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Match Report – Costessey Sports Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies

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Sunday 15th December

Norfolk Women’s Division One

It has been a lean spell football wise with Storm’s Bert and Darragh playing havoc with the fixture lists across the country. One last game to watch in 2024 however and getting to see Costessey Sports Ladies in action has been a challenge in itself. At last getting down to the FDC to see them play as they take on Fakenham Town Ladies in Norfolk Women’s Division One.

The first 4 months of the season have been highly disruptive across the board in Norfolk Women’s Division One with the weather and early season FA Cup fixtures seeing games postponed and moved. With many having played just 4 or 5 out of there 20 scheduled league games so far it promises to be a busy 2025. Bungay Town Ladies the defending champions, looking strong again this season in what is a competitive league will be intriguing to see if other challengers emerge.

  Have been looking to see Costessey Sports Ladies in action this season and having seen two attempts fall by the way side (the first with just half and hours notice… not their doing however) am glad it’s 3rd time lucky. Costessey ports Ladies amongst the new crop of sides joining the Norfolk Women’s Football league last season. The only one to be placed straight into Division One. A young squad signing a few experienced players to bolster the group, had an up and down debut season results wise winning as many as they lost, a 4 game winning streak to end the campaign securing them a comfortable 6th placed finish.

  Began this season with a couple of heavy defeats at home to champions, Bungay and in the county cup against promoted Bure Valley. A lean spell fixture wise to follow starting with an away walk over in the FA Women’s Cup, had hoped to see them then against Suffolk’s Stowupland, had even got to the carpark when I was notified the game was off. Still Costessey got an away day against Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies their 1st FA Cup adventure ending, back to the league getting to play at last a win and three draws pulling them away from the bottom giving Costessey a solid platform to build on. Have recruited more experience in the squad with the arrival of ex-Dussindale & Hellesdon midfielder, Abbi Nobbs, along with attacker, Chelsea Brister. The most recent addition attacker Grace Wall joining from Long Stratton.

  Fakenham Town Ladies ended a 2 year spell playing regional football, dropping out of the ERWFL last season. Were in danger of folding entirely as they lost much of that squad with the season just a week away with just a handful of experienced players remaining, amongst them, new captain, Gina Pooley and goalkeeper, Tilly Betts. Under new management were fortunate to have a group of younger players to call upon, as well as recruiting a few from the highly thought of Dussindale & Hellesdon u16s side. Nevertheless began the season with a young and very inexperienced squad. 

  Hasn’t seemed to phase them however as they began their season with a 5-1 win in the FA Women’s Cup against Essex side Stanway Rovers Ladies before clinching a 2-2 draw with last season’s Division One runners-up, Sprowston FC Women, a loss followed before Fakenham clinched back to back wins and a draw to climb into 4th spot in the table, a loss against Bungay following that clinched a point away from home last weekend, come to the FDC with a solid start to the new campaign behind them. Helped largely by their top scorer Maddie Green, dual signed with Suffolk side Capel Plough Women along with sister Katie. Is the leagues leading scorer so far with 12 goals from her 8 appearances. Have recently added Holly Williams to the squad coming in from King’s Lynn.

The Harrod Sports Arena

  The FDC (Football Development Centre) in Bowthorpe the venue for this afternoon’s fixture. Home for the Costessey Sports teams this season. The football facility one of a number dotted about the county. On the way into Norwich from the east off the A47. Boast a number of small artificial pitches along with the main Harrod Sports Arena. A large 3G pitch with a small seated stand on one side with standing viewing on 3 sides of the pitch. The café/bar open serving hot food and drink. The weather much kinder this Sunday calm and relatively mild, the sun able to make a showing was soon the sink below the horizon with a 2:30pm kick-off and the shortest day fast approaching.

Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Ellie Hambrook, Layla Watts, Paige Barnard (C), Alyssia Baldock, Sophie Crowle, Abbi Nobbs, Hannah Campbell, Abbie Tate, Thea Hackney, Chelsea Brister & Chloe Gaff. Subs – Kelly Fox, Sydnie Brown, Grace Wall & Hannah Thrower.

Costessey Sports Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Gina Pooley, Kirstie Rusted, Ella Ballett, Marcie McCullagh, Megan Bond, Katie Green, Holly Williams, Roxanne Grant, Beth Seymour & Maddie Green. Subs – Laura Booth, Sydney Smith & Fran Wood.

Fakenham Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Paige Barnard and Gina Pooley with this afternoons march referee Daniel Knowles

 Referee, Daniel Knowles straight into his 2nd match of the day having officiated the youth game ending on the same pitch half an hour earlier. Fakenham with the kick-off 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks with Costessey lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Katie Green in the middle launches it long out to the left flank for sister, Maddie to attack, a strong run, is tracked back by Costessey’s Layla Watts the defender holding Green up, forcing her to switch direction knock the ball on across the top of the D, turning to send the ball into the area, quickly scooped up by Costessey goalkeeper, Ellie Hambrook. 

 The visitors testing their opponents with a couple of long passes into the flanks early on. Costessey captain, Paige Barnard dealing with the ball pull down Fakenham’s right wing. Both sides moving to press the ball, is a wide pitch space to exploit if play gets too congested in the middle. Thea Hackney seeing the ball played into her feet out wide on Costessey’s left surging forwards is brought down the hosts winning a free-kick, played up the line for Hackney to attack gets her foot around the ball whipping an inviting cross in towards the penalty spot, Fakenham captain, Gina Pooley running back towards her own goal twisting well to stretch and get a foot on the ball to divert it out of her area. 

  Costessey regaining possession in the middle, Abbi Nobbs on for Abbigail Tate threads it into the right channel for Chelsea Brister bearing down on goal from the angle pulls her shot in towards goal past Tilly Betts coming to cover her near post the ball across the x yard box, cleared by Kirstie Rusted at the far post straight back to Brister on the right, tries again for the near post, Pooley in the way blocking her effort off the defender for a corner kick. 

  The corner swung into the box from the right, headed clear by Fakenham’s defence. Pooley going on on the overlap on the left taking the pass from midfield on down the line holding off a challenge before turning inside to cross on the angle, too close to the keeper at her near post, Hambrook laying claim to the ball. 

  Costessey having rode out a little pressure at the start getting onto the ball turning play around quickly, Tate, feeding the ball on for Hackney out on the left touchline burst forwards winning her side a corner kick. Brister to deliver, a vicious in-swinger in at the near post, Bets getting her gloves up to punch the ball away to the right, half cleared out of the box, Costessey win it back the shot from range sailing over the crossbar. 

  The hosts getting the ball into Hackney on the left, allowing midfielders to break forwards, the cross put inside across the top of the area, Hannah Campbell looking to attack it on the run, doesn’t quite get hold of it cleanly, the ball put on towards goal, lacking pace, Betts coming to gather. The two sides appearing evenly matched in the early exchanges. McCullagh bringing the ball out from the back for Fakenham sending it on for Holly Williams moving out to the left taking it on down the line cuts the cross back in central to Maddie Green outside the D, looking to hit it first time as she runs onto the ball, closed down doesn’t get enough on it to trouble Hambrook.

  Williams in the middle nicking the ball, turning to strike from range top of the centre circle, her effort on target angling in straight into the keeper’s gloves. Costessey’s Campbell, stealing onto the ball in the middle of the park, driving on linking up with Tate ahead of her the pass swept out to Brister on the right, from the angle 25 yards out takes on the shot, blasted wide across goal at the far post adjudged to have taken a nick off a defender on the way through a corner awarded. 

 The corner whipped into the near post with pace his headed out by a Fakenham head for a 2nd corner. The delivery coming back out to Campbell outside the box to the left of goal her strike racing in wide of the far post. Competitive in the middle, the ball rarely still both sides keen to turn play around quickly. Maddie Green leading the line for Fakenham often pulling out to the left flank looking to see the ball into her feet and turn to attack down the line, is keeping Watts busy the full back going with her holding Green up in the corner getting a challenge in to send the ball out for a throw. 

Hackney the outlet on the left for Costessey pushing forwards as Nobbs lays the diagonal pass into her path, threatening to go beyond the Fakenham backline, Betts takes no chances rushing out of her area to launch the ball clear before Hackney can latch onto it. Katie Green plays the ball into Maddie Green on halfway, the attacker seeing the ball down into her feet well before turning to race away from her marker down the left wing shooting on the angle targeting the near post, Hambrook down at her post to get behind the ball and make the save. 

GOAL! A half chance at one end Costessey hit their opponents on the break with a rapid counter the ball fired up the line into Hackney bursting away on the left, long legged strides into the box closing in on goal, the angle quickly going against her into the six yard box shoots sending her strike low past the keeper into the bottom corner 1-0.

Thea Hackney all smiles as she fires Costessey into the lead

 Costessey with the opening goal inside the first 15 minutes of the contest, getting the ball forwards well the attackers looking to combine. Tate moving left linking up with Chloe Watts exchanging passes before Watts surges on with it to the by-line just not quite able to keep it in play as she looks to put the ball in across the face of the Fakenham goal. Watts left channel seeing the ball into her feet turning well to lay it on into the box for Hackney, McCullagh getting the tackle in to see the ball turned behind for a corner kick. 

Fakenham’s Marcie McCullagh

  The corner curled in across the six yard box cleared at the far post, the hosts with players around the top of the area moving in to close the ball down regain possession, Campbell with a strike from distance, caught by Betts back on her line. Busy game mustn’t take your eye off it, Pooley bringing the ball on looking to link up with Maddie Green on the left the return ball played back inside for Pooley pushing on, intercepted by Costessey’s Alyssia Baldock at the back. 

Advantage played as Hackney is brought down on the left, Tate in possession bringing the ball infield lifting her pass on for Brister wide right she shot/cross into the six yard box, cleared by Fakenham’s Ella Ballett. Watts and Maddie Green continue to enjoy a good contest the attacker finding the full back hard to shake off taking the ball into the left corner, Watts getting a foot in to tap it out of play for a throw. 

Layla Watts with Fakenham’s Maddie Green

  Katie and Maddie Green looking to combine passes from the throw in the cross whipped into the near post headed away by Sophie Crowle back playing for Costessey having returned from her first term in Exeter at university. Fakenham looking to up the ante get themselves some much needed momentum going forwards, Katie Green laying down the gauntlet looking to get hold of the ball and drive forwards into the tightly packed area inside the Costessey D, the ball deflected off a defender a shot taken from 20 yards out flying narrowly over the crossbar.

 GOAL! Fakenham having moved up a gear pressing players on the ball won back inside the Costessey half coming to Pooley central lays it out to the right with Katie Green pulling into space 30 yards out, decides to try her luck taking on the strike catches the ball sweetly sending in up into the air on target angling over the keeper to drop under the bar and into the back of the net to level the scores 1-1.

Katie Green firing in a spectacular equaliser for Fakenham

 Fakenham back on level terms 7 minutes after conceding, make an immediate change bringing off Bond with Sydney Smith coming into the attack taking up a position on the left. Costessey with a change too bringing on Grace Wall in place of Watts in their attack. Fakenham coming back into the game strongly in the last 5 minutes getting back on level terms. Costessey looking to fightback the ball up the right into Wall, tackled by Pooley for a throw high up the pitch. Wall edge of the box looking to head it on into the mix, Fakenham don’t clear pops back to Wall right of the D, goes to shoot her effort hitting a Seymour at close range. A painful one but denies a goal scoring chance.

  Grant winning the ball back on the right for Fakenham keeping an attack alive sends it inside for the onrushing Katie green who in turn clips a diagonal ball out to the left, looking for Smith, Watts the last defender getting a vital touch to turn the ball back into her keeper to clear. A busy game Tate lifting a high ball on for Hackney on the move left side the Costessey winger screwing her cross back into the area, a sliced clearance almost seeing the ball run on for Wall to run onto, Pooley stabbing it out of her path. The ball cleared out to the right Crowle latching onto it trying her luck with the shot back in towards goal Betts at her near post taking it on the bounce.

Fakenham captain, Gina Pooley

  Both sides enjoying good spells of play in the match even for the most part, Tate linking up with Hackney on the left sends the cross out to Wall breaking up the right, Pooley stretching a leg out to intercept the ball turning it back in to her keeper.  

GOAL! Fakenham attack through the middle the ball finding Maddie green pulling away to the left corner of the area, Watts going with her holding the attacker up Green forcing the ball inside across the top of the D, Williams taking it on looking to find a gap in the Costessey defence threads a ball through into Smith positioned wide left of the goal six yards out strikes the ball under the keeper to score her first goal for the club and put the visitors into the lead 1-2. 

Sydney Smith fires Fakenham into the lead

  Just over half an hour played and Fakenham have come from behind to take the lead. Look to press the advantage, Williams busy on the ball taking it right finding Maddie Green out on the wing, looks to take the ball on Barnard going with her seeing the ball out for a corner kick. Curled into the near post Costessey defend clearing the ball get on the move up the other end, Hackney played in down the left her pace taking the ball on rapidly, the challenge coming in the ball put out for a corner up the opposite end of the ground. 

 Brister has been playing in some useful deliveries from her corners this one curled into the box Wall up to head the ball near side turning it wide across the six yard box cleared to the right as the floodlights start to come on with the light fading fast.

  Maddie Green shaking her marker for once on the left taking the ball on down the line her touch too heavy however allowing Crowle the chance to get round on the cover getting in the way of her cross to turn it behind for a corner. The game stretched end to end if anything both sides a little too hasty to get the ball into their attackers making it hard for support to get up with them quick enough, Wall played in on the right looking for options, Pooley comes sliding in to take the ball out for the throw.

  Katie Green back in her box to clear the cross played in from a throw in, sends it up to Smith on the left, plays in inside to Maddie Green, back to Williams, tries to put the return ball into Green’s path as she breaks into the box, Baldock reading it standing her ground cutting out the pass. Barnard over on the right now fouled by Smith, Costessey taking the free-kick quickly Barnard up the wing on the overlap taking the ball on sending a low ball racing into the six yard box, Hackney making the central run, can’t quite untangle the ball from her feet to get a shot away before Ballett stabs it clear.

  Half-time Costessey Sports Ladies 1-2 Fakenham Town Ladies

The teams stay out on the pitch by their respective dugouts at half-time. Has been a fast paced and entertaining opening 45 minutes. The ball rarely still both sides competitive, looking to get forwards quickly. Both enjoying good spells of play throughout the half, Costessey opening the scoring, Fakenham fought back well needing to lift things and did going on to not only equalise but take the lead. Both sides creating further chances will be interesting to see if they can keep up the intensity in the 2nd half. 

  The floodlights now taking full effect as the 2nd half begins a beautiful purple sky over the ground. Costessey with a change of keepers at the break, Hambrook who looks to have been carrying a knock off replaced by Kelly Fox in goal. Fakenham bringing on midfielder, Laura Booth. The hosts to get the 2nd half underway the ball rolled back to Barnard, clipped out to Hackney breaking forwards on the left, Rusted seeing it out for a throw in. 

 Fakenham attack with Maddie Green played forwards for Smith top of the box right of goal but can’t quite take the ball on in her stride to break through onto goal the ball cleared out to the left a high ball sent back into the Costessey box headed clear by Baldock. Costessey looking to press the ball early in the second half winning a throw high on their right the ball dropped into Hackney inside the box right of goal turns to send the ball into the side netting.

  The hosts quick to regain possession in the middle turn play around, Hackney inside left playing the ball central for Wall lays it on for Tate moving wide of her on the right takes on the shot from the angle her effort racing across goal past the far post. A little testy now a few niggly fouls coming in players getting on with it however, Smith looking to make ground on Fakenham’s right tackled by Costessey’s Watts. 

  Barnard getting hold of the ball at the back for Costessey scooping the ball forwards for Hackney on her left, the winger surging on towards the box her momentum carrying her right in on goal at the near post ground running out she lifts her attempt into the side netting. Costessey pushing hard to find an equalising goal at the start of the 2nd period. Fakenham on the back foot still very much a threat on the counter, Katie green finding space in the middle sending it on to her sister Maddie who clips in out to Grant moving up the right wing, Barnard lunging in to take the ball off her out for a throw in.

  Costessey winning a corner on the left, taken short into Tate high on the left outside the box flashes her strike in whistling wide of the far post. Fakenham making a double switch bringing off Williams and Smith with Seymour back on along side Fran Wood. Katie Green having gotten a taste for a long range strike finding room out to the right to try her luck again angling in towards the far post, Fox drifting out beyond it taking no chances grabbing onto the ball.

  Hackney seeing the ball into her feet left looks up to see Tate breaking into the box, attempts an audacious lofted pass over the top of the defence into her path, not easy, Betts able to see it all the way with time to get out to gather the ball into her gloves before Tate can react. Remains competitive, Seymour sending the ball on for Grant on the right looks to drag the ball inside, Barnard challenging to halt her progress. Barnard reading the game intercepting as Booth attempts to put Grant away on the right the defender fouled then as she tries to bring the ball forwards herself.

Fakenham goalkeeper, Tilly Betts

   Nobbs over the set-piece lifts a high ball in towards the far post, Fakenham defending the ball cleared out to the left. Wall taking on a strike from distance seeing her effort landing straight into the keeper’s gloves. Costessey making a change bringing off Campbell in the middle on comes 16-year-old Sydnie Brown as Costessey look to give the youngster more playing experience at this level, goes over to the left back role with Barnard switching over to the right. The hosts pushing hard Hackney left back up the line for Tate through the middle to Brister 25 yards out goes for goal her shot straight at Betts.

  Maddie Green the outlet for Fakenham up top always alert looking to steal in behind beats the offside trap to burst clear as the ball is sent over the top but just a little too much on it as Fox comes rushing out to claim the ball. The ball played long into Hackney out wide left her touch taking her inside some 25 yards out whistles a shot over the bar.

GOAL! The momentum firmly with Costessey pressing the ball top of the Fakenham area Hackney across the top of the area into Tate out to Wall right inside the box deflected through to Brister ahead of her turns to strike the ball on the angle sending in across the keeper into the bottom corner 2-2. 

Chelsea Brister equalising in the 2nd half for Costessey

 Costessey with a strong start to the 2nd half equalising in the 64h minute. Fakenham making a change straight after the goal bringing Williams back on for Booth. The visitors straight on the attack after the restart. Crowle defending for Costessey. Fakenham regain the ball in midfield the diagonal ball lifted into the box for Maddie Green making a superb run at the near post the ball dropping onto her feet on the angle turned in towards goal, Fox down smartly to get behind the ball and save.

Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox

  Costessey continue to push players forwards Hackney a handful on the left winning her side a corner. Whipped into the far post from the left the ball headed behind. Tate crossing the ball from the left cleared by Pooley at her far post out to the left, a strike racing back in from distance, didn’t see who blazes narrowly wide of the left post. Watts and Maddie Green continue their battle the attacker, with a great first touch looking to shake her marker, Watts getting back at her to slide in to make the tackle turn the ball behind for a corner.

  The ball played into the top of the area a shot charged down Costessey attempt to break, Rusted winning the ball back well. Brown gets back to defend on Grant as the winger attempts to turn in behind on Fakenham’s right. Really is a beautiful twilight sky over the ground a glorious purple visage a wonderful sight to behold but mustn’t get distracted from the action with is showing no signs off letting up the game could go either way. Costessey pressing hard a little too eager to deliver the final ball, giving Fakenham’s defence time to deal with the ball.

  Play resuming with a throw out on the left Fakenham bring the ball on through the middle threaded on trough the defence for Maddie Green to steal in behind left of the D, Fox comes racing out to try and close her down but has no chance of reaching the ball first as Green slots it past her, Fox can only turn to look at the ball racing towards her goal relived to see it cannon off the base of the right post as Brown races back to wrap her foot around the ball to clear. 

A pause in play at last with a Fakenham player in need of treatment both sides going to their respective benches for fluids and instructions with 15 minutes left to play. Baldock taking the ball into the middle for Costessey looking to play in Wall making a move to break on her right, just goes a little too early the flag halting her progress. Brown getting in another timely tackle on Grant as Williams looks to pick her out on the right. The game delicately poised the clock ticking down a draw may well be a fair result but you sense a winning goal is still out there just a question mark over who might get it.

Costessey defender, Sophie Crowle

  Wood is released down the left for Fakenham pushes on with the ball at her feet, Crowle moving out to put in the tackle deny her the cross. Costessey press left Brister into Hackney the ball swung in across the six yard box to the near post turned behind for a corner. Brister to play it in long across the six yard box to Barnard beyond the far post can’t get a telling touch to threaten the Fakenham goal. 

 Betts taking a catch back on her line from a looping Costessey effort from outside the box. Costessey attack Tate on the ball left channel tackled by Rusted the ball only cleared to Hackney on the left fires in back across the top of the area to Brister right of the D, lays in back inside to be met by Nobbs racing in central her sot fired in on target, Betts behind it down well to save. 

Abbigail Tate

  Katie Green continues to cover the ground in the middle for Fakenham getting onto the ball looks to pick out Maddie Green on the left with her pass, Watts herself has worked hard to keep tabs on the elusive attacker getting in the challenge to slow her progress the ball out for a throw on the left. High up the pitch the cross finding it’s way into the middle of the area, Brown getting there in the nick of time to scramble the ball clear as Grant lines up a strike.

 GOAL! Into the final five minutes of the game Fakenham once again building momentum going forwards as both teams tire. The ball rolled forwards into Katie Green moving out to the right, finding herself in space over 30 yards out in a similar position to where she scored in the first half decides to try her luck again and once again connects sweetly with the ball lifting it in towards the top corner with late dip to whistle over the keeper and creep under the crossbar to see the visitors retake the lead 2-3!

Katie Green with another wonderful strike from distance for see Fakenham retake the lead late in the game

  A blow for Costessey late in the game having fought hard to get back on level terms. Fakenham resilient able to move up a gear in the closing stages. The hosts look to get on the attack from the restart, Hackney still with energy in her legs late on breaking down the left, Rusted finding the reserves in her legs to get back at her to lunge in and send the ball behind for a corner. The corner curled in central knocked on to the far post turned behind off the upright for a goal-kick.

Costessey’s, Abbi Nobbs with defender, Alyssia Baldock

Brister pulls a shot wide from 30 yards out from a central position as the ball is played into her from the right. Betts coming out to her right to clear the ball, presents it straight to Tate on the left wing, attempts to take advantage of the open goal sending a shot looping back into the box, Betts trying to recover her ground sees the ball safely bounce up over her wide at the near post. A nervy finish to the game. Costessey in need of a goal over committing in attack the ball won back, cleared up to Maddie Green looking to take advantage, Crowle getting in close to win the ball back.

Beth Seymour

  The clock ticking down moving into stoppage time Baldock pushed on for Costessey looking to combine with Brister and Hackney in attack, Seymour getting in the way of the ball hurt as she halts the attack. Costessey working hard to find a reply, Fakenham pushed back fighting hard in defence, Hackney left 25 out crossing into the box for Brister back to goal lays it outside to Baldock to take on the shot from 20 yards out her effort only finding the keeper. Seconds left on the clock Costessey on the attack the ball rolled on for Wall surging into the area from the right closing in on the near post, Fakenham defenders all around her the ball struck behind off the near post!    

Full time Costessey Sports Ladies 2-3 Fakenham Town Ladies

The final whistle blows and it’s Fakenham that hold on to win the 3 points. A cracking game to end 2024 on. Could well have gone either way in the end. Both sides evenly matched for a large part of the game both enjoying good spells throughout. The ball rarely still, competitive without going over the top, hardly saw the referee needing to speak to anyone let alone brandish a card the action never stopped hence the word count! Costessey starting well taking the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, Fakenham needed to lift it and did not only to equalise but lead at the end of the first half. Costessey strong in the 2nd half taking the game to Fakenham finding the reply but couldn’t hold on conceding a 3rd goal. Fakenham with chances to extend the lead Costessey fought hard to come back a 2nd time but couldn’t. Fakenham closing the gap to the leaders to just a point going into Christmas. Sums up Norfolk Women’s Division One this season highly competitive and both sides will play their part come the new year.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of 2024, often a tough decision, but not today a clear winner. Plenty of performances to mention before that however and I’m bound to miss someone out Firstly for Costessey a huge effort to get back into the game. Thea Hackney standing out playing on the left, her pace and determined runs causing Fakenham problems throughout the contest, scoring the opening goal. Layla Watts in defence stuck to her task well and marking Maddie Green is no easy feat worked hard to limit her opportunities in attack put in a shift. Paige Barnard reading the game at the back intercepting the ball and looked to get it forwards with purpose. Abbigail Tate finding some great positions to create chances bring her fellow attackers into play. For Fakenham, Gina Pooley won the ball at the back well as did Maisie McCullagh. Holly Williams showing great movement in the final third busy on the ball. Maddie Green always a threat in attack looking to break clear no easy task this afternoon but nevertheless was unlucky not to score. The award though goes to her sister Katie Green,  the defining moment that put her into contention was when she got the bit between her teeth in the first half and took the game to Costessey getting hold of the ball and in turn encouraging her team to get forwards, two superb strikes of course helping to win the game too.

 Today was my 588th match report and the joyous thing about that is is that no two matches have ever been the same and that is what makes them a pleasure to write. Great to see Costessey Sports Ladies having been trying for a while now, having followed them from distance before hearing many good things. Fantastic to catch up with Fakenham too having seen them several times just up the road have a soft spot for the club and seeing the events after their relegation feared for their future, glad to see it looks in good shape a talented squad like Costessey, look forward to see how both develop. My thanks to both for the team details, give me the names and numbers and I can do the rest. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Will be back rearing to go in 2025.

by Darren Gilham

 

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Biggleswade United Women

Sunday 1st December

ERWFL League Cup

 Storm Bert putting pay to my football plans last weekend and raring to go again this Sunday making the sort trip down the road to Thetford to watch Thetford Town Ladies in action in the 3rd Round of this season’s ERWFL League Cup as they take on Bedfordshire, and fellow Division One North side, Biggleswade United Women.

A spot in the last 8 of the competition up for grabs as both look to build momentum going forwards into the league as 2024 draws to a close. Division One North an interesting league this season, Harpenden Town Women just missing out on promotion last season, going strong again this campaign out in front. Elsewhere in the league highly competitive with some close results with anyone capable of beating the other on their day and with the added woe of three sides going down this season all the more to fight for. The cup offering a good opportunity to built a run.

 Thetford Town Ladies into their 2nd season playing regional level football, a solid debut season have added some useful experience to the squad over the close season as they look to push on. Have had an inconsistent start to the season winning as many as they’ve lost, but that can be said for a half dozen others, close margins, 3 wins in league and cup out of 4 since I last saw them in action in October, have since added to the squad making 3 new signings, with winger Shannon Chandler joining, along with attacker, Olivia Dunne and midfielder Mollie O’Callaghan, the latter scoring a hat-trick since joining Thetford. Alice Collins, Thetford’s top scorer so far with 5 to her name while captain, Melissa Boulton and Megan Haynes both have 4 goals apiece. A 3-1 home win in the 1st Round of the League Cup against Essex side, Toby Ladies, saw Thetford play fellow Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies away in the 2nd Round, winning the game 6-0.

  Bedfordshire seeing a rapid growth in women’s football in recent season’s with a host of new sides being formed, some aiming to challenge the established order between Luton and Bedford. Biggleswade United Women certainly amongst them. That too has led to a demand for the footballing talent in the area. Biggleswade featuring a 1st and Development team retaining much of their squad from the previous season have been busy adding to their ranks bringing new players in 11 in total joining since the summer. Amongst them, former Stevenage and Royston midfielder, Amy Josland. Attacker, Ruth Fox coming to Biggleswade having gained useful experience playing in the FAWNL with Cambridge United WFC. leading the way a top scorer at Biggleswade with 6 to her name this season. Winger, Katie White the latest addition again has plenty of experience playing at a higher level. 

 Despite the new additions has been a tough start to the season for Biggleswade, a draw on the opening day at home to Newmarket, was followed by a tough run of 6 loses on the trot to leave them adrift at the bottom of the table with King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Their cup campaign giving them some confidence pushing them on to clinch their first league win of the season away to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, and although they have alot of work to do sides above them haven’t pulled too far ahead. A 2-0 away win against, Division One South side, Frontiers Ladies in the first round of the League Cup was followed by a 4-1 home win against another Essex opponent, Romford Town WFC to advance to the 3rd Round. 

  Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road Stadium the venue for today’s match. Is a compact round situated beside the leisure centre and playing fields beyond. The clubhouse open serving hot and cold drinks. Beside the clubhouse the main covered stand over the changing rooms overlooking the slightly sloped pitch. In good condition despite all the poor weather recently. Poor once again today with rain falling heavily on the way to the game a brief respite before kick-off but with more likely during the game very gloomy and dull overhead, retreated into the stand to write the report, the notepad and camera having taken a battering a fortnight ago at Leverington.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Keileigh Dixon, Ella Swift, Pola Pasik, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Fran Peeling, Mollie O’Callaghan, Alice Collins, Libby Scott, Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler & Melissa Boulton (C). Subs – Hannah Rogers, Olivia Dunne & Megan Haynes.

Thetford Town Ladies

Biggleswade United Women starting XI – Sarah Ridley, Becki Ingram, Tasmin Gentle, Ashley Emerton, Helen Spencer, Amy Josland (C), Louise Sollis, Mia Zorbas, Katie Harrington-Pike, Bethany Walker & Ruth Fox. Subs – Jordan Rockall, Tashai Simms, Katie White, Kayleigh Gray & Harriet Smith.

Biggleswade United Women… take one…

    The teams out on the field ready to play, the referee asking for a change of shirts with a close match in poor weather conditions… thankfully Biggleswade had replacement colours available… one shirt change in the pouring rain later…

Biggleswade United Women… take two.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 That’s a new one and I’ve seen alot covering the game over the past decade, thank goodness Biggleswade travelled with replacement shirts or it might have been bibs, which makes following the numbers nearly impossible, as it is the team sheet I have and the new numbers don’t line up, so another challenge know several out there but even so want to give everyone a mention and the numbers go along way to helping with that endeavour. All fun will make do for now. The rain falling heavily at the start of the match very gloomy out there as the captain’s meet the referee in the centre.

Captain’s Melissa Boulton and Amy Josland with today’s referee Andy Lucraft-Townley

  It’s Thetford wearing their home colours an all claret kit to get the first half underway with Biggleswade initially lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts, with navy shorts and red socks, the change of shirts seeing them now in blue with white sleeves. A slight delay to kick-off as a result the ball played back to Fran Peeling in defence she sends it long up into the left channel with Hannah Claughton bursting forwards, Becki Ingram up well to head the ball clear for the visitors, won back in the middle, played out to the right, Louise Sollis sliding in to tackle for Biggleswade the ball out for a throw on the right.

  Biggleswade making a positive start breaking forwards the ball clipped out to the right for Katie Harrington-Pike to attack, Pola Pasik nipping in with the challenge to send the ball out for a throw for Thetford. A tussle for possession on the middle of the park, Biggleswade captain, Amy Josland playing the pass out to Bethany Walker on the left, skips inside to lay the ball into the path of Sollis making a central run, on the move attempts to thread the ball through the Thetford defence for striker, Ruth Fox, goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon with a good starting position, out to collect the ball into her gloves before Fox can stab it past her.

  Thetford not quite up to the pace of the game in the early stages winning a free-kick on halfway. Peeling over the ball lifts it forwards into the top of the area, Biggleswade head clear but no distance on the ball, the hosts snatching possession back rolled back for Mollie O’Callaghan central 25 yards plus out, slips as she goes to strike the ball her shot running harmlessly through to Biggleswade goalkeeper, Sarah Ridley. 

Thetford midfielder, Mollie O’Callaghan

  Thetford captain, Melissa Boulton holding the ball up up top as O’Callaghan sends it into her with pace lays it away to the right for Shannon Chandler to take on driving down the line fires a cross into the box, intercepted at the back by Biggleswade’s Helen Spencer. Spencer able to bring the ball out from the back for the visitors linking up with Mia Zorbas and Fox up top the ball played between them neatly, before Fox finds Walker on the left, taking the ball on, challenged by Thetford fullback, Ella Swift. Biggleswade pushing players on quick to regain the ball Walker into Tasmin Gentle pushing up form the back on the left plays a great diagonal ball into the top of the D, Sollis providing the midfield run can’t quite take it down in her stride.

  Biggleswade pressing the ball well, forcing errors from Thetford in turn inviting pressure, winning a throw high on the left, turned on into the box, Peeling getting hold of it  in defence launching the ball upfield, Boulton looking to make something of it pressing Gentle out on her right forcing a throw in. Very dull out there with the rain falling heavily. Biggleswade winning a corner on the left, flung in near post played back out to the taker, flashed back into the box deflected behind for a 2nd corner. The delivery played in high to the top of the area, hooked cleared by Libby Scott. 

 Pushing players on looking to force their way through the Thetford defence, the hosts clear long threatening to expose their opponents at the back, Boulton latching onto the central ball racing for the area left of the D, Ashley Emerton with a superb turn of pace covering the ground rapidly to slide in and take the ball way from the attacker sending it away for a throw in. 

Thetford captain. Melissa Boulton

  With the midfield pushed back by Biggleswade, Boulton finds herself isolated up top at times as she attempts to hold the ball up for Thetford, the visitors defence able to get numbers around her, attempting a one two with Chandler on the right, the return pass a little too strong. Zorbas linking up with Sollis through the middle, Sausha Levy-Twomey out from the back line to put in the tackle. Pulling up after in need of treatment, but able to continue. 

 Biggleswade with a free-kick on half way to the left the ball played into the top of the area, Josland playing the dummy stooping to let the ball drop over her to bounce on into the area with Fox after it, Pasik going with her getting a vital touch to send the ball behind for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the crowded six yard box falls to Ingram getting her foot up over the ball sees her effort blocked from close range turned away to the left, Zorbas out there with Walker the pair working the ball between them the latter curling in a cross aiming for the far post, no one attacking it curls out of play for a goal kick.

Mollie O’Callaghan battling with Biggleswade captain, Amy Josland for possession

  Biggleswade making the better start to the game creating opportunities causing Thetford problems the hosts slower to the ball. The ball played into Harrington-Pike on the right for the visitors sends in infield to Zorbas 20 yards out, turns to strike the ball her shot blasted wide of the near post. Thetford give the ball away on their left, Zorbas latching onto it lining up a shot from all of 25 yards out her attempt narrowly over the crossbar. 

 

  A good battle in the middle between, Josland, Sollis and Thetford’s O’Callaghan getting stuck in winning the ball sends it into Boulton up top, the attacker, turning well to escape her marker run in behind, but again it’s Emerton with her pace recovering the ground to get in front of her to turn the ball away for another throw in. Out on the right, Chandler brings the throw down level with the top of the Biggleswade area put inside for Boulton who returns the ball, Chandler picking out O’Callaghan 25 yards out right of the D, hooks a shot back in towards goal, looping up into the air, drops safely into Ridley’s gloves. 

  Walker drops her shoulder, storms down the line with the ball on the left. players racing into the box, her cross flashed in runs behind Josland, O’Callaghan tracking back with her clearing the ball. Scott finding Claughton out on the left wing takes the ball on, gaining ground before Ingram slides in with the tackle to play the ball out for a throw. The floodlights coming on as it’s so dark out there, Peeling over a free-kick on halfway the ball flighted up into the area, claimed confidently by the keeper.

  Fox seeing the ball into her feet laying it inside for Zorbas to the right has Sollis bursting on to support plays the ball into her path, Sollis’ run blocked the midfielder going down winning the free-kick a good 30 yards out. Fox over the set-piece the striker going for goal, getting her effort on target looking for the top corner, Dixon across her line to get up to claim the ball cleanly. 

Ruth Fox’s free-kick, claimed by goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon

  Levy-Twomey stepping in well to challenge Fox as she receives the ball from Josland, turns to attack the area. Chandler with space to break into on the right for Thetford takes the shot on from 25 yards out firing her effort wide across the six yard out out past the far post. Josland winning the ball on for Sollis who picks out Walker on the left a drop of the shoulder looks to spin off Swift get in behind on the wing, Swift ready, getting her foot in to take the ball away from the lively winger.

Ella Swift clearing the ball for Thetford

  Fox holding the ball up well up top for Biggleswade with players quick to get up around her to receive the ball played inside looking for Sollis, a timely interception from Levy-Twomey top of the D. 

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twomey.

  Scott on for O’Callaghan picks out Chandler on her right the ball sent down the line for Boulton in attack. wide of goal, trying to hold the ball up is quickly outnumbered by the Biggleswade defence. Thetford with the ball out right, Collins in possession with a strong push in the back, aghast as no foul is awarded, O’Callaghan steaming in to regain the ball clipping it up field into Boulton outside the D, attempting to bring it down turn into the shot, is closed down by Spencer the defender clearing the ball up field. 

GOAL! Biggleswade looking the most likely to break the dead lock press the attack late in the first half the ball put into Walker central she turns to play in into the path of Fox up top, looking to roll of Levy-Twomey take the ball past her the defender gets a faint touch on the ball, even as Peeling breaks around on the cover to poke the ball away to the left of the area, Fox continuing her run strong to get back onto the ball flashes a cross along the face of goal, Pasik tracking back with Harrington-Pike on her shoulder, turns the ball into her own net trying to clear 0-1.

Ruth Fox’s determination leading to the opening goal

  Biggleswade with the break through late in the first half. Thetford behind look to get on the attack form the restart, Claughton having seen little of the ball out on the left, taking it on with a powerful run eventually stopped by Ingram out for a throw. Thetford on the ball, Collins central out to Chandler right checks back to play the ball inside to Scott 25 yards out right of the D, hooks the cross in across to the far stick, too much for Claughton to do as the ball runs out of play.

  A goal sparking Thetford into life pressing higher now O’Callaghan seeing the ball laid back into her from Boulton up top, strikes it from all of 25 yards, dragging her shot wide. Ridley with a great goal-kick up to Walker, the wingers first touch lifting the ball over the top for Fox to burst in behind the Thetford defence, a close call her attack halted by a raised flag.

Biggleswade’s Katie Harrington-Pike

  Into the closing stages of the first half, Collins with a speculative effort from all of 40 yards out going wide as Ridley moves across her goal jumping for it, gets a touch to concede the corner kick. Taken short with no one tracking the run of Peeling to the left corner of the area, takes on the shot her attempt curling over the bar. The hosts winning another free-kick to the right from range, Peeling to deliver, clipped high in towards the far post, Ridley keeping her eye on the ball takes it unopposed. 

  Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Biggleswade United Women

   The sides head down the tunnel into the changing rooms with Biggleswade holding a narrow 1 goal lead. The visitors for much of the first half on the front foot, making a positive start to the game getting the ball and players forwards well. Thetford off the pace, 2nd to the ball, inviting pressure pushed back limiting the outlet ball into their attackers. A competitive tussle in the middle, Josland and Sollis battling for the ball providing useful runs to support their attacking players. However just a single goal between the sides and that coming from an own goal leaves it all to play for in the 2nd half with extra-time and penalties if required. 

Biggleswade ringing the changes at the start of the 2nd half as they make 4 substitutions bringing on Harriet Smith, Katie White, Tashai Simms and Kayleigh Gray in place of Fox, Walker, Zorbas and Harrington-Pike. One switch for Thetford with Megan Haynes on for Scott as the visitors get the 2nd half underway the ball played back into defence launched up top into Smith she knocks the ball down to the right looking to send it into the path of Gray breaking in behind, her run stopped by the offside flag.

  Biggleswade looking to make a forceful start to the 2nd period the ball cleared from the defence long into the left channel with Smith looking to take it on into the box, Dixon rushing out of her area looking to close the attacker down, Smith knocking it past the keeper sending the ball down to the by-line looking to retrieve it even as Dixon back peddles back towards her exposed goal, defenders back to cover however the angle against Smith as she attempts to send the ball in near post, cleared by Levy-Twomey. 

 The substitutes looking to make an impact get after the ball, Simms in the middle linking up well with White on the left taking the ball on down the line, before running it out of play as Swift closes her down. Josland on for White to power on down the left flank, checks inside laying the ball into the middle for Smith, Peeling in ahead of her to win the ball back for Thetford. 

 Thetford regrouping O’Callaghan snapping in to win the ball back a free-kick won inside the Biggleswade half on the left. Peeling over the ball, floats a great ball into the far post, Chandler closing it down looking to bring it down turn towards goal, however a handball spotted by the referee Ashley Lucraft-Townley, Biggleswade winning the freekick. 

Thetford’s Shannon Chandler

 Thetford beginning to find some momentum as Boulton now in the middle links up with Collins brings the ball on through the middle linking up with O’Callaghan before sending the ball forwards into Claughton making a good run into the left channel seeing the ball into the feet knocks it on surging into the area left of goal looks to play her low shot back in across the keeper, not enough width on it however as Ridley is right behind it to save low.

Alice Collins

  Biggleswade with a free-kick wide on the left the ball dropped into the mix at the near post, half cleared back out wide to Simms, attempts to put the cross back into the box, Dixon up well to grab hold of the ball. Thetford look to launch a rapid counter attack the ball sent long up to Boulton breaking away on the right, Spencer coming across to defend forced to concede the corner. 

 

 Thetford play the ball high into the near post from the right, cleared out to the top of their area, a Thetford boot latching onto the shot blasted back in at goal, blocked on the line by Emerton! Cleared away to the right another shot coming in on the angle from 25 yards out struck wide of the near post. Thetford make another change with Olivia Dunne coming on in place of Boulton. 

Ashley Emerton with the goal line block for Biggleswade.

 The game more end to end now, Thetford looking to get after the ball, Biggleswade lively turning play around Sollis working hard getting the ball into Simms plays it forwards into Smith who lays it out to Gray on the right flank, in turn she looks to play it back across the top of the area looking for White bursting forwards from the left channel, a vital interception needed from Peeling at the back for the hosts.

Louise Sollis holding of Mollie O’Callaghan

  Swift going past Chandler on the overlap taking the ball on sending a cross into the box from deep, taken high by Ridley. Smith fouled for Biggleswade owed over 35 yards out presenting the visitors with a free-kick in a central position, Josland over the ball plays it out to the right into Gray making a run in behind, Pasik getting back at her to defend for Thetford prevent the cross.

  Pasik and Gray locking horns once again as the winger takes the ball inside, pushed out to the right, Peeling with her clearing the ball, straight to the on rushing Sollis, goes to cross the ball into the far post looking for White, too close to the keeper however, Dixon keeping her eye on the ball. Chandler taking the ball on down the right for Thetford winning a throw in the corner, Played back up the line for Swift to send a cross looping into the box, Ridley catching it ahead of Haynes.

   Emerton coming off at the back for Biggleswade, on comes Jordan Rockall. Spencer sends the ball low through the left channel on for White to attack for the visitors bursting down the line to whip a cross in low across the face of goal angling wide beyond the far post. An intriguing contest remains beautifully poised Biggleswade’s substitutes lively as Sollis picks out Gray with a fantastic ball into the right wing breaking on down the line, Gray flashes a dangerous ball in across the goal face, White closing in can’t get close.

  Pasik defending well up against Gray out on Biggleswade’s right as the game opens up one on one times her tackle perfectly. Chandler is taken out by Rockall as the defender comes sliding in from a long way, spoken too by the referee. O’Callaghan over the resulting free-kick on the angle lifts the ball into the mix, Ridley coming through bodies to lay claim to the ball. A more even contest 2nd half Thetford moving the ball better, risk over committing as Rockall snatches the ball back put on for Gray right side plays it central into Josland moving forwards helped out to White moving on into the left channel, takes on the shot her effort wide of the left post.

  O’Callaghan sending the ball up to Dunne 25 yards out the Thetford attacker shifts the ball inside from a central position looking to line up a shot is charged down by Rockall as the defender rushes out to block. Gray played in again on the right for the visitors surging to the by-line firing another vicious ball in across the face of the Thetford goal, White busting a gut to try and get there throwing herself at the ball , sliding in misses it by a fraction. 

 Sollis has run herself into the ground, comes off for Biggleswade as Fox returns to the action less than 15 minutes left to play. Collins fins Dunne out on Thetford’s left wing taking the ball on players rushing on into the box looking to get onto the end of a cross, Dunne clips it into the area, Josland the one to win it clear for Biggleswade. Thetford making another change with Pasik coming off replaced by Hannah Rogers, an attacker, goes in up top with Claughton now filling in at left back. Walker back on for Biggleswade on the left.

The visitors winning a free-kick on the left the ball level with the top of the Thetford area played into the penalty spot headed back out to the left, played back up the line crossed back into the area from deep, Smith pulling off the defence looking to turn her header goal wards on target but drops kindly for the keeper to grab low.

 The clock ticking down Biggleswade working hard to keep the ball inside their opponents half, Peeling down for Thetford in need of treatment as Collins now wearing the captains armband brings her team together encouraging one final push to find an equalising goal. Dunne holding the ball up for Thetford as Collins goes past her out to the left taking the ball on her cross cut back in across the top of the area cut out by Simms. 

 Players going down with cramp late in the game. Swift defending against White on the left as she looks to take on a diagonal ball played into her from midfield. Into the final 5 minutes Spencer coming off for Biggleswade, Emerton back on into defence. White moving to the right as Gray comes off for Harrington-Pike. Thetford bringing of O’Callaghan late on sending Scott back into the fray. Dunne linking up with Haynes on the left for Thetford the cross clipped into the area, Ridley up to claim it on her penalty spot. 

Biggleswade’s Harriet Smith

  Thetford pushing hard in the closing stages to find the reply to send the tie into extra-time, Dunne laying the ball on down the left for Haynes, Ingram sliding in to win the ball back for Biggleswade. The game open now Thetford pushed up, Biggleswade win the ball back played into White on the right plays a diagonal ball into Smith left of the D, Swift with her getting her foot in to play the ball back to her keeper to kick clear. Thetford push late on the ball fired into Dunne’s feet 25 yards out, looks to hold the ball up, Walker snapping in to clear the ball out for a throw in. The final whistle blows Biggleswade celebrate as they book their place in the quarter finals of the ERWFL League Cup. 

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Biggleswade United Women

  An own goal a tough way to lose any game, however that was the difference between the sides in the finish as Biggleswade claim victory in the League Cup. Making a positive start to the first half getting players up to support their attackers well, looked the most likely to open the scoring. Thetford off the pace at the start of the match 2nd to the ball inviting pressure took a while to get going. Biggleswade capitalising creating openings taking the lead late in the half. Rang the changes at the start of the 2nd half, looking to keep up the momentum. Thetford making changes themselves fighting back in the 2nd half led to a more open game. Biggleswade managing the 2nd half well keeping a good shape at the back not letting themselves get exposed behind. Couldn’t find a 2nd goal however and that kept Thetford in it right till the death just couldn’t find a reply themselves. Biggleswade’s cup run continues will need to bring that momentum into the league now as they fight to get themselves out of trouble.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match as more often than not another difficult one to chose with several contenders out there today. A few performances to mention. Firstly for Thetford, Mollie O’Callaghan fought hard in midfield to win the ball back making some strong challenges and looked to get the ball forwards. Melissa Boulton often isolated up front did well nonetheless to try and hold the ball up wait for support to arrive. Fran Peeling and Sausha Levy-Twomey both making some timely tackles and interceptions at the back. For Biggleswade, Ashley Emerton was excellent at the back, her pace helping to thwart Thetford, along with a huge goal line block. Bethany Walker a livewire out on the left seeing the ball into her feet and looking spin in behind link up play. Amy Josland strong in the middle winning the ball, making some excellent runs to join the attack. Ruth Fox in attacker strong on the ball, pulled into space well and her endeavour led to the opening goal. The award today though goes to midfielder Louise Sollis, worked tirelessly in the middle getting in her tackles winning the ball and covering the ground linking up with the attackers.

  A thoroughly miserable day weather wise, but an enjoyable match to watch at 1-0 it as never put to bed. Biggleswade had to work for the win but will gain huge confidence from it. Frustrating for Thetford. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team line-ups today… (Biggleswade twice!) much appreciated. Never a dull moment that’s why I love it so much.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Leverington Sports Ladies v Godmanchester Town Ladies

Sunday 17th November

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

 Back to it after a much needed break. Has been a busy spell the rest has done me the power of good, ready to go again a plenty of exciting football to look forward to. Heading into Cambridgeshire this Sunday to watch a game from Division One with two of the potential title contenders going head to head with 4th placed Leverington Sports Ladies taking on Godmanchester Town Ladies currently 2nd.

The pair meeting in the League Cup just 7 days ago at Leverington, playing out a 2-2 draw the game settled on penalties, Leverington edging the shootout 7-6 to progress in the competition.

Both clubs originally forming under another name progressing to where they are today. Leverington Sports Ladies as they have been now for several season’s originally Wisbech Town Ladies. Moving to Leverington a small village in the outskirts of Wisbech itself, are still very much part of the town and now established in the top tier within the Cambridgeshire Women’s football leagues, getting to the final of the Junior Invitation Cup last season as well as the semi-finals in the League Cup. Sophie Swinden now captaining the side, the long time top scorer over many seasons for the club has 15 to her name already this season from 9 appearances. 

  Godmanchester Town Ladies have had a successful start to life, having come into being last season, having been Huntingdon Town Ladies previous to that, then having been formed with what was largely the old St Ives Town Ladies squad. The core of that side remains, as Godmanchester went on to win the Division Two title last season, earning promotion and reaching the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup in their debut season. Will fancy their chances of going all the way in the competition this season. Making some new additions to the squad, a couple from Eaton Socon Ladies, Gemma Cooksley and Hannah Hutchison , the latter top scorer so far with 8 from 8. Also added to the squad the vastly experienced Leah Cudone, returning to the game having performed at a higher level for a number of years, has 3 goals already from 3 appearances. That experience balancing with a number of promising young players coming to the club too. 

  Leverington Sports & Social Club the venue for today’s game. A hold up on the A47 meant I had to turn around and come in from the A10 getting there later than I’d have liked no time for a cup of tea! The social club with large carpark leading out to the pitches, grass and 3G. Over on the grass pitch the clouds gathering an overcast day with the temperatures starting to drop. Hoping the rain would hold off till late in the 2nd half but wasn’t to be.

Leverington Sports Ladies starting XI – Holly Bantoft, Jade Court, Sam Davis, Olivia Holden, Tianna Schunmann, Albany Hodgson, Paulina Potoplak, Ebonie Goode, Shushannah Feast, Caitlin Burdett & Sophie Swinden (C). Subs – Libbie Wykes Katie Garner, Rhianna Butler & Lacey Metcalfe.

Leverington Sports Ladies

Godmanchester Town Ladies starting XI – Sophie Marjoram, Leah Culpin, Leia Wheeler, Em Stephenson, Cherish Sibanda (C), Natasha Hochen, Sophie Crook, Leah Cudone, Holly Thompson, Kendal O’Connor & Ellie Harvey. Subs – Fran Worrell, Erica Zimmerman, Megan Stow & Georgie Astley.

Godmanchester Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Sophie Swinden & Cherish Sibanda with today’s referee and club line assistants

 A few players missing for both sides, Hutchinson in attack for Godmanchester amongst those. Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse picking up an injury early in the season, missing for Leverington. Do have a player making her comeback from a long injury lay off, Albany Hodgson dual signed with ERWFL Premier Division side Wroxham, starting this afternoon. It’s the hosts to kick-off the first half wearing orange shirts with black trim, black shorts and socks with Godmanchester lined up opposite wearing blue shirts with navy across the top of the chest and shoulder, navy shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle, Godmanchester rush on to close the ball down forcing Leverington to lay the ball out to the right, put up the line, Leah Culpin winning the ball for the visitors.

 A lively midfield contest right from the off both sides squeezing the play on the half way line, Paulina Potoplak attempting to lift it through for captain, Sophie Swinden making a move to pull off the centre backs, won instead by Godmanchester captain, Cherish Sibanda the ball played out to the left wing setting, Holly Thompson on her way pace closing down the area, Leah Cudone making a good run near post side Thompson attempting to slide her, Cudone after the ball under challenge from Tianna Schunmann for Leverington can’t quite get it under control, out of play for a goal kick.

Hodgson getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Leverington passing it on for Caitlin Burdett getting on the move down the right inside Culpin, Thompson racing back getting across the winger to see the ball back to her goalkeeper, Sophie Marjoram. Thompson looking to take the ball on the other way for Godmanchester out wide on the left is fouled on halfway. Culpin over the set-piece strikes the ball in towards the pack gathered inside the D, Hodgson winning the header to clear for the hosts. 

 Certainly competitive both sides getting stuck in, physical a few free-kicks given away, both wanting to get the ball into their attackers quickly, Swinden sending the ball out to Shushannah Feast on Leverington’s left the pair looking to combine, Leia Wheeler getting a foot in to deflect the ball out for a throw slow the advance. Cudone getting hold of the ball on half way taking it on with a forceful run towards the Leverington defence looking to plough her way through, Schunmann and Olivia Holden closing her down to challenge.

 Kendal O’Connor surging on with the ball right side for Godmanchester, hooks the ball into the middle Cudone inside the D looking to attack it, Schunmann getting a touch to knock it away from her, Sam Davis too before goalkeeper, Holly Bantoft calls for it and steps in to claim. Feast providing a good outlet for Leverington on the left receiving the ball high bringing it down powering her way into the box, Wheeler with her, Em Stephenson backing her up the pair forcing Feast to run the ball out of play for a goal kick. 

Leverington’s Shushannah Feast

  End to end, Godmanchester turning play around Natasha Houchen finding Ellie Harvey pulling into the left channel 25 yards out sees the ball down and attempts to lay it into the path of Cudone making a run to try and get in behind, a vital interception from Jade Court to deny her a run on goal. Leverington’s turn to have a free-kick on half way out on the right launched into the top of the Godmanchester area headed clear the visitors get it up the pick rapidly one touch, Cudone after it, Bantoft out of her box quickly to kick the ball clear.

  Hodgson passing to Ebonie Goode in the middle lifted forwards into Swinden back to goal 30 out turns looking to thread it into the box for Feast coming inside from the left, a little too much on it giving Marjoram the edge as she comes to lay claim to the ball. A few spots of rain in the air, wielding a notepad and camera getting tricky with an umbrella to operate too! Swindon seeing the ball down from all of 30 yards out, letting lose a shot, her effort arrowing in straight at the keeper a comfortable height for Marjoram.

  Godmanchester with a set-piece out on the right fired in across goal, comes out to Thompson beyond the far post, sending it back into the mix, play it too close to the near post, Bantoft shifting across her goal, dropping down onto the ball. Leverington get the ball into Burdett on the right racing to the by-line fires a cross into the six yard box, cleared back out to the right, a corner conceded. The delivery played into the mix top of the area squirms through to Swinden free left of the D, can’t get the ball out from under her feet to get a shot away before the challenge comes in the ball deflected to the top of the D, comes to Court, leaning back into her strike, sends her shot over the crossbar.

Leverington’s Sam Davis

  A wet conditions adding to the scrappy nature of the game both sides tussling for possession the middle seeing alot of pinging back and forth with players on both sides capable of springing into action should one favour a run in behind. Feats winning Leverington a corner out on the left. Flung into the near post defended the ball knocked up into the air across the goal face where will it drop, spins behind the right side of the far post for a corner on the right. Hodgson to send it in a fantastic in swinging ball across the six yard box over the keeper Leverington attack it far post, Feast and Swinden up together, the final touch seeing the ball put narrowly over the bar!

Leverington coming close to opening the scoring

  Leverington enjoying a good spell getting n with the ball pushing Godmanchester back, Davis on the ball coming inside form the left encouraged to shoot from 30 yards out, her effort put straight at Marjoram. Lively as Houchen plays Thompson in on the left, pacy taking the ball on, Schunmann across from the centre of defence sliding in to win the ball. Potoplak with Hodgson in the middle, picking out Burdett on the right as Court going beyond her plays her in down the line closing in on the by-line slips as she goes to cross the ball seeing it claimed by Marjoram.

  Crook with a purposeful run on the ball driving on through the centre for Godmanchester plays it on for Cudone who looks to do the same, closed down by three Leverington defenders, can’t find a way through the ball running on into the box, gathered by Bantoft. Some hefty challenges out there but not too much aggro both sides picking themselves up getting on with it. 

