The Round-Up

Sunday 10th November

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

 Crawley Wasps Ladies return to the top of the FAWNL Southern Premier League this Sunday. Moving 3 points clear of Watford Ladies who weren’t in action. 4 matches played in the league this weekend Crawley Wasps were at home taking on Portsmouth FC Women. Goalkeeper Frankie Gibbs back in after serving a suspension, Emma Plewa back in the squad after a spell out with injury. Portsmouth back in action after 3 weeks following a couple of postponed fixtures. 

  Crawley Wasps taking the lead soon after the opening quarter hour, Natasha Stephens running in on goal heading in close on goal as a left wing cross drops to her. Portsmouth coming back to equalise 10 minutes later a long range shot tipped onto the bar by Gibbs, Jade Widdows quickest to react latching onto the ball to make it 1-1. Crawley Wasps coming straight back to retake the lead, Plewa running into the left channel taking the ball into the box and finishing clinically for her first goal of the season. The visitors reduced to 10 on the half hour, Katie Jones shown a straight red. A player down Portsmouth battled on 2nd half Crawley Wasps eventually extending their lead in the final 15 minutes Plewa racing through onto a long ball forwards travelling into the box and slotting the ball under the keeper to see the match won 3-1.

 Plymouth Argyle Ladies continue to apply pressure to the top two in the Southern Premier Division extending their winning run to 9 matches now in all competitions. A 7th straight league win coming this Sunday on their travels against bottom side Chichester City Ladies. An even start to the game Plymouth growing stronger as the 1st half progressed the dead lock broken late in the half Amber Pollock 40 yards out hitting a rocket on the half volley to make it 1-0. Plymouth with a 1 goal lead going into the 2nd half have been scoring plenty of goals this season. Mollie Taylor making her 150th appearance for the club this Sunday making it 2-0 5 minutes into the 2nd half, heading in from a corner kick. Chances for both sides before Plymouth made it 3-0 from another corner in the 71st minute, captain Katie Middleton heading in at the near post. Into the final 10 minutes and a quickfire double from top scorer Natasha Knapman seeing Plymouth wrap up a 5-0 win.

 Yeovil Town Women climb back up to 4th in the Southern Premier Division table after a a 3rd straight league win. Playing at home this weekend taking on Milton Keynes Dons Women who themselves have now suffered 6 straight defeats in the league. Jamie Sherwood returning to Yeovil as manager in his first game in charge. An even start Yeovil taking the lead with Annie Heatherson moving out wide delivering the cross for Kelly Aldridge to score. The hosts reduced to 10 with half an hour played attacker Sarah Wiltshire receiving a straight red card. Yeovil with a narrow lead at the break. Despite being a player short creating chances, Aldridge coming close early on rattling the crossbar. A crucial 2nd goal coming as Meesha Dudley-Jones drives on to the corner of the 18 yard box and unleashes a shot into the top corner. Goalkeeper Beth Howard keeping Milton Keynes out at the other end with a double goal line save from a corner. The visitors pulling it back to 2-1 from another corner late in the game 10 player Yeovil holding on to win the 3 points.

 Keynsham Town Ladies getting a good result on the road on Sunday in the Southern Premier Division away to Oxford United Women to see their good run of results continue 7 points from their last 3 matches now after losing all of their opening 6 games following promotion to the league join Milton Keynes Dons Women on 7 points. Justine Lorton’s 16th minute goal proving the difference between the sides. Oxford creating numerous chances with a host of corners unable to get a reply, Keynsham goalkeeper Charlotte Haynes making a number of fine saves to ensure the 3 points.

FAWNL South East Division One

 One match played in FAWNL South East Division One this weekend with Stevenage FC Women travelling up to Cambridgeshire to face Cambridge City Ladies. The hosts opening the scoring in the 20th minute Sofia Castiglione netting from a free-kick. Stevenage coming straight back to level the scores Ashleigh Deacon heading in at the back post. Cambridge City retaking the lead before half-time Charlotte Gillies racing through on the right her shot across the keeper parried into the path of Laura Mills to turn into the back of the net. 2-1 up at the break, Stevenage pressing for a 2nd goal in the on the counter attack Erin Pope’s crossed ball in looping over the keeper into the net beyond to make it 2-2. Cambridge City with a penalty shout late on not given the sides sharing the points both moving up a place in the table.

