Category Archives: FA Women’s Cup

Match Report – Newmarket Town Ladies v Histon Ladies

Sunday 3rd September

The Road to Wembley begins here. The SSE FA Women’s Cup begins this Sunday with 1st Round Qualifying featuring 87 ties as more clubs enter the competition than ever. New entrants to the competition across the East too with 33 sides entering at this. Today’s game is from The Ridgeons Stadium in Newmarket with Newmarket Town Ladies taking on Histon Ladies for a place in the next round.

This is Newmarket Town Ladies 1st competitive match of the season with the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership starting next Sunday. Shane Lebbon takes charge of the 1st team this season. Several players coming in a few moving on. The club as seen a number of players join from the folded Brandon Town Ladies, defender Ellie Marshall along with Frankie Torrance, Brooke Wickens. Jordanne Sillitoe dual signed with opponents Histon last season is on Newmarket’s books alone this season. Youngsters Megan Kane and Laura Bailey also join. Sarah O Rourke, Kate Silver, Cara Ager-Hutty and after today’s match Jennifer Gray formerly of Ipswich Town Ladies is a new addition to the squad. A competitive pre-season schedule against higher league with some good results along the way has given Newmarket confidence ahead of today’s match against higher league opposition.

Histon Ladies are competing in the new ERWFL Division One South following relegation from the Premier Division the previous season their 1st under the Histon banner having previously been Great Shelford Ladies. Despite dropping down a league the club is strengthening building a sustainable pyramid from youth to senior for the future in partnership with Histon FC who had a girls youth set-up the merger with Great Shelford to form Histon Ladies last season is bolstered this season with the formation of Histon Ladies Reserves which will provide competition for places with the 1st team. Both sides getting to play their home matches at The Glassworld Stadium. Have retained much of last season’s squad bringing in Grace Parker from Bar Hill Ladies. Began their league season 2 weeks ago with a god 4-0 win against rivals Cambridge United WFC Reserves.

The Ridgeons Stadium featuring a state of the art cork based all-weather surface a great looking pitch to play on. The kitchen serving food and hot drinks a seated stand beside the changing rooms. An overcast day cooler than in recent days a light breeze blowing across the ground, no rain forecast however. £350 up for grabs for the winners along with a home tie in 2nd Round Qualifying against either Northamptonshire side Oadby & Wigston Dynamo Ladies or Norfolk’s King’s Lynn Town Ladies. 

Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Eloise Hope, Yasmin Woodfield, Frankie Torrance, Ellie Marshall, Beth Woodfield (C), Jess Linger, Laura Bailey, Abbi Griffin, Abbie Marshall, Chloe Slater & Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Antonia Smith, Brooke Wickens, Dominika Szary, Hollie Turner & Lauren Deller 

Histon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Katie Webb, Lucy Julian, Claire Andrews, Grace Parker, Sophie Lanham (C), Hannah Gordon, Abigail Davies, Charlotte Westrope, Alison Wright & Sophie Hopkin. Subs – Tessa Shaw, Danielle Busby, Georgina Westrope, Harriett Wilkerson & Amanda Binge.

Histon get this FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Qualifying tie underway wearing red shirts with black shorts and socks. Newmarket lined up wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. The ball is played wide to right back Katie Webb she looks to send the ball on down the line for Abigail Davies on the wing ahead of her making the run Davies catches the Newmarket defence flat footed but that goes against her as she has strayed offside the flag up halting her attack. 

Histon attack early on a good diagonal ball sent through the middle for striker Sophie Hopkin to attack, Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield at centreback closes her down challenges for the ball pops loose Histon captain Sophie Lanham in close support goes for it as does Newmarket’s Chloe Slater a coming together leaves Lanham n a lot of pain on the floor clutching her ankle. The trainer is sent on takes Lanham a few minutes to get back to her feet walking gingerly in her ankle comes of for it to be assessed the visitors down to 10 for the moment. 

 Newmarket very nearly capitalise as they attack down the right Abbi Griffin on the ball comes forwards has Jordanne Sillitoe available for the ball top right corner of the area the pair play a one two with Griffin sending in a cross along the top of the area, Abbie Marshall is free to receive the ball inside the D letting the ball come onto her sends it in 90 degrees looping towards goal, has goalkeeper Keeley Robinson beaten smashes against the crossbar bouncing back down into play Histon getting it clear for a throw in on the left.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbie Marshall

Lanham is allowed back on her movement much improved. Newmarket have started brightly have the ball right side attacking rolled into Sillitoe shoots from the angle Robinson raising her hands isn’t bothered sees it run wide of her far post. Sillitoe with another strike at goal as Slater winning the ball in the middle brings it forwards rolls it into the striker top of the box right of the D cuts across the ball sending the ball wide of the near post. Histon when they have the ball are looking for find their wide players Davies right and Charlotte Westrope on the left win a free-kick that side 30 yards from goal Lanham over the set-piece drills the ball in towards goal runs wide at the near post.

 A good tempo to the match both sides ready to launch counter attacks, Newmarket get forwards on the left Abbie Marshall driving on with the ball at her feet squares a cross in along the top of the box just behind Sillitoe runs on to Griffin arriving late, Histon’s Lucy Julian at left back eases her off the ball. Up the other end Davies is constantly spinning in behind offering an outlet gets beyond Frankie Torrance this time cutting the ball square along the top of the six yard line Hopkin waiting far post, Beth Woodfield lunging for the ball gets there first putting it behind for the corner. Lanham to deliver the corner coming in near post defender Claire Andrews attacks the ball 8 yards out drills her header wide.

The game has settled down a little Histon finding a little more time in possession. Davies is clearly a threat on the right as players are drawn inside with the visitors overloading the left the diagonal ball sees Davies with and open field ahead of her Torrance races to catch the winger as she surges into the box pulling her right foot back puts everything into the shot strikes the ball hard, goalkeeper Eloise Hope dives to her left the ball strikes the post hard spinning out of play.

Histon’s Abigerail Davies lining up a strike that eventually thunders against post

Great link up play between Abbie Marshall and Laura Bailey as the pair work the ball up the left forcing their way through Histon, Hannah Gordon with the challenge on Bailey 30 yards out the ball squirms on through to Sillitoe in space just outside the D central doesn’t wait to be closed down takes on the shot putting the ball wide of the left goalpost. Slater out for Griffin right side she takes on the defender ahead of her getting past her into the box, Grace Parker dives forwards into challenge the ball sending it out for the throw in. Keeping the ball alive Newmarket flash a cross in towards the near post Robinson claims the low ball well.

  A good spell for Newmarket more attacking down the right the high ball into the area is attacked by Bailey getting forwards doesn’t get a clean header the ball remains in play Abbie Marshall sees her shot blocked by Andrews before Robinson grabs the ball into her body. Is an exciting opening half an hour both sides creating chances Histon build from the back the ball into Alison Wright on long for Davies on the right running beyond the Newmarket defend screws the ball back towards the top of the area right side, Gordon advancing looks to get onto the end of it, so to does Newmarket central defender Ellie Marshall the ball is caught in between the pair could go anywhere as it is it loops up and back across the six yard box, falling for Hopkin she attempts to strike it on the volley a difficult chance can’t direct it on target.

Histon’s Katie Webb with Newmarket’s Abbie Marshall

Robinson is called into action making a good save for Histon as Newmarket get hold of the ball in the middle Jess Linger on for Bailey sends the ball on for Abbie Marshall coming inside from the left takes the ball across the face of the area moving right 20 yards out finds room for a shot driven in low skipping off the surface Robinson getting down pushes the ball away from her goal. Marshall comes off after the attack as Newmarket make their 1st change of the match early on, Brooke Wickens joining the game taking up the position vacant by Marshall on the left.

 Wickens 1st taste of the action is to have the ball smashed into her chest from a yard out, the referee stops play seeing she needs a moment to recover clearly winded. Davies remains a handful on the right enjoying a good tussle with Torrance at left back the latter sliding in to give away the corner as Davies drives for the byline. A pacy ball put into a great area by Lanham into the six yard box, Gordon closest can’t untangle her legs to get it turned towards goal. A bit of momentum with Histon as the 1st half draws to a close Hopkins coming deeper for the ball rolled into her feet 25 yards out left of goal turns and strikes it goalwards. A confident save by Hope the ball coming at her with pace head high is well positioned palms the ball down and collects.

Histon Ladies, Hannah Gordon

 

GOAL! 2 minutes left in the 1st half and the deadlock is broken. Histon have a free-kick wide on the right after Davies is fouled. Players come forwards as Gordon sets the ball on the ground. Sent in long to the far post a vicious delivery is attacked by Wright from 3 yards out a glancing header it runs on for Westrope beyond her she sends her header inside the post to give Histon the lead 0-1.

Histon Ladies, Charlotte Westrope

Newmarket go on the attack straight from the restart the ball into Wickens on the left her cross is fired in hard across the face of the Histon goal, Robinson going to ground far post does enough to put of Griffin arriving late out of play a goal kick given. Histon with Lanham onto Wright into Hopkin through the middle back to goal Hopkin a long way out rolls her marker and shoots the ball straight at Hope.

GOAL! Newmarket get themselves back on level terms right on the stroke of half-time breaking up a Histon attack at the back counter with purpose Torrance at left back forwards for Wickens she passes it inside for Bailey bombing forwards through the middle outside the D thinks about the shot hesitates a second by then she spots Griffin advancing into the box from the right her pass to her inch perfect Griffin shoots rifling the ball into the top corner 1-1. The final action of the 1st half.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbi Griffin

Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 1-1 Histon Ladies

  A really interesting 1st half of football a close contest with plenty of action, Newmarket if anything might have felt they should be leading 1st half only to go a goal down getting back into it with the last attack of the half. All level sets the game up perfectly for the 2nd half. Early on it looked to be shaping up for a close contest which way it will go 2nd half? Could go either way, was excited to find out as the two sides returned for the 2nd half.

No changes for either side at the break as Newmarket get things underway, Histon’s Wright looks to be playing further up the field in support of Hopkin up top. The visitors start brightly on the attack the ball won played up to Wright moving left sends a cross in cut out by Beth Woodfield. Histon regain possession a 2nd ball into the box is cleared for a corner kick on the left. Lanham puts the delivery long towards the top of the area Westrope has a free header sends the ball over the crossbar. Pressing the ball a high tempo Histon push on with Wright again on the left her cross driven in low is collected by Hope covering her near post.

Histon Ladies, Alison Wright

For several minutes Histon have Newmarket back on their heels at the start of the 2nd half the pressure is relieved with a throw won deep on the left the ball throw square squirms through for Griffin to steal into the box turns and unleashes a shot sending the ball up over the crossbar.

GOAL! Histon might have started the 2nd half the better however it is Newmarket who get themselves the goal to lead the game with 57 minutes played. A corner won on the right Linger coming to take it a good delivery sent high into the six yard box, is attacked a yellow shirt leaping high flies on over her and onto Beth Woodfield central who directs the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

A blow for Histon after their good start is further struck after goalkeeper Robinson accidentally handles the ball out of her area as she goes to kick the ball up-field A free-kick awarded to Newmarket right on the edge of the box inside the D slightly to the left. Linger and Sillitoe over the ball, Linger defers to Sillitoe a direct free-kick goes for goal past the wall the ball hit hard runs wide of the far post. Sillitoe with another shot in the next attack Linger with a great ball for her into the area right of goal snatches at the ball pulls the ball wide across the face of goal.

Robinson makes a great save coming out to close down Bailey as she wriggles in behind as a ball played from halfway beats the Histon defence on the bounce the ball put behind for a corner on the left Newmarket load the box as the delivery comes in  two players attack the ball for Newmarket close in Bailey connects her effort hitting the crossbar and bouncing down Histon scramble the ball clear play stopped as they have two players down in the box. Histon build Webb on for Davies her diagonal ball in towards the top of the area Beth Woodfield fails to clear Hopkin can’t dig the ball out of her feet for a shot before Yasmin Woodfield gets to her to make the challenge.

GOAL! Another free-kick awarded to Newmarket right on the edge of the area as Robinson in adjudged to have handled the ball out of her area going to take another goal kick. This time it is costly, Linger told to take this one taking instructions from the bench with her sets the ball down and puts her low driven shot into the bottom corner of the net to extend Newmarket’s lead 3-1.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Jess Linger

 Goals bring confidence and Newmarket are energised after going 3-1 up can’t rest on their laurels however as Histon have a renewed resolve of their own Davies surging on down the right crosses Hopkin in the box sees the ball all the way onto her foot shaping to shoot only for Beth Woodfield to slide in to take the ball away from her for the throw in. Wright pushing forwards with the ball has a shot from 25 yards out puts the ball straight at the keeper. Newmarket make a 2nd change Slater coming off to be replaced by Antonia Smith. Histon make their 1st change of the game Julian replaced by Tessa Shaw at the back. 

Wright is sent clear through the middle for Histon with the game stretched in a race for the ball with Yasmin Woodfield, Hope has already made the decision to come goes to clear the ball comes off Wright runs on behind into the box Wright after it but play is brought back by the referee a hand ball spotted. Westrope in a central position puts the ball on for Wright into the area hesitation from the Newmarket defence gives her a half yard running at the ball stabs a shot wide of Hope’s right post. 

