cambridge quick to close down just getting hold of the ball first, South and Rutherford looking to combine, Goggin and captain Becca Fay both intercepting to break up the attack. Royston build well on the left Chambers on for Tinsley she plays it in field to Rutherford a clever back heel to tee up South 25 yards out she connects well with the shot, looping in doesn’t have the height to beat goalkeeper Tee Mhunduru as she takes it high.
Charlotte South on the ball for Royston Town Ladies
Penny with the ball right wing for Cambridge puts a cross in towards the top of the area central for Davies she lays it to Simmons on her right getting her foot up over the ball she shoots, Walford throwing her arms up makes the blocking save drifting across her goal. Cambridge press the attack numbers forwards through the middle Shaw with it is brought down right on the edge of the box a free-kick right of the D. Penny on it goes for goal her strike over the bar.
Royston Town Ladies, Danielle Carty
Danielle Carty winning the ball in the middle for Royston played out to Tinsley left her forwards pass into the run of South the ball getting tangled under her feet she can’t dig it out for a shot before Flye and Goggin close her down. Samantha Edgar through the middle for Royston on for Elderd breaking right she swings a cross in towards the top of the area, Hannah Bodily back to slide in and win it back for Cambridge.
Cambridge City Ladies, Hannah Bodily
Royston are hit on the counter Cambridge looking to play Simmons through racing after the ball, Walford comes racing out of her box a long way out but sliding in has to win the ball the clearance could go anywhere falls straight to Shaw she hits it early a long way out central hoping to find the empty net Walford racing back lets out a breath as it runs wide of the post. Royston are attempting all sorts to find a way through the Cambridge back line some good link up play the final ball just won’t come off. Tinsley working hard on the left a cross fired in deep towards the far post Mhunduru jumping to claim it does well under challenge to just about hold onto it.
Sammy Tinsley
Simmons gets away on the left in behind shifts inside before taking on a 25 yard shot the attempt bouncing wide across the face of goal. Royston build through the middle Edgar on for South played up to Rutherford in attack, left of the box, Tinsley making a good run to get inside her, Rutherford getting the ball into her run comes further infield looking to shot ends up being upended the free-kick awarded. Carty to take has a shot the ball straight into the arms of Mhunduru.
Sammy Tinsley battling with Cambridge’s Sarah Mosley for the ball.
Penny is fouled attacking wide right for Cambridge the free-kick level with the top of the area, players forwards the ball into the area cleared, Cambridge are quick to regain possession keep the attack alive play drawn left the cross comes in central Penny is their top of the six yard box the ball trapped under her feet, Chambers does really well to make the tackle deny the chance the ball cleared only as far as Mosley 25 yards out she shot back on sails over the bar.
Rutherford charges down a shot at the top of the box defending as Cambridge’s Penny wins her side a corner on the right.. The hosts look to break, Cambridge pressing the ball on halfway progress halted. Tinsley making ground on the left support from Rutherford brings a throw in the ball played in field to South, too far out for a shot looks for options, Cambridge as they have all through the 1st half not let anyone have time on the ball.
Half-time Royston Town Ladies 0-1 Cambridge City Ladies
An early lead for Cambridge, Shannon Shaw’s 3rd minute goal the difference between the sides going into the half-time interval. The visitors having further chances to extend the lead but none taken. Royston not getting the rub of the green in the final third have had some good build up play but on the whole Cambridge have been quick to close down and have been more rapid in the counter attack. The 1st half flying by, at 1-0 though still all to play for 2nd half.
No changes for either side at half-time, Royston to get the 2nd period underway, the rain petering out towards the end of the 1st half. The hosts going right look to get Eldred on the ball wins a throw in. Eldred making progress up the wing a low cross driven in towards the near post hits Fay as she races back in defence. Remains scrappy, niggly challenges stopping play. Lively in the centre of the park, Carty and Edgar battling with Bodily, Mosley and Davies.
Samantha Edgar bringing the ball on for Royston Town Ladies
Appeals for a penalty from Royston a powerful run from Rutherford trying to get the better of Tomlinson as she attacks left the striker into the box shoulder to shoulder with Goggin goes to ground as Mhunduru slides in to claim the ball. The appeals waved away, more frustration from the Royston bench. Royston showing more urgency at the start of the 2nd half, Rutherford supporting Eldred on the right a throw won, Carty receiving her cross charged down.
Royston’s Jo Rutherford with Cambridge’s Carla Penny
Rutherford leading the line well for Royston looks to spin in behind the Cambridge defence on halfway, Mosley reacting well getting back to help out and regain possession. Decisions continue to frustrate Royston on and off the field. Walford with a good claim from a cross swung in from the right from Penny. The winger substituted soon after on in her place 16-year-old Freya Standing.
Rutherford looking to spin in behind
Cambridge doing well to keep Royston from breaking quickly pressing the ball high up the pitch from their own attacking positions. Standing with a burst of pace on the right wing a cross fired in near post Walford coming to punch doing well under challenge to get it away. The rain starting to fall again, Carty coming off worse in a 50/50 challenge in the middle the ball striking her. Edgar with a great pass down the right finding Elderd can’t keep it in to cross on the byline.
Cambridge full back Lauren Tomlinson clearing the ball before Hayley Eldred can reach it for Royston
GOAL! Past the hour and Cambridge double their lead and it’s Shaw on the scoresheet for her 2nd goal of the match the attack building left the ball helped on finding Shaw peeling away from her marker driving on towards the area strikes the ball from the top of the area low with plenty of pace, Walford diving can only get her fingertips to it pushing the ball onto the post and into the back of the net 0-2.
Royston respond with a double change, off come Carty and Seymour, on in their places, Eva Ramsey and Paris Coldicott-Stevens. Royston’s frustrations continue passes just won’t fall, good runs the ball won by Cambridge, Flye on the right denying Rutherford as Tinsley plays the ball on.