Sofia Castiglione with the opening goal of the match for Cambridge City Ladies (photo credit Gary Reed)

The Round-Up

Sunday 29th September

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

 Heavy rainfall across the country overnight on Saturday seeing half the fixtures called off in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division their were 3 matches left but those featuring the top 3 sides leaders Crawley Wasps Ladies 3 points ahead of Plymouth Argyle Ladies and Cardiff City Ladies going into their match at home to Oxford United Women who held the only 100% left in the league going into the game albeit with just 2 matches played to date. Not much between the sides as they contested a goalless 1st half. Oxford beginning well 2nd half taking the lead from a corner in the 51st minute Gemma Sims with the strike. Crawley responding coming back to level 7 minutes later Faye Rabson brought down in the area, captain Naomi Cole sending the penalty home to make it 1-1. Rabson firing the hosts into the lead 5 minutes later, the lead extended to 3-1 midway through the 2nd half a corner from the left floated in to the box Darcey James up well to head the ball down towards goal to score. Crawley holding onto their lead despite having goalkeeper Frankie Gibbs red carded with 10 minutes left to play.

Plymouth Argyle Ladies were looking to continue their great run of form to 5 straight league wins as they travelled to the Stadium MK on Sunday to face Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. The hosts aiming to get back to winning ways themselves having collected just 1 point from their last 3 after a promising start to the season. The visitors taking the lead on the 20th minute wit Rebecca Dandridge on target to make it 1-0. Plymouth quickly 2-0 up as Natasha Knapman hit her 11th of the season. Milton Keynes getting it back to 2-1 before half-time, Kim Farrow credited with the goal. Plymouth made a lively start to the 2nd half extending their lead within 2 minutes of the restart with Helen Bleazard getting the goal. Jessie Jones with a superb 25 yard strike making it 4-1 to Plymouth on the hour. A great piece of individual play from Kayleigh Lane seeing Plymouth seal a 5-1 victory in the 89th minute to keep the pressure on leaders Crawley.

   Cardiff City Ladies too 3 points behind the leaders going into their match on Sunday away to Yeovil Town Women. The hosts looking to build on last weekends draw away to Watford Ladies after losing the previous two. Chances for both, it was Cardiff who edged it at the break taking the lead midway through the first half. Grace Horrell setting up Gwennan Davies to send the ball past the keeper. Yeovil fighting back in the 2nd period to earn a point equalising from a corner the ball in not clear brought under control by Katie Jones making herself room inside the box to smash a shot in.

FAWNL South East Division One

A big game in FAWNL South East Division One at the start of the season with the top two meeting at the Goldstar Ground on Sunday, 2nd placed Ipswich Town Women 3 points behind leaders Billericay Town Ladies. Both sides unbeaten going into the match dropping just 2 points each. Ipswich attacking looking strong at the start of the game taking the lead on 28 minutes a free-kick awarded outside the area, a fantastic strike smashing down off the crossbar. The ball still in play possession regained wide left a dangerous cross fired in towards the near post, Natasha Thomas with great agility getting down to put her head on the goal and place it across goal wide of the keeper into the back of the net. 1-0. The hosts doubling their lead with a more direct approach with 5 minutes left to play in the first period, Paige Peake scoring direct from a corner angling her looping ball in over the keeper to drop under the bar. Billericay never out of the game working hard to get back into the match 2nd half pulled it back to 2-1, Therese Addison making a huge impact to the side since joining the club a strong individual run down the left carrying the ball on into the box blasting in her 3rd goal in 3 games. Ipswich keeping their Essex opponents at bay to hold onto their lead having opportunities to extend their lead won the 3 points to move level with Billericay on 16 points identical records Billericay top on alphabetical order.