A few excitable challenges flying in players diving in the midfield hotly contested but both sides enjoying the scrap the referee has thing’s well under control a few words an play goes on. The final changes for both sides Newmarket making their 3rd change sending on Lauren Deller up front for Sillitoe. A double switch for Histon as they switch t a 3-4-3 formation Lanham and Westrope coming off for Georgina Westrope and Harriett Wilkerson coming on.

GOAL! Game on as Histon pull a goal back straight after play resumes the ball put out to Davies on the move on the right carries it on strikes the ball a cross/shot doesn’t matter as the ball flies over Hope coming towards her near post and finds the side netting inside the far post 3-2. 15 minutes plus stoppage time to play.

GOAL! Soon after conceding Newmarket get up the other end and regain their 2 goal cushion. Have a free-kick awarded on the left side outside the box 25 yards out Linger over the ball with another confident strike blasts the ball in striking the near post rebounds back into play coming straight for Deller 8 yards out reacts instinctively sending the ball back towards goal and scoring 4-2.

   Histon keep going frustrated but determined the ball put up into the box Beth Woodfield conceding a corner on the left. The delivery goes long Wright far post gets up to attack the ball her header driven down back across goal Hopkin at the opposite post close in can’t get a clean connection on the ball as she turns. A few tempers frayed but again a few words by the referee and things are calmed down. Griffin and Wickens switch sides late on for Newmarket. 

 Deller thinks she has scored again and all the players from Newmarket rush to congratulate her thinking a 3 goal lead has won them the tie. The ball is played through the middle with Histon high up the pitch Deller is clear running for the ball Robinson is out of her area sliding in attempting to get there the ball is deflected past her Deller running on to score a wheel away in celebration however I’m standing behind the linesman this side and his flag was up before she and the keeper came together the goal disallowed the Newmarket bench desperately trying to get the team back into position with only stoppage time left. Newmarket keep Histon at bay until the final whistle blows and they can celebrate reaching the next round of the FA Women’s Cup.

Full time Newmarket Town Ladies 4-2 Histon Ladies

   A great watch today very entertaining and might well have gone either way. Histon never getting on top of Newmarket who grew in confidence an intriguing contest some well taken goals. A good result for Newmarket to carry into the season. They will face King’s Lynn Town Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying after they beat Oadby & Wigston Dynamos Ladies 3-1. I like the sound of this tie too so I’ll be back at The Ridgeons Stadium for the game in 2 weeks time on Sun 17th September. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   This afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match goes to Newmarket Town Ladies Jess Linger confident and composed in midfield breaks up more opposition attacks than you realise. A good set-piece taker scoring a goal and another off the post. 

 Got to love a cup game, whatever competition it is. My thanks to both sides for their help today.

The Round-Up – FAWPL 19/03/17

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 19th March

FA Women’s Cup

5th Round Proper weekend in the FA Women’s Cup where the sides from FAWSL 1 enter the competition, just 2 sides from outside the FAWSL had reached this stage of the FA Women’s Cup one of those being FAWPL Southern Division leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies. Were drawn away to Arsenal Ladies from FAWSL 1 a North London derby. Were defending a long unbeaten record having not been defeated yet this season. That unfortunately came to a crashing end as Tottenham were heavily beaten by their FAWSL 1 opponents. Danielle van de Donk scoring a hat-trick in the game Dan Carter scoring a brace their was also a goal fro Beth mead on her debut, with captain Kim Little also finding the back of the net. Chloe Kelly, Katie McCabe and Dominique Janssen all getting in the scoresheet in a crushing 10-0 win. The unbeaten run over Tottenham have plenty to play for still this season will pick themselves up and go again.

FAWPL Southern Division

Two games played in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday with none of the top for title hopefuls in action it was 5th v 6th as Crystal Palace travelled to Canvey Island FC to play C&K Basildon Ladies. Gemma Bryan put Crystal Palace into the lead in the 17th minute of the 1st half. C&K Basildon got themselves back on level terms 2 minutes before half-time, Angela Addison with the goal. Crystal Palace restored their lead 5 minutes into the 2nd half Bryan scoring her 2nd of the game. For a 2nd time in the match however C&K Basildon would come back to level and it was Addison with her 2nd of the match scoring in the 73rd minute to make it 2-2 the finals score the 2 sides sharing the points.

 In the other game in the Southern Division, bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies made the trip down to the south coast to play Lewes Ladies in 7th the sides contesting a goalless 1st half. For the 2nd successive Sunday Lewes won by a single goal coming inside the last 15 minutes of the game Kelly Newton putting the ball into the back of the net to see the 3 points won.

FAWPL South East Division One

No stopping Gillingham FC Ladies as they go 5 points clear at the top of the FAWPL South East Division One winning comfortably away from home this Sunday. Playing Enfield Town Ladies, new signing Rosie Kmita opened the scoring for the visitors as the 1st half closed in on the half hour mark. Felicity Gibbons doubling the lead 6 minutes later. The lead was 4-0 at half-time with striker Charlotte Gurr netting a brace in 1st half stoppage time. Gibbons scored her 2nd of the game early in the 2nd half. Kellie Balfour was introduced from the bench in the 63rd minute scored 2 goals herself in the 78th and 86th minute to see Gillingham extend their unbeaten league game to 15 with a 7-0 win. Crystal Palace Ladies went unbeaten in the league last season on their way to the title, Gillingham look odds on to do the same.

AFC Wimbledon Ladies missed out on the opportunity to go above Milton Keynes Dons Ladies into 2nd spot in the FAWPL South East Division One table after they were beaten away from home against Actonians Ladies. Hannah Olofsson giving the home side a 1-0 lead at half-time scoring in the 16 minute. Went on to win the game 2-0 with Alessandra Barreca scoring from the penalty spot. The win moving Actonians Ladies above Luton Town Ladies into 5th position.

 A hat-trick from Jenny Banfield helped Denham United Ladies win all 3 points at home to Lowestoft Town Ladies on Sunday. Natalie Murray and Aimee Durn also bagging a goal each in a 5-0 win.

 Ipswich Town Ladies were in danger of getting pulled into the scrap at the bottom as they travelled to Hertfordshire to play Stevenage Ladies immediately below them looking to close the gap. The visitors took the lead in the game but Stevenage hit back with an immediate response, Rosy Woodhams making it 1-1. Bolu Fisher scored to make it 2-1 to Stevenage however they could hold on as Ipswich came back to make it 2-2 before going on to score again to lead 3-2 and take the points home with them pull away from the 3 sides at the bottom looking to avoid relegation. A brace from Hollie Clement and a goal from captain Aimee Harrison for Ipswich Town.

Bottom side Norwich City Ladies suffered a huge blow in their fight to avoid the drop after their match at home against Luton Town Ladies was abandoned on Sunday after their captain, Kate Parsons suffered a nasty looking injury, an ambulance called to the ground. Thankfully no broken bones however she is likely to be out for a while wishing Kate all the best for a speedy recovery.

The Round-Up – FAWPL 19/02/17

The Round-Up

FAWPL/FA Women’s Cup – Sunday 19th February

FA Women’s Cup

The FA Women’s Cup reached the 4th Round Proper this weekend 250+ entrants whittled down to just 12 for 6 ties to see who would be going on to play in the 5th Round where the 10 sides from FAWSL 1 enter the competition. Of those 6 ties, 2 featured sides from the FAWPL Southern Division both with a home tie on Sunday taking on FAWSL 2 opposition.

Was a Midlands derby match at Pack Meadow with Coventry United Ladies, 3rd in the Southern Division taking on Aston Villa Ladies who had dispatched FAWPL South East Division One side, Cambridge United WFC 7-1 in the 3rd Round. Coventry United had beaten FAWPL 2 side Oxford United Ladies in the 3rd Round to set up today’s tie. A single goal settling the match in the end coming 15 minutes into the 1st half with ex-Coventry player and current Aston Villa Ladies captain volleying the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the box. 

In the other FA Women’s Cup 4th Round tie featuring a side from the FAWPL Southern Division league leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies unbeaten in all competition so far this season were hosting new promoted FAWSL 2 side Brighton & Hove Albion WFC. A tough test for the home side Tottenham started positively Nikita Whinnett placing a shot wide in the opening 10 minutes a fast tempo to the game two well organised defences saw an intriguing 1st half end goalless. Tottenham started the 2nd half as strongly as the 1st Whinnett seeing a shot fired across the Brighton goal come back out off the post to be met by Bianca Baptiste (pictured) who sent her shot back in cannoning off the crossbar. On 57 minutes the break through goal came, Whinnett playing the ball into Wendy Martin inside the box, turning her shot was blocked the clearance going wide to Baptiste on the left sent the ball back in towards goal up over the goalkeeper and in to give Tottenham the lead. Held on to win the game and make history knocking out FAWSL 2 opposition for the 1st time in the FA Women’s Cup. The game was covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog on Sunday and the whole match report can be found below this post or by clicking on the link below.

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC 

The draw for the 5th Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup was made this Monday and will see Tottenham Hotspur Ladies away to FAWSL 1 side Arsenal Ladies in a North London derby match. The ties for the 5th Round are scheduled for Sun 19th March and the full draw is listed below.

Arsenal Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

Sunderland AFC Ladies v Aston Villa Ladies

Birmingham City Ladies v West Bromich Albion Ladies

Chelsea Ladies v Doncaster Rovers Belles

Bristol City Women v Millwall Lionesses

Manchester City Women v Reading FC Women

Liverpool Ladies v Everton Ladies

Notts County Ladies v Yeovil Town Ladies

FAWPL Southern Division

With Tottenham Hotspur Ladies & Coventry United Ladies involved in the FA Women’s Cup and 2nd placed Charlton Athletic Women playing in the semi-finals of the Capital Women’s Cup, 4th placed Cardiff City Ladies took full advantage to win and go back to the top of the table on goal recovering from last weekends set back that saw them lose their unbeaten record in the league defeated 2-0 by Charlton Athletic Women. Cardiff City were at home playing Swindon Town Ladies. Cori Williams scoring a hat-trick in the game to take her into double figures for the season, already their were Kerry Bartlett and Chloe Chivers who both netted a brace in the match. Abbie Britton completing the 8-0 winning scoreline with a goal.

 In the other match played in the Southern Division at the weekend Lewes Ladies travelled to Uxbridge FC to play bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies. The side fought out a goalless 1st half. Lewes going on to score 7 minutes into the 2nd half with Danielle Lane on target to make it 1-0. Kellie Larkin coming of the bench scoring her 1st goal for the 1st team this season with 14 minutes left to play putting the ball into the back of the net from a free-kick to seal the 3 points with a 2-0 win move up into 6th spot above C&K Basildon Ladies and Portsmouth FC Ladies all 3 on 14 points.

FAWPL South East Division One

One game played in South East Division One on Sunday and 4th placed Gillingham FC Ladies took full advantage of their rivals all being involved in County Cup action as they continued their unbeaten run with a big away win in Norfolk against bottom side Norwich City Ladies. Charlotte Gurr in a hot streak in front of goal since rejoining the club bagged herself 5 more goals at Plantation Park on Sunday, Jade Keogh, Gillingham’s captain netting a brace with a goal a piece for Jenny Newman and Rosie Kmita who was with Cambridge United WFC up until last week. The win moves Gillingham into 2nd level on points with Cambridge United WFC who drop to 3rd are now 4 points behind leaders Milton Keynes Dons Ladies with 3 games in hand.

Capital Women’s Cup

Defending Cup Holders, Charlton Athletic Women reached the final of the Capital Women’s Cup again with an emphatic home win against Actonians Ladies in the semi-final this weekend. Charley Clifford giving Charlton the lead inside the opening 5 minutes, Avilla Bergin soon doubling their advantage. Actonians pulled to back to 2-1 with half an hour played. Two goal on two minutes from Kit Graham and Gemma Shepherd saw Charlton leading 4-1 at half-time. Charlton went on to consolidate their lead in the 2nd half, Shepherd completing her hat-trick had 4 goals to her name with 60 minutes on the clock. Bergin netting her 2nd of the game saw Charlton through to the final with an 8-1 victory where they will play either Tottenham Hotspur Ladies or Crystal Palace Ladies.

Match Report – Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

This Sunday’s football action on the SWF Blog came from the 4th Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup with 12 sides left in the competition vying for 6 spots in the 5th Round when the 10 FAWSL 1 sides enter the cup. The venue today Cheshunt FC to watch FAWPL Southern Division leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies unbeaten in all competitions so far this season take on their biggest test yet FAWSL 2 opposition with Brighton & Hove Albion WFC the visitors.

Match Report – Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

 
  This Sunday’s action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from the 4th Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup the entrants whittled down to just 12 sideLondonontest 6 ties to be joined by the sides from FAWSL 1 that will enter the competition in the 5th Round, today it’s a trip to Cheshunt FC to watch FAWPL Southern Division leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies take on the newest side to join the FAWSL, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC.

