A limited programme of fixtures in the FAWPL this weekend with several sides involved in County Cup action. Two ties taking place in the 1st Round of the FAWPL Cup with another Chichester City Ladies away tie against Plymouth Argyle Ladies falling foul of the weather with Storm Brian arriving on the South West Coast. Both ties played saw FAWPL South East Division One sides at home to Southern Division opposition.
A good test at home for Ipswich Town Ladies in 4th place in South East Division One at home to C&K Basildon Ladies 4th in the Southern Division both sides enjoying a good start to the season. It was Ipswich Town who went on to cause a cup upset by knocking out their higher league opponents a single goal enough to win the game scored by Zoe Cossey chipping the goalkeeper from outside the box.
Stevenage Ladies were hosting South Division side Coventry United Ladies in the 1st Round of the League Cup. Alison Hall putting Coventry into an 11th minute lead, Stevenage keeping the scoreline down to just a single goal at the break. Helen Dermody doubling Coventry’s advantage 10 minutes into the 2nd half. It was enough to see Coventry advance through to the next round.
FAWPL Plate
3 ties featuring sides from the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One in the 1st Round of the FAWPL Plate played this Sunday. Luton Town Ladies made the trip down to Kent to play Gillingham FC Ladies. It was the South East Division One side who were leading their higher league opponents at half-time a 12th minute goal from Nicola Henman putting Luton 1-0 up. Gillingham getting themselves back into the game awarded a penalty in the 70th minute was duly dispatched by Danielle Farmer to make it 1-1. That’s the way it finished after 90 minutes the tie heading into extra-time. Two quick goals from Henman and then Jess McKay put Luton Town 3-1 up in the extra period. Again Gillingham were to come back an own goal ad then a strike from new signing Kylie Manktelow making it 3-3. It was Luton who would have the final say with Henman scoring her 3rd of the match late in the 2nd period of extra-time to see Luton with 4-3 to progress in the competition.
An all South East Division One clash in the FAWPL Plate 1st Round saw Milton Keynes Dons Ladies at home to Denham United Ladies this Sunday. The two sides had shared the points in the points in the league last weekend with a 1-1 draw at Denham. Another close contest saw the sides go into the dressing rooms goalless at the half-time whistle. The game was heading into the last 15 minutes in the 2nd half before a goal was breached. Amelia Hazard the scorer putting Milton Keynes Dons ahead. A 2nd goal followed Kerry Newman on target to secure the win for the visitors and see Milton Keynes Dons progress.
At last a much welcomed victory for Swindon Town Ladies at the weekend a plenty of goals too for the side bottom of the FAWPL Southern Division at home to South West Division One side Maidenhead United Ladies in the 1st Round of the League Plate. Swindon getting the 1st goal on 36 minutes Annie Martin finding the back of the net. Mia Mugford added a 2nd goal for Swindon a minute before half-time. Martin extending the lead to 3-0 just 4 minutes into the 2nd half with her 2nd of the game. Lucy Casey pulling a goal back on 57 minutes for Maidenhead. Swindon then went on to take full control of the tie with a devastating spell of 3 goals in 6 minutes. Mugford adding her 2nd of the game on 59 minutes to make it 4-1 quickly followed by goals for Emily Arrell and newly arrived substitute Natalie Jo Goodright to make it 6-1. Martin going on to complete her hat-trick on injury time to see Swindon advance in the competition with a 7-1 win, great for the confidence they will be hoping to take this on into the league.
FAWPL South East Division One
Just the one league game played across the 2 divisions this Sunday in South East Division One, Cambridge United WFC 7th in the table were hosting league leaders AFC Wimbledon Ladies. A battling 1st half saw AFC Wimbledon take the lead late on Rebecca Sargent with her 8th goal of the season putting them in front. Was more of the same 2nd half both sides creating chances but Cambridge weren’t able to find an equalising goal to take anything from the game as AFC Wimbledon made it 7 straight league wins to open up a 4 point lead at the top of the table.
One game in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday and West Ham United Ladies were on a high coming off the back of a sensational win at The Valley in midweek ending leaders Charlton Athletic Women’s perfect start to the season 8 straight wins to start the season West Ham United winning 3-1 coming off the back of a 5-0 win against Swindon Town the previous Sunday. Taking on Coventry United Ladies this Sunday another side building some momentum in the league after a poor start by their standards. It was the visiting side who opening the scoring Alison Hall putting the ball into the back of the net in the 20th minute. West Ham responded to level the scores before half-time Andreya Ezekie-Meade making it 1-1 in the 36th minute. West Ham continued to create chances 2nd half, so to did Coventry finding the winning goal in the 70th minute of the match Hall with her 2nd of the game sealing the 3 points and moving Coventry into the top half of the table.
FAWPL South East Division One
A real title contest shaping up in FAWPL South East Division One after the results in midweek AFC Wimbledon Ladies topped the table but their are just 2 points between them and 4th placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Ipswich Town Ladies and Leyton Orient WFC in between. Leyton Orient WFC on a run of 5 straight league wins were once again playing at The Matchroom Stadium this Sunday hosting Actonians Ladies in 6th looking to make ground on the leading quartet. Both sides scoring plenty of goals this season so far it was no surprise they both found the goals again this time around a 7 goal thriller between the sides. Actonians Ladies beating Leyton Orient 5-1 in the reverse fixture at the start of the season. The scores tied at 1-1 at half-time it was an exciting contest 2nd half. Chloe McNee scoring for Leyton Orient in the 1st half two quickfire goals from Sophie Le Marchand on 67 and newly introduced Sarka Stryhalova on 70 saw the home side score 3. Actonians edged the result to do the double over Leyton Orient winning 4-3 thanks to goals from Claire Hollingsworth, Jessica Byrne and a brace for Alessandra Barreca.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies were away to Denham United Ladies in the league this Sunday in a rich vein of form winning their last 5 league games the latest 2-0 away to Cambridge United WFC in midweek. Denham United Ladies held the lead at half-time 1-0 up thanks to a goal from Alissa Down scoring from a free-kick in the 17th minute. Held onto the lead as the game approached the final quarter hour Milton Keynes Dons levelling the score Alice Hughes netting to make it 1-1 the points shared between the sides who meet again this Sunday in the League Plate. The point enough to lift Milton Keynes Dons up into 2nd.
FAWPL Cup
4 ties played this weekend in the FAWPL Cup 1st Round it was a top of the tables clash between Charlton Athletic Women of the Southern Division hosting South East Division One leaders AFC Wimbledon Ladies at Thamesmead. An exciting game between the sides with a dramatic finish. Rebecca Sargent getting Wimbledon off to a great start putting them 1-0 inside the opening 5 minutes. Charlotte Lee getting Charlton back on level terms on the half hour. 1-1 the scores at half-time Lee scored again in the 61st minute to put Charlton 2-1 up looked to be heading for the win deep into injury time 90+7 and Wimbledon levelled it at 2-2 Katie Stanley scoring, time left for another goal just when Wimbledon thought they’d forced extra-time Charlton went straight up the other end to score win the game 3-2 Charlotte Gurr getting the goal to send them through.
Crystal Palace Ladies and Lewes FC Women met for the 3rd time this season, currently 3rd and 2nd in the Southern Division table have beaten each other in their respective league games before this Sunday’s FAWPL Cup 1st Round tie both in good form it was Lewes FC Women who had the best of the 1st half goals from Amy Taylor on 14 minutes and Avilla Bergin on 32 giving them a 2-0 lead at the break. Crystal Palace pulling it back to 2-1 on 58 minutes Gemma Bryan with the goal Lewes defended well to win through to the next round.
A South Coast derby in the FAWPL Cup 1st Round between Southampton Women at home to Portsmouth FC Ladies. The Southern Division side taking the lead in the 13th minute Gemma Hillier scoring, Shannon Albuery also finding the back of the net in the 24th minute to make it 2-0 at the break for the visitors. Laura Vokes got it back to 2-1 early in the 2nd half for Southampton before Natasha Stephens scored for Portsmouth to restore their 2 goal cushion and see them through to the next round of the competition.
The last of the FAWPL Cup 1st Round ties featuring sides from this region was an all South East Division One clash the A10 derby between Enfield Town Ladies and Cambridge United WFC. 2 goals in the 1st half won it for Cambridge United WFC. A rare goal for midfielder Laura Baker along with a goal from striker Kelley Blanchflower securing the victory.
FAWPL Plate
One 1st Round tie from the FAWPL Plate this weekend an all South East Division One clash between the bottom two in the league with Haringey Borough Women travelling up to Norfolk for the 2nd time this season to face Norwich City Ladies. In their league encounter Norwich ran out 7-0 winners to claim their only league win of the season. Were dominant once again Natasha Snelling opening the scoring on 13 minutes to give Norwich the lead. Charlotte Broad on the half hour making it 2-0. Aimee Durrant extending Norwich’s lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half adding another with 5 minutes left to play. Laura Thacker sealing a 5-0 victory with the final kick of the game deep into injury time to send Norwich into the 2nd Round. Haringey ending the game with 10, Naomi Graham sent off.
