Is tight at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division with just 2 points separating the top 4 sides, 3 of which are still unbeaten going into the weekend. Coventry United Ladies held the advantage on goal difference topping the table, by the end of the day would find themselves in 4th place. At home in a top of the table clash taking on 2nd placed Tottenham Hotspur Ladies having only conceded 8 goals between them so far this season it wasn’t likely either side were going to runaway with the result. A single goal enough to win all 3 points and it was Tottenham who got them Renee Hector up from the back for a corner heading the ball into the back of the net in the 1st half to seal the win.
Despite the win Tottenham stay in 2nd spot in the FAWPL Southern Division table albeit level on points with the new leaders, Cardiff City Ladies who go top for the 1st time this season after a 4-0 away win against West Ham United Ladies on Sunday. A brace from Kerry Bartlett with Chloe Lloyd and Laura Williams on target seeing Cardiff City lead the way.
Charlton Athletic Women climb up a place into 3rd in the FAWPL Southern Division winning at home on Sunday against bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Were made to work for the 3 points QPR holding them to 0-0 at half-time it wasn’t until 20 minutes into the 2nd half Charlton finally broke them down, Jenny Newman netting the opening goal of the game. The 3 points secured in injury time, Kit Graham (pictured) scoring her 16th goal of the season to date.
A 3rd minute goal from Rebecca Carter scoring from a corner gave Lewes Ladies the lead at home to Crystal Palace Ladies on Sunday. The visitors pulling the scores level on 20 minutes Roschelle Shakes with the goal. Crystal Palace were to fall behind again conceding from another corner 5 minutes later Leeta Rutherford scoring the goal for Lewes to see them lead at half-time. 14 minutes into the 2nd half Crystal Palace pulled the scores level at 2-2, Lilli Maple scoring her 1st goal for the club. Lewes saw Tammy Waine red carded on 69 minutes, but despite the player advantage Crystal Palace couldn’t find a winning goal the points shared in a 2-2 draw.
A comfortable 1st half for Portsmouth FC Ladies saw them to victory on Sunday at home to Swindon Town Ladies. Sarah Kempson with 2 quickfire goals on 19 and 20 minutes putting them into the lead, Gemma Hillier netting for their 3rd on the half hour mark. Kempson completing her hat-trick in 1st half injury time. Swindon tightened thing’s up 2nd half eventually conceding a 5th 5 minutes from time Hillier with her 2nd of the match seeing caretaker manager Jay Sadler start with a win.
FAWPL South East Division One
Just the one game being played in FAWPL South East Division One this Sunday with Enfield Town Ladies at home taking on Ipswich Town Ladies. A close 1st half Enfield Town’s Stavroulla Panayiotou scoring 2 minutes before the half-time whistle to give the home side the advantage. Regan Coleman doubling the lead a minute into the 2nd half. Taylor Cooke scoring her 1st goal for the 1st team pulling it back to 2-1 for Ipswich Town 3 minutes later. Panayiotou netting her 2nd of the game with 15 minutes left, Coleman was brought down in the box 2 minutes later a penalty awarded to Enfield, Teodora Kodova saved the initial strike but Lizzie Kent was on hand to put the rebound home to see Enfield Town Ladies win 4-1 and climb above Ipswich Town into 8th spot in the table.
All change at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division at the end of October as Charlton Athletic Women who had gone top of the table whilst their rivals were in cup action sat the weekend fixtures out, find themselves back down to 4th in the table as the 3 sides below all still with an unbeaten record recorded wins at the weekend.
A three way tie at the top of the table 3 sides on 19 points with the same record of 6 wins and a draw. Coventry United Ladies are top of the pile on goal difference. A trip to Essex on Sunday to play West Ham United Ladies. Alison Hall giving the visitors an early lead as she put the ball into the back of the net inside the opening 5 minutes. Captain Natasha Lynch doubled Coventry’s lead in the 10th minute. Hall went on to complete a 1st half hat-trick netting 2 more goals in the 16th and 24th minute to put Coventry firmly in control. Hall added a 4th goal to her tally in the closing stages of the 1st half. The lead 5-0 at the break no more goals followed in the 2nd half the damage done in the 1st half.
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are 2nd in the table following an away win at the weekend. Were playing the only side to take points from them so far this season, C&K Basildon Ladies who held them at home to a 1-1 draw. Now playing them at Canvey Island FC, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were in no mood to concede, creating chances up the other end the break through came as the 1st half reached the half-hour mark, Ronnell Humes giving the visitors the lead, Wendy Martin made it 2-0 to Tottenham with 6 minutes of the 1st half left. 2nd half saw Tottenham go on to score 2 more goals, Bianca Baptiste making it 3-0 in the 63rd minute, substitute Cheryl Williams scoring Tottenham’s 4th goal with 12 minutes left to see them leave with all 3 points.
Twice 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies came from behind to level the scores at home to Crystal Palace Ladies before going on to win the game 2nd half. Gemma Bryan (pictured) scoring on the 20th minute for Crystal Palace in the 1st half, Cardiff soon pegging the scores level. 1-1 at half-time Bryan was on target again in the 2nd half scoring on 60 minutes again the lead didn’t last long Cardiff bringing it back to 2-2 then went on to take the lead win the game 3-2 to keep pace with Tottenham and Coventry at the top of the table.
Finally bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies get off the mark in the league 7 straight losses in the league before the weekend, gained some much needed confidence from a 4-2 away win in the FAWPL Plate away to Lowestoft Town Ladies. Were at home on Sunday the visitors to the Honeycroft, Portsmouth FC Ladies. The sides battling out a goalless 1st half, it was Portsmouth who would go on to take the lead Sarah Kempson scoring the goal 5 minutes into the 2nd half. The lead didn’t last long just 3 minutes as Queens Park Rangers levelled the scores Jennifer Critchley scoring to make it 1-1. The final score the sides sharing the points.
Good news for Portsmouth FC Ladies at the start of the week as they announced a deal with Portsmouth FC that will see them strengthen their ties with the mens club. More details about the deal can be found on their website, click on the link below for more information.
Lewes Ladies left it late… no later than that to win their 1st 3 points in the league since the opening day of the season. On their travels playing Swindon Town Ladies. The sides in a good contest playing out a goalless 1st half. The home side getting the lead in the game 12 minutes into the 2nd half, as Michelle Rich scored from a 25 yard free-kick. Lewes get it back to 1-1 with 10 minutes of normal play left, Kirsty Barton with their goal. Late drama which saw the Swindon manager sent from the dugout by the referee, meant their was a good portion of injury time to be played. 90+8 Lewes scored to win the game Georgia Bridges a 2nd half substitute sending a wonder strike into the back of the net to win the game 2-1.
FAWPL South East Division One
AFC Wimbledon Ladies and Cambridge United WFC are enjoying a great start to the FAWPL South East Division One season the sides exchanging top spot over the past few weeks the top two in the league met at the weekend with Cambridge travelling down to Sutton United FC to play AFC Wimbledon who held the lead by a single point. Winning their opening 6 league games have dropped points in their last 2 league matches. Cambridge United WFC haven’t looked back from an opening day defeat at home to Actonians Ladies winning 6 league games in a row to move up to the summit of the table.
Likely to be a close encounter between the 2 sides, Cambridge got themselves an early goal, Nicole Perschky (pictured) a summer signing from Stevenage Ladies putting the back into the back of the net inside the opening 15 minutes her 10th goal in all competitions since joining the club. A chance to extend the lead late in the 1st half from the penalty spot was missed by Laura Bright. 1-0 the advantage at the break AFC Wimbledon couldn’t breach the visitors defence 2nd half as they held out for the 3 points to see them climb up to 1st on 21 points.
Actonians Ladies are the surprise package this season several teams were talked about being up in the top half of the FAWPL South East Division One at the start of the season, Actonians it was suggested might find their 2nd season in the league difficult after struggling to gather points in the latter half of the season. Not the case by a long way have started this season very well better than last when they did enjoy a good start only for postponements and a cup run to slow their momentum in the league. A 3rd straight league win sees Actonians keep hold of 3rd spot in the table after a two week break that brought mixed fortunes in cup competitions. Were on home soil with Suffolk side Lowestoft Town Ladies the visitors on Sunday. Won the 3 points courtesy of 3 goals, captain Sinead Friel, Emma Mulhern and Lafe Uche with the shots on target to see them win the game 3-0.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies climb up to 4th in the FAWPL South East Division One table winning away to bottom side Stevenage Ladies on Sunday. Goals from captain Hannah Barrett, Heather McDonnell plus a brace from Leah Cudone seeing them to a 4-0 win 3 league wins in October seeing them move up the table.