  Have been trying to get down to see Tottenham Hotspur Ladies play twice so far in 2017 but the weather has put pay to that both times around, they are enjoying a fabulous season so far are undefeated in all competitions with just the one draw in the league to date. Into the semi-finals of the Capital Women’s Cup and FAWPL Cup where they are defending the trophy. Have also reached the Boux Avenue Final for the 3rd consecutive season. A tough challenge today against FAWSL opposition in the cup as Tottenham look to be one of the few remaining FAWPL sides to make it into the 5th Round Proper. 

  Tottenham Hotspur Ladies entered this season’s FA Women’s Cup in the 1st Round Proper of the competition were drawn at home to Leyton Orient WFC a single goal scored by Wendy Martin taking the FAWPL Southern Division leaders through to the 2nd Round Proper where they were drawn at home playing FAWPL South East Division One side, Gillingham FC Ladies a much more comfortable result winning 3-0 to set up a long away trip to play FAWPL Northern Division leaders Blackburn Rovers Ladies. The sides level at 1-1 going into 2nd half injury time Bianca Baptiste scored for Tottenham in the 93rd minute to seal a 2-1 victory and a home draw in the 4th Round against Brighton & Hove Albion WFC.

  Brighton & Hove Albion WFC did last season what Tottenham are hope to achieve this time around, win the FAWPL Southern Division title. Went on to beat Sporting Club Albion Ladies in the FAWPL Play-off game back in May last year. Making their bow in the FAWSL 2 Spring Series last Saturday earning a 1-1 draw away to London Bees. Played their 1st competitive match of the season in the previous round of the FA Women’s Cup before that the FAWSL 2 sides entering the competition in the 3rd Round Proper were drawn away to FAWPL South East Division One side, AFC Wimbledon Ladies won the game 4-1 to advance to the next round.

  Cheshunt FC  the venue for today’s FA Women’s Cup tie, the pitch a good size showing a little wear has seen alot of football this season, was nevertheless firm and dry underfoot. The weather has been poor at the start of 2017 plenty of matches called off but no danger of that this Sunday a fairly mild day for February dark clouds overhead a hint of a light shower but nothing else as the two sides walked out onto the pitch.

  Tottenham Hotspur Ladies starting XI – Toni-Anne Wayne, Renee Hector, Jenna Schillaci (C), Leah Rawle, Lucia Leon, Josie Green, Sophie McLean, Riana Soobadoo, Bianca Baptiste, Nikita Whinnett & Wendy Martin.
  subs – Megan Lynch, Kelley Blanchflower, Maya Vio & Eartha Pond.

  Brighton & Hove Albion WFC starting XI – Emma Byrne, Jenna Legg, Sophie Perry (C), Vicki Ashton-Jones, Charlotte Young, Kirsty Barton, Laura Rafferty, Lucy Somes, Alessia Russo, Kate Natkiel & Amy Taylor.
  subs – Leah Samain, Hollie Olding, Bronwen Thomas & Ellie Dorey

   It’s Brighton to get today’s FA Women’s Cup tie underway kicking off 1st half wearing orange shirts, white shorts and socks with Tottenham lined up opposite wearing white shirts, navy shorts and socks. Right from the 1st Brighton touch Tottenham move in quickly to press the ball winning possession the ball is played forwards up to Wendy Martin in attack inside the box is played back to Nikita Whinnett who joined the club from Charlton Athletic Women in the summer, outside the area is closed down go Jenna Legg as she looks to turn in behind the ball lost is picked up by Leah Rawle getting forwards from the back for Tottenham drives with the ball at her feet down the left wing squaring a high cross into the Brighton six yard box is comfortably claimed by goalkeeper, Emma Byrne.

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, Wendy Martin

  Brighton get hold of the ball as it is played into the feet of Kate Natkiel helps it on out to the right wing with Alessia Russo getting forwards cutting back inside as she reaches the top of the Tottenham box cuts across her shot as she sends the ball goalwards causing it it swerve away from goal landing in the side netting. The game has started at a rapid tempo no one afforded much time on the ball, winning it at the back Tottenham captain Jenna Schillaci plays it long through the middle with Whinnett making a central run getting clear of the Brighton centre-backs, Byrne is well placed at the top of the area to gather before the striker can capitalise.

   Lucia Leon is forwards on the right for Tottenham as the home side builds an attack has support from Sophie McLean they exchange passes 25 yards out before Leon threaded a diagonal ball into the box looking for Martin near post, looks to see the ball across her body intending to take a shot, Whinnett slips her marker making a move for the ball leaning into the shot reaches it before Martin sends her effort curling wide of the post. 

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, Nikita Whinnett

  Tottenham playing 3 at the back are playing a high line, looks risky if the opposition can get in behind however they drop back very quickly went their opponents regain the ball and with Josie Green playing just in front of the back 3 the defenders either side of Schillaci, Renee Hector and Rawle can move across to deal with their respective wide players. In attack Whinnett and Bianca Baptiste on the right side are providing the width but the Brighton defence is well organised and the final ball from both sides is being won by a defender in the early exchanges. 

 

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies
captain Jenna Schillaci

Leon get’s hold of the ball inside the Brighton half for Tottenham rolls it on for Baptiste down the right wing taking the ball down to the byline into the area her attempted cross is charged down by Vicki Ashton-Jones as she goes to ground the ball rebounding back to Baptiste tries again playing the ball in towards the near post is scooped up on the bounce by Byrne. A quick counter attack the ball played into midfield Laura Rafferty plays it to Lucy Somes on the left side playing it on for Amy Taylor the striker with Hector on her shoulder heads for the box left of goal is past the onrushing keeper but play is brought back as Taylor fouled hector in the process.

  Russo closes down Schillaci taking the ball from the defender as she tries to bring it out from the back running in behind takes on the shot from outside the box, her low drive stopped by goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne diving to her left. Green carries the ball forwards for Tottenham passing it onto Riana Soobadoo ahead of her sends the ball out towards Baptiste on the right a burst of pace before playing a pacey cross in towards martin moving towards the near post, can’t get a touch as the ball runs across her races across the face of goal and out of play for a goal-kick at the far post.

  Brighton captain, Sophie Perry is allowed to travel with the ball on the left plays it on for Somes ahead of her comes in field before rolling the ball across to Taylor outside the box, her 1st time strike is blocked by Schillaci. End to end Tottenham soon have the ball up the other end over the top with Baptiste giving chase Byrne plays the ball wide attempting to put it out for a throw is retrieved by Martin who plays it back in to Baptiste 25 yards out takes on the strike her shot sailing over the bar. Brighton are getting a little frustrated are pinned back inside their half with Tottenham pressing all over the park can’t get anything to stick higher up the pitch. 

Nikita Whinnett holds Brighton captain, Sophie Perry off the ball

  Somes is fouled wide on the left with around 10 minutes of the 1st half left, Charlotte Young makes a late run to get up into the area from the back as Perry delivers the ball into the area, is over Young dropping for Hector beyond her clearance is picked up by Natkiel 25 yards out drives the ball low into the area, is blocked too many bodies to go through, running out of play the referee gives a goal-kick. The 1st corner of the game doesn’t come until the 37th minute going to Tottenham, Martin forcing the error from Young the set-piece comes to nothing. 

Brighton’s Amy Taylor looks to get the better of Tottenham’s Jenna Schillaci

  Leon steals in to win the ball inside the Brighton half getting it forwards produces a defence splitting pass to thread the ball in towards Martin centrally positioned inside the area, Legg with a superb recovering tackle gets across in the nick of time to take the ball away from Martin’s toes Young clearing the ball from the area. The last 5 minutes of the 1st half is full of promising attacks but both defences working hard to stop the final ball see very little action inside the box. Late on into injury time in the 1st half Natkiel getting the ball out to Russo right earns Brighton a throw-in, played in towards Russo outside the Tottenham area turns in field heading for the box jinks right avoiding Rawle’s lunging challenge then rifles her shot over the crossbar.

 Half-time Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

  An intriguing 1st half an entertaining game so far 2 closely matched sides testing each other out, few chances created in the match despite both sides constantly looking for an opening. Tottenham have edged the chances in front of goal although neither goalkeeper has been tested yet. Beautifully poised the 2nd half could go either way. 
  No changes for either side although Rafferty has a bandaged knee following a knock picked up in the 1st half for Brighton. Tottenham to get the 2nd half started. Have the early possession McLean playing the ball forwards into Martin with Whinnett close by, outside the area a shot comes in runs wide of goal.
  Tottenham have a throw-in high up the pitch on the right the ball is played into Whinnett’s feet turning inside pushes for the box right of goal unleashes a shot flies across Byrne positioned centrally, strikes the far post and rebounds out towards Baptiste racing into the area throws herself at the ball, flies up over Byrne coming down off the crossbar Brighton struggle to get it clear coming back to Baptiste has another go a wild strike flies high over the bar. 
  Rafferty getting the ball forwards has Somes in space out wide left picks her out with a well timed long pass, Somes looks to control and come inside top of the area thread the ball into Taylor in a central position, Leon has support from Soobadoo as the pair get back to squeeze Somes off the ball before she can deliver the final ball. Brighton push numbers forwards with purpose in the next attack the ball from Barton out to the right lifted into the area Taylor hitting it on the run is blocked at close range the rebound falling favourably for Tottenham to clear. 
 GOAL! 12 minutes played in the 2nd half and the deadlock is broken, Tottenham have a throw up on the the right inside the Brighton half the ball is played into Whinnett who comes inside with the ball 25 yards out across the face of the area rolls the ball into Martin back to goal inside the area turns her shot blocked by Ashton-Jones closely marking her the ball is cleared out to the left going straight to Baptiste, takes on the shot from distance her strike flying over Byrne and under the bar into the back of the net to give Tottenham the lead 1-0. 
 
Tottenham’s Bianca Baptiste with Brighton’s Charlotte Young
  McLean is fouled as she holds the ball up wide on the right Tottenham send players forwards into the box as Hector stands over the set-piece the ball is flighted in to the area with Whinnett making a run from the penalty spot to the near post, the delivery too close to Byrne the goalkeeper can get her gloves firmly around the ball 1st. Whinnett on the ball a powerful run on the right lays the pass inside for McLean 25 yards out central sends a high ball into the box, Byrne calls and claims it with Martin in behind her. 
  Young sends the ball long from the back for Brighton with Somes giving chase into the left corner coming back up the pitch plays it across the top of the area into Barton, shifts it looking for room to play a pass sending it on for Natkiel top of the D puts the ball into the area with Taylor after it, Green is ahead of her looks to shield the ball out of play as it runs wide, gets a shove from Taylor a bit of afters sees Taylor yellow carded. Natkiel gets possession of the ball on the right pushing forwards her cross into the area is headed away by Rawle, dropping towards Barton outside the area, has no time to see the ball down onto the floor goes for the acrobatic sends the ball goalwards too high however whistles over the bar.
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC’s, Kirsty Barton
 The game is stretched the tempo hasn’t dropped in the slightest, Brighton pressing looking for an equaliser, Tottenham wanting a 2nd goal. Ashton-Jones fouls Whinnett on halfway, Baptiste over the ball floats it up towards the top of the area, Young headers clear, falling to Soobadoo hits it back in along the ground, blocked then cleared. Legg is fouled as she brings the ball forwards giving Brighton a free-kick 35 yards out, Perry on the ball goes for goal, Wayne can see the ball run wide of goal. Tottenham make their 1st change on 71 minutes bringing on Maya Vio for Soobadoo. 
Brighton’s Jenna Legg is fouled as she brings the ball forwards
  Brighton respond with a double change on 76 minutes with Rafferty and Somes the players coming off, Bronwen Thomas and Hollie Olding. Martin and Whinnett try a one two outside the area Ashton-Jones nips in to tackle and win the ball. Russo is playing through the middle now for Brighton supporting Taylor with Natkiel left, Thomas right win a corner, Tottenham defend well threaten to counter attack, Barton wins the ball back. The ball is played out to Thomas attacking down the right fizzes a cross in towards the near post getting down falling onto the ball Wayne spills her initial save but recovers quickly to get up smother the ball with Taylor closing in. 
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC
captain, Sophie Perry
  Perry brings the ball on down the left for Brighton her cross is cut back towards the top of the area controlled well by Thomas just inside the area plays it back to Natkiel lays it out to Legg coming in from the right her ball lifted into the area runs wide at the near post. Perry again up the left for Natkiel who plays it inside to Russo sees Wayne off her line tries the lob from distance but off target bounces wide of goal. Baptiste run of running gets across from the left to the right winning a throw-in for Tottenham the ball is played into McLean plays it into Whinnett central takes on the shot places the ball straight into Byrne who holds onto the ball. 
  Into the closing minutes Brighton break down the right Russo with the ball at her feet sends in a low drive angling into the bottom corner, Wayne dives full stretch across her goal to get a glove to the ball push it with a vital save to keep Tottenham’s lead intact. Tottenham defend the corner kick. Brighton push everyone forwards late into the game everyone bar their keeper in the Tottenham half, risk the counter but need the goal get hit on the break Whinnett getting in behind on the right holds the ball up well before playing in inside to Martin a good turn before playing it on for Baptiste coming in from the left her goal bound effort blocked by Legg. 
  Into injury time and the last place Brighton want the ball is with the Tottenham attackers in the corner. The home side do a great job of keeping the ball there to see out the game and win, Bianca Baptiste’s strike enough to see the FAWPL Southern Division side into the 5th Round of the FA Women’s Cup.
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies celebrate at the final whistle
Full time Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

  A really good contest to watch this one, 2 very good sides, a single goal enough to win the game, Tottenham continuing their excellent run of form, can see why they are doing so well and glad I got down to see them at last this season. Brighton created chances but not much inside the box, prevented very little inside their box as well both sides pressing the ball Tottenham just had the extra bit of movement in their legs to get the result on the day.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  A good all round team performance from Tottenham today, a well taken goal from Baptiste, however today’s SWF Blog Player of the Match goes to Josie Green in midfield covered plenty of ground in front of the defence stifling Brighton’s attack winning the ball and a range of pass to turn a defensive position into a rapid attack.
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, Josie Green
  My thanks to Tottenham for helping me out with the teams today.
 *UPDATE* The draw for the 5th Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup will see Tottenham Hotspur Ladies play FAWSL 1 side Arsenal Ladies away from home in a North London derby on the weekend of 18th/19th March.

