Category Archives: Match Reports

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 31st March

ERWFL Division One North

Heading to The Daly Group Stadium, this Easter Sunday to watch a game from ERWFL Division One North, the league looking intriguing at both ends of the table as we move into the final two months of the season, with Fakenham Town Ladies taking on Newmarket Town Women.

  The title battle going to the wire between Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Harpenden Town Women. ERWFL Division One North feeding into the Premier Division above contested originally between 12 sides as the ERWFL reached it compliment of 36 sides across 3 divisions, sadly down to 10 early in the season following the withdrawals of St Ives Town Ladies and Yaxley Phoenix Ladies. As intriguing elsewhere with just 6 points between 5th placed Newmarket and 10th placed Fakenham, with plenty of points for most still to play for. Both of today’s opponents looking to end a poor run of losses.

  Fakenham Town Ladies currently 10th in the ERWFL Division One North table, slipping to the bottom off the back of 4 straight league defeats. Playing there 2nd season of regional football, looking to build on a successful spell for the club. With 5 games left will be aiming to turn thing’s around and push up into the middle of the pack. Began the new campaign with a 5-3 win at home to Bedfordshire side, Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses, two defeats following before an unbeaten run of 5 matches collecting 9 points in that period. Mixed results since with 4 league defeats in between a run to the last 4 of the County Cup. Chloe Gravett way out in front as leading goal scorers netting 17 goals in 17 appearances.

  This is Newmarket Town Women’s penultimate match of the season, both against Fakenham Town Ladies, they themselves looking to end a run of league defeats like Fakenham stretching to 4 now which has seen them fall away from the pack chasing the leading pair, all 4 games lost by a 2-1 score line. Are the longest established club in the ERWFL Division One North which is odd in itself as they are relative new comers themselves a club built very much on youth and bringing players up through the clubs various youth and Development sides, has produced some very talented players over the years. Starting with 2 wins, Newmarket were on the tails of the top two for a good spell that poor run denting their campaign will be aiming to finish on a high. Katie Hayes and Lydia Mykhaylechko joint top scorers on 5 apiece.

   The Daly group Stadium (formerly Clipbush park) the venue for today’s game, the ladies game advertised on the boards outside the ground entrance off a busy roundabout leading into Fakenham itself. The clubhouse and bar open serving hot food and drinks. The main pitch in use for today’s game a big pitch offering plenty of width always a good fitness tester. A few days of dry (ish) weather most welcome the clouds however building once again… were supposed to getaway with the rain, but sadly that wasn’t to be the case a light drizzle in the air as the teams walked out onto the pitch prior to kick-off.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Georgina Pooley, Ruby Curtis, Jemma Riches (C), Sophie Buckley, Sian Sands, Rochelle Woods, Scarlett Derrett, Kirstie Rusted, Shelley Woods & Chloe Gravett. Subs – Amie Hutchinson, Olivia Baker & Nicole Costin.

Newmarket Town Women

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Koren Evans, Kara Wayman, Hollie dryland, Ellie Sturgess, Katie Walker (C), Felicity Payne, Katie Hayes, Abbie Corbyn, Holly Corley & Lidiya Mykhaylechko. Subs – Liv Caffarelli, Violet Jones, Becca Reynolds, Niamh Sutherland & Evonne Yerrell.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Jemma Riches and Katie Walker with today’s match referee Michael Clark.

  It’s Newmarket wearing their away colours, an all red strip with white trim to kick-off the first half with Fakenham lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shoulders and sleeves, black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle clipped diagonally forwards to the right with Katie Hayes drifting inside from the flank allowed time to lift a clipped ball out to the left for Abbie Corbyn to attack left of the D, knocking it down into the area the angle rapidly closing her cross/shot dropping wide past the right post.

Newmarket’s Katie Hayes playing the ball forwards

Newmarket getting after Fakenham early on a competitive midfield the visitors winning a free-kick, won back by Fakenham, full back Georgina Pooley gets hold of the ball driving on down the left, Holly Dryland coming across for the back to support Koren Evans the defence marshals the ball back into their box for goalkeeper, Dominika Szary to kick clear. 

 Felicity Payne linking up with captain, Katie Walker through the middle as Newmarket get forwards a throw won out on the left taken quickly into striker Lidiya Mykhaylechko who turns into the channel looking to plough her way in behind the Fakenham defence, captain Jemma Riches staying on her getting her foot on the ball to halt the attack.

Newmarket’s Lidiya Mykhaylechko looking to get past Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

  Fakenham regain possession central the ball played long out to Chloe Gravett pulling right into space chasing the ball down taking it down the wing whips a cross into the area, Ellie Sturgess intercepting for Newmarket at the back with Shelley Woods running in behind her. 

 Newmarket lively getting on the counter attack smartly looking to get the ball into their wide players, Hayes right and Abbie Corbyn left, Ruby Curtis tackling to prevent the latter getting in behind for Fakenham. Walker lifting her pass forwards into Mykhaylechko inside the D, looking to get the better of Sophie Buckley, the defender holding her ground the ball knocked down into the box gathered by goalkeeper, Tilly Betts as she runs out to the top of her area. 