Denham United Ladies are another side to have enjoyed a good October, having ended AFC Wimbledon Ladies 100% winning start to the season earlier in the month had been involved in cup competitions these previous 3 weekends progressing in 2 of them. Are up to 7th in the table with a good result at the weekend. Having recently opened their new changing rooms were hosting 4th placed Luton Town Ladies on Sunday. Alissa Down scoring from a free-kick given on the edge of the box in the 20th minute putting them 1-0 up proved to be the winning goal.
Gillingham FC Ladies are in 6th place in the table remain the only unbeaten side in the FAWPL South East Division One with a strong away performance at the weekend, were playing Ipswich Town Ladies who have had an up and down October in league and cup after a strong end to September. Drop down the table to 8th results going against them as Gillingham got off to a flyer captain Jade Keogh putting them 1-0 up inside 3 minutes a minute later Kallie Balfour made it 2-0. Both Keogh and Balfour added another goal in the 1st half with Felicity Gibbons making it 5-0 with 5 minutes left in the 1st half. April Bowers scoring a goal in the 2nd half for Gillingham with 15 minutes left seeing the win 6-0.
Enfield Town Ladies were at home on Sunday winning their 2nd league game of the season taking on Norwich City Ladies. Welcomed back Nuala McKevitt who sustained a nasty head injury earlier in the season, Marc NurseMoore’s side fell a goal behind in the 1st half , Norwich City taking the lead through Katherine Simonson on the 19th minute. Norwich held the lead at the break 1-0 Enfield coming back into the game 2nd half, Claire Ford getting it back to 1-1 before Danielle Smith netted to make it 2-1 the winning goal to see Enfield claim the 3 points.
This weekend in the FAWPL their was just the one league game with the focus on the 2nd Round of the Cup and Plate comprtitions, 9 ties across both featuring sides from the Southern and South East Division One.
FAWPL Southern Division
In the FAWPL Southern Division C&K Basildon Ladies were at home hosting Swindon Town Ladies and Canvey Island FC. The visitors coming into the game off the back of a confidence boosting 7-0 win away to Queens Park Rangers Ladies last Sunday. Battled hard 1st half despite C&K Basildon creating plenty of chances the score remained goalless at the break. That changed 4 minutes into the 2nd half C&K Basildon getting the lead a goal from Sara Sinclair. The home side continued to press for a 2nd goal, Swindon resiliant keeping them at bay until deep into injury time, Lily Mellors putting the result beyond doubt in the 93rd minute to see the game won 2-0.
FAWPL Cup 2nd Round
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies the FAWPL Cup holders continued their defence of the trophy at home taking on last seasons beaten FAWPL Plate finalists, Enfield Town Ladies. Had the majority of the play in the 1st half, the South East Division One side hard to break down Tottenham got into the lead 6 minutes before half-time Wendy Martin (pictured) with the goal. Martin went on to score 2 goals in 2 minutes 15 minutes into the 2nd half to complete her hat-trick. Lucia Leon adding another goal to make it 4-0 with 15 minutes left. Manager Karen Hills brought Martin off with 5 minutes left replacing her with goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne playing outfield up front almost scored straight away. Enfield pulled a goal back late on with two minutes of normal time left, Ellie Taladiana with the goal. Injury time and Wayne is played through in behind the Enfield defence racing into the box puts her shot past the keeper into the back of the net to score! Tottenham winning 5-1 to advance into the last 16.
Was an all FAWPL South East Division One clash at Corinthians FC, the new home for Gillingham FC Ladies this season unbeaten in all competitions so far this season were taking on Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Despite having the majority of the ball 1st half found it hard to break down a well drilled Milton Keynes Dons defence. The visitors creating the best chance young goalkeeper Katie Startup saving well from a powerful header driven in near post the follow up headed onto the crossbar. A change of formation and the introduction of striker Kallie Balfour did the trick 2nd half for Gillingham, Balfour breaking down the left driving the ball in across thre keeper near post. Balfour adding a 2nd her shot from inside the box going through the keeper to make it 2-0 see Gillingham into the last 16 where they will be away to Tottenham Hotspur Ladies. This game was the featured match report on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and the entire report can be found further down the page or by clicking on the link below.
Postponed last weekend after heavy rain on the South coast, FAWPL South East Division One side, Cambridge United WFC in fine form at the start of the season made long trip down to Gosport borough FC to play FAWPL Southern Division side Portsmouth FC Ladies. Cambridge have been building a strong squad to mount a promotion challenge added 2 more signing earlier in the week, Danielle Puddefoot coming in after a prolific season in front of goal for Queens Park Rangers Ladies last season, also joining is Mollie Kmita who joins her sister Rosie in signing for Cambridge.
Both Kmita sisters started the match and it was Rosie who gave the visitors an early lead in the match had a few more chances to extend Cambridge’s lead 1st half however Portsmouth kept the scoreline down to a single goal chances up the other end equalised late captain Gemma Hillier making it 1-1 in 1st half injury time. Portmouth went on to take the lead 2nd half Sarah Kempson scoring in 61 minutes. Their lead didn’t last long Cambridgegetting it back to 2-2 within 3 minutes Nicole Perschky on target. Portsmouth were to go on and score again Kempson with her 2nd goal 6 minutes from time enough to see them edge the result 3-2 to advance into the last 16.
Another side riding high in FAWPL South East Division One are AFC Wimbledon Ladies, they were at home in the 2nd Round of the FAWPL Cup taking on Southern Division opposition in Crystal Palace Ladies. The sides battled out a goalless 1st half, Crystal Palace took the lead over their lower division opponents 12 minutes into the 2nd half, Gemma Bryan putting them ahead. The lead was doubled in the last 10 minutes, Rochelle Shakes making it 2-0 for Crystal Palace to see them through to the last 16 of the FAWPL Cup.
It was also an FAWPL Southern Division side taking on South East Division One opponents in the last game to bring you from the FAWPL Cup 2nd Round with Coventry United Ladies the current FAWPL Plate holders taking on Denham United Ladies. Once again it was goalless at the break their lower league opponents had to break down. The deadlock was broken midway through the 2nd half, Ashleigh Neville getting the goal to give Coventry the lead made sure of the result in the last 10 minutes of the match, Jade Brook and Helen Dermody both netting a goal to see Coventry into the last 16 with a 3-0 win.
The draw for the 3rd Round of the FAWPL Cup was make earlier this week, ties scheduled to be played Sun 6th November selected ties featuring sides in the Southern and South East Division One listed below,
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Gillingham FC Ladies
Cardiff City Ladies or Larkhall Athletic Ladies v Basingstoke Town Ladies or Chichester City Ladies.
Charlton Athletic Women v Portsmouth FC Ladies
Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies
FAWPL Plate 2nd Round
Queens Park Rangers Ladies were without a single league point this season in the Southern Division as they made the long journey to the Suffolk coast to play South East Division One side Lowestoft Town Ladies in the FAWPL Plate 2nd Round. An good contest 1st half Lowestoft doing well against their higher league opponents conceded late in the 1st half Juliette Denny scoring for Queens Park Rangers in the 4th minute of 1st half injury time to give the Southern Division side a narrow lead going into the dressing room at half-time at Crown Meadow.
Queens Park Rangers started the 2nd half strongly, extending their lead on 54 minutes Jessica Treharne with the goal. Looked to be safely through to the last 16 of the Plate competition when Sara Ezzahiri scored to put them 3-0 up with 10 minutes to go. Late drama in the match however Lowestoft winning a penalty 2 with 2 minutes of normal play left, Gemma Moore scoring from the spot. Millie Cursons putting the ball in the back of the net on 90+1 to make it 3-2. Denny having scored in injury time 1st half repeated the feat 2nd half scoring her 2nd in the 93rd minute to see Queens Park Rangers win their 1st game of the season taking them through to the next round.
