The Round-Up

Sunday 20th August

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.

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 14th March

FAWPL Southern Division

The final day of the season in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday with everyone bar Lewes Ladies in action in the last round of fixtures most thing’s settled, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, Champions. Coventry United Ladies securing runners up spot. 

Both were on the road for their last league match of the season, Tottenham away to West Ham United Ladies 3rd from bottom but safe from the relegation place. Both Shannon Maloney and Katie O’Leary in the starting line-up for Tottenham returning to match sharpness after injury had kept both out for much of the season. It was O’Leary who opened the scoring putting Tottenham into the lead in the 36th minute. Wendy Martin netting 3 minutes into 1st half injury time to see Tottenham go into the dressing room with a 2-0 at half-time.

Martin went on to score her 2nd of the game 7 minutes into the 2nd half, Rhianna Soobadoo making it 4-0 in the 61st minute. Tottenham in complete control continued to find the back of the West Ham net, Bianca Baptiste scoring in the 66th minute, turned provider for the next goal taking the corner Lucia Leon heading the ball into the back of the net a minute later. Baptiste with her 2nd of the game with 10 minutes left to see Tottenham finish the Southern Division season with a 7-0 win. 

  Take on FAWPL Northern Division Champions, Blackburn Rovers Ladies in the FAWPL Play-off match on the 28th May the game being played at The Valley.

Coventry United Ladies captain Natasha Lynch holding aloft the FAWPL Plate Trophy presented by Carol West in the 2015/16 season

Coventry United Ladies secured runners-up spot in the Southern Division last Sunday were away on the South Coast on Sunday taking on Portsmouth FC Ladies. Coventry captain Natasha Lynch opened the scoring headed home a corner kick inside the opening 5 minutes. Jade Brook doubling the advantage midway through the 2nd half. 3 minutes later Portsmouth had a corner the ball cleared out of the box fell to Alexandra Iusan who volleyed he ball back in scoring with a stunning strike to score her 1st goal for the 1st team pulling it back to 2-1. Deep into 1st half injury time Callan Barber scored direct from a free-kick to make it 3-1 to Coventry. No more goals added 2nd half Coventry finish 4 points behind Tottenham. The last game for Coventry United Ladies captain Natasha Lynch as she retires from the game, a legend at the club joining as an 8 year old, will take some replacing. Wishing Natasha all the best for what follows next.

Charlton Athletic Women were in 3rd place going into the final game of the season away to C&K Basildon Ladies. It was the home side who opened the scoring Therese Addison making her 1st start of the club putting Basildon in front in the 12th minute. Grace Coombs levelled the scores with a strike from distance in the 22nd minute, Addison with a shot from all of 30 yards restring Basildon’s lead, captain Zoe Rushen making it 3-1 in 1st half injury time. Kit Graham got it back to 3-2 with 20 minutes left on the clock 2nd half, wasn’t long before Basildon restored their 2 goal advantage Jay Blackie scoring in the 75th minute. Graham scoring her 2nd of the match in stoppage time her 37th of the season not enough as C&K Basildon ran out 4-3 winners to overhaul Lewes and finish 6th. Another huge name and legend also hanging up her boots as Stacey Little announced her retirement from the game via twitter after the game best known for her time at West Ham United Ladies will be another player sorely missed in the game. Again wishing Stacey all the best in whatever she does next.

A costly final day defeat for Charlton was 4th placed Cardiff City Ladies gain as they took home all 3 points away to Crystal Palace Ladies who had already secured 5th spot to climb above Charlton into 3rd. A single goal enough to secure the win coming with 15 minutes left on the clock Kerry Bartlett the scorer to see Cardiff City Ladies finish 3rd.

Only a whopping winning score would have been enough to save Queens Park Rangers from finishing bottom of the FAWPL Southern Division, would have had to have scored more goals than they have all season as they travelled to The County Ground home of Swindon Town FC to play Swindon Town Ladies 3 points ahead of them. A special occasion for Swindon Town Ladies, QPR their fate sealed ended the season on a high note as they took the lead late in the 1st half through Joanna Blodgett. Doubling the lead 5 minutes into the 2nd half Juliette Denny scoring the final score 2-0 sees QPR finish bottom but only on goal difference.