Newmarket’s Kara Wayman

  Kara Wayman on the ball storms forwards down the left for Newmarket racing into the opposition half before attempting to put a cross-field ball into Hayes  running into the area from the opposite flank, the pass evading her. Fakenham under pressure in the middle from Newmarket limited in the final 3rd Rochelle Woods playing the ball into Shelley Woods 25 yards out central back to goal, lays it off to Kirstie Rusted pulling on into the right channel going wider angles a cross into the near post Shelley Woods looking to attack it, Dryland coming across in front of Szary to defend, clears the ball.

  A misplaced ball out from the back has Szary in trouble as it runs straight to Rusted 30 yards out an the angle looks to chip the ball towards the open goals even as she is closed down, doesn’t get enough purchase on her shot the chip safely back with Szary rapidly back peddling towards her goal. Fakenham finding a foot hold in the final 3rd after Newmarket’s strong start to the game. 

Newmarket’s Abbie Corbyn with Fakenham’s Ruby Curtis

  A mistake at the back from Fakenham the diagonal ball from Hayes on the right missed, leads to Corbyn stealing in on it left of the D to burst into the area, Riches recovering the ground well stretching for the ball, takes it off Corbyn even as the goes down as the attack goes to strike the ball which runs safely back to the keeper.

  Pooley advancing on Fakenham’s left on for Rusted plays the one two with Gravett inside her top of the box, Rusted after the return ball, Evans defending for Newmarket the ball back with Szary the goalkeeper with a quick throw out seeing Newmarket on the counter attack down their left Mykhaylechko peeling wide sweeping a cross into the box, Buckley defending as Hayes looks to attack the ball at the far post.

Scarlett Derrett looking to play Chloe Gravett in behind

 

   A few tasty tackles coming in a competitive match Newmarket pressing around the Fakenham area Hayes on the right passes inside for Mykhaylechko inside the D, screws her shot wide of the right post. Gravett looking to provide an outlet for Fakenham up top pulling into space on the right found by her teammates drives on before delivering a looping cross into the area, Dryland there to clear the ball for Newmarket.

Holly dryland contesting the header with Fakenham’s Shelley Woods

  Gravett getting in behind Sturgess on the right as the defender gets caught in possession turning in behind whips an early ball into the area with the same result, Dryland on the end of it to launch clear. Fakenham driving on through the middle Sian Sands, Rusted on for Shelley Woods 25 yards out blasts her strike over the crossbar. 

Sian Sands with Newmarket attacker, Holly Corley

  A pause in player with a player down for Fakenham injured, it’s Derrett needs to come off, the hosts sending on Nicole Costin. Gravett central taking the ball off Shelley Woods powers forwards, Dryland, Sturgess and Wayman all closing her down crowding the striker off the ball. 

 GOAL! The deadlock broken in the 15th minute Newmarket attacking down their left the ball on for Mykhaylechko wide 30 yards out, sees Holly Corley making a run across her out to the left lays the ball into her path Corley taking it down the line lifting a cross into the six yard box, Hayes getting a foot up to connect with the ball send it past the keeper and into the back of the net 0-1.

Katie Hayes opening the scoring for Newmarket

  Newmarket with their tales up taking the lead winning a free-kick on half way the ball put into Corley central has Wayman bursting down the line on the left plays the ball out to her before running into the area, Wayman picking her out she strikes the ball in towards a packed near post, Betts there to punch the ball away back out to the left, Wayman attempting to put in a curling ball over her, Betts with her gloves up to claim it, slips through her fingers, but has killed the flight as it drops behind her and she can turn and snatch the bouncing ball up before it can trickle over the line. 

Fakenham goalkeeper, Tilly Betts

  Betts with a busy spell in goal for Fakenham as Hayes left plays the ball through into the area for Corbyn advancing inside on the left, Betts out quickly to meet her sliding in to save with her feet, a corner conceded on the left. Delivered into the mix drops for Payne top of the area her snap shot driven into bodies blocked, the rebound from outside the area smashed over. 

 Newmarket looking sharp winning the 2nd balls getting play turned around quickly pushing forwards, Walker into Corbyn left, Curtis staying on her as she tries to break in behind, the defender slowing her progress as Riches comes across to clear. Gravett battling for everything up top for Fakenham often pulling wide, lacking bodies in the box to play the ball too.

  Corbyn taking the ball down on the left powering on, Curtis looking to stay on her going to ground as she looks to prevent the cross, is immediately in trouble screaming in pain looks to have caught her studs in the turf, play stopped straight away as her teammates rush over to assist. Didn’t look good, some concern for sure at ne point the stretcher is called for, but much to everyone’s relief Curtis is up to her feet and walking albeit with no weight on her damaged ankle can’t continue Fakenham forced into another change bringing on defender Amie Hutchinson at left back.

 

  The rain falling steadily now, Newmarket winning a throw in the left put down the line for Corbyn, digs out a cross on the by-line claimed by Betts at her near post. Newmarket looking to press high Corley with Mykhaylechko the ball out to Corbyn left on for Wayman going past her on the overlap sends the cross into the box won by Riches for Fakenham.