A long journey west for West Ham United Ladies in the FAWPL Plate 2nd Round taking on South West Division One side, Cheltenham Town Ladies. The 1st game of a new era for West Ham United Ladies under new management having been brought under the umbrella of the men’s club were introduced at half-time to the West Ham United fans at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday. On the pitch against Cheltenham got off to a great start Katie Bottom putting them ahead on 15 minutes from the spot after she was brought down in the area. Cheltenham battled hard, putting alot of effort in to keeping the lead down to a single goal at half-time. Started the 2nd half better gaining momentum, Louise Fensome pulling the scores level at 1-1 the game looked to be heading into extra-time, Chloe Burr getting on the ball driving forwards and rifling home a shot in injury time to see West Ham United win 2-1 to progress the last 16.
An all South East Division One clash in the 2nd Round of the FAWPL Plate saw Ipswich Town Ladies travel down to play Actonians Ladies. The home side knocking their Suffolk opponents out of the Plate with an emphatic win. Alessandra Barreca scoring a hat-trick for Actonians, with goals too for Emma Mulhern, Carla Williams and Sinthujah Sooriyakumar seeing them advance in the competition with a 6-0 victory.
South East Division One side Stevenage Ladies still looking for their 1st league win of the season made the long trip down to the South West to play fellow Division one side Exeter City Ladies. Had won big in the FA Women’s Cup 2 weekends ago giving the squad some confidence. That confidence was extended with another cup win as they returned home with a place in the last 16 of the FAWPL Plate secured following a 4-0 win.
The draw for the 3rd Round of the FAWPL Plate was made earlier in the week, ties scheduled to be played Sunday 6th November, selected ties below featuring sides in the Southern and South East Division One.
West Ham United Ladies v Keynsham Town Ladies
Lewes Ladies or Maidenhead United Ladies v St Nicholas Ladies
Busy start to the week so this weeks, The Round-Up is a little later than normal. Plenty of games to cover from last Sunday, largely featuring County Cup matches, 1st and 2nd Round games and that means clubs might not be in, The Round-Up where you would expect them to. A limited fixture list in the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One, and some of those ending up being postponed meant just the 4 games were played. 2 in the league and 1 tie in each the FAWPL Cup and Plate 2nd Round.
FAWPL Southern Division
Just the one league match took place in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday and although it is still very early in the season this was a huge match at the bottom of the table with Queens Park Rangers bottom of the table without a point on the board after 6 matches hosting 2nd bottom Swindon Town Ladies the newly promoted side just 3 points better off with 1 win from their opening 7 games. Swindon Town climb up 2 places to 8th in the table as they double their points tally with a high scoring win. Opening the scoring 16 minutes into the 1st half, Amy Watham putting the visitors in front, the lead was 2-0 a minute later Samantha Hallsworth with the goal. 8 minutes later Watham was on target again to see Swindon Town lead 3-0 at half-time. Hallsworth scored her 2nd goal of the game 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Substitute Sandy Abi-Elias coming on in the 63rd minute netted for Swindon Town on 72 minutes. Into the last 10 minutes Ellie Maynard brought on at the start of the 2nd half made it 6-0, with Watham completing her hat-trick with 3 minutes left on the clock final score 7-0.
FAWPL Cup 2nd Round
Were 2 ties in the FAWPL Cup 2nd Round featuring sides in the region scheduled for the weekend, heavy rain overnight on Saturday saw Portsmouth FC Ladies home match against Cambridge United WFC postponed, they will try again this coming Sunday.
Charlton Athletic Women were at home in the 2nd Round of the FAWPL Cup taking on fellow South East Division One side C&K Basildon Ladies. Striker Kit Graham (pictured) put Carlton into a 2-0 lead in the 1st half scoring 2 goals in 4 minutes on 19 and 23. C&K Basildon got it back to 2-1 before half-time captain Zoe Rushen with the goal. 2nd half Graham went on to complete her hat-trick scoring 5 minutes into the 2nd period. C&K Basildon battle hard to get back into the tie, Hannah Porter finding the back of the net late into the game, wasn’t to be enough, knocked out as Charlton win 3-2 to advance to the next round.
FAWPL Plate 2nd Round
2 ties were scheduled in the FAWPL Plate 2nd Round too this weekend, featuring sides in the region. Another postponement with Lewes Ladies meant to be hosting Maidenhead United Ladies who were unable to field a team.
In the other 2nd Round tie, South East Division One side Luton Town Ladies had a long trip down to the South West to play Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Nicola Henman putting Luton into the lead in the 1st half. Plymouth were reduced to 10 players just before half-time Kayleigh Lane red carded for stamping on an opponent. Luton pushed for more goals against Plymouth’s 10 2nd half but it was the home side who would score, Tori Marks levelling the tie at 1-1 on 62 minutes. Luton picked thing’s up after that, 16 year old Jodie Bellinger having come on in the 1st half due to an injury scoring her 1st goal for the 1st team, went on to score 2 more to make it a hat-trick. Plymouth pulled a goal back late into the game, Kayleigh Brown with the strike, Luton progress to the next round with a 4-2 win.
FAWPL South East Division One
One league game in the FAWPL South East Division One at the weekend, with AFC Wimbledon Ladies travelling to Kent to play Gillingham FC Ladies. The points were shared the sides drawing 1-1 both goals in the 1st half, Emma Keady’s 31st minute goal for AFC Wimbledon cancelling out Jade Keogh’s 17th minute goal for Gillingham who remain unbeaten in mid-table, whilst the point is enough to take AFC Wimbledon back to the top of the table.
A shorter edition of the FAWPL Round-Up this week with all of the FAWPL Division One side in action in the FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Qualifying it’s just the Southern Division action to bring you on a weekend where Charlton Athletic Women returned to the top of the table.
FAWPL Southern Division
With 11 sides contesting the FAWPL Southern Division this season due to Forest Green Rovers Ladies late withdrawal, there is a side that will sit out the weekends fixtures. This Sunday it happened to be leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies and the chasing pack took full advantage with teams beginning with the letter C dominating the top half of the table as Tottenham are pushed down to 4th!
Charlton Athletic Women were the early season pace setters, return to the top of the table this Sunday going a point clear following a narrow home win over Lewes Ladies. Got off to a fantastic start at Thamesmead, captain Kimberly Dixson putting Charlton ahead inside the opening 5 minutes. Avilla Bergin doubling the lead midway through the 1st half. Lewes came back into the match 2nd half pulling a goal back 10 minutes in Georgia Bridges with the goal couldn’t find another as Charlton held on for the win. Lewes continue to slide down the table their 4 points coming from their opening 2 league matches have now lost 5 in a row.
Coventry United are another side in the FAWPL Southern Division who have led the table recently, climb back up into 2nd spot with a convincing home win against bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Stephanie Smith getting the ball rolling with a goal on 6 minutes, 2 more goals followed midway through the 1st half to put Coventry 3-0 up at the break, Ashleigh Neville on 20 minutes with Courtney Murphy adding a goal 2 minutes later. More of the same from Coventry 2nd half Alison Hall netting 4 goals in 4 minutes on 60 and 64 to put the result beyond any doubt.
Cardiff City Ladies continue to move up the table the Welsh side now up to 3rd like Tottenham in 4th and Coventry in 2nd are undefeated. Were at home on Sunday looking to follow up a midweek 4-0 away win over Swindon Town Ladies with 3 more points against West Ham United Ladies who themselves had picked up their 1st win of the season 1-0 away from home against local rivals C&K Basildon Ladies. Cori Williams giving Cardiff the lead on 13 minutes. Held onto the advantage at half-time. West Ham having brought a few new faces in that have served under manager James Marrs recently are looking stronger. Couldn’t find an equaliser against Cardiff, Chloe Chivers putting the home side further ahead before Michelle Green made sure of the 3 points scoring from a turn and hit 20 yards out to see the result end 3-0.
Off the field has been another turbulent week for West Ham United Ladies after chairman Stephen Hunt Jnr reported the mens club to the FA alleging sex discrimination against the Ladies side. That prompted the man’s club to react as they bring the Ladies side under the clubs banner, which should bring better support in the long run strengthen the Ladies club going forwards.