FAWPL South East Division One

FAWPL South East Division One Champions, Gillingham FC Ladies were unbeaten in the league with just one game left to play, were way out in front as top goal scorers too on 102 goals in the league some 43 goals ahead of Milton Keynes Dons Ladies who secured 2nd spot in midweek. Were away to AFC Wimbledon Ladies for their last match of the season. A win for Wimbledon would guarantee them a 3rd place finish in their 1st season playing in the FAWPL. It was Gillingham who got off to the better start however Felicity Gibbons with her 48th goal of the season giving them the lead in the 20th minute. Kallie Balfour doubling the score just past the half hour mark. Wimbledon pulled a goal back with 5 minutes of the 1st half left Katie Stanley the scorer to make it 2-1 at the break. 

Wimbledon were back on level terms 7 minutes into the 2nd half, Yasmin Poole making it 2-2 and it was the home side that found the winning goal in the last 10 minutes of the game Rebecca Sargent putting the ball into the back of the net to seal the 3 points and a 3rd place finish and see Gillingham end with a final day defeat.

A tough finish to the season for Cambridge United WFC in 4th place leading the South East Division One until Gillingham unbeaten roared on to take the title runners-up spot still up for grabs lost out to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies in midweek at the Stadium MK. 3rd place still on if Wimbledon lost the 4th placed side were hosting Milton Keynes Dons at home for their final game of the season. 3 straight defeats for Cambridge to end the season turned into an unwanted 4th as Milton Keynes Dons ran out 2-0 winners, with a familiar pair on the scoresheet I’m sure The Round-Up has typed this before, goals from Hannah Barrett and Heather McDonnell seeing the points won. A 40 minute delay in the game to through injury as an ambulance was needed for Cambridge left back Carrie Bennett . Wishing her all the best hoping the injury isn’t too serious and all the best for a full and speedy recovery. Nevertheless 4th place does represent a best ever season for Cambridge however the ambitious club will feel a better position was warranted.

Luton Town Ladies got the point they needed to secure 5th spot in the FAWPL South East Division One as they were held to a goalless draw by Stevenage Ladies who finish 3rd bottom on 15 points after their 1st season playing at this level.

Ipswich Town Ladies were at home to Denham United Ladies for both clubs final game of the season. Jenny Banfield put Denham into the lead before Ipswich turned things around, Roxanne Small and Zoe Cossey scoring to put the home side 2-1 up but they couldn’t hold on for the 3 points that would have secured 7th spot as Lauren Page scored in stoppage time to see the points shared with a 2-2 draw. The game also saw the return of Amanda Crump for Ipswich Town playing for the 1st time since giving birth to her baby daughter.

That draw allowed Enfield Town Ladies in 9th to jump 2 places on the final day to seal a 7th place finish just a single goal as all three sides ended on 25 points doing the job. Were at home to bottom side Lowestoft Town Ladies who needed a win to keep their chances of avoiding the drop alive. A hat-trick from Nuala McKevitt plus a goal each for Macy Diaz and Regan Coleman seeing Enfield win the game 5-1, Hannah Waters with the goal for Lowestoft who will finish bottom ending a 2 season stay in the FAWPL.

The side they could have caught Norwich City Ladies whom they play this Wednesday at Plantation Park were 4 points above them going into Sunday’s game at home against Actonians Ladies, Norwich having 3 games left to squeeze in were soundly beaten, the game flaring up on the half hour mark as both sides were reduced to 10 players with Jodie Drake for Norwich and Carla Williams for Actonians both red carded. Melissa Jung on 8 goals for the season took that tally to 14 netting a double hat-trick in the match, not quite enough to finish as top scorers as Alessandra Barreca squeezed it with a brace to take her onto 15 for the season. Sinthujah Sooryakumar also scoring netting twice with Katrina Duncan also on the scoresheet in an 11-0 win.

  The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 30th April

FAWPL Southern Division

   Tottenham Hotspur Ladies clinched the FAWPL Southern Division title back on the 19th April at White Hart Lane in front of over 2000 fans, the team on a long unbeaten run achieving their ultimate goal, since then however perhaps with so much put into that run they have lost their last 3 matches in a row, twice to Charlton Athletic Women last weekend in the league and then 48 hours later in the final of the Capital Women’s Cup, Charlton Athletic retaining the trophy with a 2-1 win.