 Potoplak tries to thread the ball on for Swinden pulling away into the left channel up top, Stephenson holds her ground, making the crucial interception for the visitors. Harvey attempting to find room to unleash a shot from outside the D, sees the chance gone as Court sides in on her to take the ball as she is about to put her foot through it. 

Godmanchester’s Ellie Harvey

  Leverington commit too many players forwards as they lose possession on the left, Godmanchester launching a rapid counter on their right the ball lifted in central seeing 3 players running clear, Cudone amongst them bringing the ball down right channel closing in on the box, unleashes a shot on the half volley, coming at Bantoft quickly the keeper having little time to react, gloving the ball down to the right as she goes down getting enough on it to see it evade Cudone as she steams in on the follow up. 

Holly Bantoft with the save to deny Cudone

 Leverington with a throw high on the left working the ball inside Feast from the angle driving a shot in low to the near post. Marjoram down to save the ball off her for a corner kick. Swung in low to the near post, Sibanda clearing the ball for a throw in. The end to end nature of the game meaning defender have to win the ball put over the top, Schunmann doing just that with a vital header for Leverington as Harvey looks to send Cudone in behind. Godmanchester with the pace to get in behind, Leverington taking a few chances risk getting caught out. 

Leverington defender, Tianna Schunmann

  Thompson with the pace on Godmanchester’s left side taking the ball on whipping a cross into the box, over Harvey leaping for it on the penalty spot, Schunmann doesn’t get it away at the far post, O’Connor in to press the ball that side winning her side a corner. Curled in from the right everyone’s gone in at the near post however the ball dropping far side, the goal was wide open had only someone been there to attack the ball. Miserable conditions the rain intermittent, the pitch slicking up a little bobbly too challenges flying in.  

 GOAL! Wheeler on for O’Connor on Godmanchester’s right driving on sends a great ball into the box dropping central, Cudone timing her run to perfection up to head the ball turn it over the stranded keeper and into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1. 

Leah Cudone opening the scoring for Godmanchester

 The visitors taking the lead in the 35th minute, Leverington almost gifting them a 2nd goal as the keeper plays the ball out from the back moving out of goal to her right sending her kick straight into Cudone some 30 yards out, an open goal presented hasn’t time to bring it under control struck on the half volley doesn’t connect cleanly the ball screwing wide off target. 

Houchen through the middle for Godmanchester laying the ball on for Thompson to take on down the left flank, Court looking to get back on her the pair racing towards the box, Thompson can’t find a way round Court the ball eventually out for a goal kick. Holden winning the ball at the back for the hosts played into Court on halfway right side, as Leverington look to attack coming inside sends the pass into Potoplak top of the D, looking to squeeze it on for Swinden, marked by Stephenson, she Sibanda looks to close Potoplak down the ball skipping up of Stephenson, caught by Marjoram, Leverington appealing it was a back pass but nothing doing.

Albany Hodgson tackling for Leverington

  Late into the first half rain falling steadily Cudone playing Thompson into space on the left, Goode coming back to defend sliding in to take the ball behind for a corner kick. Houchen to play it into the near post from the left, defended by Burdett, headed back out to the left Houchen moving the ball up the line to put another ball into the box, her strike into the side netting.

  The visitors with a free-kick on half-way with seconds left to play, into the top of the area, cleared by Court, Leverington look to counter, Swinden making the run in behind, again Stephenson holds her position to intercept the ball.

Half-time Leverington Sports Ladies 0-1 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Godmanchester with the single goal advantage as the sides gather at their respective benches staying out on the field despite the crap weather for the half-time interval. Headed to the car myself to retrieve a bigger umbrella, the camera can only take so much. An entertaining first half a hotly contested affair, end to end at times, Godmanchester pressing the ball in the middle looking to get it out to their pacy players out wide. Cudone making some strong runs through the middle. Likewise Swinden up top for Leverington looking for space to steal in behind onto the ball. Both keepers called into action. Leverington with a good chance to open the scoring. Cudone timing her run perfectly to head home from O’Connor’s cross to see the visitors lead instead. All set up for the 2nd half the weather conditions likely to deteriorate getting very gloomy out there.

 One change at the break  for Leverington as both sides come onto the field early for the 2nd half keen to get the game restarted. Libbie Wykes replacing Court in the back line.  Godmanchester unchanged with the kick-off 2nd half. Played back to Wheeler on the right up the line into O’Connor, Davis defending for Leverington. The hosts looking to press the ball high early on, Goode moving into the right channel, Culpin across her to see the ball back for her keeper to clear.

Godmanchester’s Leah Culpin

  Harvey looking to steal in behind Leverington’s back line pushed up to half way, doesn’t quite time it as the flag goes up against her. Certainly niggly, but tempers not boiling over, the referee keeping a good eye on things. Feast brought down wide on the left. Swinden over the set-piece as Leverington push players up into the Godmanchester box, a great ball in dropping far post attacked by Potoplak into the keeper at point blank range Marjoram down sharply to make the save getting hurt in the process the ball knocked behind for a corner. Concern for the keeper for a moment, but thankfully Marjoram is up and okay to carry one. The in singer from Hodgson curled in onto the roof of the net.

 

Godmanchester goalkeeper Sophie Marjoram saving from the close range attempt.

The keeper seeing the resulting corner land on the roof of her net

Both sides giving away free-kicks, Leverington with one on halfway sent into the top of the opposition area by Hodgson, Sibanda with the winning header for the visitors. Goode on for Potoplak out to Feast on the left has Swinden making a run ahead of her the ball sent down the flank, Stephenson coming across to defend sliding in to take the ball off Swinden for a throw in. Burdett seeing the ball down into her feet off the throw turning inside 25 yards out moving across the top of the Godmanchester area looking to pull the trigger, Houchen moving in to put in the blocking tackle.

Leverington captain, Sophie Swinden

  Cudone playing the ball into Harvey up top back to goal lays it out to the left for Thompson to take on, her touch a little to heavy allowing Bantoft to come out and grab up the ball. Leverington turning play around threading the pass on for Swinden to burst onto central Stephenson pushing to get back on her shoulder pressure Swindon as she goes to strike the ball from 20 yards out her attempt running wide of the right post.

Holly Thompson

  Godmanchester inviting a little pressure caught in possession on the right Wykes with Burdett the shot took on the angle, Marjoram covering the near post behind the ball.

 The game opening up a Godmanchester get away down the left the early across sent in across the to of the D, Cudone latching onto it taking the ball on further to the right before angling a shot back in across the keeper, Bantoft diving right dropping onto the ball to get both gloves around it. 

Leverington goalkeeper, Holly Bantoft

  Leverington get on the attack the diagonal ball into Swinden left of the D, no room to turn, instead lays it back to Hodgson her shot dipping in on the keeper, parried away by Marjoram the right, Burdett looking to send a strike back in on the angle, saved turned over for a corner kick! Put into the top of the area from the left Hodgson looking to direct her header to the congested far post, Godmanchester scramble it away.

 

  The rain falling heavily now the wind picking up to very dark out there, O’Connor played in on the right by Godmanchester the game getting stretched takes on the early strike firing the ball in towards the near post, Bantoft getting down behind the ball to save. Leverington making a 2nd change bringing of Burdett on the right sending on Rhianna Butler. 

Godmanchester midfielder, Natasha Houchen

 

GOAL! Godmanchester winning the ball at the back as Leverington press the clearance launched up the field seeing Cudone running in clear onto the ball to close down the opposition box and keeping her composure picks her spot to send the ball past the keeper to double the score with nearly an hour played. 

Leah Cudone played through on goal to double Godmanchester’s lead

 Godmanchester press the ball winning a corner on the left. Played into the near post missed by Bantoft as she tries to come through the crowd the ball escaping to run all the way across the face of goal retrieved beyond the far post the cross flashed back in far side Sibanda looking to bring it down to get a shot away, is closed down the ball scrambled away to safety. 

  Leverington winning a free-kick on the right after a handball is spotted. Hodgson to play the ball into the box a dangerous cross, Swinden racing into attack it central turning her 1st time touch over the bar. Godmanchester making a change bringing off Harvey up top, sending on Fran Worrell on to the left with Thompson moving right, O’Connor central.

GOAL! Godmanchester with pace up top as Leverington push players on needing to find a goal the ball won back put into the middle sent on to the left flank quickly, picking it up O’Connor steals in behind the defence left side Bantoft coming to close her down, O’Connor waiting till the keeper goes down to try and block shifting the ball to her left taking into the box beyond her to slot the ball low into the bottom corner to make it 0-3.

Kendal O’Connor rounding the keeper to score Godmanchester’s 3rd & Her 1st of the season

  Leverington have brought on Lacey Metcalfe to replace Goode, the 2nd goal a blow the 3rd taking the sting out of the hosts, Godmanchester with a healthy advantage with 20 minutes left to play. Conditions awful too with the wind swirling the rain about. Katie Garner into the action too with Hodgson getting a rest after being out for so long. Thompson fed the ball on the right looking to drive, Potoplak sliding in to take the ball off her for a throw in.

Paulina Potoplak

  Cudone receiving a pretty firm shove in the back going down, getting the free-kick even as Thompson is upended landing hard on her back, picking herself up, Cudone on the set-piece halfway to the right, launched up to the top of the box dealt with by Schunmann. Georgie Astley entering the game for Godmanchester replacing Wheeler at the back. 

  Poor conditions now the rain coming down steadily Leverington trying to find Swinden puling away to the left, taking the ball inside looking to play in Butler, incepted by Sibanda. Megan Stow coming on for the visitors to replace Cudone.

GOAL! Godmanchester finishing the stronger with the pace down the flanks the ball fed to Worrell wide on the left take the ball inside driving towards the box unleashing an early strike, Bantoft can’t get down quick enough the ball under her racing on into the back of the net to make it 0-4.

  15 minutes left to play Godmanchester in full control now, Bantoft out to the edge of her area to slide in to claim the ball as Thompson looks to spring the offside trap on the right. Thompson’s last action of the game as she comes off with Harvey sent back into the fray. Goode moving out to the left looking to link up with Feast for Leverington sending the ball on, Astley putting the challenge in the ball out for a throw. 

  Godmanchester attack on the left Worrell checking inside to cross into the box, O’Connor top of the area looking to chip the keeper can only drop the ball into her gloves. Camera’s had enough conditions too poor, as Astley plays the ball long from the back up to O’Connor in attack, Holden getting in front of her defending well to see the ball safely back to her keeper. 

Olivia Holden

  Holden in to defend again moments later on O’Connor as the attacker looks to drive central, the ball cleared out to the right, O’Connor after it angling a cross back into the six yard box, Harvey looking to meet it on the volley turns the ball over the bar. Swinden still looking for the ball up top for Leverington moving right as the cross-field ball drops into her path taking it on has runners bursting into the area, tries to place her cross, too close to the keeper at her near post however, Marjoram adjusts well to snatch the ball into her body.

Conditions a challenge for reporting

  Houchen off for Godmanchester with Crook back on. One last attack for the visitors, the diagonal ball knocked up into the D from the left, Harvey up for it goes down claims for a shove even as O’Connor looks to get the ball untangled from her feet turn to shoot, Leverington defend, the final whistle blowing as the ball is cleared.

Full time Leverington Sports Ladies 0-4 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Godmanchester with a strong finish to the match coming away with the 3 points, coupled with a 1st defeat of the season ending Fulbourn Institute Bluebird’s 100% they join them on 18 points at the top of the table. A competitive game no quarter given, end to end often a hard fought battle in the middle, several free-kicks given away, a strongly as it was contested however tempers never over spilled. Good chances for both to take the lead in the 2nd half with Godmanchester taking one to hold the advantage. Leverington came at them hard at the start of the 2nd half but with their pace on the flanks, Godmanchester countered well patient, Cudone breaking clear to score her 2nd of the match, closely followed by a 3rd goal knocking the wind out of the hosts. As the game ticked down and the weather got worse Godmanchester emerged the dominant side adding a 4th goal to seal the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As more often than not it’s not a easy call, a trio of strong contenders, narrowing it down to one wasn’t easy. Few performances of note to mention, firstly for Leverington. Sophie Swinden working tirelessly up top ready to receive the ball looking to make runs into the channels bring others into play, unlucky not to score coming close with a couple of good opportunities. Tianna Schunmann with some vital interceptions at the back getting across to win the ball. Shushannah Feast providing a good outlet for the ball on the left flank. For Godmanchester. Em Stephenson read the game well at the back intercepting everything played too close to her. Natasha Houchen a powerhouse in the middle of the park getting hold of the ball and driving forwards getting the ball out to the pacey players on the flanks. Holly Thompson on the left with some great runs, getting in towards the box creating chances. On the opposite side Kendal O’Connor taking the ball on putting in some dangerous crosses assisting the opening goal and going to to score in the 2nd half. Scoring in both halves though the award today goes to Leah Cudone. Took her goals superbly the 2nd going along way to securing the win, not only that but made some fantastic runs from midfield looking to get onto the end of the ball and cut open the Leverington defence.

  An enjoyable return to football after a little break, could have done without the weather but there you go winter is coming. Love it no matter what. Great to see both sides in action. First trip to Leverington and won’t be the last hopefully have time for a drink next time. My thanks to both sides for the team details, I knew most of the players to be fair but those numbers make life so much easier. Will be interesting to see how it all unfolds in Division One this season.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

Sunday 3rd November

Women’s FA Cup

Into the 1st Round Proper of this season’s Women’s FA Cup the tier 3 sides entering the competition as the road to Wembley hots up. A trip to St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus stadium also home to Cambridge United WFC  as they host fellow FAWNL South East Division One side, Norwich City Women.

The prize fund to with today’s winners receiving £6000 a huge sum to any club competing at this stage of the cup. A run to the 3rd Round Proper and the prize for the winners jumps to £35000! A massive incentive with clubs aiming to make history along the way.

Todays opponents, well known to one another now the longest established sides competing in the 4th tier in the South East of the country stretching way back to the old Combination league days before the 3rd and 4th tiers of the women’s football pyramid became the FAWNL (FA Women’s National League) we know today. Both too growing stronger ties with their respective men’s clubs as they look to find the extra edge to push for the title and promotion to the league above. Today though it’s all about the cup.

FAWNL South East Division One couldn’t be any tighter, Cambridge United WFC may lay 9th in the table but the gap to themselves and top of the table Actonians Ladies is just 7 points! No one breaking clear looks to be highly competitive this season. Last time I saw Cambridge in action they were on the wrong end of a tough loss to London Bees in the league. Two successive cup ties to follow needed a positive bounce back. A tough home draw in the Women’s FA Cup 3rd Round Qualifying against Real Bedford, but having drawn 0-0 with them in the league produced the goods to win 3-1 t0 advance to the 1st Round Proper. 

 Backed that up with another cup victory in the FAWNL Plate a 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic Women Academy to reach the last 8 of the competition, having reached the final the season before. Injuries were a problem last season despite that cup run and unfortunately they have affected the squad again this season with new signing defender Ellie Finneran hurt in pre-season yet to play as she returns to fitness. While midfielders, Sammy Edgar and Alysha Stojko-Down are currently side lined along with defender Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris. Sarah Wiltshire though is back in the squad after having her 3rd child and suffering a broken arm in pre-season. Bella Simmons scoring the goals in her absence top scorer so far with 9 from 9.

  Norwich City Women coming into today’s game off the back of 4 successive draws in the league. Frustrating following a run of 4 straight wins at the start of the season. Experienced women’s coach Andy Cook coming in to manage the side having enjoyed success with Newcastle United Women previously, looking to find the extra edge to push Norwich over the line to win promotion to tier 3 for the first time in their history. Despite the draws remain unbeaten 2nd in the table and like Cambridge are into the last 8 of the League Plate following a 2-0 home win against league rivals Actonians Ladies.

  A comfortable 5-0 too in 3rd Round Qualifying of the Women’s FA Cup against ERWFL Premier Division side, Needham Market Women. Have their share of injury problems too. Losing talisman, Ellie Smith in injury in that match has been highly influential for Norwich since joining the club and out for an extended period will be missed. One player soon to make her return from a long term injury however is club captain, Megan Todd, named on the bench for today’s match. Shannon Shaw stepping in to provide the goals in Smith’s absence in the past couple of matches netting a winning brace against Actonians and a hat-trick in Norwich’s 3-3 draw away to London Bees last time out.   

  St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s FA Cup tie. Situated in the midst of a rapidly growing residential area on the outskirts of the town which is only growing. The grass pitched stadium with a 3G facility behind. Viewing on all sides a main covered seated stand with terracing behind both goals. The clubhouse and bar open beside the main stand. The weather mild and cloudy but no rain forecast.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Sophie Shults, Kelsey Smith, Emma Wallis, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Eva Hubbard (C), Serena Cobb, Rosy Wodhams, Charlotte Gillies, Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Lauren Webb, Gisela Otten, Mollie Coupar, Ella Marden & Marta Rodriguez.

Cambridge United WFC

 Norwich City Women starting XI – Sarah Quantrill (C), Ellie Bishop, Tamsin Medd-Gill, Ceri Flye, Hope Strauss, Eloise Morran, Isabelle Moore, Millie Daviss, Holly Kennard, Natasha Snelling & Shannon Shaw. Subs – Amber Locker, Megan Todd, Katie Knights, Lara Densley, Freya Symonds & Sienna Booty.

Norwich City Women

Captain’s Sarah Quantrill and Eva Hubbard with today’s match officials

Norwich have new signing Ellie Bishop lining up in their defence, dual signed from Watford FC Women. Sophie Shults in goal for Cambridge having joined from Ashford over the summer coming into goal with Lauren Webb picking up an injury, Webb back on the bench today. Goalkeeper, Sarah Quantrill captaining Norwich, Eva Hubbard, Cambridge’s new captain this season having joined in the summer. It’s Norwich to kick-off the first half wearing light pastel green shirts and socks with green shorts. Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Isabelle Moore driving forwards with the ball for Norwich, tackled by Cambridge’s Rosy Wodhams the ball out to the left played forwards by Ellie Bishop up the line, Norwich looking to get players on quickly, Kelsey Smith defending to see the ball out for a throw in. 

Isabelle Moore bringing the ball forwards for Norwich

  Norwich looking to get on the front foot right from the off take the game to their opponents, Hope Strauss from the back sending the ball up top into Natasha Snelling. Abbie Jackson with her defending to win the ball at the back for Cambridge under challenge losing her boot in the process. Bishop on the left up to Holly Kennard powers forwards, Smith in to close her down for Cambridge launching it up the line for Bella Simmons on the right wing, Norwich quick to close her down turn play around. 

Cambridge’s Abbie Jackson challenging Norwich’s Natasha Snelling for the ball

 The early tempo frantic, Cambridge reacting well, realising they need to match Norwich for intensity look to get after the ball chase players down, won back on the middle the cross field ball finding Sarah Wiltshire pulling away on the right flank, taking the ball on down the line cuts a cross back into the near post, cut out by Strauss, the ball back out wide with Wiltshire she fires it back in towards the defender knocking it off Strauss behind for a corner kick. 

 The corner swept into the near post knocked up and falls down into the mix in the centre of the six yard box, players going for the ball, a hand ball spotted by the referee, Norwich getting the decision. Play intense Norwich with a determined mindset to get the ball forwards, Cambridge responding well, Wodhams moving in to close Ceri Flye down as the defender looks for a forwards pass, nicking the ball off her running in behind lays the diagonal ball into the box with Wiltshire pulling away to the right post, Strauss going with her to cut the pass out clear the ball away to the left.

  Cambridge up high on the left Wallis getting up the pitch to support Charlotte Gillies fouled outside the box, players up from the back as Wiltshire lines up the set-piece swung in central attacked knocked down to the far post and turned behind for a corner kick. Played in long from the right dropping far post Norwich hook the ball clear. Norwich threaten to it Cambridge on the break, Shaw after the ball, Sophie Shults though well out of her area from the corner in a good starting position to react and reach the ball first to kick it clear of the Norwich attacker.

A pause in play as Simmons collects a painfully blow from the ball into her face as the midfield battle continues to be intense. Millie Daviss on the right for Norwich providing some good runs for the defence to send the ball forwards taking the ball on down the wing sends a cross into the near post, Jackson there to head clear for Cambridge. Eloise Morran playing the ball into Moore to race on with the ball through the middle for Norwich, threads a pass in behind to the right with Daviss beating the offside trap to steal into the area, Shults rushing out to close her down doing enough as Daviss snatches her attempt wide of the near post.

Isabelle Moore holding off Cambridge’s Emma Wallis

 No let up in the tempo, Tamsin Medd-Gill fouled by Cambridge captain, Eva Hubbard, 30 yard out to the right, Snelling to loft the set-piece in towards the far post, defended turned out to the left, 15 minutes played the game a little testy a few free-kicks given away as both sets of players snap at the ball, Cambridge giving away a free-kick wide on the left, Norwich sending players up from the back.

 GOAL! Bishop the player fouled to take the set-piece for Norwich, curls the ball into the box, a lovely height, it’s Flye rising highest in the middle to get her head on the ball and drill the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner, 0-1.

Ceri Flye heading Norwich into the lead

Ceri Flye win Norwich’s goal

  Cambridge behind look to get on the attack from the restart the ball with Gillies coming through the middle sends the pass forwards out to Simmons wide on the right, held up by Bishop lays it back down the line for Smith who clips the ball high into the near post area, Strauss back peddling for Norwich getting under the flight of the ball her head it out for a throw in. 

  Daviss strong as she brings the ball on down Norwich’s right winning a throw in the corner, dropped into Shaw edge of the area turns to hook the ball on into the box dropping beyond the far post, Smith getting it away before Kennard can latch onto it. The ball put forwards into Gillies central powers on towards the Norwich box before laying the ball out to Wiltshire on her right her cross swept into the box, Wodhams bursting forwards making a run towards the penalty spot, Strauss with a vital interception.

Norwich defender, Hope Strauss

  The game end to end at times, Cambridge over load on the left as Norwich clear the ball threaten to break outnumber their opponents, the final pass not quite happening as Smith regains possession for the hosts. Daviss brought down on the right wide on halfway, Strauss over the Norwich free-kick, clipped high into the box, Wallis heads clear for Cambridge. Daviss causing Cambridge some concern on the left drawing her marker in and rolling in behind whipping a pacy cross into the since yard box, very nearly and own goal as it strikes Lauren Rouse looping up off the defender dropping near post, Moore looking to leap get her head on the ball turn it down into the back of the net Shults aware of her angles allowing it to bounce wide of the post.

  An entertaining contest highly charged both sides not sitting on the ball, Daviss moving on down the right laying the ball back up the line for Snelling to smash a high ball long into the far post, players rushing in looking to attack it Smith going with them getting their first for Cambridge turning the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner curled into the near post high from the left, Shults jumping to punch the ball getting fouled in the process the call late however as the keeper gets a hands out to block Morran’s close range strike as she attacks the loose ball. 

Cambridge goalkeeper, Sophie Shults

  Norwich pushing players on Bishop and Medd-Gill providing support getting on well as the visitors send the ball forwards, Moore into Shaw, looks to play in Snelling right of the D, Jackson closing in to prevent the turn stab the ball away for Wallis to clear. Wiltshire central for Cambridge holding up the ball allowing Wodhams to run forwards take the ball on past her before threading it into Simmons attacking the box right of the D, pulls further wide to create a shooting chance her attempt rising Quantrill across her line well to get behind the ball to make the save.

Norwich on the ball Morran through the middle lifting it into Snelling right of the D 20 yards out up to head the ball twisting in the air to turn it across the area into the path of Kennard, her first touch however a little too strong allowing Shults to chance to step forwards and snatch the ball into her gloves. Wiltshire seeing a Hubbard ball into her feet back to goal turns well to feed the pass on for Simmons to attack wide on the right, Bishop getting across the path of the ball to see it safely back to her keeper to clear. 

Cambridge captain, Eva Hubbard

  Wodhams making several good runs through the middle to link up with Wiltshire through the middle for Cambridge, keeping the Norwich defence alert Strauss and Bishop cutting out a couple of dangerous through balls. Bishop on turn linking up with Kennard and Shaw on the left Norwich winning a corner kick, lifting into the penalty spot, Jackson winning the header for Cambridge to clear.

Shaw combining on the right with Daviss off of a Norwich throw, angling a dipping ball into the near post, Shults getting down to catch the ball into her body beating Snelling to the ball. Daviss taking the ball on down Norwich’s right player racing forwards to get into the box Daviss’ cross flashed across the six yard box, Moore steaming in far post can’t quite take it in her stride the ball turned wide of the upright.

Millie Daviss

  Wallis going past Gillies on the left on the overlap for Cambridge playing the ball inside for Wodhams, Morran getting the foot in to win the tackle deny the hosts an attacking opportunity. Moving into injury time at the end of a fast paced first half the ball fed on for Shaw outside the box to the left of the Cambridge area takes on the strike from distance the shot flashed over the crossbar. 

Norwich attacker, Shannon Shaw

Wallis picking up a yellow card after a coming together with Daviss on the right, the pair enjoying a good battle in the first half. Snelling with another good knock down to the far post, Bishop pushing up looking to keep the ball alive for Norwich, Rouse can see it safely out of play for Cambridge.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

 and breathe! That was an action packed high tempo first half. Highly entertaining between two strong sides. Norwich setting the pace right from the start looking to get on the front foot straight away. Cambridge had no choice had to match them and rose to the challenge well. Both sides looking to get the ball moving Norwich pushing players on creating the better chances but both defences putting in a shift winning the ball with some vital tackling. Enjoyable to watch although spare a thought for my hand writing it’s terrible at the best of times end to end more than one diagram has had to replace a passage of play. Norwich edging it with the opening goal after 15 minutes Ceri Flye getting up to head home a superb delivery from an Ellie Bishop free-kick. Cambridge responding well creating chances themselves makes for a intriguing 2nd half.

  No changes for either side at the break as Cambridge get the 2nd period underway the hosts looking to make a fast start to the 2nd half themselves Wodhams racing out to the right as the ball is played forwards, Bishop defending for Norwich. the ball out for a throw. 

Cambridge’s Rosy Wodhams with Norwich’s Ellie Bishop

 Cambridge pressing early on Hubbard playing the ball into Wiltshire 25 yards out right channel sends it out to the left for Gillies, closed down by Medd-Gill plays it back up the line to Wallis to cross into the box, Strauss winning the header for the visitors. Wodhams pulling right for Cambridge fouled by Bishop. Hubbard on the free-kick out wide clipped into the box, players rushing in to attack but to close to the keeper, Quantrill grabbing hold of the ball.

Holly Kennard

  Kennard turning on the ball as it is played into her as she comes inside from the left looks to feed it through to Snelling up top, Jackson getting in the challenge to regain possession for Cambridge. Norwich winning a throw high on the left the ball with Kennard crossed into the near post, Shults claiming for Cambridge. Remains lively little time on the ball in the middle Morran shifts well to feed it through to Shaw up top plays it across the D into Snelling right side, Wallis getting across her to shield the ball back to her keeper.

Norwich midfielder, Eloise Morran

  Wodhams with a strong run on the ball through the middle for Cambridge played forwards into Wiltshire back to goal 25 yards out lays the ball out to Simmons on the right before spinning to run into the box, Simmons looking to pick her out with the return pass, Flye getting back on Wiltshire to stretching into the tackle timing it perfectly to win the ball. Wodhams falling as she goes to strike the ball from 25 yards out sees it drop early giving Quantrill a straight forward catch.

  Red card! Norwich pressing the attack on the right getting players on up into the box the cross lofted up to the near post, Shults going going for it not getting a clean punch the ball knocked down into the middle the keeper out of position the shot struck on the half volley angling in on target, Rouse back on the line has her arms up to protect her chest the ball striking her full on the referee pointing to the spot Penalty and shows Rouse a straight red card for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. Tough on Rouse not sure she could gotten her arm out of the way in time but Cambridge are down to 10 with Norwich having an opportunity to double their lead from the spot.

 Strauss to take Norwich’s penalty, Shults facing goes to place it to the right of goal, Shults going the right way diving across her goal to save the penalty to push it away for a corner on the right.

Sophie Shults saving Hope Strauss’ penalty

 Cambridge defending the resulting corner down to 10 with 35 minutes left to play needing a goal to get back into the tie. Straight to penalties should the sides be level after the 90. Cambridge sowing their intent needing a goal keep their attackers on place going to three at the back looking to press on Wodhams pulling out to the left seeing the ball into her feet spinning off her marker to run in behind to sweep a cross into the near post, Wiltshire racing in to attack, Quantrill vastly experienced aware of the threat to the ball first to claim the catch.