GOAL! Cambridge go further ahead 5 minutes after going 2 up add a 3rd goal, have possession high n the left a throw in the ball put inside driven across the top of the Royston area, Standing on the that side gets her foot up over the ball to hit a well taken shot back across the keeper and into the bottom corner to score 0-3.
A further blow for Royston another double switch is made Cooper and Edgar the players coming off. Georgia Gannaway and Ellie Pickard coming on. Davies pushing on for Cambridge a diagonal ball fired into the box, Fisk lunging intercepts conceding the corner. The ball in towards the near post defended. Chambers tackling Simmons on the right as she attacks a corner given away, played in higher towards the near post attacked a Cambridge head on the ball sent over.
Eva Ramsey
Ramsey with a timely interception as Cambridge attack on their left Davies finding space playing it on for Shaw. The action end to end Royston attacking have a free-kick the ball pinging around at the top of the area a collision between Flye and Tinsley both players down, play goes on though as Cambridge break Simmons racing up the right with the ball at her feet a shot driven in Walford down saves well then scrambling after the loose ball as Simmons goes for it a corner is conceded play stopped and brought back to deal with the still grounded players in the opposite box. Both up after treatment are okay to continue.
Cambridge City Ladies, Anna Goggin
Up the other end the corner on the right into the area comes out to Mosley 30 yards out hits it back in a good effort straight at Walford the keeper pushing the ball up over her crossbar. Cambridge make their 2nd change Shaw coming off in attack Penny returning. Flye charges forwards with the ball at her feet sends it on for Simmons ahead of her right of goal blasts her shot wide of the mark. Ramsey getting time on the ball for Royston right plays Eldred in down the wing her looping cross into the Cambridge box won by Fay in the middle. Rutherford and Tinsley combine in attack for Royston driving on Rutherford putting the ball on for Tinsley shooting from 20 yards out Flye blocking.
Royston on the attack
Tomlinson breaking on the left for Cambridge sees Simmons central feeds her the pass taking in it Fisk with her Walford coming the defender knocks the ball wide of Simmons both going after it Simmons turning back to send a cross into the area, Pickard is there to head clear for Royston. The hosts work the ball well through the middle Coldicott-Stevens on for Tinsley plays it forwards Rutherford into the box has Gannaway to her left sends her the cross the attacker struggling to get the ball out from under her feet to get a shot away Fay closing her down.
Cambridge City Ladies, Erin Davies
South plays a dinked ball over the top of the Cambridge defence putting Rutherford through, goes to lob the keeper from outside the box, the right intention just not enough height to trouble Mhunduru. Into the closing minutes of the game a late change for Cambridge Bronte Rapley coming on for Mosley. Goggin tackles Rutherford inside her box late on as she receives the ball from a throw in. A loose goal kick from Walford intercepted by Simmons, Pickard does really well to get back on her make the tackle, Cambridge up attacking late on winning a corner defended but Cambridge prevent Royston from breaking as the final whistle blows and they make it 19 wins and a draw from 20 played.
Full time Royston Town Ladies 0-3 Cambridge City Ladies
Easy to see on this performance why Cambridge City Ladies are the champions played well throughout the team for the whole 90 minutes working hard to close the ball down, create opportunities, prevent their opponents from breaking. Scrappy at times but nevertheless an enjoyable match. Royston frustrated, some decisions not going their way, some great build up play, easy to see why they are doing so well themselves, it just wasn’t going to happen in the final 3rd today. The gap closed but 2nd position is still in their hands with 3 to play.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. For Royston, Sammy Tinsley was outstanding on the left of attack battling away getting forwards and trying to get the ball into the attackers linked up well with Rutherford. It was a fantastic all round team performance from Cambridge who are determined to try and end the season unbeaten. Worked hard to close the ball down all over the park, preventing Royston from breaking, and closing the door through the middle. Have to pick one however this is very close Sarah Mosley was excellent in midfield just misses out to Erin Davies whose work rate too was superb getting forwards well to support the attack.
That game flew by highly enjoyable the ball wasn’t still for long, another good advert for the ERWFL. Pleased t have finally gotten to Garden Walk this season even if it was no doubt the result Royston didn’t want me to see. Won’t be long before I’m seeing Cambridge City Ladies again, in midweek, their Development side at least as they begin their quest for a possible treble in the final of the Junior Invitation Cup against Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds on Thursday. My thanks to both clubs for helping me out with the team details today.
Cambridge City Ladies are the Champions! Has a familiar ring to it as they celebrate their 3rd league title and promotion in 4 seasons clinching the ERWFL Premier Division title this Sunday with 3 games left to spare. There rapid rise through the women’s football pyramid seeing their brief 3 year spell in the regional league to soon come to an end, could yet be the double into the last 4 of the League Cup.
Unbeaten in the league this season with just 2 points dropped from 18 played, building strongly on a runners-up finish last season, just 2 points needed this Sunday at home to 5th placed Peterborough Northern Star Ladies who on paper with games in hand could yet catch them. The visitors struggling with numbers of late injuries and suspensions taking a toll travelled with a bare 11. Cambridge in confident mood goalscorers throughout their side won the game by 4 goals to nil to finish the job, Erin Davies, Bella Simmons and Anna Goggin amongst the goalscorers. Have had a fantastic season, congratulations for all the players, coaches and supporters on the title, promotion and look forwards to seeing you in the FAWNL.
Cambridge City Ladies – ERWFL Premier Division Champions (picture credit Cambridge City)
Royston Town Ladies are also enjoying a strong season in the ERWFL Premier Division, up to 2nd in the table lay 4 points clear of 3rd placed Acle United Women with both having 4 games left to play. Were away from home this Sunday taking on AFC Dunstable Ladies. The host struggling to get a side with just the 8 available, a fighting spirit amongst them and aren’t prepared to roll over, new additions coming the squad and outlook positive for the future. Royston running out 5-0 winners in the finish taking the lead trough Samantha Edgar. Rebekah Fisk doubling the lead, the other goals scored by a pair of ex-Dunstable players, Charlotte South with two strikes from distance getting a brace with Danielle Carty adding the visitors 5th goal.