A midweek trip to Mildenhall Town FC to watch a game under the lights from the FAWPL South East Division One with 6th placed Cambridge United WFC hosting 4th placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies.
Shaping up to be an interesting league at the top with the lead changing hands several times early on. Milton Keynes Dons Ladies amongst those looking to challenge for the title. Cambridge United WFC having had a lot of new faces come into the squad well placed to get amongst the top teams. Both sides in good form come into the game on the back of a home win in the FA Women’s Cup at the weekend.
A bit of rebuilding going on at Cambridge United WFC as they look to bed in several new players, quality signings started the season with a 0-0 draw at home to newly promoted Leyton Orient WFC who have since gone on win 5 league games in a row to top the table. Cambridge were unbeaten in their 4 opening league game a win and 3 draws their unbeaten run coming to an end away to tonight’s opponents, Alice Hughes scoring a late winner for Milton Keynes. Cambridge bouncing back are 3 games unbeaten in league and cup since. Have further added to their squad bringing in goalkeeper Shayla Burgess on loan from Watford. Striker Kelley Blanchflower ex-Tottenham and West Ham brings experience and skill to the attack. Lauren Cartwright is another new addition to the squad from Watford making her debut at the weekend.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies are on a run of wins 5 in a row in league and cup going into tonight’s match beating Cambridge in that run too. Manager James Honeyman has brought in players with FAWSL 2 experience to strengthen the squad that finished runners-up last season defender Mollie Burgess ad midfield Dawn Mallett who had a spell at Cambridge last season. Most recently the club as signed another Cambridge player, attacker Laura Mills moving on scored at the weekend in the FA Women’s Cup for her new club.
As ever the pitch at Mildenhall Town FC looked immaculate sees plenty of action is well maintained sloping from one goalmouth to the other. A hint of rain in the air a breeze keeping the clouds moving quite mild and fingers-crossed in stayed dry.
Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Shayla Burgess, Nettie Stillinger, Carolyn Sarafian, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Laura Bright (C), Laura Baker, Lauren Cartwright, Amy Howlett, Emma Jenkins, Amber Cantwell & Kelley Blanchflower. Subs – Faith Hewitt & Lauren Gibson.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies starting XI – Savannah Smith, Leanna Doyle (C), Vicky Holland, Sasha Newsome, Mollie Burgess, Charley Clarke, Dawn Mallett, Charly Wright, Alice Hughes, Amelia Hazard & Laura Mills. Subs – Sammy Gillings, Kerry Newman & Lauren Goodier.
Its Milton Keynes in their all white away lit to get the 1st half underway attacking down the slope. Start at a furious pace pushing players forwards to join Laura Mills in the central attacking role. A through ball has her in behind right side to attack, Shayla Burgess comes racing out to the edge of her area to meet her sliding on the ball is knocked past her, no pace on it however the Cambridge defence recovering can get to the ball Kayleigh-Anne Burt clearing it out to the right wing. Milton Keynes regaining possession Alice Hughes firing a cross into the area the ball bouncing across the six yard box is claimed by Burgess.
Cambridge are penned back in their own half early on Milton Keynes committing numbers forwards, pressing the ball well in the middle of the park, Charley Clarke with a strong challenge gets hold of the ball drives forwards puts the ball into the path of Hughes wide right the cross fired into the box taken cleanly by Burgess.
Milton Keynes with a free-kick on half-way left side Charly Wright to play the ball in high into the box Cambridge get a head on the ball the clearance falling to Clarke outside the area lays the ball off to Hughes wide right closer she takes on the shot a vicious drive in towards goal, Burgess makes a fantastic save throwing herself up and tipping the ball wide across her goal conceding the 1st corner of the game. A good inswinging delivery into the middle of the six yard box from the left a good fist on the ball from Burgess to get the ball out of the area dropping to a white shirt the shot is taken on the volley the ball flying over the crossbar.
Cambridge relieve the early pressure Milton Keynes have put them under the ball played up field Kelley Blanchflower chasing the Milton Keynes defence forces an error as the ball played forwards falls goes straight to Emma Jenkins operating in a left side attacking role tonight, 25 yards out goes to shoot doesn’t get a good connection the ball running wide of goal.
Wright, Clarke and Mallett all press forwards from midfield to join the attack for Milton Keynes whenever they have the ball making it difficult for Cambridge to get out of their half the game played at a furious pace, a few out of control tackles being made decisions not being made by the referee in the middle upsetting the Cambridge bench. Hughes breaking clear of her marker on the right plays an early cross into the area coming to Mills the attacker lets the ball run across her as she holds off her marker knocking it on for Amelia Hazard inside the box with her, leaning back into the shot as the ball comes to her Hazard sends her effort high and wide of the top corner.
Another out of control tackle infuriates the Cambridge bench but such is the pace of the game little time to dwell the ball up the other end it’s the Milton Keynes benches turn to protest at another down the other end. Burt with a headed clearance as Hughes puts another cross from the right into the box following good work from Clarke in the middle. Cambridge play the ball out from the back Lauren Cartwright into Jenkins then Amy Howlett, Blanchflower making a run into the left channel ahead of her receiving the ball takes in on down the line evading a tackle on the byline comes back up the line to the top of the area taking on the shot is gathered on the bounce by Milton Keynes goalkeeper Savannah Smith covering her near post.
GOAL! Almost 20 minutes played in the 1st half and Milton Keynes high tempo start brings them the opening goal winning a free-kick wide on the right inside the Cambridge half players come forwards from the back loading the area is a great ball in Hughes escaping her marker inside the six yard box gets her head on the ball knocking it past Burgess into the back of the net to score 0-1.
Cambridge look to get forwards from the restart Amber Cantwell’s ball played into the middle from the right intercepted by Sasha Newsome at the back for Milton Keynes. Laura Baker with a strong challenge brings the ball on trough the middle sending it forwards is knocked on almost putting Blanchflower in on goal through the middle her 1st touch too heavy Smith with a good starting position is able to gather. The goal scored Milton Keynes are sitting back as a unit the midfield not looking to get up field with such intensity. Howlett strikes the ball on the half volley left side 30 yards out as Jenkins gets forwards on the wing her shot off target.
Both sides demanding more from the referee Cambridge win a free-kick inside the Milton Keynes half top of the circle, captain Laura Bright to play the ball into the box, headed clear by Mollie Burgess for Milton Keynes, Cambridge regain possession, Hazard working hard to win the ball back on the right as Cantwell looks to link up with Blanchflower. The game continues to be lively Cambridge growing a little frustrated. A throw in on the right Baker with a one two with Nettie Stillinger the full back takes the ball in field driving into the middle fires it forwards into the area with Jenkins making a left side run into the box, closing in on the keeper she forces the error Smith spilling the ball running behind for the corner.
Possession for Cambridge in and around the Milton Keynes area however there is little room in front of them Milton Keynes keeping a disciplined shape not leaving the slightest pocket for a shooting opportunity. Launch a counter attack the ball with Mallett in the centre she surges forwards Mills ahead of her peels right the pass finding her inside the box shoots 1st time her effort lacking pace is straight and Burgess the Cambridge goalkeeper behind the ball dropping forwards to claim.
Clarke is booked for a robust challenge as she attempts to prevent Cambridge bringing the ball out from the back. Getting forwards on the right side Stillinger cuts inside and fires a diagonal ball into the area Smith just about has the ball in her gloves as the challenge comes in from the left side on her the ball knocked out of her hands the referee awards the free-kick in the keepers favour.
Mallett comes on for Milton Keynes with the ball through the middle sends the pass out wide to Wright moving down the left wing she fires the ball in towards Mills positioned inside the box seeing the ball into her body work it out to Mallett closing in on the top of the area right of the D shot shoots pulling her effort wide across goal. Late into 1st half stoppage time Cambridge work the ball up the left Blanchflower moving into space on the left channel again puts a great ball into the box runners there near and far post it’s Mollie Burgess in between the Cambridge attackers that wins the header 2 yards from goal to clear the threat for Milton Keynes.
Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies
A 1-0 lead for Milton Keynes who started the game at a furious pace pressing bodies forwards attacking Cambridge keeping them pinned in their own half eventually bringing the goal then with the lead have settled back keeping a solid shape not committing so many forwards ready for the counter attack. Cambridge having the ball but not doing much with it little room in behind the fast pace of the game hasn’t allowed them to settle down but with just a 1 goal lead all to play for 2nd half.
No changes for either side as Cambridge get the 2nd half underway attacking down the slope now the breeze has picked up but still very mild. A relatively quiet opening to the 2nd half compared to the 1st Cambridge looking to build down the left Milton Keynes captain Leanna Doyle breaking up the attack. The visitors get forwards Mills picking up the ball as she comes over the the right turn looks to feed the pass central into Mallett as she makes a good forwards run Stillinger sliding in tackles well to stop the midfielder getting into the box with the ball.
Cambridge coming onto Milton Keynes more in the 2nd half as the visitors are prepared to sit deep soak up the pressure. Blanchflower receiving the ball from Jenkins on the left side drives towards the box looking to plough her way through the Milton Keynes defence, Newsome tackling wins the ball back. A free-kick awarded to Cambridge inside the D numbers forwards is taken quickly passed to the right the shot comes in Smith right behind it can gather cleanly.