  Wodhams getting about the park fouled outside the box to the left of the area, the free-kick fired in towards goal, Quantrill missing her punch the ball however racing wide of the far post. Cambridge fired up after being reduced to 10 energy as they press through the middle Cobb with Hubbard fed forwards evading the Norwich defence Wiltshire alert peeling onto the ball inside the box taking it away to the right before shooting on the angle, Quantrill right behind the ball to make the save.

Cambridge striker, Sarah Wiltshire

  Gillies taking the ball on left for Cambridge laying it inside for Wiltshire left of the D, Strauss in to close her down, the loose ball rolling back to Cobb who shoots over from distance. The hosts determined with a player short Wodhams right inside for Wiltshire 25 yards out pushed over by Morran the Norwich midfielder, yellow carded. Wiltshire on the set-piece 25 yards out put in high drops kindly for the keeper to claim.

  Great tempo Cambridge responding well to falling a player behind asking the questions, Norwich in need of a 2nd goal to kill them off attack down the right Daviss swinging a cross into the near post attacked by Shaw turn her header over the bar. Norwich making a double change with 67 minutes played bringing off Moore and Shaw on come Lara Densley and Freya Symonds. Cambridge making a change too bringing on Mollie Coupar to replace Gillies on the left of attack. 

  Snelling pulling away with the ball to the right sending a cross/shot on the angle wide of the far post for Norwich. A hotly contested game a few tackles pushing the limit both sides committed Cambridge’s 10 asking Norwich a few questions. Jackson and Snelling have enjoyed a good battle all game the Norwich striker getting the edge on her counterpart this time to release Daviss on the right her cross turned behind by Wallis for a corner kick. Played in long across goal, Cambridge clear beyond the far post.

  Symonds taking the ball on for Norwich on the right her cross deflected behind by Wallis. Put in long once again but Norwich keep it alive on the left put bac in central the shot from distance taking a deflection turned behind for another corner on the right. Strauss up at the near post to head the corner delivery down into the six yard box the shot from close range blocked on the line and launched clear.

  Symonds out to the left for Norwich whipping a cross into the top of the Cambridge box, looking for Snelling right of the D, Shults out smartly to the top of her area with the blocking clearance. The game stretched a goal for Norwich almost certain to secure the win, Cambridge keeping players up looking for a chance to equalise, Kennard stealing in on the ball left whipping a cross into the Cambridge area, Wallis intercepting for Cambridge.

Ellie Bishop winning the ball for Norwich

  Cambridge counter Wodhams given the ball inside the circle driving forwards a marauding run eating up the ground 25 yards out slips the ball through for Wiltshire holding her run right channel takes the ball on shifting inside to shoot a low dive from outside the box Quantrill diving full stretch to her left across her goal saving pushing the ball wide of the post for a corner kick. 

Rosy Wodhams surging forwards for Cambridge

 

  The corner curled into the box, Symonds central up well to defend head the ball clear for the visiting side. Norwich needing to work hard at the back spring the counter attack Flye bringing the ball on with a brilliant ball forwards for Densley attacking through the middle racing into the box shoots early as the keeper come to close her down, the ball flashing past Shults who may have got the faintest of touches, but also agonisingly for Densley wide of the right post. Norwich claiming the corner, dismayed when a goal kick is awarded instead.

  Norwich looking for the 2nd goal know they need to sap Cambridge’s spirit, Symonds strong on the right taking the ball on her shot from the angle striking the cross bar on its way over. Siena Booty coming no for Norwich as the game moves into the 81st minute, on to replace Strauss. The game stretched both sides intent on scoring. Cambridge bring of Cobb, send on Marta Rodriguez. 

 The clock ticking down the game remains wide open Snelling looking to run the ball into the corner as the game moves into injury time. Norwich making another change and it sees Megan Todd making her return to the pitch the fans welcoming her on as she replaces Snelling.

Megan Todd making a welcome return to the pitch for Norwich

Players pulling up with cramp have given it their all both sides, one last push for Cambridge to find a goal to potentially send the tie into a penalty shootout. Simmons getting hold of the ball for Cambridge surging down the right winning her side a corner kick.

Bella Simmons on the attack for Cambridge

 Everybody bar the keeper up into the box for Cambridge as Wiltshire swings the corner from the right in towards the near post headed down into the six yard box a snap shot is blocked on the line Norwich scrambling the ball clear, Shults getting hold of it for Cambridge inside the Norwich half firing the ball back into the mix the pass threaded through sees Wallis pulling free to attack at the right post close in Quantrill throwing herself in to block Wallis strikes the ball on the half volley firing it under the keeper but agonisingly the ball strikes the side netting the wrong side of the post as the final whistle blows! Norwich win to advance in the Women’s FA Cup.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

  Damn that was exciting a thrilling game, Cambridge mere inches away at the death from forcing the tie into a penalty shootout. Norwich’s players letting out a roar of celebration were made to work hard for that win and nothing pleases a defence more that a hard fought 1-0 win. A game played at a high tempo through out Norwich setting that pace and Cambridge up for it to match their opponents little time allowed on the ball end to end at times. Amazing really that one goal settled it but after 4 consecutive draws in the league Norwich worked hard at the back for the win. A 2nd goal would have knocked the stuffing out of Cambridge but having fallen down to 10 players the hosts were arguably the better side for a spell just couldn’t find a goal. Took risks at the back needing to push players on and Norwich had chances themselves to put the tie beyond doubt but today was a day where defenders earnt their crust. A fantastic game credit to both sides.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. How do I pick one…um? It’s a tough one no doubt but I do have a clear winner although their are several contenders… on both sides. Let’s mention a few although both sides put in a strong team performance. First up for Cambridge, Abbie Jackson was superb at the back making several important tackles. Likewise Kelsey Smith and Emma Wallis. Sophie Shults with some stops, including the penalty save. Rosy Wodhams with some powerful runs from midfield linked up well with the attackers particularly Sarah Wiltshire who found some great positions up top. For Norwich, Millie Daviss was a threat out on the right provided a good outlet for the ball put in some useful crosses. Eloise Morran got about the pitch both to support the attack and help out in defence. Norwich’s defensive line strong Hope Strauss with reading the game well getting back and making some crucial interceptions and tackles. Likewise felloe centre back Ceri Flye used the ball well from the back and scored the winning goal. Edging it today though is the cross provider for that goal Ellie Bishop a superb delivery from the free-kick. Worked hard though out winning the ball and covering the ground to win the ball and help ensure Norwich kept the clean sheet.

 That was a thrilling cup tie, great entertainment for those in attendance. Cambridge and Norwich have developed a good rivalry over the seasons and gave it a good go this afternoon. Norwich edging it in the finish, advancing to the 2nd round of the Women’s FA Cup. Cambridge so close, a great effort will be disappointed but should use that to fuel them going forwards. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups. Yes I might know who everyone it by now but it helps to be sure. Good to, too catch up with a few footballing friends it’s a great community.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Chelmsford City Women

Sunday 27th October

ERWFL League Cup

A trip to Trafford Park this Sunday to watch a game from the 2nd round of this season’s ERWFL League Cup, Wroxham Women reaching the final last season hosting ERWFL newcomers, Chelmsford City Women making the long trip up to Norfolk from Essex.

  All 36 (now 35) teams across the ERWFL’s 3 divisions contesting the League Cup with those knocked out in the early rounds going on to compete for the League Plate. Wroxham Women one again hoping to go deep into the competition having reached two of the last three League Cup finals. Chelmsford City Women amongst a host of new sides joining the ERWFL this season taking part in the competition for the first time.

  Wroxham Women with a mixed bag of results to start the season winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 2 in the Premier Division, playing catch up with their fixtures too with the club also seeing 2 matches abandoned too. Ambitious Wroxham are aiming to compete at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division on a consistent basis an challenge for promotion to the FAWNL above as well as aiming to go deep into League and County Cup respectfully. Building a strong squad as manager Adam Race begins his 2nd season with the club.

 Hannah Fuller has long been one of the best strikers in the region and already has 10 goals to her name this season from her 8 appearances. Have assembled a squad with a strong blend of youth and experience. Leilah Gooding and Hayley Kindred both with ERWFL experience having played for Needham Market last season. Midfielder, Chloe Shipman an influential player for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women last season as they won promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division in their debut season in tier 6. Rio Dobbie and Poppy Loveland young players with lots of potential. Rebecca (Becca) Russell the latest recruit, knowing several members of the squad from her days at Wymondham comes to the club after a spell with Norwich City Women. Means the two Rebecca Russell’s in Norfolk are now on the same side knew it would happen one day, but one’s always been Becky (Wroxham’s captain now) so that makes life easier for those writing match reports!

 Chelmsford City Women were patient in their ambition to reach the ERWFL, wanting to do so as Essex Premier Division champions. That feat achieved last season after a number of years coming close to achieving that goal. Not only that, a club has to be ready to step up to regional football, there’s alot more to it that having a talented squad, as others have discovered. Dussindale & Hellesdon a good example, ready player wise possibly three season’s ago wanted the behind the scenes set up right too and that has paid off with them winning promotion straight from tier 6 to tier 5. Chelmsford going up as champions followed by a host of Essex sides that sees 8 of the 11 sides competing in the ERWFL Southern Premier Division from the county. 

 Chelmsford City Women fairing the best of the newly promoted sides currently sitting 6th in the Division One South table having played 6, making a losing start bounced back well to win 3 on the bounce to climb up the table, pegged back in recent games with narrow defeats against Hutton and leaders Colney Heath Ladies. Victory in the county cup last weekend travel to Norfolk as the underdogs with a few out through injury. Have signed some valuable experience and quality to their squad with the likes of midfielder Jay Blackie and Zoe Rushen who most recently featured for Billericay Town Women in the FAWNL. Zoe Rushen top scorer so far with 6 goals to her name while Blackie has 4. Broghan Kelly too with 3 goals to her name from the 3 matches she has featured in so far.

 Trafford Park the venue for this afternoon’s cup tie. Chelmsford making the trip up to Norfolk the day before staying overnight an extra hour in bed with the clocks going back. A glorious autumn day, make the most of them while they last. Bright sunshine beginning to sink behind one end of the ground likely to cause a few issues for the side defending at the bottom of the sloping pitch The grass pitch a decent size offering good width. viewing all round with a small seated stand opposite the dugouts and clubhouse beyond, the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. 

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Ella Gambell, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson (C), Poppy Loveland, Jennifer Drummie, Leilah Gooding, Becca Russell, Hayley Kindred, Lucy Eagle & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Becky Russell, Rachel Cossey, Chloe Shipman, Lily Alexander & Lauren Bullard.

Wroxham Women

 Chelmsford City Women starting XI – Hannah Streetley, Shannon Kelly, Kaci Crook, Lauren Butcher, Gaby Freedman (C), Kerry Stimson, Rosie Coe, Jay Blackie, Evie Payne, Ellie Dopson & Zoe Rushen. Subs – Emma Rushen & Heidi Lacey.

Chelmsford City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains’ Gaby Freedman and Tigi Robson with today’s referee, Michael Clark

  Chelmsford to kick-off the 1st half facing into the sun setting low behind the trees up the opposite end of the ground, with Wroxham goalkeeper, Bryony Williams goal already in the shade. The visitors wearing their all claret strip with Wroxham wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The players ready to go, the DJ however not the sound system still blaring out the tunes a quick run to the clubhouse and silence as referee, Michael Clark gets the game underway. The ball fed into the middle put out to the left, Hannah Fuller rushing on to close the ball down for Wroxham, Chelmsford under pressure at the back scramble the ball out to Kaci Crook on the right sends it on for Zoe Rushen pulling onto the wing looks to lay the ball back inside to Crook, Chelsea Clarke nipping in to cut the pass out for Wroxham.

 The hosts looking to turn play around quickly played forwards into Leilah Gooding in the middle sprays the ball out wide to the right wing with Hayley Kindred on the move, Shannon Kelly sliding in to make the tackle for Chelmsford sending the ball out for a throw in. Wroxham squeezing possession in the middle getting the ball out to the right flank, Fuller across to link up with Kindred the ball fizzed into the area, Gooding near side looking to get in down under control get a shot away before being closed down, snatches her shot wide of the right post.

  Clarke getting up on the left for Wroxham on for Lucy Eagle with Fuller pulling into the left channel, the ball into the corner crossed into the box, cleared by Kerry Stimson at the ear post for the visitors. A lively start to the game both sides looking to get forwards quickly. Becca Russell with the diagonal ball out to Kindred looking to get on down the right her cross cut back to the top of the D, Eagle looking to meet in her glancing header turning the ball wide at the far post. 

Wroxham striker, Lucy Eagle

  Ellie Dopson dropping back to help in defence for Chelmsford as Clarke breaks forwards for Wroxham, gets fouled as she looks to shield the ball back to her keeper, Hannah Streetley. Chelmsford get hold of the ball on the right Crook up with Dopson the ball rolled on for Rushen to latch onto right channel as she drives into the area closing in on goal from the angle looks to lift her shot over the keepers head, Williams right behind it plucking the ball down comfortably to make the save. 

 Rushen going down under a heavy challenge in the middle of the park, down in need of treatment looks to have ben caught by a flailing elbow, some concern but after a long pause in play is up and ready to play on. Chelmsford battling for the ball in the middle, Jay Blackie the Rosie Coe with the tackles before Coe releases Crook into space on the right drives forwards checking inside to take aim from 25 yards out sends her strike over the bar. 

  The Chelmsford camera filming the game is nearly killed as Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson comes across to the right to clear the ball ball as Rushen looks to get it under control on the wing, a operator with a good save as the tripod legs get struck . Chelmsford encouraged on the right with Crook and Dopson linking up will with Rushen, Crook on for Rushen wide has Dopson inside her gives her the ball as she drives into the box looking to get in behind the defence, Jennifer Drummie tracking back from midfield sliding in on Dopson with a well timed tackle to send the ball behind for a corner kick.

Chelmsford’s Rosie Coe with Wroxham’s Leilah Gooding

  The corner curled into the near post, Clarke doing the defending for Wroxham. Williams out of her area sharply to get to the ball first ahead of Rushen as she springs the offside trap to run in behind. Chelmsford gaining some momentum asking Wroxham a few questions as Blackie sends the ball into Rushen attacking the box left of goal, forcing the hosts into conceding a corner. The ball once again defended at the near post, by Ella Gambell cleared out of the box, Chelmsford quick to regain possession come right with Crook pushing up her pass fed inside looking for Rushen cut out by Drummie.

Chelmsford’s Zoe Rushen holding of Wroxham’s Tigi Robson

  Robson bringing the ball out from the back for Wroxham looking for Clarke advancing down the wing who in turn feeds it down the line for Eagle, Lauren Butcher coming across from the middle of defence to get across the Wroxham attacker see the ball out safely for a goal kick. Wroxham press players forwards Becca Russel out to the right, Gambell on for Kindred to race after down the flank into the corner, getting inside her marker to send a cross into the near post, Gaby Freedman, captaining Chelmsford up to head the ball clear.

  Both keepers called into action to rush out of their boxes to kick the ball clear as Fuller steals in on the ball at the back for Wroxham, then as the ball is launched clear high over the defence at the other end, Williams needs to react to get to the ball ahead of Rushen. Crook bringing the ball on with pace for Chelmsford right side sending it forwards for Dopson on the wing, checks her run, before sweeping a cross into the box, Poppy Loveland intercepting on the penalty spot for Wroxham, clearing the ball.

  Fuller putting herself about up top for Wroxham, a competitive tie with little quarter given both sides willing to mix things up a few over exuberant challenge being made. Fuller pressuring Streetley on the ball as it is rolled into her inside the six yard box, winning her side a corner kick. The corner played into Gooding top of the area left of goal meets the ball on he volley, sending her first time hit wide of the top left corner. 

Hannah Fuller

Wroxham finding Clarke as she gets up on the left links up with Eagle puling out wide the ball from Eagle played back to Clarke left corner of the area, sweeps a cross into the six yard box, Fuller stooping into the header, planting the ball straight at Streetley the keeper grabbing hold of the ball. Streetley playing the ball short out from her box into her defence sees Fuller reacting smartly to steal in to nab the ball right of goal and power her way into the box, the keeper quickly across her area to throw herself down across the striker block the ball at her feet and pull it safely into her body.

Jennifer Drummie

  Drummie into Becca Russell turns on the ball central to lay it on for Fuller, who looks to send, Kindred away down the left, Freedman with a timely interception for Chelmsford. Clarke taking the ball on down Wroxham’s left wriggling free of a couple of challenges to send a cross into Fuller at the near post back to goal lays it out to the top of the area for Gooding 20 yards out, looks to shift inside to make room for a strike, Coe charging her down for the visitors the ball deflected away for a corner. Curled into the near post and cleared.

  Chelmsford working hard at the back to keep Wroxham out, Stimson throwing herself into block as Eagle lines up a strike from all of 25 yards, the ball coming into her from the left. Chelmsford dealing with a couple of knocks, Rushen from her earlier blow. Blackie in the wars too. Wroxham pressing the ball well getting players up around the 18 yard box forcing a corner on their right. Swung in at the near post, Rushen heading away for Chelmsford this time.

  Fuller fouled out on the left giving Wroxham a free-kick from deep, sent into the top of the area cleared out to the right wing Kindred looking to attack, Evie Payne closing into win the ball back for the visitors. The tackles keep coming in, a competitive tussle in the middle, the referee having a word with Blackie for a foul on Drummie. Coe finding Dopson as she charges forwards on the right for Chelmsford, Clarke getting back at her to get in front of her see the ball back to her keeper. 

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson

 Butcher and Fuller are enjoying a good battle as the defender looks to keep tabs on the Wroxham striker. Kindred with a shot from all of 30 yards out as the ball is rolled into her from the right, struck in low on target, Streetley is a tall keeper, throws herself to her right across her goal to make the save. Chelmsford get the ball on through the middle out to Dopson on the right up with Rushen, the ball played into her Robson coming across to close her down appeals for a handball as the Chelmsford attacker looks to spring in behind her, Robson pulling her back aggrieved as the appeals are ignored and Chelmsford win the free-kick, the Wroxham captain going into the book too.

 GOAL! The free-kick in a useful position to the right wide of goal, Rushen over the ball, players coming up from the back, Rushen with a fantastic delivery firing the ball in at the far post corridor asking to be attacked players closing in, Blackie amongst those getting a touch to turn the ball back across the keeper and into the bottom corner to put the visitors into the lead with 5 minutes to play in the first half 0-1.

Jay Blackie congratulated as she fires Chelmsford into the lead

 GOAL! It’s an odd cliché, but you’re never more vulnerable than when you score, straight from the restart Wroxham get the ball out to the right, move the ball sharply before turning it inside straight to Becca Russel unmarked 30 plus yards out central, catches the shot well on the turn sending the ball up over the keeper and under the bar to level the scores with a superb strike 1-1.

Becca Russell striking from distance to put Wroxham quickly back on level terms.

  Play stopped soon after the goal with injury concerns for both Blackie and Rushen who has gone down still suffering from the effects of the heavy challenge early on. Time taken for both Rushen in particular before play goes on. Rushen playing the ball up the right for Dopson to race on up the wing getting inside Clarke to attack the box, Robson with the blocking tackle the ball striking Dopson but rebounding safely through for the keeper to scoop up.

Chelmsford’s Ellie Dopson

Blackie fouling, Gooding in the middle the hosts with a free-kick right of the circle played on down the right for Kindred to sweep a cross in at the near post, Streetley coming to punch the ball out of her box, falls to Clarke 25 yards out central fires her strike over the crossbar. Both sides pushing for a goal at the end of the first half the match end to end, Robson lunging in to challenge Dopson as she attempts to carry it through into the box in the right channel. Rushen holding the ball up turning to release Dopson ahead of her on the right, Robson closing her down before Loveland gets onto the ball attempting to carry it out of the back for the hosts. 

Poppy Loveland

  Clarke getting hold of the ball as Chelmsford give it away at the back coming inside form the left 25 yards out drags her shot wide. Kindred put away down the right for Wroxham by Gambell in the closing seconds of the first half fires a cross into the six yard box, Freedman getting to it ahead of Fuller. 

Half-time Wroxham Women 1-1 Chelmsford City Women

  All square at the break as the sides head into the changing room for the half-time interval. Had written in my notes earlier (if Chelmsford can go into the break level they’ll be the happier of the two sides). As it was they went on to score the opener, only to concede straight away that slightly shifting thing’s in Wroxham’s favour as the Premier Division side have come up against a tenacious opponent. Chelmsford working hard at the back with some useful attacking runs, Dopson and Crook linking up well with Rushen up top creating a couple of chances. That said Wroxham have pressed well as a unit the midfield getting up to support the attack creating opportunities themselves and with some good options to bring on from the bench will be interesting to see if they can find the extra edge in the 2nd half with extra time and penalties if needed to settle the tie.

  Chelmsford out first 2nd half making a change, Zoe Rushen having picked up an injury in the 1st half substituted with Emma Rushen coming on. Wroxham attacking up the slope 2nd half with no changes as the hosts get the 2nd half underway. The ball rolled back into Drummie in the middle laid on for Clarke on the left attacking the by-line Chelmsford defending.

  Emma Rushen fouled as she is backed into as she attempts to hold the ball up to the right of the circle. The ball plays up into the top of the Wroxham area, defended Chelmsford keep possession laying the ball to the right the cross curled into the area by Dopson, hooked clear by Robson. The diagonal ball finding Gambell on the move up Wroxham’s right side, Kelly moving into close her down for Chelmsford. 

Shannon Kelly tackling Wroxham’s Hayley Kindred

 Chelmsford fighting for the ball in the middle of the park Coe knocking it forwards, Blackie bursting after it right of the D, Williams racing out of her area to clear as Gambell looks to get in front of Blackie the keeper, clearing the ball as she slides in but colliding with Gambell in the process both down hurt as Blackie walks away unscathed. Another pause in play as both players are accessed, Gambell up first then Williams both okay to play on.

Wroxham’s Ella Gambell

 

  Both sides looking to make a fast start to the 2nd half passes rushed Kelly sliding in to clear the ball fed up the right channel for Wroxham looks to have fouled Wroxham’s Kindred the winger hurt as she hurdles the challenge, however the decision goes the other way a free-kick to Chelmsford. Kindred hobbling a little but okay to play on.

 Blackie trying her luck from distance sending a looping shot from 30 yards out straight at the keeper.

Chelmsford midfielder, Jay Blackie

 Drummie threading the pass through to Fuller pulling right beating the offside trap to run on into the area wide of goal fires her cross into the six yard box looking for Eagle at the far post, Butcher with a vital interception for the visitors. Wroxham making a double switch early in the 2nd half as they bring off both Gooding and Eagle send on Becky Russell and Lauren Bullard, straight swaps for both with Russell into the middle, Bullard attacking from the left. 

 Wroxham looking to push on get Kindred on the ball central lays it back for Drummie to strike on the run left of goal, fires her low shot wide of the post. Chelmsford pushed back, Coe getting stuck in to help out her defence bring the ball away for the visitors ending it up to Dopson and Rushen up top, Robson winning it back for Wroxham. The ball pinging back and forth as both sides look for the killer pass to send someone in clear to attack the opposing box. 

Becky Russell

  Stimson fouled top of the circle for Chelmsford. Kelly to play the set-piece in towards the top of the area defended by Loveland, the ball out to the right Chelmsford getting hold of it to send a cross back into the area Williams up to claim the ball. Chelmsford frustrating Wroxham battling hard to win the ball pushed deeper, allowing Wroxham’s full backs to push on. Gambell right side up to Becky Russell coming wide for the ball linking up with Fuller the striker turning into the box right off goal closing down the near post firing the ball across the goal, Streetley down to save as Bullard races in at the far post the ball pushed up though, Bullard attempting to reach it sees her shot charged down by Freedman.

Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman

  Wroxham knocking on the door ringing the changes as they make a triple switch bringing on Rachel Cossey, Chloe Shipman and Lily Alexander to replace, Loveland, Drummie and Becca Russell. Clarke pushing on up the left flank sweeping a cross into the six yard box, gather by Streetley. Clarke up on the left again to play Bullard onto the ball taking it into the box on the by-line lifts a cross in across goal, cut out and cleared by Butcher for Chelmsford.

  Becky Russell getting hold of the ball for Wroxham lifting the pass on for Clarke out on the left wing sends her cross into the near post dropping into Fuller in front of Streetley the attacker lifting her shot over the bar from close range. 

 Chelmsford making their 2nd change as they relieve Heidi Lacey from her lineswoman duties, bringing off Bishop, goes in to right back. Wroxham with fresh legs on the pitch pressing the advantage getting players on.

GOAL! The substitutions making the difference as Wroxham come on through the middle the ball put on for Kindred on the right lays it forwards for Fuller chasing into the box to the by-line Fuller turns to lay the ball back to Kindred top corner of the area, curls her cross into the mix dropping for Becky Russell on the spot closed down before she can get a shot away Lily Alexander latching onto the ball top of the area rifles a shot in towards goal cannoning off the under side of the crossbar to bounce over the line into the back of the net to put the hosts into the lead 2-1.

Lily Alexander coming off the bench to fire Wroxham into the lead

 Wroxham with the lead 24 minutes into the 2nd half. Alexander off the bench to score. Wroxham quick to regain possession back as Chelmsford drop deep to defend, the ball played up to Fuller sprinting in behind on the right her cross looping into the six yard box, just over Bullard running in to attack central. 

Chelmsford’s Kerry Stimson

  Stimson sliding in to make the challenge is hurt as she goes in to tackle Fuller, top of the area. Up gingerly as Gambell puts, Kindred away on Wroxham’s right her cross cut back inside for Alexander 25 yards out attempts to meet it on the volley hooking the ball goal wards but straight into the arms of Streetley. Chelmsford pushed back tiring as Gambell surges on with the ball laying it on for Fuller taking it to the by-line on the right her cross cut out at the near post by Butcher turned behind for a corner kick.

Wroxham winger, Hayley Kindred

  Gambell sliding in to win the ball back for Wroxham on the right putting it on for Kindred lifting a cross into the box, met by Alexander, heads over. Stimson and Coe fighting for the ball for Chelmsford working hard though the middle, Coe lifting it up to Dopson in attack, has limited options as Robson gets across her to play the ball back for her keeper to clear. 

Kaci Crook challenging Hayley Kindred for the ball

  Clarke out on the left for Wroxham sending a deep cross into the box for Fuller attacking centrally, under challenge from Freedman drags her shot wide of the visitors left post. Wroxham on top as Chelmsford tire pushing their opponents back coming on at will Kindred taking the ball on right knocking the ball into the area, cleared by Freedman. Some late tackles coming in Gambell feeling a couple, then Kindred as the advantage is played on the right, Kelly across to defend for Chelmsford. Into the final 10 minutes. 

GOAL! Wroxham getting bodies up and around the Chelmsford penalty spot the ball knocked out of the area falling to Clarke 25 yards out to the left of the D looks to drag the ball inside for shifting back left and letting loose a strike getting power behind the low shot to send it angling into the bottom right corner to double the hosts lead 3-1.

Chelsea Clarke firing home Wroxham’s 3rd

  Wroxham making a change straight after the goal ending Loveland back on into the back line to replace Robson. Clarke advancing with the ball on the left for Wroxham is tackled well by Chelmsford’s Lacey. Cossey fouled as she looks to bring the ball on for Wroxham through the middle. To the left 30 yards out Clarke to play the set piece up into the top of the area won by Fuller lays it back to Clarke running in on the ball her attempted strike charged down. 

  Kindred putting the ball inside for Cossey as she breaks forwards, Cossey sending it out to Becky Russell on the right flank her cross cut out by Kelly for Chelmsford. Stimson carrying  knock putting her body on the line as she works hard to defend in front of the back line for the visitors as Wroxham push on late in the game looking for another goal. Gambell laying the ball into Alexander 20 yards out looks to turn on the ball drag herself into the box, Butcher moving in to close her down with a well timed tackle.