Fakenham’s Nicole Costin

  Free-kicks regularly given away on half way, Hayes on the right taking the ball on for Newmarket looking to check inside, Buckley getting a toe on the ball to take it off her foot before she can line up a shot. Defending their area from a Newmarket free-kick Fakenham launch the ball forwards into the right flank for Gravett to hunt down, no one up with her does well to hold it up in the corner invite the defender on and win her side a corner kick. The corner fired in low and fast towards the top of the area intercepted by Payne who brings it out of the box leading the counter attack…

Felicity Payne wins the ball from the corner to begin Newmarket’s counter attack

 GOAL! the midfielder firing the ball on for Mykhaylechko out to the left who sees the ball into her feet rolling her marker to spin in behind powers down the line before lifting a ball into the six yard box where Hayes has once again arrived to get onto the end of it and put it back across the keeper to score her 2nd of the match 0-2. 

Katie Hayes striking for the 2nd time in the match to double Newmarket’s lead.

 The 2nd goal coming in the 41st minute, Fakenham with a blow late in the half looking to get on the attack from the restart, Gravett picked out on the right taking the ball wide before lifting a cross into the near post a clean catch taken by Szary. Walker giving away the free-kick shoving Costin in the back, taken quickly Gravett for a moment looking to be in the clear as she carries the ball on towards the box right side of goal, defenders rushing to close her down, Szary advancing to close the angle the ball blasted wide a goal kick signalled.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

 The rain falling steadily as the two sides head back into the changing rooms. Newmarket leading 2-0. Opening the scoring in the first 15 minutes, made a strong start to the game before Fakenham got back at them the visitors looking lively competing for the ball, winning the 2nd ball and looking to get players on down the flanks. Fakenham’s chances limited, Gravett often on her own up top as the numbers are needed back in midfield, Betts making a couple of vital saves to keep the score down the 2nd goal coming late in the first half putting the hosts on the back foot while losing a couple of players to injury too. 2-0 often that awkward score-line at the break the next goal crucial, Fakenham will want it to go there way as the teams come out for the 2nd half the rain falling all the more heavily looking set in.

  Fakenham to get the 2nd half underway, looks like no changes for either the ball put into a tight midfield quickly closed down by Newmarket clipped out to Hayes wide right for the visitors takes it on before seeing her cross cut out by Pooley at the back for Fakenham.

  The ball hotly contested in the middle of the park, tackles coming in pops out to Hayes breaking away on the right wing her cross taking a deflection turned in towards the keeper to claim. Costin fouled deep on the right for Fakenham inside the Newmarket half the ball flighted into the top of the area falls for Gravett inside the D, takes a step back looking to get so power behind her strike, her effort in low towards goal, Szary right behind it to gather up into her gloves. 

  Rochelle Woods opening up her body to lay the ball on well for Gravett peeling away right, out wide lifts a dangerous ball into the box, Shelley Woods looking to deflect it goal wards, sees Szary backing to her line saving well with her shin at close range sending the ball away to safety. 

Newmarket captain, Katie Walker

  Walker playing Hayes in down the right takes the ball on before looking to send the ball across the top of the Fakenham box, Corley the target central, Buckley gets a nick on the ball to deflect it on across the D, comes straight to Corbyn top of the area who smashes her first time attempt wide of the far post.

  Hayes a constant threat for Newmarket, enjoying a good contest with Pooley, this time opting to check inside 25 yards out find her way into the area, Riches though comes across to put in the blocking tackle for Fakenham. Buckley in the way to put in the block this time as Hayes coming inside from the right strikes the ball. Newmarket pressing winning a corner on the right, fired into a congested near post pops loose for Payne looking to get a shot in from the tightest on angles planted the ball into the side netting.

Felicity Payne battling for possession with Sian Sands

  Newmarket pushing for a 3rd goal Riches defending another corner at the near post from the right. Riches driving forwards with the ball from the back for Fakenham runs into traffic 25 yards out, Gravett though quick to win it back laying it on for Riches breaking into the box right side her cross lifted in central, cleared by Dryland. 

 Another injury blow for Fakenham as Costin is down and unable to continue come off with Olivia Baker coming on up top with Shelley Woods dropping deeper. Fakenham successfully defending a Newmarket free-kick look to counter, Rusted out in the right channel taking the ball in behind striking the ball wide across goal from the angle. 

Kirstie Rusted attacking for Fakenham

 Midway through the 2nd half and Newmarket ringing the changes bringing on four players with, Liv Caffarelli, Violet Jones, Becca Reynolds and Niamh Sutherland coming on for, Evans, Wayman, Coley and Corbyn. A fresh injection of energy as they look to put the game to bed. Fakenham winning possession though as Rochelle Woods plays Gravett in right side plays the ball inside for Baker 25 yards out, Shelley Woods attempting to get into the area, Baker’s attempt to find her cut out by Reynolds. 

  Thing’s getting worse for Fakenham as they find themselves reduced to 10 players, for 10 minutes at least as Sands gets herself sin binned. Newmarket with a free-kick all of 30 yards out central, Hayes over it looks to have a go on goal strikes her attempt wide. Szary called into action making another vital save for Newmarket as Gravett breaking in behind the defence from the right tracks in central bearing down on goal, Szary out to close her down sliding in saving with her legs as Gravett looks to slip the ball past her. 

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

 Fakenham not deterred with a player disadvantage, Gravett putting in a shift up top chasing down the ball, winning another corner on the right. Lifted in high near post headed away for a 2nd corner, Woods again lifting it in near post Szary amongst a crowd can’t get hold of it loose in the six yard box for a moment the visitors scramble it clear. 