  This weekend Tottenham were on the road making the trip to Wales to play 4th placed Cardiff City Ladies one of 3 sides vying for the runners-up position in the league. Cardiff started well going on to take the lead in the 22nd minute Tottenham putting through their own net. Cori Williams doubling Cardiff’s lead 6 minutes before half-time. The lead was further extended in the 2nd half with Emily Allen making it 3-0 in the 63rd minute. Cardiff were reduced to 10 with 15 minutes left Hope Suominen picking up a 2nd yellow card. Despite this it was the home side who found the back of the net for a 4th goal Chloe Chivers scoring in the final minute.

  3 wins on the bounce have propelled Coventry Unite up from 4th into 2nd spot in the FAWPL Southern Division table, following a 3-1 away to at Swindon Town Ladies in midweek, Coventry headed down to the South Coast to play Lewes Ladies this weekend, the final game of the season at the Dripping Pan for the FAWPL Plate winners. Stephanie Smith (pictured) scored the only goal of the game to see Coventry United Ladies take home the 3 points. Away to Cardiff City Ladies this coming weekend in what could very well be a playoff game for 2nd spot a win for Coventry would virtually seal the position.

   Crystal Palace Ladies have secured 5th position in the FAWPL Southern Division since winning promotion to the league last season. Were at home in their penultimate game of the season taking on Portsmouth FC Ladies. Rosie Payne got them off to a good start scoring in the opening 10 minutes. Rochelle Shakes doubled the lead a few minutes later. Two late goals at the end of the 1st half from Gemma Bryan and Payne with her 2nd of the match in stoppage time saw Crystal Palace in control of the game. Gemma Bryan added her 2nd of the game 3 minutes into the 2nd half with Ellie Bailes and Darcey Charlesworth scoring late on to seal a 7-0 victory. Crystal Palace suffered an injury blow however with Francesca Ali fracturing her tibia and dislocating her ankle in the game a long spell on the sidelines to come, Women’s Football east wishes her a full and speedy recovery and hope to see her back in action soon.

   Queens Park Rangers Ladies hopes of survival in the FAWPL Southern Division took another blow in Sunday as they were beaten at home by C&K Basildon Ladies on Sunday. Zoe Rushen C&K Basildon’s captain put the visitors into the lead in the 8th minute. Hannah Porter doubling the lead 6 minutes later scoring from a free-kick. Jenny Critchley pulled a goal back for QPR 20 minutes into the 2nd half. Basildon responded quickly Angela Addison putting them 3-1 ahead. Rushen was then shown a straight red card for a challenge on QPR goalkeeper after lengthy treatment the goalkeeper was stretched off unable to return, Critchley doning the gloves for the 2nd half. A 4th goal coming for Basildon with 12 minutes left Jay Blackie finding the back of the net the 4-1 win taking Basildon back above Lewes into 6th. 

FAWPL South East Division One

Gillingham FC Ladies are the FAWPL South East Division One Champions returning to the Southern Division after a 2 season absence. Unbeaten in 19 games in the league needed a point from their final home game of the season hosting Norwich City Ladies struggling for numbers on the day just 9 making the trip down to Kent. Gillingham are a handful with 11 players on the pick it wasn’t long before they breached their opponents defences Charlotte Gurr scoring in the 5th and 9th minute went on to complete her hat-trick in the 22nd minute. Felicity Gibbons then got in on the goal scoring act hitting 2 goals before half-time sandwiched in between a goal for Jenny Newman.

It only got worse for Norwich as injuries forced them down to 7, an own goal and an April Bowers goal extended Gillingham’s lead early in the 2nd half. Gibbons going on to complete her hat-trick, both she and Gurr scored a 4th goal a piece, Newman scoring again with Bethany Nugent also on the scoresheet in a thumping 13-0 win. League Champions with 2 left to play can they follow Crystal Palace Ladies achievement last season and end the campaign unbeaten? Congratulations to Gillingham FC Ladies on their title success.

It was also a double figure score for AFC Wimbledon Ladies at home to another side struggling at the bottom of the league. Lowestoft Town Ladies the visitors too with the bare 11. Katie Stanley scoring in the 2nd minute for Wimbledon. Laura Low hitting a 5 minute brace on the 10th and 15th minute the lead 4-0 at the break with Rebecca Sargent scoring midway through the 1st half. Low got her hat-trick 3 minutes into the 2nd half. Stanley getting to more for her hat-trick with captain Jess Trimnell finding the back of the goal twice in 2 minutes in the last 10 minutes the final score 10-0. The win taking Wimbledon up into 2nd spot in the table.