Wroxham’s Rachel Cossey

  All Wroxham as the hosts push on with less than 5 minutes left to play. Butcher trying to make the ball stick up top for Chelmsford is fouled by Gambell. left of the circle the free-kick played forwards by Kelly, defended by Shipman. Kindred racing away on the right for Wroxham scooping a ball into the area, Stimson stretching managing to get a leg up to hook the ball away from immediate danger. 

Into the closing stages of the tie Wroxham on top Gambell linking up well with Kindred the ball played forwards into Becky Russell coming out to the right side up the line to send a cross into the far post, Lacey defending as she gets in front of Bullard to head the ball clear. The final whistle blows and Wroxham celebrate as they advance in this season’s league cup having overcome a stern test from Chelmsford. 

Full time Wroxham Women 3-1 Chelmsford City Women 

   Wroxham with a strong 2nd half finding the extra edge to overcome their opponents to score twice to advance in the league cup having a strong bench to call upon, manager Adam Race used his substitutes well to find the extra edge to go on to take the lead and secure the win. Pushing players on well as Chelmsford dropped deeper, their options limited through injury and lack of numbers the Essex side nevertheless battled hard throughout. Gave a good account of themselves against higher league opponents. Asking a few questions first half creating opportunities going on to score the opening goal. Unfortunately conceded straight away to lose that advantage. Forced into changes didn’t have the players to refresh things from the bench and as they tired Wroxham were able to press in numbers.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Is a tough one once again even to single out a player from both sides let alone overall but their is one of course. Several performances of note even if so I must give credit to both sides for their all round team performance. Firstly for Chelmsford, Ellie Dopson made some very good attacking runs especially first half linking up well with Kaci Crook and Zoe Rushen who herself found some good pockets of space to exploit before having to come off in the 2nd half. Lauren Butcher with some vital tackles at the back along with Shannon Kelly, while Kerry Stimson and Rosie Coe covered alot of ground attempting to win the ball and get their side moving forwards. Again Wroxham with a strong pressing game as a unit. Hannah Fuller leading the line getting into some great positions bringing other into play. Hayley Kindred attacking on the right using the ball well. Tigi Robson and Poppy Loveland with some good tackles and interceptions at the back. The full backs enjoying a good game Ella Gambell getting in some good tackles as well as collecting a few bruises for her efforts linking up play well. The award going to her opposite  number on the left Chelsea Clarke got forwards well putting some useful balls into the box and scored the 3rd goal to secure the result.

  Good to visit Trafford Park again and to catch up with both sides. Chelmsford said they’d give it a go and certainly did asking Wroxham a few questions, and having waited to make their ERWFL bow are a strong addition to the regional set up. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups today as always is appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Beccles Town Ladies v Capel Plough Women

Sunday 20th Oct

Suffolk Women’s County Cup

Action from the Suffolk Women’s County Cup this Sunday on Women’s Football East with a trip east to watch the 1st Round fixture between Beccles Town Ladies and Capel Plough Women.

Sponsored by MH Goals Ltd the Suffolk Women’s County Cup has been dominated by Ipswich Town Women since it’d inception. That ending after a decade as Ipswich climbing up the women’s football pyramid have not entered the competition, that has seen a new dominance emerge with AFC Sudbury Women the current holders, enjoying a healthy rivalry with Needham Market Women. No doubt to two strongest sides in the competition but with the draw sometimes seeing them face-off in the earlier rounds of the competition that means with a favourable draw the other way any other club could potentially go all the way to the final as has been the case with Bungay Town Ladies and Stowupland Falcons Women from the county leagues respectfully. Meaning today’s opponents have a realistic opportunity to go deep into the competition.

Beccles Town Ladies amongst the sides pushing hard at the top end of the old Women’s Division Two last season in Norfolk, before falling away late on to finish 4th in the table. With a host of new sides joining the Norfolk league the women’s section expanded to 3 divisions. Beccles retaining there status in Division Two now featuring 8 sides and amongst the favourites to challenge for the title. Didn’t get the start they were hoping for as they lost 2-1 at home to one of the other title contenders, FC Viking & Valkyries Women. Bounced back well since with 2 wins and a draw to put them into 3rd place. Scarlett Snell and Alesha Tuttle the joint top scorers with 4 apiece with midfielder, Vicky Bloomfield on target for three goals. 

 Capel Plough Women made their debut last season, entering into the Suffolk Women’s Championship, scoring their way to the title, netting 107 in total to clinch the title and win promotion to the Suffolk Women’s Premiership, whilst also reaching the last 4 of the League Cup too. Zara Pike the runaway goal scorer in the Championship scoring a staggering 66 goals in her 20 matches for the club. Maddie Green 2nd in the table for Capel Plough with 11 to her name. With further goals coming from throughout the squad. A 4-4 draw against fellow promoted side Bury Town Community Women to open life in the Premiership this season, hen a humbling 12-0 loss against defending champions Brantham Athletic Ladies. Just 2 league matches on the board has certainly been a stop start opening to the season with the Premiership seeing some withdrawals.

 Beccles Town FC’s, College Meadow the venue for today’s county cup match. The multi sports facility as usual a thriving hub of activity with youth games in both football and rugby taking place before the women’s match. Always good to see. The main grass pitch beside the railway surrounded by trees. The tea hut open serving hot and cold drinks along with snacks. A small covered stand with some seating beside. The cover the important factor with the trailing arm of Storm Ashley blowing in rain across the region. Not overly heavy just persistent but with a strong breeze accompanying it likely to blow through. Making the pitch slick nonetheless the wind from on end to the other could play a role too.

 Beccles Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Nixon, Kelly Collins (C), Evie Bailey, Georgia Tiffin, Emily Wilkinson, Vicky Bloomfield, Stevie Potter, Vicky Ottey, Alesha Tuttle, Phoebe Wakefield & Scarlett Snell. Subs – Jessica Wilkinson, Millie Reeve, Charlotte White & Marie Carter.

Beccles Town Ladies

Capel Plough Women starting XI – Chloe Smith, Boni Shepherd (C), Mineezeh Shahid, Tayla Stephenson, Aimee Stephenson, Gemma Foster, Kimberley Edwards, Shannon Cameron, Codie Southgate, Katie Green & Maddie Green. Subs – Daisy Hill, Amelia Burrell & Annabel Sauter.

Capel Plough Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Chloe Nixon signed on this week making her debut in goal, answering the clubs call for a replacement keeper with Annabel Outlaw focusing on her studies. Has plenty of experience in the game and a useful addition to the squad, Acle United Ladies amongst her previous clubs. The rain falling lightly but seeing the wind pick up it’s the visitors Capel Plough to take the kick off first half with the weather at their backs wearing pink shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks, with Beccles lined up opposite wearing white shirts with black shorts and socks. Maddie green rolling the ball back to Gemma Foster in midfield she sprays the ball out to the right, launched up the wing Beccles can see the ball out safely for a throw.

 Beccles bring the ball on through the middle Alesha Tuttle on the move lifting a diagonal ball into Evie Bailey in the right channel, attempts to bring the ball inside, closed down by Capel Plough’s Aimee Stephenson the ball lifted forwards for captain Boni Shepherd to take on down the left wing into the corner lifts a cross into the near post met by Katie Green six yards out sends her header wide of the post.

  Play congested in the middle of park as both teams squeeze up, Mineezeh Shahid in to close the ball down at left back for Capel Plough deflecting it over the Beccles defence a high line, sees Maddie Green race in behind, Nixon rushing out to the top of her area gathering the ball first. Alesha Tuttle getting hold of the ball for Beccles making a strong run through the middle before lifting the ball on into the right channel for Scarlett Snell to attack, closing down on the box, Shepherd slides in from behind with a well timed tackle to dispossess the attacker.

Caple Plough captain, Boni Shepherd

  Capel Plough with pace in their attack, turn play around smartly clipped out to the right, Codie Southgate taking the ball on squaring a cross into the Beccles area, cut out by Emily Wilkinson. 

 GOAL! That pace bringing them the opening goal as the visitor press the ball in the middle, Kimberly Edwards into Foster the ball threaded though the Beccles defence central with Maddie Green pulling off the shoulder of the last defender to ace on towards goal, taking on the early strike from all of 20 yards out placing her pacy strike low past the keeper before she can react. 0-1.

Maddie Green opens the scoring for Capel Plough

 A goal inside the opening 5 minutes of the contest for Capel Plough. The visitors looking to impose themselves on the game putting the Beccles defence under pressure, Shephard left with another powerful run on the ball down the left flank her cross cut out by Tiffin. The ball moving forwards quickly skipping up off the slick pitch, Maddie Green causing issues with her pace through the middle. Caught offside this time as Shepherd puts the ball over the top. 

  Tuttle strong with the ball at her feet as she travels on through the middle with purpose, closed down yet squeezing the ball through for Evie Bailey to burst clear in the right channel taking the ball on into the box angling a shot in towards goal, Capel Plough goalkeeper, Chloe Smith getting down to make the save the ball not sticking however, skipped back towards Bailey, but before she can get a 2nd bite at it, Shepherd comes sliding in turn the ball behind for a corner kick. A vicious delivery curled into the six yard box from the right however it goes through everyone to run harmlessly out of play.

Capel Plough’s, Chloe Smith down to make the save from Evie Bailey’s shot for Beccles.

  Tuttle herself in sent clear moments later, breaking into the right channel after the ball, Smith comes racing out of her area to try and get to the ball first, just by a fraction of a second gets it away even as Tuttle slides in to attack it, Smith going over the Beccles attacker, taking a knock, hurt the referee quick to stop play for the goalkeeper to be accessed. Felt it but okay to continue. 

End to end action, Capel Plough moving the ball quickly getting it out to the right for Shannon Cameron to take forwards her cross into the near side intercepted by Tiffin for Beccles. Vicky Bloomfield combining with Stevie Potter through the middle for Beccles, Tuttle taking the ball on, the visitors rushing to close her down, stabs the ball into Bailey’s path out on the right, wrapping her foot around the ball drops her cross onto the penalty spot, Capel Plough defend on Snell, the ball carrying on through to Phoebe Wakefield positioned left of the D, getting her foot over the ball, sends a shot looping in towards goal, the pace taken out of it from a deflection, Smith can get across her line to claim the ball at her right post.

 Maddie Green across to the left to support, Shepherd as she carries the ball on down the line, Bailey outnumbered but manages to get her foot on the ball to turn it out for a throw allow her side time to regroup. 

GOAL! Breaking up a Beccles attack through the middle, Shepherd gets onto the ball catches the hosts with a high line as she threads a superb ball though the middle splitting the defence for Maddie Green to race onto a latch onto the ball, holding off a pursuing defender as she reaches the top of the box, strikes the ball, low past the keepers right, Nixon dives attempting to get to the ball, brushes her fingertips as it travels on into the back of the net. 0-2

Maddie Green breaking clear to fire Capel Plough into a 2 goal lead

Capel Plough racing into a 2 goal lead with 16 minutes on the clock a strong start. Maddie green’s pace a real issue for Beccles. The striker seeing the ball come into her feet from the right dragging a shot wide of the left post from the top of the D. Edwards laying the ball on down the right flank for Southgate to attack, Wilkinson comes racing across to close her down send the ball out for a throw. 

Capel Plough’s Kimberly Edwards

 Beccles put Wakefield way on the left wing taking the ball on cuts inside, before being tackled by Tayla Stephenson. Tuttle getting about the pitch for Beccles picking up a few knocks for her trouble as Capel Plough rush to close her down, sends Vicky Ottey clear on the right wing, drives on, Shahid coming to close her down, tackling to play the ball out for a throw. The throw lifted into Wakefield inside the box nearside, Tayla Stephenson making the challenge to send the ball out for another throw by the corner flag. 

 The hosts pressing well in the final 3rd Wakefield in the right channel knocking it down for Potter to spread play to Tuttle breaking away on the right wing her shot angled into the near post, Smith has angles covered getting down behind the ball to save. Beccles working hard to get hold of the ball in the middle, Capel Plough likewise snapping in to close them down a danger on the counter as they look to turn play around  another clearance put over the defence threatening to set Maddie Green away. Nixon reading it early out of her area quickly to clear the ball.

  Into the final 15 minutes of the first half, Shepherd getting onto the ball for Capel Plough laying a great through ball on for Maddie Green to turn the defence, Tiffin adjusts well however to stay with her and stick her foot out to take the ball away from her as the pair race into the D. 

Beccles defender, Georgia Tiffin

 Tuttle up ended on halfway as she gets on the moves through the middle for Beccles. Bloomfield over the set-piece for Beccles launching the ball up to the top of the Capel Plough area, Edwards winning the challenge as she and Tuttle go for the ball. A lively encounter Wakefield with the ball for Beccles bringing it inside from the left rolled into Snell central looks to turn 25 yards out, Shepherd sliding in to make the blocking tackle, sees the loose ball run out to the right Bailey latching onto it for Beccles driving to the corner cutting inside to cross, cut out by Shahid turned behind for a corner. 

Phoebe Wakefield attacking for Beccles

Mineezeh Shahid tackling Beccles, Scarlett Snell

 Bloomfield on the corner whipped into the box from the right, missed by Tiffin positioned on the penalty spot, races through to Snell quickly beyond the near post, attempts to get a shot away, her effort looping up and falling wide of goal. Beccles pressuring the Capel Plough defence late in the first half, Snell nipping in to steal the ball off Shahid 25 yards out racing towards the area right of the D, Tayla Stephenson moving in to close her down before she can shoot Snell squeezes a cross into Potter up to the left of the D, shoots low aiming for the inside of the far post, Smith diving full stretch across her goal, getting her outstretched gloves around the ball.

  Katie Green seeing the ball into her feet turning it out to Maddie Green on the right, her cross intercepted by Wilkinson for Beccles. Caple Plough with Cameron up with Southgate on the right the ball fired in across the Beccles goal falling to Shephard beyond the far post, snapping at the ball with Bailey coming to close her down, the ball rebounding off Shephard behind for a goal kick. Nixon getting settled in marshalling her defence, ready for Green if she skips in behind quickly out to clear the ball. Wakefield picking up a knock for Beccles replaced by Millie Reeve.

Scarlett Snell

  Bloomfield sends a good ball through for Snell up top attacking through the middle for Beccles, Aimee Stephenson stabbing in with a challenge to get the ball back to her keeper to clear. Capel Plough coming on strong right side Maddie Green with Edwards the shot struck hard into the near post on the angle, Nixon down smartly to save batting the ball away, drops for Katie Green central 20 yards out sends her shot curling wide of the right post. A good contest Bailey snapping on to get onto the ball right side, brought down winning her side a free kick. 

Katie Green

 Bloomfield on the set-piece a teasing delivery into the box, but not attacked at the near post as it runs out of play for a goal kick. Capel Plough winning the ball at the back, Foster up to Southgate, lays the ball on for Shepherd pushing down the right, Ottey in to close her down conceding the corner. Swung into the near post, Tiffin winning the header for Beccles. Tiffin winning the ball in defence again soon after as she tackles Southgate as Foster looks to send the ball on through the middle for Capel Plough.

  Tayla Stephenson coming off for Capel Plough at the back with Annabel Sauter coming on. The visitors with the ball fired up to Southgate making a run into the left channel, Bailey tracking back to defend for Beccles. Capel Plough quick to regain possession the cross-field pass finding Maddie Green on the right crosses, headed clear in the box by Tiffin for Beccles the hosts look to break quickly but Tuttle is flagged offside. 

Half-time Beccles Town Ladies 0-2 Capel Plough Women

  Capel Plough head into the changing rooms holding a 2 goal advantage at the break. Maddie Green’s pace causing Beccles issues early in the game and she capitalised to core twice. Beccles battled on and getting onto the ball in the middle drove forwards to create some useful opportunities in front of goal, forcing two good saves from the opposition keeper, while Nixon was on hand to save herself as Capel Plough threatened to score a 3rd. Alot for Beccles to do to get back into the game, certainly can’t afford to concede a 3rd but will be encourage by the chances they created in the first half. 

 The rain all but blown through now remains breezy with both sides out ready to begin the 2nd half, waiting on the officials. Beccles with the kick-off 2nd half, Daisy Hill on up top for Capel Plough replacing Southgate. The ball rolled back into Tuttle in the middle lays it out to the right the ball fired up the line for Ottey to race after, however the Capel Plough defence can see the ball safely out for a goal kick. 

 The hosts pressing the ball right from the off at the start of the 2nd half winning a throw high on the right. Players drawn the the ball the pass fired long across the penalty area with Bloomfield free to the left, looks to turn inside line up a shot but gets up ended instead, awarded the free-kick. In a dangerous position some 30 yards out, with the winds behind her Bloomfield has an attempt on goal, lifted in high in towards the target is straight at the keeper and Smith back on her line sees it all the way taking a high by tricky catch before bringing the ball down, Beccles appealing that the ball might have carried over the line but nothing doing. 

  Beccles making a positive start to the 2nd half getting players on to support the attackers. Maddie Green attacking on Capel Plough’s right channel taking the ball out to the wing her cross into the box long, incepted by Bailey far side and cleared up the line for Beccles. Foster putting a diagonal ball into the path of Maddie Green as she charges on through the middle, taking the shot on from 25 yards out fires her attempt over the crossbar.

  Tuttle is certainly in the wars for Beccles her strong runs seeing her fouled regularly, brought down on halfway. The hosts attacking down the right Bailey with Ottey the cross defended put behind for a corner. Curled in low to the near post, hits a couple of players as it rebounds through to the keeper to snatch into her gloves, Beccles again appealing for a handball but don’t get the decision. 

Beccles Alesha Tuttle

 Tuttle bursting through the middle lays the pass out to bailey to her right, in turn the ball cut back into the box in to the path of Potter making a near post run, looking to shoot, Foster races back to close her down divert the ball behind for a corner. Beccles pushing hard the corner knocked on at the near post dropping central for Snell in the six yard box, attempts to nod the ball down towards goal her effort blocked, Snell stretching trying to lay the ball on for Tuttle to her right Tuttle can’t quite take it on in her stride out for a goal kick.

  Capel Plough pushed back, looking to get forwards through Maddie Green as Katie Green sends the ball through to her in the right channel, Emily Wilkinson in to close her down for the hosts. Beccles making a change as they bring off Ottey, bring on Jessica Wilkinson who goes in at right back. Snell up with Tuttle on the left the pair pressing the ball, Snell inside for Tuttle to pull the trigger from 25 yards out her shot straight at the keeper.

  Cameron getting hold of the ball on Capel Plough’s left flank drives forwards, her cross though seeing Maddie Green flagged offside. 

GOAL! Beccles capitalise on their strong start to the 2nd half as they push players on down the right the ball played into Bailey who cuts inside from the right across the top of the Capel Plough area, moving to the left instead checks back onto her right to sends her shot back across the keeper low into the bottom right corner to pull it back to 1-2.  

Evie Bailey pulling a goal back for Beccles

 Beccles pulling a goal back on the hour. Capel Plough looking for a response the ball played into Maddie Green in the right channel turns on the ball well to send Cameron away up the wing, Emily Wilkinson moving in to close her down puts the ball away for a throw in. That brings the visitors a corner kick. Players up from the back the delivery dangerous curling in under the bar. Nixon with a strong fist up to punch the ball away to the left. 

Capel Plough’s Shannon Cameron

 Thing’s getting a little heated a few strong tackles flying in. the referee having a word with Foster for Capel Plough. Cameron with a good challenge to take the ball away from Reeve as the winger looks to get away from her on the left. Foster bringing the ball on for Capel Plough trough the middle sending Maddie Green away on the right, Collins in to challenge for Beccles. 

Beccles captain, Kelly Collins winning the ball

 End to end action, Beccles looking for the equaliser, Capel Plough aiming for a 3rd to restore their 2 goal cushion. Tuttle battling for the ball left fired into Snell up top, turns to attack, Sauter tackling her 25 yards out. Maddie Green beating the offside trap to race away with the ball up the right wing for Capel Plough before firing a vicious ball across the face of the Beccles goal, Hill racing in to attack the far post can’t quite reach it to turn home. 

  Foster with a strike from distance all of 30 yards wide of the left post. Capel Plough making a double change with Shepherd and Hill the players coming off. Southgate returning to the action along with Amelia Burrell. A good contest, Beccles encouraged by their fans competing for the ball better in the 2nd half pushing their opponents back limiting the ball through to Green in attack. That said Maddie Green is a constant threat as she takes on the ball herself on the right knocking it over her marker to run on up the right laying a cross back to Southgate top of the rea central she shoots a low drive for the left corner, Nixon diving across her goal, grabbing it into her body on the line.

  Tiffin intercepting the ball at the back for Beccles, lifting it up to Tuttle on the right, Foster committing the foul to stop her turning inside, is shown the yellow card. Tuttle in some pain, but too pumped up to stay on the ground and receive treatment. Hobbles about for a bit before settling down. Bloomfield over the free-kick. Hits a pacy ball on the angle in towards goal, Smith right behind it saving comfortably for Capel Plough.

 Caple Plough hit Beccles on the counter as the ball fired up to Maddie Green on the right sees three players surging on towards the box! The cross angled in square towards Katie Green on the penalty spot, can’t quite get it under control as it is turned on through to Southgate at the far post 10 yards knocks the ball down and shoots low for the bottom corner Nixon diving getting a glove on the ball can’t keep it out, the visitors turn to celebrate 3-1 kills the game even as Beccles appeal for a handball, the lineman has seen something, the referee going over to consult and the goal is ruled out. 

 The game moving into the final 10 minutes, time running out for Beccles to find another goal and potentially send the tie to a penalty shootout, Capel Plough seeing a 3rd goal ruled out. The hosts making a change with Wakefield back on replacing Reeve. Capel Plough winning a free kick deep on the left. Foster on the ball takes on the shot angling the ball in to the near post Nixon with it covered can see the ball run safely out of play.

  Bailey causing Capel Plough some problems on the left with some mazy runs with the ball sends a cross inside looking to put it into the path of the oncoming Potter, the midfielder not quite able to bring the ball under control as Aimee Stephenson clear for the visitors. Getting scrappy both sides tiring giving free kicks away. 

Capel Plough defender, Aimee Stephenson

 

 Foster sending the ball on for Cameron up on the right lays it inside for Maddie Green, Emily Wilkinson stepping across her to cut the pass out for Beccles. Capel Plough getting the ball forwards looking for a 3rd goal to secure the tie, Cameron sliding the ball through for Maddie Green attacking the box right of the d, Nixon rushing out to try and win the ball first sliding into block the ball deflecting off Maddie Green across the D into Katie Green 20 yards out her strike at goal blocked at close range by Tiffin.

  Beccles counter the ball played down the left for Wakefield, turns inside, Cameron putting in the tackle lunging in the ball deflected on into the middle straight to Potter to have a go from range her shot placed straight into the keepers gloves. Capel Plough winning a throw high on the right Southgate with the lay off for Maddie Green up the line, Bailey turning it behind for a corner. Swung in defended by Tuttle in the six yard box, Beccles look to break but no way through a Shahid reclaims possession for the visitors.

  Bloomfield finding space in the middle for Beccles sending the ball into Bailey out on the right, taking on the shot from the angle struck low into the near post, Smith has the angle covered down behind the ball for Capel Plough. The game open as Capel Plough counter the ball fed up to Maddie Green surging clear on the right fired a cross into the six yard box coming to Southgate beyond the far post, Jessica Wilkinson defending for Beccles getting hold of the ball knocking it safely into her keeper. 

GOAL! The game into stoppage time little time left for Beccles to find an equaliser, Tuttle taking the ball on down the right with aa surging run into the area, is closed down the blocking tackle seeing the ball rebound out of the area, straight to Bloomfield in space 30 yards out, told the fans at half-time she’d score a worldie and deliver, catches the ball well sends it angling back in towards goal high beyond the goalkeepers reach to drop under the ball and nestle in the back of the net 2-2!

Vicky Bloomfield with a screamer to equalise for Beccles

  Beccles joyous as they level the scores with mere seconds left to play. Capel Plough making a change sending Shepherd back on (maybe with penalties in mind) to replace Shahid. The ball rushed up top into Maddie Green racing on into the box her wide right of goal her cross flashed across the face of goal. No time left he game ends and will be settled from the penalty spot. 

Full time Beccles Town Ladies 2-2 Capel Plough Women

  Beccles with a positive start to the 2nd period pressing players on getting the ball out wide and capitalising to pull a goal back on the hour. Encouraged to go on and equalise the game opened up Capel Plough determined at the back waiting to strike going forwards. seeing a goal chalked off for handball would have secured the game. Beccles kept going finding that elusive goal to take the tie to penalties and that then become a lottery.

Penalties

  Beccles up first to take the penalty with central defender Tiffin placing the ball on the spot, trikes the ball hard to the left of goal, Smith though goes the right way throwing her arms out to pluck the  push the ball away 0-0

Chloe Smith saving Beccles opening penalty.

  Shepherd first up for Capel Plough goes for power her strike rising central smashes down up into the air off the crossbar and bounces over the line 0-0

  No score as Snell comes forwards from the middle for Beccles, placing the ball on the spot goes for power too her strike rising to the left hits the underside of the crossbar and bounces down over the line 1-0

  Foster up next for Capel Plough another opting for power strikes the ball high and wide of the keeper to score to the right of goal 1-1

 Tuttle’s not subtle expecting power behind this strike and she delivers as she blasts Beccles 3rd penalty to the keepers right to score 2-1

  Katie Green up next for Capel Plough sends the ball low looking for the left bottom corner, Nixon going the right way diving to grab hold of the ball keep it out 2-1

  Bloomfield up next for Beccles, ecstasy one moment scoring a brilliant equaliser at the death for the hosts, agony moments later as she fires her penalty straight down the middle. low claimed by Smith 2-1

 Maddie Green with Capel Plough’s 4th penalty, as cool as you like slotting it home low to the right 2-2

  Wakefield has to score for Beccles as she walks up to take the 5th penalty, gives the diving keeper no chance as she fires it high to the left to score 3-2

 Edwards on Capel Plough’s 5th penalty has to score to send the shootout to sudden death goes high and finds the back of the net 3-3

The pressure ramped up a notch as Bailey comes forwards for Beccles, composed (well she looked it on the outside) as she fires the ball home low into the bottom left corner 4-3

 Southgate up next for Capel Plough has to score to keep the shootout alive but it’s agony as she sees her high strike rebound against the bar! 4-3

Penalty agony for Cape Plough as the ball hits the crossbar

 Beccles start to rush forwards in celebration but hesitate… have they won the shootout. Nixon tells them they have as they break forwards to celebrate with their new keeper as they win the shootout on sudden death to advance to the next round of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup.

     

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders here once again and a tough one to single out. A few performances of note, firstly for Capel Plough. Maddie Green was a constant threat in attack her pace causing Beccles problems early on too her two goals well. Boni Shepherd with some forceful runs to link up with the attack. Chloe Smith on hand to make some crucial saves during the game. For Beccles, Alesha Tuttle was strong on the ball throughout making some good runs, picking up a few knocks for her efforts looked to get forwards constantly. Georgia Tiffin making some vital challenges and interceptions at the back. Chloe Nixon with an eventful debut for Beccles grew into the game giving her defence good instructions and protection from the threat Capel plough posed making a couple of vital saves. Vicky Bloomfield with  worldie of a strike to equalise used the space well and her set-pieces carried a threat. Today’s award goes to the scorer of Beccles opening goal, Evie Bailey provided a god outlet on the right for Beccles got forwards well looking to score and create chances for others, too her goal well and gave her side the belief to push on.

  Penalties are a lottery, no doubt Capel Plough missing out couldn’t find the 3rd goal that could have killed off their opponents resilience. Make for an entertaining cup tie between two evenly matched sides. Good to see Capel Plough in action and will look on with interest to see how they fair in the Suffolk Women’s Premiership this season. Based on today’s game they’ll do okay. Beccles progress in the cup will be looking forwards to the draw. My thanks to both sides for their help today as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 13th October

ERWFL Division One North

Can’t stray too far away from home this weekend, but there’s plenty of exciting football action to be had locally, with this Sunday’s action coming from ERWFL Division One North with Thetford Town Ladies hosting Newmarket Town Women, currently separated by one place and one point in the league with a victory for either potentially propelling them up to 3rd in the table.