Fakenham’s Georgina Pooley

 Pooley carrying a threat on the left whenever she is able to get forwards the ground soggy now as she races onto a Rochelle Woods pass whipping a diagonal ball in central Gravett looking to latch onto it Szary coming out to the top of her area looking to win the race is going to fall short, her defence recovers superbly as both Caffarelli and Reynolds make up the ground either side of Gravett doing enough between them to put the striker off and allow their keeper to clear it. 

 The game is really open, Newmarket not prepared to sit on their lead looking for a 3rd while Fakenham aren’t interested in damage limitation want a goal themselves. The visitors winning a corner on the left, an in swinging delivery aimed high, Betts up well to pluck it down at her near post dropping onto the ball. Newmarket hitting Fakenham on the counter Hayes with a fantastic pass forwards into Mykhaylechko turning for goal 25 yards out, Riches on her shoulder, as the striker drives for the box, Riches winning the battle challenging her tackle deflecting the ball of Mykhaylechko back for Betts to claim.

Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

   Walker coming inside from the left 20 yards out blasting a shot in towards goal, Betts behind it beating the ball away. Newmarket with another set-piece on the left the game a little testy at times the ball floated in across the six yard box over everyone out the far side a nick off a defenders head seen a corner awarded. Cleared at the near post. Sands back on Fakenham back up to 11.

Shelley Woods

  Fakenham winning a free-kick inside the Newmarket half on the right into the top of the area cleared by Walker. Fakenham keep the pressure on wide right a high ball looped up into the D, Baker seeing it down into Rusted to strike a ball in high over the defence, dropping out of the sky as Szary steps back on her line has to keep an eye on it and catches safely with no one chasing in on the follow up. 

Fakenham’s Olivia Baker

  No let up in the action, Jones advancing on the left for Newmarket played in central the tackle seeing the visitors awarded a free-kick 20 yards out in a dangerous position. Hayes taking on the shot heading for the top corner Betts back on her line with a brilliant save to get her gloves up turn the ball wide for a corner on the right. The delivery swung in central Betts getting up well to bring the ball down, knocked out of her gloves cleared for a corner on the left. Again fired into the mix dropping the shot blasted into a sea of bodies deflected behind for a goal kick.

Tilly Betts saving the free-kick

 

  Pooley attacking on the left forcing Hayes to track back and put in the challenge the ground decidedly greasy now with the falling rain. Fakenham attacking late on Gravett shoved over by Payne getting a free-kick as she comes left, Rochelle Woods striking the ball in towards goal taken cleanly on the bounce by Szary back on her line. An intense finish to the game Newmarket haven’t put it to bed and Fakenham believe they can get something in the closing stages winning a free-kick in a central position in the closing seconds of the game 25 yards out Rochelle Woods aiming for goal curls the ball in to the right side, Szary across to bat it away, the final action of the game as the referee blows the final whistle and it’s a much welcome win for Newmarket lifting them back up into 4th spot. 

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

  An entertaining match, played in some rubbish conditions in the finish, be nice to see a game completed in the dry can only hope that April’s better (needs to be still a lot of football to be played). Not for Newmarket however as they win their penultimate game of the season to end their winless streak and gain a spot in the Division One North table. Made a strong start to the game taking the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, Fakenham came back strongly to pressure the ball and looked to create openings in attack. Hampered by injury Newmarket won the 2nd ball well using the flanks effectively to push forwards and double their lead late in the first half. Didn’t sit back in the 2nd half wanting a 3rd goal, it wouldn’t come however even as Fakenham forced to vital saves from Dominika Szary as they pressed for a goal themselves further injuries and being reduced to 10 didn’t deter the hosts kept going Tilly Betts called into action to make a vital save too never gave up but wasn’t to be as their winless run extends, stay bottom but no where adrift with 4 games left to play, go to Newmarket next for the return match.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Tome to choose today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. It’s rare I have it nailed in stone at the final whistle but not the caser today. Several performances to mention first though. Firstly for Fakenham a battling display, their captain Jemma Riches covering the ground at the back to win the ball with several vital tackles. Georgina Pooley on the left in a competitive tussle with Katie Hayes throughout getting forwards when she could and looked a threat when crossing into the area. Chloe Gravett battling for everything up top often lacking support chasing down lost causes setting up others unlucky not to score. Tilly Betts with some important stops to keep the score down keep Fakenham in the game right till the end. So too her opposite number Dominika Szary with two vital saves in the 2nd half to keep Newmarket’s lead intact. Holly Dryland reading the game well at the back getting into position to win a number of balls. Katie Walker strong on the ball in the middle winning her tackles and playing it forwards well. Today’s award though goes to Katie Hayes was a constant threat out on the right, to receive the ball and set up numerous attacks as well as getting forwards into the box on hand to score both goals.

  As always an entertaining game from the ERWFL, rarely does it not delivery in terms of action a competitive contest. The weather wet once again but never mind, glad to have caught up with Fakenham after having seen the two previous opportunities rained off and didn’t think I’d get an opportunity to see Newmarket at all this season so pleased that I did. My thanks to both sides for all their help today, hoping the injuries picked up by Fakenham’s players prove not to be too serious and wish everyone a speedy recovery.

by Darren Gilham

Match report – Beccles Town Ladies Development v Bure Valley Ladies

Sunday 17th March

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

Heading east this Sunday to catch some action from Norfolk Women’s Division Two with the title race really hotting up as we move into the final few weeks of the season with 5th placed Beccles Town Ladies Development hosting 2nd placed Bure Valley Women.