Battle of the newly promoted sides on Sunday as Swindon Town Ladies and Crystal Palace Ladies met for the 1st time in the league. Both having different fortunes at the start of life in the higher tier of women’s football. A single goal settled the match and it was late late heartbreak for Swindon Town as Ellie Bailes scored for Crystal Palace Ladies deep into injury time to take the 3 points.
Portsmouth FC Ladies in mid-table won in midweek taking the 3 points away from home at local rivals Lewes Ladies. Looking to build on that performance at home playing C&K Basildon Ladies, they were put on the back foot right from the start Sara Sinclair scoring in the 2nd minute for the visitors. Chances for both sides 1st half, Basildon added a 2nd goal late in the 1st half to take a 2-0 lead into the dressing room. The fightback looked on 2nd half for Portsmouth when 55th minute substitute Samantha Qualye pulled a goal back 5 minutes after coming on. Pushing for the equaliser they couldn’t find it, Basildon going further ahead deep into injury time Stacey Little with the goal in the 96th minute to see the Essex side leave the South Coast with the 3 points.
A full fixture list in both the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One this weekend and 2016 moves into October. A new leader in the Southern Division as the race for top spot hots up. In South East Division one there were plenty of goals scored 5 of the 6 results seeing the the winning side sco
FAWPL Southern Division
Coventry United Ladies take over at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division courtesy of goals scored over Tottenham Hotspur Ladies as they started October with a win at home against newly promoted Swindon Town Ladies. It wasn’t until late in the 1st half that the deadlock was broken, Jade Brook finding the target on the 40th minute to send Coventry United Ladies into the lead. Alison Hall struck soon afterwards netting on the 43rd minute to put them 2-0 at half-time. Swindon Town Ladies are adjusting to life in the higher division and aren’t easy to break down, pulled a goal back with 15 minutes left, Samantha Hallsworth getting her name on the scoresheet. Couldn’t find another Coventry with 4 straight league wins in the league following an opening day draw move to the top of the table.
Coventry United Ladies, Jade Brook, pictured here in action against Crystal Palace opened the scoring on Sunday
That is because previous pace setters, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies drop their 1st points of the season after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to C&K Basildon Ladies. The visitors held the advantage at the break, Lily Mellors with the goal inside the opening 15 minutes. Pushing for an equaliser Tottenham found it hard to break down the opposition until the 63rd minute, Riana Soobadoo hitting the ball from distance a low drive that found it’s way into the bottom corner. Stay unbeaten at the start of the season matching Coventry’s record edged off top spot by goals scored.
Charlton Athletic Women are without prolific striker Gemma Shepherd who requires a hip operation to get her back to fitness and playing the game she loves. Has recently set up a Go Fund Me page in order to help raise the £5000 needed for the operation and if you wish to offer a donation you can do so by clicking on the link below.
Without Shepherd, 3rd placed Charlton were away this weekend taking on West Ham United Ladies. A goal on 10 minutes from Kit Graham put the visitors in front, held the narrow advantage at half-time, Graham going on to score her 2nd goal in the 2nd half on the 68th minute to see Charlton win 2-0 and join the leading pair on 13 points at the top.
Crystal Palace Ladies continue to enjoy a good start to life in the FAWPL Southern Division since promotion last season in 4th place they were at home at Bromley FC on Sunday taking on Portsmouth FC Ladies who have bolstered their squad with a busy month coming up by signing Brighton trio, Charley Boswell, Lisa Fulgence and Kate Natkiel on loan. The latter starting with Boswell and Fulgence on the bench. Crystal Palace took an early lead Gemma Bryan scoring inside 2 minutes to put them ahead. Extended their lead with 5 minutes to go in the 2nd half Rochelle Shakes with the strike. Couldn’t break the visitors down 2nd half 2-0 the lead until late in the game Portsmouth pulling a goal back in the 90th minute, Sarah Kempson’s goal not enough to get anything from the match, Crystal Palace taking the 3 points putting them 2 points behind the leading trio.
Chasing them all hard with an unbeaten record in the league are Cardiff City Ladies the Welsh side travelling to The Honeycroft on Sunday to play bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies still looking for their 1st goal and point of the season. Cardiff City took the lead late in the 2nd half a goal from Cori Williams the advantage at half-time. 2nd half brought some good news fr Queens Park Rangers as they welcomed their captain Elly Maggs back to the action after an injury lay-off coming on as a half-time substitute, that was followed by Alexandra Nord scoring their 1st league goal of the season levelling thing’s up on 49 minutes. Cardiff City came back to finish the 2nd half strongly Kerry Bartlett scoring to put them back into the lead with 20 minutes left. Barlett then went on to complete her hat-trick see Cardiff City win 4-1 to move onto 10 points from 4 played in 5th spot in the table.
FAWPL South East Division One
High scoring wins for all of the sides currently in the top half of the FAWPL South East Division One table. AFC Wimbledon Ladies continue their excellent start to the season the newly promoted side making it 6 wins from 6 with a home win on Sunday against fellow promoted side Stevenage Ladies. A strong 1st half display saw them leading 3-0, Emma Keady setting the ball rolling on 12 minutes. Kelly-Jade Whelan and Hannah Searle both adding to the scoresheet on 35 and 40 minutes. Laura Low adding a 4th goal 15 minutes into the 2nd half saw them in 4-0.
Elsewhere it was carnage in front of goal with the rest of the games seeing at least 5 goals scored that the winning tally in all the games. 2nd placed Cambridge United WFC 3 points behind AFC Wimbledon ladies were on the road on Sunday playing Denham United Ladies. New signing Rosie Kmita strike on 4 minutes found the back of the net to give Cambridge the early lead. It wasn’t to last long as Chantelle Lawrence levelled it up with a long range drive just 3 minutes later. 1-1 the score at the break, Cambridge were to turn it on 2nd half with a dominant display retaking the lead just 2 minutes in as they were awarded a spot kick, captain Laura Bright scoring from the penalty. Nicole Perschky made it 3-1 on the 60th minute. 2 more goals coming in the final 10 minutes Emma Jenkins and Dawn Mallett with the goals.
Luton Town Ladies followed up a 2-1 midweek win at Kenilworth Road under the lights against Milton Keynes Dons Ladies with a convincing win away to Enfield Town Ladies on Sunday to move into 3rd spot in the South East Division One table. Jess McKay opening the scoring in the 1st half, Joanna Rutherford adding 2 more goals before half-time. McKay added another goal to her total in the 2nd half. The final score 5-0 to the visiting side the last goal of the afternoon courtesy of 16 year old Jodie Southby making her 1st start for the club.
I was at North Greenford United FC on Sunday covering the South East Division One game between Actonians Ladies & Norwich City Ladies for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and I was treated to a 9 goal thriller. Not that you’d have predicted that at half-time as the home side went into the dressing room with a 4-1 lead, came back despite Norwich City taking an early lead, Natasha Snelling lining up a shot from the wing to dip under the bar to take the lead. Carla Williams got Actonians back on level turns putting a 25 yard shot home across the keeper. Sinthujah Sooriyakumar with the held of a deflection into the net off a Norwich City defender gave the home side the lead. On top for a large spell in the 1st half 2 more goals followed, Hannah Olofsson allowed time and space to shoot from outside the area and Katrina Marshalleck with the goals.
Action from Sunday’s game, Melissa Jung on the attack for Actonians Ladies against Norwich City Ladies
A totally different 2nd half Norwich City coming onto Actonians inside there own half fought their way back into the game. Chelsea Garrett pulling it back to 4-2 as the ball is fed into her run into the box. Paige Shorten made it 4-3 over a free kick inside the Actonians half her ball lifted up into the area, skipping up unexpectedly high off the surface to fly up over goalkeeper Naomi Swift and into the back of the net. The comeback complete as Kyla Love comes forwards with the ball for Norwich lets fly from distance her shot in glanced across the six yard box by a defender wrong-footing the goalkeeper and going into the back of the net. The celebrations were shot lived however as Actonians came straight back into it scoring off the restart to regain the lead, the ball into Williams turns and lobs the advancing keeper the ball bouncing into the back of the net beyond, 5-4 the final score Actonians move up to 4th in the table. The whole match report can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies climb up to 5th in the table recovering from their midweek loss away to Luton to win at home on Sunday, dump Ipswich Town Ladies out of the top half in the process the Suffolk side making the trip to Newport Pagnell FC at the weekend. Heather McDonnell giving Milton Keynes Dons Ladies the lead on the 22nd minute Leah Cudone doubled the advantage 4 minutes later. Jade Henry pulled a goal back late in the 1st half to close the advantage to 2-1 at half-time. A good start to the 2nd half for the visitors with Roxanne Small on target just 2 minutes into the 2nd half to level thing’s up at 2-2. Ipswich Town Ladies then got themselves into the lead Hollie Clement on target to make it 3-2. The lead didn’t last long Milton Keynes Dons awarded a penalty kick McDonnell stepping up to score her 2nd of the match. Into the last 5 minutes and the home side score again McDonnell completing her hat-trick on the 85th minute, Hannah Barrett added another goal a minute later to see Milton Keynes Dons win 5-3.