GOAL! For all Cambridge’s positive endeavours at the start of the 2nd half they are hit on the counter attack Milton Keynes getting up the other end to score and double their lead. The ball played up into the Cambridge half, bouncing Sarafian comes to get the ball moving into the middle is challenged by Hazard the attacker winning the ball, sends in through to Mills who has made the run into the space vacated by the left back driving forwards into the box right of goal shoots putting the ball across the keeper and into the far corner of the net 0-2.
Not long after going 2-0 up Milton Keynes make a change bringing of Hazard sending on Lauren Goodier to join Mills in attack. Normal service resumed as Milton Keynes sit back invite Cambridge onto them. A good run from Blanchflower getting free on the right receives the ball takes on the shot running along the ground is straight at Smith. Cartwright getting further forwards screws a 25 yard shot wide of target. Howlett with the ball right side crosses the ball into the box Blanchflower letting the ball roll across her body turns and sends a looping ball in towards goal on target but a save catch for Smith.
Cambridge make a substitution Sarafain coming off as Cambridge go to 3 at the back bring on another attacker striker Lauren Gibson who scored twice in Cambridge’s 4-0 FA Women’s Cup win on Sunday. Milton Keynes bring on Sammy Gillings the defender going into right back as Newsome moves forwards into a midfield role. Further forwards Newsome wins the ball higher up the pitch plays it forwards for Mallett ahead of her Goodier breaking into space wide right Mallett plays the ball onto her Goodier taking the ball on inside the area right of goal Stillinger recovers the ground sliding in to take the ball away from Goodier behind for the corner kick. A inswinging delivery into the middle of the area Cambridge head clear.
Baker is cautioned after diving in to try and regain the ball after losing possession. Cambridge are able to get forwards but finding it tough to break down the wall of white shirts in front of them. Cantwell to deliver the ball into the area from a free-kick won on the right wing. Newsome back to defend gets up highest to head the ball behind for the corner. the game moving into the last 15 minutes Cambridge’s Blanchflower is down struggling a little after treatment comes off Faith Hewitt joining the action.
Mallett is tugged back as she threatens to counter attack for Milton Keynes the free-kick in a central position 40 yards out the shot is attempted a dangerous ball looping in towards goal dropping fast but no enough to creep under Burgess’ crossbar just over. Milton Keynes make a 3rd substitution Mallett coming off Kerry Newman coming on with around 8 minutes left. Gibson breaking down the right with the ball sends the cross in square to the near post defended the ball drops for Baker top of the box, rushing to shoot before being closed down slices the ball wide of target.
It’s all Cambridge in the final minutes pressing forwards Milton Keynes looking composed and comfortable. Cantwell inside to Bright the ball played wide for Howlett on the right down the line sweeps the cross into the area Smith confidently claims it with Gibson rushing in.
Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-2 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies
A good result for Milton Keynes winning the 3 points away from home with a superb performance from start to finish. Came with a game plan and sticking to it with a disciplined and solid shape. Started at a breakneck tempo pushing forwards getting the goal they desired then prepared to sit back from then on soak up the pressure not committing too many forwards from then on in. Just went Cambridge looked to be getting on top 2nd half Milton Keynes hit the home side on the counter and presented with the chance Mills took it well. Move onto 16 points stay 4th in the FAWPL South East Division One table as both Ipswich Town Ladies in 3rd and AFC Wimbledon Ladies taking over top spot also won this evening just 2 points separating the top 4 however the battle for top spot come the end of the season will be very interesting.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Tonight’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match goes to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies, Sasha Newsome thought she was excellent in the heart of the defence with great position and timing of challenges then pushed into midfield later on helped disrupt Cambridge’s build up play through the middle.
Good to get a game in under the lights after missing a few. Thanks to both clubs for their help tonight.
Charlton Athletic Women remain 5 points clear at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division as they extend their 100% winning start to the season to 7 games. In Wales this Sunday away to Cardiff City Ladies. Charlotte Gurr scoring a 1st half 20 minute hat-trick for Charlton all free-kicks putting the visitors in control of the game 3-0 the advantage at the break. Cardiff scored 10 minutes into the 2nd half Cori Williams with the goal but couldn’t find another to pressure Charlton winning 3-1.
Lewes FC Women extend their winning run to 6 games in league and cup to keep hold of 2nd in the FAWPL Southern Division table. Winning by their biggest margin so far at home to West Ham United Ladies who announced their intention to apply for a place in the new look FAWSL 1 this week. Work to do on the field before then however as their run is the complete opposite to Lewes now 6 straight defeats in the league. Looked to be heading in goalless on Sunday until Leeta Rutherford found the back of the net for Lewes with 2 minutes of the half left to play. Katie McIntyre doubled the lead for Lewes 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Rebecca Carter coming off the bench scoring to seal a 3-0 win with 5 minutes left to play.
In cup action last Sunday, Crystal Palace Lades returned to league action with a tough home game against Portsmouth FC Ladies. Gemma Bryan is in a hot streak of form and that continued as she scored a goal in each half for Crystal Palace on 26 & 82 minutes to see them secure another 3 points with a 2-0 win that keeps them ahead of C&K Basildon Ladies in 3rd place on goal difference.
C&K Basildon keep pace with Crystal Palace picking up their 4th league win of the campaign at home to Queens Park Rangers this Sunday a single goal enough to take all 3 points scored in the opening 15 minutes by captain Zoe Rushen.
Chichester City Ladies climb up to 5th in the FAWPL Southern Division table coming out on top in a high scoring game away to bottom side Swindon Town Ladies. Charley Wilson-Blakely put Chichester into the lead 20 minutes into the 1st half. Hollie Wride firing home to make t 2-0 8 minutes later. Wilson -Blakely netting for her 2nd goal with 10 minutes of the 1st half left. Cherelle Khassel scoring a couple of minutes later to see Chichester leading 4-0. Swindon reduced the deficient with a goal in 1st half injury time Abby Picton scoring. Didn’t take long into the the 2nd half for Wilson-Blakely to complete her hat-trick. 5-1 the lead Swindon mounted a comeback Mia Mugford scoring in the 54th minute. Two quickfire goals in the 62nd & 64th minute from Annie Martin & Sophie Barrett pulling it back to 5-4 game on. 16 year old Alex Collinghan scoring her 1st senior goal for Chichester to make it 6-4 then Khassel scored her 2nd of the match to see Chichester win the game 7-4.
An indifferent start to the season for Coventry United down in 8th place in the Southern Division table built on last weekends point earned away to Crystal Palace with a big win away to Gillingham FC Ladies this weekend. Alison Hall putting the visitors in front in the 11th minute. Goals from Marie Gauntlett and Amber Hughes midway through the 1st half seeing Coventry leading 3-0 at the break. In control of the game the goals continued to come 2nd half. Hughes scoring her 2nd goal of the game 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Gauntlett also with her 2nd of the game on 54 minutes. Helen Dermody and Leah Seivwright extending the lead to 7-0 with a goal each going into the final 15 minutes, Gauntlett going on to not only complete her hat-trick but score 4 goals in the match the final score 9-0.
FAWPL South East Division One
The battle at the top of FAWPL South East Division One is very intense. 5 straight league wins keep AFC Wimbledon Ladies at the top of the table the latest coming away from home against Stevenage Ladies this Sunday. An early goal from Laura Quinn-Low giving AFC Wimbledon the lead. Quinn-Low netting another goal late in the 1st half, time for Stevenage to find a reply a goal line scramble seeing captain Donna McGuigan reducing Wimbledon’s advantage back to 2-1 at the break. Continued to be a close game 2nd half Rebecca Sargent making sure of all 3 points for Wimbledon scoring their 3rd goal in the final 10 minutes.
Newly promoted Leyton Orient continue their fine start to the season a 4th straight league win to keep them 2nd 2 points behind AFC Wimbledon. Travelled up to Norfolk this Sunday to play Norwich City Ladies. Sophie Le Marchand putting Leyton Orient into the lead on 16 minutes the advantage didn’t last long Norwich equalising 5 minutes later Millie Davies scoring to make it 1-1. That the score going int half-time. Leyton Orient retook the lead 6 minutes into the 2nd half Lisa Holmbeck on target, that was quickly followed by 2 more goals Sarka Stryhalova and Danielle Griffiths extending the lead to 4-1. Charlotte Broad scored for Norwich with 15 minutes left to reduce the lead, before Stryhalova hit her 2nd goal of the game to see Leyton Orient secure a 5-2 win.
Looked like it would be a close contest on paper and so proved on the pitch with a single goal winning the match between Ipswich Town Ladies at home to Actonians Ladies. 3rd placed Ipswich keeping pace with the leaders with the 1-0 win the goalscorer Roxanne Small.