A set-back for one of their rivals looking to clinch 2nd place always a tough game as Cambridge United WFC travelled to Luton Town Ladies in 6th at the weekend. Joanne Rutherford giving Luton the lead in the 37th minute. Cambridge hit back 4 minutes later Emma Jenkins levelling the scores 1-1 at half-time. Luton scored twice in the 1st 10 minutes of the 2nd half with Jodie Bellinger and Erica Byron on target. Asia Brown scoring her 1st goal for the club in the last 2 minutes of the game. Cambridge pulling on back in the closing stages Evie Gallop putting the ball into the back of the net from close range.

  Remains a 3 way tussle for 2nd spot Cambridge dropping to 3rd on goal difference behind Wimbledon have 2 games in hand. Milton Keynes Dons a point further back in 4th. Luton in 6th go level on points with 5th placed Actonians Ladies who were held at home on Sunday to a 0-0 draw with Stevenage Ladies the point moving Stevenage a little closer to safety.

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 16th April

FAWPL Southern Division 

A limited fixture list across the East this Sunday, due to a combination of it being the Easter Weekend and sides now starting to play out their fixtures the business end of the season so big matches played. None more so than in the FAWPL Southern Division where leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are now on the verge of clinching the league. They left it extremely late however to maintain their unbeaten league record at Cheshunt FC on Sunday at home to their closest rivals in the battle for the top Cardiff City Ladies.

It was the Welsh side in 3rd place in the table who got off to the better start taking the lead in the 6th minute, Cori Williams netting the goal. Held on to the narrow advantage going all the way into the final 10 minutes of the game. Nikita Whinnett (pictured) on in the 70th minute got Tottenham back on level terms scoring in the 84th minute to make it 1-1 then deep into injury time the home side won the game 90+6 when Wendy Martin struck the ball home to sealing the 3 points with a 2-1 win! A special occasion for the club on Wednesday night as they get to play at White Hart Lane against West Ham United Ladies and now they could be celebrating the title. Leading the way by a massive 11 points now with 4 left to play only Cardiff City Ladies can catch them now a win however would end even their slim title hopes and see Tottenham Hotspur Ladies crowned Champions.

 Crystal Palace Ladies have almost certainly clinched 5th spot in the FAWPL Southern Division following promotion last season. An away trip to Portsmouth FC Ladies this Sunday got off to a fantastic start going 2-0 up inside the 1st 10 minutes. Gemma Bryan opening the scoring in the 3rd minute then Rosie Paye with her 1st goal for Crystal Palace heading in a corner to make it 2-0 in the 9th. Portsmouth responded soon after to pull it back to 2-1, Natasha Stephens scoring the goal. Bryan with her 2nd of the game extended Crystal Palace’s lead on the half hour 3-1 the lead at the break.

  The score was extended straight away in the 2nd half as 10 seconds in Portsmouth gave away a penalty, Bryan stepping up to score her hat-trick. Portsmouth scored again in the 68th minute Samantha Quayle making it 4-2 but a 4th goal in the last 10 minutes for Bryan taking her to 26 for the season sealed the win for Crystal Palace 5-2.

A point at home for West Ham United Ladies on Sunday as they battle to avoid potential relegation. Held Lewes Ladies to a goalless draw the point taking them above Swindon Town Ladies into 9th 4 points clear of bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies who would have to double their points tally for the season to catch them have games in hand on both the sides above them. Remains tight at the bottom.

FAWPL South East Division One

Another side very close to clinching the title are Gillingham FC Ladies topping the table in FAWPL South East Division One. Unbeaten this season in 17 matches played travelled to 10th placed Stevenage Ladies this Sunday who themselves are looking for points to pull further clear of the bottom 2. Fought hard to keep the score at 0-0 going into the dressing room at half-time. Gillingham found the break through midway through the 2nd half, jenny Newman scoring to put them into the lead. Stevenage had an opportunity to level the scores as they were awarded a penalty kick, Gillingham goalkeeper Courtney Shanley saved it Gillingham going on to their 15th game of the season go 10 points clear at the top 2 more wins from their remaining for matches would see them win the title.