  The ERWFL representing regional football, tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid across the East of England. Finally reaching it’s full capacity of 36 sides competing across 3 divisions, a 12 strong Premier Division representing tier 5 with two divisions representing tier 6 a 12 strong Division One North and South. Division One South now sadly down to 11 with the withdrawal of Cheshunt FC Women. Shows how volatile and fragile the pyramid is with 7 sides already folding in the East alone in the first 3 months of the season.

  Moving into regional football a big step up for most clubs and alot has to be in place for them to make a success of it, both Thetford and Newmarket on a good footing with strong support from their club to compete in tier 6. A challenge made all the harder with the fact both Division one North and South will see 3 sides each relegated this season with just one promotion spot up for grabs staying there getting harder. Personally (and I know it’s not going to happen in the foreseeable future) I would like to see the leagues increased to 16 sides so fair enough 3 go down, one from each still goes up and the 2nd placed sides in each meet in a play-off to see a 3rd side promoted. Still we’ve only just gotten to a stage where the ERWFL can fill 3, 12 strong leagues so one step at a time.

  Thetford Town Ladies were one of a host of sides across the East to join the ERWFL last season to help it reach it’s full compliment. A big step up from county league football, however the club was ready for the challenge having recruited some useful additions to the squad over the close season hitting the ground running, eventually secured a strong midtable finish. Kamile Omeleviciute top scoring with 14 goals last season (plus a few that didn’t count with other teams withdrawing from the league). 

Have added 3 new additions to the squad this season with attackers Sophia Price and Niamh Underhill joining having been with Mundford FC Ladies last season. Underhill scoring 27 goals in 16 games last season. Libby Scott another new addition to the squad coming in from King’s Lynn. Alice Collins top scorer so far with 3 goals, with Megan Haynes, Omeleviciute and defender Fran Peeling all on 2 each. An inconsistent start to the campaign for Thetford with 3 wins and 3 losses. Back to back league wins giving them so momentum coming into today’s home match.

  Consistency is what Newmarket Town Women are also looking for as they travel to Thetford this weekend having begun the season with successive draws conceding late on to see points dropped. Winning against bottom side King’s Lynn, were to lose against leaders Harpenden before picking up all 3 points with a good result at home to AFC Dunstable Women last time out, games in hand on the sides above them looking to push up the table.

 The longest established side in ERWFL Division One North, Newmarket boasts a strong youth section with the women’s 1st team backed  by a Development side and U18s team. A strong tradition of promoting players through the ranks, have also brought in 3 new additions to the squad over the summer, Abbi Griffin returning to the club after a few years away with St Ives Town Ladies and Cambridge United WFC  in the FAWNL. Millie Docking also joins from Cambridge United on a dual registration with Abbie Gibson joining having played for Cambridge Rangers WFC last season. Docking hitting the ground running at Newmarket scoring 7 goals in 7 games, with Katie Spiers netting 5.

  Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road stadium the venue for this afternoon’s game. A compact ground with a slight slope to the grass pitch, with standing viewing on three sides with the main stand housing the changing room beneath. A new clubhouse built leading into the ground the bar open with hot and cold drinks being served. The weather dry and calm as we enter the middle of October the sun giving a little heat, enjoy it while it lasts.

 Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Katie Fray, Sausha Levy-Twoney, Zoe Klimcke, Fran Peeling, Ella Swift, Dayna Howard, Alice Collins, Melissa Corbyn (C), Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler & Megan Haynes. Subs – Niamh Underhill, Libby Scott, Pola Pasik, Rhian Ellis & Hannah Rogers. 

Thetford Town Ladies

 Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Kara Wayman, Ellie Sturgess, Bethany Seymour (C), Holly Corley, Toni Smith, Millie Docking, Abbi Griffin, Abbie Corbyn & Katie Spiers. Subs – Abbie Gibson & Yvonne Yerrell.

Newmarket Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Bethany Seymour and Melissa Corbyn with today’s referee, Jason Ding

 Today’s match seeing two  new sister-in-laws going head to head on the pitch with Thetford Town Ladies captain Melissa Corbyn (previously Boulton) marrying Abbie Corbyn’s brother. Abbie Corbyn playing for Thetford too prior to joining Newmarket. It’s the visitors, Newmarket to kick-off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and socks. Thetford lined up opposite in their home all claret strip. The ball rolled back to Newmarket captain, Beth Seymour in defence, play sprayed out to the left with Abbie Corbyn looking to get on, Sausha Levy-Twoney clearing the ball out for a throw for Thetford.

Abbi Griffin on the ball for Newmarket

  Abbi Griffin picking up the ball in the middle for Newmarket driving out to the right looks to set Holly dryland up as she breaks up the wing the pass a little too strong, Zoe Klimcke across to defend for Thetford can see it safely out of play for a goal kick. The visitors pushing on looking to press the ball high, Holly Corley putting the ball in behind, Thetford goalkeeper, Katie Fray out to the top of her area to kick the ball clear.

  Dayna Howard getting onto the ball in the middle of the park for Thetford tries to release captain, Melissa Corbyn as she drives into the right channel, Ellie Sturgess challenging for Newmarket. Winning a series of throws on the left Newmarket advance the ball dropped into Abbie Corbyn flicks it forwards for Katie Spiers leading the line, Klimcke across to hook the ball away for Thetford at the back. From that throw a cross is fired low into the near post, Spiers looking to attack it, can’t quite get there as Fray gathers the ball safely into her body.

  Thetford winning a free-kick inside the Newmarket half to the left. Peeling over the set-piece floated in towards the far post from distance a great ball, however no one is running in to attack it as it runs wide of the post for the goal kick. Newmarket making a good start pushing on up the right, Griffin linking up with Dryland as the pair look to advance up the wing, Hannah Claughton getting in the way to intercept Griffin’s return ball turning it behind for a corner kick.

Hannah Claughton getting the tackle in on Holly Dryland

 

  Griffin sending the corner into the box from the right curled into the near post Fray punching it down back out to the right, Griffin from the angle sending the cross back into the mix, knocked out beyond the far post, Abbie Corbyn looking to get over the ball to have a strike on goal can’t quite connect. A high line from Newmarket sees plenty of bodies inside their opponents half as Seymour wins the header to turn play around Griffin carrying the ball out to the right swinging a cross into the near post claimed well by Fray.

  Claughton gets hold of the ball out on the left flank for Thetford driving into the corner angles her cross back towards the top of the D, Megan Haynes running onto it seeing her strike race wide of the left post, taking a nick off a defender on the way through a corner awarded. A vicious delivery from the corner curling through the six yard box goes clean through everybody out the opposite for a goal kick. 

  Competitive in the middle, Howard winning the ball for Thetford, Toni Smith snapping into her challenges for Newmarket, knocked up to Spiers in attack, Fran Peeling intercepting for the hosts to clear at the back. Looking for a rapid counter catching Newmarket high up the pitch the ball looped up towards Haynes looking to pull off the defence, Seymour keeps her eye on the ball, winning a vital header for Newmarket. 

Newmarket captain, Beth Seymour heading the ball.

  Newmarket’s turn to counter the ball played into Griffin in the right channel, her forward pass cut out the ball loose out to the right, Griffin after in angling a high ball back in towards goal, Fray taking it high plucking the ball down at her near post for Thetford. Howard battling for possession central for Thetford launches it forwards into Haynes 25 yards out takes on the early strike lashing her effort wide of the left post. 

Thetford midfielder, Dayna Howard

 Lively, Millie Docking out to Smith over on the left sends a cross in on the angles dropping wide of the far post. Klimcke sending the ball on down the left for Claughton to chase, Dryland has a half a yard advantage, enough to get round onto the ball first clear for the visitors.

Holly dryland reaching the ball first as Hannah Claughton breaks forwards

An intriguing contest, Newmarket pressing well, Thetford looking a threat as they counter, just haven’t found their mark with the final ball in the opening 20 minutes. Peeling taking a painful knock to the ankle a pause in play as she receives treatment. Is ok to continue and waved back onto the pitch as play resumes.

  GOAL! Newmarket with players up in the final third pressing the ball a rushed clearance falling to Abbie Corbyn in the left channel, knocks it forwards to see Spiers turn the defence, muscle her way into the area and plant her strike low to the keepers left to open the scoring. 0-1.

Katie Spiers with the opening goal for Newmarket.

  Thetford look to get on the attack straight from the restart the ball played out to the right by Melissa Corbyn on for Chandler swung in central with Claughton positioned top of the D 25 yards out getting her strike away as Seymour goes in to close her down her attempt going over the crossbar. 

Thetford winger, Shannon Chandler

  Alice Collins winning the header for Thetford 30 yards out dropping the ball into the path of Chandler storming inside from the right tracking into the area, putting Sturgess under pressure the defender recovering well to block turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Whipped up towards the near side, turned behind for a 2nd corner even as Thetford appeal for a handball. Again played in near side the attempt to hook the ball on into the mix seeing the ball out of play for a goal kick. 

  Griffin getting hold of the ball for Newmarket making some strong runs as she carries the ball out to the right, her cross cut out by Ella Swift at the back for Thetford. The hosts press the ball high on the right, Melissa Corbyn strong on the ball linking up with Collins and Chandler, the latter playing the ball back infield for Collins to hit 20 yards out to the right of the box fires over. Kara Wayman gets across to put in the challenge on Chandler as see is put away on the right by Haynes. 

Pelling across to put in the tackle as Smith breaks away on the left for Newmarket. Howard strong with her tackling attempts to thread a ball through for Haynes up top, Sturgess in close holding the attacker off to see the ball back to her keeper, Dominika Szary to clear. Chandler taking the ball on down Thetford’s right flank laying the ball inside for Collins 25 yards out, Smith lunging in to tackle for Newmarket. 

Toni Smith heading the ball clear for Newmarket

 Griffin fouled as she bring the ball out to the right for Newmarket, Thetford defend the ball out for a throw, taken quickly Griffin spinning on the ball sending it forwards into Docking’s path as the attacker runs into the area right of the Thetford goal, Klimcke getting back at her to slide in make a great tackle to put the ball behind for a corner kick before Docking can unleash a shot. Dropped into the near post from the right, knocked down and cleared for a throw. Comes into Docking who attempts to hook it forwards her effort drops wide.

  Claughton doesn’t get the decision as she is upended attacking on the left, the ball cleared up to Spiers for Newmarket, Fray alert out of her area sharply to clear for the hosts. Claughton does get the decision moments later as she is fouled by Dryland as she carries the ball into the Newmarket half. Peeling over the ball to the left of the centre circle. A good hit just a little too strong as it flies past Szary’s left post.

Fran Peeling

 Thetford winning another free-kick out on the left level with the top of the Newmarket box after Melissa Corbyn is brought down following a powerful run on the ball. Claughton over the ball curls a left foot strike in across goal aiming for the top corner, Szary can let it go, wide. The set-piece’s stacking up for Thetford towards the end of the first half another won to the left a little deeper into the Newmarket half, Peeling on the ball floated her delivery into the far post, Collins attacking it turns the ball wide.

 

 Sturgess with the ball and time at the back for Newmarket sends the ball up to Spiers in the left channel knocks it into the path of Griffin as she makes a run across the D taking the ball out to the left, attempts to cut it back into the path of Docking, Swift throwing a leg out cutting the ball out for Thetford. 

Thetford full back Zoe Klimcke

  Newmarket press late in the first half the ball sent diagonally out to Griffin moving into the right wing whips a dipping cross into the Thetford six yard box, Spiers racing in far post can’t get there as the ball runs on out of play. Thetford counter, Klimcke taking the ball on down the left on for Claughton who turns inside before laying the ball into the top of the D for Collins, Sturgess in to close her down at the back for Newmarket.   

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Newmarket Town Women

A fairly even contest, Newmarket with the narrow advantage making the brighter start on the front foot early, pushing players up well. Thetford putting in the tackles to win the ball back, a threat on the counter, lacking the final ball so far to cut Newmarket open as the visitors play a high line. That working to their advantage as they can turn play round quickly get the ball into their attacking players. A narrow advantage can all change 2nd half as both sides head into the changing rooms for their respective team talks.

  Thetford with the kick-off in the 2nd period the ball rolled back to Peeling in defence she clips the a ball on up the right flank for Chandler to attack, sends it infield to Melissa Corbyn running into the right channel in turn lays it forwards into the box for Haynes to attack surging towards goal, her shrike taking the faintest of touches off Szary as it flies into the side netting for a corner kick. 

Thetford captain, Melissa Corbyn

  The corner from the right defended put back out to the taker on the right, Chandler sending it back in across goal drops wide of the far post. The hosts making a strong start to the 2nd half as Howard steals in to win the ball 30 yards put set Chandler away on the right, Newmarket giving away the free-kick. Curled into the penalty spot the ball knocked down into the mix, scrambled away by the Newmarket defence. 

 In defence, Peeling drops off well to give herself room to clear the ball as Newmarket attempt to set Abbie Corbyn away in the left channel from a goal kick. Thetford’s gaining another set-piece wide on the right, Peeling with some great deliveries from a dead ball situation to play the ball in towards goal, Szary equal to it getting up to claim the ball and bring it down safely.

  Newmarket launch a rapid counter attack the ball fired up to Spiers on the move into space in the left channel wraps her foot around the ball crossing it back inside into the path of the onrushing Docking who hits it 1st time her effort narrowly over the crossbar. 

Newmarket’s Millie Docking

  Melissa Corbyn taking the ball on for Thetford shifting left then right before letting loose a strike from all of 30 yards out, her attempt put straight at the keeper. Sturgess sending the ball long for Newmarket into the left wing with Spiers racing after it into the corner whipping a dangerous ball into the Thetford six yard box, Klimcke with a wild attempt at clearing the ball, slicing it behind for a corner kick. 

Melissa Corbyn holding off Newmarket’s Holly Corley

 Swung into the near post from the right, Swift getting her head on the ball to turn it behind for a 2nd corner to Newmarket. Griffin floating the ball into the mix the ball knocked out to the top of the area, Abbie Corbyn latching onto the the ball driving a low strike in towards goal, Fray diving to her left, the shot blocked instead by Levy-Twoney, rebounding out to the right, Griffin running onto the ball firing it into the side netting. 

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twoney

   Sturgess picking up a yellow card as the fouls mount up, Melissa Corbyn upended this time, Peeling on the ball to the left 30 yards out looks to lifting it in at the far post, again, Szary can see it run safely out of play. Spiers on the turn some 30 yards out looks to take on the shot as the ball is fired up to her, her attempt driven in with pace, but straight at Fray the keeper holding onto the ball well. 

Thetford goalkeeper, Katie Fray

  Newmarket making the first change of the match as they bring off midfielder, Corley send Abbie Gibson on. Thetford too making a switch with Chandler coming off, Niamh Underhill coming on, goes over to the left with Claughton switching to the right wing. Abbie Corbyn after the ball played into her path on the left flank, Swift going with her the defender winning the race to touch the ball back for her keeper to clear. 

Abbie Corbyn

 The visitors have players forwards regaining possession, Smith out to Griffin on the right pushing down the line her cross fired in near post, blocked by Peeling turned behind for a corner kick. Fray coming into the crowd at her near post to get her fist on the dropping ball, knock it down for her defence to clear. Swift and Abbie Corbyn tussling for the ball on the left, the defender getting the decision winning the free-kick. Getting a little niggly in the last few minutes a good contest between the sides.

  Thetford making another change with Claughton the player coming off, Pola Pasik entering the action. Moments later Underhill is hurt in a challenge with Sturgess. Is down in some discomfort and is unfortunately unable to continue as she is helped off the pitch. Striker Hannah Rogers coming on as her replacement. Dryland away on the right for Newmarket her cross flung into the near post defended by Peeling. 

 Howard winning the ball inside the Newmarket half looking to release Pasik out on the right, Wayman getting in a timely tackle to deny her the opportunity to skip in behind. The game moving into the final 10 minutes, both sides pushing for a goal, scrappy in the middle of the park, the ball is released forwards by Newmarket, Abbie Corbyn looking to attack hurdling a wild lunge to latch onto the ball run in towards the Thetford box opts to shoot early 20 yards out, getting too much behind it sends her shot over. 

  GOAL! Newmarket win the ball out on the right high up the pitch the pass into Griffin down the flank drives forwards before sending  a cross into the six yard box, Spiers bringing it down off her chest well to turn on the ball and blast her shot past the keeper into the back of the net to make it 0-2.

Katie Spiers bringing the ball down off her chest to turn and score

2 goals for Newmarket’s Katie Spiers

 The visitors doubling their lead inside the final 10 minutes to get a firm grip on the 3 points. Howard is fouled for Thetford as they look to move the ball through the middle. The set-piece 30 yards out to the right of the Newmarket goal. Peeling lining up the strike, hits it hard, the Newmarket wall doing it’s job but someone’s going to sporting a healthy bruise in the morning as a result. 

 Newmarket get on the counter from the free-kick, lifted into Spiers attacking the left channel turns inside 25 yards out curling a shot wide on the angle beyond the far post. Thetford making a double switch as they bring off Klimcke and Collins, send on Libby Scott and Rhian Ellis. 

  Wayman bursts away down the left for Newmarket, Pasik going with her making the blocking tackle as she tries to cross sending the ball behind for a corner kick. Players up from the back for Newmarket as the corner is curled into the box from the left, Dryland getting up at the far post with the glancing header, turning the ball wide beyond the far post. A touch off a defender spotted however a corner signalled on the right.

Holly Dryland’s glancing header for Newmarket

  Angled in near side the ball defended cleared out of the area, falls to Spiers outside the area lashes a strike over from range. Wayman coming off for Newmarket, with Yvonne Yerrell coming on goes to right back with Dryland switching flanks. Newmarket come on through the middle Docking into Spiers, lays the ball out to the right with Griffin pressing on right of goal hits the shot goal wards 20 yards out, rising, Fray though is well positioned back on her line to pluck the ball down from under her bar to make the save. 

Thetford’s Pola Pasik

  Peeling pulling up with an injury for Thetford signals straight away that she needs to come off, helped to the side-lines, Klimcke is reintroduced to the action. Griffin taking the ball on down Newmarket’s right lifting a cross into the Thetford six yard box, Spiers on a hat-trick goes for the spectacular, attempting the overhead, would have been brilliant, but the the script wasn’t written on this occasion as she misses.

Katie Spiers tries the spectacular in her attempt for a hat-trick

  Scott up to Rogers on the left for Thetford, fouls Yerrell as she goes into defend for the visitors. Dryland winning the ball on the opposite side for Newmarket attempts to thread the pass in behind for Spiers moving into the left channel, Swift going with her putting in the tackle for Thetford. 

 

 Docking gets onto the ball for Newmarket with the clock ticking down and carries it all the way into the corner, holding the ball up before winning her side a throw eating up valuable seconds. The visitors keeping the ball down that end as Docking is fouled.

  Swift battling to get the ball back for Thetford winning the free-kick, the pass forwards won back by Smith to Dryland on for Spiers, no thoughts of a hat-trick now as she runs the ball into the corner, playing the ball off a defender thinks she’s won her side a corner, consternated to see a goal kick awarded. Matters little with seconds left the ball launched forwards successfully defended as the final whistle blows and Newmarket celebrate winning the 3 points.  

Full Thetford Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

  The win lifting Newmarket up to 5th in the Division One North table. A close contest between two committed sides. Newmarket with the brighter start on pressing high to create openings getting players on well. Playing a high line at times, Thetford looking dangerous on the counter, but couldn’t find that clinical final pass of open up their opponents. Newmarket doing just that to open the scoring in the first half. Holding the narrow advantage going into the break. Thetford came out of the blocks flying 2nd half coming close to levelling in the opening seconds. Pushed hard for a reply, winning free-kicks in dangerous positions but again that clinical final ball eluded them. Newmarket patient presented with a chance to secure the win and took it inside the final 10 minutes. Ending the game strongly pushing for a 3rd goal. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders but I was fairly happy with my decision on the final whistle the notes have done nothing to change that. Several performances of note. First up for Thetford, Dayna Howard put in a solid performance in the middle of the park getting in to win the ball back and get her team going forwards. Melissa Corbyn with several strong runs on the ball carrying it into the attack looking to bring others into play. Zoe Klimcke with some vital tackles at the back throughout. For Newmarket, Holly Dryland was strong at right back, limiting Thetford’s attacks while getting forwards well. Abbie Corbyn with some good work in the left channel got forwards well. Katie Spiers took her goals well and led the line to great effect for the visitors. The award goes to Abbi Griffin, set the tone early on with some superb attacking runs. Used the ball well and linked up play moving out to the right, providing the assist for Spiers 2nd goal.

  Was great to catch up with both sides, welcoming and provided a great contest. My thanks to both for their help with the team details too as always much appreciated.  

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v London Bees

Sunday 6th October

FAWNL South East Division One

A trip over to St Neots this Sunday to catch some action from FAWNL South East Division One with Cambridge United WFC hosting London Bees.

  FAWNL South East Division One representing tier 4 of the women’s football pyramid looks to be really competitive this season with no single side breaking away from the pack, closely bunched with Cambridge United in 5th just 4 points behind leaders Norwich City with London Bees 7th just a point further back. Some surprise results already this season and no doubt a few more to come, will be an intriguing title contest.

  Cambridge United WFC one of the longest established clubs within the South East Division One set-up and now with closer ties with their men’s club are looking to find that extra edge to get them p amongst the title challengers vying for promotion on a regular basis. Reaching the FAWNL League Plate final last season are hungry for more success. A few new faces added to the squad over the close season. Ellie Finneran and Kelsey Smith from fellow South East Division one side London Seaward. Eva Hubbard the clubs new captain and midfielder Rosy Wodhams joining from local rival Cambridge City with goalkeeper Sophie Shults coming in form Ashford Town (Middlesex). Emma Wallis another strong addition to the back line. 

  Injuries to key players throughout last season were a bugbear last season with manager Darren Marjoram rarely able to call on a settled line up. Making their run to the Plate final all remarkable. Injuries too at the start of this season with striker Sarah Wiltshire only just back into the squad after having her 3rd child breaking her arm in pre-season, only now back playing while Ellie Finneran has missed much of pre-season slowly working her way back to playing again. A frustrating 1-0 loss to one of the early pace setters Actonians Ladies on the opening day was followed by a 2nd loss away to Norwich. Responded well in the league after that going on a run of 3 consecutive wins to propel them up the table into 4th spot. Mixed results in league and cup since but in a strong position to kick on. Bella Simmons out of the traps early to lead the goal scoring charts with 8 to her name.

  London Bees were one of the founding clubs to join the newly formed FAWSL 2. Now the FAWSL Championship. Came in with a large budget (at the time) and high expectations. Made many a trip to The Hive way back then beginning my support of the women’s game proper when the WSL was formed, wrote a few reports which can still be found on the old Supporting Women’s Football blog site. Have since struggled as financial demands in the top two tiers increased like a few of the founding clubs have since fallen out of the league dropping into the FAWNL Southern Premier Division back in 2021 the club seeing many changes of coaching staff and playing personnel since then struggling in the league last season without a win relegated to the 4th tier.

  That said the club begins this season with a new wave of enthusiasm. A new manager joining the club, Daniel McKimm, a young coach with plenty of experience within the women’s game. Highly thought of after his spell with London Seaward FC also playing in South East Division One. Brings with him some of his coaching staff and a host of players from London Seaward. Too may to mention here, but nevertheless is a virtual rebuild of the squad recruiting players who have good experience at competing at this level. Others joining include goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien from Stevenage. Millie Isherwood was at Chelsea as a youngster coming to the club via a period at Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Aimee Durn is the new captain the midfielder at Ashford Town (Middlesex) last season.

 St Neots gets bigger every time I visit with on going building work taking place on the way to the ground, St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium in the heart of a busy residential area close to the railway station. Offering two pitches, an artificial surface beside the main grass pitch stadium. A good playing surface with lots of grass cover a good width, terraced viewing behind both goals with the main seated stand housing the changing rooms and clubhouse beside the bar opening offering hot and cold drinks. An overcast day with a few spots of rain in the air, a slight chill as we enter October but should stay dry for the game.

Cambridge United WFCC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Emma Wallis, Kelsey Smith, Ella Marden, Gisela Otten, Rosy Wodhams, Eva Hubbard (C), Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Sophie Shults, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Marta Rodriguez, Mollie Coupar & Holly Plummer.

Cambridge United WFC

 London Bees starting XI – Tia Gunn, Mira Hoteit, Aria Heil, Cheyenne Flynn, Rebekah Wozniak, Megan Burrows, Aimee Durn (C), Hayley Hoare, Sophie Lee, Sam Lanza & Millie Isherwood. Subs – Millie Constantine, Sarah McDermott, Aaliyah Charles, Olivia Bartlett & Shamoy Campbell.

London Bees

Captain’s Aimee Durn and Eva Hubbard with today’s match officials

  Further injuries for Cambridge heading in to today’s match with midfielders, Sammy Edgar and Alysha Stojko-Down not in the playing squad. Nevertheless both fielding a strong starting XI with useful replacements waiting on the bench. Cambridge wearing Amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks to take the kick-off 1st half, London Bees wearing similar colours in their away strip today, purple shirts with white trim, along with white shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle for captain Eva Hubbard to clip out to the right with Kelsey Smith on the move, Mira Hoteit seeing it out for a throw in for the visitors.

 GOAL! London Bees captain, Aimee Durn gets hold of the ball in the middle of the ark and goes on a driving run forwards sending the ball on for Sophie Lee breaking clear on the right wing down the line whips a dangerous cross into the box with players piling forwards, defended at the near post, but not cleared out to the left inside the box Hayley Hoare pressing the ball knocked on for Millie Isherwood inside the six yard box at the left post turns on the ball and blasts her strike into the back of the net to open the scoring inside the first minute! 0-1.

Millie Isherwood firing London Bees into the lead inside the opening minute

  An early blow for Cambridge and before they can pick themselves up London Bees are lively nipping in to win the ball putting Lee into an attacking position on the right goes on a forceful run tracking in field, before attempting to slide a ball into the box for Isherwood making a run across to the near post, a little heavy runs out of play. Rosy Wodhams onto the ball for Cambridge passed forwards into Sarah Wilshire looks to chip the ball into the right channel for Bella Simmons, Rebekah Wozniak at the back heading the ball clear for London Bees.

  Gisela Otten snapping in to win the ball for Cambridge in the middle playing a direct ball on up top for Wiltshire to attack, a good starting position from London Bees keeper, Tia Gunn sees her onto the ball first. London Bees on the front foot early on, Durn taking the ball on well, Hoare and Lee providing good pace and options on the flanks. Lee getting on down the right, Abbie Jackson in to close her down for Cambridge slows her up blocking one cross Lee with a 2nd bite firing it in low to the near post cleared this time by Cambridge’s Lauren Rouse. 

Cambridge’s Gisela Otten

  London Bees causing Cambridge issues early on pulling the hosts out of shape with players pressing well and taking the ball on. Durn with the ball for the visitors driving on sending a cross from deep into the far post, Sam Lanza looking to attack it for London Bees, Emma Wallis getting in front of her to head the ball away for Cambridge. 

  Lee marauding down the right for London Bees getting in behind pulling players across allowing openings for midfield runners to exploit. Jackson blocking a cross attempts to clear the ball up the left into Wiltshire, Aria Heil coming to close her down, Hubbard coming over to support Wiltshire turns to put the ball central for Wodhams, tries to lay it into the left channel for Wiltshire bursting forwards, over hits the pass, runs out of play.

Eva Hubbard moving in to tackle Cheyenne Flynn

 GOAL! Isherwood turns provider this time as London Bees surge forwards getting onto the ball 20 yards out top of the D sends a low ball on for Lee tracking into the area from the right, closing in on the near post shoots early firing the ball under Webb before the keeper can get down to save from point blank range 0-2.

Sophie Lee firing home London Bees 2nd goal

A blistering start from London Bees, goals up inside the opening 10 minutes Megan Burrows playing the ball forwards out to Lee on the right combines with Lanza the ball squared back across the top of the Cambridge area, Durn running onto it volleys over. Cambridge most certainly on the back foot, struggling to get the ball out, London Bees sharper to close down the 2nd ball get play turned around. Their wingers able to get in behind at will. Isherwood attacking down the right forcing Cambridge into conceding a corner kick.