A hat-trick for Cambridge’s Amber Cantwell this weekend
4th placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies also clinched another 3 points at the weekend but left it very late to do so away to Luton Town Ladies. The home side taking the lead in the match Jess Mckay with the goal to see the lead 1-0 at half-time. New signing Laura Mills from Cambridge United WFC scored her 1st goal for her new club to make it 1-1 in the 2nd half them deep into injury time Charly Wright fired home a free-kick to score the winner for Milton Keynes to see them keep it a 3 way tie on 13 points between 2nd & 4th.
Cambridge United WFC have been the draw specialists in South East Division One so far this season hard to beat have just the one win prior to this weekends home match were taking on bottom side Haringey Borough Women. Both Kelley Blanchflower and Amber Cantwell new signings this season scored their 1st goals for Cambridge both netting a hat-trick in the game. There was also a hat-trick for another new addition Amy Howlett. Defender Emma Jenkins also on the scoresheet with her 3rd of the season. Captain Laura Bright and substitute Lauren Gibson also scoring a goal a piece in a thumping 12-2 win that see them climb to 5th in the table. Julia Carruthers and Shanice Nourrice scoring Haringey’s goals.
The last game to bring you from South East Division One saw Enfield Town Ladies hosting rivals Denham United Ladies. A goal late in the 1st half from Annie Hewitt saw Denham United take a lead into the dressing room at half-time. Enfield hit back 11 minutes into the 2nd half Danielle Smith levelling the scores the way in remained both sides gaining a much needed point taking them further away from the bottom two.
Following the action in midweek on the FAWPL Southern Division, leaders Charlton Athletic Women were looking to extend their winning run at the start of the season to 6 games as they played host to 3rd placed C&K Basildon Ladies the other only unbeaten side in the league on Sunday. Kit Graham opened the scoring for Charlton netting in the 21st minute. Charlotte Gurr adding a 2nd goal for Charlton 5 minutes before the break to see them leading 2-0. Katie Flack extended the lead for the home side on the hour mark. Emma Sherwood introduced in the 68th minute scored for Charlton on 72 minutes the lead 4-0. Angela Addison pulling a goal back for C&K Basildon. Goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles saving a penalty for the visitors who suffer their 1st league defeat of the season, Charlton 6 wins from 6 are 5 points clear at the top.
Lewes FC Women are on an incredible run 3 successive 1-0 home wins including a late winning goal against unbeaten Crystal Palace Ladies in midweek, are now up to 2nd in the Southern Division table as they extended that run of wins to 4 in the league on the road this time playing Chichester City Ladies. It was the home side in good form themselves who took the lead 20 minutes into the game Chloe Tucker firing home. Katie McIntyre pulling Lewes level with 10 minutes of the 1st half left to play. The winning goal coming early in the 2nd half Rebecca Carter putting Lewes ahead on 54 minutes.
Portsmouth FC Ladies having started the season well had suffered 2 narrow 1-0 defeats to stall their momentum in the league, earned a point with a 2-2 draw at home to Chichester City Ladies in midweek. It was late drama at home on Sunday against West Ham United Ladies that saw them win all 3 points. 0-0 going into the last 10 minutes of the game, Shannon Seivwright put Portsmouth ahead in the 84th minute. West Ham responded and Chenise Austin put the ball into the back of the net to level the scores in the 88th minute. Rachel Panting winning it for Portsmouth 3 minutes into injury time, the win lifting Portsmouth back up the table into 5th spot.
FAWPL South East Division One
AFC Wimbledon Ladies beat Actonians Ladies 3-0 on Thursday night to make it 4 wins in a row to take them to the top of the FAWPL South East Division One table. Weren’t in action on Sunday and the two sides that could have retaken top spot both suffered defeat.
One of those was Luton Town Ladies were at home playing new promoted Leyton Orient WFC. The sides had met in the same fixture in the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup at the start of the month, Leyton Orient picking up their 1st win of the season 4-2. Since then Leyton Orient have won twice in the league to climb the table. That good form continued on Sunday, Sarka Stryhalova putting them into the lead in the 17th minute added a 2nd goal just past the half hour. Sophie Le Marchand scoring late in the 1st half to put the visitors 3-0 up. Chanel Richards making it 4-0 in the 2nd half a 3rd straight league win lifting Leyton Orient into 2nd.
Ipswich Town Ladies were on a high travelling down to play Enfield Town Ladies on Sunday after beating East Anglian rivals Norwich City Ladies 5-0 in midweek. Enfield with just one win on the board going into the game were 2nd bottom. Brought Ipswich back down to earth with a good 1st half, Alena Berganovic scoring to put the home 1 up on 9 minutes. Two quickfire goals just past the half hour from Lisa Kline and captain Regan Coleman giving Enfield a 3-0 1st half lead. Ipswich threatened a comeback 2nd half goals from Natasha Thomas and Jacqueline Ball making it 3-2 Enfield held on for their 2nd league win of the 2nd. Ipswich Town having led the table after their midweek win remain 3rd in the table suffered huge blow however despite the derby win it was marred by an injury to goalkeeper Leanne Smith has snapped her ACL an operation to come, wishing her all the best for that and the recovery that follows.
A late goal in midweek away to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies saw Cambridge the last remaining side in FAWPL South East Division One lose that tag. At home on Sunday looking to bounce back against Denham United Ladies. Goalless after the 1st 45 minutes it was Denham who took the lead early in the 2nd half Sophie Cheadle on target. Cambridge responded with 2 goals to go in front Lauren Gibson then captain Laura Bright scoring from a corner. Into the last 5 minutes and a great goal from Annie Hewitt saw Denham level the scores at 2-2 to see the points shared.
FAWPL Cup
Two sides from the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One were drawn to play in the Cup competition’s preliminary round. Southern Division, Crystal Palace travelling down to the South Coast to play Poole Town Ladies from South West Division One. Gemma Bryan putting Crystal Palace in full control of the game scoring 5 goals in the 1st half, giving her 19 goals already from just 7 played. Was substituted early 2nd half giving Poole a little respite. Nikita Whinnett extending the scoreline in the 65th minute. Ellie Stenning ad Sandra Martin both grabbing a goal in the last 10 minutes for the visitors in an 8-0 win.
Also travelling to the South Coast in the FAWPL Cup preliminary round were Actonians Ladies from South East Division One taking on South West counterparts Southampton Women both sides starting the season well, little separating them goalless after 90 minutes the game heading into extra-time. Actonians conceding early on through an own goal Jane Yeates doubled Southampton’s lead in the 1st period of extra-time to see them progress through to the 1st Round.
Crystal Palace Ladies leading the FAWPL Southern Division table were at home on Sunday looking to extend their unbeaten run against Coventry United Ladies who were looking for a positive result after suffering to successive narrow defeats in the league. Prolific striker Gemma Bryan was making her 50th appearance for Crystal Palace who despite creating chances couldn’t get the better of a resolute Coventry United defence the sides contesting a goalless draw. Crystal Palace remain unbeaten in the league on 10 points after 4 played.
New leaders at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division table as Charlton Athletic Women maintaining their own 100% winning start picked up maximum points at home to Queens Park Rangers Ladies on Sunday. Were leading 1-0 at half-time skipper Kim Dixson putting Charlton in front on 20 minutes. Charlotte Gurr go thing’s rolling for the home side as she doubled the lead just 4 minutes after the restart. Ellie Dorey scoring soon after to make it 3-0. Moving into the last 15 minutes of the game Charlton went on to score 4 more goals, Katie Flack on the scoresheet. Once again Kit Graham coming on as a 2nd half substitute collected a quickfire double with Hope Nash scoring in between her goals to see Charlton to a 7-0 win. 4 wins from 4 at the top of the table.
3 wins on the bounce for newly promoted Gillingham FC Ladies see them climb up the Southern Division table into 3rd position after a comfortable win at home to bottom club Swindon Town Ladies on Sunday. Jenny Newman opened the scoring for Gillingham after 12 minutes. Striker Kallie Balfour scoring two goals before half-time to see the home side leading 3-0 Balfour completing her hat-trick 15 minutes into the 2nd half captain Jade Keogh scoring to make the final score 5-0 in the final five minutes. Swindon’s search for league point and goal goes on.
Portsmouth had started the season well two victories in their opening matches lost 1-0 last time out at home to 10 player Charlton grabbing an injury time winner. Were away to Lewes FC Women this Sunday and it was late agony again as they lost a close and competitive match by a single goal scored by Lewes in the 85th minute Rebecca Carter grabbing the winner. A successive 1-0 win for Lewes against tough opponents sees them moving up the table. Into 5th position have announced this week the signing of goalkeeper Faye Baker formerly with Brighton along with Avilla Bergin the Northern Ireland International winger spending last season with Charlton.