Into mid March and the title battle in Norfolk Women’s Division Two shaping up nicely. Talked about it at the start of the year with the top six sides all looking to challenge for top spot, Bure Valley Ladies along with fellow new side Mundford FC Ladies the early pace setters with Stalham Town Ladies and Beccles Town Ladies Development regrouping well after suffering relegation at the end of last season pushing hard along with FC Viking & Valkyries. Beccles losing their first league game of the season that day have since lost a bot of ground in the title battle yet with games in hand could force their way back into contention. Stalham Town Ladies losing just one this term taking over at the top 5 points clear of Bure Valley who have a game in hand. Shrublands Ladies too emerging as a dark horse up to 3rd off the back of 7 straight wins. All to play for with some big matches to come.

Bure Valley Ladies reforming a women’s side this season, having always had a strong youth set up. Ironically it was Beccles they were playing when I saw them back in 2018 at Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies. That team eventually folding with there young players moving on to university and so forth. Back now with a vengeance taking the new 14 strong Norfolk Women’s Division Two by storm. Winning their opening 6 league matches before suffering their only league defeat of the season a 5-3 loss at home to Beccles. Another run o 6 wins following before playing out a 1-1 draw with fellow title contenders Mundford.

A highly positive return to the NWGFL, Bure Valley were 3-1 winners at Beccles just last Sunday to clinch a spot in this season’s League Plate final where they will face FC Viking & Valkyries on Sunday May 12th. Captain Emma Macmillan fast approaching 30 goals for the season with 29 currently to her name from 16 appearances, with Maisie Redgrave and Willow Nye scoring 17 and 16 respectfully. Giving them a healthy goal difference in the title contest with vital games against Stalham (twice) Shrublands, Mundford and today’s match against Beccles to come.

  Beccles Town Ladies adding the Development part to their name to enable them to drop out of Division One where they struggled last season to regroup with a fresh group pf young players added to their squad. The development part of the club very much in mind in that thinking to better enable their players several stepping up from the U16s into the senior squad. Made a fantastic start to the season with 4 straight wins unbeaten going into the Christmas break, and with plenty of games in hand on those above them looked in a strong position to challenge in the new year. 

 Suffered their first loss of the season 2-0 away to Mundford and have since lost a 2nd to Shrublands seeing them fall back on the leading pack, yet with those games in hand and a very busy final few months of the season to come can certainly play their way back into contention and have a strong say in determining where the title might eventually go. Libby Elder top scorer with 13 goals to her name with Saffron Jones-Yates on target for 11 goals and Vicky Bloomfield on 10.

  The Alan Hutchinson Filed home of Beccles Town FC the venue for this afternoon’s league encounter, the football club part of a multi sports facility on the outskirts of Beccles. Didn’t get lost coming to the ground this time despite the many road closures in the city. A good sized grass pitch offering lots of width. A covered stand with some seating on one side opposite with the tea hut open beside selling drinks and snacks. Getting tired of all this rain and it was yet another damp one with the rain blowing across the county over night into the morning. Not overly heavy just persistent unlikely to threaten the match and was suppose to blow over before kick-off but annoyingly lingered. 

Beccles Town Ladies Development

Beccles Town Ladies Development starting XI – Anabel Outlaw, Emily Wilkinson, Evie Bailey, Georgia Tiffin (C), Lola Middlemass, Saffron Jones-Yates, Stevie Potter, Megan Sergeant, Tilly Bowen, Alesha Tuttle & Millie Reeve. Subs – Sophie Runnacles, Eliza Hanson, Phoebe Wakefield & Lauren Brewster.

Bure Valley Ladies

 Bury Valley Ladies starting XI – Dannielle Barnes, Lily Norman, Madeline Frost, Jasmine Snelling, Abbie Cushion, Eva Heald, Megan Swain, Maisie Gibbs, Emma Macmillan (C), Willow Nye & Maisie Redgrave. Subs – Maddison Woodcock & Emily Addison.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Georgia Tiffin and Emma Macmillan walking out to meet this afternoon’s match official Tony Wickenden.

  Three players in the Bure Valley squad who featured for the previous woman’s side, goalkeeper, Dannielle Barnes, Abbie Cushion and Maisie Gibbs (previously Redhead). Made use of the stand to keep my beleaguered camera out of the elements with a steady drizzly rain blowing across the pitch as captains, Georgia Tiffin (Beccles) and Emma Macmillan walked out onto the field to greet referee Tony Wickenden. Beccles to have the kick-off first half laying into the rain wearing white coloured shirts with black trim upon the shoulders and sleeves along with black shorts and socks. Bure Valley lined up opposite wearing navy coloured shirts with a red upper portion. navy shorts and red socks. The ball played back to Stevie Potter making her first start for Beccles, clips the ball out to the left for Megan Sergeant on the right, Madeline Frost dealing with it for Bure Valley.

 GOAL! Bure Valley pour forwards with possession on the left Willow Nye getting hold of the ball driving inside across the top of the box and pulling the trigger shooting low across the keeper, Annabel Outlaw diving down to save at full stretch, getting her gloves to the ball knocked up, Maisie Redgrave racing in on the follow-up connecting with the loose ball to fire it past the keeper before she cane recover 0-1. Bure Valley taking the lead inside the opening minute.