Natasha Thomas (right) celebrating with the opening goal for Ipswich Town Women (photo credit Ross Media UK)

 Billericay and Ipswich are not alone at the top of the table with 3rd placed Leyton Orient WFC also matching their 16 point haul, just 2 goals the difference in their record. Were looking to make it 4 straight league wins as they played host to AFC Basildon Women on Sunday. A good start to the game for the visitors Basildon’s young side pressing their opponents, Leyton Orient coming back to end the first half well the sides drawing 0-0. An early opportunity for Basildon to break the dead lock in the 2nd half awarded a 48th minute penalty, goalkeeper Naomi Ogunde moving to her right making the save. The hosts finding the opening goal with 20 minutes left to play attacking down the right the ball put on for captain Sophie Le Marchand to take aim from outside the box and beat the advancing keeper. Leyton Orient strong toward the end of the game a goalkick intercepted played forwards for 2nd half substitute Paige Anderson-Jones making first appearance to score her first goal. 5 minutes left and Leyton Orient wrapped up a 3-0 victory with Otesha Charles on target for her 6th goal.

4th versus 5th in the South East Division One table too at the weekend with AFC Wimbledon in 5th hosting Enfield Town Ladies both sides looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season. All the goals coming in the first half Helen Ogle joining Wimbledon in the summer firing the hosts into an early lead making it 1-0 inside 5 minutes. Enfield coming back to level past the quarter hour through Beth Lumsden. Captain Katie Stanley with two cracking strikes midway through the 2nd half putting Wimbledon 3-1 ahead and seeing the 3 points won taking them above Enfield in the table.

Match action from AFC Wimbledon v Enfield Town (photo credit @MikeyTheTowner)

Points needed elsewhere in the South East Division One table with two games featuring 4 of the bottom 5 sides at the weekend. Norwich City Ladies, looking to build on last Sunday’s home win over newly promoted Kent Football Unite were hosting the other newly promoted side this weekend Cambridge City Ladies who picked up a good point away to AFC Wimbledon last time out. Chelsea Garrett firing Norwich into the lead with her 5th goal of the season. Cambridge City striking to making it 1-1 for Cambridge City the visitors going on to take the lead Megan Tonks setting up Karly Tolentino to make it 2-1 a third goal scored late in the 1st half with Hannah Bodily scoring from a corner her 1st of the season. Norwich coming back well at the start of the 2nd half Natasha Snelling introduced from the bench scoring twice to get the hosts back on level terms. Cambridge City quick to retake the lead Shannon Shaw coming on scoring with her 1st touch to make it 4-3 and see Cambridge City win their first game in FAWNL South East Division One.

  Stevenage FC Women having lost 4 matches in a row with just one win this were at home to Cambridge United Women at the weekend the visitors themselves having just 4 points on the board from their opening 6 matches. The hosts getting off the a good start taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes Ashleigh Deacon with the run to set up captain Amy Makewell. Cambridge battling to keep a positive Stevenage from going further ahead 1-0 at the break. Stevenage beginning the 2nd period strongly adding a 2nd goal straight away through Gemma Biggadike her first of the season. Makewell getting her 2nd of the game to put Stevenage 3-0 two minutes later. Goalkeeper Hannah Vandersluis with two great saves to deny Cambridge getting a goal back Biggadike with a lob from outside the box securing a 4-0 win for Stevenage in the 65th minute.

The Round-Up

Sunday 22nd September

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

Crawley Wasps Ladies 100%winning start to the season was ended at home to Watford Ladies last weekend. Still leading the way by 3 points after 5 matches since being promoted to the Southern Premier Division they were on their travels this Sunday to take on fellow promoted side, Keynsham Town Ladies who were still looking for their first league points after coming up as South West Division One Champions last term. Crawley having created chances in the first half frustrated to be held 0-0 at the break. The visitors getting the break through early in the 2nd half taking the lead in the 54th minute with Maria Ledezma-Viso scoring from out wide to make it 1-0. Proved to be the winner too as Crawley sought to find a 2nd kept Keynsham at bay the other end to bring home the 3 points and return to winning ways.

   A strong challenge being mounted behind to keep Crawley on their toes. Plymouth Argyle Ladies excellent run of league form continuing with a successful trip to the capital on Sunday to make it 4 wins from 4. The visitors taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes Natasha Knapman on target from a corner kick. Five minutes later and Plymouth had doubled their tally, another for Knapman too as she put in a ball headed across goal from Amber Pollock. Knapman going on to wrap up a hat-trick 10 minutes later tapping home to make it 3-0. A 4th goal coming late in the first half to see Plymouth in a strong position at half-time with Mollie Taylor scoring. Plymouth hammering home their advantage in the 2nd half Knapman not content with a hat-trick, in form in front of goal adding 2 more. 10 minutes left and Rebecca Dandridge volleyed a shot into the corner of the net to make it 7. An 8th goal coming through and own goal to see Plymouth win 8-0. 2nd in the table 3 points behind Crawley with a game in hand.