Another side on the up in the FAWPL Southern Division are Chichester City Ladies, the South West Division One Champions into the top half of the table after picking up a 2nd successive league win at home to West Ham United Ladies on Sunday. The sides level at 0-0 at half-time. Cherelle Khassel giving Chichester the lead 2nd half. A brace from Charley Wilson-Blakely putting them 3-0 up then an assist for Jade Widdows to shoot and score from the top of the box to seal the 3 points winning 4-0 move up to 6th
FAWPL South East Division One
3 wins from 3 saw Luton Town Ladies top of the league going into the weekend as they travelled down to Sutton United FC to play AFC Wimbledon Ladies who were on the move up the FAWPL South East Division One table with 2 successive wins after an opening day loss. Caroline Bisson scoring in the 14th minutes giving the home side a narrow advantage at half-time. Two quickfire goal 15 minutes into the 2nd half from Katie Stanley and Bisson with her 2nd putting Wimbledon in control of the game. Luton pulling a goal back through captain Zara Carroll. Wimbledon winning a 3rd straight league game 4-1 the final score Kelly-Jade Whelan with the late strike. Join Luton on 9 points moving in to 3rd spot.
3 sides tied on 9 points at the top of the South East Division One table with Actonians Ladies moving back to the top over Luton with the superior goal difference gained from their opening games. Were amongst the goals again this Sunday at home to Norwich City Ladies. Actonians taking an early lead Norwich drawing level at 1-1 in the 12th minute Chelsea Garrett with the goal. After that Actonians took control Carla Williams, Alessandra Barreca and Mariko Eagles all scoring a brace in the game with Katrina Duncan also netting a goal, 7-1 up, Norwich pulled a goal back deep into stoppage time Aimee Durrant scoring a 7-2 win for Actonians.
Newly promoted Leyton Orient WFC are starting to find their feet at this level now 3 wins in succession in league and cup that sees them climb up to 4th in the South East Division One table. Have opening their season against some strong opponents too. This Sunday travelling up to Suffolk to play Ipswich Town Ladies who were undefeated with 2 wins and a draw from their opening 3 league games. Two goals midway through the 1st half from Lisa Holmbeck and Chanel Richards seeing the visitors leading 2-0 at half-time. Ipswich unable to pull a goal back in the 2nd half as they suffered their 1st defeat of the season.
Another side picking up a 2nd successive league win to start moving up the South East Division One table are Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Away to Enfield Town Ladies on Sunday. The visitors leading by a single goal at the break. 2 more goals followed 2nd half for Milton Keynes Dons to secure a 3-1 win, Amelia Hazard with a brace along with a goal for Charly Wright seeing the 3 points secured. Donjeta Krasnici with the goal for Enfield who suffer a 3rd successive league defeat.
Cambridge United WFC are now the only side undefeated in FAWPL South East Division One however they left it extremely late to evade their 1st defeat of the season away to Stevenage Ladies on Sunday. Cara Breckenridge with the goal to hand Stevenage Ladies the lead were holding on to the narrow advantage right up until the end of the game Cambridge winning a corner the ball sent in bundled into the back of the net by defender Emma Jenkins to see the points shared. 3 draws and win from their opening 4 games. Both making new signings this week with Ashleigh Deacon with Cambridge last season joining Stevenage. Cambridge signing Kelley Blanchflower the attacker helping Tottenham Hotspur Ladies to the FAWPL Southern Division title last season.
Denham United Ladies got their 1st win of the season on Sunday as they travelled to bottom side Haringey Borough Women. A point from their opening game 2 losses have followed for Denham. A difficult start to life at a higher level for Haringey 3 straight defeats, a competitive contest between the sides especially 1st half Chontelle Lawrence giving Denham the lead on 14 minutes Haringey came back to level at 1-1 Jenny Banfield scoring to give Denham a 2-1 lead at half-time. Haringey getting it back to 2-2. Sophie Cheadle then found the back of the net twice for Denham to put them 4-2 up Annie Hewitt securing their 1st 3 points of the season in the last minute seeing Denham climb to 8th in the table.
After a the distraction of last weekends FAWPL Cup Determining Round it was back to league action for the clubs in the Southern Division and South East Division One with a full programme of fixtures across both leagues.
FAWPL Southern Division
Three sides in the FAWPL Southern Division looking to maintain a 100% winning start after 3 games played, two of those sides met on Sunday, Portsmouth FC Ladies at home to Charlton Athletic Women. A great start to the season for Portsmouth winning away from home at Coventry United Ladies 2 weekends ago building on their opening day win at home to Cardiff City Ladies. The visitors in trouble early on as they were reduced to 10 players inside the opening 10 minutes Grace Coombs shown a straight red bringing down Shannon Albuery in the area a penalty awarded was missed by Molly Clark. Despite the player advantage for Portsmouth the sides were goalless at the break and the 2nd half was heading that way right up until stoppage time when Kit Graham introduced from the bench for the 3rd successive league game also scored for the 3rd time netting her 4th of the season to win the game for Charlton in the 93rd minute to keep their 100% winning start intact.
Charlton are 2nd behind Crystal Palace Ladies on goal difference in fine goal scoring form too scoring 30 goals in their opening 4 games. Striker Gemma Bryan has almost half that total herself netting 14 in 4 games so far. Away to Swindon Town Ladies this Sunday, Bryan was on target as early as the 5th minutes going on to score another 3 goals before half-time. Stefanie Simmons also on the scoresheet to see Crystal Palace leading 5-0 at half-time. Both Bryan ad Simmons added another goal in the 2nd half to secure a 7-0 win. A concerning start for Swindon Town bottom of the table without a win have conceded 28 in league and cup and to make thing’s worse have yet to score a goal themselves. Plenty of time to put that right.
C&K Basildon Ladies are up to 3rd spot unbeaten in their 3 opening league matches were hosting West Ham United Ladies at Canvey Island FC this Sunday. Goalless at half-time Angela Addison put Basildon into the lead 2nd half, with jay Blackie and captain Zoe Rushen also getting a goal each to secure all 3 points.
A 2nd successive defeat in the league for Coventry United Ladies travelling down to The Dripping Pan this Sunday to play Lewes FC Women who won their 1st 3 points of the season that takes them up from 9th into 6th position. Were in front inside the opening 2 minutes Rachel Carter finding the back of the net. Coventry had a goal ruled out 10 minutes later. Created chances but in windy conditions were unable to breach the Lewes back line a chance 2nd half awarded a penalty, Helen Dermody smashing the ball into the post. Lewes winning 1-0.
Newly promoted Gillingham also move up the table into 4th from 7th with their 2nd league win of the season away to Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Jenny Newman on the half hour mark giving the visitors the lead. Danielle Farmer making it 2-0 with 6 minutes of the 1st half left. Queens Park Rangers were reduced to 10 13 minutes into the 2nd half Mara Deluca sent off. Gillingham captain Jade Keogh making it 3-0 soon after. The final score 4-0 to Gillingham with Newman scoring her 2nd of the match in the final 15 minutes.
At the other end of the Southern Division table on Sunday it was a meeting between two sides still looking to pick up their 1st point of the season with newly promoted Chichester City Ladies travelling into Wales to play Cardiff City Ladies. It was the home side who took an early lead Cori Williams scoring a penalty. Chichester replied quickly to get back on level terms Jess Lewry on target. The visitors going on to go 3-1 ahead with goals from Charley Wilson-Blakely and Jenna Fowlie. Cardiff getting a goal back through Caitlin Morris before Wilson-Blakely added another to see the lead for Chichester at half-time 5-2. That the final score no more goals 2nd half Chichester winning their 1st 3 points to lift them up to 8th.
FAWPL South East Division One
In FAWPL South East Division One 3 sides went into the weekend at the top of the table with 2 wins from 2, after the weekends results just one of those retained a 100% winning start. Luton Town Ladies are top with maximum points from their opening 3 matches. At home at the weekend taking on newly promoted Haringey Borough Women. Both Jodie Bellinger and Joanne Rutherford grabbing a brace in the match along with a goal for Rebecca Wilson-Kane in a 5-1 victory.
Ipswich Town Ladies were denied a 3rd successive league win as the 2nd placed club was pegged back level with a late goal from opponents Cambridge United WFC. Travelling to Mildenhall Town FC. Cassie Craddock giving Ipswich a 1-0 lead at half-time. Amy Howlett scored for Cambridge to level the scores 2nd half. Ipswich retaking the lead with Amanda Crump scoring. Cambridge coming back again with Nuala Wayne scoring to level it up at 2-2, 7 points for Ipswich lose their 100% winning start but remain unbeaten, so to Cambridge on 5 points in 5th position. Also this week Ipswich Town Ladies announced last season’s captain Aimee Harrison is to miss the season, but for the very best of reasons as she is pregnant, Women’s Football East adds it’s congratulations to Aimee and her partner.
Actonians Ladies suffered their 1st loss in the league to end their 100% start away to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies who got their 1st win of the season on Sunday. A brace for new signing Dawn Mallet along with a each for Charly Wright and Anna Loftus to see the home side into mid-table with a 4-0 win.
Also moving up the table into 6th are newly promoted Leyton Orient WFC picking up their 1st league win at this level and a very convincing one too taking the confidence of winning away in the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup away to lead leaders Luton last weekend into this Sunday their 1st home game of the season were hosting Enfield Town Ladies. Leyton Orient got off to a blistering start Chanel Richards in target to score in the opening minute. Sophie Le Marchand making it 2-0 on 3 minutes. Danielle Griffiths scoring their 3rd before 10 minutes were on the clock. Egle Trezzi on 15 minutes saw Leyton Orient 4-0 up at half-time. More goals followed 2nd half Richards with her 2nd 5 minutes after the restart. Hayley Barton scored on 65 minutes to see the lead extended to 6. Ella Meadowcroft getting a 2nd half brace late on with Le Marchand securing her own brace in between Meadowcroft’s goals. 9-0 the final score.