Gillingham FC Ladies the other side this weekend to win scoring 5 goals along the way continue their unbeaten start to the season, were at home playing Lowestoft Town Ladies. Felicity Gibbons broke the deadlock for Gillingham scoring on 28 minutes the lead 2-o at half-time thanks to an own goal. Gibbons added her 2nd of the game 2 minutes into the 2nd half. Lowestoft Town pulled a goal back 3 minutes later captain Hannah Waters making it 3-1. Gillingham pulling further into the lead as the game moved into the final 10 minutes 2nd half substitute Kallie Balfour scoring 2 goals on 81 minutes and in injury time to seal a 5-1 victory.
Not too many games in the FAWPL this weekend, a couple of league games in both the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One. Attention elsewhere was in the cup competitions the Cup and Plate with the 1st Round ties taking place. Most clubs given a bye to the 2nd Round, just a handful of ties taking place in both.
FAWPL Southern Division
It was a clash of two unbeaten sides in the FAWPL Southern Division on Sunday with 2nd placed Charlton Athletic Women hosting 4th placed Coventry United Ladies. Kit Graham opened the scoring putting Charlton 1-0 up inside 10 minutes. Marie Gauntlett found the back of the net for Coventry 6 minutes later to equalise. On the half hour mark the visitors took the lead, Alison Hall putting the 2-1 in front. 2nd half Coventry went on to dominate the scoreline Gauntlett (pictured below) adding her 2nd goal 3 minutes into the 2nd half going on to score a hat-trick. Hall adding another goal in the last 5 minutes to see Coventry win 5-1 and move above Charlton into 2nd spot in the Southern Division table.
Cardiff City Ladies move up to 5th in the FAWPL Southern Division after a 2-1 home win over C&K Basildon Ladies on Sunday.Chloe Chivers scoring the Welsh sides opening goal in the 7th minute. Had a 2-0 lead on the 29th minute, Kerry Bartlett the player on target. C&K Basildon responded captain Zoe Rushen scoring to get it back to 2-1 4 minutes later. 2-1 the half-time score C&K Basildon pressed for an equaliser 2nd half but couldn’t find it the win seeing Cardiff move above them in the table.
FAWPL Cup 1st Round
FAWPL South East Division One side, Denham United Ladies were at home in the 1st Round of the FAWPL Cup taking on South West Division One side, Brislington Ladies. Going into the half-time interval the scores were level at 2-2. Jenny Banfield and Rebecca French scoring Denham United Ladies goals. The tie looked like it was heading into extra-time no more goals coming 2nd half then in the last minute Aimee Durn struck in a shot to win it 3-2 send Denham United Ladies into the 2nd Round where they face a tough away trip to Coventry United Ladies.
Two FAWPL South East Division One sides met in the other FAWPL Cup 1st Round tie with Norwich City Ladies making the trip down into Kent to play Gillingham FC Ladies. The home side opening the scoring on 15 minutes, Amy Taylor netting the goal 6 minutes later they raced into a 3-0 lead, Emma Tune and April Bowers scoring. Chelsea Garrett pulled a goal back for Norwich with 3 minutes of the 1st half left however Gillingham went into the dressing room at half-time with a 4-1 advantage Emily Symond with the goal in stoppage time. The second haf was a repeat of the 1st Gillingham winning that 4-1 too, Jade Keogh with a goal on 66 minutes, Felicity Gibbons 3 minutes later then Bethany Nugent scoring as the game moved into the last 10 minutes. Garrett scored her 2nd goal of the game for Norwich then Keogh added her 2nd of the game in the last minute to see Gillingham rack up an 8-2 win to progress to the 2nd Round where they have been drawn at home to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Below are some of the selected ties from the FAWPL Cup 2nd Round draw featuring Southern ad South East Division One sides.
FAWPL Cup 2nd Round (selected ties)
Gillingham FC Ladies v Milton Keynes Dons Ladies
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Enfield Town Ladies
Coventry United Ladies v Denham United Ladies
Cardiff City Ladies v Larkhall Athletic Ladies
Portsmouth FC Ladies v Cambridge United WFC
Charlton Athletic Women v C&K Basildon Ladies
AFC Wimbledon Ladies v Crystal Palace Ladies
FAWPL Plate 1st Round
West Ham United Ladies were drawn at home against fellow FAWPL Southern Division side in the 1st Round of the FAWPL Plate. Held a narrow advantage at half-time, Charlotte Gurr reunited with manager James Marrs after leaving Brighton to join Millwall Lionesses scoring in 1st half injury time. Swindon Town Ladies came back 2nd half getting themselves into a 2-1 lead with 10 minutes left to play, Georgia Walters scoring both of their goals. West Ham United Ladies came back scoring in injury time again, Chloe Burr with the goal to force the tie into extra-time. No more goals came in the extra 30 minutes and the tie headed into a penalty shootout. Indian International goalkeeper, Aditi Chauhan making her 1st appearance for the club this season was the heroine saving 3 penalties to see West Ham United Ladies win the shootout and advance to the 2nd Round where they will face FAWPL South West Division One side Cheltenham Town Ladies away from home. Below is a list of the 2nd Round ties in the FAWPL Plate featuring sides in the Southern and South East Division One.
FAWPL Plate 2nd Round (selected ties)
Actonians Ladies v Ipswich Town Ladies
Plymouth Argyle Ladies v Luton Town Ladies
Cheltenham Town Ladies v West Ham United Ladies
Lowestoft Town Ladies v Queens Park Rangers Ladies
Lewes Ladies v Maidenhead United Ladies
Exeter City Ladies v Stevenage Ladies
FAWPL South East Division One
A 2-0 home win over Denham United Ladies on Thursday night had seen AFC Wimbledon Ladies continue their excellent start to the season since promotion to the FAWPL South East Division One. 4 wins from 4 to move above Cambridge United WFC at the top of the table. Were playing again just 3 days later a long road trip up to the Suffolk coast to play Lowestoft Town Ladies who had picked up their 1st 3 points of the season the previous Sunday at home to Enfield Town Ladies winning 3-0.
A fantastic start for the visitors, Sami Bock putting them a goal up inside 3 minutes. Lowestoft kept the lead down to a goal were awarded a penalty with 7 minutes of the 1st half left, Gemma Moore putting the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-1 at half-time. 2nd half the home side struck early captain Hannah Waters lobbing the keeper to make it 2-1 on 47 minutes, the lead didn’t last long Rebecca Sargent making it 2-2 on 50 minutes. Scored her 2nd of the match on 68 minutes to make it 3-1, substitute Sian Wylie scoring direct from a corner to make it 4-2. Lowestoft were awarded another penalty, Moore scoring again to pull it back to 4-3, the final score AFC Wimbledon move 3 points clear at the top with 5 wins from 5.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies returned to winning ways at home in the league after suffering 2 defeats in their opening 3 games. Were taking on Actonians Ladies on Sunday at Newport Pagnell FC. Won the game 4-1 to climb up into the top half of the table. Heather McDonnell scoring a brace with a goal a piece for Charly Clarke and Sophie Watson. Katrina Duncan scoring Actonians Ladies goal early in the 2nd half.
The league action in the FAWPL Southern Division and South East Division One continues this Sunday after the midweek fixtures last week saw a new side take over the lead in both divisions, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies maintaining their 100% start to the season in the Southern Division going above Charlton Athletic Women after they were pegged back from 3-0 away to Crystal Palace Ladies to draw 3-3 drop their 1st points of the season. Whilst in South East Division One, Cambridge United WFC made it 3 wins in a row to move from 3rd to the top with then leaders Luton Town Ladies not in action.