 A similar story for 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies the Welsh side like Plymouth 3 points behind the leaders with a game in hand. Matching Plymouth to with 4 wins from 4 in the Southern Premier Division after losing on the opening day. Were made to work hand for this Sunday’s 3 points however at home taking on Milton Keynes Dons Women. An early goal for the hosts as Jasmine Turner fired Cardiff into a 5th minute lead. Found themselves up against it in the 2nd half especially a Milton Keynes came out strong pressing for an equalising goal, Cardiff defending well to keep a clean sheet to claim the 3 points.

  Watford Ladies up to 4th in the Southern Premier Division, building on last Sunday’s win away to Cardiff recording a 6-0 away win against Hounslow Women on Wednesday evening, Helen Ward returning to the side putting Watford into the lead late in the first half, Adekite Fatuga-Dada, Andrea Carid, Katie-O’Leary, Leanne Bell and Annie Meiwald with the goals 2nd half. At home to Yeovil Town Women this Sunday the visitors starting the season well losing their last two keen to get back to winning ways themselves. The visitors taking the lead in the 15th minute breaking fro a Watford corner to see Meesha Dudley-Jones score. Sarah Wiltshire with a fine strike putting Yeovil 2-0 up on the half hour. That the advantage at half-time Watford started the 2nd period well getting it back to 2-1 in the 52nd minute Ward getting on the end of a delivery from Emma Beckett to score. Ward then getting her 2nd to see Watford level the score five minutes later, heading it at the near post following good work from Ryah Vyse down the left. Both sides coming close to finding a winning goal late in the match Megan Chandler finding the top of the Yeovil crossbar in the 87th minute. Wiltshire striking a shot against the crossbar at the opposite end in stoppage time, the points shared.

Meesha Dudley-Jones with the early goal for Yeovil

Under the radar there remains one side in the Southern Premier Division with a 100% winning record. An eye needs to be kept of Oxford United Women who were playing just their 2nd league game of the season this Sunday away to Portsmouth FC Women who themselves were playing just their 3rd league match. A great start for the visitors attacking in the 7th minute Evie Gane close in to score a tap in to put Oxford into the lead. Both sides attacking Oxford get themselves into a 2-0 lead 10 minutes before half-time Kayleigh Hines with a fine 25 yard strike. Portsmouth on the attack 2nd half looking for a goal, Oxford looking to add to their lead both goalkeepers pulling off vital saves to keep it at 2-0. Late in the game Emily Allen took aim from 30 yards out her strike taking a deflection to find it’s way into the back of the net to give the visitors a 30 advantage. Time for more goals a minute of normal time left Mia Adaway firing in a goal for Portsmouth from inside the box. Oxford winning the game 4-1, with Cheryl Williams lobbing the keeper with the last kick of the game.

Gillingham Ladies getting the opportunity to play at the Priestfield Stadium this Sunday as they welcomed Chichester City Ladies young side still in search of their first point of the new season. Nothing separating the sides at half-time it was the visitors who would go on to open the scoring with captain Megan Fox sending the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0. Chichester coming so close to recording their 1st win of the season the hosts getting it back to 1-1 late in the match to salvage a point. A welcome point nonetheless for Chichester lifting them off the foot of the Southern Premier Division table up to 10th above Keynsham and Hounslow.

FAWNL South East Division One

A full fixture list too in FAWNL South East Division One on Sunday. Billericay Town Ladies leading the way were looking to keep 3 points ahead of the chasing pack as they travelled to St Neots to face Cambridge United WFC. A much changed line-up for the hosts Cambridge gave away a penalty early in the match the spot kick clinically dispatched by Danica Dougal placing the ball wide of the keeper. The visitors going on to hold a 2-0 lead at the break attacking on the right the ball crossed in central to Therese Addison outside the area central good ball control giving her half a yard she reversed the angle to send in a low strike into the bottom corner. Cambridge battling hard in defence preventing their opponents from adding to their tally 2nd half.