The Round-Up – FA Women’s Cup

The Round-Up

FA Women’s Cup – Sunday 5th February

 This Sunday saw 11 tasty looking ties taking place across the country in the 3rd Round proper of the FA Women’s Cup, the round of the competition where the sides from FAWSL 2 enter playing their 1st competitive game before the new one off Spring Series starts next weekend. Should have been 12 ties however Doncaster Rovers Belles were awarded a home win after fellow FAWSL 2 side Watford Ladies pulled out of the competition. Hardly an uncommon thing to report on Women’s Football East, but in most instances it has been at county level not the 2nd tier of the National game. Troubling times and very sad for Watford Ladies, with the Spring Series just around the corner let’s hope the club can get it together not only for the good of the game but also the fans at the club. Watford has a very good youth set-up, and some that will get a mention in another Round-Up later on.

Out of the 11 ties that were played this Sunday 6 featured sides competing in the leagues covered by Women’s Football East. It was a long trip North for Tottenham Hotspur Ladies leading the FAWPL Southern Division as they travelled to the Sir Tom Finney Stadium to play Blackburn Rovers Ladies in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup. Leading the FAWPL Northern Division this could also potentially be the FAWPL Play-off match come the end of the season both sides are unbeaten in their respective leagues with just the one draw each. For now it was all about the FA Women’s Cup, Blackburn took an early lead in the match Ella Toone putting them ahead inside the opening 10 minutes. It didn’t take Tottenham long to respond getting the scores level midway through the 1st half, Bianca Baptiste with the goal. A dramatic injury time winner saw Tottenham advance to the 4th Round draw as Wendy Martin headed the ball on from a goal kick falling to Baptiste who drove forwards pulled the trigger from outside the box sending the ball into the top corner of the net for her 2nd of the match and the winning goal. Tottenham will now be at home to FAWSL 2 new comers Brighton & Hove Albion WFC in the 4th Round Proper.

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were playing their 1st competitive game since winning the FAWPL Play-off match back in May 2016 were drawn away to AFC Wimbledon Ladies, who were enjoying a good season so far laying 3rd in the FAWPL South East Division One table, following promotion last season. An attendance figure of around 550 for the game. Brighton took the lead as the 1st half was closing in on the 30 minute mark, Ellie Dorey putting the away side in front. Amy Taylor doubled the lead with 5 minutes of the 1st half left. Brighton were then awarded a penalty in the closing stages of the 1st half, Sophie Perry scoring from the spot to see Brighton lead 3-0 at the break. AFC Wimbledon pulled a goal back 17 minutes into the 2nd half, Hannah Searle finding the back of the net, Brighton didn’t concede again restoring their 3 goal lead with 6 minutes left Lucy Somes scoring as Brighton advanced in the FA Women’s Cup.

Cambridge United WFC were on a history making run in the FA Women’s Cup having made it through 4 rounds of the competition having beaten higher league opposition along the way leading the FAWPL South East Division One table for much of the season well placed for a title push. Had been at home in the previous 4 rounds, were away for the 1st time in the competition testing themselves against FAWSL 2 opposition as they travelled to Tamworth FC the new home of Aston Villa Ladies. It was the 1st competitive match of the season for the FAWSL 2 sides, have a mixed record in the FA Women’s Cup in recent seasons some going out early others doing well, Aston Villa Ladies were in the later category having reached the quarter finals in the past 2 seasons. Cambridge started well looked like it might be a competitive tie, having tested keeper Chloe Beattie at one end Cambridge gave away a free-kick in the 17th minute on half way the ball flighted up into the box was glanced on into the back of the net by Chloe Jones to give Aston Villa the lead. Aston Villa went on to dominate the 1st half 2 quickfire goals around the half hour mark from captain Bethan Merrick and midfielder Maddy Cusack saw them lead comfortably 3-0 at the break. 

Maddy Cusack scorer of Aston Villa ladies 3rd goal on the ball

A life line for Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half as within the 1st minute they had pulled a goal back, Becky Taylor latching onto a poor pass at the back to round the keeper and make it 3-1. That however was as good as it got for the visitors as Aston Villa were intent on reaching the next round attacking at will, Mollie Rouse scoring twice to make it 5-1 before new signing Alice Hassall and academy graduate Chloe Dale both scored debut goals for to see Aston Villa Ladies win 7-1 and set up a local derby in the 4th Round Proper. The match was covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and the full report can be found below this post or by clicking on the link below.

Aston Villa Ladies 7-1 Cambridge United WFC 

Their opponents in the 4th Round of the FA Women’s Cup will be Coventry United Ladies after they knocked out FAWSL 2 side Oxford United Ladies for the 2nd time in the FA Women’s Cup in 3 seasons. Were at home this time around at Pack Meadow taking an early lead with Alison Hall heading the ball into the back of the net from a Helen Dermody corner in the 5th minute. Held onto the 1-0 advantage at half-time. Jade Brook with a screamer! (quoting the twitter feed here) doubling Coventry’s lead 5 minutes into the 2nd half, went on to win 2-0 and reach the 4th Round where they will welcome Aston Villa Ladies to Pack Meadow.

Elsewhere it wasn’t such good news for the FAWPL Southern Division. Charlton Athletic Ladies were at home in the 3rd Round Proper taking on FAWSL 2 side Sheffield FC Ladies. The two sides went into the dressing room goalless after the 1st half. Sheffield going on to take the lead in the 2nd half Sophie Jones heading the ball into the back of the net. Went on to secure the win to advance into the 4th Round, new signing Natasha Flint scoring from 25 yards getting her 1st competitive goal for Sheffield. Will be at home to Doncaster Rovers Belles in the 4th Round Proper.

Lewes Ladies made the long journey up to the West Midlands to play FAWPL Northern Division side West Bromich Albion Women. The FAWPL Southern Division side took an early lead in the tie Danielle Lane scoring for Lewes in the 12th minute. The sides went into the dressing rooms level at the break however with Trina Greaves pulling the scores level for West Bromich just before the half hour mark. The home side going on to take the lead with Greaves scoring her 2nd of the game in the 63rd minute before 2nd half substitute, Leigh Dugmore made it 3-1 with 15 minutes left to knock Lewes out of the FA Women’s Cup. West Bromich Albion Women will be at home to fellow FAWPL North Division side Leicester City Women in the 4th Round Proper.

The full draw for the FA Women’s Cup 4th Round Proper draw ties to be played Sunday 19th February, winner receive £2,000

 Durham Women FC v Everton Ladies

Coventry United Ladies v Aston Villa Ladies

Millwall Lionesses v Nottingham Forest Ladies

West Bromich Albion Women v Leicester City Women

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

Sheffield FC Ladies v Doncaster Rovers Belles

Match Report – Aston Villa Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

The  featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday was from the FA Women’s Cup. The 3rd Round Proper where Cambridge United WFC flying high in FAWPL South East Division One were looking to continue their history making run taking on FAWSL 2 side Aston Villa Ladies as they enter the competition playing their 1st competitive match of the season.

Match Report – Aston Villa Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

 
  The action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup. The clubs from FAWSL 2 enter the competition at this stage and it’s Tamworth FC, FAWPL South East Division One side, Cambridge United WFC head for one of the biggest games in their history as they take on Aston Villa Ladies.

  The 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup is as far in the competition as Cambridge United WFC have ever gotten. Are enjoying a very good season to date leading the FAWPL South East Division One for much of the season, dropping to 2nd only because their game last weekend was postponed allowing Milton Keynes Dons Ladies to take over at the top. The attention today however is firmly on the FA Women’s Cup, already enjoying a fantastic run, making it through 4 rounds to get this far.

  Have been drawn out of the hat at home in all of their other FA Women’s Cup games, starting in 3rd Round Qualifying against Norfolk side Wymondham Town Ladies, who had dumped them out of the Cup only 12 months previously. Have grown as a side since then and a influx of new players to bolster the squad saw them win the game comfortably 3-0. Onto 4th Round Qualifying and Cambridge were taking on fellow FAWPL South East Division One side, Stevenage Ladies again they progressed with a 3-0 to make it to the 1st Round Proper. Were drawn at home to FAWPL Southern Division side, QPR Ladies in form they beat the side bottom of the league above them 3-1. Southampton Women’s FC were their opponents in the 2nd Round Proper a side on a similar rise to Cambridge but playing a league below Cambridge were too strong on the day winning 4-0. Now drawn away for the 1st time in the competition away to Aston Villa Ladies. Two leagues between the sides.

  For FAWSL 2 side, Aston Villa Ladies this is their 1st competitive match of the season as they prepare for the new one off Spring Series next weekend. Have reached the quarter finals in the previous 2 season’s in the FA Women’s Cup. Have a new home for this season moving from Sutton Coldfield up the M42 to The Lamb Ground home of Tamworth FC. The Conference North have a new state of the art 3G pitch a surface the Aston Villa Ladies players will be used to having played on an artificial surface back at Sutton Coldfield. The area around Tamworth has a large Villa following and the Ladies side are hoping optimistic more fans to come watch them in action. Have retained the services of much of last season’s squad and are a club willing to bring their youth players into the 1st team, Mollie Rouse doing well last season, Lucy Shepherd and Lucy Porter step up to the 1st team squad this season all all England Youth Internationals along with Alice Hassall who has joined the club having been with Notts County Ladies last season.

  The Lamb Ground is a nicely laid out stadium. A large carpark outside. Not too far from the town centre. The new 3G pitch looks excellent, surrounded by stands on all sides, one large seated stand on one side with the opposite side and one goal end offering covered terracing the other goal end terraced. A clubhouse and bar. Sutton Coldfield always did a good cheeseburger so I’m glad Aston Villa Ladies have found a new ground that serves up one just as good. A little chilly, but it was dry a pretty good day for football.

 Aston Villa Ladies starting XI – Chloe Beattie, Lucy Porter, Alice Hassall, Elisha N’Dow, Jade Richards, Chloe Jones, Maddy Cusack, Mollie Rouse, Amy West, Bethan Merrick (C) & Tash Baptiste.
 subs- Katy Moran, Alys Hinchcliffe, Lucy Shepherd, Kerri Welsh & Chloe Dale.

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Chloe Bennett, Mollie Kmita, Laura Bright (C), Laura Baker, Dawn Mallett, Danielle Puddefoot, Becky Taylor, Laura Mills & Nicole Perschky.
 subs – Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Hollie Jardine, Paige Logie, Evie Gallop & Rosie Kmita.

  It’s Cambridge to get this FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round tie underway wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts with Aston Villa lined up opposite wearing claret shirts with sky blue sleeve and collar. white shorts and sky blue socks. Alice Hassall  starts for Aston Villa on the right side of defence. The ball is played out to Cambridge right back Emma Jenkins early on sent down the right with striker Nicole Perschky making a run into the channel, turns inside to evade the tackle from Jade Richards puts the ball into the area just inside the area Danielle Puddefoot back to goal lays the ball back to Dawn Mallet 20 yards out running onto the ball hits it hard, Maddy Cusack throws herself into the shot blocking the ball.

Cambridge United WFC’s, Danielle Puddefoot is fouled as she attempts to head the ball

  Aston Villa counter attack the ball played into captain, Bethan Merrick in the middle taking the ball forwards lays in on for Mollie Rouse ahead of her, she has Amy West bursting forwards from the left side to get into the area threads the ball into the box, West picks it up in her stride gets a shot away is gathered by Cambridge goalkeeper, Verity Crook at her near post. An open game from the start both sides looking to get the ball forwards with purpose. Laura Mills getting onto the ball down the right has 2 opportunities to put the ball into the Aston Villa box, both attempts cleared by Richards. 