With 5 games in hand on Stevenage Ladies above them Norwich City Ladies need the points as they look to overturn a 6 point gap and avoid relegation themselves. Travelled to Mildenhall Town FC this Easter Sunday to play Cambridge United WFC fresh from winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup once again last Thursday. In 4th place a win for Cambridge would lift them into 2nd spot. 

It was Norwich who went on to open the scoring in the match a long distance strike from Aimee Durrant making it 1-0 in the 25th minute. Cambridge were quick to find a reply Nicole Perschky making it 1-1 5 minutes later. Soon after Cambridge were leading Carrie Bennett hitting her 1st goal of the season into the back of the net to make it 2-1 on 34 minutes. It was Norwich however who led at the break two late goals in the final 3 minutes of the 1st half from Kyla Love and Ellen Swift seeing them lead 3-2. 

The lead didn’t last a minute into the 2nd half however a Cambridge getting a corner in the 46th minute levelled the scores, another player getting her 1st goal for the 1st team this season, Carolyn Sarafian volleying the ball in to make it 3-3. Took the lead for the 2nd time in the game 8 minutes later Laura Mills on target to make it 4-3. Again Norwich came back into the game Swift with her 2nd of the game making it 4-4 with 20 minutes left on the clock. Into the last 10 minutes of the game and Cambridge were awarded a penalty as Evie Gallop was brought down inside the box. Perschky to take her initial strike saved she was on hand to put in the rebound to score what would prove to be the winning goal 5-4 the final score. Games in hand on the sides below them unlikely to catch Gillingham, runners-up spot is very much on for Cambridge.

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 9th April

FAWPL Southern Division 

With three quarters of their league games played FAWPL Southern Division leaders, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are looking in good shape to win the title as they continue their unbeaten league form and two of their rivals meeting at the weekend drop points.

  It was a trip to the South Coast for Tottenham this Sunday taking on Portsmouth FC Ladies, Wendy Martin heading the ball into the back of the net inside the opening 15 minutes to give them the lead. Kelley Blanchflower doubling Tottenham’s advantage just past the half hour mark, took control of the match leading 3-0 at half-time Bianca Baptiste scoring in with 4 minutes of the 1st half left. Portsmouth pulled a goal back to make it 3-1 10 minutes into the 2nd half with captain Gemma Hillier on target, Tottenham responded quickly restoring their 3 goal cushion just 3 minutes later Lucia Leon with the goal, 4-1 the final score the win putting Tottenham 4 points clear of 2nd placed Charlton Athletic Women who have played 3 games more, are now 8 points ahead of 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies and 10 clear of 4th placed Coventry United who both like Tottenham have played 15.

 Charlton Athletic Women keep up the pressure in 2nd also winning away on the South Coast this Sunday a trip to The Dripping Pan to play who were unbeaten in 4 matches in league and cup. The sides contesting a goalless 1st half striker Gemma Shepherd was introduced from the bench in the 71st minute and gave Charlton the lead 4 minutes later one goal was quickly followed by 2 with Kit Graham moving onto 33 for the season scoring in the 79th minute to help secure the 3 points.

  It was 3rd versus 4th in the FAWPL Southern Division as Cardiff City Ladies travelled to Pack Meadow to play Coventry United Ladies both sides needing the 3 points to keep up the pace with the top two in the division. It was the visitors who held the advantage going into half-time leading 1-0. The score was doubled early in the 2nd half. Coventry United responded quickly to reduce the deficit Alison Hall making it 2-1 left it late for find an equaliser was worth waiting for however a superb strike from Laura Cooper from outside the box into the top corner giving the keeper no chance. The points shared in the end doesn’t neither any favours.

  A big win at home for Crystal Palace Ladies as they look to secure a top 5 finish in the FAWPL Southern Division following promotion last season. Have switched to a new home ground for their remaining home games a familiar one to FAWSL fans, Beckenham Town FC formerly home of Watford Ladies. Settled it quickly taking on C&K Basildon Ladies, Sarah Jones putting Crystal Place into the lead in the 4th minute. Mary Robinson doubling the score 5 minutes later before Gemma Bryan (pictured) netted her 1st of the game to see the home side leading 3-0 inside the opening 15 minutes. 3-0 the lead going into the 2nd half Crystal Place continued to dominate eventually extending their lead inside the last 15 minutes Bryan adding a 2nd goal before completing her hat-trick with 3 minutes left to play taking her to 26 for the season the 5-0 victory opening up a 6th point gap between themselves and 6th placed Lewes Ladies.