FAWPL Southern Division
Having gone top in midweek with a 4-0 away win against QPR Ladies on Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were on the road at the weekend travelling down south to play Lewes Ladies who slipped down the table after there 2nd defeat in a row in midweek losing 4-3 to Portsmouth FC Ladies. Bianca Baptiste is in good form at the start of the season as she proved too hot for Lewes too handle scoring a hat-trick. Kelley Blanchflower, Wendy Martin and Nikita Whinnett also on target for Tottenham as they went on to win 6-1 to make it 4 wins out of 4 to maintain their excellent start to the season. Rebecca Carter scoring in the 2nd half for Lewes who having led on the opening day now find themselves back in 8th place.
Charlton Athletic Women were cruising at 3-0 away to Crystal Palace Ladies in midweek with 56 minutes on the board, before the league newcomers staged a brilliant comeback pulling a goal back on 58 minutes and another 6 minutes later before substitute Rochelle Shakes scored inside the last 5 minutes to see it finish 3-3. Charlton were on the road on Sunday taking on the Southern Division’s other promoted side Swindon Town Ladies who they had beaten 4-0 at home on the opening day of the season. Jenny Newman and Avilla Bergin had put Charlton into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes. Newman going on to score another goal 10 minutes into the 2nd half to secure a 3-0 win and the 3 points to keep them 2nd 2 points behind Tottenham.
After their midweek heroics Crystal Palace Ladies are up to 3rd spot in the Southern Division table winning the 3 points on Sunday taking on 2nd bottom side West Ham United away from home. West Ham United Ladies had battled their way to their 1st point of the season in midweek at home to local rivals C&K Basildon Ladies a goalless draw between the pair. Were a goal down inside 2 minutes on Gemma Bryan another striker in good form at the start of the season added 2 more goals to her tally scoring on the 20th and 28th minute respectfully a 3-0 lead at half-time. Shakes having scored to win her side a point in midweek scored in the 2nd half for Crystal Palace this Sunday to see them record a 4-0 away win.
Coventry United Ladies are the only other side bar leaders Tottenham and 2nd placed Charlton with a unbeaten start to the season having played just twice going into the weekend with a draw and a win they were at home taking on Portsmouth FC Ladies who has won 4-3 in midweek at home to Lewes Ladies. After the game made the announcement they had signed striker Emma Whitter, an skilled player with FAWSL 2 experience having played for London Bees and Millwall Lionesses. Have had an up and down start to life in the Southern Division this season and away to Coventry was a down. Captain Natasha Lynch gave Coventry an early lead before going on to score a hat-trick in the 2nd half. Portsmouth FC Ladies were 3-0 down at half-time and own goal and Stephanie Smith goal adding to Lynch’s opener. 2nd half Marie Gauntlett made it 4-0 Amber Hughes and Ashleigh Neville also scoring in an 8-1 victory. Rebekah Tonks scoring Portsmouth FC Ladies goal her 1st goal for the club in her 1st start.
FAWPL South East Division One
Cambridge United WFC went top of FAWPL South east Division One on Wednesday night courtesy of a 3-2 home win under the lights over Stevenage Ladies to move above leader Luton Town Ladies who weren’t playing. That game was covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and the link to the match report is below
Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage Ladies 14/09/16
That result was to set up a top 2 clash this Sunday with Luton Town the visitors to Mildenhall Town FC to play Cambridge. Two fierce rivals in the league. Nicole Perschky (pictured below) opened the scoring putting Cambridge ahead on 22 minutes scoring her 6th goal in 6 games since joining the club in the summer from Stevenage Ladies.
picture credit Gary Reed
The lead didn’t last long however Luton getting back on level terms 5 minutes later, Rachel Kosky scoring from a long range free kick. 1-1 the score going into the dressing rooms at half-time Cambridge retook the lead on 58 minutes with Becky Taylor scoring from a corner. With 20 minutes left to play Dawn Mallett added a 3rd goal for Cambridge to make it 3-1 putting a 25 yard free -kick into the back of the net. 4 wins out of 4 in the league a good start to the season for Cambridge recovering from an opening day loss.
Newly promoted AFC Wimbledon Ladies are enjoying life in FAWPL South East Division One too are in 2nd place in the table with a 100% winning start played just the 3 league games so far the latest at home to Norwich City Ladies on Sunday. Captain Jess Trimnell giving AFC Wimbledon the lead in the 1st half. Kelly-Jade Whelan scored a goal early in the 2nd half to make it 2-0, Caroline Bisson adding a 3rd goal to secure a 3-0 win move them on 9 points 3 behind Cambridge with 2 games in hand.
Ipswich Town Ladies have shot up the FAWPL South East Division One table picking up 7 points in 3 matches a 1-1 draw at Gillingham FC Ladies followed up with a midweek win over local Suffolk rivals Lowestoft Town Ladies. Took a 90th minute winner to secure the 3 points away from home. Sophie Welton with the only goal in the 1st half the home side came back strong at the start of the 2nd half going 2-1 ahead Aimee Durrant with both the Lowestoft goals. Jade Henry got it back to 2-2 before Natasha Thomas found the winning goal at the death. Ipswich were at home on Sunday taking on Stevenage Ladies. Hollie Clement scoring to give Ipswich a 10th minute lead. Stevenage Ladies still in search of their 1st win of the season got it level at 1-1 with Becky Scola on target. For the 2nd game running Ipswich were to find a winning goal late on Sian Fagg netting with 6 minutes left to play to secure a 2-1 win that takes Ipswich up to 3rd.
Carla Williams was the player on target to score the winning goal for Actonians Ladies at the weekend in a 1-0 win at home to Denham United Ladies on Sunday as they win for the 2nd time this season move onto 7 points in 5th spot in the table after 4 matches played having a good start to their 2nd season playing FAWPL football.
Lowestoft Town Ladies suffering late heart break in midweek going down 3-2 to lpswich Town Ladies in the 90th minute were still without a pint on the board after 4 games played. Were at home at Crown Meadow on Sunday with Enfield Town Ladies the visitors. Lowestoft Town had signed striker Molly Hall from Ipswich Town Ladies earlier in the week. Gemma Moore (pictured right) scored midway through the 1st half to give Lowestoft the advantage at half-time. 2nd half Molly Hall was to score her 1st goals for her new club, scoring 10 minutes into the 2nd half adding a 2nd goal with 10 minutes left to play to see Lowestoft win 3-0 to get their 1st points on the board climb off the bottom of the table too.
Welcome to the FAWPL edition of The Round-Up, bringing you all of the action from this Sunday’s football in the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One, The 11th of September seeing a return to league action with a full fixture programme all bar Southern Division leaders Charlton Athletic Women.
Before this weekend’s FAWPL a minutes silence was held in remembrance of Sylvia Gore MBE who passed away this week at the age of 71. Made history scoring the 1st ever England Women’s International goal in 1972.
FAWPL Southern Division
With leaders Charlton Athletic Women not in action it gave the opportunity for the chasing pack to close the gap. Tottenham Hotspur Ladies had won their opening league fixture beating Swindon Town Ladies at home 2 weeks ago, a 10-0 away demolition of West Ham United Ladies followed last Sunday in the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup. Wasn’t quite the one sided affair this Sunday as they travelled to Bromley FC to play Crystal Palace Ladies.
Tottenham started well with Bianca Baptiste (pictured right) scoring inside the opening 10 minutes to give them the lead. Crystal Palace battled hard to find a reply whilst up the other end goalkeeper Chanell Yardley made some impressive saves to keep the score down to a single goal. Tottenham goalkeeper, Toni-Anne Wayne saved a penalty for the visitors 4 minutes before half-time. The 2nd half remained a tight match Tottenham taking the 3 points to move up to 2nd spot in the Southern Division table level on points with Charlton with 2 wins from 2 the only 2 sides with a 100% record in the league.
C&K Basildon Ladies are up to 3rd in the FAWPL Southern Division table as they returned to winning ways on home soil, beating QPR Ladies 4-0 at Canvey Island FC. Sara Sinclair scored 4 goals last Sunday at home in the FAWPL Cup Determining Round, followed that up with a hat-trick this Sunday. Two goals in the 1st half the 3rd after the break, Hannah Porter also scoring in the victory. C&K Basildon have scored 14 goals at home in 3 matches without reply so far this season albeit early days.