   Hassall finds space on the right to get ahead of the attack, Chloe Bennett gets across to put the ball out for a throw before the cross can come in, the throw is taken quickly the ball pushed in field 20 yards out Rouse shoots from 25 yards out her strike sailing over the Cambridge crossbar. Mallett is fouled in the middle as she tried to get her head on an Aston Villa clearance. It’s Mallett to take the set-piece sends the ball up towards the area, the ball is headed out of the area, Mallett moves quickly to close the ball down 30 yards out winning it back gets a shot away pulls the low drive wide across the face of goal.

  Merrick is finding space up top getting past the midfield to attack the Cambridge defence, getting into the box wins Aston Villa the 1st corner of the match. The ball is played in high in towards the penalty spot, jumping Richards can’t get her head on the ball drops to Cusack behind her heads the ball down into the ground, Crook getting down sharply makes a good save, can’t gather the ball, her defence scramble it away before anyone from Aston Villa can follow up. No one is allowed any time on the ball, Aston Villa stretching play Elisha N’Dow and Richards both prepared to carry the ball out from the back into midfield. N’Dow send the ball up towards Rouse just outside the Cambridge box getting her head on the ball turns it goalwards, lacks power flies straight into Crook’s gloves. A busy opening 15 minutes.

  Mallett winning the ball in the middle has support from Becky Taylor she gets the ball wide to Mills on the right side taking it on turns inside to evade Lucy Porter’s challenge her ball into the area is cut out by the long leg of Richards as she lunges to stop it pushes the ball outside the area into the path of Laura Baker, meeting the ball on the half volley drills a hot in towards goal, Aston Villa goalkeeper Chloe Beattie is right behind it gets down to save the ball bouncing in front of her. 

Aston Villa Ladies, Chloe Jones

  GOAL! Cambridge give away a free kick inside the centre circle, Aston Villa send plenty of players up into the area the delivery is a good one from the set-piece the ball flighted in centrally, Chloe Jones top of the six yard box gets a glancing header on the ball taking it past Crook and into the back of the net beyond to score Aston Villa’s 1st competitive goal of the season 1-0.


  Aston Villa very nearly double their lead just 2 minutes later only to be denied by the offside flag. The build up is with Jones and Cusack in the middle, Merrick makes the forwards run moving left towards the area pulls the trigger hitting a swerving ball in low towards goal, Crook is moving across to cover the post, adjusts fantastically to throw her body in the opposite direction get a palm to the ball killing it’s momentum is stranded however as it rolls across the face of goal, Tash Baptiste following up blasts the ball into the empty net, the celebrations cut short by the officials flag.

  Certainly a competitive game, Cambridge will give as good as they get and Aston Villa aren’t shy. Cusack breaks up play in the middle on for Merrick, shoots from outside the box the effort straight at Crook the keeper holds on to the ball. Mallett is fouled by Cusack 35 yards out on the set-piece goes for goal puts her strike a metre over the bar. 

 

Bethan Merrick doubles Aston
Villa Ladies lead

GOAL! Closing in on half an hour played and Aston Villa double the lead Merrick has been all over the place in the 1st half so far and as Aston Villa build an attack on the left they win a throw the ball is played into Merrick turns and shoots from outside the area plenty of pace on the ball it is past Crook and into the far corner of the net 2-0.

  Doubling their lead Aston Villa have Cambridge on the back foot unhappy with a few decisions and going 2-0 down the home side press the advantage Cusack getting forwards is fouled on the right 30 yards out. Merrick plays the free-kick long aiming for the pack attacking the far post over everyone, Hassall at the back keeps the ball in play lay it back for a teammate at the edge of the box not a clear view of who the shot comes in is straight at Crook, the keeper down smartly dragging the ball into her body. 

 GOAL! Cambridge don’t keep Aston Villa at bay for long however as just 2 minutes after going 2 up the home side make it 3. Players are still up the pitch from the previous attack as Cambridge trying to get the ball up field lose it on the left side the ball is played on by West to Rouse down into the corner time to cross into the box, Mollie Kmita stretching as she attempts to intercept the ball can only knock it into the path of Cusack who left of goal smashes her shot back across the keeper and in score her 1st goal since 2014 to make it 3-0.

Aston Villa Ladies, Maddy Cusack

  Cambridge are visibly frustrated at going 3 goals down are working hard to get the ball back, Aston Villa with good movement on and off the ball are just a fraction ahead of their opponents evading tackles and moving the ball on quickly. Afters between Baptiste and Crook as the keeper is clattered after claiming a Cusack cross from the right threatening to dip under her crossbar. The referee breaks up the flashpoint and books Baptiste. Perschky has had little service put into her up front for Cambridge when the ball is played over the top giving her something to attack she is ahead of the Aston Villa defence only to find Beattie moving up to the edge of her area to clear the ball before she can reach it.

  Jones plays the ball into Merrick trough the middle helps the ball on laying it into the path of Baptiste moving across the D, left to right, latches onto the falling ball sending it angling in towards goal, Crook is well placed in her six yard box to get her body behind the ball. Another chance for Baptiste moments later as Aston Villa regain possession in the centre the ball played into her inside the D, works space for the shot drags her effort wide across the goal. Rouse moving out to the right with the ball has support from Hassall the ball is crossed into Baptiste just inside the area shoots puts the ball straight into Crook’s gloves.

 

Cambridge United WFC’s
Laura Baker

Cambridge are in danger of being overwhelmed late in the 1st half as Aston Villa keep coming forwards, Rouse sending the long range ball out to West on the left her cross is fired across the top of the area Baptiste latches onto it her shot blocked as Baker throws herself in front of her the ball racing back to Rouse who fires over from 25 yards out. Hassall is fouled as she brings the ball on down the right, Merrick plays the set-piece long towards the far post back pedalling Crook plucks the ball down keeping hold of it well as she falls under challenge from Richards. 

 5 minutes left in the 1st half Aston Villa have a corner on the right the ball is played short into Porter moving forwards unmarked from a defensive position takes the ball into the area taking on the shot drives the ball wide across the six yard box. Hassall surges down the right with the ball whips in a dangerous cross near post Cusack furthest forwards can’t connect, the ball cleared out of the area is won back rolled back across to Cusack outside the box she looks to send a shot wide of the keeper Crook dives to her right makes the save. 

  Cambridge launch a rare counter attack the ball Jenkins bringing the ball on sends it out to Perschky on the right side a clever turn to get room to cross the ball is angled high in towards goal, loops over Beattie dropping far post Taylor throwing herself at the ball can’t get anything on the ball to divert it into the net. Aston Villa are forced into a change late in the 1st half, Jones can’t continue Chloe Dale comes on to replace her. 

Half-time Aston Villa Ladies 3-0 Cambridge United WFC

  A comfortable 1st half for Aston Villa in the end after a positive start from Cambridge it looked like it was going to be an open contest both sides wanting to attack get the ball forwards. Taking the lead on the 17th minute Aston Villa went on to dominate the 1st half, runners from every position pulling Cambridge out of position their movement just a little sharper than their opponents. Crook with some good saves to keep the score down. Cambridge have scored 3 or more goals in all of their other previous FA Cup matches will need to score early 2nd half to get a chance to get back into the tie. 
  It’s Aston Villa to get the 2nd half underway, Merrick with a driving run through the middle over run the ball is gathered by Crook.
  GOAL! Just the start to the 2nd half the visitors needed as they pull a goal back inside the 1st half of the 2nd minute, Mallett heads Crook’s kick out from the back on, goes straight on for Perschky who controls and looks to play in Taylor making a forwards run on the left, capitalises on a mistake at the back from Aston Villa to latch onto a ball intended for the keeper nicks it past the onrushing Beattie and keeping her composure rolls the ball into the empty net beyond 3-1.
 
Becky Taylor scores early in the 2nd half for Cambridge United WFC
  Dale breaks up play for Aston Villa inside the Cambridge half plays the ball down the line for Hassall on the right, taking it on down the wing cuts the ball back for Rouse top of the area scooping the ball up off the ground her effort flies narrowly over the crossbar. N’Dow is allowed to travel with the ball from the back for Aston Villa crossing the ball into the Cambridge area the ball is intercepted by Bright, runs back to N’Dow who wins a corner. the ball swept into the six yard box Bright defends well up against Richards.
  The 1st corner of the match for Cambridge comes in the 2nd half as the ball is played into the area with Puddefoot getting forwards wins a corner off Cusack. From the right the ball is swung in centrally, Bright gets something on the ball far post knocking the ball down towards goal, Aston Villa have players on the line to clear the ball. Getting the ball forwards Cusack lays the ball out right to Hassall the cross is cut back from the byline in towards Baptiste making a near post run strikes the ball hard, Mollie Kmita makes the block. Richards turn to come forwards with the ball fires it into Baptiste inside the D back to goal lays it off for Rouse to strike from 25 yards out the shot straight at Crook who saves comfortably.
Cambridge United WFC captain, Laura Bright clears the ball
  GOAL! 57 minutes played Aston Villa have the ball on the left rolled on for West to take down the line squares the ball across the face of the six yard box, is behind Baptiste at the far post adjusts well to get a leg wrapped around the ball play it on for Rouse at the top of the box right of the D drills a low shot back across Crook and into the back of the net to restore Aston Villa’s 3 goal lead 4-1.
 
 Merrick brings the ball on from midfield riding a challenge passes the ball out to Hassell bombing forwards down the right cuts the ball in towards Baptiste at the near post shoots forcing a great save from Crook on the post turning the ball away for the corner. Played in towards Richards she is challenged inside the box manages to get the ball back to the corner taker who lifts the ball up towards the far post drops to Rouse controls on her chest far post before attempting to put the ball in at the post Crook gets across falls on the ball to save.
  GOAL! As in the 1st half having hit Cambridge with 2 quick goals, Aston Villa do it again 2nd half as 4 minutes after grabbing her 1st goal of the season Rouse gets her 2nd, the home side are attacking the ball is cleared up field by Cambridge only as far as Dale who headers the ball back towards Rouse ahead of her 25 yards out who shifts the ball to her right and hits a sweet strike into the top right corner, not much Crook can do about it as she throws herself at the ball 5-1.
 
Aston Villa Ladies, Mollie Rouse
  20 minutes gone in the 2nd half and Cambridge make their 1st substitution bringing off Mallett and sending on Rosie Kmita. Cambridge get a free-kick in the middle, Mollie Kmita to play the ball up towards the area, Bright is up from the back collects the ball outside the box left of the D rolls it across to Baker who plays the ball into the area for Puddefoot, has Rosie Kmita free to her left gets the ball into her, Kmita shoots, Beattie back on her line makes a comfortable save.
  West is played into space on the left by Rouse taking the ball down the wing fires a pinpoint cross into Baptiste at the far post six yards out gets her head on the ball knocking it down towards goal, Crook denies her again going with the ball and down to claim it as it falls straight at her.
 

Alice Hassall scores on her
debut for Aston Villa Ladies

GOAL! Aston Villa keep coming and extend their lead in the 68th minute and it’s a debut goal for Hassall. Aston Villa bring the ball on down the left side West plays the ball into the box Cusack making a near post run squares the ball across the six box Baptiste overruns the ball as it races past her however Hassall is coming in from the right side meets the ball 1st time blasting it home to celebrate her 1st goal in claret and blue 6-1.

 
  Aston Villa make a change bringing off Baptiste, bringing on Katy Moran who dons the captains armband. 
 
 GOAL! Another debut goal follows a couple of minutes later for Aston Villa as one of their development players gets her 1st goal for the 1st team. With the majority of the attack Aston Villa are sending players forwards at will Moran puts the ball out to West linking up with Cusack she whips a fierce cross into the middle of the area, Dale is the furthest forwards gets hold of the ball controlling well before placing her shot wide of the keeper 7-1.
 
 Cambridge make their 2nd change with Paige Logie coming on for Puddefoot. Aston Villa have a corner on the right swung in towards the penalty spot N’Dow gets up for the header can’t direct it on target. Aston Villa make their final change Kerri Welsh coming on for Cusack. Cambridge make their 3rd change to Kayleigh-Anne Burt coming on for Mollie Kmita. Aston Villa keep pressing forwards, head coach Joe Hunt urging his players to keep up the tempo and threat as the game moves into the last 10 minutes. Merrick sends a high ball into the box from a free-kick on the right, both Richards and Welsh go for it neither connects. 
Laura Mills looking to get on the attack for Cambridge United WFC 
  West plays the ball inside to Welsh 25 yards out the striker goes for goal placing her shot over the crossbar. Mills is playing through the centre late on with Perschky wide right for Cambridge the final ball just won’t come off as Perschky lifts the ball into the area with Mills making the run across the centre backs, Beattie is out quickly to gather at the top of her area. Into injury time Cambridge break on the left Rosie Kmita attacking with the ball fires a cross into the box, is headed out to the right by Richards, Perschky picks up the ball wide drives a shot over the bar.
Full time Aston Villa Ladies 7-1 Cambridge United WFC

Full time and Aston Villa Ladies are through to the draw for the next round of the FA Women’s Cup. A clinical performance from a side who looked anything but rusty good movement on and off the ball sharper to the ball all over the pitch and put on a great show at their new home at Tamworth. For Cambridge it’s a brutal way to see their superb run in the FA Women’s Cup come to an end, history made and a financial boost too with 4 rounds won. Learnt a harsh lesson today, knew they were outplayed no shame in that it’s how you respond, you only test yourself by raising the bar, going strong in the league all to play for.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  Several contenders in the Aston Villa Ladies side today, the midfielders in particular, you can tell by the report I write alot of notes and perhaps it’s the bits I don’t include that add up sometimes, certainly in this case the SWF Blog Player of the Match is Maddy Cusack great energy shown throughout the match to break up attacks before they could even start and getting forwards into attacking positions when the opportunity presented itself, plus a goal to cap her performance.