FAWPL South East Division One

In FAWPL South East Division One a similar story is unfolding at the top of the table with Gillingham FC Ladies now opening up a 7 point lead at the top as they continue their unbeaten lead campaign away to closest rivals 2nd placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies at the weekend. The run stretching to 7 matches now. Felicity Gibbons put the visitors into the lead at Newport Pagnell FC just past the half hour mark of the 1st half. Defender Vanisha Patel making it 2-0 to Gillingham scoring 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Held on for all 3 points as Milton Keynes pulled a goal back late into the 2nd half, Heather McDonnell firing in a free-kick.

AFC Wimbledon Ladies take advantage of rivals Milton Keynes Dos Ladies loss to climb above them in the South East Division One table into 2nd, were at home on Sunday playing Enfield Town Ladies. Were leading 1-0 at the break thanks to a Kelly-Jade Whelan goal in the 14th minute, Rebecca Sargent doubled the lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half a 4 minute brace from winger Katie Stanley seeing the points secured netting in the 1st and 75th minute the final score 4-0.

Cambridge United WFC keep up the pressure on the sides above them as winning away from home this Sunday. The 4th placed side travelling once again to the Suffolk Coast to play bottom side Lowestoft Town Ladies having arrived there earlier in the season only to see the match called off due to a waterlogged pitch. No chance of that this Sunday the hottest of the year to date. With the score looking to be 0-0 at the break full back Emma Jenkins (pictured) got forwards to score a fabulous goal from outside the box striking the ball sending it into the top corner to give Cambridge the lead. The 3 points were finally secured as the game moved into the final 10 minutes, striker Sarah Wiltshire heading the ball home from inside the box. Games in hand on the 2nd and 3rd placed sides a 3 point gap between them.

  3 points further back from Cambridge United WFC are 5th placed Actonians Ladies were away to 6th placed Luton Town Ladies this Sunday the visitors going in front early in the game Melissa Jung with the goal in the 7th minute. A brace from Alessandra Barreca scoring in the 22nd and 31st minute had Actonians leading comfortably by half-time. Defending a 3-0 lead in the 2nd half Luton Town managed to pull a goal back in the final 10 minute Amy Summerfield on target, however winning 3-1 Actonians open up a 5 point gap over Luton.

At the other end of the South East Division One table 2nd bottom side Norwich City Ladies have plenty of matches left in which to save themselves from the drop, need to convert those games into points however with a 6 point gap to 3rd bottom side Stevenage Ladies who travelled to Plantation Park with a few 1st team regulars missing. The gap between them remains 6 points both adding to their tally contesting a goalless draw.

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 2nd April

FAWPL Southern Division

It has been a hotly contested battle at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division all season with 4 sides all in contention for the title, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies for the majority of the season have been the pace setters the only unbeaten side in the with just the one match drawn and 12 wins. Cardiff City Ladies and Charlton Athletic Women have led the table at times in 2nd and 3rd with Coventry United Ladies in 4th also keeping things bunched up at the top, into April and some big matches coming up as the top 4 face each other.

Coventry United Ladies travelled to Cheshunt FC on Sunday to play leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies looking to reduce the gap between the sides to 2 points move up one or two places. A goalless 1st half between the sides the was deadlock broken 18 minutes into the 2nd half, manager Karen Hills bringing Nikita Whinnett on in the 67th minute made an immediate impact the substitute scoring 20 seconds after coming on to hand Tottenham the lead. The 3 points secured as the game moving into the final 10 minutes Bianca Baptiste putting Whinnett’s cross into the back of the net the win seeing Tottenham go 4 points clear at the top 8 ahead of Coventry United now both with 6 matches left to play.

 Charlton Athletic Women move up from 3rd above Cardiff City into 2nd winning away from home against Portsmouth FC Ladies on Sunday. Rosey Sullivan opening the scoring for the visitors 20 minutes into the 1st half captain Kim Dixson doubling the advantage 5 minutes later. Charlton Athletic held the 2-0 advantage before Kit Graham with her 32nd goal of the season made the 3 points secure scoring in the 80th minute.