Cardiff City Ladies were at home on Sunday for their 2nd league match of the season facing the same opponents they had met away a fortnight ago, Lewes Ladies. Back then their opponents had competed well to earn a point in a 1-1 draw. Now Lewes faced Cardiff on home soil. Was a tense 1st half both sides creating chances it was Cardiff who held the advantage at the break leading 1-0, Abbie Britton putting them in front midway through the 1st half. A completely different story 2nd half as Cardiff took control of the game with a purple patch 15 minutes in, Chloe Chivers doubling the lead, Kerry Barlett made it 3-0 minutes later then Cori Williams made it 4-0 from the penalty spot in the 66th minute. Beth Lloyd and Chloe Lloyd both scoring goals a Cardiff ran away 6-0 winners to lift themselves up to 4th in the table.
Another side playing just their 2nd league match of the season this Sunday were, Coventry United Ladies at home taking on a battered and bruised West Ham United Ladies who have conceded 20 goals in their opening 3 games of the season. The bottom of the table side kept things alot tighter at the back this time keeping the scores at 0-0 at half-time. Coventry did find the back of the net 2nd half Helen Dermody with the goal on 61 minutes enough to secure Coventry the 3 points give them their 1st league win of the season as they move up to 5th.
Newly promoted Swindon Town Ladies left it late as they picked up their 1st win at this level since coming up at FAWPL South West Division One Champions. Was a thriller at Shrivenham FC, Portsmouth FC Ladies their opponents. Abby Picton gave Swindon the early lead getting her name on the scoresheet inside the opening 5 minutes. Charlotte Benson got Portsmouth back on level terms before Chyna Collings scored in 33 minutes to see Swindon take a 2-1 lead into the break. Collings went on to score 2 minutes into the 2nd half to extend Swindon’s lead to 3-1. Portsmouth fought back Gemma Hillier on target pulling it back to 3-2 then Samantha Quayle on loan from Yeovil Town Ladies scored to bring it back to 3-3. Late drama and joy for the home side into stoppage time Alison Witts headed home the winning goal for Swindon to see them celebrate their 1st win in the FAWPL Southern Division.
FAWPL South East Division One
Luton Town Ladies move to the top of the FAWPL South East Division One table winning at home on Sunday unbeaten 7 points from 3 league games played. The visitors to the Stockwood Athletics Stadium, Lowestoft Town Ladies. Gave a good account of themselves 1st half keeping it all square at 0-0, had goalkeeper Eilish Brogan to thank as she saved a Zara Carroll penalty. Luton captain, Rachel Carter gave Luton an early lead 2nd half putting the ball into the back of the net within 2 minutes of kick-off. Aimee Durrant got forwards to level up the scores for Lowestoft on 57 minutes. Luton went on to take control of the game Michelle Byrne restoring their lead on 64 minutes, Joanne Rutherford then Rachel Kosky both scoring as Luton ran out 4-1 winners.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies climb up to 2nd in the table the newly promoted side playing just their 2nd league match in the division, are now also the only side with a 100% record. On the road travelled to Newport Pagnell FC to play Milton Keynes Dons Ladies who with a win would have gone 2nd themselves. Instead they slipped to a 2nd successive league defeat, Emma Keady scoring a goal in either half to secure a 2-0 win for AFC Wimbledon.
Up to 3rd in the table from 8th are Cambridge United WFC recovering from an opening day defeat to win at home twice once in the league then beating Lewes Ladies on penalties in the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup last Sunday. Were on the road for their 1st away game of the season this Sunday a trip to Plantation Park to play Norwich City Ladies who like Cambridge were on 3 points going into the game with a win and a loss in the league. Kyla Love gave Norwich the lead netting on 11 minutes. The advantage didn’t last long with Laura Mills levelling things up for Cambridge 3 minutes later. The visitors went on to lead, captain Laura Bright (pictured left) headed home at the far post from a corner on the half hour mark was on hand 5 minutes later to send home the rebound after Dawn Mallett’s free kick came back off the crossbar. No more goals followed 2nd half Cambridge taking the 3 points with a 3-1 win.
Gillingham FC Ladies were the table toppers going into the weekend after a win and a draw from their opening 2 league fixtures. Hosting Ipswich Town Ladies at Corinthians FC this Sunday. Amy Taylor gave them the lead 5 minutes before half-time. Ipswich responded 2nd half scoring 5 minutes in themselves, Joyce Mlambo with the strike. Both sides taking a point Gillingham slip to 4th but remain unbeaten. Ipswich coming back from a goal down to draw for the 2nd successive league game.
Stevenage Ladies promoted to the FAWPL South East Division One as ERWFL Premier Division Champions earned their 1st point in the league at the weekend having lost their opening 2 fixtures. Were at home taking on Actonians Ladies. Plenty of goals in this one too, Carla Williams, Claire Hollingsworth and Katrina Duncan all scored for the visitors. Kristina O’Connell having joined Stevenage from Hoddesdon Town Ladies at the start of the season netted a hat-trick her 1st goals for the club to see then draw 3-3.
The match between Denham United Ladies and Enfield Town Ladies was abandoned after Enfield midfielder Nuala McKevitt suffered a nasty head injury. Denham were leading 3-1 at the time. McKevitt suffered a cut across the eyebrow that required stitches. Women’s Football East sends its regards wishing her a speedy recovery.
There is midweek action across the FAWPL this week with a number of sides across both divisions playing league fixtures all on Weds 14th with a 7:45pm KO.
FAWPL Southern Division
Crystal Palace Ladies v Charlton Athletic Women
Portsmouth FC Ladies v Lewes Ladies
Queens Park Rangers Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies
Welcome to the 3rd edition of The Round-Up focusing on the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One the 2016/17 is into it’s 3rd weekend. A different slant on this edition however as the league takes a break with all of the FAWPL sides contesting the 6 leagues across the country enter the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup. You know how it works by now into it’s 3rd season this weekend sees the sides drawn together with the winner of each tie going on to contest the FAWPL Cup proper the losing sides going on to fight for the FAWPL Plate.
Tragically 18-year-old footballer, Zoe Tynan lost her life earlier in the week an U19 England player she had recently signed for Flyde Ladies. In remembrance a tribute of a minutes applause took place before every FAWPL and FAWSL match this weekend.
Cambridge United WFC & Lewes Ladies amongst the clubs paying tribute to Zoe Tynan at the weekend
A north/south split with the draw with the Northern Division drawn with it’s North and Midlands Division One counterparts. On Women’s Football East it’s the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One that’s focused on for the Determining Round sides from the South West Division One join those leagues in the draw, 16 ties to bring you and some varying and interesting results so let’s get cracking.
We’ll start with the FAWPL League Cup holders, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies who were to begin the defence of the trophy with a Determining Round tie away to West Ham United Ladies playing at their new home, Thurrock FC’s, Ship Lane. The holders proved to be too much for a young West Ham United side as they stormed into an early lead, Lucia Leon with the opening goal inside 5 minutes, Eartha Pond converted a penalty kick 3 minutes late and Bianca Baptiste was put in on goal to make it 3-0 with 10 minutes gone. Wendy Martin cored from the penalty spot herself in between a brace from Nikita Whinnett that saw the ha-time lead extended to 6-0. New signing Renee Hector headed home to score 7 minutes into the 2nd half then ex-West Ham player Kelley Blanchflower added a brace scoring in the 56th and 71st minute. Captain Jenna Schillaci taking the scoreline into double figures, Tottenham showing they mean to hold on to the FAWPL League Cup with a 10-0 win.
Last season’s beaten finalists, Cardiff City Ladies made the long trip to Suffolk on Sunday to play Ipswich Town Ladies in the Determining Round proved to strong an opponent for the side a league below them winning the game 5-0 to advance into the FAWPL League Cup proper, Chloe Chivers scoring 2 goals with Chloe Lloyd, Hope Suominen and Cori Williams scoring a goal a piece.