Recovering from an opening day defeat, AFC Wimbledon Ladies have now won 3 on the bounce in league and cup to climb up to 4th in the South East Division One table. Away to Denham United Ladies this Sunday a 2nd minute goal from Rebecca Sargent gave Wimbledon the lead with Caroline Bisson scoring on 18 to make it 2-0 at the break. Went on to win 3-1 in the 2nd half Sargent with her 2nd of the game. New signing Kara Howes with her 1st goal for Denham United Ladies.
Stevenage Ladies got their 1st win of the season on Sunday hosting Norwich City Ladies. Leah Littlechild putting the home side into the lead. Kristi Burling made it 2-0 before Norwich pulled a goal back right at the end of the 1st half Aimee Durrant scoring. Stevenage went on to secure the 3 points with captain Donna McGuigan making it 3-1. Littlechild with her 2nd of the game late into the 2nd half Stevenage celebrating a 4-1 win.
A break in the league action in the FAWPL this weekend as the sides across the 6 Division’s begin the FAWPL Cup competition into its 4th season now beginning with a Determining Round the sides meeting with those victorious progressing into the 1st Round of the Cup those losing out going on to compete in the FAWPL Plate. The FAWPL Southern Division has dominated the Cup competition since its conception Charlton Athletic Women winning it 3 seasons ago, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies successfully retaining the trophy they won in 2015/16 this May. Likewise the Plate, for the past two season’s won by FAWPL Southern Division, Coventry United Ladies then followed by Lewes FC Women last season. Will be a new name on both trophies this time around with Tottenham promoted to FAWSL 2 and Lewes winning their FAWPL Cup Determining Round to enter the Cup proper, will sides from the Southern and South East continue to dominate? Alot of goals scored this weekend with some huge scores racked up.
Onto the weekends action and we’ll start with Lewes FC Women who were at home at The Dripping Pan taking on South West Division One side Southampton Saints Girls & Ladies. All square at 1-1 after 90 minutes it took the Southern Division side extra-time to beat their lower league opponents. Lewes created plenty of opportunities 1st half, Southampton battling hard to defend held them to a goalless score at half-time actually took the lead 2nd half Sabrina Morriss-Manoslava scoring in the 58th minute. Lewes were quick to reply Amy Taylor scoring the equaliser 5 minutes later. No more goals scored in regular time the tie headed to extra-time. Lewes went all the way to penalties against Cambridge United WFC last season losing the entered the Plate… the rest is history. This time the game didn’t get that far, Leeta Rutherford and Dani lane both finding the extra half hour to see Lewes win 3-1.
It was always going to be a big test for South East Division One newcomers Haringey Borough Women in the Determining Round after they were drawn away to Coventry United Ladies the FAWPL Southern Division powerhouse scoring 8 goals before half-time doubled that score in the 2nd half to win 16-1. The scoring opened in the 6th minute by Stephanie Smith went on to add a hat-trick of goals 2nd half giving her 4 in the game. 4 goals too for substitute Helen Dermody. Leah Seivwright and Alison Hall both scoring twice in the 1st half, Marie Gauntlett introduced 2nd half also grabbing 2 goals. Keeley Davies and Jade Brook also scoring in the 1st half. Haringey’s tough start to life in the FAWPL continues.
Crystal Palace Ladies are the early leaders in the FAWPL Southern Division a hot goal scoring form already were at home to Brislington Ladies from South West Division One in the Determining Round powered their way into a 6-0 lead at half-time, Nikita Whinnett opening the scoring as early as the 2nd minute. Rosie Payne had them 2-0 up inside 5 minutes, Gemma Bryan grabbing a 1st half brace along with Whinnett, Ciara Sherwood making it 6-0 in the 42nd minute. Ellie Bailes made it 7-0 2 minutes into the 2nd half Bryan completing her hat-trick 5 minutes later. Jodie Arkell pulling a goal back for Brislington before both Sherwood and Payne added a 2nd goal each in a 10-1 win.
Charlton Athletic Women went 1 goal better with a double figure win away to fellow Southern Division side Swindon Town Ladies. New signing Ellie Dorey scoring a 1st half hat-trick for the visitors. Charlotte Lee and Charlotte Gurr both scoring in the 1st half to see Charlton 5-0 up. Gurr going on to score another early 2nd half then complete her hat-trick with 15 minutes left. Before that Charley Clifford netted a brace with Hope Nash getting a goal on the hour mark. Dorey making it 11-0 with her 4th with 5 minutes left.
A high score too at Canvey Island FC for C&K Basildon Ladies at home to South West Division One side Basingstoke Town Ladies in the Determining Round, Angela Addison getting her name on the scoresheet 5 times. Jay Blackie too with her 1st goals of the season scoring a hat-trick as the Essex side ran out 8-0 winners.
Portsmouth FC Ladies fine start to the season continued this Sunday in the Determining Round as they made it 3 wins in a row to advance into the Cup proper. Away to fellow Southern Division side QPR Ladies, goals from Jade Widdowson, Molly Clark and Natasha Stephens securing a 3-0 victory.
Cardiff City Ladies had lost their opening 2 Southern Division games made the long trip to Norfolk to play South East Division One side Norwich City Ladies in the Determining Round. A hat-trick for Cori Williams plus a goal each for Ella Powell and Kelly Issac saw them through comfortably with a 5-0 win.
Chichester City Ladies at home to West Ham United Ladies was the other all Southern Division tie to be played in the Determining Round on Sunday. The league newcomers had lost their opening two league fixtures into the cup and Chichester City picked up their 1st victory of the season Jess Lewry giving them a 1-0 first half lead scoring in the 13th minute. Doubled their lead on the hour mark. West ham United pulled it back to 2-1 with less than 15 minutes left Charlotte Burr finding the back of the net. Two late goals for Chichester City saw them through with a 4-1 win Cherelle Khassel scoring with 3 minutes left, Chloe Tucker on 90 minutes.
Nicole Emmings early goal for Stevenage Ladies was enough for the FAWPL South East Division One side to beat Southern Division opponents Gillingham FC Ladies on Sunday in the Determining Round as the lower division side defended well to keep Gillingham from getting back on level terms.
FAWPL South East Division One leaders Actonians Ladies headed to Gloucestershire to play South West counterparts, Cheltenham Town Ladies in this weekends Determining Round. The visitors coming home narrow winners with Jessica Byrne and Catherine Murphy scoring in a 2-1 win, Louise Fensome netting for Cheltenham.
Rivalry resumed this Sunday as Milton Keynes Dons Ladies met AFC Wimbledon Ladies for the 2nd successive weekend. Wimbledon won last week at home in the league were the away side this time a closely fought contest in the Determining Round they emerged as winners again a single goal settling the tie scored by Katie Stanley 2 minutes into the 2nd half.
Cambridge United WFC made the long trip west to play South West Division One side St Nicholas Ladies. Teonie Payton was making her 1st team start after impressing for the Reserves last season and celebrated by scoring 2 goals. Also stepping up from the Reserves, striker Lauren Gibson scored her 1st goal for the 1st team this season, aswell as new signing Amy Howlett. Emma Jenkins also amongst the goalscorers for Cambridge in a 5-0 win.
Another South East Division One side making a long trip west on Sunday in the Determining Round was Ipswich Town Ladies again against South West opposition, Larkhall Athletic Ladies. Cassandra Craddock returning to the club this season scoring a hat-trick in the game. Sophie Welton also bagging a brace. Victoria Campbell, Jade Henry and Roxanne Small also adding to the goals tally in an 8-1 win.
0-0 between Enfield Town Ladies and South West Division One side Keynsham Town Ladies at half-time there were 5 goals scored in the 2nd half, Keynsham with 2 goals a hat-trick from Enfield Town captain Reagan Coleman including a penalty saw the home side with the Determining Round tie 3-2.
Leyton Orient WFC newly promoted to South East Division One travelled to fellow league side Luton Town Ladies in the Determining Round looking for their 1st win of the season against a side that had started well with 2 wins from 2.Jess Mckay put Luton into the lead. Leyton Orient came back to lead 2-1 by half-time Sophie Le Marchand and Belen Ripoll-Douton with the goals Nicola Henman got Luton back to 2-2 2nd half before Ellie Davies gave Leyton Orient the lead again in the 67th minute. Ella Meadowcroft securing the win with 3 minutes left for the visitors Leyton Orient winning 4-2.
Denham United Ladies travelled down to the south coast to play South West Division One side Southampton Women, despite goals form Sophie Cheadle and Alissa Down the South East Division One side enter the Plate competition losing 4-2 Laura Vokes with a brace along with goals for Emma Pinner and Kellie Warren with the goal for Southampton.
August Bank Holiday Sunday saw the FAWPL enter its 2nd round of matches with a full programme in the Southern and South East Division One with 3 sides in both leagues keeping up a 100% winning start.