   Ipswich Town Women are 2nd in the table 3 points behind leaders Billericay with a game in hand away to Stevenage FC Women this Sunday were looking to continue their unbeaten run an opening day draw followed by 3 wins on the bounce. Bringing several of their talented U21s squad into the senior side this season teenager Sophie Peskett was lively from the start running at the Stevenage defence was upended inside the box to see the visitors awarded a penalty inside the opening 5 minutes. Captain Amanda Crump sending a powerful hit home. Crump doubling the lead from another spot kick 15 minutes later following another driving attack from Peskett running into the box from the left riding a challenge to shoot inside the six yard box the keeper saving only to bring Peskett down as she went after the loose ball.

  2-0 the advantage at half-time Ipswich creating plenty of chances in the first period began the 2nd period in similar fashion a 3rd goal coming in the 57th minute Crump’s corner headed goalwards going in off a Stevenage defender for an own goal. Peskett getting on the scoresheet to make it 4-0 with 20 minutes left Abbie Lafayette playing her in to turn and fire the ball into the bottom corner. A strong performance from Peskett running clear central five minutes later to strike in her 2nd of the match. Peskett the provider then crossing into the area for Lafayette to head the ball in with 10 minutes left. Peskett going on to complete her hat-trick running clear to put the ball into an empty net. Ipswich winning 7-0.

Matching Ipswich’s record are Leyton Orient WFC, 3rd in the South East Division One table with 3 wins and a draw 3 points behind the leaders with a game in hand. An early goal scored by Sophie Le Marchand sending them on their way to victory on Sunday away to Actonians Ladies. Le Marchand’s 5th goal in 5 matches. Otesha Charles also has 5 from 5 played on target to make it 2-0 to Leyton Orient midway through the 1st half. Further chances created Actonians keeping them out couldn’t find a reply the 2nd half goalless.

A tough start to life in the FAWNL following promotion for both Kent Football United and Cambridge City Ladies. 1 point between the pair so far that to Cambridge City who were away to AFC Wimbledon Ladies this Sunday. Not much between the sides at half-time few clear cut chances created the game goalless. Wimbledon getting their noses in front 5 minutes into the 2nd half Sophie Mann on target for her 1st goal of the season. A double switch for Cambridge in the 55th minute, one of those striker Megan Tonks joining the senior side following a successful season in front of goal with the Development side last term. Got Cambridge back on level terms with 20 minutes left scoring her 4th of the season to earn the visitors their 2nd point of the season. Wimbledon remain unbeaten.

Kent Football United without a point on the board travelled up to Norfolk this Sunday to play Norwich City Women who themselves hadn’t won since the opening day. Norwich taking an early lead in the match with Aimee Durrant on target to make it one nil to the hosts. Kent Football United coming back to level the scores with Charley Macneil scoring her first of the season. Norwich going on to dominate the first half Chelsea Garrett restoring the lead. Both she and Durrant through to score another goal each. Megan Todd getting on the scoresheet too to see Norwich comfortable at 5-1 at half-time. Macneil scoring her 2nd of the game for Kent Football United to bring it back to 5-2. Norwich having the final say with Natasha Snelling hitting home to see the game won 6-2 and lift Norwich up into 8th spot.

Norwich’s Chelsea Garrett shooting (photo credit Brian Coombes)

Both keepers called into action in the first half between Enfield Town Ladies at home to AFC Basildon Women on Sunday, Enfield’s Grace Brooks saving a penalty. The sides battling drawing 0-0 at the break. It would be Basildon who would take the lead in the 2nd period Holly Turner with the goal. Enfield fighting back to draw level with less than 10 minutes left Tia Bailey scoring her first of the season to ensure a share of the points and keep 4th placed Enfield unbeaten at the start of the season.

