Category Archives: Match Reports

Match Report – Copleston Ladies v Walsham Le Willows Ladies

A new season of County league football kicked off across the East and the rest of the country this Sunday. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog started with a trip into Suffolk to watch last season’s league Champions, Copleston Ladies begin the defence of their title at home to newly formed Walsham Le Willows Ladies it’s squad of players from the recently folded Bury Town Ladies. 

Match Report – Copleston Ladies v Walsham Le Willows Ladies

 
  It’s the start of a new season of County league football this Sunday and the Supporting Women’s Football Blog is starting things off with a trip to Suffolk to watch the Champions, Copleston Ladies begin the defence of their title at home to new side Walsham Le Willows Ladies.

  Ipswich based side, Copleston Ladies came from behind to emerge top of the league last season, always having games in hand on the leading group the Suffolk Women’s League despite just having 7 teas competing was one of the most competitive over the season with anyone of 5 sides in the running for the title for a good portion of the campaign. Copleston fell behind in their fixtures due to postponements however as the others jostled for points the maths meant if they could win their games in hand they would lead the table when it really mattered on the final day. Games in hand and converting them into points isn’t always easy, but Copleston stayed strong knew the prize and won the title. Have kept most of that title winning squad together with the exception of striker Jade Horne top scorer with 24 goals last season, who has moved to Brantham Athletic Ladies. 

  Walsham Le Willows Ladies are one of three new sides to join the Suffolk Women’s Division this season as it increases to 10 sides, the others being London City Ladies and Ipswich Town Ladies new Development side. Walsham Le Willows are the former Bury Town Ladies squad, having folded and moved to start a fresh with new backing and new colours, drop down a league from the ERWFL. An experienced group who were coached formerly by Jake Francis now with Copleston Ladies. 

  The venue for today’s match, Copleston High School, situated west of Ipswich town centre. The pitch on the sports field behind the school, a very dry and wall used surface. A hot sunny afternoon with trees providing some much welcome shade on one side of the pitch, for the spectators at least.

 Copleston Ladies starting XI – Gemma Crane, Megan Stock, Shannon Giles, Leanne Derbyshire, Sadie Cullen, Hollie Akers (C), Amy Trenter, Roxanne Middle, Elysia Young, Marta Amorim & Sophie Crane.
 subs – Kara Smith & Toni Mott.

 Walsham Le Willows Ladies starting XI – Charlotte Osborne, Shelly Cocksedge, Lisa Pratt (C), Zoe Klimcke, Emma Boreham, Norma Locker, Mia Banbury, Mikaela Talbert, Gemma Carter, Laura Brame & Stephanie Hanratty.
 subs –

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

   No substitutes for the visiting side, and although Stephanie Hanratty is listed as a starter above for Walsham Le Willows she was running late, would join the action later. So Walsham Le Willows start with 10 on the field have kick off, wearing their new colours an all red strip. Copleston lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts with navy shorts and socks. 
  A tentative start to the game with both sides testing the other with long balls up the wings the full backs winning the headers, Elysia Young in the middle of the park for Copleston looks to play in Marta Amorim up the left wing looks to knock it past Walsham’s Shelly Cocksedge the defender throws out a leg takes the ball away from her. Walsham come forwards the ball with Norma Locker in midfield brings it on into the Copleston half sending the pass forwards into Laura Brame who in turn spreads play right with Gemma Carter surging down the wing hits the shot early outside the area places the ball wide of goal.

Copleston Ladies, Sophie Crane tussles with Walsham’s Gemma Carter for possession of the ball
  Despite having just the 10 on the field at the start, Walsham are pressing forwards finding space, Mia Banbury and Locker combine in the middle moving the ball forwards as captain Lisa Pratt breaks from left back to receive the pass inside the Copleston half attempts the diagonal ball into the area from Brame, the pass is intercepted by Sadie Cullen at the back for Copleston concedes the 1st corner of the match on the left side. Is a great ball fizzed in across the six yard box by Carter plenty of pace on it Mikaela Talbert has a free header far past doesn’t get it on target.
  Applying the early pressure in the game Walsham have Copleston pushed back into their own half, their attacking players having to start from near the half-way line gives the visitors defence plenty of time to set itself. A free kick won inside the Walsham half gives Copleston a chance to push players up towards their opponents area the ball is sent high up towards the edge of the box, Sophie Crane goes up for it along with Walsham’s Emma Boreham the defender getting enough on the ball to take it away from her area.
 GOAL! Walsham have the ball inside the Copleston half, Brame drives forwards towards the area looks to lay it off to Carter, Cullen slides in to intercept the ball concede the corner. Is another great ball in from Carter  whipped in from the right drops to Locker unmarked inside the six yard box, adjusts her feet and stabs the ball home with her left foot 0-1. 10 minutes played. 

Norma Locker opens the scoring for Walsham Le Willows
  Walsham continue to press put the Copleston back line under pressure, Talbert wins another corner on the left, the delivery flashed through the crowded six yard box, catches Locker by surprise gets enough of a touch to deflect the ball towards goal, between goalkeeper, Gemma Crane her defenders the ball is smuggled out for a 2nd corner on the right. A high ball into the six yard box this time Leanna Derbyshire with a firm header gets it away from the area, picked up on the right by Walsham a shot comes in from distance flies over the crossbar.
  Copleston make a change Toni Mott comes on for Amorim on the left side of attack. Amy Trenter gets hold of the ball in midfield for Copleston as the home side get a spell of possession going in the middle pushing on into the Walsham, manages to thread a pass through the defence with Mott pushing inside from the left, Charlotte Osborne in the Walsham goal is out of her area early and to the ball before Mott can reach it.
  Up the other end, Crane does the same coming out of her area to kick the ball clear of the on rushing Talbert as Pratt plays a good ball over the top. Trenter plays the ball into Sophie Crane, good hold up play before looking to send the ball up the left with Roxanne Middle breaking forwards for Copleston, Zoe Klimcke comes across to lunge in to take the ball from her. 

Zoe Klimcke brings the ball forwards from the back for Walsham Ladies

  Very nearly an own goal from Copleston, play building up down the left side for Walsham, Locker playing Talbert in down the wing carries the ball into the corner before turning inside and firing a low cross in towards the near post, Brame misses her touch which catches the defender behind her by surprise the ball deflected goalwards comes back off the post before being cleared behind for the corner. The delivery from the left is sent up towards the top of the area, Locker rising to meet it heads the ball down towards goal, plenty of power behind the header, goalkeeper Crane saves but spills the ball which is cleared off the line by a defender.

  A hot day play pauses so the players can take on fluids. Kara Smith comes on for Copleston up top replacing Crane. A throw to Walsham on the right the pass down the line sees Carter get her head down and push on with the ball, Megan Stock gets across to put in the tackle and win the ball. Comes back too easily play spread crossfield into Pratt coming on with the ball plays it on for Talbert ahead of her cutting back in field rolls the ball into Banbury 30 yards out takes two strides with the ball before opening her body and attempting to curl a shot into the top corner, not enough high to trouble Crane in the Copleston goal, palms the shot down and gathers.
  Strong running on the ball from Talbert down the left again, Shannon Giles keeps pace with her shoulder to shoulder prevents her getting inside into the area as she would like still manages to get a shot away, in low towards the near post, Crane is across and makes the save. Walsham are doing well with 10, now they have 11 on the pitch Hanratty arrived and changed to join the action. Brame sees a throw on the left into her feet, a good touch to knock it in behind then lays the ball into Talbert top of the area, jinks left then right to find a shooting opportunity instead Young gets back on her timing her tackle perfectly to put the ball behind for a corner. 

Walsham Le Willows Ladies
captain, Lisa Pratt
 
 GOAL! The 1st half moves into the last 5 minutes with Walsham having dominated throughout, now they double their advantage, is a fantastic assist by Pratt as she comes forwards with the ball on the left lobs the ball over the top of the Copleston defence with Hanratty breaking in behind, a race for the ball between her and Crane who comes rushing out to close her down, Hanratty gets there 1st lifting the ball over the keeper from the edge of the box and wheels away in celebration as the ball bounces into the back of the net 0-2.

 
  Hollie Akers, Copleston’s captain comes back into defence to win the ball back takes it forwards plays a good pass 25 yards into Smith just over half-way tries to force her way between the Walsham centre backs, Klimcke and Boreham close the door. Into added time in the 1st half, Middle plays the ball into Smith inside the Walsham half a long way from goal tries the shot none-the-less an easy take for Osborne who has had little to do.
Half-time Copleston Ladies 0-2 Walsham Le Willows Ladies

    A dominant 1st half from Walsham Le Willows have been in control from start to finish starting with 10, finding space making good runs off the ball, controlling possession haven’t had to chase the ball. Not the game I was expecting certainly. Copleston haven’t been at it at all no meaningful possession have defended deep making it hard to get anything going in attack. It can all change in football however the lead is 2-0 the next goal is crucial, Copleston need the belief it will be theirs as they kick-off the 2nd half.
  The sun is low over the trees, the shade is nice but not a help for Copleston 2nd half the goal they are defending is facing it, posing an added threat. Sophie Crane is back on up top in place of Smith for Copleston at the start of the 2nd half. Early opportunity for Brame to break up the right wing for Walsham as Banbury wins the ball, plays it out to her squares her cross along to six yard box, Cullen heads the ball out for the corner kick. Carter sends in a great delivery, Derbyshire rises highest in the centre of the six yard box to clear the ball out left for a throw. 

Copleston Ladies, Roxanne Middle evades a challenge from Walsham’s Norma Locker

  A strong start to the 2nd half by Walsham push forwards, Locker plays the ball up to Carter she headers the ball over the top with Hanratty bursting clear, went too soon the flag is up for offside. Up the other end Young plays Mott in down the left wing, a good run turns inside trying to get into the box, Klimcke comes across and going to ground slides in to make the challenge. 

 GOAL! Walsham are awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal to the right of the area, it’s Carter to take the set-piece, with the sun at her back takes on the shot hitting the ball up into the air towards goal on target dropping late, Crane is behind it throws her gloves up gets something on the ball but can’t keep it out Walsham extend their lead 0-3. 
 
Gemma Carter watches as her strike flies towards goal
  Young tries to make something happen for Copleston steals in to win the ball off a Walsham throw in the left brings it on before passing it forwards for Middle who has made a great run through the middle, closing down the Walsham area the attack ends as Boreham closes her down and tackling wins the ball back. Young with the ball at her feet pushes up the right wing lifts a high ball into the box, Osborne calls for it and catches the ball.
 
 GOAL! Talbert with a rapid turn of place breaks inside from the left wing pulls the trigger from distance sending in a dipping shot towards the near post is instinctive from Crane in goal throwing out a boot to make the safe, the ball is put behind for a corner on the left. The ball in is superb flashing across the face of goal, Talbert is central a couple of yards out unmarked nods the ball home to extend Walsham’s lead 0-4.
 
 GOAL! Walsham continue to press keeping possession of the ball inside the Copleston half a shirt pull is seen by the referee the visitors have another free-kick in almost an identical position from the one before. Carter over it looks to go for goal again a little more height on the ball, drops late onto the crossbar, falls back into the six yard box players scramble to clear the ball is cleared out to the left, picked up by Hanratty 25 yards out brings it inside before pulling the trigger sending the ball into the far corner of the net 0-5.

  The visitors are full of energy, Locker from the middle of the park plays the ball onto Banbury drifting away to the right, cuts the ball inside to Brame with Carter in close support outside the box, Cullen closes her down wins the ball. Banbury takes a throw in on the right inside the Copleston half Brame takes control of the ball top right corner of the area fires a ball across to Talbert on the opposite side she lays it into the path of Pratt advancing from deep meets the ball on the half volley 20 yards out powers the strike wide of goal. Smith returns to the action for Copleston.
 
 GOAL! Walsham extend their lead and it is a brilliant individual goal from Carter, the ball fired into her feet from midfield his in a central position outside the box, holds off her marker moving to the right, looks to turn back inside before shifting the ball right gets a half yard of space spins and hits the ball goalwards a looping effort heading for the top corner, Crane tries to get to it throwing herself across her goal the ball dipping under the bar and in 0-6.

  Middle and Trenter keep going for Copleston tough tackling to win the ball, options forwards are limited, Middle tries to pick out Smith in a central position, brings the ball down, tries to push it beyond the Walsham centre backs, Klimcke throws a leg out towards the ball pushing it away from the striker. 
 
Gemma Carter, pictured with Copleston’s Toni Mott
scores a hat-tick on the opening day of the season

 GOAL! Walsham extend their lead to 7 goals and it’s Carter who gets her hat-trick. The build up from Locker in the centre, strong running on the ball carrying it out to the right passes it forwards for Carter to run onto, shifts it inside and shots from the angle outside the box a swerving ball that flies past the keeper and into the back of the net. 0-7.

  Hard for Copleston to lift themselves know they have been out-played, Giles plays the ball onto Young as they build a counter attack down the right the ball is lifted up into the area with Smith inside running towards goal, six yards out just doesn’t get the touch that would have taken it past Osborne the keeper seeing the ball into her gloves. Young closes down the ball on half way, Trenter provides the forwards run getting in behind the Walsham defence little chance of winning the race for the ball before Osborn can collect on the edge of her area, a slight fumble from the keeper, has Trenter interested goes to close her down, Osborne shielding the ball grabs it.

Copleston’s Amy Trenter get’s the ball past Walsham’s Mia Banbury

  Talbert goes on a surging run up the left wing with the ball unleashes a low driving shot from just outside the box, Crane coming across to her near post makes a fantastic save. The ball is won back by Walsham outside the box Locker charging in goes to shot, Stock throws her body in the path of the ball blocks it. 

 
 GOAL! Late into the 2nd half and time for Walsham to score another goal, good work from Brame on the right tries to dribble her way into the box wins the corner kick. The delivery is vicious again whipped in with pace across the goal face, Talbert is free in the centre to turn the ball over the line for her 2nd of the game 0-8.

  Copleston with some good build up play down the right get the ball forwards as the game moves into injury time Stock playing a good diagonal ball into Young central, Middle makes a run out to the right, receiving the ball swings a flighted ball into the Walsham box, Smith can’t get to it before Boreham heads it clear. The ball is picked up by Akers her pass picks out Smith outside the box right of the D, 20 yards out, gets a shot away past Osborne runs wide of goal. The last action of the game as the referee blows the final whistle.
Full time Copleston Ladies 0-8 Walsham Le Willows Ladies

  Far from the start to the defence of their title than Copleston wanted, a tough result to take on the opening day of the season, can’t have too many complaints however were out played never got into the game. Their players upset and dejected, little you can do, sometimes in football these results will happen, all you can do is pick yourself up and find the determination to put it right next time. Having seen them in action before know they are more than capable of doing that.
  Take nothing away from Walsham Le Willows a great start to the season for the new club, an energetic display, getting control of the ball, moving it quickly using the wings and able to play a high line pushing Copleston back into their own half prevented their opponents from getting the ball forwards with any purpose. 
  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details today, best of luck to both for the rest of the season.

Match Report – Hutton Ladies v Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

 The midweek football action continued on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog with a Friday night fixture popping up on the calendar, another trip to Essex this time to the John Hornby School in Basildon to watch the ERWFL Division One game between Hutton Ladies & Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies.

Match Report – Hutton Ladies v Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

 
  Friday night football on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog another trip down into Essex to watch more women’s football from the ERWFL, this time in Division One with Hutton Ladies playing Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies.

  Hutton Ladies are the home side for tonight’s fixture usually play their home fixtures at the Basildon Sports Club a short distance away. Are an established side in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League set-up. Were among the title chasers last season in the old ERWFL Division One West, one of the few sides in the ERWFL I’ve yet to see play. Also have a Reserves side competing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division. 

  Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies are late to the season didn’t start their league campaign until this Sunday earn’t a point scoring with the final kick of the ball at home to newly promoted Wymondham Town Ladies in a 3-3 draw. Aren’t running a Reserves side this season, the club however has a large squad to pick from. Are looking push on this season challenge for promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division.

  A rearranged fixture from the start of the season with both sides having players unavailable, partying at the V festival. A Friday night kick-off the easiest way to secure a 3G pitch with floodlighting. The venue for tonight’s game the John Hornby School in Basildon, I have been here before only I hadn’t remembered because it was during a hurricane for my 1st match of 2016 when only 4 fixtures survived the weather got soaked through watching Billericay Town Ladies v Acle United Ladies. Is a decent sized 3G pitch with room for supporters to stand beside safely beside it. The weather much improved dry the evening still humid but cooling.

  Hutton Ladies starting XI – Krissie Glover, Danielle Jennings, Rianne Dimmock, Kelly Roberts (C), Hannah Page, Rhiannon Mallard-McHugh, Jessica Tuffen, Laura Allen, Amy Crumpler, Hayley Critchell & Danielle Cliffe.
  subs – Kaitlin Sugg & Keeley Walker.

  Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies starting XI – Jasmine Brooker, Courtney Fraser, Eloise Ives, Danielle Styles, Taylor Parrish, Abbie Simmonds (C), Kerri Thomas, Robyn Mudd, Libby Clarke, Georgia Fraser & Sophie Dowman.
  subs – Naomi Hayes, Taylor Adcock, Sophie Darkins, Katy Judd & Patrizia Leo

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   The floodlights starting to come on it’s Little Thurrock to kick-off the 1st half, wearing black and orange shirts, black shorts and socks with Hutton lined up opposite in an all red kit with white collar and trim on the shirts. The ball is sent long out towards the left wing early on, Hutton get possession and look to try the same up the other end of the pitch. An energetic start from both sides the ball is exchanged between the sides without the precision needed to pick anyone out. 
  Krissie Glover keeping goal for Hutton is quick to react get out to the edge of her box as Little Thurrock captain, Abbie Simmonds in the centre of midfield plays the ball in behind the defence for Sophie Dowman to chase, the keeper getting hold of the ball launching a counter move the ball into Rianne Dimmock on the left played down the line for Hayley Critchell tries to knock it past the Little Thurrock defence get down the wing, Taylor Parrish from centre back comes to tackle put the ball out for a throw. 
  Neither side is letting the other have time on the ball, closing down in midfield, Laura Allen for Hutton turn cleverly evade a challenge, brings the ball on into the Little Thurrock half threads the ball between the opposition defence, goalkeeper Jasmine Glover is out to the top of her area to gather before Danielle Cliffe can reach it in attack for Hutton. Cliffe back to goal 25 yards out holds the ball up pushing it back to Amy Crumpler coming forwards to support her, has Critchell to her left looking to make a run in behind the Little Thurrock defence, tries to play her in over the top, the pass too straight is easily gathered by Brooker.
  GOAL! Little Thurrock push forwards win a corner on the right, players coming up from the back gathering at the far post area. Is a fantastic delivery into the box flashed with pace across the six yard box, straight at Danielle Styles hits the ball on the volley a sweet strike to send the ball back across the goal face and over the line 0-1.
 