FAWPL Southern Division
Crystal Palace Ladies started with a huge 9-0 home victory over QPR to see them top of the table in the Southern Division after the opening weekend. Were on the road this Sunday playing newly promoted South West Division One Champions, Chichester City Ladies. Ciara Sherwood opened the scoring for the visitors in the 12th minute, Nikita Whinnett doubled the lead 6 minutes later. Chichester pulled a goal back before half-time through Charley Wilson-Blakely making it 2-1 at the interval. Sherwood only just back with the team after being away on International duty with Northern Ireland scored her 2nd of the game early in the 2nd half to restore Crystal Palace’s 2 goal advantage. Gemma Bryan adding a 4th goal with a little over 10 minutes left. Chichester grabbed a 2nd goal late in the game Gemma Simmonds the scorers to pull it back to 4-2. 2 wins from 2 a great start to the season for Crystal Palace who maintain top position.
Charlton Athletic Women are 2nd after a narrow 2-1 win away to Gillingham FC Ladies at the Priestfield Stadium on Sunday. Taking on their local rivals Charlton took the lead on the half hour mark Charlotte Lee netting the goal. 1-0 the advantage at half-time Gillingham responded 2nd half Kallie Balfour scoring to make the scores level after 49 minutes. Charlton with a number of new faces in their line-up got themselves back into the lead midway through the 2nd half Charley Clifford scoring what would prove to be the winning goal and see Charlton keep up their 100% start.
Also keeping up their 100% winning start are Portsmouth FC Ladies picking up an impressive win away to one of the title favourites Coventry United Ladies. Both having started the season with convincing wins it was Portsmouth who stated the game on the front foot Samantha Quayle giving them the lead in the 10th minute. Portsmouth were 2-0 up just 3 minutes later new signing Rachel Panting scoring. Coventry pulled it back to 2-1 just past the half hour mark Stephanie Smith with the goal. 2-1 the advantage to Portsmouth going into the 2nd half both sides had further chances but no more goals were scored Portsmouth claiming the 3 points their 1st on the road since October.
A 7 goal thriller at the West Ham Training Ground with West Ham United Ladies coming out on top at home to Cardiff City Ladies who begin the campaign with 2 straight losses. The advantage 2-1 to West Ham at half-time thanks to goals from Paige Anderson-Smith and Amber Stobbs. Both sides scoring twice more in a thrilling 2nd half, Molly Peters and Anderson-Smith with her 2nd of the game enough to secure West Ham’s 1st 3 points of the campaign winning 4-3. A goal for Chloe O’Connor along with a brace for Cori Williams for Cardiff City’s goals.
Queens Park Rangers, Elly Maggs
Lewes FC Women came back from a goal down to secure a point at home to Essex side C&K Basildon Ladies at The Dripping Pan on Sunday. After playing a goalless 1st half it was the visitors who would take the lead Angela Addison sending the ball into the back of the net inside the opening 5 minutes of the 2nd half. The lead however lasted a little over 10 minutes as new signing Amy Taylor put Lewes back on level terms capitalising as Basildon failed to clear the ball from their box striking the ball sweetly on the half volley across the keeper into the back of the net. Lewes had a shout for a penalty that wasn’t given as the sides shared the points.
It is probably too early in the season to say a game is a 6 pointer however having both been involved in the relegation battle that ultimately wasn’t last season QPR Ladies and Swindon Town Ladies both started their season with a heavy defeat. Playing each other this Sunday QPR at home in Uxbridge to Swindon Town Ladies got their 1st 3 points on the board with a 2-0 win. Captain Elly Maggs netting both goals her 1st just before half-time the 2nd midway through the 2nd half to see the points secured moving QPR up into 8th position.
FAWPL South East Division One
Only two games into the FAWPL season and in South East Division One, Actonians Ladies have a massive +17 goal difference. Beginning their 3rd season at this level progressed rapidly after starting well then slumping into trouble in their 1st season to a confident top half performance last season have started this campaign with 2 wins from 2. Both games at home against the newly promoted sides, thumping Haringey Borough Women 13-0 on the opening day were taking on Leyton Orient WFC this Sunday who had started the season with a solid performance to earn a point away to Cambridge United WFC in their opening fixture.
Brimming with confidence from their opening day win Actonians got themselves into a 3-0 half-time lead. Adding 2 more goals 2nd half, Alessandra Barreca adding 2 more goals to the 5 she scored on the opening day, goals too for Sinthujah Sooriyakumar (I always cheer when I get the spelling right and no red line flags up underneath her name!) Jessica Byrne and substitute Katrina Duncan the final score 5-1. Egle Trezzi scoring the goal for Leyton Orient in the 2nd half.
Luton Town Ladies are 2nd in the table maintaining their 100% winning start away from home playing Enfield Town Ladies on Sunday. Found themselves 1-0 down at Donkey Lane early on as Nuala McKevitt scored to put Enfield in front, came back to lead 2-1 at half-time with Dionne Manning and Joanna Rutherford both scoring, no more goals 2nd half as Luton went on to claim the 3 points.
Also keeping up their 100% winning start to the season are Ipswich Town Ladies coming out on top of a close contest at home to Stevenage Ladies with Lindsey Cooper scoring the only goal of the game 10 minutes into the 2nd half to win the 3 points for the Suffolk side after their 3-1 win away to AFC Wimbledon Ladies on the opening weekend.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies recovered from that opening day defeat to win their 1st 3 points of the season at home at the weekend playing rivals Milton Keynes Dons Ladies who were held to a draw on the opening day against Denham United Ladies. Caroline Bisson scoring for Wimbledon in the 6th minute Rebecca Sargent scoring a 2nd goal on 17 minutes the lead was 3-1 to AFC Wimbledon at half-time with Kelly-Jade Whelan adding a 3rd goal with 3 minutes left on the clock. Milton Keynes scored another but the 3 points were secured with Whelan adding her 2nd and Wimbledon’s 4th with 10 minutes left to play. Charly Wright and Charly Clarke scoring for Milton Keynes. The two sides meet again this weekend drawn together in the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup.
Building on their opening day draw at home to Leyton Orient WFC, Cambridge United WFC picked up the 3 points away from home to Denham United Ladies at the weekend. New signing striker Emma Whitter scoring her 1st competitive goal for her new club in the 17th minute to put Cambridge in front. Denham came back into it drawing level shortly afterwards Jenny Banfield making it 1-1. Cambridge were soon back in front with Nuala Wayne netting on 23 minutes to see Cambridge leading 2-1 at the break. 15 minutes into the 2nd half Wayne was on target again with her 2nd to give Cambridge a 3-1 lead and take all 3 point lift them up into 4th position.
A 1st half hat-trick from Chelsea Garrett saw Norwich City well on the way to their 1st 3 points of the season at home at Plantation Park in their 2nd game of the campaign at home to newly promoted Haringey Borough Women. Scoring in the 7th, 25th and 35th minute Garrett putting Norwich in control aided by Aimee Durrant the winger scoring a brace her 1st to make it 2-0 on the 23rd minute added a her 2nd in 1st half injury time to make it 5-0. Charlotte Broad scored early in the 2nd half with Natasha Snelling coming off the bench in the 54th minute making it 7-0 3 minutes later. 7-0 the final score Norwich have already scored more than half the goals they did in the whole of the last campaign as they climb up to 5th place.
Next weekend the action turns to the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup.
The new season is finally here and with it The Round-Up is back too. All the action from the FAWPL Southern Division right down to the county leagues across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire covered. The county leagues don’t get underway until next month but this weekend saw the return of both the FAWPL and the ERWFL. First up the FAWPL Round-Up covering both the Southern and South East Division One.
FAWPL Southern Division
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies won the FAWPL Southern Division title last season going on to win the FAWPL Playoff game to win a place in FAWSL 2. With Tottenham going up and only 11 sides in the Division bottom side QPR Ladies were spared relegation. 12 sides contesting the league this season with Division One South East and South West champions, Gillingham FC Ladies and Chichester City Ladies both promoted. Looking at thing’s in pre-season would have to say Coventry United Ladies or Charlton Athletic Women are favourites to win the title, Crystal Palace have recruited well too could be another contender.
Onto the action and of the two favourites I mentioned above they couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. Goals a plenty in the league on the opening weekend 32 in all across the six games. It’s Crystal Palace Ladies holding top spot in the Southern Division as they won big on the opening day. At home played QPR Ladies, Crystal Palace have bolstered their squad over the close season bringing in Striker Nikita Whinnett from Tottenham Hotspur Ladies along with Megan Lynch. Stefanie Simmons joins from Charlton. Megan Chandler and Ria Collins also new additions. It didn’t take Whinnett long to open her account for Crystal Palace scoring in the 8th minute.
An equally important signing was retaining the services of striker Gemma Bryan scored plenty last season and on the half hour mark opened her account for this season. Crystal Palace had more chances in the 1st half but at the break the lead was 2-0. It rained goals in the 2nd half and both Bryan and Whinnett had another goal each inside the 1st 10 minutes of the restart on 57 minute Bryan completed her hat-trick. Stefanie Simmons got in on the scoring act netting on her debut. Whinnett not to be out done made it a hat-trick too in the 75th minute. Bryan going on to claim 5 goals on the day netting 2 more in the final 5 minutes as Crystal Palace ran out 9-0 winners inflicting a heavy defeat on QPR.