A successful trip down to Essex for Acle United Women on Sunday the Norfolk side making the long trip down south to play Brentwood Town Ladies. Acle starting well taking the lead on 9 minutes with Lauren Bullard the goalscorer. Pressing the attack Rhianne Brister doubling the lead scoring at the far post just past the half hour mark. 2-0 up at the break, Acle got the 2nd half off to the perfect start extending their lead, Bullard’s back heel finding Kirstie Kindred to make it 3-0 at the near post. Brentwood pulling it back to 3-1 through Kirsty Knight on the hour. Acle restoring their 3 goal cushion with 80 minutes left to play with captain Anna Larkins sending a shot past the keeper. A 4-1 win for Acle taking them back up to 3rd in the Premier Division table.
A high scoring match also in the ERWFL Premier Division between Haringey Borough Women & Bedford Ladies this Sunday. Hosts Haringey scoring 3 goals it wasn’t enough to get anything from the game however as visitors Bedford hit them for 7 up the other end to win the 3 points and put the pressure back on the sides in the top half of the table.
ERWFL Division One
League leaders, St Ives Town Ladies not in action this Sunday in ERWFL Division One it was an opportunity for 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies to look to close the 9 point gap. Fresh from winning the Essex Women’s Trophy last Sunday, the Essex side had a long trip up to Norfolk this Sunday to play King’s Lynn Town Ladies. A brace from Georgia Fraser seeing Bowers & Pitsea leading the game 2-0 at half time. Fraser going on to complete her hat-trick on the hour to move ahead a top scorer with 16 goals for the season. Eloise Ives also getting her name on the scoresheet with Bowers & Pitsea’s 4th goal in the final 15 minutes. King’s Lynn reduced to 10 with Charlotte Griffith shown 2 yellows.
A hat-trick for Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, Georgia Fraser
For the 2nd game in a row Chloe Slater scored direct for a corner kick for Newmarket Town Ladies, the goal earning the side 3rd in Division One a point on the road taking on Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday. The game all square at 1-1.
Stevenage Ladies Reserves move back up to 4th in the ERWFL Division One table winning away from home on Sunday against Histon Ladies. The visitors taking an early lead at The Glassworld Stadium 1-0 up in the 7th minute. Histon fighting back to level the scores in the 33rd minute a superb individual goal from Georgia Day picking up the ball outside the box keeping possession well before turning her marker and getting away a shot into the top corner. 1-1 at half-time Stevenage getting back into the lead midway through the 2nd half. A 3rd goal added deep into stoppage time to ensure the 3 points, Faith Greene, Emily Schofield and Naomi Sleator with the goals.
Hatfield Peveral Ladies were hosting Lawford Ladies this Sunday, meeting again after a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture a month ago. Lawford with games in hand looking to build on a spirited performance in last Sunday’s Essex Women’s Trophy final. A couple of new faces in their squad Lawford came home with the 3 points clinching a narrow 2-1 victory, captain Daisy Canny with her 16th goal of the season with Susan Jackson also celebrating a goal. Megan Warner wit the goal for Hatfield Peverel.
A 13 point lead now for Cambridge City Ladies at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division. 17 unbeaten now in the league as they recorded a 16th win of the season against Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday. A brace from striker Shannon Shaw taking her to 16 for the season along with a goal from Carla Penny also her 16th of the season securing a 3-1 win for Cambridge City in Essex. A quick turnaround as they return to action on Tuesday evening at The Abbey Stadium looking to defend the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup against rivals Cambridge United WFC, both sides showing great form going into the match.
A blow for 2nd placed Royston Town Ladies on Sunday as they lost for the third time this season away to Harlow Ladies. The Essex side picking up a great win at home as they look to consolidate a top half first in their debut season in the ERWFL Premier Division. Olivia Steele scoring for Harlow her 10th of the season, also on target with a goal in a 2-0 win for Harlow was Bethany Chambers fast closing in on double figure herself with 9 goals now from just 5 appearances.
Other results going their way see Norfolk side Wymondham Town Ladies climb up into 2nd spot in the ERWFL Premier Division, themselves enjoying a fantastic first season playing at this level. A point earned in the reverse fixture recently Wymondham Town Ladies were hosting Peterborough Northern Star Ladies this Sunday. Wymondham getting into an early lead with Hannah Waters scoring inside 15 minutes to put them 1-0 up. Goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan with a couple of vital saves to keep Peterborough from levelling. Waters with the assist setting up Mollie O’Callaghan to double Wymondham’s lead in the 34th minute. Leah Newcombe with a goal line clearance as Peterborough looked to get back into the game, top scorer Laura Nicholls putting the result beyond doubt scoring a 3rd goal for Wymondham in the 90th minute.
Wymondham Town Ladies, Hannah Waters
One other game played in the ERWFL Premier Division on Sunday saw Hertfordshire side Colney Heath Ladies travelling up to Norfolk to play Acle United Women. A close fought game the deadlock broken in the 85th minute with Broghan Scully finding the back of the net from a free-kick for Acle. The game though abandoned in the 94th minute due on medical advice after Acle’s Kate Pasque suffered a neck injury in a collision, unable to be moved an ambulance called for has since been released suffering from whiplash, wish her well. Whether the result will stand or a replay is called I will confirm as I have the news.
ERWFL Division One
With the top two not in league action on Sunday in ERWFL Division One it was a chance for the chasing pack to close the gap. Third placed Newmarket Town Ladies travelling to play Hatfield Peverel Ladies, the Essex side improving in recent games adding to their squad Newmarket struggling to get going needed a late equaliser to take a point from the game, Jasmine Cox scoring a brace has 5 now in 5 appearances for Hatfield Peverel. Brooke Wickens with her 12th of the season for Newmarket the visitors awarded a penalty late on Annabel Cuthbert scoring it to make it 2-2 with her 10th since joining the club.