   Plenty of zip and bounce on the artificial playing surface, Little Thurrock using the width Robyn Mudd attacking up the left wing driving on with the ball keeping Hutton right back Danielle Jennings busy. On the left side attacking for Hutton, Critchell is constantly looking to play the ball around the full back run in behind, but Parrish is always there to get across and tackle beyond. Hutton have a throw deep in the Little Thurrock half, Crumpler puts the ball into Cliffe standing outside the top left corner of the box rolls it into the path of the advancing Dimmock who looks to curl her cross into the area, too close to the keeper who catches it near post.
  Little Thurrock have settled into the game quicker than Hutton closing the ball down better, the back four dropping back as a unit the midfield squeezing the ball forcing Hutton to play it backwards rather than forwards. Kelly Roberts, Hutton’s captain makes a vital interception at the back cutting out a Simmonds diagonal pass that would have seen Georgia Fraser clear to run in behind. When Hutton do go forwards Crumpler has space in the midfield as Little Thurrock drop off her, keeping tabs with those breaking forwards limiting the passing options. Crumpler very nearly threads the ball through the eye of the needle as Critchell tries cutting back inside through the centre Parrish just manages to get a toe on the ball to push it away from her.
  Getting up the left wing for Little Thurrock, Mudd gets her side a throw in, players push up the line the ball thrown long into the crowd, Dowman spins off the back knocking the ball on into the area gives chase, Hannah Page coming the other way gets to it 1st launching it out of the area for Hutton. Change for Hutton Rhiannon Mallard-McHugh comes off with Keeley Walker coming on. Little Thurrock make a substitution too, Katy Rudd on for Dowman. Hutton are awarded a free kick in a dangerous position a couple of yards outside the box on the left side indirect, Tuffen shifts it for Crumpler her strike is charged down by Simmonds the ball spins away to the right, Critchell puts her foot through it right of the D, the shot screws away from goal.
  Kerri Thomas is high up the pitch on the left side as Mudd driving forwards with the ball gets another throw in send long again Thomas receives turns inside and shoots from the top corner of the box, aiming near post Glover is behind it all the way makes the save. Thomas does well for Little Thurrock in the middle controlling the ball with her head before knocking it out to Eloise Ives on the right, she sends a long diagonal ball up towards the top of the area for Fraser, has Roberts with her the defender out muscling her headers the ball back to her keeper.
  Critchell pressing up the left forces Little Thurrock to concede the corner kick. Players come forward from the back taken from the left goes long, Roberts is under it can’t get her head on the ball, Little Thurrock clear it, Allen picks it up for Hutton 30 yards out hitting the shot on the half volley, is off target. Little Thurrock bring on Patrizia Leo in place of Ives. A corner late in the 1st half for Little Thurrock on the left the ball is fizzed into the area with pace Simmonds with the header places the ball over the crossbar.

Half-time Hutton Ladies 0-1 Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

  A narrow lead for Little Thurrock at half-time, in a 1st half that has seen little goal mouth action. Scoring from a set-piece have done well as a unit to frustrate Hutton and close the ball limit their attacks. A narrow lead Hutton have come forwards well enough but been a little slow in their build up play allowing Little Thurrock plenty of time to get organised cut out the final ball. It’s Hutton to kick-off the 2nd half.
 Hutton play the ball up into the right channel win a corner straight away in the 2nd half, the ball into the box is cleared by Courtney Fraser as Little Thurrock launch a rapid counter attack the final ball hit with too much pace for Judd to get to is gathered by Glover inside the Hutton box. Judd involved in the next Little Thurrock attack the ball sent into the box from the right by Simmonds, Judd bursting into that side of goal sees the ball drop over hr shoulder, but trying to hep it goal wards does get a good connection with the ball runs on for Glover to scoop up.
  Roberts is down in her area with a muscle injury, needs to come off to recover, Kaitlin Sugg comes on. Mudd and Judd link up well on the left side, the former winning a corner off Jennings. Another good delivery fired into the area with pace behind it, too close to the keeper this time, Glover with a confident claim. Hutton’s frustration grows are a little static Cliffe goes down injured as she and Simmonds tussle for the ball in the middle of the park an ankle injury can’t continue, is carried off, Roberts recovered from her knock ready to return to the action. Little Thurrock bring off Mudd send on Sophie Darkins.
   Hutton have alot of players up the pitch for a throw on the left, the ball is won back by Little Thurrock who attack quickly the ball given to Simmonds on half-way carries it on into the Hutton half Judd sprints forwards to her right wanting the ball played into the area, Simmonds tries the diagonal ball, Page in between the pair well positioned to intercept. 
  Simmonds is seeing alot of the ball 2nd half for Little Thurrock bringing it on down the right is brought down the referee playing the advantage as Courtney Fraser latches onto the loose ball takes it in behind the Hutton defence, lifts the cross into the box Glover coming towards the ball gets a firm hold of the ball at hr near post. Judd is flagged offside for Little Thurrock as Darkins attempts the ball through the middle of the Hutton defence.
  Critchell hasn’t stopped running on the left for Hutton, has found it tough to get in behind the Little Thurrock defence the throws conceded are adding up, from one of those the ball is dropped into the feet of Hutton’s Sugg shifts it and spinning inside drives towards the area before blasting a shot on the angle into the side netting. 
  GOAL! Little Thurrock double their advantage keeping up their pressing game the ball is won inside the Hutton half, Simmonds races forwards through the middle looking to support Judd as the attacker finds an extra burst of energy to get her clear of Page at the back, reaching the top of the area holds it up as the keeper starts to come Page gets back too, The ball popping out from the pair just as Simmonds arrives her touch taking it beyond everyone and into the back of the net 0-2.
 
   Glover comes out sliding in to save the ball at the feet of Judd as she breaks into the area from the right one more played in by Darkins. The corner deliveries from Little Thurrock have been excellent something they have been working hard at in training recently. Have a corner the ball in from the left is along the six yard box met by Parrish who heads it back across goal, Hutton have players marking the posts the ball is headed clear back into the box, after a scramble a 2nd corner is conceded, swung in too close to the keeper this time Glover calls for it and claims.
  Simmonds latches onto a goal kick takes a stride with the ball then unleashes a shot right of the goal 30 yards along the ground Glover a little off guard, flicks out a boot to gets something on the ball deflects it wide across her area conceding the corner.
  GOAL! Little Thurrock are on top at this point in the 2nd half creating chance extend their lead to 3 with another well taken corner, fired in long again dissecting the six yard box it’s Styles up from the back who stoops to send a bullet of a header into the back of the net 0-3.
  Little Thurrock rotate their players making plenty of changes, Naomi Hayes coming on for Thomas. Dowman comes on for Simmonds. Critchell taking the ball up the left for Hutton, turns inside finding a half yard for a shot fires the ball in towards goal on target, Brooker is behind it palms the ball down and collects. Little Thurrock are awarded a free-kick inside the Hutton half 35 yards from goal, Georgia Fraser never-the-less takes on the shot places her effort over the bar. Ives returns the the field for Little Thurrock Fraser rested. 
  A mistake at the back from Brooker handling the ball outside her box gives Hutton an indirect free-kick right on the edge of the area, left side the ball is shifted for Crumpler to blast goal-wards powers the ball wide across the face of goal. 
  GOAL! Not long after Hutton do pull a goal back from a dead ball, have players up around the Little Thurrock area the ball is knocked into the box the referee spots a hand ball and points to the spot. Dimmock to take the penalty, sends the ball into the back lifting the ball to the keepers right 1-3. A little under 10 minutes plus stoppage to play.
  GOAL! No sooner have Hutton gotten a goal back then Little Thurrock go up the other end and add a 4th goal. A free-kick is give out wide right players pile forwards into the box the delivery is sent long Glover back pedalling as the ball looks to be going straight in top corner far post players converge from both sides the keeper can’t keep it out collides with the post the ball is over the line, Judd credited with the goal 1-4
 
  The goal has floored Hutton have 2 players down injured both including goalkeeper Glover are OK to continue little time left to play in the game into a lengthy period of injury time, Little Thurrock continue to press forwards the ball comes into the feet of Ives in space in a central position outside the box puts her foot through the ball powering it goalwards, Dimmock is pole-axed briefly as she drops to block the shot with her head deflecting it away for the corner. The set-piece is cleared the referee blowing the final whistle.    
Full-time Hutton Ladies 1-4 Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

  A 4-1 win for Little Thurrock, fully deserved put in a good performance full of energy, closing the ball down well and defensively solid keeping a good shape at the back. A real threat from set-pieces some quality balls from dead ball situations, pick up their 1st win of the season to move onto 4 points and join the chasing pack behind leaders Cambridge City Ladies. The opposite for Hutton a lack-lustre performance never really got going and heads dropped too early 2nd half. Showed some promising build up play the final ball needed to be put in quicker too often Little Thurrock were allowed to get back into position. Stay on 4 points in the chasing pack too, early days yet in the season..
 My thanks to both clubs for their help with the sides tonight, appreciated as always.

Match Report – Colchester Town Ladies v Writtle Ladies

A Thursday night trip down into Essex for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, to catch some early season action from the ERWFL Premier Division with a new look Colchester Town Ladies side taking on newly promoted Writtle Ladies under the floodlights at Stanway Rovers FC.

Match Report – Colchester Town Ladies v Writtle Ladies

 
 A midweek trip down to Essex to watch a derby match in the ERWFL Premier Division with Colchester Town Ladies hosting Writtle Ladies both playing their 3rd match of the new season.

  Is a new look Colchester Town Ladies side too starting the 2016/17 season. Had a good end to last season winning the ERWFL League Cup Final. Much of that side has now left the club. Former manager Rosi Webb and a couple of others have gone to fellow ERWFL Premier Division side, Billericay Town Ladies, others have joined Lowestoft Town Ladies and C&K Basildon Ladies whilst former captain Alex Brewis-Shephard has retired from the game. 

  Adam Firman is now 1st team coach and taking charge of a new look side, Colchester have a strong youth set-up and several of their U18s have stepped up to the 1st team. Goalkeeper Molly Povey joining the club from C&K Basildon Ladies starts in goal tonight making her debut. A side still getting to know one another. Started the season with an opening day win scoring the winning goal late on, suffered the opposite in their 2nd game losing out to a last gasp winning goal. 

  Writtle Ladies are newly promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division, have had a rapid rise up the football pyramid 3 successive promotions from the Essex Women’s County Leagues up into the ERWFL Division One East last season had a 100% for almost 3 seasons in that time to lost one game towards the end of last season to end that amazing record by then however they were Champions and going up, got more silverware too winning the ERWFL Division One Cup last season aswell as finishing runners-up in the Essex Women’s County Cup. 

  Have a settled and stable playing squad backed up by a good youth set-up have made new signings, two former Colchester Town Ladies players in their ranks now, Charlotte Bryant and Lucy Jones. Lost their opening league fixture before bouncing back to win 5-1 last Sunday, both sides on 3 points going into tonight’s Essex derby.

  The venue for tonight’s game Stanway Rovers FC, not far off the A12 between a residential and industrial area. Bar and clubhouse out front beside the carpark the ground beyond. A large pitch, not the most level of playing surfaces by any means rises sharply towards one corner. Hot drinks available a cup of tea the 1st order of business. Has been another warm sunny day the evening dry, cooling slightly the floodlights taking effect as the two sides walk out for kick-off.

Colchester Town Ladies starting XI – Molly Povey, Tamesha Blackwood, Chloe Dunn, Elizabeth Blacklock, Georgia Lockerbie, Sasha McDonald, Katie Bruce, Rebecca Donnelly, Millie Wilding, Miagh Downey & Georgia Box (C).
subs – Lauren Bourne, Nancy Butler & Erin Hornby.

Writtle Ladies starting XI – Jamie-Lee Bamford, Kayleigh Franklin, Lucy Jones, Niamh Gamble, Lynette Jones, Charlotte Bryant, Ellie Bowdidge, Courtney Clarke, Leanne Stubbings, Abigail Fry (C) & Sophie Vale.
subs – Hannah Mold, Charlotte Walker, Georgia Tricker, Amelia Murphy & Mia Brisley.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s Colchester to get the game underway kicking off 1st half wearing red and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks with Writtle lined up opposite wearing white and green horizontal striped shirts, green shorts and socks. The home side move the ball quickly into the Writtle half, captain Georgia Box giving chase to it into the right channel forces Writtle to concede a throw in the ball is given to Chloe Dunn the full-back firing a diagonal ball into the box near side is met by Miagh Downey her 1st touch a header powers the ball wide of goal.
  GOAL! It’s a goal to the away side early on as they hit Colchester on the counter attack, goalkeeper, Jamie-Lee Bamford having collected the ball from a free-kick gets it moving quickly the ball is with Leanne Stubbings in a central position as she drives forwards with the ball centrally as she drives into the Colchester half, has Writtle captain Abigail Fry making a run on the left rolls the ball into her, players pile forwards towards the top of the area, Fry squares the ball along the top of the Colchester box, Stubbings helps it on with Courtney Clarke beyond opens her body to turn the ball towards goal keeping the shot low, Molly Povey in the Colchester goal can’t get down quick enough the ball inside the post and in 0-1.
 
   Both sides are looking to build a quick attack get the ball into their attackers, Sasha McDonald for Colchester tries one over the top for Box to go after, the bounce carrying it through to Bamford in the Writtle goal. Charlotte Bryant on the ball moving forwards for Writtle through the centre of midfield plays the ball on with Stubbings making a run in behind the Colchester defence, the attack halted by the offside flag. 

  Colchester bring the ball out from the back the pass up field into Millie Wilding bringing the ball up the right passes inside to McDonald she switches play out to the left, Downey with Rebecca Donnelly, win a throw level with the top of the area, taken quickly the ball is played into Downey’s feet outside the top left hand corner of the Writtle area, her turn and hit is charged down. 

  Niamh Gamble in the Writtle back line turns defence into a attack as she tackles Box to win the ball back for the visitors and plays it long down the left wing with Fry breaking down the line, picking up the ball dribbles her way into the area closing in on goal her touch to move the ball inside is too strong gives Povey the chance to pounce on the ball send it clear of her area. Writtle are using the full width of the pitch Fry left and Sophie Vale on the right stretching the Colchester defence, Vale gets in behind looks to drive towards the area, Georgia Lockerbie closes her down a good tackle to win the ball back. 

  Throw on the right for Colchester inside the Writtle half, Dunn to take throws in towards Box near the top right corner of the area, good hold up play before laying the pass back to the advancing McDonald she looks to swing a diagonal ball into the area, Downey and Donnelly up there, in between them Writtle’s Lynette Jones rises highest to head the ball out of danger. 

  GOAL! The game is being played at a rapid tempo the ball played up field quickly as an attack is broken down, Writtle win the ball back push it on into midfield the ball then put long for Vale to receive on the right, getting in behind the Colchester defence turns inside to close down the area, Povey starts to come, Vale opts to shoot from outside the area blasting the ball across the advancing keeper and into the far corner of the net0-2.

  A change of positions for Colchester switching full-backs Dunn moving to the left, Tamesha Blackwood coming over to the left. Writtle press the ball high up the pitch, Stubbings has it right side puts the ball into Vale, Kayleigh Franklin from right back goes on the overlap the ball cut back in towards the top of the area looking to pick out Clarke near side, Blackwood gets back on her to prevent her getting the ball under control and unleashing a shot. On the opposite flank the ball is with Fry as she takes it down to the byline whips the cross on near post Clarke has made the run turning the ball on towards goal her effort is blocked. 

  Colchester make two substitutions, Donnelly and Katie Bruce off, on come Lauren Bourne and Nancy Butler. A corner for Writtle on the right side the ball played long towards the far post is met by Fry, can’t keep her header down the ball going out for the goal-kick. 

  GOAL! Writtle are seeing more of the ball have possession inside the Colchester half win a free kick wide on the right the ball in a deep position, Vale over it as players come up from the back the ball is sent long into the box near post two green and white stripe shirted players look to attack it the ball instead is cleared out of the area comes to a Writtle boot knocked across to Ellie Bowdidge outside the area in a central position takes the shot on 20 yards out powering the ball into the back of the net over the keeper before she can react 0-3.

  A free kick from an almost identical position a moment later the ball sent up into the area again, more central this time comes to Bowdidge can’t bring it under control before she is closed down by the Colchester defence. Fry keeps finding room on the left for Writtle swings in a good cross, Clarke the target, Elizabeth Blacklock clears the ball with her head. A free kick to Writtle wide left this time, Vale looks to go for goal sending a ball high, it drops late, too late however onto the roof of the net.

 Erin Hornby comes on for Colchester replacing, Blackwood at right back. Vale with another set-piece on the right lifts the ball up into the box Clarke central is challenged by Dunn the Colchester defender doing well against her to win the ball. The free-kick count for Writtle is adding up have another outside the box to the left of goal, Fry over this one curls the ball in aiming for the top corner near post on target, Povey does fantastically well to get a glove on the ball take it behind for the corner.

  GOAL! Is a fantastic delivery from the corner on the left, Vale whipping the ball in along the six yard box keeping it low, is met by Clarke coming in far post gets her foot on the ball to stab it in towards goal and over the line 0-4. 

  Colchester attack from the restart the ball played up the right wing by Bourne for Box to go after, a clever turn to take her inside into the box, looks to send it across the ball cut out by the Writtle defence comes back to Downey inside the D shifts it to open up a shooting opportunity, hits the ball hard takes a deflection taking it wide for the corner kick. The ball is swung into the area from the right just over Blacklock on the penalty spot the ball headed out only as far as Wilding 20 yards out right of the area hits the shot 1st time off target goes wide.

Half-time Colchester Town Ladies 0-4 Writtle Ladies

  A comfortable lead for Writtle at half-time as they remain on the field at half-time, Colchester head to the dressing room needing to sort a few things out. Have been stretched at the back by Writtle’s movement the visitors switching play well, Fry and Vale using the wide pitch to their full advantage. 
 It’s Writtle to kick-off the 2nd half, look for Fry on the left early, can’t keep the ball in play. Franklin pushes forwards on the right side going past Vale wins her side a corner kick. Vale to delivery it swept in centrally, Clarke jumps can only brush the ball with her head, is cleared behind her, Writtle winning it back outside the box the ball is sent back in bounces through to Povey who gathers without challenge. 
  Colchester are playing a slightly higher line at the start of the 2nd half twice they catch Writtle offside. Clarke on the drive with the ball for Writtle through the middle of the park has Vale ahead of her outside the D lays the ball to Fry left side the pair exchange passes before the cross is swung into the box, Dunn gets it away for Colchester. Colchester look a lot tighter at the back 2nd half, closer and closing the ball quicker are penned in their own half not able to release Box up top.
  Free-kick for Colchester inside the Writtle half, Blacklock over the ball sends it up into the area, McDonald is under the bouncing ball, trying to bring it under control is closed down by 3 Writtle defenders the ball won back. Writtle make two changes firstly bringing on Georgia Tricker for Bryant, then Hannah Mold comes on for Franklin. Bourne battles her way through the middle with the ball for Colchester before playing the pass to Box on her left, tries to square the ball back to Bourne is squeezed off it the throw conceded, Dunn getting forwards has a chance to hit the ball into the area her cross to the far post is sliced back across the six yard box by Gamble as she attempts to clear, no one on had for Colchester to pounce the ball is safely away.
  3rd substitution for Writtle, Bowdidge is replaced by Charlotte Walker. A little flat from Writtle are looking to lift it still with a comfortable 4-0 lead, Colchester have upped their tempo the ball being contested at every opportunity. 4th change for Writtle, Clark coming off to be replaced by  Amelia Murphy. Colchester bring the ball on down the right, Butler passing into Box outside the area switches play to the right Downey shooting from outside the area slices hr shot straight into Bamford’s mid-riff.
  A powerful run from Tricker in midfield, left of the goal hits the shot on the run from 25 yards out drills the ball wide across the area. Mia Brisley comes on for Writtle for Vale the move seeing Fry switch over to the right side. Colchester concede a free-kick outside their area to the left of the D 25 yards out, Tricker I think plays the shot in towards goal on target Povey looks to palm it down but it gets away from her rolling to the right 2 Writtle players are after it Walker nudging the ball onto the post, Gamble ensuring it goes over the line, the celebrations are cut short however it won’t count the flag is up for offside.
   Downey central connects with the ball well sending a low shot in from 30 yards out as Box passes the ball in field from the left. On target Bamford dives to her right pushes the ball wide of her goal, Mold then getting onto it 1st and clearing before Box following up can latch on to it. Blackwood returns to the field for Colchester with Lockerbie coming off at the back. Butler over on the right outside the Writtle box hustles the defence to win the ball lays it back for Hornby to swing a ball into the middle Bourne can’t quite bring it down outside the back before she is closed down and tackled by Jones. 
  The game continues to be played at a good tempo, Writtle’s Tricker has space to take advantage of on the right, plays the cross into the box, Murphy closest to the ball attempts a back heel doesn’t come off runs through Brisley beyond she opts for power blasting a shot at goal, Hornby is in the way throws her body into the shot blocking it. Bruce is back on for Colchester a straight switch for McDonald in the middle. Are working hard in defence to keep things tight, Writtle have threats all over the park now, Tricker latches onto a clearance on the right goes for goal some 30 yards out a low strike is off target but coming across to cover her near post Povey can’t be sure dives to stop the ball then is up quickly to gather.
  GOAL! Colchester have been much improved 2nd half putting in a lot of effort to keep Writtle out up one end get forwards to pull a goal back, counter attack down the right the ball turned inside, Downey tries to help it on for Box in loads of space on the left the initial ball is cut out, Colchester squeeze it central win it back, Downey picking out Box with the pass this time to send her clear into the Writtle area, one on one with Bamford hits a composed strike up over the keeper to put the ball into the back of the net 1-4.
 