Maddy Cusack winning the header
  The draw for the next round of the FA Women’s Cup will be made on Monday and will update this post once it is made, thanks to both clubs for their assistance today.

*UPDATE* The draw for the 4th Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup will see Aston Villa Ladies playing a local derby match away to Coventry United Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division, who beat FAWSL 2 side Oxford United Women 2-0 in the 3rd Round. The tie scheduled to be played Sunday 19th February.

The Round-Up – FA Women’s Cup

The Round-Up

FA Women’s Cup 2nd Round Proper

 Happy New Year everyone and welcome to the 1st edition of The Round-Up for 2017. The 1st footballing weekend of the year seeing the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup taking place with 14 ties taking place, 28 sides all looking for a place in the next round when they may face a potential tie again an FAWSL 2 side as they enter the competition. £900 prize money for winning the tie also going a long way to help with club funds too.

  Of the 14 FA Women’s Cup games taking place this Sunday, 7 featured sides from the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One and those are covered in more detail below, starting with Cambridge United WFC’s match at home against Southampton Women FC, one of just two regional league sides left in the competition. An intriguing tie on paper both sides in great form with a fantastic start to the season, Cambridge United WFC leading FAWPL South East Division One. Southampton Women FC 3rd in the Southern Regional Premier Division with a 100% record going strong in 3 cup competitions too. 

As it was the game was totally dominated by Cambridge United WFC attacking right from the off, preventing Southampton from making any ground inside their half the home side creating chances took the lead in the 16th minutes, Becky Taylor (pictured) going through on goal into the box and sending the ball over goalkeeper Millie Peake into the back of the net. The lead was doubled just after the half hour mark, Cambridge sending players forwards for a corner the ball fell to centre back Mollie Kmita at the far post and she blasted the ball into the back of the net. 2-0 the lead at half-time. 

With little opportunity to trouble the Cambridge goal 1st half, Southampton pushed players up straight form kick-off 2nd half the ball lost on the left played on for Rosie Kmita her pin point pass forwards into the opposing D was met by Nicole Perschky sending the ball home to make it 3-0. A 4th goal was scored by Cambridge on 65 minutes with Taylor playing the ball into the box for Danielle Puddefoot, the midfielder opening up her body to send the ball across the goal into the far corner. The final score Cambridge advancing to the 3rd Round Proper. This game was covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and the match report can be read in full on this website or by clicking on the link below.

Cambridge United WFC 4-0 Southampton Women FC 

 There were two all FAWPL Southern Division ties in the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup. A special day for Charlton Athletic Women getting to play their game at The Valley taking on Portsmouth FC Ladies, a crowd of 471 in attendance, Charlton opening the scoring with 10 minutes left in the 1st half captain Kimberley Dixson with the goal. Kit Graham making it 2-0 in the final minutes of the half. New signing Katie Bottom netted her 1st goal for the club since joining from West Ham United Ladies 4 minutes into the 2nd half before Graham went on to complete another hat-trick scoring in the 57th and 65th minute. Charlton winning 5-0 to reach the 3rd Round.

A great result for Lewes Ladies at The Dripping Pan on Sunday as they ended Cardiff City Ladies 13 match unbeaten run this season to make it into the next round of the FA Women’s Cup winning the match 2-0 both goals coming in the 1st half, Rachel Carter was played trough on goal to score on the 18th minute with Leeta Rutherford doing the with 9 minutes of the 1st half to play. Lewes also the only side to take league points off Cardiff City this season too on the opening day of the season.

FAWPL Southern Division leaders, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are also safely through to the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup at home to FAWPL South East Division One side, Gillingham FC Ladies. The winning goals coming late in the 2nd half, 0-0 closing in on the final 15 minutes, substitute Maya Vio rounded 2 players to put the ball into the back of the net 4 minutes after coming on. The lead was doubled just 2 minutes later with Bianca Baptiste making it 2-0 added a 2nd goal to see Tottenham win the game 3-0 in the 87th minute.

Coventry United Ladies, 2nd in the FAWPL Southern Division were at home to South East Division One side Milton Keynes Dons Ladies in the 2nd Round Proper scoring 2 goals in each half winning 4-0 to advance in the FA Women’s Cup. Marie Gauntlett (pictured) scoring the opening goal in the 13th minute, Alison Hall doubled Coventry United’s lead 4 minutes later. Gauntlett made it 3-0 with a goal in the 57th minute, Amber Hughes with Coventry United’s 4th goal 5 minutes later.

A cup upset at Canvey Island FC on Sunday as C&K Basildon Ladies were knocked out of the FA Women’s Cup by lower league opposition. The Essex club were hosting FAWPL South West Division One side, Keynsham Town Ladies, making the long journey from near Bristol were delayed by traffic seeing a later kick-off time it din’t hamper Keynsham as they started brightly taking the lead on 10 minutes Keka Vega with the goal. Sara Sinclair got C&K Basildon back on level terms making it 1-1 in the 28th minute however Keynsham soon restored the lead Justine Lorton putting them into a 2-1 lead at half-time. Keynsham went on to add a 3rd goal in the 2nd half, Geovana Alves seeing them win the game 3-1 to reach the 3rd Round Proper.

In the final tie in the FA Women’s Cup to featuring a side from FAWPL South East Division One, AFC Wimbledon Ladies 2nd in the league made the long journey down to the Devon to play FAWPL South West Division One side, Plymouth Argyle Ladies. AFC Wimbledon holding a narrow 1-0 led at the break with Sami Bock opening the scoring in the last 10 minutes of the 1st half. Laura Low took her goals tally for the season into double figures scoring twice in the 2nd half to see AFC Wimbledon through to the 3rd Round with a 3-0 win. 

 The other results from the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup are listed below,

Long Eaton United Ladies 3-4 Brighouse Town Ladies

Derby County Ladies 3-2 Sheffield United Ladies (aet)

West Bromich Albion Ladies 4-0 Radcliffe Olympic Ladies

Middlesborough Ladies 1-2 Leicester City Women (aet)

Blackburn Rovers Ladies 5-0 Hull City Ladies

Liverpool Marshalls Feds Ladies 1-0 Newcastle United WFC

Nottingham Forest Ladies 4-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Ladies

 The draw for the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup was made on Monday with the sides from FAWSL 2 entering the FA Women’s Cup and the 12 ties are as follows;-

Blackburn Rovers Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

Aston Villa Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

Charlton Athletic Women v Sheffield FC Ladies

Millwall Lionesses v London Bees

Leicester City Women v Liverpool Marshalls Feds Ladies

Keynsham Town Ladies v Durham Women FC

Coventry United Ladies v Oxford City Women

West Bromich Albion Ladies v Lewes Ladies

Doncaster Rovers Belles v Watford Ladies

Derby County Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

Brighouse Town Ladies v Everton Ladies

AFC Wimbledon Ladies v Brighton & Hove Albion Ladies

 Ties scheduled to be played Sunday 5th February with £1000 going to the winning side.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Southampton Women FC

The Supporting Women’s Football Blog began 2017 with a trip to Mildenhall Town FC to watch FAWPL South East Division One leaders, Cambridge United WFC take on Southampton Women FC in the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup. Two in form sides going into the game looking for a place in the next round of the competition where a potential meeting with a side from FAWSL 2 awaits.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Southampton Women FC

 
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and hope 2017 will be a good one for you all. The Blog is back after a much needed break over the festive period. Rearing to go supporting women’s football for another year, got my 100 matches in last year, not aiming for quite so many this time around, but I’ll be getting about the country watching plenty of women’s football at all levels of the game.

  Begin 2017 with a match from the FA Women’s Cup 2nd Round Proper a possible tie with an FAWSL 2 side in the next round awaits. Today’s tie features two sides in top form going into the New Year, with Cambridge United WFC leading FAWPL South East Division One hosting Southampton Women FC from the Southern Regional Premier Division at Mildenhall Town FC.

   Cambridge United WFC have enjoyed an extremely good 1st half of the season, bringing in several new players that have helped to propel the club to the top of FAWPL South East Division One. With a good platform to build on for a push for promotion the club has also enjoyed a run in the FA Women’s Cup this their 4th successive tie at home in the competition. Entered in 3rd Round Qualifying beating ERWFL Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies 3-0. Another 3-0 victory at home in 4th Round Qualifying against fellow FAWPL South East Division One side, Stevenage Ladies followed to set up a home match in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup against Queens Park Rangers Ladies 3-1 the winning margin to beat higher league opposition to reach the 2nd Round Proper.

 Southampton Women FC make the long journey up from the south coast travelling the day before one of just 2 regional league sides left in the FA Women’s Cup this season (the other being Sheffield United LFC). The club has a rich history in the competition, formed in 1970, won FA Women’s Cup 8 times between 1971 & 1982. The current side are in great form this season, 3rd in the Southern Regional Premier Division with a 100% winning record in the league, have games in hand on the leading pair. A lack of league matches due to cup success reaching both the quarter finals of the League Cup and Hampshire Women’s County Cup aswell as an extended run in the FA Women’d Cup knocking out higher league opposition along the way.
  
  Southampton Women FC entered the FA Women’s Cup in 2nd Round Qualifying starting with a big 12-0 away win against Bournemouth Sports LFC. A home tie against Southern Region First Division, Fleet Town Ladies followed in 3rd Round Qualifying a 5-1 win seeing them make the trip across The Solent to play Isle of Wight side Shanklin Ladies who compete in the FAWPL South West Division One. Southampton coming away with a 3-0 win to reach the 1st Round Proper where the club was drawn at home against FAWPL Southern Division side, Swindon Town Ladies. Beat the side playing 2 leagues above them 2-0 to advance to the 2nd Round Proper.

  Mildenhall Town FC the venue for today’s FA Women’s Cup tie. The sloping pitch fairing well over the festive period a good playing surface. A good sized crowd building for the game, Coton FC U12s Girls today’s match mascots enjoying a mini-game on the pitch with some of the Cambridge players not involved in today’s game. A dreary and overcast day, but at least it was dry and fairly mild. 

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Carrie Bennett, Mollie Kmita, Laura Bright (C), Laura Baker, Danielle Puddefoot, Laura Mills, Rosie Kmita, Becky Taylor & Nicole Perschky.
  subs – Dawn Mallett, Evie Gallop, Hollie Jardine, Ashleigh Deacon & Paige Logie.

  Southampton Women FC starting XI – Millie Peake, Kirsty Whitton, Laura Gilbank, Kelly Warren, Tash Angel (C), Gemma Simmonds, Abi Fletcher, Kate Wiseman, Cassie Thorpe, Jane Yeates & Sheree Bell-Jack.
  subs – Kirsty Bell, Philippa Holden & Sophie Solloway.

  Both sides getting a practice match in before this Sunday’s cup tie to get so match sharpness into their legs after the break in action over Christmas. It’s Cambridge attacking up the slope to kick-off the 1st half wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts with Southampton lined up opposite wearing red shirts with white trim, black shorts and red socks.The ball is played into Becky Taylor early on for Cambridge hooks the ball on for Laura Mills to attack on the right side her cross headed back out for a throw by Southampton captain, Tash Angel.

Southampton Women FC’s, Tash Angel

  Cambridge start brightly keep possession of the ball inside the Southampton half send it up high into the top of the box, both Nicole Perschky central then Rosie Kmita to the left get their heads to the ball neither able to turn it in towards goal before Kelly Warren wins it back for Southampton at the back the clearance doesn’t go far the ball on the left played across field to Mills in space on the right wing drives down the touch line winning a corner of Laura Gilbank in the corner. Playing a high line Cambridge are defending on half-way both their full-backs Emma Jenkins on the right and Carrie Bennett on the left win their tackles again Southampton’s Jane Yeates and Cassie Thorpe as they look to get in behind on the flanks.

  Danielle Puddefoot is fouled inside the Southampton half in a central position a chance for players to go forwards from the back with Laura Baker over the set-piece plays it up towards the top of the area with Cambridge captain, Laura Bright stood left of the D heads the ball on Taylor getting onto the end of the ball pulls the trigger Millie Peake in the Southampton goal down smartly to make the save, play however is halted by he linesman’s raised flag, Taylor just offside.

   All Cambridge at the start of the game pressing all over the pitch giving Southampton no time on the ball, Perschky pressing a back pass to the keeper gets Cambridge a throw on the left the ball is put in field Taylor stretching for the ball pushes in on for Mills coming in from the right outside the box 20 yards shoots the ball held by Peake at her near post. After a frantic opening 10 minutes the game settles down a little, Cambridge keeping it tight at the back Abi Fletcher gets the ball up to Sheree Bell-Jack leading the line for Southampton closely marked by Bright isn’t allowed to turn as she brings the ball down.