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th September

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

  Crawley Wasps Ladies beginning life in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division as they did the last season winning the FAWNL South East Division One title with ease. 4 wins out of 4 at the start of the campaign to open up a 6 point lead at the top. A 7-1 midweek win away to Chichester City Ladies seeing them go top. Rebecca Carter and Charlotte Owen both scoring a brace Crawley were away again this Sunday taking on 2nd placed Yeovil Town Women. 4 leagues between the sides this time last season, Yeovil making a strong start dropping down to the 3rd tier 3 wins from 3 in league and cup, promised a close game. B

 Both sides coming close to the opening goal, Yeovil clearing off the line from a Crawley corner. Frankie Gibbs saving for Crawley the visitors striking in the final minute of the 1st half to take a lead into the dressing room with Rebecca Carter on target for her 3rd goal of the season. 1-0 to the good Yeovil starting the 2nd half well coming back to level the scores on 53 minute Annie Heatherson finding Sarah Wiltshire to curl a shot past Gibbs into the back of the net, Wiltshire’s 8th goal of the season already. Crawley are equipped to compete at this level and came back to retake the lead attacking midway through the 2nd half captain Naomi Cole brought down outside the box in front of the D, a threat from a set-piece up to take it herself arrowing a shot hard to nestle inside the goal, the winning goal for Crawley to take a 6 point lead.

 Whilst Crawley open up the gap at the top Sunday’s results saw others close the gap to 2nd. Plymouth Argyle Ladies joining Yeovil on 6 points moving into 3rd position with a strong performance at home on Sunday. Opening the season with a loss away to Crawley, the South West side bounced back well to win 2-0 away to Gillingham Ladies last weekend. Back on home soil this weekend were taking on newly promoted Keynsham Town Ladies who had lost their opening two fixtures 2-1 at home to Milton Keynes and on Thursday a narrow 1-0 loss away to Cardiff City.

  Plymouth starting well put in a good performance taking the lead midway through the first half, Jessie Jones brought down inside the box, captain Katie Middleton scoring from the spot. Amber Pollock then setting up two quickfire goals from Kayley Lane and Natasha Knapman with 10 minutes left in the first half saw Plymouth hold a 3 goal advantage at half-time. Knapman making it 4-0 with the game approaching the hour. Keynsham pulling one back as Fabiana Alborghetti netted from distance. The hosts going on to score late in the match Jessie Jones getting on the scoresheet before her shot in the 87th minute with put in on the rebound by Helen Bleazard. Plymouth winning 6-1.

   Plymouth now a host of sides on 6 points with 2nd to 6th all there with 2 wins each, Milton Keynes Dons Ladies making a fantastic start to the season winning their opening two fixtures were away to Gillingham Ladies this Sunday. A win and a loss for Gillingham to start the season like Milton Keynes have brought in several new faces over the summer. A solitary goal separating the sides at half-time, Gillingham 1-0 up after 14 minutes awarded penalty that they themselves admitted as harsh for handball inside the box Jade Keogh stepping up to score. The hosts making the better start to the 2nd half doubling their lead 2 minutes after the restart Georgia Pearch sending in a low shot off the post and in to make it 2-0. Gillingham going on to take control of the game midway through the 2nd half scoring a 3rd with Grace Harrison played through one on one with the keeper, 5 minutes later Harrison scoring again chesting in an Ellie Jeffkins free-kick. Milton Keynes rallying finishing strong, chances created into the last 5 minutes new signing Jessica Driscoll scoring from a free-kick, a 2nd added in the 88th minute with another new recruit Dominika Netschova making it 4-2, not enough as they lose their first league game dropping to 4th, Gillingham joining the top half sides on 6 points.

   Cardiff City Ladies the other side in amongst the top half pack on 6 points recovering from an opening day defeat to Gillingham Ladies to win their next two. Close games all a 1-0 loss to Gillingham, Cardiff winning at home on Thursday evening leaving it late with Kylie Nolan scoring in the 75th minute to seal a 1-0 win against Keynsham Town Ladies. A first league win under their belts the Welsh side making the trip to the north of the capital to face Watford Ladies this Sunday. Jasmine Turner giving Cardiff the lead on 11 minutes lobbing the keeper from 30 yards to make it 1-0. A narrow lead at half-time Cardiff found the back of the net for a 2nd goal 10 minutes into the 2nd half Chloe Lloyd volleying in from outside the box. Watford pushing the visitors hard looking for a reply the Cardiff defence holding firm as they secured the 3 points.