London Bees captain, Aimee Durn

 Hoare across to take it on the right side fired in to the top of the area collected by Wozniak eft of the D, Simmons in to close her down no shooting option instead plays it out to the right for Hoare to deliver the ball into the box from the angle half cleared at the far post drops to a London Bees player, struck back towards goal a vicious drive on target, a brilliant save from Webb instinctive throwing a glove up to tip the ball over the bar!

  The corner swept long beyond the far post knocked goal wards claimed by Webb moving across her goal. Cambridge finding attacking opportunities in short supply, Hubbard looking to mix things up in the middle sending the ball on for Wiltshire in attack, turns on the ball 0 yards out, Wozniak closing her down for London Bees. Lee fouled on the right inside the Cambridge half a free-kick to the visitors. Players up from the back a good delivery angled in at the far post attacked by Cheyenne Flynn headed over. Cambridge forced into a formation change going to a back four with Smith dropping in at right back, Wallis across to the left of defence.

 Hoteit winning the ball from Simmons sending it up the left for Hoare racing on to attack her cross cut out by Rouse at the back for Cambridge. London Bees working the ball between them well Durn often the linchpin on for Hoare coming inside form the left has Lanza ahead of her back to goal outside the area sees Hoteit making a run from the back slides the ball into her path the full back in turn looking to thread it into the area for Isherwood, overcooks her pass Webb can see it run safely out of play.

London Bees, Sam Lanza

  Smith getting the ball on for Simmons high on the right for Cambridge, has Wiltshire over that side to link up with the cross swept in across the six yard box, Marden looking to attack it beyond the far post can’t get over the ball turns her attempt wide. Lee bursting on down the right flank for London Bees, Wallis going with her into the corner, blocking her cross behind for a corner.

Cambridge’s Emma Wallis

 Swung in from the right, Wodhams defending at the near post for Cambridge, knocked back out to the corner taker the 2nd attempt to cross send behind for a 3rd corner.

GOAL! Played long by Hoare from the right falls to Durn top of the area clips it back out to Hoare out wide on the wing for her to deliver a pacy ball in across the face of goal, high Webb looking to punch it clear, instead Wozniak comes steaming in to head the ball from point blank range hurting herself as she lands in the Cambridge keeper as the pair go down 0-3. 

Rebekah Wozniak steaming in with the header to score London Bees 3rd goal

 Wozniak heading London Bees into a 3 goal lead on the half hour. Hurt from her goal scoring heroics a pause in play players going to the benches for drinks and instruction. London Bees looking strong into a commanding position, Cambridge with a mountain to climb need to regroup. Wozniak okay and able to play on needing to come off having received treatment wait to be called back on.  

 Burrows linking up with Hoare out on London Bees left wing, Simmons giving a foul away another opportunity to launch the ball into the box, fired in to the far post, a glancing header taking the ball wide. Simmons turning on the ball right side to get on down the flank crossing the ball in from deep, Hoteit getting the faintest of touches to deflect the ball into the side netting conceding the corner. The ball curled onto the roof of the net.

  Hubbard using the outside of her boot to launch the ball forwards for Cambridge, Wiltshire the target, Gunn able to press up due to her teammates forcing the play almost acting as a sweeper getting to the ball first to clear for London Bees. Hoteit playing Hoare on down the left for the visitors her cross angled into the near post claimed by Webb. Marden putting the ball into Hubbard to play forwards up to Wiltshire making a left channel run, Flynn in to close the striker down for London Bees.

London Bees defender, Cheyenne Flynn

  Isherwood spinning off her marker top feed the ball on down the right wing for Lee, Wallis getting a foot on the ball to turn it out for a throw in. The visitors pressing the ball forcing Cambridge into misplacing their passes, Burrows forwards into Isherwood, Otten sliding in to tackle for Cambridge, Durn onto the ball out to Lee wide right, Wallis stopping the cross. 

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-3 London Bees

  A strong first half performance from London Bees racing into an early lead setting the pace overwhelming their opponents getting players forwards and in return comfortable at the back. 2 goals up inside 10 minutes added a 3rd on the half hour. Cambridge’s opportunities s up top limited with one shot off target have a mountain to climb but the half-time break giving them a much needed chance to reset and regroup see if they can salvage anything 2nd half. London Bees in control on the front foot from the start and haven’t looked back creating chances pulling players out of position and winning the 2nd ball.

  No surprise to see Cambridge ringing the changes 2nd half with a triple switch. Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Marta Rodriguez and Mollie Coupar coming on in place of Smith, Otten and Marden. London Bees unchanged to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back into the defence, Flynn and Wozniak exchanging passes, Wiltshire rushing in to close her down the ball clipped long up to Isherwood in attack the ball bouncing safely through to the keeper. 

 

 Rodriguez looking to put some fight into the play for Cambridge battling her way on through the middle combining with Hubbard, the pass into Wiltshire cut out by Flynn. The ball played out to Burrows moving left for London Bees sent on up the line for Hoare. Wallis now back on the right with Cheal-Ferris left sliding in to tackle for Cambridge. 

Cambridge’s Abbie Jackson

 Coupar taking the ball on left side for Cambridge knocking it inside looking for Simmons, Heil defending for London Bees, Simmons onto the loose ball taking it into the corner, Heil back on her blocking the ball to turn it behind for the corner. Cheal-Ferris on the corner from the left is a sweet curling back in across the six yard box, unfortunately no one attacks it at the far post the ball running out of play. 

 Hoare doing well out on the left attacking for London Bees pace taking the ball on fired forwards into Isherwood pulling left inside the box whips a cross in along the face of goal, Lee looking to met it first time at the far post not getting the contact she wanted her shot screwed wide.

 Hubbard goes into the referees book picking up a yellow card for a foul on Durn. Out on the left from deep, Hoare over the ball, curls the ball into the box angled in too close to the keeper Webb can claim it untroubled. Hubbard lifting the ball over the top as London Bees play a high line, Wiltshire staying onside to burst in behind, Gunn though is positioned outside her box and onto the ball first. Cambridge snapping back in to regain the ball Wodhams out to the left Coupar on for Cheal-Ferris racing to the by line her cross lifted into the area cleared by Lee.

Mira Hoteit on the ball for London Bees

 Rodriguez playing the ball into the run of Wodhams as she breaks into the right channel, Hoteit in to close her down well for London Bees get her side on the attack by playing Hoare in on the wing with Isherwood ahead of her the striker sweeping her cross into Lanza on the penalty spot is closed down going down appeals for a penalty but nothing doing as the ball travels on to Lee on the right smashes her strike into the near post, low, Webb getting down well to bat the ball behind for a corner kick.

 

  The corner curled in across the six yard box, Lanza beyond the far post stretching for the ball can’t direct the ball back inside. London Bees pushing up Cambridge defending at the back Wallis right lifting the ball forwards finding Wilshire 30 yards out turns onto the ball looking to lob the keeper knowing Gunn is way off her line, however stretching to meet the ball can’t direct her attempt on target. 

GOAL! London Bees win a free-kick in a dangerous position out wide on the left, Hoare over the ball as players come up from the back. angling her delivery in central the ball is headed clear to the left of goal, Wozniak getting hold of it looking to keep the attack alive laying the ball back out to Hoare who controls then curls a shot in towards goal struck beautifully over the keeper under the crossbar to make it 0-4.

Hayley Hoare curling home London Bees 4th goal

  London Bees extending their lead on the hour. Rodriguez winning the ball for Cambridge taking it forwards trying to fed it on up to Wiltshire in attack, Wozniak up well ahead if her with a deft header glancing the ball down safely into her keepers gloves. The hosts winning a corner on the right as Simmons presses the ball, Gunn surrounded on her line as the ball is curled into the six yard box, Flynn defending it at the near post. Back out to the right floated into the area falling beyond the far post Rodriguez with the attempted shot fired back across the six yard box wide of the right post.

  Burrows fouled wide left high up the pitch as she moves forwards for London Bees, Hoare on the set-piece swung into the mix, defended by Wodhams cleared out to Hoteit some 30 yards out central, takes on the strike her low effort taking a couple of deflections on its way through to the keeper. Wodhams pulling up for Cambridge down with an injury, another pause in play and another blow for Cambridge as she can’t continue, Holly Plummer coming on.

 Isherwood is fouled 30 yards out to the right of the D giving London Bees another free-kick. Durn and Wozniak over the ball. Wozniak doesn’t do subtle running in to strike the ball fires her bullet of a strike wide past the far post. Simmons picking up a knock for Cambridge in some discomfort but can continue. London Bees making a triple switch as they bring on Sarah McDermott, Olivia Bartlett and Shamoy Campbell to replace, Flynn, Durn and Isherwood with less than 15 minutes to play.

  Simmons after the ball from Wallis on the right playing it on for Wiltshire to chase into the corner, Wozniak coming over to close her down for the visitors. Burrows coming left for London Bees, Plummer in to close her down holding her up well, Burrows forced back infield gets the cross field pass out to Lanza on the right 20 yards out on the angle fires a shot up over the bar. Lee coming off for London Bees on in her place, Aaliyah Charles. 

  Campbell getting after the ball in attack for London Bees, Rouse in to challenge well for Cambridge outside the box. Rouse in to defend on Campbell again moments later as she is found by Hoare in the left channel as the winger spins off her marker on half way to launch the ball into her. Wilshire picking up the ball on the right for Cambridge shifting it well between her feet tracking inside 25 yards out closed down rolls it back into Wallis breaking forwards she hits it on into the box for Rodriguez right side, can’t dig it out of her feet before Hoteit can close her down.

 

  Hoare with some strong running on the left for the visitors firing the ball into Campbell back to goal left side inside the box drags the ball inside looking to shift it onto her right foot the goal opening up before her, angles her shot in low towards the right corner, I’m looking at this from behind through my camera, looks a goal all the way, but Webb comes from nowhere to diving full stretch across her goal line getting down to the ball with her outstretched arm and turning the ball wide of the post for a corner kick.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

  Swept in from the right goes long but won back on the left the cross angled in to the near post turned behind for a corner on the left. This one defended at the near post put back into the taker the ball lifted high into the six yard box, Webb getting up to punch the ball away to safety on the right. Webb keeping the score line down for Cambridge as London Bees continue to push on the substitutes keen to get in on the action, Campbell racing onto the ball inside the box right of goal, Webb rushing out to close her down staying big to make the blocking save as Campbell fires her shot into her. 

Cambridge United striker, Sarah Wiltshire

 Plummer escapes with the ball into the right channel for Cambridge, squaring the ball back inside for Wiltshire 20 yards out central, looks to strike it early, leaning into her attempt as Wozniak comes to close her down, screws her effort off target. The clock ticking down into stoppage time Simmons brought down giving Cambridge one last opportunity to play the ball into the box, Cheal-Ferris from the left sending it in angled in straight, Gunn up to claim it looks to get her team on the attack. Heil right side up the wing her cross into Lanza outside the box defended.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-4 London Bees

  The final whistle blows and London Bees claim the 3 points to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 5 matches moving above Cambridge in the process into 5th spot. A strong away performance from start to first. Aimee Durn’s run from midfield leading to the opening goal inside the opening minute, put Cambridge on the canvas and they never recovered, the visitors winning the ball well getting players forwards, Lee and Hoare attacking down the wings at will early on a 2nd goal inside 10 minutes from Lee, Wozniak with a charge to head home the 3rd on the half hour. Hoare curling home their 4th in the 2nd half. A day to forget for Cambridge, looked a lose one on paper and on another day this is a performance they themselves are capable off, can only move on to the next one look to put thing’s right.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders as is often the case but had one name in mind leaving the ground and the notes have confirmed that. Some performances to mention, firstly for Cambridge, a hard day at the office, however goalkeeper Lauren Webb pulled off some brilliant saves to keep the score-line down in both halves. Eva Hubbard battled hard in the middle without the reward. Bella Simmons getting back to help win the ball trying to turn play around. For London Bees both centre backs were composed, Cheyenne Flynn and Rebekah Wozniak with some good challenges the latter scoring. Aimee Durn setting the tone early on with her bursting run through the middle setting her team on their way, got about in the middle to win the ball, making several strong attacking runs. Sophie Lee a threat on the right surging on in behind kept Cambridge on the back foot, on the score sheet. So too her opposite number on the left flank, Hayley Hoare with some strong running on the left, skill on the ball and a threat with her set-pieces throughout is the winner of today’s award.

  Results elsewhere see the league bunch up even more with Norwich drawing with real Bedford and 2nd placed Actonians losing out Dulwich Hamlet. Cambridge down to 9th but still just 2 points from the 3rd placed side, 5 behind the leaders. London Bees themselves now just 3 points behind the leaders. This is going to be an exciting title contest can’t wait to see it all unfold.

   A great performance from London Bees. Having seen them struggle so much in recent season’s it’s fantastic to finally see the club in a positive place, and I hope a positive future will certainly be up there based on what I saw today. Cambridge will be hurting, but I know what they are capable of too and am confident they’ll bounce back. My thanks to both clubs for there assistance today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Hickling FC Ladies v Bure Valley Women

Sunday 29th September

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Heading east across Norfolk today to a new location, catching up with a familiar side but under a new banner. Hickling FC Ladies formerly Stalham Town Ladies taking on Bure Valley Women with both sides newly promoted to Norfolk Women’s Division One.

Norfolk expanding to 3 divisions this season with an influx of new sides. Still very early days in Norfolk Women’s Division One with no one having played more than 2 matches. Defending champions, Bungay Town Ladies are the early pacesetters, an intriguing line up across the league it will be interesting to see who their main challengers are likely to be, with both of today’s sides looking to make their mark in the division. Both Bure Valley Women and Stalham Town as they were last season emerging as the two strongest sides in Division Two with Bure Valley overhauling Stalham in the run in to clinch the title in their debut season since reforming their women’s side.

A new era for Stalham as they begin life under a new banner, moving a short distance to become Hickling FC Ladies. The women’s squad having felt under appreciated at Stalham with issues such as being unable to use the main pitch and with manager Adam Mayhew long involved with the running of Hickling FC the move made sense. In recent season’s under their old guise have flip flopped between the leagues, often too strong for the 2nd Division, finding it tougher going in Division One. Have a experienced group capable of scoring plenty of goals and will aiming for a comfortable finish on their return to Division One. Emma Gillespie racing away as top scorer for the club last season netting 33 goals in her 22 matches. Abigail Gower and Charlotte Fisher joint 2nd with 14 goals apiece with Amber Mayhew often amongst the goals for the club on target for 12. A few new faces joining the squad 3 involved today, Donna Pearson amongst them. Lalaine Davey and Megan Fuery with Caister FC Ladies last season. One game played so far losing a high scoring contest 6-3 at home to Long Stratton Women. Bounced back to following weekend winning 2-0 away to Fakenham in the County Cup

One game played too for Bure Valley Women as they begin life in Norfolk Women’s Division Two having taken Division Two by storm last season as they reformed their women’s side. Rattling in the goals in the process. their captain, Emma McMillen prolific as she fired home 43 goals from 26 appearances. Maisie Redgrave and Willow Nye adding to a potent attack scoring 25 and 21 goals respectfully. The club has a strong youth section bringing players through this seeing a 2nd adult side created with their Development side entering the new Division Three. Have added new faces to their squad too as they look to compete at a higher level adding to their goal threat, Lauren Goulder comes to Bure Valley following spells at Bungay and Caister. Also joining from Caister, Mariana Teixeira. Winger, Rhiannon Dack making to move to Bure Valley having previously been at Aylsham. Rattled in 5 goals on the opening day of the season securing a 5-2 away win against, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves following that up with a 4-1 win in the County Cup over Costessey Sports Ladies.

Hickling Barn the venue for today’s match home to Hickling FC. The site a community and events centre, offering a range of activities, along with a playground and playing field. Hickling in the heart of The Broads a lovely part of the county. The grass pitch looking in great condition the grass thick and lush. Cooler towards the end of September but a dry day on the cards, still when I arrived at the ground but a strong breeze was to blow in making thing’s feel alot more chilly.

Hickling FC Ladies starting XI – Carla Coleman, Claire Wilkins, Rebecca Nunn, Katie Clarke, Amber Mayhew (C), Donna Pearson, Chloe Yarham, Lalaine Davey, Charlotte Fisher, Kerri Eke & Emma Gillespie. Subs – Becky Houghton, Megan Fuery & Laureena Reid.

Hickling FC Ladies

Bure Valley Women starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Madeline Frost, Lily Norman, Jasmin Snelling, Hannah Artis, Megan Swain, Eva Heald, Emma McMillan (C), Emily Addison, Maisie Redgrave & Lauren Goulder. Subs – Willow Nye, Mariana Teixeira & Romilly McLaggan.

Bure Valley Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Emma McMillan and Amber Mayhew with today’s match official, Lewis Church.

  It’s the visitors Bure Valley to kick-off the first half wearing white shirts with green vertical striping on the front, green shorts and white socks. Hickling lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and red socks. The ball played back to Megan Swain in the middle puts it out to the left side, Hickling rushing in to close the ball down the pass swept cross field out to the right with Maisie Redgrave looking to get forwards, Rebecca Nunn clearing for Hickling. 

 Bure Valley quick to regain the ball inside the Hickling half fed on for Redgrave in the right channel 20 yards out lays it across the top of the penalty area to the left with Lauren Goulder stealing in to strike the ball her shot rattling the crossbar! Donna Pearson winning the ball for Hickling played forwards up to Emma Gillespie making a run into the right channel, Jasmin Snelling stretching out a leg making a crucial interception at the back for the visitors. 

Hickling’s Donna Pearson

 The wind has really picked up blowing in across the pitch off the open field beside the temperature notably cooler (I took the decision today that the sun cream would no longer needed and put a coat in the car instead). Bure Valley lively in the opening exchanges, Hickling looking a little unsettled. The visitors looking to pop the ball around get up the pitch with pace, Goulder peeling out to the left to receive the ball taking on the shot from the angle lifting her effort over the bar.

  Redgrave latching onto a goal kick played straight to her central drags the ball away to the right before squaring a cross back across the top of the Hickling area, McMillan running onto the ball doesn’t get the contact she was looking for, screwing her attempt wide away from goal. Hickling captain, Amber Mayhew putting in the sliding challenge to win the ball from McMillan top of the D the loose ball running back to Eva Heald 25 yards out the midfielder sends her strike over the crossbar. 

 Claire Wilkins getting the ball on for Charlotte Fisher to attack on the left flank, Hannah Artis out to close her down the ball put out for a throw. Hickling pushing players up, looking to get Gillespie involved central, turns but Snelling is close on her to make the challenge. Pearson and Mayhew pushing up Hickling getting into the final 3rd out to Lalaine Davey wide her ball inside to Kerri Eke on the right, cut out by Madeline Frost. Bure Valley counter looking to catch Hickling high up the pitch the ball over the top into the left channel, goalkeeper, Carla Coleman quickly out of her area to kick the threat away.

Bure Valley’s Madeline Frost

  Hickling strong through the middle the ball rolled into Gillespie inside the D, strong on the ball looks to turn into the box, Artis lunges in to try and win the ball, brings Gillespie down, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty! Mayhew placing the ball on the spot ready to take the penalty, struck with pace to left side not enough width on it as Bure Valley goalkeeper, Danielle Barnes dives down to make the save, doesn’t have the ball in her gloves however as it pops up to her left sides,  Mayhew and Eke rushing in on the follow up the keeper making a superb double save as she throws herself onto her opposite side the grab hold of the ball at point blank range. 

A superb double save from Danielle Barnes from the penalty

  Hickling with a good spell getting players on well threating to overwhelm Bure Valley as Eke finds Gillespie central, on the turn 25 yards out takes on the shot, a tame effort rolling harmlessly through to Barnes. Davey inside to Pearson sends the ball on for Gillespie in the right channel turns and drives on, gets caught in two minds take on the shot herself or roll it into the box with Eke providing the run in behind, goes for the latter just too much on the pass Eke can’t keep it in, goal kick.

Hicklin’s Emma Gillespie

  McMillan picking out the run of Emily Addison on Bure Valley’s left the cross put inside for Goulder looking to run onto the ball, doesn’t get any power behind it, Coleman down at her near post to claim. 

 GOAL! Hickling regain possession at the back and launch an attack the ball fired up to Gillespie, helped on for Eke breaking away on the right taking the ball on in behind into the area takes on the shot looking to put it into the far corner, past Barnes as she dives down, scrambles to her feet with the ball running on Gillespie chasing in after it smashing the shot in off the post giving the keeper no chance as she puts her side into the lead 1-0.

Emma Gillespie firing in the opening goal for Hickling

 12 minutes on the clock Hickling with the lead looking strong getting bodies on to support the attack, Fisher on the left looking to bring the ball down turn infield, can’t find Gillespie in the middle as Snelling stabs a foot out to take the ball away from her. Fisher on the attack wide left again taking the ball inside her marker to get into the box on the angle fires her shot in across goal wide of the far post. 

Bure Valley attacker, Lauren Goulder

 

  After a slow start Hickling are looking strong now, the Bure Valley defence under a little pressure. Pearson tackling to win the ball in the middle played on for Eke who in turn rolls it forwards into Gillespie right of the D, takes on the shot from 20 yards out her strike racing wide of the far post. Davey on the right on for Eke, taking the ball on, Frost closing her down to win the ball back for Bure Valley. Nunn with a vital interception at the back for Hickling to deny Redgrave the opportunity to run in behind as McMillan looks to thread a pass into her path.

Hickling’s Rebecca Nunn

  Fisher winning her side a corner kick out on the left, Mayhew to take the corner swung in across the six yard box the wind behind it goes through everyone and out of play past the far post. Hickling pressing the ball well, Heald getting hold of the ball for Bure Valley aiming to drive forwards, McMillen taking over looks to play Goulder into the box, Katie Clarke cutting the ball out for Hickling at the back. 

Eva Heald with Amber Mayhew

  Heald closing the ball down in the middle looking to get Bure Valley back on the front foot into the left channel forwards for Goulder pulling away that side lays the pass back in central with McMillan steaming in to strike the ball from 20 yards out, takes a deflection off a defender taking the sting out of the shot as it runs safely through to the keeper. 

 GOAL! Bure Valley battling their way back into the game winning the ball central lifted up top into Goulder left out the box heads the ball down for Redgrave to the left of the D, she in turn laying it off for McMillan as she bursts onto the ball taking on the strike drills her effort across goal into the bottom corner 1-1. 

Emma McMillan equalising for Bure Valley

 Hickling pegged back attack up the right the ball fired on up the line with Gillespie surging in behind right of goal, Barnes comes rushing out to close her down the attacker firing her shot past the onrushing keeper, however sees her strike race wide of the far post too. Goulder is caught narrowly offside as she looks to pull of the Hickling defence as Swain lobs the ball forwards.

Lily Norman

 The visitors moving the ball forwards Heald bringing it to the right has Redgrave ahead of her plays the ball on, Redgrave with Nunn on her shoulder with a clever backheel to set up Heald to deliver a cross into the top of the area, Goulder looking to attack under challenge from a defender  sends her headed effort over the bar. Redgrave onto the ball central winning it well puts it into the box left side for Goulder to attack, Clarke diving in with a well timed tackle slowing Goulder down, pushed wide still with the ball lifts it into the middle for Redgrave arriving on the penalty spot meets the ball a rising effort, straight at the keeper, Coleman with a sharp catch above her head to pluck the ball down to safety.

Maisie Redgrave

  Bure Valley winning a corner on the right, swung in dropping at the far post comes at Artis quickly as she snatches her shot away inside the six yard box, her attempt blocked the rebound back with her rushes her 2nd attempt struck wide past the right post. Davey finding Fisher on the left for Hickling clips it inside for Gillespie bursting into the left channel, Snelling across to put in the tackle see the ball out for a throw. Davey up on the left for the hosts playing the ball out to Gillespie moving wide , her cross angled in striking the outside if the post.

  Eke fouling Swain in the middle Bure Valley with the free-kick, Snelling lifting the ball on over the top with Goulder pulling clear to latch onto the ball 25 yards out, her shot straight at the keeper. Bure Valley making a change bringing off Norman on comes Willow Nye at right back. Both sides with strong spells, Bure Valley competing for the ball in the middle Heald on for Redgrave right channel, drives on looking to get into the box, Nunn staying on her well putting in a good tackle to deny her an opportunity to strike the ball.

Bure Valley’s Willow Nye

  Eke with the ball for Hickling right side lays t on for Gillespie up the line outside the box takes on the strike firing the ball wide at the near post. Barnes’ goal kick flies up into the air dropping straight to Fisher 30 yards out left meets it on the volley a good touch to loop the ball straight to Gillespie inside the D putting the Bure Valley defence under pressure as she holds up the ball, Eke looking to get up with her in support as they push into the box, Eke sent tumbling, again the referee point to the spot Penalty! A 2nd opportunity for Hickling from the spot, Yarham to take their 2nd penalty goes for power straight down the middle rising, Barnes throwing her gloves up to save putting the ball onto her crossbar and seeing it spin away to her right for a corner on the left. Barnes coming to her defences rescue for the 2nd time in the 1st half, The corner swung into the six yard box from the left, the keeper with the call taking the ball down into her body. 

Danielle Barnes saving Hickling’s 2nd penalty claiming the ball from the resulting corner

 Coleman saving up the other end as Heald plays the pass on through the middle with McMillan surging on striking the ball on the run her effort arrowing in low straight at the opposition keeper. Goulder taking the ball on from Addison left side firing it into Redgrave top of the area left of goal, drags the ball inside to evade her marker and takes on the shot lifting the ball over the bar. Yarham with the ball central for Hickling sends it on up to Gillespie in attack, Snelling getting across her to regain possession for Bure Valley. Into the closing stages of the first half Ekes attacking on the right for Hickling lifting a cross into the middle, cut out by Artis with Fisher poised to attack beyond her.

Danielle Barnes saving not one but TWO penalties for Bure Valley in the first half, (her teammates owe her a drink).

Half-time Hickling FC Ladies 1-1 Bure Valley Women

  All square at the break, has been a high tempo contest, Bure Valley starting the strongest, Goulder rattling the bar in their first attack. Hickling took a while to settle into the game but once they got player forwards they looked a threat, putting the Bure Valley defence under pressure, Barnes with a superb double save denying the hosts the lead form the penalty spot. Emma Gillespie on hand to score the opening soon after. Hickling looking the side on top for a spell, Bure Valley responded well, getting themselves back on level terms through captain, Emma McMillan. Both keepers making saves, Barnes once again the heroine saving another penalty. Both sides with good spells in the first half well poised for the 2nd period.

 Bure Valley with another change at the break, Norman back on at right back, Nye coming over to the left of defence with Frost the player substituted. Hickling unchanged getting the 2nd half underway the ball played into Mayhew in the middle looks to send it long to Fisher on the move on the left, Snelling heading the ball clear for Bure Valley. 

  Nye getting hold of the ball for Bure Valley looking to drive forwards, Mayhew comes sliding in with a strong but fair tackle taking the ball but also catching Nye’s ankle sending her sprawling and in some discomfort. Clearly in pain treatment needed a pause in play, needs to come off, some readjustments needed for the visitors with Romilly McLaggan coming on to take up an attacking role on the right, this sees Redgrave drop back to right back with Norman coming across to cover the left. 

 Play resuming with a free-kick to Bure Valley despite both sides, agreeing it was a fair tackle. Goulder with the ball lifts it through to the Hickling keeper and play resumes. Addison taking the ball on up the left as she links up with Goulder play the one two Addison putting her cross back into the top of the area McMillan meeting it with the outside of her boot turned goal wards but straight at the keeper.  

 Fisher dragging the ball down to get on the move on Hickling’s left flank whipping a cross into the area, too close to Barnes with Gillespie coming in central. Wilkins in well to close the ball down on the right for Hickling turn play around squares it into the middle for Gillespie 25 yards out looks to push forwards, Snelling closing her down lunging in to win the ball. The hosts making their first change bringing on Laureena Reid to replace Clarke in the back line.

Hickling’s Lalaine Davey

  The game opens up suddenly as Mayhew puts a halt to a Bure Valley attack played on for Eke she attempts a defence splitting pass with both Fisher and Gillespie poised to break clear, Snelling with a crucial interception for Bure Valley at the back. Redgrave bringing the ball on from the back on the right for Bure Valley passes it on for McLaggan who puts it inside for Heald, tries to thread it into the box for McMillen stealing in behind right of goal, Coleman though out quickly to lay claim to the ball first.