6th placed Lewes Ladies extend their unbeaten run to 4 games in league and cup as they scored a late equaliser away to 5th placed Crystal Palace Ladies. Gemma Bryan with her 23rd goal of the season handing Crystal Palace the lead late in the 1st half. Held onto the lead for most of the 2nd half, Lewes, Rebecca Carter finding the back of the net to make it all square at 1-1 in the 86th minute to take a point home as they look to secure a top half finish in their 4 remaining league games.

FAWPL South East Division One

Gillingham FC Ladies are proving to be an unstoppable force at the top of FAWPL South East Division One as they extended their unbeaten league record to 16 matches including 11 straight wins. Were hosting Stevenage Ladies this Sunday. Rosie Kmita opened the scoring for the hosts, had a chance to extend their lead from the spot, Stevenage goalkeeper, Katherine Long saving Felicity Gibbons spot kick. Didn’t take Gillingham long to make it 2-0, Charlotte Gurr in blistering from in front of goal since rejoining the club went on to complete a hat-trick taking her to 32 goals from 14 appearances. A 5th goal came in the form of a Stevenage own goal. Substitute Emma Slater netting an injury time consolation goal for the visitors in a 5-1 defeat. The result seeing Gillingham open up a 5 point lead at the top of the table.

  3rd placed AFC Wimbledon Ladies at home to 5th placed Actonians Ladies on Sunday found themselves trailing 1-0 at the break after Jessica Byrne had scored in the 1st half for the visitors. Captain, Jess Trimnell scored in the 66th minute to pull the hosts level, a win would have lifted Wimbledon into 2nd spot in the end the two sides had to settle for a share of the points.

4th placed Cambridge United WFC hadn’t won in the league in 2017 just the 3 games in that time with extended cup runs in between. A win this Sunday would put them back in touch with the top 3 sides in the table and they had an extra incentive to get the win as they were getting a 2nd opportunity to play at The Abbey Stadium, home of League Two side Cambridge United FC. Were hosting Ipswich Town Ladies who lay in 9th place in the table. Cambridge got off to a bright start taking the lead in the 10th minute, Sarah Wiltshire returning to football just over a month after giving birth to baby daughter Alexa-Rose working her way back to match fitness in preparation for a new season with FAWSL 1 side Yeovil Town Ladies sending the ball into the back of the net off the post to make it 1-0.  Both sides were using the wings and finding space in behind, Ipswich levelled the scores with 10 minutes of the 1st half left, Amy Howlett driving forwards playing the ball into striker Laura Guyon who laid the ball on for Howlett to burst into the area and send the ball over Cambridge goalkeeper, Verity Crook into the back of the net.

Ipswich Town Ladies, Amy Howlett with Cambridge United WFC’s Sarah Wiltshire both scoring in the 1st half (photo credit Gary Reed)

Cambridge went on to have the better of the 2nd half a little flat from Ipswich conceding a corner the ball played of a defender at the near post fell into the six yard box the ball was stabbed over the line captain Laura Bright restoring Cambridge’s lead. 20 minutes left a free-kick for Cambridge, Wiltshire from the left outside the box went for goal sending the ball looping over the keeper and in then straight from the restart Wiltshire completed her hat-trick playing through on goal by Ashleigh Deacon fired home from the edge of the box 4-1 the final score. The match report can be read further down this page or by clicking on the link below to take you to the Supporting Women’s Football Blog.

Cambridge United WFC 4-1 Ipswich Town Ladies

In the final match in the weekend played in the FAWPL South East Division One, Norwich City Ladies were hosting Denham United Ladies at Plantation Park. Goals for Lauren Cox and Clarice Gould seeing the visitors win the game 2-0 the 3 points taking Denham United above Enfield Town Ladies into 7th spot in the table.

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 26th March

FAWPL Southern Division

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies long unbeaten league and cup run was brought to a crashing end in the FA Women’s Cup knocked out in the 5th Round by Arsenal Ladies. The FAWPL Southern Division leaders still have plenty to play for however gunning for the league and into 3 Cup Finals. Back to league action this Sunday at home at Cheshunt FC taking on 5th placed Crystal Palace Ladies it was the away side that got off to the better start hitting Tottenham on the counter to take the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, Gemma Bryan with her 22nd goal of the season. 