  Very nearly concede up the other end, Fry racing clear on the right is picked out by Stubbings taking the ball on down the wing turns inside into the box, Povey comes out to meet her sliding in at her feet to take the ball cleanly. Writtle with the attack late on Bowdidge plays the ball over the top for Fry to go after, Colchester concede the corner kick. Played in from the right, Stubbings near side chests the ball on into the middle, Colchester clear the referee blowing the final whistle. 
Full-time Colchester Town Ladies 1-4 Writtle Ladies

 A much improved 2nd half performance from Colchester 2nd half matching Writtle better after the visitors blew them away in the 1st half scoring an early goal and following up with 3 more. With a 4 goal advantage didn’t need to press on as much 2nd half but were looking to add to the tally. Fry and Vale doing the damage in the wide positions. A 2nd win of the season for Writtle sees them up to 3rd in the Premier Division table, still very early days the season just 3 weeks old.
  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details today always appreciated.

Match Report – Cambridge United Ladies v Lewes Ladies

Action from the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup this Sunday upon the Supporting Women’s Football Blog a trip to Mildenhall Town FC to watch Cambridge United WFC take on higher league opponents, Lewes Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division the visitors.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Lewes Ladies

 
  This Sunday sees the focus in the FAWPL switches from the league to the Cup with all of the 70 sides contesting the 6 Division’s drawn against each other in a Determining Round to decide which competition they will go on to the winners entering the FAWPL Cup competition which was won Tottenham Hotspur Ladies last season the losing sides going on to contest the FAWPL League Plate won by Coventry United Ladies. 

  Today’s match in the Determining Round sees me travel the short distance to Mildenhall Town FC to watch South East Division One side, Cambridge United WFC as they take on Southern Division side, Lewes Ladies. 

  Has been a fair amount of player movement at Cambridge United WFC over the close season as the club looks to build on last seasons record points haul in the FAWPL South East Division One and achieve their aim of promotion to the FAWPL Southern Division. Dawn Mallett has joined the club having had a brief spell on loan last season, has plenty of WSL 2 experience and will provide added steel to the midfield a useful player with a dead ball too. Nicole Perschky and Hollie Jardine both join the club from Stevenage Ladies. Evie Gallop comes to the club from the Essex Centre of Excellence. Ashleigh Deacon joins from Watford Ladies and just this week the club announced the arrival of Rosie Kmita having left Tottenham Hotspur Ladies a coup for the club, however she was unavailable to play in today’s cup tie. A good test for Cambridge today in the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup taking on a side from the league above.

  Lewes Ladies have in recent seasons established themselves in the FAWPL Southern Division and this season have gotten their season off to a fantastic start winning their opening fixture 7-2 at home to West Ham United Ladies and holding one of the title favourites Cardiff City Ladies to a 1-1 to lay 2nd in the fledgling table. A good start one to build on as their attention switches to the Cup, a long journey up from the South for today’s Determining Round tie. Have a few new signings in their squad too, Rebecca Carter comes to Lewes from Crawley Wasps Ladies. Kim Stenning has playing experience with both Brighton & Hove Albion WFC and Millwall Lionesses prior to joining Lewes Ladies whilst Fliss Love has signed on having been with Brighton’s Centre of Excellence. Have defender Rebecca Thompson back fit to after being out with a long term achilles injury. 

  Mildenhall Town FC is the venue for today’s match, Cambridge United WFC’s new home ground for the 2016/17 season. Easy to find close to the town centre, a fantastic playing surface sloping from one end to the other. Nice clubhouse and refreshments are available hot and cold. A fantastic playing surface the grass lush and green a slope on the pitch from one goal mouth to the other, a good size too. Several dark clouds around, threatening a shower or two, the sun eventually breaking through before kick-off.

  All clubs across the FAWPL holding a minutes applause before their matches in remembrance of 18-year-old Zoe Tynan who tragically passed away on Tuesday. A young talent gone too soon an U19 England International had recently joined Fylde Ladies. Thoughts are with her family and friends.

Applause in remembrance of Zoe Tynan before the match

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Hollie Jardine, Kayleigh-Anne Burt (C), Paige Logie, Tahnee Perfect, Evie Gallop, Laura Mills, Ashleigh Deacon, Becky Taylor & Nicole Perschky.
  subs – Carrie Bennett, Dawn Mallett & Faith Hewitt.

  Lewes Ladies starting XI – Lauren Dolbear, Hayley West, Charlie Carter, Rebecca Thompson, Kelly Newton (C), Georgia Bridges, Katie McIntyre, Kellie Larkin, Rachel Palmer, Rebecca Carter & Gabby Baldock.
  subs – Kim Stenning, Danielle Lane & Fliss Love.

  A slight knock for Cambridge’s captain, Laura Bright saw her sit out the match with vice-captain, Kayleigh-Anne Burt wearing the arm band, Paige Logie joining her at centre back for today’s match. A switch of ends at the coin toss sees Lewes take advantage of the slope 1st half with Cambridge kicking off the game wearing the new Cambridge United strip amber shirts with black vertical lines, black shorts and amber socks. Lewes are in their away colours, an all sky blue kit. Referee David Sorensen has a flat whistle as he blows to start the game a vigorous shake later and it’s back in business.

  A free kick straight away in the middle for Cambridge as Tahnee Perfect is bundled over a chance to pile players forwards up to the edge of the Lewes penalty box, Kayleigh-Anne Burt over the set-piece flighted up to the top of the area it’s Lewes Charlie Carter who heads the ball clear. Lewes break down the left with Gabby Baldock on the ball taking it into the Cambridge half turns in field, is tackled by Cambridge’s Evie Gallop the ball going out for a throw in. Lewes make headway down the left before the attempted cross goes out of play for a goal kick.

Cambridge United WFC’s, Evie Gallop contesting the ball with
Lewes Ladies, Katie McIntyre

  Kellie Larkin is busy in the middle for Lewes at the start of the match imposing herself on the ball and driving forwards with it at her feet shifts play out to the right with Hayley West coming forwards from right back sends the ball on down the line for Rebecca Carter who whips a cross into box, Cambridge’s Hollie Jardine lunges at the ball turning it behind for the corner kick

 GOAL! Less than 5 minutes on the clock and a chance for Lewes who have some tall players in their ranks to bring them forwards to attack the corner kick Kate McIntyre takes the corner is a fantastic delivery whipped into the box with pace, finds Georgia Bridges unmarked facing the near post gets her head over the ball knocking it in past goalkeeper Verity Crook and over the player at the post before she can react. 0-1.

  A good start from the visitors are causing Cambridge a few problems, Larkins with support from captain Kelly Newton in midfield in particular with Carter up front moving across the pitch to find pockets of space to receive the ball. It’s Carter in possession around the top right corner of the Cambridge box receiving from a throw-in good footwork as she tries to wriggle her way into the area, Burt comes across to make the tackle the ball isn’t cleared far comes back in Cambridge concede the corner. From the right goes long, however the referee spots a push on Crook the free-kick is awarded to Cambridge.

Kellie Larkin on the ball for Lewes Ladies

  More forceful running from Rebecca Carter down the right wing, drives on before squaring the ball into the Cambridge area, players from both sides have been drawn across the pitch, West has gotten forwards is looking to gt on the end of the cross hit a shot goalwards a yard inside the area, Cambridge’s Emma Jenkins closes her down the opportunity is gone. Cambridge aren’t getting much success up front in the opening 15 minutes Laura Mills right and Deacon left trying to make themselves available aren’t getting much change out of Thompson and West in the full-back positions. 

  Counter attack for Lewes, Baldock sending Rebecca Carter away down the left flank, races after the ball, wants to travel inside towards goal, Burt getting back on her forces her wide gets into the box the angle is against Carter nevertheless the gets a shot away with the outside of her boot, Crook has gotten across to cover her near post the shot lacking the power to beat her. 

Lewes ladies, Gabby Baldoock

  Cambridge having been on the back foot are starting to get some joy on the flanks play drawn inside Jenkins is able to run onto the ball in space on the right side her cross into the box is over Nicole Perschky, is cleared by the defender behind for a throw in the right, put back into the Lewes area West clears out to the middle, Mills latches onto it from 25 yards plus out sends the ball arrowing back in towards goal skims the top of the crossbar as it goes out for a goal-kick.

  A fantastic save from Lewes goalkeeper Lauren Dolbear to keep the 1 nil advantage in tack. Lewes are on the attack the ball is won back as Paige Logie tackles Carter at the back sends the ball long over the top clearing the Lewes defence caught static for a moment not Perschky however as she breaks clear getting her foot on the ball a one on one situation with the keeper developing, carrying the ball inside looks to shoot from outside the box curl the shot around the keeper with her left foot, Dolbear flings herself to her right getting a good glove on the ball turning it wide for the corner kick. Lewes defend the corner at the near post.the ball landing straight at the feet of Becky Taylor 25 yards out left of the box hits the shot back in sending the ball wide across the goal face. 

  This is a busy game alot happening both sides enjoying the pitch the ball travelling well upon it. Baldock has possession wide left for Lewes picks out a great pass to find Larkin central going forwards looks the lift the ball into the area with Bridges trying to steal in behind the Cambridge defence, the lob almost comes off, Logie just stretches her neck muscles to turn the ball away. 

 GOAL! Just as Cambridge look like they might find a way to level things up, Lewes get down the other end and double their advantage getting the ball down the left deep into the Cambridge half win a throw the ball is played into Larkin inside the box her shot is blocked the deflection sends the ball across the six yard box with Rebecca Carter well placed to hit the ball towards goal and score 0-2. 

 Half an hour played and their has been little respite from both sides. Larkin pushes on with the ball taking it to the right as she travels deep into the Cambridge half has Rebecca Carter with her charging on down the wing, has kept Jardine busy on that side the Cambridge left back stops the cross putting the ball out for a corner. Carter breaks from the middle of the area towards the near post to receive the corner lifts her boot connecting with the ball places it wide.

  Cambridge break the ball fizzed into Perschky back to goal inside the Lewes half, sends the ball out to the right with Mills racing into space getting it onto her feet hits the cross early along the face of the box with players from both sides racing up the pitch, it’s Taylor 20 yards out who latches onto the ball hitting it on the volley, plenty of power in the little chance to control it blasts the effort wide. 

 GOAL! Into the last 5 minutes of an action packed 1st half, Cambridge regain possession of the ball at the back as Lewes attack, launch a rapid counter move as Taylor brings the ball on picking out Perschky with a brilliant pass the striker turns and sprints towards the Lewes area her run identical to her earlier move only this time travelling into a central position reverses the shot playing it back across the diving Dolbear to her left and scores 1-2.

   Cambridge find time for on more attack in the 1st half Taylor bringing the ball on down the right, Perschky makes a move out to the wing wanting the ball, gets it then tries to pick out Mills making a run through the middle to get up into the area, the cross swerves in towards Dolbear who comfortably gathers

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-2 Lewes Ladies

  A busy 1st half full of entertainment, Lewes getting off to a fantastic start taking an early lead and dominating for a spell took Cambridge a little while to get into the game and just when they did they fell 2 nil down. Kept going and pulled a goal back late in the half to keep this Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup very much alive.
  Lewes get the 2nd half underway, any chance of rain has gone the sun bathing down now. A double change for the visitors at the start Baldock and Bridges are off with Kim Stenning and Fliss Love coming on. Haven’t even picked up my notepad and Lewes have the ball in the back of the net, Carter free on the right whips a cross into the box, Newton I think is the player who bundles it home, however it doesn’t stand as the linesman’s flag is raised.
  Deacon fouls Love wide on the right, McIntyre takes the free-kick playing the ball up the line for West to go after plays an early ball across the top of the box looking for Stenning, instead it’s Logie that gets to it first to head clear. Cambridge bring the ball over the half-way line the pass is to Perschky wide left 25 yards out plays the ball crossfield into Perfect who helps it on to Mills, has Jenkins go beyond her on the overlap plays her puts the ball into the box with Perfect trying to get in there, Charlie Carter charges down the ball and it’s cleared.
Lewes Ladies, Katie McIntyre gets the ball just ahead of Cambridge’s Ashleigh Deacon
 Cambridge are giving a few free-kicks away, gives the chance for McIntyre to play the ball up into the area, is on the ball wide right is virtually a corner kick, is swept into the area at a good height, Taylor back defending for Cambridge heads clear. Love on the ball on the right switches play well putting the ball inside to Larkin who in turn helps it further on for Palmer who strikes from outside the box, slices the ball away from goal. A change for Cambridge as the game approaches the 60 minute mark with Dawn Mallett returning from an injury lay-off coming on to replace Perfect. 
 Cambridge are getting much more possession of the ball 2nd half attacking down the slope, Perschky with the crossfield ball left to right for Mills rolls it back into the middle for Mallett, returns the pass Mills down the wing plays the ball into the box, Charlie Carter near post heads the ball away. Cambridge make a 2nd change Gallop coming off for Faith Hewitt. Cambridge win a free-kick wide right inside the Lewes half Mallett to put the ball in is cleared from the top of the area by Lewes, Jenkins picks it up for Cambridge on the right sends it back in Thompson heads it out this time the counter is on Love travelling with the ball looks to play it on for Carter, the offside flag stops her in her tracks.

Emma Jenkins
  Cambridge are applying much of the pressure 2nd half however Lewes are defending well, deep not allowing any way in behind. Jardine able to get forwards a little more 2nd half sends a long ball up into the area, looking for Perschky, West does well against her heads it back out of the area is gathered by Mallett 35 yards out sends the shot back in held by Dolbear. Cambridge continue to pressurise Perschky gathering the ball on the run taking it into the area from the left hits it towards goal is straight at Dolbear. 
 For a moment there everyone in the crowd thinks Cambridge have been awarded a penalty, as Taylor dribbling the ball towards the Lewes area is fouled by Charlie Carter it’s just outside however inside the D right side. Mallett on the free-kick hit’s it hard and low, the Lewes wall does its job blocking the shot and getting out to clear. Love is energetic finding space with some lively footwork to get clear of her markers for Lewes pushing inside from the right has Newton making a forwards run for her to get into the Cambridge box, Burt stretching just manages to get to it 1st.
  With 10 minutes of normal time left Lewes make their final change bring on Danielle Lane for Larkin. The visitors have a corner on the right the delivery into Rebecca Carter a good header from 10 yards out angling for the top corner, Crook shifting to her left jumps and plants her gloves firmly around the ball.Final change for Cambridge a straight swap at left back with Carrie Bennett coming on for Jardine 7 minutes left still 2-1 to Lewes.
 

Cambridge captain, Kayleigh-Anne Burt

Cambridge continue to push hard for an equalising have to risk getting hit on the counter 
but both sides are tiring. Perschky has been a threat all game for Cambridge manages to get past Charlie Carter at the back for once, Love tracking back lunges in to win the ball put it out for a throw. Left side the ball is played into Mallett central a great turn gives her a half yard of space 25 yards out to shout puts the ball straight into Dolbear’s midriff.

  Closing in on the 90 minute mark Cambridge push on the game is stretched, Stenning gets onto the end of a Palmer cross in from the left, looping up Crook holds onto the ball. At the other end Taylor is sent clear through the middle it’s a case of can she be closed down before she gets the ball away into the D, treads on the ball the chance is gone. Into injury time 5 minutes to be added Lewes attack the ball from Lane into Stenning on to Rebecca Carter right she crosses the ball in, Burt gets enough on the ball her deflection taking all the power off the ball runs safely through to Crook. 
 GOAL! A late, late corner for Cambridge players are sent forwards as Mills sends a fantastic ball into the six yard box is headed out of the area by Lewes Cambridge getting hold of it on the left the ball lifted back in is knocked on Hewitt volleys the ball goalwards it rattle the crossbar drops back down into the area Taylor is sharp nipping in to take it then sends the shot into the back of the net to cue wild celebrations as Cambridge make it 2-2. 
 
Becky Taylor scores the equalising goal at the death for
Cambridge United WFC to force the game into extra-time
Full-time Cambridge United WFC 2-2 Lewes Ladies

  That’s virtually it time for Lewes to get the ball up the other end but not enough time to retake the lead the game ends with the scores level at 2-2 and the game will see another 30 minutes of added time played. Cambridge were the stronger side 2nd half pushing forwards creating chance finding hard to break down a resolute Lewes defence time was running out scoring with their last attack in added time. All substitutes played by both sides which side would find the energy for another goal in extra-time.

Extra-time

Lewes Ladies and Cambridge United WFC rest and prepare for an additional 30 minutes
  Cambridge to kick off the 1st 15 minute period of extra-time attacking back up the slope. Have an early chance as the ball is played out to the right Love onto Carter her cross in towards the near post is met by Stenning sends the ball high over the bar. Hewitt for Cambridge launches a shot goalwards from 30 yards out is off target. Cambridge get the ball in from the right win a corner kick Taylor comes towards the ball inside the box drills a head down towards goal is blocked the deflection taking it behind for another corner. 
  Charlie Carter goes into the book as she brings down Hewitt in the centre circle the Cambridge attack almost away after she wins a 50/50 challenge. Mallett plays the ball into the box West and Hewitt go up for it the ball is knocked down across goal Mills meets it on the volley drives over the crossbar. 
 Mallett is fouled in a similar position to the earlier free-kick a little higher up the pitch Players go up into the box, Lewes’ Dolbear claims it they launch a counter attack the ball swept out to Rebecca Carter on the right over half way has support inside from McIntyre plays the ball inside takes on the strike from distance, gets plenty of pace on the ball, Crook leaps across to cover the top corner on her left the shot is just wide. 
  The scores remain 2-2 as the 1st half of extra-time comes to an end, Cambridge to attack down the slope in the 2nd period, Lewes kick-off
 GOAL! There is a goal right at the start of the 2nd period of extra-time the Lewes are on the attack the ball played into McIntyre in the centre brings it on into the Cambridge half passes out to Palmer free on the left, hits the cross early on the diagonal looping the ball up with Stenning going far post. it’s an own goal as Logie attempting to get her head on the ball can only turn it past the stranded Crook and into the back of the net. 2-3.