Hutton Ladies in 4th were hosting Hertfordshire side Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies on Sunday. Hoddesdon with a good first half getting into a 3-1 lead thanks to goals from Rebecca Scola, Kristina O’Connell an Rosy Wodhams late in the half. Hayley Piggott scoring for Hutton. The Essex side scoring another in the 2nd period, Wodhams getting her 2nd on 58 minutes and a goal in the 85th minute from Chloe Makepeace securing a 5-2 win for Hoddesdon.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies travelled down to Wodson Park on Sunday to take on Hertford Town Ladies who have been in great form recently with 2 wins and 3 draws from their last six games including 3 draws against the top two. The visitors from Norfolk going home with all 3 points in a narrow win, Hertford scoring 2 goals, Tiffany Forshaw struck twice for King’s Lynn to take the striker onto 20 for the season plus and own goal to win the game 3-2.
Histon Ladies were hosting Bishops Stortford Ladies in Division one this Sunday, the Cambridgeshire side winning the game 2-0 to claim the 3 points with Alison Wright scoring her 11th goal of the season from the penalty spot. Lucy Julian also finding the back of the net with her first goal for Histon.
The game between Stevenage Ladies Reserves and Lawford Ladies abandoned due to a nasty injury to a Lawford player, wishing the player concerned all the best for a speedy recovery.
Cambridge City Ladies extended their unbeaten run at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division to 16 games this Sunday to move 11 points clear. Were away at the weekend taking on Colney Heath Ladies for the 2nd successive week, a 2-0 victory at home in the League Cup quarter finals last time out. The weather conditions playing havoc as they would for everyone this weekend, Cambridge City on the attack chances created a goal disallowed took the lead in the 1st half went on to score 3 more to win the game 4-0 to clinch the 3 points, a brace for top scorer Erin Davies moves onto 22 for the season. Lauren Tomlinson also getting on the scoresheet along with Freya Standing scoring her first, first team goal in only her 2nd appearance.
Royston Town Ladies climb up into 2nd place in the ERWFL Premier Division ahead of Acle United Women, the Hertfordshire side enjoying a good season were at home on Sunday up against AFC Dunstable Ladies who travelled with just the 7 available, through a shortage of players and injuries. Damage limitation a tough ask against a Royston side with goalscorers all over the pitch. Sammy Tinsley top scoring in the match netting a hat-trick. Three players were on target for a brace, Angharad Chambers, Georgia Gannaway and top scorer Joanne Rutherford. Goals to for Samantha Edgar, Eva Ramsey and ex-Dunstable player Charlotte South in a 12-0 win. A tough season for Dunstable yet they remain positive, new signings and players returning from injury are already building for next season.
Another side struggling in the ERWFL Premier Division this season are, AFC Sudbury Ladies, bottom of the table they too are short on numbers, a trip down to Essex this Sunday to play Harlow Town Ladies, the promoted side tussling with Bedford Ladies for 6th spot in the table. Bethany Chambers new to the 1st team squad making just her 4th appearance this Sunday took her goals scored to 8 as she was on target for a double hat-trick. Poppy Binding, Harlow’s top scorer moved onto 15 for the season with a brace at the weekend. A brace too for Olivia Steele, with Rubie Smith also finding the back of the net for a goal. The final score 12-1 to Harlow, Tegan Burling also scoring her 1st of the season for Harlow.
Wymondham Town Ladies were at home to Bedford Ladies. The Norfolk side newly promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division consolidating 4th position just 2 points behind 2nd placed Royston. Got off to a good start on Sunday opening the scoring in the 9th minute Kayleigh Holloway shooting from outside the box. A minute later Wymondham were 2-0 ahead, Bethany Fretwell scoring from a Mollie O’Callaghan free-kick. Top scorer Laura Nicholls making it 3-0 inside the opening 20 minutes. Bedford reducing the deficit to 3-1 before half-time. Wymondham restored their 3 goal cushion with 15 minutes left to play, Nicholls cross put in at the far post by Holloway for her 2nd of the game. Wymondham winning 4-1.
Two goals for Wymondham Town Ladies, Kayleigh Holloway
Behind the chasing pack lay Peterborough Northern Star Ladies in 5th another postponement this weekend sees them have up to 5 games on the sides above them, a busy run in to come.
ERWFL Division One
ERWFL Division One saw 4 of the scheduled 6 league games this Sunday fall foul of the weather. 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies were on the road on Sunday off to Wodson Park to play Hertford Town Ladies. Have been their when it’s windy and know how tough playing condition can be. Hertford enjoying a revival in recent game a 4 game unbeaten run that included a credible 0-0 draw away to Bowers & Pitsea. Now the side met in the reverse fixture with Bowers & Pitsea looking to keep the pressure on leaders St Ives Town Ladies. Hertford taking the lead inside the opening 2 minutes with the ball squirming under the keeper after a slip. Bowers & Pitsea soon back on level terms Megan Harley with a 30 yard strike finding the bottom corner in the 6th minute. The visitors with an opportunity to take the lead with a minute left on the clock 2nd half awarded a penalty the effort saved. The 2nd half remaining goalless the sides sharing the points once again drawing 1-1.
Recent results going against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies they have slipped down the Division One table, laying 9th going into Sunday’s home clash with Lawford Ladies a positive result would see them back into the top half of the table. The weather conditions not helping Hoddesdon starting slow the sides were level at 1-1 at half-time, Daisy Canny on target for Lawford, Rosy Wodhams scoring late in the half for Hoddesdon. The hosts getting the better of the 2nd half Kristina O’Connell putting them into the lead in the 51st minute, Hoddesdon were quickly 3-1 ahead with Leah Dunnage scoring for the 1st time this season. Grace Leslie securing the 3 points for Hoddesdon with a goal in the final 10 minutes to see the game won 4-1.
Cambridge City Ladies strengthen their grip at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division as they open up a 9 point lead at the top of the table with victory at home to 2nd placed Acle United Women on Sunday. The Norfolk making the journey needing to close the six point gap their opponents had opened up if they wanted to keep their own title ambititions alive. The Norfolk side coming up against a side that has dropped just 2 league points to date, Cambridge City have a strong side with goal throughout the attack, Shannon Shaw starting getting a goal Cambridge City’s other goalscorers starting on the bench with Sarah Mosley, Carla Penny & Bella Simmons all adding to their tally’s with a goal a piece in a 4-0 win.