Bure Valley celebrate their early goal, scorer Maisie Redgrave is there I promise just hidden…

.. there she is Maisie Redgrave

  The visitors taking an early lead pressing on early in the match Nye lively out on the left in attack the ball lifted on for her to attack, Evie Bailey stretching to make the tackle at full back for Beccles. Bure Valley pushing on to regain possession cutting across the top of the area the low shot in towards goal gathered cleanly by Outlaw. Beccles needing an outlet get themselves a foot hold in the game have Megan Sergeant driving forwards on the left, Alesha Tuttle sending the ball out to the wing, Sergeant turns infield, closed down by Bure Valley’s Abbie Cushion.

  Bure Valley captain, Emma Macmillan with the ball at her feet running on through the middle 25 yards out attempts to slide it into the path of Nye breaking into the area off the left channel, the pass a little too strong giving Outlaw time to get out to claim the ball first. Beccles captain Georgia Tiffin with a well timed tackle to deny Redgrave as she looks to take the ball on off a Maisie Gibbs pass into her from the right.

Beccles captain, Georgia Tiffin

  Saffron Jones-Yates takes the ball forwards driving all the way into the Bure Valley area before being held up by defender Jasmine Snelling keeping possession looking for support Tuttle providing the run looks to tee her up on the penalty spot, Cushion sticking a foot out to take the ball away from her. The hosts with a period of sustained pressure around the Bure Valley box Millie Reeve winning her side a corner on the left. 

  Winning a throw high on the right taken quickly into Sergeant, the Beccles winger hooking a high ball on into the area, Tuttle looking to get it down, is tackled by Snelling the defender launching the ball clear. The width offered means both sides have space to attack if they can find their passes, Nye looking to get away on the left is keeping Bailey busy, Lola Middlemass coming across from the centre of defence to help her full back out.

Beccles defender, Evie Bailey

GOAL! Bure Valley comfortable on the counter to exploit either flank with Macmillan conjuring a goal out of nothing as she carries the ball out to the right down the line before shooting on the angle a venomous shot from distance that whips across the keeper into the back of the net at the far post to double the visitors lead 0-2.

Bure Valley captain, Emma Macmillan firing her side into a 2 goal lead

  Two goals to the good inside the opening 10 minutes Bure Valley showing their intend right from the off. Beccles backs to the wall need to regroup quickly. Tuttle looking to take the game to Bure Valley on the charge through the centre with the ball at her feet, Snelling putting in the challenge as she arrives at the top of her area. 

GOAL! Having conceded two quick goals at the start of the match Beccles get on the attack and find a welcome reply attacking up the left Jones-Yates with Reeve the ball crossed into the top of the Bure Valley area isn’t dealt with as it runs on for Tuttle who hits it first time sending a looping shot in high on goal dropping out of the grey sky goalkeeper Danielle Barnes back peddling struggling to reach it as it drops over her skimming the cross bar as it bounces down over the line 1-2.

Alesha Tuttle pulling a goal back for Beccles.

  Game on Beccles pulling a goal back the ball rarely still, Megan Swain tackling in midfield for Bure Valley lifted on for Nye racing away on the left. Bailey getting back at her. Back in midfield Macmillan getting hold of the ball pushing left on for Nye down to the by-line Middlemass in to close her down gives away the free-kick outside the box. Taken by Macmillan driven into the side netting.

   MacMillan runs in behind the defence to attack the ball as it rebounds into the area of a competitive midfield tussle, Outlaw comes out to close down the angle Macmillan stretching to lift the ball over the keeper, sees the ball bounce wide of the right post. Bure Valley lively turning play around Swain out to Nye on the left taking the ball in behind, Middlemass coming across to challenge put the ball out of play for a throw. 

Bure Valley’s Willow Nye

Macmillan on the move with the ball out to the right linking up with Redgrave the shot on the angle claimed comfortably by Outlaw at her near post. Potter sending the ball through for Tuttle in attack driving out plays the pass wide for Sergeant up on the right, she swings a cross in along the top of the six yard box, Reeve can’t reach it cleared by Lily Norman for Bure Valley. 

Tuttle coming inside from the left 25 yards out for Beccles fires a low drive wide of Barnes’ left post. Sergeant taking the ball on from Bailey up the right for Beccles travelling into the corner, Frost staying on her the full back, blocking her cross the ball behind for a corner. The ball delivered into the near side Tuttle looking to bring it down and shoot from six yards out sees her effort blocked by a combination of defender and goalkeeper before Barnes drops down to smother the ball end the move. 

  Bure Valley quick to get the ball down the other end stretch play Redgrave on the right downing well to win her side a corner kick. Taken short Nye back to the taker lifted back in Beccles clearing back to the right, Bure Valley with players up pressing the ball fired in near post Redgrave looking to attack it, Outlaw though close in to grab hold of the ball. The game open at times one moment Beccles are on the attack, Bure Valley a threat on the counter. Cushion intercepting at the ball as Tuttle looks to put Sergeant on behind. 

  Nye and Redgrave swapping flanks for Bure Valley, Beccles making a change off comes reeve on comes Phoebe Wakefield. Bure Valley also making a change bringing on Emily Addison the 16 year old making her debut replacing Nye. Bure Valley winning a corner on the right into the area put back to the corner taker lifted back into the area headed clear by Middlemass back out to the right before a shot is fired in on the angle wide at the near post.