Abi Fletcher looking to bring the ball forwards
for Southampton Women FC

  Bennett comes on with the ball, Rosie Kmita ahead of her on the left gets down the line playing the ball into the box her low drive too close to Peake coming across to narrow the angle the goalkeeper claiming the ball. Taylor is seeing lot of the ball for Cambridge playing in the no 10 role very nearly threads the ball through to Rosie Kmita making a central run into the area, Warren going with her winning the ball just inside the box. 

   Mills wins the 1st corner of the game for Cambridge on the right, the ball played towards to top of ht box by Rosie Kmita, Puddefoot looking to get her head on the ball clatters into her twin sister Mollie leaving her floored as the ball bounces in the six yard box Peake pushing it wide and behind for a 2nd corner. This time Mollie Kmita is behind Puddefoot at the top of the top of the box gets something on the ball sending it goalwards Southampton head it clear pushed further out Baker coming to meet the ball on the half volley drives a shot in towards goal Peake diving to her right makes the save pushing the ball  away for a corner on the left, the ball is swung in near post Southampton win the ball the clearance goes straight to Rosie Kmita who sends a shot back in towards the near post from the left the ball easily held by Peake.

Danielle Puddefoot clattered into team mate Mollie Kmita as she wins the ball from the corner

  GOAL! 16 minutes in and it has all been Cambridge in attack, they get the goal for their positive start, Taylor the scorer, busy in the opening quarter hour of the match presses the ball high up the pitch winning it as Southampton look to get forwards in the middle drives towards the box getting past another challenge into the area left side of goal sends the ball up and over Peake into the back of the net beyond 1-0.

Becky Taylor opens the scoring for Cambridge United WFC

   Taylor is almost put through on goal minutes later as she looks to get onto the bed of a forward ball from Rosie Kmita bringing it on up the left, Warren with the tackle to prevent a shot for Southampton the ball out for a throw on the left. Southampton are awarded a free kick on the right inside the Cambridge half a chance for the away side to send players forwards, Warren to take it the ball cleared at the top of the area back to her drives down the line Bennett closing hr down conceding the throw leads to a corner kick that is claimed confidently by Cambridge goalkeeper, Verity Crook in the middle of her six yard box.

   Cambridge counter the ball up to Perschky through the middle Rosie Kmita charging forwards on the left has space to run into the pass finds her puts in an early cross, Angel racing back towards her goal slides in to win the ball. Yeates looks to knock the ball past Jenkins the Cambridge full-back stretching out a leg to win the ball wins it brings it on playing a great ball up the line for Mills to chase after getting to the ball whips a cross into the middle of the Southampton six yard box, picks out Perschky free her 1st touch taking the ball past Peake, looks to have scored the ball however comes back of the post and Southampton recover to clear the danger.

  GOAL! 33 minutes into the 1st half and Cambridge double their lead win a corner on the right, play paused as Southampton’s Yeates receives treatment on the far side of the pitch. Mollie Kmita comes over to the dugouts to take on some water before running back into position inside the box for the set piece as twin sister Rosie plays the ball in towards the near post a glancing header from the leaping Taylor the ball helped onto the centre of the six yard box a Southampton defender pushes it out towards the far post Mollie Kmita unmarked sees the ball coming straight at her one thing on her mind hit it and hit it hard! Blasts the ball into the back of the net no stopping that shot 2-0.

 

Mollie Kmita busts the back of the net scoring
Cambridge United WFC’s 2nd goal

Cambridge have dominated play 1st half and that continues as Jenkins gets possession of the ball on the right pushes on down the wing winning a corner kick, the ball sent up towards the top of the Southampton area, the ball headed clear is picked up by Puddefoot back to goal lays it back into Baker who shoots from 25 yards out her effort sailing over the crossbar. 

  Chances up front have been few and far between for Southampton 1st half yet to register a shot in the match get some joy down the left doubling up with Thorpe sending the cross from deep long looking to pick out Yeates coming in from the right side into the six yard box, can’t bring the ball under control far post with Crook getting across to pressure the attacker.

  Peake is on had to gather the ball at her left post as Rosie Kmita sends a low drove from 20 yards in towards goal for Cambridge. Jenkins and Mills link up on the right side the ball cut inside plays the ball into the area Warren beating Perschky to the ball before Angel clears. into the closing minutes of the 1st half Baker is fouled by Southampton’s Whitton as she looks to send Mills clear on the right. The free kick in a central position is dealt with by Gilbank in side the area. Thorpe attacking left side for Southampton cuts her cross along the face of the area, Mollie Kmita intercepting before, Bell-Jack and latch onto the ball. Rosie Kmita with a shot from 25 yards out on the left as she latches onto a loose pass is held by Peake getting across her goal.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 2-0 Southampton Women FC

  A strong 1st half from Cambridge United WFC sees them take a 2-0 lead into the dressing room at half-time. Started well and continued the tempo through the half, pressing well as a team all over the pitch creating plenty of opportunities in the final 3rd. Southampton have struggled to match the tempo set by their opponents not afforded any time on the ball have been unable to get in behind and have yet to test Crook in goal. 2-0 however means they are far from out of the game if they cane regroup and come out better 2nd half, a cliche but the next goal is key as the two sides come out for the 2nd half.
  Southampton make a change at the start of the 2nd half with Kirsty Bell, now wearing th captains armband coming on for Fletcher as they kick-off the 2nd half attacking up the slope.
  GOAL! Southampton push players forwards from kick-off closing down the Cambridge back-line the ball is lost with Bennett on the left played long with Rosie Kmita on the move down the pitch the ball coming into her sends it on towards the Southampton area with Perschky timing her run to perfection inside the D the ball landing it her feet shoots sending the ball flying over Peake and into the back of the net to make it 3-0 to Cambridge.

Nicole Perschky extends Cambridge’s lead early in the 2nd half

  Cambridge have a free-kick on the left inside the Southampton half the ball lifted up into the area is defended knocked on runs to Mills on the right goes for goal the ball racing wide across the goal. A strong start to the 2nd half from Cambridge particularly on the right, Mills sending in a cross towards the near post again too close to Peake the goalkeeper laying claim to the ball. Taylor picking up the ball from a deep position in the middle lifts it up towards the top of the box Perschky tries to help it on bringing it down on her chest, Angel marking prevents her getting in behind.

  Yeates is struggling for Southampton her legs cramping up in discomfort can’t continue and the away side make their 2nd substitution with Philippa Holden coming on to join the attack. Thorpe on the ball in the centre for Southampton plays the pass into Gemma Simmonds holds the ball up allowing others to get forwards sends it out to Holden making a run on the right, has support from Kate Wiseman the ball rolled back to her she sends the cross into the middle of the Cambridge box the ball cleared by Baker is gathered by Gilbank who shoots from distance her shot held by Crook in the Cambridge goal.

Laura Baker getting hold of the ball for Cambridge

  Southampton are getting a little more time on the ball as Cambridge let their tempo drop, Simmonds in the centre of midfield is getting more time on the ball looks the send the ball into the area for Bell-Jack, Mollie Kmita sees the ball back to her keeper, Crook sends it clear, regained by Simmonds plays it forwards with Thorpe to her left 25 yards out shoots sending her strike up over the crossbar.

  Cambridge go forwards attacking down the left of the pitch the ball played in field is gathered by Taylor driving inside towards the area changes direction shooting with the outside of her boot top of the area, the ball dipping as it falls into the six yard box, Peake adjusts her feet to dive and push the ball away to her right, Rosie Kmita coming in from the left is stretching as she attempts to turn the ball back towards goal sends it high over the bar instead. Southampton make their final change bringing on Sophie Solloway for Angel at the back as they look to change formation to 3-4-3 pushing players on with 30 minutes left to try and find a goal to get themselves back into the tie.

  Pressing the ball on the right Mills gets possession driving forwards lifts the cross in early Taylor leaping on the penalty spot can’t get a touch on the ball. Cambridge make their 1st change of the match bringing on Hollie Jardine for Bennett a straight swap at left-back. 

  GOAL! The home side extend their lead in the 65th minute, attacking down the left side into the Southampton half Rosie Kmita puts the ball inside, Taylor almost loses her footing going after the ball, does well playing the ball on ahead of her into the box for Puddefoot making a forwards run left side receiving the ball opens up her body and curls her shoot across the keeper into the far top corner of the net 4-0.

Cambridge United WFC’s
Danielle Puddefoot

  Simmonds links up with Bell for Southampton in the middle pushing on into the Cambridge half, the latter attempting the through ball into the area with Holden making the run, Crook off her line quickly is able to gather 1st. Cambridge launch a rapid counter attack the ball up into Perschky looks to play Rosie Kmita on into the area, Wiseman tracking back with her manages to get across her run and play the ball back to her keeper. Game is stretched a little even with a 4 goal lad Cambridge aren’t sitting back defending pressing the ball a couple of Southampton players struggling with cramp. 

  Mills taking the ball to the by-line right side cuts the ball in towards the near post, Warren intercepts playing it out for the corner. An inswinging ball from Rosie Kmita towards the near post Peake comes through the crowd to punch the ball away conceding a 2nd corner kick. Played deeper this time into Bright isn’t allowed to turn as she brings the ball down Southampton look to get the ball clear, Baker closes down the ball has a shot from distance the ball held by Peake.

 A double switch for Cambridge with Rosie Kmita and Puddefoot leaving the pitch, Evie Gallop and Ashleigh Deacon the players coming on. Southampton attack on the left Gilbank into Simmonds, looks to pick out Bell-Jack with her cross, Crook getting in front of her gets her gloves firmly around the ball. Taylor winning the ball right side sends it on for Mills to attack down the wing, crosses the ball into the six yard box with Deacon arriving from the left unmarked meets the ball 1st time sending it over the crossbar.

Southampton Women FC’s
Kelly Warren

  Gallop plays the ball long from inside her own half looking for Perschky who wins a throw on the left, receiving the ball from the throw-in drives in field, shoots from outside the box aiming near post the ball gathered by Peake who has the angle covered. Gallop has a shot for outside the box right of the D as Cambridge push n late into the game, her strike deflected wide for a corner kick.

  Space for Deacon to exploit on the left as the game moves into injury time takes it on before sending in a long ball towards the far post headed away by Solloway the ball drops to Mills outside the box 20 yards out drills the ball back in towards goal runs wide across the face of goal. Mollie Kmita has the energy for on last run from the back carrying the ball forwards left side for Cambridge tries to pick out Perschky waiting top of the area, Warren sliding it does enough to half the momentum of the ball, Perschky retrieves and plays the ball across the top of the box with Deacon cutting inside room for a shot slips as she pulls the trigger the ball running wide of the far post is touched by Peake as she dives across to try and stop it. The resulting corner is cleared as the referee brings the match to an end.
   

Full time Cambridge United WFC 4-0 Southampton Women FC

  Cambridge advance to the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup with a strong performance to win the game 4-0. Pressed the ball well all over the pitch everyone on the pitch contributing excellent team work, dominated early on and maintained that level throughout the 90 minutes. Southampton’s run in the FA Women’s Cup comes to an end, a little surprised having heard so much about the team’s performances prior to the match couldn’t find any foot hold in the match today, plenty still to aim fr this season however with 2 cup quarter-finals still to come and a strong position in the league.
  Something new for 2017 to end the report have been thinking about adding this for a while the New Year seems a good time to begin with the introduction of the Supporting Women’s Football Blog – Player of the Match.

SWF Blog – Player of the Match 

  Several contenders in the Cambridge United WFC side today, a fantastic team performance, the SWF Blog Player of the Match is Becky Taylor, scoring the opening goal, busy on and off the ball throughout the 90 minutes linking up the midfield and attack, creating chances for herself and her team mates.
  The draw for the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup with be this Monday and a slightly earlier time of 10:45am, will update this post once Cambridge United WFC’s opponents are known.
  My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details today.

*UPDATE* The draw for the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup was made this morning and Cambridge United WFC will face FAWSL 2 opposition with a trip to Sutton Coldfield to play Aston Villa Ladies. To be played Sunday 5th February.

The Round-Up – FAWPL 11/12/16

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 11th December

 This weekend saw the quarter finals of the FAWPL Cup and Plate competitions being played.  

FAWPL Cup

    4 sides from the FAWPL Southern Division had reached the quarter finals of the FAWPL Cup with 3 of those making it through to the semi-finals of the competition on Sunday. Cup Holders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were at home playing fellow Southern Division side Crystal Palace Ladies who had a few players out through injury and illness. Tottenham got off to a brilliant start Nikita Whinnett putting them into the lead after just 14 seconds. Whinnett went on to score again in the 7th minute to make it 2-0. Wendy Martin heading the ball into the back of the net with 4 minutes left in the 1st half to see Tottenham lead 3-0 at the break. Rochelle Shakes pulled a goal back for Crystal Palace Ladies 8 minutes into the 2nd half however Tottenham restored their 3 goal cushion on 68 minutes Bianca Baptiste on target with the goal the final score 4-1.