A weekend off for 3rd placed Royston Town Ladies, it was an opportunity for the 4th & 5th placed sides Wymondham Town Ladies & Peterborough Northern Star Ladies to close the gap as they met at the Branch Bros Stadium on Sunday. Women’s Football East was there too to watch the encounter. Wymondham reaching their 3rd successive Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final last weekend travelling to Peterborough. Northern Star Ladies losing just once on the opening day have games in hand on the sides above. Were without a few this Sunday with just the bare 11 available. Hannah Waters with a chance to put Wymondham into the lead first half. Wymondham goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan twice denying Peterborough.
Goalless at half-time Peterborough hit the ground running 2nd half Cassie Steward with two well taken strikes putting the hosts into a 2-0 inside 55 minutes. Soon after a coming together and subsequent fall saw Peterborough attacker Georgia Coulson fall and suffer a nasty wrist injury. A lengthy delay followed as she received on the pitch treatment. A fractured wrist suffered Peterborough with no replacement continuing with 10 almost half an hour later. Took a while for both sides to settle, Peterborough not sitting back on their lead tried to get out attack take the game to Wymondham, their top scorer Laura Nicholls played into a shooting position top of the area by Mollie O’Callaghan fired home to reduce the deficit then with the clock running down Hannah Waters running in behind was pulled down inside the Peterborough box, Nicholls with a powerful penalty levelling the scores with her 2nd of the game. The points shared.
Bedford Ladies were at home to Essex side Harlow Town Ladies on Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division 6th & 7th both sides with 21 points going into the game. A 100% winning record for Bedford in all competitions since December their good form continued this weekend as they won the match 2-0 scoring a goal in each half to move 3 points clear of their opponents. Lauren Murray with her 4th goal in 3 appearances for Bedford and Joanne Makin in her 1st start of the season scoring the goals.
At last it’s a win for Haringey Borough Women, 3 points on the board winning at home to fellow strugglers AFC Dunstable Ladies this Sunday. Has been a tough period for the club following a tough season in the FAWNL after losing a good portion of their promotion winning squad the new side has had a difficult baptism have stuck together and can finally celebrate a league win and 3 points, climb off the bottom of the Premier Division table too. AFC Dunstable Ladies travelling with a reduced squad again just the bare 11. Battled well scoring twice in the game with Stephanie Fisher netting her 1st of the season and Alex Chitwell making her debut also scoring. Haringey Borough scoring twice as many up the other end to win the game, Brooke Hills making her 1st start scoring a goal with Seren Ahmet, Aaliyah Boyea & Sandeep Tak all celebrating a goal in a 4-2 win.
ERWFL Division One
St Ives Town Ladies open up a 7 point lead at the top of ERWFL Division One the newly promoted side at home to defending champions Stevenage Ladies Reserves this Sunday. St Ives unbeaten since joining the league this season coming out on top in a competitve game with Stevenage, St Ives coming out on top to win their 12th game of the season 3-0 thanks to goals from top scorer Tierney Coulson, Georgia Stancombe and Harriet Ford.
Newmarket Town Ladies promoted along with St Ives Town Ladies from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership are also enjoying a great 1st season in the ERWFL up to 3rd in the table were at home on Sunday looking to consolidate their league position, knew they had a tough game ahead with Hertford Town Ladies the visitors unbeaten in their last 4 including draws with St Ives Town & 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Brooke Wickens charging down the ball opening the scoring in the 25th minute for Newmarket. Hertford pulling the scores level before half-time. Newmarket were awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the 2nd half Laura Bailey firing it home to put the hosts back into the lead. The 3 points secured in the final minute with Sarah O’Rourke put through on goal to see Newmarket win the game 3-1.
Fifth placed Hutton Ladies were away this Sunday up against Bishops Stortford Ladies in ERWFL Division One. A lively game against the bottom side that saw plenty of goals scored. Bishops Stortford able to name 3 subs for the game finding the back of the net for 3 goals with captain Broghan McHale netting a hat-trick. Hutton have Vicky Kinsman leading their line this season and she is closing in on 40 goals for the season already with another brace at the weekend. A brace too for Sally Appleton along with a goal for Kayleigh Franklin seeing Hutton run out 5-3 winners.
Elsewhere in Division One the points were shared on Sunday. Fresh from securing a place in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final, King’s Lynn Town Ladies travelled to Cambridgeshire at the weekend to play Histon Ladies. Georgia Day scoring for the hosts with Rochelle Woods on target for King’s Lynn with her 9th goal of the season in a 1-1 draw.
1-1 too between Lawford Ladies and Hatfield Peverel Ladies on Sunday in Division One. The hosts playing for 80 minutes with 10 players after Harriet Young was sent off. Ex-Lawford player Jasmine Cox scoring for Hatfield Peverel against her old club. Captain Daisy Canny netting her 14th of the season for Lawford, the points shared.
West along the A47 this Sunday afternoon for a game from the ERWFL Premier Division, 4th versus 5th with Wymondham Town Ladies travelling to play Peterborough Northern Star Ladies.
Both side new to the league this season, Peterborough Northern Star moving across from the East Midlands Regional Premier Division. Wymondham Town Ladies promoted as ERWFL Division One North Champions.
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies now a fully integrated part of Peterborough Northern Star FC. One of the leading sides in Peterborough which has a very strong and growing women’s football scene. A new Reserves side into their 2nd season. A new challenge moving across the play in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL). Amongst the sides likely to challenge for the title itself before the season started have plated as high as the FAWNL. Currently in 5th have games in hand on the sides above. Have lost just one league game to date that on the opening day to current leaders and unbeaten Cambridge City Ladies.