No league game for Portsmouth FC Women since the opening day of the season losing 2-0 at home to Watford, a 2-0 win 7 days later against the same opponents in the FAWNL Cup Determining Round. Playing again this Sunday were at home once again taking on bottom Hounslow Women who themselves were without a point losing their opening two fixtures. Tamsin De Bunsen capitalising on a defensive mix-up to put Portsmouth into the lead inside the opening minute. Portsmouth controlling the early stages without creating a clear cut opportunity. The post struck in the 35th minute, Portsmouth doubling the advantage a minute later with Rebecca Bath striking from distance. A 2-0 lead at half-time Portsmouth were dominant De Bunsen adding a 3rd and her 2nd of the game taking the ball around the keeper to make it 3-0 on 52 minutes. Jade Bradley blasting in a screamer from 30 yards out making it 4-0 on the hour. Portsmouth on top taking control to score 4 more Bath with her 2nd from the penalty spot. Charmaine True brought down for the penalty going on to score a brace, time for an 8th goal 3 minutes from time with substitute Eilidh Currie scoring from inside the box. 

Oxford United Women finally got their league season started this Sunday postponed games seeing them miss out on the opening day and last weekend they were in league action at last at home to Chichester City Ladies this Sunday. The visitors with a difficult start to the season losing their opening 3 league matches. Oxford starting the game well opening the scoring in the 11th minute, Daisy McLachlan joining from Portsmouth cutting in from the left to shoot and find the top corner. A strong spell for the hosts Georgia Timms making it 2-0 in the 18th minute getting on the end of a cross. McLachlan adding her 2nd of the game 2 minutes later in off the post to see Oxford into a 3-0 lead. Emily Allen heading in a goal late in the first half to see Oxford lead 4-0. The hosts continued pressing for further goals 2nd half Lauren Haynes coming closest striking the crossbar. Oxford starting with a win.

FAWNL South East Division One 

Three wins from three to start the new season, Essex side Billericay Town Ladies have started their 2nd season as they did last season following promotion to the FAWNL for the first time. Looking strong again this season in the early stages. Karissa Rodney scoring a hat-trick in their midweek 4-0 win over local rivals AFC Basildon Women. Esme Lancaster also on target. Newly promoted with Crawley Wasps Ladies last season the pair ran away with it at the top Billericay eventually losing ground in the title race finished 2nd some 13 points ahead of the chasing pack. Competitive below the early challengers are starting to emerge.

   Enfield Town Ladies finishing 3rd last season amongst them bolstering their squad over the summer travelled to Billericay this Sunday. Winning 5-1 away to Stevenage Women in midweek also had a player o target for a hat-trick, Beth Lumsden one of their new signings with Nuala McKevitt and Katherine Long also scoring. Two wins and a draw from their opening three fixtures Enfield found themselves trailing to an early goal as Karissa Rodney was on target for her 5th goal of the season. Enfield getting back on level terms with 10 minutes left in the 1st half winning a penalty Beth Lumsden stepping up to score to see the sides level at half-time. Both sides coming close in the 2nd half Grace Brooks saving in goal for Enfield the visitors with a goal ruled out for offside. A point a piece at the final whistle.

Karissa Rodney scoring to put Billericay Town Ladies into the lead (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

Two points dropped for Billericay sees the chasing pack close up Enfield stay 3rd, in between the pair joining Billericay on 10 points are Ipswich Town Women. Opening their season with a draw Ipswich have since won 3 on the bounce although they left it late to win the 3 points this Sunday at home to Actonians Ladies. Ipswich coming into the game off the back of a midweek East Anglian derby win at home to Norwich City Women the game watched by a huge crowd of 761 Ipswich won 4-1. Actonians winning too in midweek playing their rearranged FAWNL Cup Determining Round game with AFC Wimbledon Ladies winning 2-0. 