Beccles midfielder, Stevie Potter

   Bure Valley making a 2nd switch bringing on Maddison Woodcock with Gibbs coming off. Potter taking the ball forwards through the middle for Beccles played on for Sergeant pulling into the box right of goal seeing the ball across her path fires her cross/shot behind at the near post. Bure Valley patrolling down the right the cross clipped in high into the area, Outlaw has to come for it with Redgrave making a run for the ball, knocks it behind for a corner.

Megan Sergeant

  The in swinging delivery defended at the near pot by Wilkinson behind for a 2nd corner. Beccles dealing with the threat looking to get forwards late in the first half Jones-Yates on for Sergeant pushing up the right, Cushion across to put in the challenge for Bure Valley. Bailey does well in defence for Beccles up against Redgrave top of the area as she looks to get onto a superb flick on from MacMillan off a Barnes free-kick. 

Megan Swain with Megan Sergeant

Half-time Beccles Town Ladies Development 1-2 Bury Valley Ladies

  An entertaining first 45 minutes draws to a close with Bure Valley holding a 2-1 lead over Beccles as the two sides gather by their respective dug-outs for the interval. Bure Valley racing into the lead 1 up inside the opening minutes threatening to turn the screw as they quickly made it 2. Beccles under the cosh fought back well getting a goal back quickly to settle the ship, the game opened up after that. Bure Valley seeing more of the ball not capitalising with Beccles having a couple of good opportunities up the other end. Just a goal in it still all to play for.

  A shortened half-time break with the teams keen to get on with it the rain starting to ease up, not that it’s been pouring, just a persistent drizzle. Changes at the break, positional as well as personnel. Eliza Hanson on for Beccles replacing Potter going to the left. Bure Valley to get the 2nd half underway with Nye back on the field for Norman. Swain with the ball forwards for Macmillan, Tuttle in to close her down get possession for the hosts, looks for Hanson out on the left, drops her shoulder to drive on down the wing, Frost lunging in with the challenge to send the ball out for a throw.

  Beccles looking to be aggressive at the start of the 2nd period get the ball out to the flanks attack the area, Hanson sending a high ball in on the angle to the far post, Woodcock under pressure from Wakefield doing well in defence to clear for the visitors. Jones-Yates coming left has Wakefield moving into the channel the pass played into her Frost tackling to deflect the ball out for a throw.

Beccles, Eliza Hanson

 The steady rain making the pitch and the ball slick as Swain slips as she winds up a strike from range her effort from all of 25 yards out bouncing up as it arrives at Outlaw the keeper mishandling it to see the ball run behind for a corner kick. The corner flashed into the six yard box rebounds of a couple of players before running behind a goal kick signalled. 

 Beccles break through the middle Tuttle carrying the threat on the ball lifting it out to the right for Sergeant looking to run in behind, Wakefield with her the ball played into the area just out of Wakefield’s reach, Frost the last defender has to get there and takes the ball away from the attacker to kill off the threat. Beccles pushing on the right Bowen into Sergeant the cross into the area cleared by Barnes. 

Bure Valley goalkeeper, Danielle Barnes

GOAL! Bure Valley win the ball at the back come on down the left Nye taking on possession powering her way up the pitch turning inside 25 yards out playing the ball into the area looking for Redgrave central, Middlemass getting a toe on the ball as Outlaw comes rushing out to claim the ball knocked away from her out to Addison top of the D, keeps her composure to lift the ball back in over the stranded keeper and defence to plant the ball into the back of net, celebrates as she mark her debut with a goal 1-3.

Emily Addison scoring on her Bure Valley debut

  Bure Valley winning the ball in midfield Swain linking up with Macmillan the ball threaded on into the area Redgrave the target, looking to connect with it, Wilkinson back peddling doing well to trap the ball between her feet dig out the clearance for Beccles. Macmillan looking dangerous for Bure Valley every time she sees the ball into her feet and travels forwards, attempts to pick out Addison on the move up the right, Tiffin cutting out the pass for Beccles.

  Frost coming on up the right for Bure Valley with Swain ahead of her taking the ball to the by-line works the cross into the six yard box, Outlaw claiming it high. Hanson pushed over on the left winning Beccles a free-kick, players forwards into the area as Tuttle sends it in for post, a corner won. Whipped in low to the near post from the left, Barnes dropping forwards onto it to claim.

 Nye moving with the ball at her feet on the left checks inside as she arrives in the box stabbing it inside for Redgrave, taken off her toes by Tiffin, the loose ball runs straight to Swain 25 yards out sends the dipping shot in straight at Outlaw but skipping up viciously as she goes down to gather does well to adjust pluck it back down and grab.

Beccles goalkeeper, Annabel Outlaw

  Beccles regain possession on the left as Wilkinson steps in to tackle Addison the ball lifted on for Hanson who sends a cross field ball on looking to release Jones-Yates bombing on through the middle, the hosts frustrated as the attack is halted by an offside flag.

GOAL! Midway through the 2nd half Bure Valley are looking strong going forwards, swain and Macmillan providing strong back up for the attacking trio, Macmillan with the ball in the left channel powers forwards coming inside the D, getting the ball onto her right foot, connects with the strike to rifle her shot into the top corner 1-4.