Wymondham Town Ladies are doing very well following promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division. Up to 4th in the table and in a strong position to finish in the top half of the table in what is a strong league. Like their opponents have a Reserves side, and are one of the sides leading the way in women’s football in Norfolk. Scoring plenty of goals, 18-year-old Laura Nicholls has 34 already this season.
Both sides involved in the semi-finals of their various County Cup competitions last Sunday. Peterborough Northern Star narrowly losing to local rivals Peterborough United 2-1. Wymondham going all the way to penalties against fellow Premier Division side Acle United Women winning the shootout 5-4 to reach their 3rd successive final and will be hoping to retain the trophy they lifted for the 1st time in their history last season.
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies home ground is the Branch Bros Stadium. Situated in the north of Peterborough not far off the A47 itself. Set in a residential area has a community feel about it. A clubhouse leading out to the main pitch, two large sports fields either side. A snack bar serving hot and cold food and drinks. as for the weather SUMMER’S HERE! (Well in might be a bit premature) a lovely bright sunny and warm day in the final weekend of February. The coat can stay in the car, left my sunglasses at home needed them. The sun high over one end of the ground.
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson, Frances Peeling, Larissa Frederick, Leah Barnes, Bronwyn Mulheron, Faith Horner, Emma Pollard, Chanade Henderson, Vicky Gallagher (C), Georgia Coulson & Cassie Steward.
Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Leah Newcombe, Bethany Fretwell, Chardonnay Johnston, Summer Ward, Kayleigh Holloway, Rachel Cossey (C), Alice Ladbrooke, Mollie O’Callaghan, Laura Nicholls & Hannah Waters. Subs – Jorja Patterson & Rebecca Russell.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
The bare 11 available for Peterborough missing a few players including top goalscorer Katie Steward who has 15 so far this season. New signing Summer Ward and Chardonnay Johnston starting for Wymondham. Peterborough in their home strip, black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts with black and white hooped socks. Wymondham in their away colours, purple shirts and socks with red shorts. Peterborough to kick-off the 1st half, Wymondham with the sun at their backs.
Straight away a competitive tussle in midfield the ball closed down, Alice Ladbrooke winning it for Wymondham the ball lost comes back to Emma Pollard for Peterborough central plays the diagonal pass long for captain Vicky Gallagher to attack on the right wing, Chardonnay Johnston can see it out of play for Wymondham. Wymondham make progress up the right Kayleigh Holloway winning a throw put inside pushed on to Ladbrooke she flicks the ball on into the area, Bronwyn Mulheron heading clear for Peterborough.
Leah Newcombe after the ball for Wymondham Town Ladies
Mulheron defending well again for Peterborough as Hannah Waters tries to get through into the area from a central pass the defender seeing the ball back to goalkeeper Sarah Hudson. Wymondham counter Ladbrooke winning the ball plays it on for Laura Nicholls central she lays it out to Holloway right, Larissa Frederick closing her down the fullback tackling the ball out for a throw. Peterborough attack with pace through the middle, Bethany Fretwell with a vital interception as Cassie Steward looks to run in behind.
Mulheron winning the ball at the back for Peterborough the ball long up the left wing for Georgia Coulson drives forwards wins a throw the ball inside to Pollard 25 yards out plays it across the face of the Wymondham area with Chanade Henderson picking it up moving across the D shapes to shoot, Johnston charging the ball down. The final ball a little too heavy from both sides early on, Wymondham get up the pitch a throw won players forwards the ball 25 yards out helped onto Mollie O’Callaghan the young midfielder drags her shot wide across goal.
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies, Bronwyn Mulheron
O’Callaghan sets up a Wymondham attack her past forwards Nicholls spreads play wide to the right she drives up the line gets inside the fullback to fire a cross into the six yard box Nicholls arriving far post connects but can’t keep the ball down. Peterborough break with pace the ball with Pollard 20 yards out inside to Henderson she attempts to slide Coulson through into the area Ashleigh O’Callaghan in the Wymondham goal out smartly to make the save with her legs.
Georgia Coulson with the ball for Peterborough Northern Star Ladies
Both sides looking to spread the play not afraid to go from one side of the park to the other in their build up play. Wymondham have the ball left Ladbrooke on for Mollie O’Callaghan the pass swept out to Summer Ward breaking on the left the wing back getting into the box puts her shot straight into Hudson covering her near post. Holloway on the ball right breaks it in puts the ball inside to Waters she turns sends it on for Nicholls 20 yards out her first time effort looping up towards goal, doesn’t have the carry to trouble Hudson as she takes the catch.
Peterborough’s Larissa Frederick with Wymondham’s Kayleigh Holloway
Steward influential on the ball inside the Wymondham half looking for runners to get in ahead of her attempts a ball out to the right for Gallagher too much on it the keeper can claim. Steward gathering the ball into her feet on the left cuts inside driving towards the area takes on the shot her attempt blocked. Henderson with a good forwards ball into Coulson coming in from the left Fretwell defends for the visitors.
Cassie Steward lining up a shot
A free-kick on halfway for Wymondham as Ladbrooke is upended. Fretwell to play the ball in towards the top of the area over Waters central, Rachel Cossey making a good run gets her head onto the ball, the Wymondham captains looping header in on target safely caught by Hudson. Steward drives on down the right wing cutting inside into the box fires a rocket in low towards the near post o’Callaghan making a fantastic save with her legs, Steward tries to get onto the end of the follow up the ball behind for a goal kick.
Nicholls gets the ball out to Holloway on the right coming inside into the area Hudson coming to close the angle saves with her feet the ball loose, Holloway after it between Hudson and Frederick the ball is cleared for Peterborough. A throw on the right Wymondham pressing get hit on the counter the ball wide out to Steward left by the touchline does enough to get the ball beyond Fretwell, Pollard taking it on drives inside, Ladbrooke tracking back does well to regain possession for Wymondham.