 12 minutes left to play can Lewes hold on to take the victory. Cambridge come forwards down the right Jenkins plays a long ball up towards the top corner of the area Dolbear coming for the ball claims well with Taylor breathing down her neck. 

Cambridge United WFC’s Dawn Mallett
 GOAL! The lead is sort lived as Cambridge winning the ball back inside their own half have Mallett on the ball plays a fantastic long pass over the top towards Perschky drifting left, receiving the ball turns inside heads towards the box seeing the danger Dolbear comes racing out to meet her goes down as she blocks the ball with her feet, the keeper grounded, the trapped ball hasn’t gone anywhere, Perschky has stayed on her feet can knock it past the keeper on the edge of the area and sends it home to equalise, races over to the bench to celebrate. 3-3

 Neither side settling for the looming penalty shootout Lewes attack Love with the ball up into Stenning right side into the box her shot straight into Crook across to cover her near post. The ball is soon up the other end the pass long into the box looking for Perschky, Thompson gets back on her to win the ball. Pushing forwards little time left Deacon is played in by Perschky down the left Taylor makes a run through the middle into the box left goes to put the ball across the six yard for Mills, Palmer tracking back defends getting there 1st the ball is cleared but only as far as Mallett who strikes from distance the shot wide.

 Full-time extra-time and the game will go to penalties.

Penalties
 
  Cambridge to get the penalty shootout underway the players opting to walk down the slope and take the penalties that end. Taylor up 1st for the home side hits the ball hard to the Dolbear’s right she guesses right but her dive is in vain 1-0.
 
  Stenning is up 1st to take the penalty for Lewes keeps it low and accurate into the bottom corner to Crook’s left 1-1.
 
  2nd penalty taker for Cambridge is Perschky, hits a high penalty into the back of the net evading Dolbear who again guesses the right way 2-1.
 
  Palmer takes Lewes’ 2nd penalty a good penalty kept down to the keepers left 2-2.
 
 Cambridge captain, Burt to take the 3rd penalty lifts her effort up over the keeper and into the top of the net3-2
 
  Lane to take Lewes 3rd penalty, goes to place the ball low into the bottom corner, Crook guesses right throwing herself to her right gets her gloves on the ball to push it away, save the score remains 3-2.
 
  Cambridge’s 4th penalty taker is Jenkins goes to put the ball down the middle, Dolbear makes a comfortable save stays 3-2.
 
  Charlie Carter up next for Lewes again looks to hit the ball low to the keepers right, Crook throws herself at it and saves another still 3-2.
 
  One penalty of the regular 5 left for Cambridge score it and they win the Cup tie. It’s Mallett to take hits the ball low and accurate into the bottom left corner to win it for Cambridge 4-2.
 
Cambridge celebrate after winning on penalties
   That’s it Cambridge win the penalty shootout 4-2 to end a cracking game of football the players race into the area in celebration piling on top of Mallett. It’s a tough way to end a match but has to be settled one way. So Cambridge advance to the League Cup proper whilst Lewes will contest the League Plate not too many sides will fancy drawing them. 35 sides contesting each competition a preliminary round will take place to bring it down to 32 for the 1st round proper.
  A great advert for women’s football the game ebbed and flowed, drama Cambridge coming back from 2-0 to score an equaliser deep in injury time to force extra-time, both sides going on to score in extra-time then the drama of penalties. I’m exhausted writing this match report so can only imagine how the players feel.
  My thanks to Lewes Ladies, Jane Roberts for her help with the team details today. Best of luck to both sides for their respective cup competitions. 

Match Report – Colney Heath Ladies v Cambridge City Ladies

 The midweek football on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog came from the ERWFL Division One on Wednesday evening a trip down to Hertfordshire to watch Colney Heath Ladies play newly promoted Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership Champions, Cambridge City Ladies.

Match Report – Colney Heath Ladies v Cambridge City Ladies

 

  The mid-week football action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog starts with a Wednesday night match from the ERWFL Division One. A trip to Hertfordshire to watch Colney Heath Ladies v Cambridge City Ladies.

  A new look to the Eastern Region Women’s Football Leagues (ERWFL) 2nd tier this season with there previously being two Division One’s, geographically North & South, or East & West as they were last season, for the 2016/17 there will be a single Division One with 11 teams competing. Both Colney Heath Ladies and Cambridge City Ladies began their league season on Sunday with contrasting results, a busy week for both playing tonight then again on Sunday.

  Colney Heath Ladies have been competing in the ERWFL since the start of the 2014/15 season merging with Colney Heath FC, having previously been St Albans City Ladies. Have one of the youngest squads in the league, one to watch. Struggled in the league last season one of many suffering from a lack of matches unable to get any momentum due to the high number of postponed matches, injuries too. Have showed their best form for the cup competitions reaching the final of the ERWFL League Plate for 2 successive seasons. Having seen them in then finish runners-up on both occasions this will be my 1st look at them at their home ground in league action. Have made additions to the playing squad over the close season, one of which, Ria Gray returning to the game after a spell away is in the starting XI tonight. Haven’t got everyone available at the start of the season, have injuries too, notably to their goalkeeper. Suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat away to newly promoted Norfolk Champions, Wymondham Town Ladies on Sunday having just 10 players available.

  Cambridge City Ladies are newly promoted to the  ERWFL set-up going up as Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership Champions. Achieving a league and cup double in their 1st season playing adult football, a side that has risen together through the youth leagues. The League Cup success back at the end of last season the final game for now for several with the club as they head off to attend university. Applying for promotion it was with the knowledge the club may have to and were willing in push some of their U16 into the senior squad. Have been busy over the close season however the club bolstered by a host of new arrivals pulling players away from city rivals Cambridge United WFC having been with the club at youth level. Gemma Clare with Bar Hill Ladies previously and coach of the Cambridge City U14s team has also joined along with Stacey Fullicks making the switch from Netherton United Ladies. Began life in the ERWFL with a comfortable 5-0 win at home against Beds & Herts Women’s Division One Champions, Hertford Town Ladies.

  The venue for tonight’s game The Recreation Ground in Colney Heath home of Colney Heath FC. Easy to find in the way into St Albans off the A1. A large clubhouse and bar housing the changing room facilities off to the side of the pitch a small seated area built off it along the side with the dugouts further down. A good sized pitch, wide has a distinct slope from one goal mouth to the other, training pitches further on. Got the feeling of a community based club as soon as I arrived the women’s side very much an integral part of the club. Has been a dry August on the whole and the pitch did look a little dry in places but then so does my lawn, bit of rain it’ll soon green up again. After another hot day to end the month there were some dark clouds around that hinted at a shower that wouldn’t materialise.  

 Colney Heath Ladies starting XI – Annie Hickey, Viki Allen, Eustacia Randles, Rachel Sherlow, Kirsty Feasey, Lucy Hancock, Sophie Joseph (C), Kelly Hancock, Ria Gray, Sammy May & Holly Sheridan.
 subs – Georgia Knight.

 Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Tafadzwa Mhunduru, Liv Abbott, Lauren Tomlinson, Robyn Phillips, Becca Fay (C), Emily Reed, Stacey Fullicks, Carla Penny, Sarah Mosley, Charlotte Gillies & Grace Stanley.
 subs – Jade Powell, Bella Simmons, Rachel Pearce & Emma Littlewood.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A 7:30pm kick-off the floodlights warming up as the sun starts to set low in the sky it’s Cambridge City to get the game underway wearing their away strip, sky blue shirts and socks with white shorts with Colney Heath lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. The home side are attacking down the slope 1st half. 

  Annie Hickey is the stand-in goalkeeper for Colney Heath this evening, gets an early kick of the ball as Cambridge City force the ball to be played back to her. A quiet start the ball toing and froing between the sides as they probe each others defences. On the ball for Cambridge City, Stacey Fullicks spreads the play out to the right wing, Charlotte Gillies running onto the ball wins the visitors a corner kick. The set-piece finds its way through to Carla Penny positioned on the top of the area, bouncing the ball won’t sit for the shot as Colney Heath close her down win the ball and clear it.

  Cambridge City come again, Sarah Mosley on the ball through the middle bringing it on into the Colney Heath half picks out Gillies run on the right goes for the early strike drilling the ball towards the near post from outside the box, Hickey has the angle covered sees the bouncing ball up into her gloves. The pace of the game is quickening up,Colney Heath play the ball through the middle with pace try to put over the top for striker, Holly Sheridan to go after, Cambridge City captain, Becca Fay closes her down to tackle and win the ball back before Sheridan can wind up a shot.

  Fullicks links up with Gillies on the right going on past her and getting the return ball reaching the top of the box doesn’t get the connection on the ball she was looking for as she goes to shoot the ball trickles safely into the keepers gloves. With five across the middle Colney Heath are energetic, closing Cambridge City down and winning the ball looking to get it up to Sheridan at every opportunity. 

  GOAL! That pressing brings about the opening goal as the ball is cleared into the midfield by Cambridge City, it’s Colney Heath’s Kirsty Feasey who closes the ball down and winning it plays it forwards, Sheridan timing her turn perfectly to break clear of the Cambridge City defence and carry the ball towards the box, Tafadzwa Mhunduru starts to come off her line, Sheridan goes for the chip outside the box the ball clearing the advancing keeper and nestling in the back of the net 1-0 Colney Heath take the lead on the 12th minute.

Colney Heath Ladies Holly Sheridan

Colney Heath Ladies
Holly Sheridan

  A hand ball spotted against Colney Heath by the referee as Cambridge City play the ball up the left channel for Penny to chase the set-piece 25 yards from goal to the left of the goal, Penny is the player over the ball for Cambridge City, goes for goal looking to send a high ball in hasn’t enough lift Hickey with time to set herself and make a comfortable save. The battle for the ball in the middle continues to be frantic, Kelly Hancock tackling does the splits manages to get the ball out to Sheridan who has come over to the right gets the Cambridge City defence turned again the ball put out for the throw. Cambridge City win possession of the ball counter attack, the ball played up through the middle for Grace Stanley to go after, Hickey makes the decision to run out of her area kicks the ball clear before Stanley can reach it.

  Sammy May with the ball at her feet gets her head down and drives through the middle of the park, is clipped 30 yards from goal wins the free-kick. Takes it herself looking to play it up towards the far post area to be attacked, a little too straight Mhunduru can come and claim it. Up the other end Hickey moves smartly to the edge of her box on the right to slide in and gather the ball with Gillies looking to turn inside from a throw-in. A double save from the stand-in keeper in the next attack Gillies put clear through the Colney Heath defence on the right closes in on the box pulls the trigger, Hickey making the save with her feet, the ball cleared back out towards Gillies tries again this time the keeper gets her gloves firmly around the ball.

   Rachel Sherlow is winning the majority of ball fired up towards her area, keeping Stanley well marked. Her clearance is headed on through the centre by Lucy Hancock picking out Sheridan who tries to power her way on into the box, is tackled by Robyn Phillips. Colney Heath regain the ball inside their opponents half getting the better of the 50/50 balls 25 yards out one challenge sees the ball pop into the box favourably for Sheridan to latch onto right of the goal lifts her strike over the cross bar.

  Fay brings the ball out from the back for Cambridge City, Tomlinson goes on the move from left back is given the ball, plays it up the line for Stanley who pulls the Colney Heath defence with her on the right, a clever turn gives her room to lay the ball inside with Mosley calling for it a fair distance out doesn’t hesitate to shoot, hitting a low drive on target, straight at Hickey the keeper able to set herself and gather. Double change for Cambridge City with Bella Simmons and Rachel Pearce coming on to replace Fullicks and Penny. 

  Kelly Hancock and Ria Gray link up on the right side of the pitch a good give and go the pass forwards picking out Sheridan moving into space on the wing squares the cross along the face of the area, a vital interception from Phillips as May was in space behind her. More great defending from Sherlow the game continuing to be played at a high tempo, Mosley hooks the ball on up front trying to pick out Stanley, Sherlow keeping an eye on both the attacker and the falling ball as she runs back towards her box does well to see the ball over her shoulder and hook it clear. Colney Heath bring off Sheridan up top replacing her with Georgia Knight.

  The 1st half drawing to a close Cambridge City are starting to find a little more of the ball more possession inside the Colney Heath half. Going forwards Tomlinson delivers a high ball into the box, headed down fall straight to Stanley top of the area hits the ball on the volley drills the ball back in but wide of goal. Colney Heath captain, Sophie Joseph gets the ball into Knight moving away to the left, May makes a run through the middle, Knight looks to play the pass into her run, tracking her Phillips slides in timing her tackle wins the ball. 

  Mosley has been covering plenty of ground for Cambridge City in the 1st half moving out to the left gets the ball from Reed fires in the cross along the top of the Colney Heath area, gets past Sherlow this time but not Eustasia Randles behind her clearing the ball with Simmons trying to get in beyond her. Cambridge City have the impetuous lat in the half pushing players into the Colney Heath half a throw won deep on the left is put into Simmons feet, turns getting into the area, her shot charged down the ball finding Stanley 20 yards out right of the D a turn and hit fires the shot wide across the goal. 

Half-time Colney Heath Ladies 1-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  Colney Heath hold the advantage at half-time having worked hard for the lead, an energetic display have closed the ball down well and tried to turn the Cambridge City defence, May trying to get forwards to support Sheridan when she could. Have expanded alot of energy in doing so. The visitors have had the better of the chances without really testing Hickey in the Colney Heath goal, getting to grips with the pace of the game were showing signs late in the 1st half that they were starting to find more of the ball inside their opponents half. A 1-0 lead a narrow advantage.
   Colney Heath to kick-off the 2nd half, Fullicks is back on at the start for Cambridge City replacing Reed in the midfield. Play the ball up into the Cambridge City half Liv Abbott tackling to win the ball plays it up the line for Gillies taking the ball on, turns inside before squaring it into the middle, Simmons coming to meet it hits the shot on the spin sees her effort blocked by Randles inside the D. A bright start 2nd half from Cambridge City pressing Colney Heath inside their own half.
  Hickey scoops a shot up into her gloves as Simmons fires in from distance. Simmons involved again from a Cambridge City free kick won on the right inside the Colney Heath half, Abbott on the ball sends it long towards the far post. Simmons amongst the crowd gathered there gets her head on the ball turns the ball wide of goal. Pearce pressing the ball for Cambridge City gets hold of it 25 yards out picks out Simmons ahead of her moving to the right into the box, well marked by Sherlow can’t find any room for a shot as she tries to drive inside instead lays the ball across the box with Stanley free to the left of the D 1st time strike as the ball comes into her sees her shot rise over the bar.
  Fullicks on the drive with the ball through the middle sees her shot charged down, getting on the rebound Hickey parries the ball away, Colney Heath managing to get it long up the pitch into the Cambridge City half after an intense spell of pressure from the visitors. Colney Heath get themselves a free-kick wide on the left inside the Cambridge City half a good delivery from Lucy Hancock up into the area, it’s Simmons back defending who gets up to head the ball away. 
  Sherlow comes across to deal with Tomlinson on the left side as she bursts forwards from full-back to get on the end of a high ball down the line the ball put out for a corner kick. The corner on the left comes in near post put behind for another corner, a better delivery this time Colney Heath defend well heading the ball away from their box. With Cambridge City putting their back line under sustained pressure Colney Heath aren’t finding it as easy to find Knight up front in the 2nd half. 
  Making progress up the right Colney Heath manage to win themselves a corner. May comes to attack the ball near post, Cambridge City defend putting it out for another corner. Gray moving towards the ball plays it back to the taker, lifting the ball back up into the area Feasey knocks the ball down with her head towards the face of the area a chance for Joseph coming in on the ball to have a strike at goal sends the shot blazing wide. Feasey tackles well winning the ball in midfield playing it forwards into Knight taking it on through the centre she shoots the ball blocked by the Cambridge City defence spins left Kelly Hancock is forwards after it, Phillips is on her quickly to regain possession of the ball. Penny back on.
  A good spell from Colney Heath, very nearly double their lead as Joseph steals in to rob the Cambridge City defence of the ball racing on clear into the box right of goal drills a low shot in towards the near post, Mhunduru gets down sharply to make the save the ball squeezes under her body however and is trickling towards goal, Mhunduru scrambles to her feet inside her six yard box and makes a desperate lunge for the ball laying claim to it just before it can creep over the line.
   A fantastic ball from Tomlinson on the left on half way across the pitch picks out the run from Gillies having plenty of grass to run into getting her foot on the ball taking it into the box looks to turn inside get a better angle for a shot the touch a little heavy allows Randles to get back on her and clear it. 
  GOAL! The pressure Cambridge City have been applying in the opening 15 minutes of the 2nd half brings the equalising goal the clearance is fired up to halfway sent immediately back in towards the area by Fay, Simmons to the left side of goal the player closest to the ball isn’t distracted by the advancing keeper, gets her head on the bouncing ball sending it past Hickey and into the back of the net 1-1. 
  Both sides make a change Sheridan coming back on to go up top in place of Knight. Emma Littlewood coming on at right back for Abbott for Cambridge City. On the left attacking Joseph and May look to link up make something happen for Colney Heath, Joseph passes the ball on for May who looks to knock it on run in behind the Cambridge City defence, Phillips wins the race for the ball inside the box tapping it back into the keeper to clear.
   The visitors launch a rapid counter attack the ball put long down the right wing Gillies the willing runner gets after it turning the ball square into the top of the box Simmons onto it leaning back as she strikes the shot screws it away from goal. With 4 on the bench Cambridge City can keep freshening things up another double switch with Simmons and Pearce coming off, Reed and Jade Powell coming on. The visitors stretching Colney Heath now as they look to get themselves into the lead. Gillies having covered alot of ground on the right for Cambridge City comes off Stanley returning to the action with 15 minutes to go.
  GOAL! An immediate impact for the substitute with the ball over on the right Cambridge City attacking, the cross is flashed in along the six yard box, Hickey who has been so solid in goal doesn’t get to the ball this time as it evades her near post, Stanley is after it no one to get back to challenge her sees the ball over the line Cambridge City take the lead 1-2. 
 
Cambridge City Ladies Grace Stanley

Cambridge City Ladies
Grace Stanley

  Joseph gets the ball into Sheridan as the striker makes a move to get down the left channel turn into the area, Phillips stays with her and slides in to take the ball cleanly, sets up a counter attack the ball put into the middle Fullicks on to Stanley making a run in behind the Colney Heath defence into the area pulls her shot wide across the six yard box. Th Colney Heath players are starting to tire not a quick to close down a couple down with knocks. Cambridge City have a corner kick on the left the ball is played up the line with Tomlinson making a good run catching the Colney Heath player ahead of her cold runs in behind with the ball and take on the shot from the edge of the area flies over the bar.

  Wide left Penny has the ball at her feet travelling into the Colney Heath half, Stanley provides a run coming in from the right to get into the box Penny looks to flight the pass into the area for her, Allen nips in just ahead of her to win the ball. Into the last 10 minutes Colney Heath are pushing players on taking chances looking to find a reply the game is stretched now. Have a free kick on half-way the ball sent long Sheridan heads the ball on into the box, Fullicks is back helping defend the set-piece launches it clear of the area.