Coventry United Ladies weren’t far behind Crystal Palace just a goal in it in 2nd spot as they racked up a high score away to Swindon Town Ladies winning 8-0. Have another player in hot scoring form early in the season as Alison Hall scored a 1st half hat-trick with goals in the 3rd, 30th and 34th minute, the lead 4-0 at the break with Keeley Davies opening her account volleying home a minute after Hall had scored her 1st. Hall went on to add a 4th goal to her tally early in the 2nd half with substitute Nikki Miles making it 6-0 just past the hour mark. Jade Brook went on to score a double to round off the score. A tough home start for Swindon Town Ladies.
Charlton Athletic Women were also amongst the goals as they began their season at home to Lewes Ladies at Thamesmead. Have like Crystal Place added several new players to their squad with James Marrs coming in to join the coaching staff. Charlotte Gurr joins having been at Gillingham FC Ladies along with goalkeeper Katie Startup. Kat Nutman is a good addition with plenty of FAWSL 2 experience with Oxford United Women. Ellie Dorey comes in from Brighton, Liz O’Callaghan another new addition. Chloe Brunton Wilde coming in too plenty of new faces. It was the visitors who themselves have made some useful signings strikers Amy Taylor and Lisa Fulgence who were to take the early lead Lewes ahead in the 7th minute Kate McIntyre scoring. Charlotte Lee got Charlton back on level terms netting on 20 minutes with 2 late goals putting the home side ahead in the 1st half an own goal on 38 minutes, Ellie Dorey scored on her competitive debut to see Charlton lead 3-1 in the 42nd minute.
Last season’s top scorer for Charlton, Kit Graham was introduced from the bench in the 61st minute went on to score twice on the opening day to make it 5-1 to Charlton with Gurr scoring her 1st Charlton goal in the final minute of the game.
Portsmouth FC Ladies are 4th after the opening day fixtures as they picked up a great result at home playing one of last season’s title contenders Cardiff City Ladies. Molly Clark, Jade Widdowson and Rachel Panting amongst Portsmouth’s new signings it was Shannon Albuery who gave Portsmouth the early advantage scoring a goal in the 3rd minute. Natasha Stephens doubled the lead just past the quarter hour mark and own goal soon after pulling it back to 2-1. Samantha Quayle netting with a couple of minutes remaining in the 1st half to see Portsmouth lead 3-1 at half time. Cardiff were reduced to 10 early on in the 2nd half Laura Williams red carded. But so too were Portsmouth goalkeeper Michelle Beasley sent to the dressing room too. It was Molly Clark on her debut to make the 3 points beyond doubt for Portsmouth scoring in the 88th minute to seal a 4-1 victory.
Another side recruiting well before the season are Essex side C&K Basildon Ladies. Have brought in April Bowers and Ellie Manning from Gillingham FC Ladies aswell as Katie Whitehead from Billericay Town Ladies. Were at home on the opening day at Canvey Island FC hosting newly promoted Chichester City Ladies. Goals for Danica Revell and April Bowers on her debut saw the home side start with a win taking all 3 points with a 2-0 win that puts them into 5th early on.
After a 2 season absence Gillingham FC Ladies were back in the FAWPL Southern Division making their bow at home on the opening day and doing so at Gillingham FC’s Priestfield stadium to hosting West Ham United Ladies now fully under the umbrella of West Ham United. Gillingham despite promotion have seen several players depart the squad over the summer had a large squad with plenty of young players ready to step up. West Ham United have several new signings, Mollie Kmita was with Gillingham for a spell herself last season, Abi Igbavboa formerly with Crystal Palace have also added Amber Stobbs who had spells with FAWSL sides Reading FC Women and Everton Ladies, now named as captain at the club. The game itself looked to be heading for a draw neither side able to break the dead lock right up until the final minute when Kallie Balfour found the back of the net to score and seal an opening day 3 points for Gillingham FC Ladies.
FAWPL South East Division One
Onto the FAWPL South East Division One, again the opening day saw all 12 sides in action with contrasting results for the two newly promoted sides Leyton Orient WFC and Haringey Borough Women. For the past two seasons the league has been won by a runaway side Gillingham FC Ladies and Crystal Palace Ladies respectfully. This time round I think it will be much closer at the top Milton Keynes Dons Ladies finishing runners up last season may be slight favourites but the likes of AFC Wimbledon, Actonians Ladies, Luton and Cambridge may well be there or there about. Is a league where anyone on their day can beat anyone else.
Actonians Ladies surged to the top of the pile as they gave new promoted Haringey Borough Women a debut day defeat they aren’t likely to forget in a hurry. Were a surprise package last season their 2nd in the league started strongly and stayed competitve all season in the top 5 eventually clinching a top half finish. Alessandra Barreca was their top scorer then and hit the new season running smashing 5 past Haringey Borough. Katrina Duncan and Sinthujah Sooriyakumar both netting a brace there were goals to for Lafa Uche, Catherine Murphy, Caterina Kensbock and Mariko Engels in a resounding 13-0 win. A tough loss to start the season for Haringey Borough who also had Stephanie Cooper sent off for 2 bookable offences
The other side newly promoted to the side from the regional leagues are Leyton Orient WFC they made their debut in the FAWPL away to Cambridge United WFC at Mildenhall Town FC. That match was the featured game of the weekend on Women’s Football East and the match report can be found just below this post. Plenty of changes for Cambridge United WFC who looked in contention for the league title for a good portion of last season before eventually finishing 4th. Lots of new faces and a few absences and injuries early on seeing a new look side take to the pitch against a Leyton Orient WFC side that had retained almost all of last season’s promotion winning squad excited to get going to. Chances early on for Cambridge, Leyton Orient grew into the game. A competitive and physical game the visitors held Cambridge to 0-0 at the break came out strongly 2nd half both sides may well feel they could have got the winning goal but in the end the points were shared overall the result a good platform for both to build on.
New signing Amber Cantwell attacking for Cambridge United WFC
Luton Town Ladies are 2nd in the table after the opening round of fixtures as they hosted Stevenage Ladies starting their 2nd season in the league. New signings for both sides, Luton bringing in goalkeeper Grace Brooks from London Bees, Steph Gale from Leicester City and Lisa Nixon from Watford along with adding development players to their 1st team squad. Stevenage have resigned striker Nicole Perschky (now Emmings) aswell as Paige Logie from Cambridge United WFC, along with Amy Makewell, Emma Marshall and Chloe Gunn.
Luton opened the scoring on 11 minutes with Zara Carroll rifling home from 35 yards, it was Carroll again on target 10 minutes later to make it 2-0. Jess McKay put Luton into a 3-0 1st half lead but the score was 3-2 at the break as Stevenage fought back with two quick goals from captain Donna McGuigan and Amy Josland. Luton going on to secure the 3 points in the 2nd half with Nicola Henman scoring twice to seal a 5-2 win.
Norwich City Ladies were in a relegation battle at the bottom of the South East Division One table last season saving themselves with a magnificent performance in their final games. Have added to their squad for the new campaign bringing in striker Vivian Moyo from Thorpe United Ladies. Goalkeeper Eilish Brogan from Lowestoft and Luka Goodfield from Acle United Ladies along with Sasha Diston returning after being with AFC Sudbury Ladies. Also welcome back midfielder Jordan Arnoup who has been out of the game for the game for 2 seasons battling injury. Hosting Enfield Town Ladies, Norwich got off great start Aimee Durrant putting them into the lead inside 15 minutes, Chelsea Garrett doubled the advantage early in the 2nd half before Enfield fought back Lisa Kline making it 2-1 on the 67th minute had them level just 3 minutes later. 2 quickfire goals turned the game around in Enfield’s favour with 15 minutes left, Robyn Ami Brown a 2nd half substitute scoring to make it 3-2 Amira Martin made it 4-2 to the visitors 2 minutes later to see Enfield leave Norfolk with all 3 points.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies hit the ground running as they netted the fastest goal of the day at home to Denham United Ladies on Sunday. Kerry Newman scoring inside the opening 2 minutes chances to extend the lead it was 1-0 at the break. Denham got themselves back on level terms with 58 minutes on the clock awarded a set piece up stepped Alissa Down to send the dead ball over the keeper into the back of the net the final score both sides taking a point from the game.
A repeat of last season’s opening day fixture AFC Wimbledon Ladies were hosting Ipswich Town Ladies at Sutton United. Ipswich Town scored 3 goals in the match but left empty handed suffering a 4-3 defeat. 3 goals this time however were enough to secure the 3 points as they came back back from a goal down after Kelly-Jade Whelan had put Wimbledon into the lead. Natasha Thomas scoring a brace on the opening day along with a goal for Lindsey Smith seeing the visitors win 3-1.
An eventful 1st weekend in the FAWPL best get used to it because I can’t see it being any different a busy season ahead.