Emma Pollard with the ball for Peterborough
Waters comes close to opening the scores for Wymondham, the visiting side attacking right Holloway on for Nicholls moving into the channel. her pass finding Waters closing in on the area in behind central, Hudson out to the top of her area Water looks to take it around her the keeper diving at full stretch managing to get her gloves to the ball, momentarily, Waters is still with it an open goal to aim at shots the ball running narrowly wide across the goal.
Wymondham looking strong as the first half draws to a close Peterborough a little frustrated passes not coming off as intended. A few niggly challenges out there. O’Callaghan is brought down very close to being a penalty right on the line left of the Peterborough goal. O’Callaghan picks herself up to take a dinked effort in on goal the ball landing on the top of the crossbar.
Wymondham Town Ladies, Mollie O’Callaghan
Holloway on the right delivers a high swerving ball into the area Ward far side attempts to cushion a header down back across the six yard box for Waters, Hudson nipping in before her gets her gloves firmly around the ball. Frederick gets forwards for Peterborough plays the past on into Steward she turns well to get in behind Fretwell into the area shoots, O’Callaghan saving well with her legs once again to deny her.
Half-time Peterborough Northern Star Ladies 0-0 Wymondham Town Ladies
Goalless at the break, both sides with chances to open the scoring, Waters for Wymondham. Ashleigh O’Callaghan twice denying Steward. The final ball rushed at times a committed tussle in the middle, Wymondham using their wing backs well. More clinical finishing needed 2nd half if either side is going to get their noses in front.
Wymondham captain Rachel Cossey with Peterborough’s Chanade Henderson
Wymondham with a change at half-time Mollie O’Callaghan the player off on comes Rebecca Russell. Peterborough to get the 2nd half underway the ball played out to Pollard on the right she gets forwards as space opens up before her O’Callaghan out to the corner of her box gets down to claim the ball. Steward in a good position back to goal 20 out left of the D sees the ball int her feet does fantastically well to send the ball on into the box for Coulson bursting in behind from the left she shoots early the ball held by O’Callaghan at her near post. Cossey with the ball in the middle of the park for Wymondham out to Ward on the left she pushes on delivering a cross into the area Mulheron up to head clear for Peterborough.
GOAL! 5 minutes played in the 2nd half and the deadlock is broken. Wymondham win a corner on the left the ball cleared inside the box comes out to Steward left she takes the ball on over halfway Pollard is bursting on through the middle to get ahead of her the two combine Steward into Pollard she plays it out to Steward on the left wing in an advanced position she shoots from the angle plenty of power behind the ball in races past O’Callaghan to nestle in the back of the net 1-0.
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies, Cassie Steward
Wymondham look to get forwards Russell on for Waters outside the area she turns into traffic Leah Barnes and Faith Horner closing her down to win the ball back. Frances Peeling closes Ward down as Ladbrooke wins the ball in the middle looks to spread the play.
GOAL! Peterborough build on their lead quickly making it 2-0 the goal starting with Henderson pressing high in the middle winning the ball her pass finding Pollard in space on the right 25 yards out plays it back infield into Steward central she does well 20 yards out back to goal to shift the ball beat her marker and turn and strike a shot back across the goalkeeper into the back of the net to make it 2-0 with a clinical finish.
Wymondham make a change Jorja Patterson coming on in the place of Ward. The move sees Holloway come over to the left. Coulson attacking down the left swings a cross into the area Fretwell clears for Wymondham. The Norfolk side break the ball played on over the top with Nicholls breaking in behind right of goal takes the shot on early her attempt fired wide of the right post. Holloway on the left gets in behind drives to the byline cuts the ball back for Nicholls she tries to pick out Waters central Barnes charges her shot down.
You’ll see it all the time in a game a winger trying to get in behind their marker the two shoulder to shoulder, Coulson on the left ends up on the ground play continues but is soon halted the Peterborough player clearly in a lot of pain. A serious injury suffered has landed on a snapped her wrist. A lengthy and necessary pause in play follows as she receives on the field treatment can’t be moved too quickly. Not nice to witness, the football doesn’t matter in these moments. Needs to go to A&E and of course with no subs Peterborough will continue with 10. Coulson up to her feet in carefully guided off the pitch.
Almost half an hour delay before play resumes difficult now for both sides Peterborough needing regroup, Wymondham were on the back foot need to gather themselves too. Play a little disjointed at the resumption. Steward tries to release Pollard on the right, Johnston gets back on her to defend for Wymondham. Mulheron defends as Waters central tries to spin off her into the box. Ladbrooke is winning alot of tackles in the middle for Wymondham breaking up Peterborough’s momentum.
Mollie O’Callaghan with Peterborough’s Faith Horner
Nicholls is fouled 35 yards out in a central position, Fretwell to take a floated ball into the area, Hudson calls and lays claim to it. Hudson is then out to the top of her area to smother the ball as Waters attempts to run in behind through the middle. Johnston cuts out a pass a Henderson tries to play Gallagher in through the middle the rebound comes out to Steward 30 yards out left meets it on the volley her attempt wide of the mark.
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies, Chanade Henderson
Fretwell does well under pressure from Steward through the middle to nod the ball back into her keepers gloves as Horner plays the ball forwards. Johnston on for Holloway ahead of her left side she drives forwards cuts inside shooting from 25 yards out Hudson making the save at her near post. Pollard wins the ball with a good challenge on the right plays it across the face of the area to Gallagher she puts it through the back line for Steward, she shots a hard driven ball but the flag is up it won’t count. Wymondham make a change Cossey the player off back on O’Callaghan.
Barnes with the tackle to deny Holloway after Ladbrooke regains possession in the middle for Wymondham. A free-kick wide on the right for Peterborough the ball put into the area by Steward an inviting cross, O’Callaghan with a good catch not put off by Henderson closing her down. Counter attacking play from both sides Peterborough not interested on sitting on their 2-0 lead, Steward forwards, O’Callaghan winning it back for Wymondham pushed in with Nicholls finding space in behind closing in on the area, Hudson out to close her down the shot put past the advancing keeper, but so to the goal beyond.