 

  GOAL! A couple more players down for Colney Heath late on into the final 5 minutes when play resumes the ball on half way the ball fed into Stanley left side in front of the area is perfect, taking it into her feet and spinning off her marker has the extra yard of pace to break clear looks to pull her shot back across goal, Hickey dives to her right gets something on the ball but not enough as it squirms under her and over the line for Stanley to score her 2nd of the game as Cambridge City lead 1-3. 

  One last free kick for Colney Heath to put the ball up into the box it’s cleared as the referee blows the final whistle

Full-time Colney Heath Ladies 1-3 Cambridge City Ladies

  Cambridge City come back from a goal down in the 1st half with a strong 2nd half performance to win the game 3-1 making it 2 wins from 2 in their opening league fixtures to see them go top of the fledgling ERWFL Division One table. A game of contrasting halves, Colney Heath came out of the blocks running, closing down their opponents and breaking forwards quickly taking an early lead. Had they been able to maintain that 2nd half could well have gotten something from the game.
  Took Cambridge City a little while to figure their opponents out wasn’t till late in the 1st half they started to apply some good pressure to their defence. Different story 2nd half by far the better side with the extra bodies on the bench used their substitutes to full advantage keeping legs fresh equalising then going on to win the game. An entertaining, fast paced game end to end for long spells.
  My thanks to both teams for their help with the teams this evening. Thanks too to Colney Heath for their hospitality and the plate of sandwiches that won’t survive for long. Best of luck to both sides for the rest of the season.

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Ladies v Acle United Ladies

The women’s football action at the weekend came from the ERWFL Premier Division on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog a trip to the Wardale Williams Stadium to watch AFC Sudbury Ladies play Acle United Ladies.

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Ladies v Acle United Ladies

 

  The women’s football action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday comes from the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Premier Division a trip to Suffolk to watch AFC Sudbury Ladies play Acle United Ladies. 

  The ERWFL season kicked off last Sunday and both sides got off to a great start recording opening day wins. Suffolk side, AFC Sudbury Ladies enter their 2nd season playing in the ERWFL Premier Division finished 3rd in their debut season at this level a position they held for most of the campaign. Will be hoping to push on challenge for the top 2 this time around have added to their squad bringing in Penny Everett and Megan Partridge who were with the now folded Long Melford Ladies last season. Started the season with an opening day victory at home, Sasha Diston scoring the goal as Sudbury beat newly promoted Royston Town Ladies 1-0.

  Acle United Ladies are beginning their 3rd season playing in the ERWFL Premier Division and the side from Norfolk having been at the wrong end of the table for the past two seasons are confident of better things this time around. The club has seen a change of coach and several new players joining the club during last seasons campaign coupled with fixture pile up due to early season postponements that never let the club gain any momentum on the field. The close season has seen a few more additions to the squad which got the season off to a great start last weekend winning 5-2 on the road against AFC Dunstable Ladies.

  Although AFC Sudbury Ladies have featured in match reports on the SWF Blog before this is the 1st time I’ve seen them play at home. Are very much an integral part of the men’s club, play at the Wardale Williams Stadium on the outskirts of Sudbury. A state of the art 3G pitch with a large newly built clubhouse and stand on one side of the ground, refreshments hot and cold available. A covered terraced stand between the dugouts on the opposite side of the pitch with covered standing areas behind both goals. Still warm and sunny as we near the end of August, several dark clouds around with the chance of a heavy shower during the match.

  AFC Sudbury Ladies starting XI – Penny Everett, Holly Harrison, Charlotte Churchman, Rebecca Thrower, Sasha Diston (C), Phoebe Guiver, Hayley Turner, Charlene Roach, Sophie Jeffery, Mia Etheridge & Megan Partridge.
  subs – Stacey Teager, Georgia Lindon & Natalie Golding

  Acle United Ladies starting XI – Joanne Hooper, Anna Larkins, Luka Goodchild, Chloe Shields, Kate Pasque, Alice Ladbrooke, Amber Rowland, Rose Glendinning, Shannon Dade, Rebecca Burton (C) & Jody Wells.
  subs – Leah McGuire. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)
  Sudbury kick off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts were without a few 1st team regulars unavailable for the game. Joanne Hooper, Acle’s player/assistant coach can and has played in a number of positions for the side, today was in between the sticks keeping goal. Acle were wearing their new away kit red and white vertical striped shirts, white shorts with red and white hooped socks. 
  Straight from the kick off, Sudbury play the ball up the right channel with Hayley Turner giving chase to the ball, Acle’s, Chloe Shields comes across to tackle and win the ball on the edge of the box putting the ball out for a throw. Receiving the ball from the throw in, Sudbury’s Holly Harrison sweeps a high ball up into the Acle six yard box, Hooper sees it safely into her gloves. Playing the ball out quickly from the back, Anna Larkins on the right passes the ball on for Shannon Dade ahead of her attacking down the wing takes on the shot as she reaches to top of the box, hits the ball hard and low towards the near post, Penny Everett in goal for Sudbury has the angle covered, gathers the ball into her body.
AFC Sudbury Ladies, Holly Harrison

  Early pressure from the visiting side, winning the ball at the back get it up top through the middle quickly, Alice Ladbrooke playing the ball into striker, Jody Wells feet, back to goal 25 yards out looks to flick it over the top of the Sudbury defence with Dade making a run in behind to the right, Everett has seen the threat and coming off her line early clears the ball as it enters the area. Acle regain the ball and coming forwards win a free kick 30 yards from goal, Amber Rowland over the ball sends it long into the box towards the far post. Rebecca Thrower defending for Sudbury does well to stop Acle midfielder, Rose Glendinning get in round behind her concedes the corner. The set-piece goes long beyond the far post Ladbrooke gets up to head the ball, turns her effort behind for a goal kick.

Defender, Rebecca Thrower clears the ball for AFC Sudbury Ladies
AFC Sudbury Ladies captain
Sasha Diston
  An end to end start to the game both sides looking to break quickly on the counter attack, Glendinning carries the ball with her through the middle of the park looks to put, Rebecca Burton the Acle captain through on goal, a good run, Sudbury’s Charlotte Churchman gets across her path just in time to push the ball wide and clear. Sudbury attack up the left side of the pitch the ball played into Sophie Jeffery her diagonal pass through the middle almost has Turner clear to attack the Acle goal, with Hooper rushing out it’s Kate Pasque who nips in ahead of Turner to intercept. Phoebe Guiver comes on for Sudbury.
  There are a few fouls being committed both sides getting a little physical, Sudbury in particular not happy with some of the refereeing decisions. Free kicks being given away, Sudbury are awarded one in the middle of the Acle half a chance for Charlene Roach to test out Hooper in goal gets the shot on target but not enough height to trouble the keeper. Another free kick to Sudbury on the left top of the area is played in towards the far post plenty of bodies there to attack it, it’s an Acle head that gets it cleared out of the box.
  GOAL! 22 minutes played and the visitors take the lead. With possession on the right bringing the ball into the Sudbury half, Acle win a throw in the ball is put into Glendinning who plays a great ball forwards for Wells to turn onto and run at the Sudbury box, Everett comes racing out to slide in at the strikers feet, spills the ball escaping her rolling to the right, Wells having kept her feet goes after it and turns the ball into the empty net beyond 0-1.
 
Acle United Ladies, Jody Wells
  Sudbury are awarded another free kick inside the Acle half with no advantage coming as they press bodies forwards. To the right of the box 30 yards out defenders come up from the back as Roach plays the ball diagonally to the far post, Acle head the initial ball clear out to the left Sudbury close it down and regain possession an early cross into the box, Diston is still forwards in the area connects with her head 12 yards out places the ball wide of the near post. Sudbury continue to put the Acle back line under pressure keeping possession around their 18 yard box, Megan Partridge unable to find a way through with the ball left side plays it across to the right with Harrison having gotten forwards looking to hit it 1st time, can’t keep her strike down.
  GOAL! Acle are attacking down the right the ball is flung into the area, Thrower gets across Wells to clear the ball, Ladbrooke reacts sharply coming forwards to intercept the ball fired into the box, Wells turns the ball across the six yard box an awkward ball for the defence to deal with facing their own goal, Everett comes for it with Burton closing her down doesn’t gather cleanly as Burton challenges and manages to turn the ball over the line 0-2.
Rebecca Burton scores Acle
 United  Ladies 2nd goal
 
 
   Dade bringing the ball on down the right wing for Acle takes on the early shot, angling in low towards the near post, Everett is across and in place to make the save. The foul count is clocking up against Rowland as she gets a final warning from the referee. Hooper commits early to coming out to the edge of her area sliding in to claim the ball as Partridge tries to play Turner in over the top. A free kick for Acle inside the Sudbury half Larkins plays the ball long to the far post from the right, Everett jumping up amongst the players around her to lay claim to the ball. Acle make a change Leah McGuire coming on for Rowland. 
  Mia Etheridge steals in to win the ball off the Acle defence and run in behind down the right squares a good ball along the six yard box, no one attacking the near post, Hooper is able to throw herself forwards and get hold of the ball. Time running out 1st half to get themselves back into the match Partridge is flagged offside in the Acle box as she squeezes a shot past the on rushing Hooper. Luka Goodchild is left hurt on the floor as she loses the ball inside the Sudbury half, Etheridge dispossessing her races forwards down the right wing, Pasque covers the ground to get across to challenge plays the ball out for the corner kick.
  GOAL! Little time left to play in the 1st half the corner on the right is sent long towards the far post area goes over everyone, the referee blows his whistle and points to the penalty spot having spotted a push. Acle protest and Pasque gets yellow carded for dissent. Up steps Roach to take the penalty kick for Sudbury, puts plenty of power behind the ball Hooper guesses right, diving to her left the ball is wide of her and nestles into the corner of the goal 1-2.
 
Charlene Roach scores from the penalty spot late in the 1st half for AFC Sudbury Ladies
Half-time AFC Sudbury Ladies 1-2 Acle United Ladies
  A goal right on the stroke of half-time has gotten Sudbury back into the game having gone 2-0 down. Acle having the better of the attacking play for a good percentage of the half going ahead midway through the 1st half then doubling their lead looking comfortable at the back until conceding the late penalty, Sudbury haven’t been at their best the goal back giving them a much needed lift. 

  Acle to get the 2nd half under way as Sudbury start the 2nd half with striker Stacey Teager who scored 16 goals last season on the pitch replacing Turner. Georgia Lindon is also on for Jeffery. McGuire has dropped into the defence for Acle with Pasque taking on a midfield role. Sudbury look to get Teager in on the action right from the start winning the ball the pass is played out to her making a run to the right of the box, Shields comes across and tackles well inside the box to win the ball. 

Charlene Roach and Kate Pasque battle for control of the ball

  Goodchild carries the ball out from the back for Acle on the left plays the pass up to Ladbrooke her crossfield pass looks to pick out Dade breaking forwards down the right trying to get into the box, Churchman staying on her shoulder puts in a well timed tackle to win the ball her clearance from the back is intercepted by Acle, Larkins having come forwards on the right to offer support for Dade takes the ball down the line sends a low cross racing along the top of the six yard box, Everett gets down quickly to smother the ball before it can reach Burton at the far post.

Acle United Ladies, Luka Goodchild

  Everett is well placed in her goal with Acle counter attacking the ball up the left is lifted up into the middle with Wells running into the area right of goal strikes the ball 1st time angling it in towards goal, Everett makes the save confidently taking the ball into her body. A busy spell for the Sudbury keeper with Acle stretching play, Dade finding space to run into on the right her cross is towards the near post, Everett is 1st to the ball. Burton controls a long pass sent up through the middle 20 yards out back to goal lays it back into the path of Wells, running onto the ball looks to curl her shot back in is straight into Everett’s gloves.

  GOAL! Having been under a little pressure at the start of the 2nd half Sudbury get themselves back on level terms. Attacking the ball is lifted up into the Acle area, Teager goes after it as the ball runs to the byline on the left, has support from Guiver lays the ball back to her, is clipped just outside the box, staying on her feet gets inside sees her shot blocked at close range, the referee blows up and awards the home side the free kick outside the area. Roach is over the set piece goes for goal getting plenty of lift on the ball on target drops late an awkward one for Hooper to try and deal with on her line, can’t keep it out and Sudbury equalise2-2 Roach with her 2nd of the match.

Charlene Roach sends her perfectly weighted free-kick in towards goal to score her 2nd of the game

  Acle have good possession of the ball on the right, Larkins able to support Dade on the wing, both get the opportunity to cross into the box, both times the ball is sent in near post with Everett 1st to the ball. Sudbury are getting some joy out wide themselves as the game starts to get stretched players tiring, Etheridge is played in on the wing running with the ball into space fires a low cross into the box with Partridge making a run into the area connecting with the ball sends her shot wide across goal.

  Etheridge runs onto the ball put out to the right again and taking it forwards lifts her cross up into the six yard box with Teager attacking the near post, lifting her leg can’t quite bring the ball down for a shot but improvises well preventing the defender behind her heading it clear hooks it over her with the outside of her boot looping up is straight into Hooper who catches the ball. 

Alice Ladbrooke wins the ball back for Acle United Ladies

  Pressing forwards with the ball Glendinning has Ladbrooke ahead of her in front of the Sudbury box links up with Larkins and Dade the trio in front of the D, crosses to Dade right with Larkins in between the pair, giving Larkins the ball she looks to pass back to Ladbrooke goes for the shot is blocked at close quarters by Diston the rebound back with Larkins she takes it on into the area, Thrower gets back on her to put in the challenge as Larkins shoots pulls the ball wide across the goal face. Pasque is off for Acle with Rowland returning to the action.

  GOAL! Wells sees a shot blocked the ball spinning behind for a corner kick on the right. It’s Wells to take the set-piece the delivery long to the far post. A Sudbury head gets the ball away sent high up towards the edge of the area dropping, is an awkward ball to get under control even as Sudbury look to push up out of their area, Acle win the ball back push it out to Wells over on the right from a higher position sends the ball back into the box far post area again, Burton turns and spinning back in gets her foot over the ball and scores her 2nd of the match 2-3.

A brace for Acle United Ladies captain, Rebecca Burton

 Dade comes off for Acle with Pasque coming back on. Sudbury press forwards looking to get back into the match a powerful run on the right wing from Etheridge getting down the line squares the ball into the middle, running back the ball strikes the 1st defender inside the box, taking alot of pace of the ball deflects through to Teager beyond running onto the ball strikes it 1st time drills the shot wide.

Acle United Ladies, Rose Glendinning looks to get away from
Sudbury pair Megan Partridge & Charlene Roach

  Glendinning tries her luck from distance running with the ball before pulling the trigger 25 yards out, the ball bouncing through into Everett. A double change for Sudbury with Jeffery and Turner returning to the action replacing Lindon and Roach. Partridge lines up a shot from 35 yards out a powerful drive is blocked by McGuire on the edge of her area. Players are tiring on both sides as the game moves into the final stages. 

 GOAL! Wells is in space some 30 yards or so out from goal as the ball is rolled into her, has time and space to line up a shot gets plenty of pace behind the ball as she fires it across the diving Everett into the back of the net to score her 2nd goal of the game and put Acle 4-2 up.
  
  Acle get the ball up into Burton, Pasque looks to get ahead of everyone gt into the box to receive the pass, Burton tries to play her in Everett coming out can get hold of the ball 1st set up a counter attack the ball up the field quickly played into Etheridge bursting clear to attack the Acle box shoots from outside the area as she sees Hooper rushing out to close her down fires a fierce shot past the keeper across the area, strikes the base of the far post cannoning back out across the six yard box, the Acle defence are 1st to it launch the ball clear.

Mia Etheridge running onto the ball for AFC Sudbury Ladies

  Into added time, Sudbury push players on looking to put the Acle back line under pressure Partridge gets the ball in behind with Teager running onto it clear of the defence taking it to the edge of the box Hooper is charging out to meet her sliding in Teager shoots, Hooper gets something on the ball takes the sting out of the shot as it gets past her by then her defence has got back round on the cover to clear the ball as the referee blows the final whistle.

Full-time AFC Sudbury Ladies 2-4 Acle United Ladies

  A 4-2 victory for Acle sees them start the season with 2 wins out of 2 3rd in the table behind leaders Bedford Ladies and Haringey Borough Women who have started the season in similar fashion. A solid team performance getting themselves into a 2-0 lead. A physical match both sides battling hard to win the ball, some decisions baffling both sides, Sudbury will be the 1st to admit they weren’t at their best today, did well to get themselves back into the game however, tiring towards the end Acle retook the lead with Wells securing victory late on. Long way to go yet but already the ERWFL Premier Division is shaping up nicely and both Acle and Sudbury will be hoping they can be in the title race come the end of the season.r
  My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details today, best of luck to both for the rest of the season. 

Match Report – Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies

1st match of the new season from the Supporting Women’s Football Blog

New Season – Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies

 
 The new season is here! The FA Women’s Premier League campaign get’s underway this Sunday and the Supporting Women’s Football Blog is starting with a trip south to watch newly promoted Crystal Palace Ladies as they welcome Coventry United Ladies to Bromley FC.

   Crystal Palace Ladies are the ‘Invincibles’ having won promotion from the FAWPL South East Division One last season with an unbeaten record, winning 20 of there 22 matches in the league. Enjoy a strong relationship with the men’s club and are looking to make progress. Have done well to keep hold of players that brought them success last season and manager Dean Davenport has added players too, some with WSL experience, Megan Goss and Ciara Sherwood joining from Millwall Lionesses. Ellie Bailes joins from Charlton Athletic Women. Ex-Fulham goalkeeper, Lauren Allen has also signed for the club. Will be looking to make an immediate impact upon the league.

  Their 1st opponents in the FAWPL Southern Division, are Coventry United Ladies have won the league as recently as 2014 no play-off game for the FAWSL that year, switched to the Northern Division the following season finishing runners-up behind Sheffield FC Ladies. Back in the Southern Division last campaign were amongst the chasing pack that could do nothing to stop Brighton & Hove Albion WFC’s charge to the title. Finishing 4th they did have success last season winning the FAWPL League Plate. Will be amongst the favorites to challenge for the title again this season.

  Bromley Arena is the venue for today’s FAWPL season opener, home of Bromley FC, the non-league ground is a mixture of old and new look stands with the main one seated and covered down one side of the pitch housing the clubhouse and bar plus food facilities. The older stands surrounding the other 3 sides of the ground are a mixture off classic terracing and some seating behind one goal a good sized stadium surrounding a large pitch which looked as it should perfect at the start of the season, good grass cover and flat. Great weather to start the season too very warm and sunny, some dark clouds about that might hint at a spot of rain or two but a strong breeze was helping to blow them through.

  Crystal Palace Ladies starting XI – Chanelle Yardley, Pamela McRoberts, Katy Morris, Freya Holdaway (C), Leesa Haydock, Ciara Sherwood, Ellie Bailes, Megan Goss, Alma Donohoe, Rochelle Shakes & Gemma Bryan.
  subs – Lauren Allen, Leanne Bell, Abigail Igbavboa, Francesca Ali & Tia Foreman.

  Coventry United Ladies starting XI – Susan Wood, Gina Burton, Nikki Miles, Natasha Lynch (C) Alexandra Buck, Laura Cooper, Jade Brook, Stephanie Smith, Amber Hughes, Marie Gauntlett & Alison Hall
  subs – Helen Dermody, Sami Ryder, Olivia Dougherty, Ellie White, Kathryn Pagan & Christina Torkildsen.