Not quite reaching double figures were Coventry United Ladies, winners of the FAWPL League Plate last season would love to be in the final of the Cup competition this time around and the FAWPL Southern Division side were too much at home for South West Division One side, Maidenhead United Ladies. Marie Gauntlett scoring 5 goals in the game after Helen Demody had given Coventry an early lead. Laura Cooper netting in the 1st half. Amber Hughes with a strike early 2nd half plus a goal from Jade Brook saw Coventry United Ladies win convincingly 9-0.
The early pace setters in the FAWPL Southern Division welcomed Isle of Wight side Shanklin Ladies to Sporting Club Thamesmead on Sunday. Gemma Shepherd in fine goal scoring form at the beginning of the season plundered 4 more goals against the FAWPL South West Division One side 2 in either half, Kit Graham scored in the 1st half with a goal in each half for new signing Avilla Bergin from Tottenham Hotspur Ladies her 1st goals from her new club, Jenny Newman scoring Charlton’s 8th goal a minute from time. A consolation goal for Shanklin scored by Dani Morris the final score 8-1.
Charlton weren’t the only FAWPL Southern Division side to rack up 8 goals in the Determining Round, C&K Basildon Ladies were at home with South West Division One side, St Nicholas Ladies the visitors. Were leading 7-0 at half-time, Sara Sinclair helping herself to 4 goals with captain Zoe Rushn also scoring with a brace from Charlotte Kellet. Karissa Rodney added an 8th goal early 2nd half, St Nicholas managing to stem the goal flow seeing no more goal the final score 8-0.
Portsmouth FC Ladies were at home on Sunday in the Determining Round, Lowestoft Town Ladies making the long journey down from the Suffolk coast for the match, plenty of goals in the 1st half, Eilidh Currie giving Portsmouth the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Sarah Kempson made it 2-0 on 16 minutes. Lowestoft came back getting themselves back on level terms Gemma Moore pulling a goal back 2 minutes later then Broghan Scully making it 2-2 on 23 minutes. Emma Sherwood restored Portsmouth’s lead with half an hour played Kempson with her 2nd goal of the game seeing the home side lead 4-2 at half-time. All Portsmouth 2nd half as they went on to win the game 8-2, Currie and Sherwood going on to score a 2nd goal each Kempson completing her hat-trick in between before substitute, Gemma Hillier scored in the last 10 minutes.
Was a long journey west for Crystal Palace Ladies travelling to South West Division One side, Keynsham Town Ladies for the Determining Round. Gemma Bryan (pictured right) giving the Southern Division one a 1st half lead. Keynsham came back 2nd half to level things up from the penalty spot, however Crystal Palace Ladies went on to win the game 2-1, Rochelle Shakes scoring the winner. Suffered an injury blow during the match, striker Nicha Dyatt fracturing her tibia. Women’s Football East wishes her well in her recovery.
Some strong performances from FAWPL Southern Division sides there however they didn’t have thing’s there own way in all the Determining Round ties. Lewes Ladies had started their league campaign well and were in confident mood as they travelled up from the South to play Cambridge United WFC, had the FAWPL South East Division One side on the back foot early on Georgia Bridges scoring from a corner kick inside 5 minutes. Were dominant at the start of the match going on to add a 2nd goal on 25 minutes through Rebecca Carter. Cambridge fought their way back into the match slowly creating chances, Lewes Dobear saving brilliantly off Nicole Perschky as she was played in behind for a one on one chance. Perschky got another opportunity to run in behind the Lewes defence before half-time sending the ball past Dolbear to score make it 2-1.
An injury time leveller for Becky Taylor
2nd half was a different story Cambridge began to dominate creating chances but finding the Lewes defence a tough nut to crack, time was almost up when the home side won a corner deep into injury time. The ball came smashing off the crossbar as Faith Hewitt struck it from inside the six yard box, Becky Taylor latching onto the rebound took it on before striking home to see Cambridge force the game into extra-time. No more goals in the 1st period of extra-time. Early in the 2nd period Lewes, Rachel Palmer hit a looping ball into the Cambridge area, defender Paige Logie heading the ball into her own net as she tried to clear. That lead was short lived, Perschky given the ball from a superb long pass from Dawn Mallett turning inside stood tall as Dolbear cam to challenge edge of her box, shifting the ball past the grounded keeper Perschky slid the ball into the empty net beyond. After extra-time the sides couldn’t be separated and the tie went to penalties, two saves from Cambridge goalkeeper before Mallett stepped up knowing her side would be through if she scored she did and was promptly buried under her joyous team-mates. This game is the featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and you can read it by clicking on the link below.
Another South East Division One side to win against Southern Division opposition were Denham United Ladies, taking on Swindon Town Ladies at home. Both sides battling their way to a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes the game going into extra-time. Swindon took the lead Chyna Collings getting the goal on 102 minutes. Denham responded Allisa Down scoring to make it 1-1 before Jeta Bytyqi went on to find the winning goal 2-1 the final score.
Norwich City Ladies joined Cambridge and Denham in beating higher league opposition in the Determining Round an away trip to play Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Fell behind early on as Jennifer Critchley gave QPR the lead inside 6 minutes. Norwich were back on level terms 8 minutes later, Chelsea Garrett the player on target. Ebony Wiseman put Norwich into the lead scoring with around half an hour played. Liv Thompson got it back to 2-2 for the home side. Into the last 10 minutes of the game Norwich found the winning goal, scored by ex-Nettleham Ladies player, Kyla Love to see Norwich progress into the FAWPL Cup proper.
Gillingham FC Ladies travelled down to the South Coast in an all Division One tie playing South West side Southampton Saints. Amy Taylor scoring a hat-trick in the game with Katie Hardaker also getting on the scoresheet in a 4-0 win. Not too far for Milton Keynes Dons Ladies to travel taking on fellow South East Division One side, Luton Town Ladies advance to the FAWPL Cup competition with a 3-1 victory, Hannah Barrett, Anna Loftus and Heather McDonnell with the goals.
Last season’s beaten FAWPL League Plate finalists, Enfield Town Ladies welcomed South West Division One side, Exeter City Ladies to the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium a long journey, the 1st half remained goalless. Alena Beganovic got Enfield into the lead early in the 2nd half. They couldn’t hold on Sarah Hill netting for Exeter to make it 1-1 the final score after 90 minutes the tie headed into extra-time. Eliza Diaz got Enfield back into the lead with a minute of the 1st half of extra-time left. The win was sealed in the 2nd period of extra-time, Ellie Taladiana with the goal to see Enfield win 3-1.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies also advance into the FAWPL League Cup side newly promoted to South East Division One hosting South West Division One side Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Sian Wylie getting AFC Wimbledon the lead on 25 minutes. Kelly-Jade Whelan making it 2-0 9 minutes later. Plymouth got an immediate response Danielle Salt with the goal the advantage 2-1 to AFC Wimbledon at half-time. Plymouth’s Ezme Wells gets a goal to her name early in the 2nd half to level it all up at 2-2. 20 minutes left on the clock and AFC Wimbledon’s Rebecca Sargent sends the ball over the goal line the winning goal as the home side goes on to win 3-2.
Two South East Division One sides will have to settle for a place in the League Plate draw as they lose their Determining Round ties. Newly promoted, Stevenage Ladies were at home on Sunday playing Larkhall Athletic Ladies. Carly Bryant, Kate and Krystle German with the goals in a 3-0 away win for the South West Division side. Actonians Ladies travelled south to play Chichester City Ladies. Despite goals from Chelsea Berlin and Carla Williams, Actonians lost out going down 6-2. Chichester City with 5 different goal scorers a brace for Shannon Albuery, plus a goal each for Emma Alexandre, Rebecca Barron, Luci Challen and Cherelle Khassal.
That wraps up this edition of The Round-Up the Determining Round ties settled, 35 sides now go on to contest each competition the Cup and Plate the draws for which will b coming up shortly a preliminary round to whittle each field down to 32 before the 1st Round proper, will update the draws as soon as they’re in.
Charlton Athletic Women climb up a place into 3rd in the FAWPL Southern Division winning at home on Sunday against bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Were made to work for the 3 points QPR holding them to 0-0 at half-time it wasn’t until 20 minutes into the 2nd half Charlton finally broke them down, Jenny Newman netting the opening goal of the game. The 3 points secured in injury time, Kit Graham (pictured) scoring her 16th goal of the season to date.