GOAL! Wymondham pull a goal back have the ball on the right side Waters driving on is tackled outside the area the ball loose O’Callaghan up in support first to it plays it inside to Nicholls top of the box she takes on the shot first time putting the ball into the back of the net across the goalkeeper 2-1.
Laura Nicholls pulls it back to 2-1 for Wymondham
10 minutes or so left, Henderson and Gallagher look to combine for Peterborough through the middle. Newcombe defends for Wymondham. Gallagher gets up into the corner looks to hold play up Wymondham get the goal kick.
GOAL! The scores are levelled Wymondham win a penalty kick as Waters carrying the ball in behind on the right is pulled down inside the area the referee pointing to the spot. Nicholls with the ball tacked under her arm the taker. The sun low behind the ground now the goal covered in shade she opts for power, Hudson guessing right dives but the ball is beyond her Nicholls with her 2nd of the game scoring the equaliser 2-2.
Peterborough straight on the attack after the restart the ball from Steward on for Henderson getting into an advanced position Fretwell doing well tackling to deny the chance. Gallagher yellow carded for a high foot that catches Newcombe in the face as both go for the ball, looked ugly but Gallagher did try to pull out as she released the ball wasn’t there to be won. Newcombe needs treatment on the pitch another pause in play she needs to come off Cossey returning to the action.
Wymondham Town Ladies. Alice Ladbrooke
Into the last 5 minutes… a free kick to Wymondham, Fretwell with the long ball into the area Nicholls interested, Hudson though can claim it. Ladbrooke closing down breaks up anther Peterborough attack. Waters chasing the ball to the byline on the right wing cuts the ball back in across the face of goal Holloway at the far post, Peeling in ahead of her cuts out the threat for Peterborough.
Peterborough press forwards Henderson central to Gallagher her shot from 25 yards out is half blocked by Fretwell the sting taken out of it O’Callaghan gets hold of it. Steward halfway on for Henderson, has Peeling breaking up the right wing her cross in cut out by Johnston.
Full time Peterborough Northern Star Ladies 2-2 Wymondham Town Ladies
The full time whistle blows and the points are shared Wymondham coming back from 2 goals down to level the scores. An action packed 2nd half. Peterborough starting well two well taken goals from Steward putting them 2-0 up. Injury to Coulson seeing a long delay and the hosts down to 10 with no subs to bring on. Wymondham coming back into it to get themselves a point. A tough result for Peterborough in a good position at 2-0 with 11 on the pitch may well have added more as Wymondham pressed. The visitors had to work had against 10 for the point nevertheless.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Was a committed tussle especially in the middle a few contenders out there and as are my rules can pick one and one only. Cassie Steward was influential in the final third and scored two great goals. Chanade Henderson also with some driving runs through the middle. Today’s award however goes to Wymondham’s Alice Ladbrooke had a very strong game in the middle of the park, breaking up attacks and protecting the defence, tracking back and timing of her tackles was superb.
Enjoyed my first trip to the Branch Bros Stadium, sure the weather helped. The ERWFL rarely fails to deliver good footballing fare and today was no exception. Tinged with sadness of course to the serious injury to Peterborough winger Georgia Coulson, can only express my best wishes to her for a full and speedy recovery. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team line-ups always appreciated.
Like the FAWNL a large number of clubs for the ERWFL were involved in the latter stages of their various County Cup competitions at the weekend that saw a reduced fixture list across both the Premier & Division One this Sunday.
Two games from the Premier Division, 3rd placed Royston Town Ladies were at home taking on Bedford Ladies, a win would have seen them move above Acle United Women into 2nd spot in the table. As it was Royston were defeated for just the 2nd time this season Bedford in 8th climbing back up into the top half of the table with the 3 points. Lauren Murray netting a brace for the visitors with Carissa Kaczorowski and Maya Sidhu also on target in a 4-2 win. Joanne Rutherford and Hayley Elderd scoring the goals for Royston.
AFC Dunstable have at times struggled for players to fulfil fixtures this Sunday they had just the 8 available as they took on Colney Heath Ladies at home. Injury seeing them down to 7, Colney Heath with the player advantage taking the lead from the penalty spot with Lucy Hancock scoring to make it 1-0, Dunstable striking the woodwork battled hard. Colney Heath going on to add 3 more goals ran out 4-0 winners. Sophie Joseph and Rianne Townsend-Brown on the scoresheet along with Olivia Mari marking her first appearance for Colney Heath with a goal.
ERWFL Division One
Three matches played in ERWFL Division One on Sunday. 4th placed Stevenage Ladies Reserves finally with a game on after a few postponements were at home taking on Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies. Midfielder Sherrie Evans putting the hosts into a 12th minutes lead. Stevenage giving a penalty away midway through the 1st half Alison Wrights spot kick in off the post to make it 1-1. The sides drawing at half-time. Evans was on target for her 2nd of the game 10 minutes into the 2nd half. That how the score remained heading into the final minute Wright put through on goal setting her shot up over the advancing keeper to see Histon equalise for the 2nd time in the match and take away a share of the points.
Hertford Town Ladies resurgence continues as they extend their unbeaten run to 4 matches in Division One with a home win over Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies this Sunday. Hertford holding a 2-1 lead at the break going on to score a 3rd goal in the 2nd half to secure their 2nd win of the season. Their goals coming from Rhiann Patmore (pictured), Chloe Ring & Olivia Worsfold. Rosy Wodhams with the 1st half goal for Hoddesdon.
Hatfield Peverel Ladies were the winners on Sunday, their 1st since joining the ERWFL this season 3 points all coming from draws prior. The Essex side have struggled for goals this season the lowest scorers in the league by far with just 3 before this Sunday have brought in a few new faces to bolster the squad recently performances improving as a result, the win on the board at last were at home to fellow strugglers Bishops Stortford Ladies. Jasmine Cox adding a goal threat for Hatfield Peverel scoring her 2nd goal in 3 appearances. Victoria King getting on the scoresheet too with her 1st goal of the season in a 2-0 win that takes Hatfield Peverel off the bottom of the table.