    It’s the visitors, Coventry to get the game underway, wearing an all green away kit with Crystal Palace lined up opposite wearing red and blue shirts, with blue shorts and socks with a red vertical stripe down the sides. The home side close down the ball right from the start winning it push towards the Coventry area, defender Alex Buck steps up to tackle and play the ball out for a throw on the right. From the right the ball is lifted up towards the area this time Coventry captain Natasha Lynch headers clear, Nikki Miles looks to break from the back up the left but running out of room can’t turn her cross back into the six yard box.

  Getting forwards from the back too, Crystal Palace’s Pamela McRoberts on the right brings the ball on before playing a high ball across the top of the area, looking for striker Gemma Bryan comes at her quickly trying to adjust leaning back to get power on her header turns it towards goal the looping ball drops into the gloves of goalkeeper, Susan Wood. Is a pacy start to the game from both sides working hard to quickly close their opponents down on the ball. 

Rochelle Shakes holding the ball up in attack for Crystal Place Ladies

  Stephanie Smith brings the ball forwards for Coventry drifting towards the right plays the pass up the line into the area for Alison Hall to go after. Crystal Palace captain, Freya Holdaway gets across in front of her does well to shepherd the ball out of play for a goal-kick. Megan Goss receiving the ball turns well and plays the pass forwards into Bryan with room to run into on the left only a good tackle from Buck putting the ball out for a throw steps her breaking into the area. Bryan has the ball at her feet again on the left soon after charging towards the byline cuts back inside the area superbly to deceive her marker and takes on the shot from an acute angle sending the ball wide across the face of goal.

   10 minutes played and the early pressure is with Crystal Palace, have Coventry pushed back defending the top of their area, closing down the ball the midfielders looking to win it create an opportunity, Ciara Sherwood almost does just that as she latches onto the ball just outside the box left of the D hitting it sweetly on the volley, Wood shifts across to try and get to it does need to as it flashes just past the post striking the advertising boards behind the goal. 

Crystal Palace Ladies, Ciara Sherwood

  Coventry’s Miles is getting some joy on the left side providing and outlet when the visitors and get the ball released from the back, taking it on up to the top of the area squares the ball into the middle, Leesa Haydock heads the ball clear, Coventry’s Smith looks to lift it over the defence into the area for Hall, goalkeeper Chanelle Yardley gets to it 1st. Miles comes again this time Hall looks to break out early providing a passing option, Holdaway reading it just about gets her foot on the ball to intercept. For a 3rd time Miles is available for the ball in quick succession as Jade Brook passes from the centre of midfield to send her away up the left wing into the box cuts the cross back towards goal too close to the near post Yardley has the angle covered and goes down to gather the ball.

  GOAL! Crystal Palace take the lead as the game closes in on the 20 minute mark. It comes from a Coventry throw deep in their half on the right side, Rochelle Shakes is quick to put pressure on the receiver winning the ball and fires the ball along the ground into the area with Bryan free just inside the box, good control hits the shot on the turn sending it flying across the diving keeper and into the back of the net 1-0.

Gemma Bryan scorer of the opening goal for Crystal Palace Ladies


  Bryan is causing the Coventry defence all sorts of problems attacking down the left looks to get onto the end of a long ball from the back, Gina Burton gets to it first to put the ball out for a corner kick. Coming to nothing, Crystal Palace appeal for a penalty as Bryan ends up on the deck as she charges into the box, nothing given by the referee. Up the other end Holdaway and Haydock are clearing up thing’s with the Coventry attack having little opportunity to get in behind them. 

  A chance for Coventry to get players forwards as Ellie Bailes brings brook down as she closes down on the area on the left the free kick just outside the box, Laura Cooper over it. sends a great delivery on towards the far post players running in to attack it Hall amongst those gets a touch the ball strikes the post before Crystal Palace scramble it clear. Better from Coventry after conceding the goal go forwards with more pace and purpose, Hall forces Crystal Palace into conceding a corner kick on the left. A great ball sent invitingly into the six yard box is headed down into the ground by Lynch unmarked in the centre bouncing through bodies is blocked on the line saved by Yardley pushed out, Lynch gets another chance to go for goal puts the ball over the crossbar.

Coventry United Ladies captain, Natasha Lynch sees her header cleared on the line

  Marie Gauntlett and Amber Hughes link up as they attack down the left flank exchanging passes as they try the work the ball into position for a cross win Coventry another corner kick. The set-piece is almost spilt by Yardley as she comes to claim it near post but reaching out behind her as she falls somehow keeps hold of it as Gauntlett closes in. Alma Donohoe on the left plays a great ball into the area for Goss who has got herself into a central position, good control to bring it down on her 1st touch, Miles gets back to defend nudging Goss off the ball and getting it away from the area. 

  GOAL! A contrasting game since Crystal Place took the lead on top during the opening 25 minutes have been forced back in the last 10 minutes as Coventry look to fight their way back onto level terms, do so on the 37th minute Comes from a well worked move good build up the ball played across the midfield before being passed on to the advancing Burton on the right sends the ball into the area along the six yard box, Smith jumps up to meet the ball with her head knocking it down back across the keeper and in 1-1.
 
 Crystal Palace go on the offensive straight from the restart the ball into the Coventry half with urgency, played on the diagonal from the left with Shakes making a run into the area goes to strike it on the volley, connects but under challenge smashes the shot into the side netting. Coventry go forwards themselves Miles getting the better of McRoberts as she goes on the move on the left takes the ball on Hughes comes towards her to offer the close passing option gets it on the corner of the box goes for goal the strike over the bar at the near post. 
Coventry United Ladies, Marie Gauntlett with Pamela McRoberts
  Late into the 1st half Bryan reacts sharply to a lazy Coventry back pass to the goalkeeper getting in behind looking to take a touch as she closes in on the box, Lynch gets back to put in a well timed tackle to take the ball away from her. Into injury time Crystal Palace with one last attack Donohoe on the left sweeps a cross into the box with Shakes the target running in on goal looks to hit it on the volley turn it wide across the keeper, is also wide of the goal.

Half-time Crystal Palace Ladies 1-1 Coventry United Ladies

  An entertaining and lively start to the FAWPL season at Bromley FC, newly promoted Crystal Palace starting the far better of the two sides capitalising by getting the goal. Coventry had to ride out a storm at the start improving late in the half after going a goal down pushing the host back and creating a few chances of their own bringing the scores level. The game very much evenly poised for the 2nd half. 

   A half-time substitution for Crystal Place as they kick off the 2nd half with Leanne Bell on the field replacing Goss. An early foray up the field for McRoberts making a move to get into the box as Bryan comes out wide right holds the ball up attempts to lay the ball into the full-back inside the box, Hughes has tracked back with her and tackling gets her foot on the ball. Substitute, Bell on the right side herself is allowed to travel a long way with the ball reaching the top corner of the area takes on the strike, plenty of pace on the ball, Wood covering her post is right behind it.

Leesa Haydock takes control of the ball at the back for Crystal Palace Ladies

   A good start to the 2nd half from Crystal Palace, Bryan runs at the Coventry defence winning the ball high up the pitch goes forwards has support with her from Shakes as she enters the box looks to set her up, her 1st time strike is blocked, the rebound falls to Sherwood deeper who also sees her effort blocked the ball eventually running out behind for a corner kick on the left. A good delivery played along the six yard box, Holdaway heads the ball into the back of the net, but not before the referee spots an infringement blows up for the foul.

   Penalty! Crystal Palace’s bright start to the 2nd half is almost undone as they concede a penalty. Attacking down the right wing the ball is played forwards for Hall to chase down is just inside the area wide right as goalkeeper Yardley comes racing out to kick clear and despite getting to the ball 1st her follow through brings down Hall the referee points to the spot. Gauntlett steps up to take looking to lift the ball up to the keepers left, Yardley guesses the right way and throwing herself across gets two big hands on the ball to make the save.

Chanelle Yardley saves Marie Gauntlett’s penalty kick

 Pressurising the Coventry back-line, Bryan gets hold of the ball and stealing in behind has a run at goal pulls the trigger from inside the D the strike off target. Coventry win a corner on the right Hughes makes a run from the top of the area to receive the ball from the taker playing it back to her, receives the return pass inside the box right corner turns and shoots the shot flying over the crossbar.

  1st change for Coventry as Hall is replaced by Helen Dermody. The visitors win a free kick inside the Crystal Place half a chance for Cooper to play the ball long up into the box sends it out towards the far post, Yardley comes to clear it, misses clattering into her own defender as Miles connects with her head drills the effort wide. 2nd change for Coventry with Christina Torkildsen coming on to replace Burton with a little over 20 minutes left to play. Good spell from the visitors, Smith bringing the ball on holds up well outside the Crystal Place box left side as Miles makes a run down the line, Smith with the pass plays her into the area, Yardley rushing out to meet her saves well at her feet.
  GOAL! Crystal Palace retake the lead as Bryan scores her 2nd of the match, latching onto a Shakes flick on as the ball is played long from the back, Bryan is in behind played through on goal, shoots from outside the box right of the D power and pace on the ball to drill is past Wood, strikes the base of the far post back spin seeing it roll over the goal-line 2-1.
 
An opening day brace for Crystal Palace Ladies, Gemma Bryan
  Crystal Palace make a 2nd change straight after the goal bringing on Abigail Igbavboa for Bailes. Coventry look to respond attacking down the right Hughes drives forwards whips the ball into the box, Dermody coming towards it looks to hit it 1st time but under challenge can’t get enough on the ball. End to end, Bell has the ball wide right for Crystal Place pushing forwards turns inside is tackled well by Buck. A heavy challenge on Shakes by Lynch as she powers her way forwards sees a free-kick given away right on the edge of the area a balls width outside right of the D it’s Igbavboa over the ball, goes for goal the strike over the top.
   GOAL! Once again Coventry come back from a goal down to equalise, a goal out of nothing and like Bryan from Crystal Palace it’s a 2nd goal of the match for Smith. Has possession of the ball some 30 yards out left side in front of the area a snap shot goes for goal sends the ball flying into the top corner, little chance of Yardley diving at it can do stop it as it brushes her fingertips and goes in 2-2.
 
Stephanie Smith controlling the ball with 2 goals for Coventry United Ladies
  Sets up an intriguing final 10 minutes of play. Torkildsen bursts forwards down the right for Coventry puts a good crossfield pass out to Smith on the left in front of the box, looks to play in Dermody ahead of her, she is unfortunate to slip as she goes to strike the ball on the edge of the area the attempt rolling tamely through to Yardley. 3rd change for Crystal Palace, Fran Ali coming on to replace Haydock.
  Attacking down the left side for Coventry as the game moves into the final minutes of normal time, Gauntlett rolls the ball into Dermody inside the box, she plays it across with Hughes behind her, sees her attempt at goal closed down the ball is won back as Crystal Place look to counter attack, Brook takes on the shot from distance looks to be heading top corner once again this time though Yardley has time to get across and pluck it down.
 
Coventry’s Jade Brook and Crystal Palace’s Ellie Bailes battle for the ball
  Into injury time Holdaway picks up a yellow card after fouling Hughes, a chance for Cooper to put the ball into the box, Smith is there to attack it far post sends her header wide of goal. Coventry very nearly win it at the death as rare moment of carelessness at the back sees Brook steal in to take the ball charging in behind left of goal shoots hitting the ball along the ground, Yardley dives to her right makes a great save turning the ball behind for the corner kick. Claims the set-piece as it comes in the referee blows the final whistle.
Full time Crystal Palace Ladies 2-2 Coventry United Ladies

 The points shared on the opening day fixture an entertaining match to watch from a neutrals perspective. A positive start to life at a higher level for Crystal Palace dominated the game for a good portion of both halves, scoring when they were on top too. Coventry were a little slow to get going 1st half but fought their way back into the game equalising twice after going behind. 
  A good day out at Bromley, my thanks to both sides for their help with the team line-ups today and best of luck for the rest of the season.

Cup Final Report – Northampton Town Ladies v Peterborough United Ladies

One more League Cup Final for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog to cover before the end of the season and a trip over to Raunds Town FC in Northamptonshire to watch Northampton Town Ladies play Peterborough United Ladies just one goal extra scored saw Northampton Town Ladies pip their rivals to the league title as they finished level on points and goal difference, could they make it a league and cup double or would Peterborough United Ladies win their 1st piece of silverware to end their 1st season together on a high. 

Cup Final Report – Northampton Town Ladies v Peterborough United Ladies

 
  The 2015/16 women’s football season is almost over the league games are all complete, just a couple of games left to watch, the 1st in Northamptonshire a trip to Raunds Town FC to watch the League Cup Final between Northampton Town Ladies & Peterborough United Ladies.

  A league and cup double is on for Northampton Town Ladies as they pipped Peterborough United Ladies to the Northamptonshire Women’s Division One title by the narrowest of margins after the two sides finished level on points (27) and matched each others goal difference (26) it came down to goals scored and with 37 scored over 36, Northampton Town Ladies were crowned Champions. A small league with just 5 sides competing the two sides faced each other 3 times over the season Northampton Town Ladies winning 2 both at home and Peterborough United Ladies winning their home fixture.

 Road to the Final
 
    Northampton Town Ladies started the competition with an away game in the 1st Round playing 2nd Division side, Rothwell Corinthians Ladies Reserves won through to the quarter finals with a comfortable 5-0 win and progressed to the semi-finals without kicking a ball as they were awarded a home win against Kettering Town Ladies. Faced 2nd Division leaders Corby Town Ladies in the semi-final at Corby, Northampton Town Ladies won the game 4-0 to reach the League Cup Final.
  Formed this season, Peterborough United Ladies were awarded a home win in the 1st Round of the competition against 2nd Division side Thorplands Ladies. Won big in the quarter final on the road playing 2nd Division, Earls Barton Ladies scoring 7 goals without reply to reach the semi-finals and a home tie against fellow 1st Division side Thrapston Town Ladies last seasons beaten finalists. edged the game with a 2-1 to reach the League Cup Final. Come into the final off the back of a special night for the team last Saturday getting to play at the ABAX Stadium home of Peterborough United FC in a friendly match against West Ham United Ladies
  The venue for today’s game Raunds Town FC, hosting the Northamptonshire Women’s & Girls Football League (NWaGFL) Finals day, 5 finals in total starting at 9:30am U12s, U14s U16s plus 2 Ladies Finals the League Plate and Cup. The ground itself is easy to find on the outskirts of Raunds, plenty of parking a clubhouse and bar, refreshments available, a small seated stand on one side of the pitch which considering where we are in the football calender was in excellent condition, one of the best playing surfaces I’ve see in a good while. Been craving an ice-cream for a few days now too, so to see an ice-cream van in the carpark I was happy. The weather was fantastic, bright and sunny, not too hot, ideal for a game of football.

  Northampton Town Ladies starting XI – Joanna Daniels, Megan Rayment, Isla Fleury, Claire Stancliffe, Eden Brown (C), Georgia Tear, Steph Knight, Amy Marshall, Zoe Boote, Cloe Woodward & Cesca Partridge.
  subs – Aimee Smith

  Peterborough United Ladies starting XI – Amy Martin, Sephania Chaudhuri, Fiona Plumb, Kathryn Lusk, Laura Tonkin, D’lacy Phillips (C), Emily Smith, Amy Challis, Tash Applegate, Eleanor Boothman & Bryony Fox.
  subs – Courtney Edwards, Jenna Lusk, Georgie Elsom, Emma Stevenson & Jessica Harvey.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s Peterborough to get the Cup Final underway 1st half wearing blue shirts and shorts with white socks with Northampton lined up opposite wearing claret shirts and socks with white shorts. Northampton get the ball off Peterborough straight away, Georgia Tear getting stuck in, the ball being played down the right wing for Amy Marshall to go after, keeping it in looks to turn inside Laura Tonkin closes her down the ball comes off her for a throw to Peterborough. 
   Peterborough bring the ball up the left side attacking the ball played into Eleanor Boothman in attack with Bryony Fox, a throw deep in the half brings the 1st corner of the match, is delivered long to the far post Northampton get a head on it and the break is on the ball sent long, ends up all the way back into the gloves of Peterborough goalkeeper, Amy Martin. 
  In goal for Northampton, Joanna Daniels is called into action racing off her line to slide in and stop the ball as Fox is played in behind the defence by Amy Challis bringing the ball down the right side of the attack for Peterborough. Clear to see these are to closely matched sides early on a competitive opening exchange no one afforded any time on the ball in the middle of the park the ball is popped back by Peterborough to defender, Fiona Plumb the centre back sends a great ball long out to the left with Tash Applegate looking to move forwards, Northampton captain, Eden Brown comes across to challenge for the ball leaves Applegate on the ground as the ball is blocked runs harmlessly into the box. Applegate receives treatment on the pitch and is okay to continue.
  Brown along with centre back partner Claire Stancliffe are dealing well with the Peterborough attack in the opening 20 minutes as they try to play the diagonal ball into the centre for the strikers to run onto whenever they get the ball in the wide positions, Fox more than willing to try and force her way through the middle to get into the area. 
Northampton Town Ladies captain, Eden Brown
  Northampton’s Marshall coming inside plays the ball long out to the right side, Cloe Woodward goes after it, looks to be a lost cause but she manages to keep it in knocking it down the line, goes after it, Tonkin has come across with her and turns the ball behind for a corner kick as Woodward looks to cross the ball into the box. The ball is send high into the Peterborough area, in the centre, Brown jumps high trying to get something on it doesn’t as it drops far side to Cesca Partridge 12 yards out lashes the ball in towards goal the shot is cleared by the defender covering the near post. 
  Northampton keep the ball in the Peterborough half, are awarded a free kick 20 yards out to the left of goal Woodward is over the set piece lines up the shot gets it on target coming in Tonkin is in it’s path and sends in clear of her area. Boothman steals in on the ball just over the halfway line pulling out to the left takes it forwards before attempting to release Fox into the box (I was going to type it at some point wasn’t I?) too much weight on the ball allows Daniels to come and gather before Fox can reach it. A fast paced game no sooner is the ball up one end then it’s up the other, Northampton have a throw halfway inside the Peterborough half on the right side finds its way inside to Woodward drifting into the area right corner, looks to head the ball on with Partridge ahead of her near post, Partridge looks to head it on, Martin moving across has the post covered and claims the ball low however the flag is already raised as Partridge was offside.
Cloe Woodward heads the ball in for Cesca Partridge 
 Emily Smith getting hold of the ball for Peterborough in the middle carries it out towards the right with Challis down the right making the run for her, given the ball she looks to come inside knock the ball on it is cut out put behind for a corner kick. A good delivery played in at a good height, Fox rises to meet it in the middle of the goal heading the ball down on target, Martin is well placed to get her gloves on the dropping ball make the save.
Bryony Fox gets her head on the ball from the corner for Peterborough United Ladies
   Challis has the ball wide right for Peterborough tries to thread the pass forwards for Fox to get after, trying to get into the area, the foul goes against as she bundles Brown to the ground. A change for Peterborough, captain D’lacy Phillips comes off the armband handed to Plumb as assistant player manager Jenna Lusk comes on. A free kick for Peterborough wide on the left just over the halfway line as Brown fouls Applegate, the ball is delivered long into the Northampton area, Boothman jumps a back header sends the ball towards the goal, Daniels gathers, the offside flag is up against the attacker.