Hickling goalkeeper, Carla Coleman

  Hickling awarded a free-kick 20 yards out in a central position, the shot fired in towards goal skipping up off the grass, Barnes getting down well to put her body behind the ball. Bure Valley get the ball up to Addison on the left wing powering forwards fires a cross into the box coming to McMillan at the far post 10 yards out attempts to cushion it down into the path of Goulder central, Pearson in to close her down with a great piece of defending the ball cleared outside the box straight to Swain 25 yards out her shot driven back in is held by Coleman the keeper right behind the strike.

  Goulder has been on the end of some close offside decisions as the striker looks to pull off the defence, Heald launching the ball forwards, Goulder is unfortunate this time onside as she breaks the flag nevertheless is raised against her. Bure Valley having the better share of the ball 2nd half Hickling deeper working hard at the back to limit space in behind. Addison left crossing into the area coming out McMillan right side her shot charged down by Nunn, rebounding back to Heald to run onto a shot from range can only pick out the keeper. 

Emily Addison looking to cross for Bure Valley

 Bure Valley getting on well with the ball, Heald with some good runs on the ball played on for Goulder left channel turns laying it on for Addison coming into the box from the left, looks to move inside room to squeeze a shot away, Reid lunging in to put in the block for Hickling. 

Hickling’s Laureena Reid

  Artis bringing the ball out from the back for Bure Valley over half way fired forwards into McMillan up top pulling right of the D to get into the box lines up the strike, Pearson charging it down for Hickling. Gillespie over to the right to offer Wilkins a pass as she battles to win the ball on the wing played forwards for Gillespie held up puts it back up the line for Wilkins to cross into the top of the Bure Valley area, Mayhew looking to run onto the ball, Artis stepping in to tackle for the visitors. 

  Norman coming off for Bure Valley with Frost returning to the pitch. Bure Valley with a corner on the right played in near side McMillan coming towards the ball back heeling it into the mix, Goulder latching onto it 10 yards out central her shot blocked on the line by the defender covering the post. Swain coming off for Bure Valley with Mariana Teixeira onto the pitch. The wind has died down considerably in the 2nd half. Bure Valley pressing looking for a goal making another change Swain’s rest short lived as she comes on to replace Addison with Teixeira going to the left. 

Kerri Eke on the ball for Hickling

  Heald brought down by Eke winning Bure Valley a free-kick 20 yards out from goal to the right of the D. A change for the hosts before it’s taken with Becky Houghton coming on in place of Wilkins. McMillan over the set-piece struck well, dipping late but not not enough to find the top corner as it sails over the bar. Yarham off for Hickling on comes Megan Fuery with less than 12 minutes to play. 

 GOAL! Swain clears the ball for Bure Valley launched forwards up towards Goulder, this time as she turns onto the ball the flag stays down as the striker takes the ball on driving towards goal, into the box picks her spot slotting it wide of the keeper to find the bottom corner on the right to fire Bure Valley into the lead 1-2. 

Lauren Goulder fires Bure Valley into the lead late in the 2nd half.

  A blow for Hickling late in the game having put so much into defending their box in the 2nd half, get the ball forwards into Eke attempts to put it through for Fisher pushing on into the left channel, Artis cutting the ball out for Bure Valley. Heald on the drive with the ball for Bure Valley through the middle played forwards for McMillan in attack right of goal her shot taking a deflection off a defender behind for a corner kick. 

Eva Heald

  Curled in central Snelling rising to attack it on the shoulder of a defender the ball knocked down out of the box into the path of Swain 20 yards out top of the D pulls her shot wide of the far post. The visitors breaking up a Hickling attack get the ball on up the left for Teixeira lays it on for Goulder up the wing her cross cut out by Houghton, turned behind for a corner kick. Played low into the near side with McMillan coming to the ball, Reid defending for Hickling. 

 The hosts forced back finding it tough to get player up to support the attack, Fisher providing a good outlet for the ball on the left finding her options limited as she looks for a runner into the box. The clock ticking down Bure Valley lively, Heald getting about in the middle of the park breaking up play sending it forwards the attackers pressing Hickling’s defence on the ball. 

Charlotte Fisher getting forwards for Hickling

 GOAL! Into the closing seconds Bure Valley capitalise on an error as the back as a misplaced pass comes straight to McMillan 25 yards out right of the D pushes forwards to the to of the area has McLaggan free to her right inside the area to receive the ball, McMillen setting her up, everyone connected with bure Valley encouraging McLaggan to shoot, she duly does a fierce strike rising as it comes in at the keeper quickly Coleman throws a glove up gets something on the ball but not enough as it flies past her into the back of the net 1-3.

Romilly McLaggan with a goal at the death for Bure Valley

 Bure Valley opening up a 2 goal cushion at the death with no time for Hickling to respond get the ball up the other end but safely defended the ball cleared as the final whistle blow and Bure Valley continue their winning start to the season. 

Full time Hickling FC Ladies 1-3 Bure Valley Women

  Bure Valley with the loins share of the attack in the 2nd half coming on with the ball. Hickling putting alot of effort into defending their box, not getting the players on in the 2nd half as they had in the first when at one point they had looked like they were going to overwhelm the Bure Valley defence and with two penalties saved in that period could well have been leading at the break still it was all square and for a long period in the 2nd half looked as if that was how it was going to stay. Lauren Goulder unlucky with some offside decisions patient as she got her chance to run in behind and pick her spot to give Bure Valley the lead late on, Romilly McLaggan teed up by Emma McMillan at the death to make it 3. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Boy it’s a tough one this week several contenders for sure hard to pin down one performance. A few to mention, firstly for Hickling, Charlotte Fisher provided a great outlet on the left side for much of the match linking up well with Emma Gillespie who herself got about the pitch well, strong on the ball trying to get into the box herself or set up others. Donna Pearson making some crucial tackles in both the middle and defence. For Bure Valley, Emma McMillan got about the pitch coming for the ball or pressing to join the attack getting her side back on level terms. Eva Heald getting after the ball well in the middle of the park pushing forwards setting up her attackers on numerous occasions. Maisie Redgrave lively up top with some great control and movement and didn’t put a foot wrong as she dropped back into defence in the 2nd half. Lauren Goulder led the line well, pulling off the defence to receive the ball, patient with some decisions going against her held her nerve to get the opportunity to run in behind attack the goal and took her chance well to put Bure Valley into the lead. Might well have been a different story entirely had it not been for their goalkeeper coming to the rescue saving not one but two penalties when Hickling were on top in the first half today’s award going to Danielle Barnes.

 A lively and competitive contest, if this is anything to go by Division One in Norfolk is going to be an intrigued watch this season. Both promoted sides will play their part I’m sure. Plenty of positives for Hickling to build on as they begin their new era. Bure Valley couldn’t be happier with their start. Thanks to both clubs for their assistance today good to catch up with both. 

 by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Needham Market Women v Histon Ladies

Sunday 22nd September

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying

In a change to the advertised game had a good plan B 11 minutes down the road having travelled down to Suffolk this Sunday to watch a game from this weekends Women’s FC Cup fixtures headed to Bloomfield’s, home of Needham Market Women to watch them take on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying. 

 A record number of entrants to this season’s competition, with a whopping 136 ties happening this weekend across the country. The prize fund seeing a huge increase too with today’s winners receiving £3,000. A significant amount for any grass roots club. The FA Cup holding a special place for many bringing home the true magic of the cup.

Needham Market Women enjoying a rapid rise though the leagues since their inception becoming one of the leading female clubs in Suffolk. Rising up to the ERWFL Premier Division, tier 5 of the woman’s football pyramid. A strong female section within the club, Needham Market have assembled a strong squad trying to compete at that level, finishing 3rd in their debut season. Now entering their 3rd season in the Premier Division have seen a few key players move on with some joining Suffolk rivals, AFC Sudbury Women. Nevertheless retain a strong core of experienced players and have brought in a host of young talent to bolster both their squads.

14 players in all coming to the club with 6 featuring today. Ash Newley comes into the club having previously been at Sudbury. Cate Jackson joins having top scored for Lawford Ladies last campaign. Becca Stephenson a promising young talent thrown into the deep end for Cambridge City Women in the FAWNL, responded superbly to the challenge, regularly impressing despite the clubs struggles. All three starting today with Chelsea Brett, Alyssa Barrett and Millie Baggott also new to the club starting on the bench. Has been a difficult start to the new season as they set up with a new look side with just one win from their opening 4 league matches.

Histon Ladies like Needham Market with a Development side playing in the county league below, the Cambridgeshire side into their 2nd season since returning to the ERWFL. Have made a strong start to the campaign unbeaten after 4 matches to lay 3rd in the Division One North table, with 3 wins and a draw. A victory too in the 1st Qualifying Round of the Women’s FA Cup winning 6-2 away to Thetford Town Ladies. Scoring 18 goals in their opening 5 matches come into today’s tie in confident form. 

Histon have brought in a number of new faces to join the squad over the summer as they look to push on challenge at the top of the league, amongst those American, Claire Krueger. Belle Howard joins having been with Cambridge City. Jess McCrae playing for Bowers & Pitsea at youth level. With a quartet joining from Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup winners, Eaton Socon Ladies. Goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson, attacker Shannah Anico, midfielder Gemma Cooksley and wide player Mollie Childerley. Sophie Hopkin the leading goal scorer with 8 to her name at this early stage of the season.

 Bloomfield’s the venue to today’s Women’s FA Cup tie, the stadium boasting two pitches, the main grass pitch, along side the 3G facility where the women play. In between, The Hub café situated upstairs above the changing rooms with balconies on both sides over looking both pitches. Serving hot and cold food and drink. A threat of thunderstorms in the area clearing over night to leave a bright and sunny afternoon as we approach late September, a little cloud around but otherwise ideal conditions.  

Needham Market Women starting XI – Danielle Clarke, Ash Newly, Niamh Thomas, Laura Bloomfield, Sheryce Slater, Lois Balfour (C), Chloe Brame, Lucy Loomes, Cate Jackson, Becca Stephenson & Annie Posnett. Subs – Chelsea Brett, Charlotte McGrath, Alyssia Barrett, Olivia Dunne & Millie Baggott. 

Needham Market Women

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Abi Laughlin, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Claire Krueger, Molly Banks, Jess McCrae, Rachel Pearce, Freya Goddard, Kirsty Geal & Sophie Hopkin. Subs – Shannah Anico, Belle Howard & Katie Levitt. 

 

Histon Ladies

It’s Histon wearing their all blue away kit to get the FA Cup tie underway, kicking off the first half, with Needham Market lined up opposite in their home colours red shirts and socks with black coloured shorts. Jess McCrae playing the ball back to her defence the ball clipped long out to the left wing by Claire Krueger with Kirsty Geal on the move down the wing, Ash Newley heading the ball clear for Needham Market at the back.

Jess McCrae gets the game underway for Histon

Newley then getting up the right on the ball for Needham Market looking to play a give and go with Cate Jackson up on the right wing, the ball knocked on into the box for Jackson to chase, Krueger coming across to defend for Histon shielding the ball out for a goal kick. Histon attack down the right the ball swept on for Rachel Pearce getting forwards to whip a cross into the area from deep, caught safely by Needham Market goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke.

Cate Jackson for Needham Market with Histon’s Mollie Childerley

Both sides showing attacking intent from the off, Laura Bloomfield allowed to carry the ball out from the back for Needham Market attempting to thread a pass through the right channel into the box for Jackson to attack, Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson out smartly to the top of her area to claim the ball. Jackson lively out on the right for Histon knocking the ball forwards before hooking a cross into the middle, looping over Becca Stephenson bursting in through the middle, Abi Laughlin getting it away for Histon.

Chloe Brame regaining possession for Needham Market gets the ball on for Lucy Loomes to pass into Annie Posnett, looking to attack top of the D, Krueger sliding a foot out to halt the attackers progress. Newly up to support Jackson on Needham Market’s right the winger turning infield is pushed over giving the hosts a free-kick in an inviting position right corner of the area 25 yards out. Captain, Lois Balfour to play the ball into the area, flighting in towards the far post, Krueger up highest heading the ball behind for a corner kick.

Histon defender, Claire Krueger

Histon build on the right McCrae linking up with Pearce receiving the ball 25 yards lout looks to drive forwards get into the box, Sheryce Slater in to defence for Needham Market the ball out for a throw in. Needham Market get the ball forwards, the midfield pressing well in the final third looknig to squeeze Histon on the ball.

GOAL! That press brings a goal attacking to top of the area the ball pressed the defence rushed into a hasty clearance the ball deflected runs out to the left straight to Loomes outside the area, latches onto the ball and puts her foot through it driving her shot in at the near pass giving the diving keeper no chance 1-0. 

Lucy Loomes opening the scoring for Needham Market

Needham Market with the lead inside the opening 8 minutes. Histon suffering an early blow attack from the restart the ball out to Geal on their left, wins a corner kick. Swung in high towards the far post, dealt with by Slater for Needham Market. The hosts threaten a rapid counter attack, Geal does superbly in defence to prevent attack. McCrae seeing the ball into her feet as she finds herself in the left spins in behind Newly looking to race on towards the Needham market box, Slater has other ideas as she comes across to put in a strong sliding tackle to turn the ball out for a throw.

Sheryce Slater moving in to tackle Jess McCrae

Both sides looking to exploit the flanks as they turn play around, Molly Banks on the ball for Histon central plays a great diagonal pass on down the left for Geal to attack, getting hold of the ball and carrying it to the by-line Geal fires the cross in towards the near post, Slater tracking back cutting it out for Needham Market. Histon pushing forwards, McCrae with Banks out to Pearce n the right fed into the top of the area for Sophie Hopkin in attack, right of the D, back heels the ball on for Freya Goddard central, she controls and lays the ball on into the area for Hopkin making the near post run, Clarke rushing out makes the blocking save at the strikers feet

Histon’s Rachel Pearce

Balfour with Brame central the ball fired forwards for Posnett, intercepted by Krueger, lifts the ball out to the left for Geal to bring down and race on towards the Needham Market area, shooting on the angle from outside the box, her effort saved comfortably by Clarke.

GOAL! A couple of promising attacks from Histon yet the find themselves falling further behind as Needham Market press the final third getting bodies up to support the attack, the ball fed out to Stephenson left inside the area one on one with the keeper before rasping a shot past her into the top corner 2-0.

Becca Stephenson fires home Needham Market’s 2nd goal

Needham Market pressing the advantage the ball from Loomes into Posnett driving into the left channel unleashes a powerful strike, Robinson getting down behind the ball to beat the near post strike away across her goal.

GOAL! Brame doing well in the middle for Needham Market winning the ball high up the pitch bringing it on looks to combine with Loomes as the pair drive on up the pitch exchanging passes the Histon defence moves to intervene a sliced clearance spinning out to the left latched onto by Stephenson top of the area and smashes her shot in under the crossbar 3-0.

A quickfire brace for Becca Stephenson

Needham Market racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes. Histon on the back foot get the ball out to the right McCrae with Pearce inside for Hopkin sees her shot charged down as Needham market struggle to clear the ball. Posnett taking the ball out to the right for Needham Market 25 yards out lays it infield for Jackson who clips a cross in towards Stephenson running in at the far post, Laughlin going with her for Histon does well to control the ball down off her chest for her keeper to claim.

Abi Laughlin

Their full backs pushed up Needham Market are leaving space in behind on the flanks, Geal in particular looking to exploit the opportunity racing into the area with the ball down to the by-line flashes a cross in along the face of goal, McCrae running in far post can’t quite reach it, Thomas clearing for Needham Market, won back by Pearce swung back inside towards Hopkin inside the D looks to meet the ball on the volley, fires over.

Needham market’s Niamh Thomas

Freya Goddard getting up to press Bloomfield at the back steals the ball nipping past her, doesn’t get far with Slater coming round on the cover. Mollie Childerley winning the ball from Jackson on her left sends it forwards for Geal racing on down the wing, whips her cross into the six yard box, cut out by Slater. Newley bringing the ball into the middle for Needham Market chips the pass on for Stephenson racing in left side lunging at the ball inside the box her attempt is narrowly wide brushing off the post.

Loomes fouled on halfway, players going up into the box as the ball in floated into the area, cleared by Histon captain, Laura Leyland comes to Jackson out on the right, exchanges passes with Newley before racing down the line to win a corner kick. Swung into the box from the right Histon see it clear.

GOAL! Needham Market extend their lead from a wonderfully hit strike. The ball fired up the middle towards Loomes, tangling with a defender coming to clear emerges on her feet with the ball at her feet 25 plus yards up and time to line up her shot, struck beautifully rifles the ball past the keeper into the top corner to make it 4-0.

Lucy Loomes lining up her strike to claim her brace

A further set-back for Histon they mount an attack form the restart Pearce on the right forwards for McCrae down the right, lays it inside for Hopkin making a run into the box, Clarke reads it though and is quickly out to close the angle and grab hold of the ball.

GOAL! Needham Market ruthless going forwards overwhelm the middle the ball fed into Stephenson out on the left outside the area seeing the ball into her feet turns to attack, holding off her marker before turning to send her strike across the keeper and into the bottom corner to claim her first hat-trick for Needham Market 5-0.

A first half hat-trick for Needham Market’s Becca Stephenson

Needham Market fully in control of the tie with just half an hour played and in doing so double their goals scored tally from their opening 5 matches. Histon shell shocked battle to regain possession high up the pitch Goddard in well to nick the ball unleashing a shot from 30 yards out isn’t too far wide of the left upright.

GOAL! Histon build an attack on the left the diagonal ball fired in towards the top of the area over Hopkin in the middle runs into to McCrae at the far post brings the ball under control and shifts inside to open up the angle to strike the ball and sends her shot past the keeper pull a goal back for the visitors 5-1.

Jess McCrae pulling a goal back for Histon

Jackson flicks the ball off her boot taking it inside for Needham market from the right, space opening up in front of her to strike the ball lets fly, doesn’t get enough purchase on the ball seeing Robinson save comfortably for Histon. Loomes on a hat-trick too for Needham Market linking up with Brame through the middle strikes the ball over from 30 yards out.

Needham Market midfielder, Chloe Brame

Needham Market just that little bit sharper to the ball, using their first tough well to get lay moving forwards looking to get on the front foot 5 goals giving them some much needed confidence. Childerley forced into conceding a corner as she deals with a surging run forwards from Newley on the right. Swept into the six yard box, Krueger up to head the ball away to the left. Stephenson looking to play the ball back into the box, Geal on the penalty spot clearing out to the left the ball not away Slater is taken out with the follow through as the ball is finally launched up field.

A pause in play however Slater is okay to play on. Needham Market win the ball back on the middle Balfour up to Posnett she controls and lays it back for Brame bombing forwards attempts to put Jackson away into the right channel, Robinson out smartly to meet the path of the ball collect top of her area. Robinson with a brave save as she comes to close down Posnett as the Needham Market attacker is put through left of goal, the pair coming together the ball spilt, however, Childerley is on hand to clear for the visitors.

  Half-time Needham Market Women 5-1 Histon Ladies

  A strong first half from Needham Market racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes, pressing the ball high and getting the rewards. The positive opening giving them some much needed confidence going on to add a further two goals to hold a commanding lead at the break. Histon firmly on the back foot, the early goals a blow have kept going looking to create openings up the other end and eventually made one count pulling a goal back, know they have alot of work to do to get themselves back into the tie, need goals however Needham Market can sit back in they choose and wait for the right opportunity to go forwards add to their advantage.

No changes for either side at the break. Needham Market to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back to Bloomfield in defence she goes long looking for Jackson bursting on up the right, plays the pass inside for Loomes, Krueger in to tackle her for Histon clears the ball up the pitch.

Needham Market defender, Laura Bloomfield

Banks coming over to the right with the ball feeds it up the line looking for Pearce as she breaks forwards behind Thomas, Slater comes across to deal with the threat, shielding the ball from Pearce out for a goal kick. Promising build up play from Histon as they come right with the ball McCrae with Banks into Pearce who chips the ball in towards the top of the box for Hopkin, Clarke out smartly to get hold of the ball. A change early in the 2nd half for Histon with Hopkin coming off up top and Shannah Anico coming on.

Histon midfielder, Molly Banks

GOAL! Histon looking for a positive start to the 2nd half lose possession on the left the ball played up to Posnett in the right channel she takes the ball on with purpose before feeding it into Stephenson pulling off the defence right of the D, a good ball into her feet Stephenson composed with her finish to slot the ball under the advancing keeper into the back of the net to score her 4th of the match 6-1

Becca Stephenson firing home her 4th & Needham Market’s 5th early in the 2nd half

Histon firmly on the back foot look to regroup, Goddard out to Banks for McCrae on the right, forwards for Pearce beats her marker before firing a cross into the area the ball intercepted by Bloomfield. Another change for Histon as they bring on Katie Levitt for Goddard, with the substitute going out to the right, Pearce moving to the left. Levitt given the ball puts it into the box for McCrae as she makes a move to the by-line on the right her cross chipped into the near post caught well by Clarke as she drops forwards onto the ball.

Posnett turns on the ball and hits a strike from 25 yards out inside the right channel sees her attempt fly over the crossbar. McCrae getting hold of the ball for Histon in the final third looks to fight her way forwards into the box, Needham Market struggling to get the ball away, escapes through to the left side with Geal latching onto the ball shooting from the angle, blasting her effort wide at the near post.

Annie Posnett driving forwards for Needham Market

Laughlin bringing the ball on for Histon from the right looking for a forward pass, Anico calling as she makes a run off her marker to move right across the D, Laughlin lays the ball on, Clarke though has seen the threat and is out rapidly to deal with it. Needham Market press the ball high Jackson inside for Stephenson central plays it on to the right for Posnett breaking into the area, blasts her strike wide of the near post.

Goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke

Banks with a dipping strike from distance for Histon in a central position, Clarke right behind it falls forwards to grab the ball into her body. A quick counter from Needham Market the ball played through for Jackson breaking away behind, Robinson out of her area stooping to head the ball clear, Jackson’s momentum seeing her crash into the prone goalkeeper, no malice, play stopped immediately Robinson assessed a pause in play but thankfully is alright to play on.

A nasty collision for Keeley Robinson coming to clear the ball, thankfully back up on her feet ready to play on

Leyland getting hold of the ball at the back for Histon sets Levitt away on the right, no offside flag she is in the clear on the wing surging on a players rush into the box from both sides the cross swung in, it’s Thomas who gets the touch to take the ball behind for a corner. Curled into the near side from the left by Histon, it’s Thomas again who deals with the threat for Needham Market.

Balfour goes down in some discomfort on halfway as she goes to win the ball, Brame taking it on finds McGrath to her right her cross from deep, claimed by Robinson as Posnett steals into the six yard box. Balfour looks to have turned her ankle a long pause while she is treated but walks over to the side lines waiting to be called back on. While she was receiving treatment Needham Market made a change bringing off Stephenson sending on Olivia Dunne. Histon too with a change Belle Howard on to replace Pearce.

Histon get on the attack, temporarily with the player advantage Levitt on the attack up the right crossed into the area for McCrae near side strokes her half volley over the crossbar. Histon have Howard on the ball left side plays it down the line for Anico to put a cross into the box, McCrae in to attack near side, tackled by Bloomfield the ball cleared out to the top of the area met by Banks 25 yards out smashes her strike up over the bar.

Shannah Anico looking to get onto the ball

 Histon counter up the right Anico pulling left taking Slater with her, puts the ball inside for McCrae, spins looking for the return pass played down the channel, Slater holds her ground well catching the attacker offside. Needham Market continue to push their full backs on, Slater doing alot of covering across the back line as Histon look to turn play around, coming across to deal with Levitt as the substitute carries the ball on down the right wing. Slater given the armband as Balfour heads off the field, Charlotte McGrath coming on into the middle.

Sheryce Slater

  Needham Market get a free-kick on halfway, Slater over it launching the ball in towards the top of the area, Krueger under it to head clear for the visitors.  Anico lively up top for Histon since coming on steals in behind the centre backs as Histon press down the right the ball looking to attack the ball at the near post snatches at her chance sending the ball wide of the near post. 

Belle Howard holding of Charlotte McGrath

 Jackson getting hold of the ball out on the right for Needham Market striking the ball on the angle from all of 30 yards her effort racing narrowly wide of the far post. Loomes coming off for the hosts with Millie Baggott coming on. 

  GOAL! Histon pull a goal back, one Clarke will want to forget in a hurry, the visitors feeding the ball on for Anico up top central driving into the box Slater on her shoulder the pair closing in on goal, Anico stabs the ball forwards, straight at Clarke but to her dismay the ball escapes through her fingers between her legs and rolls on over the line 6-2.

Shannah Anico pulls a goal back for Histon her first for her new club

  The game opening up with players tiring Needham Market guilty of a few sloppy passes as Histon look to get the ball forwards try to find another opening. The hosts struggling to get the ball clear with Anico in to press lays it back for McCrae 20 yards out to lash a shot over the bar. A free-kick for Histon top of the centre circle inside the Needham Market half, Leyland over it plays the ball in to the penalty spot, dipping late in front of Clarke the keeper adjusting smartly to get behind the ball, pops out of her gloves to her right, Anico throwing a leg at the ball, Clarke reacts well to snatch the ball down and pull into her body. 

Olivia Dunne looking to spin in behind

  Brame up to Dunne left of the D puts the pass across the area for Baggott who in turn lays it on to the right for Jackson to attack down the line, Childerley charging her cross down for Histon. Needham Market winning a corner on the left off a throw in, Posnett short to Jackson the return back back into Posnett as she drags the ball between her feet looking to drive into the box Leyland getting in to close her down put in the blocking tackle.

  The hosts press forward keeping Histon pinned back inside their box, McGrath on for Baggott her shot charged down by Krueger. Krueger defending again as Posnett looks to spin in behind her marker off a throw on the left. Childerley gives away a foul on the right as Jackson looks to get inside from the wing. An inviting angle out wide the set-piece flashed in with pace, missed by Robinson as she tries to come through bodies, the ball cleared off the line by Childerley.

Histon’s Kirsty Geal

  Histon break the ball up to Geal on the left as the visitors pour players on through the middle the cross swung into the area, Howard looking to bring it down central, drags her shot wide. Geal in to attack on the left once again taking the ball to the by-line lifting her cross in to the near post, Clarke down to claim the ball confidently with Anico closing in. Into the dying seconds Needham Market counter attack the ball fired through to Dunne in attack, 25 yards out to the left of the D, her shot tame through to the keeper.

Full time Needham Market Women 6-2 Histon Ladies

  Needham Market with the 6-2 victory advance in the Women’s FA Cup. A confidence boosting win. The damage done in the opening 15 minutes as they raced into a 3 goal lead always had their opponents on the back foot after that, got forwards well sharper with the first touch. Loomes with a wonder strike getting her 2nd of the game and Stephenson with a 1st half hat-trick saw them in control of the tie despite Histon pulling a goal back through McCrae. Histon fought well in the 2nd half looking for a reply, the game open chances for both sides. Needham Market with an early strike to open up a 6-1 lead. Anico coming on looking lively pulling it back to 6-2 late on. The tier 6 sides cup run over, will look to return to winning ways in the league capitalise on their good start to the season. Needham Market in turn hoping this result will kick-start their own league campaign.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. A couple of strong contenders. Some performances of note to mention first. For Histon, Kirsty Geal looked to provide an outlet on the left throughout the game getting forwards well. Jess McCrae linking up play well getting into some great attacking positions, Rachel Pearce too on the right getting hold of the ball looking to set up attacks. Shannah Anico sharp up top coming off the bench making so good runs. For Needham Market, Sheryce Slater was solid at the back reading the game well getting across to nullify threats, and clear the ball. Chloe Brame winning the ball high kept Needham market on the front foot throughout the game. Cate Jackson a strong outlet on the right, whether taking the ball down the line or cutting inside. Lucy Loomes got forwards well opening the scoring and firing in a wonderful 2nd. The award goes to Becca Stephenson finding the back of the net for 4 goals including a 1st half hat-trick. Tenacious on the ball looking to take players on, coming in from the left side of attack took the game to Histon.

 A late call after the original game was called off late, was nevertheless great to catch up with both sides early in the season. My thanks to both for the help with the team details. Once I’ve got that info I’m set for the game. Looking forward to the draw for the next round of the cup.

by Darren Gilham