  Ipswich getting off to a good start at The Goldstar Ground the hosts leading 1-0 inside the opening 10 minutes with Sophie Peskett scoring the goal. Actonians getting through on goal five minutes later denied by Leonie Jackson, the U21s keeper making her 1st senior start. Half-chances after that for both sides Ipswich holding the narrow advantage at half-time. Natasha Thomas firing Ipswich into a 2-0 lead midway through the 2nd half struck the crossbar soon after. Actonians not out of it coming back to make it 2-1 with 12 minutes left Jennifer Laidlaw getting the goal. A dramatic finish to the game Peskett hitting the bar the game into the final 10 minutes. Two minutes left and Actonians were level Caroline Bisson sending the ball home to make it 2-2. A blow for Ipswich they went straight up the other end and a diagonal pass into the area form Zoe Barratt picked out the run of captain Amanda Crump who took it in her stride to slot under the keeper to win the game 3-2.

5 sides remain unbeaten in FAWNL South East Division One and having played a game less than the top two both Leyton Orient WFC and AFC Wimbledon 4th and 5th respectfully are 3 points behind the leading pair. Leyton Orient WFC winning 5-1 at home to Cambridge City Ladies on the opening day were held 1-1 away to Enfield last time weekend. Back at home this weekend were hosting Norfolk side Norwich City Women. The game played at the Breyer Group Stadium the hosts took the lead inside the opening quarter hour Sophie Le Marchand played through to fire home. Leading 1-0 at half-time Leyton Orient created more openings eventually finding a 2nd goal midway through the 2nd half Hayley Barton’s corner headed in by Le Marchand. Into the last 10 minutes and Leyton Orient pressed home their advantage Le Marchand turning provider for Barton to score. Le Marchand smashing in a shot to complete her hat-trick in the 85th minute. 5-0 in the final minute another corner for the hosts put straight in by taker Barton.

AFC Wimbledon Ladies starting the season with a draw away to Ipswich backed it up with a 2-0 win over Cambridge United WFC. Cup action in midweek were back at home this Sunday taking on Stevenage FC Women. The visitors hitting the woodwork twice early on whilst Te’a Oldroyd keeping goal pulled off some great saves to deny the hosts. Wimbledon taking the lead late in the 1st half getting a goal through captain Katie Stanley to put them 1-0 on 38 minutes. Both sides starting the 2nd half brightly Wimbledon getting their 2nd with 55 minutes played good work from Rosie Russell before Stanley on target with her 2nd of the match. An hour gone and Wimbledon extended their lead to 3 Helen Ogle with a screamer striking the crossbar soon after. Stevenage kept going getting it back to 3-1 with 10 minutes left Louise Godden scoring. Wimbledon straight back with a goal by Sophie Manzi making it 4-1. Stevenage’s tun to get down the other end and score a minute later Amy Makewell making it 4-2 the late fightback not enough Wimbledon with the 3 points.

AFC Wimbledon Ladies captain, Katie Stanley with 2 goals (photo credit Chris Bushe)

AFC Basildon Women have added several new faces to their squad as they begin life back in FAWNL South East Division One. One win so far from their opening 3 league games were beaten 4-0 in midweek by local rivals Billericay Town Ladies. Travelled to Cambridgeshire this Sunday to take on newly promoted Cambridge City Ladies who claimed their 1st league point since promotion in midweek following a 2-2 with their local rivals Cambridge United WFC. Goals from Holly Turner with her 1st of the season and Kelly Wealthall seeing the Essex side leading 2-0 at the break they doubled the tally in the 2nd half winning the game 4-0 with Nicole Learner and Jodie Osborne on the scoresheet with their 1st goals. Their 2nd win of the season putting them into the top half of the table.

Cambridge United WFC getting off the mark with their 1st point of the season away to their Cambridge rivals were back at The Premier Plus Stadium in St Neots this weekend looking for their 1st win of the campaign playing newly promoted Kent Football United the only side without a point now in South East Division One. Captain Kayleigh-Anne Burt getting Cambridge off to a great start scoring at the near post from a corner kick inside the opening 5 minutes. Mollie Coupar nipping in to win steal the ball off the keeper rounding her to put the ball into an empty net making it 2-0 to Cambridge on the half-hour. 2-0 up at half-time a 3rd goal coming in midway through the 2nd half Charlotte Crisp playing the ball through for striker Kelley Blanchflower to score. Kent pulling it back to 3-1 with 20 minutes left Megan Burrows with the goal. Cambridge United WFC with their 1st win of the season up to 7th.