Cardiff City Ladies are also through to the FAWPL Cup semi-finals winning away from home on Sunday against FAWPL Northern Division One side Liverpool Marshalls Feds Ladies. Their lower league opponents holding them to a goalless draw at half-time before goals in the 2nd half from Michelle Green and Cori Williams saw the welsh side advance into the last 4 of the competition.

Charlton Athletic Women are also through to the semi-finals after being taken all the way to penalties at home by FAWPL Northern Division side, West Bromich Albion Ladies. Kit Graham gave Charlton the lead in the 19th minute at Sporting Club Thamesmead. Amy Dickens pulled the score back level at 1-1 for West Brom just after the half-hour the scores remaining that way for the rest of the game, extra-time didn’t see anyone break the deadlock the tie heading to penalties, Charlton winning the shootout 4-2 to win a place in the last 4 of the FAWPL Cup.

Making up the last 4 in the FAWPL Cup are FAWPL Northern Division side, Blackburn Rovers Ladies after a 3-1 win away to Northern Division One side, Chester Le Street Ladies.   

FAWPL Plate

   3 sides from the FAWPL Southern Division and South East Division One had made it through to the quarter finals of the FAWPL Plate. Two of those set to face each other, Luton Town Ladies from South East Division One at home to Lewes Ladies from the Southern Division both will have to try again next Sunday after the tie had to be postponed due to a water-logged pitch.

an-williams   Actonians Ladies are through to the semi-finals of the FAWPL Plate the South East Division One side at home taking on FAWPL Midlands Division One side, Radcliffe Olympic Ladies, both in 4th place in their respective leagues going into the game, a goal from Melissa Jung along with a brace by Carla Williams (pictured) seeing Actonians Ladies win the game 3-0 to make it into the last 4 of the competition.

    Elsewhere in the FAWPL Plate two sides from the Northern Division make it through to the semi-finals of the competition, Leicester City Women beating Keynsham Town Ladies away from home 3-2 with an extra-time winner to make the semi-finals. A convincing away win for Huddersfield Town Ladies beating lower league Tranmere Rovers Ladies 7-0 away from home to reach the last 4.

FAWPL Southern Division

One match in the FAWPL Southern Division at the weekend with Coventry United Ladies moving back up a place above Cardiff City Ladies into 3rd place with an away win against C&K Basildon Ladies. The sides looked to be heading into the changing rooms at half-time with the score 0-0 until Amber Hughes found the back of the net a minute into stoppage time to see Coventry take the lead. Alison Hall extended Coventry’s lead with 20 minutes left to play before Hughes with her 2nd of the game struck the ball home with 6 minutes left to ensure the 3 points were safe. 3-0 the final score.

FAWPL South East Division One

4 games in FAWPL South East Division One on Sunday, league leaders, Cambridge United WFC opening up a 4 point gap at the top with an away victory against Ipswich Town Ladies. Nicole cq-mallettPerschky getting the visitors off to a great start putting Cambridge 1-0 up inside the opening 5 minutes. That the score going into the changing rooms at half-time, Danielle Puddefoot striking the post the closest anyone came to a 2nd goal. Dawn Mallett (pictured) found the back of the net from a 25 yard free-kick 15 minutes into the 2nd half to make it 2-0 to Cambridge before they ran away with the score in the final 10 minutes, Mallett and Perschky both scoring their 2nd goals of the game on 80 and 83 minutes, Puddefoot scoring with 2 minutes of normal play left to see Cambridge win 5-0. 

AFC Wimbledon Ladies were on the road again on Sunday for a 2nd successive trip to Norfolk to play Norwich City Ladies the 2nd placed side having knocked Norwich out of the FA Women’s Cup with a 4-1 win. The sides playing out a goalless 1st half at Plantation Park it was Wimbleson who went on to take the lead Rebecca Sargent opening the scoring 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Norwich have plenty of games in hand on everyone else in the league 3rd bottom however it’s the points they need with just 1 win from 5 played to date. Paige Shorten getting the goal inside the last 10 minutes to see them draw the game 1-1 and see the points shared.

3rd placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies made the long trip up to the Suffolk coast on Sunday to play Lowestoft Town Ladies at Crown Meadow. The sides going in level at 1-1 at half-time, Molly Hall scoring on 35 minutes for Lowestoft. Milton Keynes Dons with a strong 2nd half performance going on to win the game 6-2. A brace each for Leah Cudone and captain Charly Clarke with a gaol each for Charlotte Matthews and Vicky Holland. Captain, Hannah Waters with the 2nd half goal for Lowestoft.

A big away win for Gillingham FC Ladies on Sunday in the league against Denham United Ladies to see them move up 2 places into 4th spot in the table, still unbeaten in the league with games in hand on the sides above them. No goalscorers on record yet in a 9-0 victory.

FA Women’s Cup

 One match postponed from last Sunday in the FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Proper with FAWPL Southern Division side, Swindon Town Ladies travelling to the South Coast to play Southern Region Women’s Premier Division leaders Southampton Women FC. The side 2 leagues below Swindon picking up a great result winning the game 2-0 with a goal in each half from Kirsty Bell and Laura Gilbank. Southampton Women FC will now be away to FAWPL South East Division One leaders, Cambridge United WFC in the 2nd Round Proper the tie to be played Sunday 8th January.

The Round-Up – FA Women’s Cup

The Round-Up

FA Women’s Cup – Sunday 4th December

  This season’s FA Women’s Cup has reached the 1st Round Proper, when the clubs from the FAWPL Northern and Southern Division’s enter the competition. 28 ties in total 13 of which featured sides represented in the leagues covered by Women’s Football East. 

  We’ll begin The Round-Up at Selhurst Park, a special day for the players, coaches and fans of Crystal Palace Ladies as they were playing their FA Women’s Cup game at the ground. Taking on Charlton Athletic Women the home fans happy at half-time with their side going down the tunnel into the changing rooms with a 1-0 lead, Alma Donohue scoring the goal with 4 minutes of the 1st half left to play. Charlton came out strongly in the 2nd half and eventually got themselves back on level terms with 11 minutes left to play, the game looked to be heading into extra-time as Crystal Palace defended, Chanel Yardley making a number of saves, a minute left on the clock however Charlton’s Charley Clifford scored the winning goal for the visitors to see them win the game 2-1 and advance to the 2nd Round Proper. 550 in attendance to watch the match.

   Acle United Ladies had already made history by reaching the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup the only side from the ERWFL to do so the Premier Division side faced tough opponents drawn at home against C&K Basildon Ladies playing 2 league higher in the FAWPL Southern Division. A big day for the Norfolk side and by all accounts did themselves proud with a good display at The Wellesey in Great Yarmouth. C&K Basildon Ladies with a narrow lead at half-time, Paige Wakefield scoring from a free-kick from the edge of the box in the 20th minute. Acle United defeded doggedly keeping the scoreline down to 1-0 for much of the 2nd half as C&K Basildon pressed, eventually made the result safe with 5 minutes left on the clock captain Zoe Rushen with the goal to see the Essex side advance to the 2nd Round Proper with a 2-0 win.

  Another regional side pushing FAWPL Southern Division hard in the FA Women’s Cup were Leyton Orient WFC from the London & South East Regional Women’s Premier Division. Had a tough away trip in the 1st Round Proper taking on league leaders and unbeaten Tottenham Hotspur Ladies. The score remained 0-0 going into the changing rooms at half-time. Tottenham pushing for a goal eventually getting it with less than 15 minues left to play Wendy Martin heading the ball home to see the FAWPL side into the next round with a 1-0 win.

   Chloe Chivers netted a hat-trick at home on Sunday for Cardiff City Ladies as they took on FAWPL South West Division One side, Larkhall Athletic Ladies in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup. The welsh side going on to win the match 6-0 the other 3 goals scored by Gemma Evans, Cori Williams and Chloe Lloyd.

   Also into the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup are Coventry United Ladies away on Sunday taking on fellow FAWPL Southern Division side, West Ham United Ladies all the goals coming in the 1st half. Alison Hall putting Coventry into the lead inside 10 minutes, Marie Gaunlett doubled their advantage with Jade Brook netting a 3rd goal to see the visitors lead 3-0, defended it 2nd half to knock West Ham United out of the competition.

  Lewes Ladies were at home on Sunday in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup taking on FAWPL South West Division One side, Brislington Ladies. Georgia Bridges scronig for the Southern Division side on the half hour mark to give Lewes the half-time lead. Went on to dominate the 2nd half, Danielle Lane with a brace doubled their lead 8 minutes into the 2nd half adding another goal on 67 minutes to make it 3-0. Kim Stenning scored on 78 minutes to make it 4-0 with Hayley Bridge making the final score 5-0 with a couple of minutes left to play.

  Another FAWPL Southern Division side reaching the 2nd Round Proper on Sunday was Portsmouth FC Ladies a potential banana skin with an away trip to play FAWPL South East Division One side Luton Town Ladies. Got off to a good start however taking the lead in the 8th minute Natasha Stephens netting the goal. Took a 2-0 lead into half-time the lead doubled just after the half-hour mark, Samantha Quayle having recently made her switch from Yeovil Town Ladies permanent brought down in the box the visitors awarded a penalty, Sarah Kempson scoring from the spot. Kempson added Portsmouth’s 3rd goal and her 2nd of the match 15 minutes into the 2nd half. Rebecca Bell was introduced from the bench on 75 minutes and scored for Portsmouth on 76 minutes. Nicola Henman scoring a late goal for Luton Town Ladies as they exit the competition with a 4-1 loss.

   Better news for FAWPL South East Division One sides elsewhere in the competition. League leaders, Cambridge United WFC were at home at Mildenhall Town FC in the 1st Round Proper playing FAWPL Southern Division side Queens Park Rangers Ladies bottom of the league the potential for an upset. Cambridge started the match strongly pushing players forwards creating chances without finding the clinical final touch. With much of the attack it eventually told as they took the lead on 34 minutes, Becky Taylor (pictured) latching onto a ball cleared from the six yard box to send it back over the keeper and down off the crossbar into the back of the net. The lead lasted just 5 minutes, QPR having had little action up the other end scoring with their 1st shot on target the ball rolled across the face of the area send home by Jess Traharne to see the sides go into the changing rooms level at the break.

 cq-taylor A little more even in the 2nd half as Cambridge attacked up the sloping pitch, continued to create the majority of the opportunities in attack but unable to find a goal in the regular 45 minutes the match looked like it would be heading into extra-time then in injury time Nicole Perschky got hold of a loose QPR ball in the middle and sent it out to Laura Mills on the right, driving forwards pulled the trigger from 20 yard out sending her strike into the back of the net giving Cambridge the lead. Moments later with QPR pressing players forwards Ashleigh Deacon getting ball for Cambridge sent it up into the area, Taylor after it taking it away from the advancing keep and lifting the ball into the empty net beyond to see Cambridge United reach the 2nd Round Proper with a 3-1 win. This was the featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog celebrating its 250th match report click on the link below to take you to the blog.

Cambridge United WFC 3-1 Queens Park Rangers Ladies

  A trip to the South Coast for Gillingham FC Ladies the FAWPL South East Division One side taking on South West Division One side, Southampton Saints Girls & Ladies who they had beaten 4-0 previously in the FAWPL Cup earlier in the season. Cam away with another win to advance to the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup, Felicity Gibbons bagging herself 4 goals. Charlotte Gurr returning to the club getting a brace with another player back at the club, Jay Blackie scoring to see Gillingham win the game 7-1. Rebecca Bath with the Southampton goal in the 2nd half.

  Miton Keynes Dons Ladies are also into the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup after a 3-1 win over London & South East Premier Division side Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies. A brace from Heather McDonnell and a Hannah Barrett goal seeing them into the next round.

 Was an all FAWPL South East Division One tie in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup with AFC Wimbledon Ladies travelling up to Norfolk to play Norwich City Ladies. The home side taking the lead midway through the 1st half, Chelsea Garrett scoring the goal to put Norwich in front. Georgia Heasman score with 6 minutes left in the 1st half to level things up at half-time for Wimbledon. Laura Low netting inside 2 minutes of the 2nd half starting to put Wimbledon into the lead. Emma Kirby extending the lead to 3-1 with 20 minutes left to play. The result put beyond doubt in injury time captain Jess Trimnell with the goal to see Wimbledon into the 2nd Round Proper with a 4-1 victory. 

  The match between Southampton Women FC and Swindon Town Ladies was a late call off, will be played this coming Sunday.

  14 ties in the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup made on Monday the games scheduled to be played in the New Year, Sunday 8th January, selected ties featuring clubs in the region below :-

C&K Basildon Ladies v Keynsham Town Ladies

Lewes Ladies v Cardiff City Ladies

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Gillingham FC Ladies

Plymouth Argyle Ladies v AFC Wimbledon Ladies

Cambridge United WFC v Southampton Women FC or Swindon Town Ladies

Charlton Athletic Women v Portsmouth FC Ladies

Coventry United Ladies v Milton Keynes Dons Ladies