  Northampton make a substitution Aimee Smith coming on for Isla Fleury. Boothman peels out to the left as Smith picks up the ball in the middle sends the pass out to her, Fox comes across looking to spin in behind the Northampton defence as the ball is played forwards into the area, Daniels seeing the threat comes off her line and sliding in claims the ball. Marshall and Boote have switched sides for Northampton now on the left Marshall on the ball comes central plays the ball out to Boote on the right driving on with it down the line stands the cross up into the box, jumping Tonkin gets a glancing header on the ball sending it on across the six yard box falls to Partridge at the far post, gets the shot away, Martin has gotten across her goal and holds onto the ball.

Northampton Town Ladies, Georgia Tear

 Applegate wins Peterborough a corner on the left, the ball is whipped in central under the bar, Daniels with a strong punch clears the ball sending it out to the left another corner is won this one played up the line with Smith getting hold of the ball taking it inside is 25 yards out fires in the shot, Daniels is behind the ball and has the ball in her gloves.

  Smith fouls Tear in the centre circle inside the Peterborough half, Brown plays the ball up into the area, Jenna Lusk gets her head on the ball clearing it, Northampton soon have it back Steph Knight playing the ball out to Boote wide right, sends her cross in dissecting the six yard box, Partridge is racing in to meet it, Martin gets it into her gloves first. Late Northampton pressure in and around the Peterborough penalty box brings them a corner kick on the left a fantastic ball played in finds Woodward on the penalty spot, drills a shot back across to the near post area, the defender covering the post blocks getting it clear

  Applegate having come over to the right has the ball with support from Challis the pass is send forwards for Fox to attack the Northampton area, Brown gets back on her makes the tackle the ball out for a throw is taken quickly put into Fox right side of the area, Daniels comes racing out to the edge of the area to close her down, Fox gets the shot away past the keeper, but off target.

Half-time Northampton Town Ladies 0-0 Peterborough United Ladies

  Easy to see why these to sides finished so closely in the league, a competitive match, played at a fast tempo on a good surface, both creating chances without overly testing the goalkeepers. 0-0 at half-time it looks like it’ll be an odd goal to 2 that settle it, just a question of which side will score. Peterborough have more options available on the bench that could tell as the 2 sides start to tire 2nd half. If not then the game goes straight to penalties no extra-time being played today.
  Northampton get the 2nd half underway. Fleury is back on for Knight. Peterborough have made a double change at half time, Fox and Challis off Georgie Elsom and Emma Stevenson on both in midfield, Applegate is now further forwards in attack. They start brightly winning a throw deep on the left the ball is sent into the area, Stancliffe clears. Northampton come forwards with the ball Marshall has it on the right plays the pass inside to Partridge 25 yards out lines up the strike hits the ball low and hard, rolls wide across the goal face. 
Georgie Elsom on for the 2nd half for Peterborough United Ladies brings the ball under control
  Another free kick for Northampton inside the centre circle a chance for Brown to play the ball long into the area, a great delivery, Partridge is the player looking to connect as it bounces, close just evades her as it runs out for a goal kick. A free kick for Peterborough closer to the target, 25 yards out to the right side of the box as Stancliffe fouls Stevenson. Applegate is over it takes it quickly whipping the ball in towards the near post, Daniels moves quickly getting across to palm the ball down into the ground and claims. 
  A surging run from Peterborough’s Smith through the middle, looks to thread the ball through the centre backs for Applegate, she has strayed offside however and the move breaks down. Moments later the same thing happens only this time the flag doesn’t go up Applegate is clear after the ball, Daniels comes running out to kick clear inside the D, mis-kicks the ball it is sliced to her left, she reacts quickest throws herself on the loose ball looked mighty close to being handled outside the area as her roll takes her inside, the officials don’t give anything play continues. Knight returns to the field for Northampton with Woodward off.
Northampton Town Ladies, Isla Fleury looking to go past Peterborough United Ladies, Emma Stevenson
   Stevenson links up with Applegate on the right side as Peterborough attack, the ball rolled down the line for Applegate gets it and plays it inside to Stevenson who takes the ball into the box, her touch is a little heavy the ball getting away from her, Applegate is chasing in to the area, gets onto the ball, scuffs the shot, which sees it run safely into the keepers gloves.
  The game continues to be played at a furious pace the ball travelling from one end of the pitch to the other then back again, Northampton’s Rayment brings the ball forwards plays it forwards for Marshall they win a corner kick the ball is sent in near side flashes all the way through to Partridge once more standing free far side outside the area this time, unleashes a shot too many bodies to get through the shot is blocked, deflected up into the air and cleared. Both sides make a change, Partridge coming off for Northampton, Woodward comes back on. Boothman off for Peterborough, Jessica Harvey comes on to join Applegate in attack.
Northampton Town Ladies, Megan Rayment
  Northampton gets powerful shot in from 30 yards out, didn’t see who hit it the ball comes flying in towards Martin above her head she doesn’t have much time to react, is straight at her throws her gloves up, gets contact with the ball has done enough to kill it as it drops behind her, for a second it looks like it might creep over the line but turning Martin snatches the ball into her gloves. 
  Harvey looks to get herself in behind the Northampton defence, her forward ball is deflected behind for a corner on the left. Is a great ball flung in across the six yard box drops to Applegate 3 yards out unmarked at the far post, meets the ball on the volley looking to turn it home, sends the attempt over the crossbar. 
Meeting the corner kick at the far post Tash Applegate volleys over
  Peterborough are starting to build momentum seeing a little more of the ball, Smith plays the ball through the centre with Harvey giving chase, Brown getting back on her to win the tackle before she gets into the box. Coming again on the right Peterborough win another corner kick this one is played into the middle of the six yard box dropping for Harvey she gets a glancing header on the ball turning it on target, Daniels flings out an arm knocking the ball down into the ground and taking it on the bounce.
  GOAL! The deadlock is broken with a little over 10 minutes left on the clock. Harvey busy since joining the action closes down Stancliffe at the back challenges and comes away with the ball breaking in behind into the box is one on one with the keeper, keeps her composure right of target to send the ball across Daniels and into the back of the net 0-1.
 
Jessica Harvey scores the opening goal of the
Northamptonshire Ladies League Cup Final
  Northampton go on the attack from the restart get a corner kick on the right the ball whipped in central close to goal is claimed comfortably by Martin. Chaudhuri bringing the ball on plays it on for Smith coming across to the right who plays it on down the right for Harvey coming inside as she comes level with the top of the area squares the ball into Applegate inside the D, back to goal she controls the ball well flicking it up and looking to hit on the turn sends her shot over the crossbar.
  Northampton send Partridge back on with Rayment coming off as they go to 3 at the back needing a goal with 5 minutes of normal time left. The action continues either end late on in the game, Applegate on the left stays up as she is clipped going beyond squeezes a cross into the box, Daniels comes and claims near post the ball launched up field. Knight attempts to play Woodward into the area, Kathryn Lusk cuts intercepts. The game moves into injury time, Northampton have another corner on the right played into Woodward coming to the ball she tries to hook the ball on ends up lifting it over the goal. Again the ball is at Woodwards feet as Northampton push bodies forwards 25 yards out shoots pulls the ball wide of goal. Little time left Tonkin plays the ball into Smith 30 yards out takes on the shot a viscous strike on the half volley flies in towards goal, Daniels with a fantastic save throws herself at the ball tipping it over her crossbar
 
GOAL! From the resulting corner kick Peterborough put the result beyond doubt as they score again the ball from the right is fired in to the face of the area with Applegate free beyond the D, connects with the ball hitting it back in on the volley smashing it across the box it finds its way into the far corner of the net 0-2 Applegate wheels away in celebration performing a double somersault as her team mates rush over to celebrate virtually no time left the final whistle blows and Peterborough United Ladies win the Northamptonshire Ladies League Cup Final.

Tash Applegate scores in the closing seconds to make it 2-0 to Peterborough United Ladies

   Have seen several finals this season and this one is right up there with the best, a good competitive contest between two evenly matches sides who know each other well, might well have gone either way right up until the final 10 minutes and Northampton kept trying until the end. 

 
Peterborough United Ladies 2015/16 Northamptonshire Ladies League Plate Winners
  Congratulations to Peterborough United Ladies on winning the Northamptonshire Ladies League Cup.
   There were 4 other finals that took place earlier in the day starting at 9;30am the U12s final was won by AFC Rushden & Diamonds who beat Earls Barton 4-0. That was followed by a 2-1 victory for Welland Valley over Parklands Tigers in the u14s final.
  In the U16s final Gregory Celtic ran out 6-1 winners against Welland Valley, then in the Ladies Plate Final, Woodford United beat Rothwell Corinthians Ladies Reserves 4-0 to lift the trophy. Congratulations to all the winners.
  They may have lost out on the cup and making it a double celebration but Northampton Town Ladies are league Champions and were presented with their trophies after the final.
Northampton Town Ladies, Northamptonshire Women’s Division One Champions
  Another enjoyable final, my thanks to both sides for giving me their assistance with the team line-ups today always appreciated.

Match Report – Colchester Town Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

The 2nd Final of the day at the County Ground featured Colchester Town Ladies v Silver End United Ladies in the ERWFL League Cup. A 3pm kick-off the whole match report as featured on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog can be viewed below.

Cup Final Report – Colchester Town Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

 
 On to the 2nd of today’s ERWFL Cup Finals a 3 o’clock kick-off between Colchester Town Ladies and Silver End United Ladies as they contest this season’s League Cup.

  The ERWFL League Cup will belong to an Essex side after today’s final with both finalists travelling west to the County Ground to contest the cup. Colchester Town Ladies the only ERWFL Premier Division representative on Finals day with Silver End United Ladies playing in just their 1st season at this level reaching the final. 

Road to the Final

  A straight knock-out competition open to all the clubs playing in the 3 ERWFL leagues the Division One sides in the East & West league contest the opening two rounds. Colchester Town Ladies entered the competition at the 3rd Round stage an away trip to the the ERWFL Premier Division leaders, Billericay Town Ladies. Won the game 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals drawn at home this time to face fellow Premier Division side, Haringey Borough Women. A single goal scored by Chelsea Forde seeing them into the semi-finals and another home tie against AFC Sudbury Ladies enjoying a good 1st season in the Premier Division. I went along to this game was a classic cup tie a 7 goal thriller Sudbury taking the lead only for Colchester to come back and lead twice themselves before eventually going on to win 4-3 to reach the ERWFL League Cup Final.

  Silver End United Ladies started the competition in the 1st Round away to Division One West side Sawbridgeworth Town WFC, won the game 3-2 in extra-time. Were on the road again in the 2nd Round a tough away trip to another Division One West side, Offley & Stopsley Ladies won the game 4-1 to set up a home tie against Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies in the 3rd Round. Emerged 2-1 winners to reach the quarter-finals and play fellow Division One East side West Billericay Ladies at home another 4-1 victory setting up a semi-final clash at home to Stevenage Ladies who would go on to be crowned ERWFL Premier Division Champions, Silver End United Ladies the underdogs found themselves a goal down battling hard going into the closing minutes of the game, Rebecca Hollocks scored 2 goals to see them win and reach the ERWFL League Cup Final.

  Again played at the County Ground a 2 hour break between matches, allowed me the chance to destroy a sausage, egg and bacon bap, refuelled to the 2nd Final of the day, still bright and sunny as the two sides were led out onto the pitch.

 
  Colchester Town Ladies starting XI – Nikita Runnacles, Elizabeth Blacklock, Zoe Smith, Ellen Powles, Lucy Jones, Charlotte Bryant, Alex Brewis-Shepard, Paige Wakefield, Megan Bamber, Georgia Box & Chelsea Forde.
  subs – Kira Fitzpatrick, Stacey Roper & Laura Guyon.
 
  Silver End United Ladies starting XI – Hannah Streetley, Abi Head, Georgia Raby, Lindsey Cowell, Roxanne Gardener, Jodie Osborne, Dani Warnes, Alex Bailess, Rebecca Hollocks (C) Lynsey Bowman & Rebekah Henderson.
  subs – Nikita Walker, Helen Alder, Paula Drane, Amy Evans & Michelle Taylor 
 
(roll on roll off substitutes)
It’s Colchester wearing red and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks to kick off the 1st half in the ERWFL League Cup Final against Silver End who are lined up wearing sly blue coloured shirts with navy shorts and socks. The ball goes long to the left side early towards Megan Bamber on the left, wins a couple of throws as she makes progress down the wing before the ball eventually played into the area is headed clear. 
  A quiet start to the game the ball spending alot time being exchanged between the midfield players as they look impose themselves on the ball. Charlotte Bryant plays the ball out to Bamber making a run on the left wing again, lifts the cross in towards the Silver End goal rising towards the near post goalkeeper, Hannah Streetley is well placed to claim the ball. Paige Wakefield brings the ball forwards for Colchester has Georgia Box on her right rolls the ball out to her taking it further down the wing cuts back inside as she reaches the top of the box playing it back to Wakefield who then looks to play it into captain Alex Brewis-Shephard in a central position outside the box, misses her shot the ball running on to Bamber far side, left drives forwards lifting the ball into the area, Streetley calls for it and gathers.
   Wakefield gets herself on the ball for Colchester again coming forwards has Zoe Smith ahead of her in the centre, playing the ball to her she looks to hit the shot, Silver End defender, Abi Head gets her body in the way to make the block. Box gets in behind the Silver End defence on the right makes a run towards goal into the area, Jodie Osborne comes across to win the tackle put the ball behind for a corner kick. 
Silver End United Ladies, Georgia Raby looking to get ahead of Colchester’s Georgia Box
  Silver End look to get the ball forwards themselves Alex Bailess plying it up to Silver End captain, Rebecca Hollocks, strong on the ball, holds it up well outside the Colchester area, turns back inside looking for an opening to send n a shot, none available plays the pass across to Rebekah Henderson free to the right, goes for the shot fires the ball straight at Colchester’s goalkeeper, Nikita Runnacles.
  Lynsey Bowman out wide right for Silver End brings the ball forwards, Hollocks looks to provide a run ahead of her moving into the channel, can’t get past Colchester’s Lucy Jones the ball out for a throw, ending up back with Runnacles, Colchester hit Silver End with a quick counter attack the ball played long to Bamber on the left the early cross is fired in with pace, Wakefield furthest forwards in the middle improvises as the ball runs behind her run looks to deflect it towards goal with her heel,  doesn’t get enough contact with the ball runs wide for a goal kick. Running with the ball on the right Box looks to come inside Wakefield is in the area looks to play her in, she slips as she goes to shot the ball rolls harmlessly in towards Streetley who gets down to see it into her gloves.
  An early change for Colchester as they bring Bamber off, Kira Fitzpatrick coming on to the wide left attacking position. Having rode out the opening 15 minutes of sustained Colchester possession Silver End are starting to find a little more time on the ball. The ball is put long into Bowman on the right 20 yards out meets it on the volley slicing the effort wide of goal. A free kick is won on halfway, Roxanne Gardner to play the ball up towards the Colchester area, Hollocks gets up highest to header the all across to Henderson to the left of goal takes on the strike smashes the ball against Colchester defender, Elizabeth Blacklock.
Silver End United Ladies, Lynsey Bowman
  Bowman finds some space to run into on the left as Hollocks central holds the ball up before laying out out into space for her to chase down, getting hold of it driving into the box let’s fly her shot hits the side netting. Runnacles is out quickly to block Bowman as she is played in behind on the left again, blocking the ball it goes out for a throw on the left. Box and Fitzpatrick have switched flanks, Box is over on the left reaching the top of the area plays the ball inside into Bryant who hits the 1st time shot in towards goal lifts the attempt over the crossbar.
  Silver End get caught with numbers up the pitch as they lose the ball in attack Ellen Powles playing the ball through the middle Box is in clear to run at the Silver End penalty area, Head comes across and tackles well getting the ball away from Box out to the right side, Fitzpatrick looks to get to the ball smash it back into the area ends up smashing it into the Head’s face leaves the defender pole-axed on the ground. Fear she might be knocked out but after a few moments is up albeit holding the right side of her jaw a painful one.
   Bryant passes the ball to Powles looks to go long hit the ball on the diagonal with Smith looking for it central making a run to get into the area, very nearly succeeds the pass just needs a touch and Smith is clear on goal, just evades her boot. Colchester get themselves a corner on the right fired in the ball is headed in towards goal, Streetley punches it away falls to the edge of the area , Osborne puts in the block as the shot is fired in. 
  GOAL! Colchester have been pressing for a goal and in the dying moments of the 1st half get themselves the lead the ball is played out to Box on the left side gets down the line before whipping a cross into the box, Brewis-Shephard has made the run from midfield and is unmarked on the six yard line the cross falling to her she heads it down towards the far post the ball rolling over the line 1-0.
 
Colchester Town Ladies captain, Alex Brewis-Shephard opens the scoring

Half-time Colchester Town Ladies 1-0 Silver End United Ladies

  Colchester have had the bulk of the attack 1st half, but for all of their possession Silver End have defended will, pressing the ball and putting in the blocks, haven’t had much in the way of attacks themselves holding out before conceding so late in the 1st half. 
  Silver End get the 2nd half underway, Colchester get hold of it right from the start putting it out to Box on the left looks to play in Brewis-Shephard through the middle, Osborne closes in to tackle the ball sent out of play for a throw left.
  GOAL! Colchester keep Silver End pegged back from the throw get players into the left corner, the ball is laid back to the edge of the area before being sent in to Box inside the six yard box left of goal, going to ground gets she shot away the ball going across the goal face past the keeper and in 2-0. An early goal 2nd half just what Colchester wanted. 
  Silver End respond with a substitution, Helen Alder coming on for Henderson. Colchester are on the attack again Chelsea Forde playing the ball out to Fitzpatrick on the right side arriving with pace meets the ball on the corner of the area fires the shot it smashes into the boarding behind the Silver End goal. Colchester a pressing hard at the start of the 2nd half Box moving out to the right takes the ball into the area squares it along the face of the area with Brewis-Shephard, before she can get the shot away, Head gets back on her blocking the ball spinning into the gloves of Streetley. Colchester make another change sending on Stacey Roper for Forde who has picked up a knock. 
  Osborne matches up the bruises on team mate Head’s face as her defensive clearance smashes her in the face again, another stinging blow needs a few seconds to recover holding her nose this time, but checking she’s okay Head is happy to continue. Ducks out of the way of a third blow to the face as the ball is put out for a throw. Colchester work the ball across the box from the throw deep on the left comes through to Wakefield sends in a low shot towards goal, Streetley is down quickly to hold onto the ball.
Silver End United Ladies captain, Rebecca Hollocks
  Silver End with a free kick inside the Colchester half, Hollocks smashes a fierce drive into the wall the ball coming back to her is played out to the left, Bowmen gets onto it takes the ball on into the area wins her side a corner kick, Wakefield back defending the set-piece gets it clear drops outside the area Head looks to hit it on the half volley slices the shot wide. Silver End make a change taking off Lindsey Cowell and bringing Amy Evans on.
 GOAL! Brewis-Shephard picks up the ball in the middle makes a crossfield run right to left, full back Jones is already on the move bombing forwards the ball is played into her path taking it on down the flank crosses the ball in towards the near post with Box coming to meet it, hits the ball hard rising towards goal, a great save from Streetley throwing herself up getting her gloves to the ball doesn’t get it away unfortunately as it falls to Wakefield at the far post to head the ball over the line 3-0. 60 minutes played Colchester with a strong start to the 2nd half have a 3 goal lead.
Paige Wakefield heads home to make it 3-0 to Colchester
 Laura Guyon is introduced to the action for Colchester. The Silver End defence is busy Colchester keep coming forwards, Fitzpatrick plays the ball into the area from the right side, Osborne defends well up against Box the ball pops free Brewis-Shephard is interested, Head goes up against her the close range effort blocked. 
  GOAL! A 4th goal for Colchester, Jones the scorer the ball with her on the left side high up the pitch sends in a high looping cross into the area, a difficult one for the keeper to deal with dropping down right under her crossbar dips late can’t get anything on it as it hits the ground and bounces over the goal line at the far stick.4-0.
 