 Tottenham got it back to 1-1 just before half-time as Bianca Baptiste was played through on goal to score taking her goals tally to 18 for the season. Tottenham went on to find the winning goal in the 2nd half to take all 3 points, Wendy Martin with her 19th of the season heading the ball home from a Jenna Schillaci free-kick in the 78th minute the win keeping Tottenham 3 points clear at the top.

Charlton Athletic Women were denied all 3 points as they conceded a last minute equaliser on the road at the weekend. A big game as 2nd placed Charlton travelled to Pack Meadow to play 4th placed Coventry United Ladies. Avilla Bergin giving the visitors the lead in the 12th minute as she was played through into the box to score. Charlton created further chances but Coventry United have the 2nd best defensive record in the league behind Tottenham. Pushing for an equaliser late in the 2nd half pressuring the ball outside the Charlton box Jade Brook was played in and shot from the right sending the ball across the keeper to make it 1-1 see the points shared.

 A draw for Charlton sees them drop to 3rd in the Southern Division table overhauled by Cardiff City Ladies who won convincingly away from home on Sunday travelling to the South Coast to play Portsmouth FC Ladies a brace each for Kerry Bartlett and Chloe Chivers along with a goal for Laura Williams saw them lead 5-0, Portsmouth pulling a goal back in the final minute through Samantha Quayle to see game end 5-1.

3 wins on the bounce now for Lewes Ladies in league and cup a successive home league win this Sunday lifting them back up into the top half of the Southern Division table. Were taking on the side immediately above them C&K Basildon Ladies at The Dripping Pan. Georgia Bridges headed home from a corner to give Lewes the lead inside the opening 5 minutes. The home side leading 2-0 at half-time as Sian Heather slid the ball pas Basildon goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles. Lewes going on to saw a 3rd goal with 5 minutes left on the clock winning a corner another great delivery Bridges causing problems for the Basildon defence inside the box adding the 2nd goal of the match the 3 points taking Lewes up into 6th place.

FAWPL South East Division One

A late goal from Hannah Barrett saw 2nd placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies win all 3 points at home to Lowestoft Town Ladies at the weekend. Finding their opponents tough to break down the winning goal came with 5 minutes left on the clock the single goal enough to see all 3 points won Milton Keynes closing the gap on leaders Gillingham FC Ladies down to 2 points. Lowestoft Town Ladies have named a new manager with Josh Miller taking over the role combining it with his role a Academy Community Manager at Lowestoft Town FC after Ricky Graves stepped down from the role after struggling to balance it with work and other commitments having previously been joint manager.

Was an even later goal that rescued a point away from home for 3rd placed AFC Wimbledon Ladies. Taking on 6th placed Luton Town Ladies unbeaten in 4 matches at the Stockwood Park Athletics Stadium, Luton could have joined 4th placed Cambridge United WFC on points with a win, took the lead in the 1st half Erica Byron with the goal. Were leading 1-0 all the way through the 2nd half when deep into the 4th minute of injury time the visitors grabbed a goal, Kelly-Jade Whelan putting the ball into the back of the net to see AFC Wimbledon take a share of the points.

  The points were shared elsewhere too as 4th placed Cambridge United WFC travelled to play 5th placed Actonians Ladies at North Greenford United FC. The two side contesting a goalless 1st half it was Cambridge United WFC who went on to take the lead in the 2nd half Laura Mills with her 9th of the season putting the visitors in front. Actonians were them awarded a penalty kick, Alessandra Barreca with her 10th of the season scoring from the spot kick to make it 1-1 the final score.

 At Plantation Park, Norwich City Ladies were hosting Ipswich Town Ladies in the East Anglian derby, always a hotly fought contest, Norwich bottom of the table need to pick up every point they can get between now and the end of the season fell behind however as Hollie Clement scored to give Ipswich the lead. Midway through the 2nd half Kyla Love found the back of the net to put Norwich back on level terms. Ipswich created chances to regain the lead in the 2nd half however couldn’t convert their chances the points shared enough to lift Norwich off the bottom over Lowestoft Town.

Both sides were delivered a blow in their battle for survival as fellow relegation candidates Stevenage Ladies gave themselves a massive boost with a 4-1 win at home to Denham United Ladies on Sunday. Captain, Donna McGuigan scoring a brace in the game with a goal each for Rosy Woodhams and Kristina O’Connell to see them move onto 12 points and open up a 6 point gap between themselves and the bottom two.