Changes for both sides, Paula Drane and Nikita Walker come on for Silver End. Bamber comes back on for Colchester in place of Box. Silver End have had little of the attack 2nd half Hollocks wants to get the ball forwards, Walker looks to provide a run get into the box from the right side, the ball is sent up into the box, bounces through to Runnacles before Walker can get to it.
Amy Evans looks to get the ball forwards for Silver End United Ladies
 Wakefield picks up an injury after a challenge in the middle limps off for Colchester, Box sent back on. Bamber has the ball on the left, Box inside her is played in taking the ball into the area Evans tracking back does well to defend ease her off the ball. Hollocks knicks the ball off the Colchester defence on the left side looks to carry the ball into the area, Smith now in defence gets across to block her strike deflects the ball behind for a corner. The corner comes in central Runnacles calls for it and claims unchallenged.
Michelle Taylor comes on for Silver End, Bailess going off. The Silver End defence has battled hard 2nd half putting in alot of effort to try and stop the Colchester advance the game beyond them as it moves into the final minutes the back 4, Head, Osborne, Gardener and Raby come off, Bowman, Henderson, Bailess and Cowell come back on look to have a go late on Hollocks playing it long out to Bowman on the right her 1st time cross whipped into the box is cleared by Blacklock. Bowman has an opportunity to strike from distance the ball doesn’t trouble Runnacles.
  The final whistle blows and Colchester Town Ladies win the ERWFL League Cup beating Silver End United Ladies 4-0. A strong 2nd half performance seeing them add 3 more goals to their half-time lead, gave the Division One East side little opportunity up the other end. A spirited performance from Silver End United just couldn’t match Colchester 2nd half.
Colchester Town Ladies, 2015/16 ERWFL League Cup Winners 

Congratulations to Colchester Town Ladies on winning the 2015/16 ERWFL League Cup and once again my thanks to the both sides for helping me out with the team details today. An busy but enjoyable day attending the ERWFL Cup Finals day.

Match Report – Colney Heath Ladies v Writtle Ladies

The Supporting Women’s Football Blog feature 2 Cup Final reports from this Sunday from the ERWFL Finals Day, the 1st of which was the ERWFL Division One Cup new to this season the sides from the two Division One’s East & West drawn into 2 groups before advancing to the quarter final knock out phase with Colney Heath Ladies & Writtle Ladies reaching the final kicking off at 11am at the County Ground home of the Hertfordshire FA. Read the whole match report below.

Cup Final Report – Colney Heath Ladies v Writtle Ladies

 
  On the road early Sunday morning heading for the County Ground in Letchworth home of the Hertfordshire FA to watch 2 Cup Finals today both from the Easter Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL). The first an 11am kick-off for a new competition the ERWFL Division One Cup the two sides contesting it, Colney Heath Ladies and Writtle Ladies.

  The ERWFL Division One is the 4th tier of the women’s winter football pyramid currently split into 2 leagues Division One East & West with 7 sides originally contesting each, the Division One Cup replaces the old League Plate format, runs along similar lines however with the sides contesting the 2 divisions split into two groups A & B to play a mini league, providing each side with more competitive matches. The top 4 from each group progressing into a knock-out stage, the quarter finals.

  Contrasting season’s for both the finalists, Colney Heath Ladies were the beaten finalists in last season’s ERWFL League Plate competition. A young side who I have often heard talked about as one to watch in the future this season has seen the sides progress hampered by injuries and like a good number of sides across the region the poor weather that saw them hardly play a game got no momentum going were rooted to the bottom of ERWFL Division One West for virtually the whole campaign. Towards the latter half of the season getting players back and entering the Division One Cup drawn in Group B this saw them find some form winning 3 of their 5 games to finish 3rd in the table to reach the quarter finals 2 successive league wins at the end of the season saw them climb off the foot of the table.

 Writtle Ladies are very much a side on the rise newly promoted to the ERWFL this season having had 100% league win record in Essex they continued that form in the league holding onto that 100% right up until the penultimate league games against local rivals Silver End United Ladies, who we will talk about more in the next match report, edged the win in a 7 goal thriller 4-3. By then however Writtle Ladies were already crowned champions of the ERWFL Division One East and will be competing in the Premier Division next season. Were also runners-up in this seasons Essex Women’s County Cup Final. Drawn in A in the Division One Cup topped the group going through unbeaten with 4 wins and a draw.

Road to the Final

  Onto the knock-out stages the quarter-finals predetermined by the final placing in Groups A & B with 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd. That saw Colney Heath Ladies travelling from Hertfordshire to play Essex side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies, who had gone through the group stages unbeaten themselves. Colney Heath Ladies ran out 3-1 winners to reach the semi-finals to play Hoddesdon Owls Ladies a single goal scored by Christina Freestone was enough to see them reach the ERWFL Division One Cup Final.
  Writtle Ladies were to face familiar opponents in the quarter-finals were at home to Silver End United Ladies knocked them out of the competition with a 3-1 victory. Reaching the semi-finals they were on the road taking on Offley & Stopsley Ladies had a 3-2 advantage at half-time before going on again to score 2nd half to win the game 4-2 and set-up the potential of a league and cup double.
  The venue for today’s ERWFL Finals, Hertfordshire FA’s County Ground, been here a few time this season for various games, easy to access, a good sized pitch with a large seated stand running along one side behind the dugouts, small covered terraced stands behind the goals with another covered stand on the opposite side. The weather for the finals day couldn’t be better, bright, sunny and warm.
 

 Colney Heath Ladies starting XI – Natalie Hilton, Molly Slade, Rachel Sheridan, Victoria Hill, Eustacia Randles, Sammy May, Kirsty Feasey, Sophie Joseph (C), Kelly Hancock, Adrienne Milton & Holly Sheridan.
 subs – Lucy Hancock, Annie Hickey & Jael Muzzi. 

 Writtle Ladies starting XI – Beth Griffiths, Caroline Brown, Kayleigh Franklin, Hannah Mold, Faith Candice, Courtney Clarke, Georgina Tricker, Leanne Stubbings, Amy Simmons, Abigail Fry (C) & Sophie Vale.
 subs – Amelia Murphy, Charlotte Walker, Kimberly Ripton, Rachel Weller & Nicola Medici. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   It’s Writtle wearing green and white horizontal striped shirts with green shorts and socks to kick off the 1st half with Colney Heath lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, with black shorts and socks. Writtle press Colney Heath right from the start getting the ball out on the left, look to get the ball into the area Colney Head central defender intercepts the ball and launches it far from her area. Writtle regain possession and try their luck on the opposite flank, captain Abigail Fry running into space receiving the ball squares her cross in towards the near post area, Colney Heath goalkeeper Natalie Hilton has come across and is there to scoop the ball up into her gloves.
  Colney Heath look to teat Writtle out through the centre, play the ball long looking for striker, Adrienne Milton first, looks to get into the box onto the ball, Faith Candice gets her foot on the ball first. Peeling away to the right Milton’s strike partner, Holly Sheridan does find herself played in on the ball taking it into the box on the right side, Writtle goalkeeper Beth Griffiths comes charging out to close her down, Sheridan smashes her shot straight at the keeper, spins away from danger.
  GOAL! An early lead for Writtle, the ball is rolled into Sophie Vale on the right holding the ball up initially, spins off her marker and turning in behind puts in an early cross into the Colney Heath area, along the six yard line, Leanne Stubbings is there having made a midfield run, unmarked the ball comes into her she connects to turn it 90 degrees on target, is past Hilton before she can react, a late dive to her left in vain the ball already over the line 0-1.
 
Leanne Stubbings opens the scoring in the ERWFL Division One Cup Final
 
   From a throw on the left side on half way the ball is sent across field picking out Amy Simmons on the left for Writtle, carrying the ball on towards the area unleashes a shot from 25 yards out left of the D looking to across the diving keeper, Hilton sees the ball run wide at the far post. Simmons is played through again left side by Courtney Clarke has Colney Heath defender, Rachel Sheridan on her shoulder as they run into the are, Simmons attempts to lob the keeper, Sheridan does enough to deflect the ball wide for a corner kick. The corner is cleared out to the left, winning a 2nd corner Writtle go short this time Caroline Brown receiving the ball comes to the top corner of the area and aims for the top corner her shot landing on the roof of the net.
   Writtle have started well, Colney Heath haven’t gotten going yet. Plenty of energy on show from both sides especially Colney Heath who are looking for Holy Sheridan or Milton whenever they win the ball, Sheridan finds room on the right sends a driving ball into the Writtle area no one is making a run to get onto the end of it. Colney Heath captain, Sophie Joseph gets onto the ball winning a 50/50 on halfway left side drives forwards with the ball laying the pass into Holly Sheridan coming left side back to goal on the edge of the box, turns playing the ball on with Milton the pass a little heavy Milton does well to win a corner. Comes in long from the right far post players there but no one can get a touch.
    Clarke wins Writtle a corner as the Essex side wins a throw deep on the right Kayleigh Franklin putting the ball into her feet inside the box, Eustacia Randles closing her down to concede the corner, played into the box from the right, Simmons back to goal can’t control it Stubbings far side goes to retrieve and shoot but Colney Heath have pushed out quickly the offside flag is raised. Stubbings linked up with Vale through the middle inside the Colney Heath half, the midfielder playing the ball forwards into  Vale outside the box, looks to turn inside and hit the shot, is blocked by Kirsty Feasey as she tracks back to help defend the rebound rolling back to Stubbings her strike back in towards goal is straight into the gloves of Hilton.
Writtle Ladies, Courtney Clarke
   Is a warm day the referee lets the players take on fluids as Vale receives treatment in the middle after the affects of a robust challenge in the middle of the park. As play resumes Colney Heath press the ball high Holly Sheridan winning it and putting the pass through the middle for Milton, up against Candice the two chase the ball into the box, Griffiths is coming forwards, Milton stretches trying to get it past her sends her attempt high and wide. 
 

The captains tussle for the ball, Writtle’s Abigail Fry with Colney Heath’s, Sophie Joseph

Fry is brought down by Joseph wide right as she attempts to take the ball on around her a free kick in a dangerous position the ball is sent into the box long, Rachel Sheridan winning the header gets the ball clear. Colney Heath have gotten better over the last 10 minutes Sammy May playing the ball to Milton moving across the the right side an early cross into the area from high up the pitch aiming near post with Holly Sheridan making the run Griffiths can gather before the striker can pounce. Slade with a defensive clearance out from the back finds Sheridan who has Randles making a surging run from left back into space rolls the ball gets her team a throw high up the pitch the ball is worked into the Writtle area Kelly Hancock tries to get onto the ball can’t bring it under control to shoot Writtle’s Hannah Mold gets it out of the area. 

  Changes for Colney Heath with Joseph and Holly Sheridan coming off, Annie Hickey and Jael Muzzi come on. Colney Heath are putting alot of effort into pressuring the ball when Writtle hit them on the counter Georgina Tricker latching on to the ball and taking it down the left wing, cutting back inside into the area her shot is charged down by the advancing keeper, Hilton runs back to Tricker she is closed down no shot on lays it back to Vale edge of the box bouncing she can’t quite get her foot over the ball, turning it in, Randles is able to head it clear. 
  GOAL! Vale gets another chance to shoot at goal moments later an takes it doubling Writtle’s lead late in the 1st half. Writtle turn the play around quickly the ball through the middle sending Vale through determined to reach in lunges for the ball outside the area digging it out of the ground sends it in rising towards goal comes at Hilton quickly throws her gloves up at it but can’t get a firm grip as it squeezes through and dropping behind her over the line. 0-2.
Sophie Vale scores to make it 2-0 to Writtle Ladies
  A late free kick for Colney Heath on half way, Slade to play the ball long in to the Writtle area, Hickey throws herself at the ball may have got a touch but either way bouncing on Griffiths pushes the ball wide of goal conceding the corner kick. Played in from the left, long again to the far post Milton rising cranes her neck to try and turn the ball on target sends the attempt over the bar.
Half-time Colney Heath Ladies 0-2 Writtle Ladies
  A 2-0 lead at half-time Writtle Ladies started the brighter and took an early lead, Colney Heath slow to get started improved as the half wore on, both sides creating chances Writtle doubling their lead 5 minutes before the break. A usual lead to have at half-time another goal would put a hand firmly on the cup.
   Colney Heath to get the 2nd half underway, Holly Sheridan and Joseph are back on the pitch, Randles and Milton off, Lucy Hancock has also been introduced to the action. Straight away they are pressing Writtle on the ball get the ball into the area, Griffiths gets the ball into her gloves. Both keepers are out of their area in the opening minutes with play congested in the middle the ball popping free to send an attacker through. Both keepers come and kick well. Fry attacking down the right wins Writtle a corner kick put in Stubbings looks to help the ball on into the crowded six yard area in front of goal, Rachel Sheridan gets the ball away.
Colney Heath’s Sophie Joseph in a race for the ball with Writtle’s Courtney Clarke
 Hickey going after a ball played through the centre nods it on with her head looks to chase it down into the Writtle area, Mold gets back on her the shot deflected wide out to the right is picked up by Kelly Hancock her ball sent back into the box is cleared. Colney Heath are awarded a free kick wide right 25 yards out May to play into the area a good delivery whipped in with pace an inviting height, Holly Sheridan goes up for it can’t quite get the connection to turn the ball in towards goal.
   Writtle have players ready to burst on when the ball is won back, Fry makes the move on the right wants the ball, gets it taking it on turn inside closing in on the area fires the shot in low and with power, Hilton gets down to stop it, pops out of her grasp for a second Simmons closing in from the left is interested, the keeper snatches the ball back into her body. Candice is in alot of pain from a tackle in the centre the defender is unable to carry on Charlotte Walker comes on goes up top in attack with Stubbings dropping into defence.
   The stand behind the dugouts is shielding the fans from the sun over on the far side but it is a potential problem for the keepers when any ball is put in from the opposite with any height, Vale does just that attacking down the right for Writtle, up high and dropping down close to her crossbar Hilton on her line does well to get hold of the ball. In the opposite goal Griffiths comes charging out of her box as Holly Sheridan as played in through the middle sliding in fully committed gets everything behind the ball to deny Sheridan the chance to shoot.
   Tricker gives away a free kick wide on the left close to 30 yards out, may is standing over the ball goes for goal gets plenty of pace on the shot smashes against the woodwork coming back out into play, Writtle hurry the clearance get the ball up the other end. Colney Heath are seeing more of the ball getting it up the field with urgency have a throw on the right taken quickly by Kelly Hancock she plays Holly Sheridan into the Writtle area, Mold gets the tackle in putting the ball out for a corner kick. Taken from the right Tricker defends the ball near post then fouls the corner taker Joseph outside the box. The set-piece is launched long to the far post a crowd of Colney Heath players after it one connects the header is wide took a knick a corner on the left is given this ball is cleared out only as far as Joseph standing on the edge of the area, snatches at the ball her shot well off target.
Colney Heath Ladies, Kirsty Feasey looking to get hold of the ball
   More substitutions, for Writtle Amelia Murphy comes on for Vale whilst Colney Heath bring Randles and Milton back on for Lucy Hancock and Muzzi. Tricker brings the ball out from the back and covers alot of grass knocking it past the full back ahead of her before playing the ball into the area, Rachel Sheridan comes across to win the ball putting it behind for a corner.
   A break for Colney Heath, the attacking 3 looking to combine as Holly Sheridan plays Milton into the box from the right side, looks to flash a cross into Hickey chasing in far post along the six yard box, Griffiths throws herself on the ball making the save in front of Hickey. Both sides are fashioning chances as Writtle play Fry in on the right attacking with the ball drives inside running along the front of the Colney Heath area rolls the ball across to Murphy waiting for it left of the D, looks to turn the shot in towards goal, curls it over the crossbar. 
   Lucy Hancock is back on for Colney Heath replacing Kelly Hancock. Writtle’s Caroline Brown plays a superb ball out to the left for Simmons to chase down into the Colney Heath box, the angle is fading fast as she closes in on the six yard box Hilton coming to close her down goes to shoot across the face of the goal, sees the effort run wide at the opposite post. Hilton needs some treatment after she ribcage is rattled coming to claim a Writtle free kick put in from halfway gets her gloves to the bouncing ball before being clattered – is okay to continue. 
  Corner for Colney Heath played in from the right side into the box dropping to Sheridan unmarked central on the six yard line headers the ball in towards goal, Griffiths looks beaten as the ball flies to her left, somehow produces an amazing piece of agility to throw herself at the ball is past her as she plucks it away from a certain goal. 
Beth Griffiths produces an amazing save to keep Writtle’s 2-0 lead intact
  Muzzi and Feasey return to the pitch for Colney Heath Hickey and May the players coming off. Colney Heath are running out of time to get a goal back and get themselves back into the final. Win a corner on the left the ball put in is headed clear by Clark for a throw in the left the ball is retained by Colney Heath is played across the face of the area, running across her Feasey opens up her body to turn the ball in towards goal, Griffiths is caught static turns to see the ball bounce off the base of the goal post and roll across the six yard box before being cleared.
  Another Colney Heath free kick on half way, Slade over it is encouraged to shoot, goes for goal on target but Griffiths has plenty of time to shuffle across and claim it. Kelly Hancock comes back on for Colney Heath, Milton comes off. With Colney Heath pushing players on looking for a goal the game is stretched, Writtle patient are ready to hit them on the break the ball is fed out to Simmons now on the right having switched with Fry, squares the ball in to the near post with Murphy running onto it lifts the strike over the crossbar. The ball is sent out to the right again as Writtle counter the early ball sent in long is past Hilton hits the crossbar and then the far post looks certain to drop over the goal line however Rachel Sheridan gets back on her line to hook it away.
 GOAL! Closing in on stoppage time and the goal Colney Heath have been pushing so hard for 2nd half finally comes. The game is stretched late on Writtle aren’t interested in taking it into the corner want a 3rd goal themselves to seal it, Colney Heath win it back play the ball through the middle, Holly Sheridan is after in racing after the ball gets plenty of power behind the shot from the edge of the box the ball coming at Griffiths is rising flies over her and hits the back of the net 1-2.
 
Holly Sheridan is held aloft by Molly Slade after she scores in the Cup Final for Colney Heath Ladies
 
  Into stoppage time so little time left Writtle get hold of the ball and keep it late on inside the Colney Heath half-time don’t let their opponents have it have the lead and are going to keep it the final whistle blows and Writtle Ladies win 2-1 to end their season with a league and cup double winning the ERWFL Division One Cup.
  A good contest played at a fearsome pace, chances at both end Writtle Ladies started the better and got the lead 2-0 at half-time were patient knew Colney Heath had to come at them both sides created chances wasn’t till late on Colney Heath got a gaol back 10 minutes sooner maybe it could have been game on however Writtle defended well for the most part and won the game.
Writtle Ladies 2015/16 ERWFL Division One Cup Winners
  Congratulations to Writtle Ladies on winning the ERWFL Division One Cup and making it a double success with the Division One East title too. My thanks to the management of both sides for their help with the teams today.