Emma Macmillan about to pull the trigger to make it 4-1 to Bure Valley

  Beccles falling a further goal behind remain positive looking to get the ball forwards Tuttle with Jones-Yates clipped out to Sergeant on the right wing takes the ball to the by-line her cross stabbed in towards goal, Barnes dropping to claim doesn’t get hold of it loose in front of goal Bailey’s shot is charged down.

  Outlaw needs to make the claim take the ball high inside her six yard box as Macmillan lifts the cross in from the left, Addison ready for any mistake, Outlaw takes it cleanly. A pause while an injury is dealt with Beccles make a change bringing off Bailey on comes Sophie Runnacles at right back. Middlemass intercepting at the back as Swain slides the ball on through the middle.

  Norman back on for Bure Valley on the right of defence intercepts as Middlemass looks for Hanson on the left. Beccles winning a free-kick on half way play up to Tuttle outside the box looks the bring the ball down off her chest and hit on the volley as she turns her shot dipping but straight at the keeper, easy for Barnes. 

  Beccles making a double change bringing off Jones-Yates and Hanson, on come Lola Brewster and Reeve. The game moving into the final 15 minutes. Heald on for Swain out to Addison wide right into the corner her cross lifted into the box cleared by Outlaw punching the ball away with Gibbs making a run to the back post.

  Tuttle with a pop from distance, saved by Barnes. Sergeant up on the right for Beccles winning a corner. The in swinging ball cleared out of the six yard box back to the corner taker, the return ball into Tuttle near side sends her shot wide. Snelling up to head the ball clear top of her area as Sergeant crosses from the right. The game stretched Bure Valley pressing forwards comes right Addison crossing low into the box, Redgrave looking to attack it Tiffin defending for Beccles.

Madeline Frost coming forwards for Bure Valley

  Heald on for Macmillan through the middle Bure Valley’s captain letting fly from 25 yards out her effort bouncing just in front of the keeper, Outlaw down to gather has it safely in her grasp. Frost coming on well with the ball for Bure Valley on the left late in the game her cross aimed into Redgrave on the penalty spot cut out by Middlemass. 

 Macmillan taking the ball forwards strong on for Redgrave into the box, just over runs it allowing Wilkinson to nick it and clear for Beccles. The hosts willing to give it a go late on press on Brewster with the ball forwards into Wakefield, Gibbs tackling for Bure Valley the visitors quick to counter, Addison through to attack the box a vital interception from Tiffin. 

Megan Swain with the incoming tackle on Lola Brewster

Swain with the tackle on Brewster to keep her side in possession inside their opponents half Addison on the right crossing into the area Redgrave attacking it six out, Outlaw with the blocking save the ball rolling out to Macmillan outside the area, looks to curl a shot back in, Outlaw across to claim it safely. Tiffin across to tackle Addison as Swain looks to send her in on the right wing. Outlaw claiming the cross inside her six yard box off the resulting throw.

  Bure Valley looking for a 5th goal late in the match pushing players on Norman joining the attack on the left her looping cross into the area dealt with by Middlemass. Time for one last Beccles attack as the ball is sent on the diagonal out to Sergeant on the right, joined by Wakefield the cross angled in at the near post can be seen safely out of play by Barnes.

Full time Beccles Town Ladies Development 1-4 Bury Valley Ladies

  Bure Valley celebrate at the final whistle winning another 3 points the 2nd placed side keeping the pressure on leaders Stalham Town the gap still 5 points with their title opponents winning 3-2 away to Mundford this afternoon. With a game in hand on Stalham and yet to play them this season, have two crucial games to look forwards too. Bure Valley on top right from the off this afternoon, racing forwards to take the lead inside the opening minute quickly adding a 2nd, Beccles needed a response and Alesha Tuttle provided it pulling it back to 2-1 created chances after that yet Bure Valley carried a threat all game. Beccles wanting to make a positive start to the 2nd half attacking yet they were to fall a further goal behind, Emily Addison scoring on her debut before Macmillan rifled in her 2nd of the match to make it 4-1.   

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. There’s more often than not several contenders, but I’d be lying if that was the case today still some performances of note to mention first. For Beccles, Lola Middlemass made a number of vital challenges at the back limiting Bure Valley’s opportunities from inside the box. Megan Sergeant got forwards well on the right as ready outlet for the hosts throughout the match. Alesha Tuttle looking to make thing’s happen for Beccles got forwards well with some determined running took her goal well. For Bure Valley, Willow Nye was a danger attacking on the left and right, as was Maisie Redgrave playing wide and through the middle 2nd half. Emily Addison making an impact on her debut. Megan Swain strong in the middle tackling and coming forwards with the ball. Today’s award though goes to Bure Valley’s captain Emma Macmillan. Ran the show getting hold of the ball driving forwards creating chances for herself and setting up other, two superb goals.  

 An entertaining contest today between two young talented sides that are only going to get better. Enjoyed my visit over to Beccles, long for a dry game but then so do we all. Good to catch up with both sides, my thanks for all their help today and I will be as intrigued as anyone to see how the Norfolk Women’s Division Two table finishes up. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Isleham United Ladies v Ely City Women

Sunday 10th March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three

Well in to the business end of the season now with the leagues and title challengers well placed. Some huge games coming over the next few weeks to determine the cause, taking in a top of the table clash from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three this Sunday afternoon, with leaders Isleham United Ladies taking on 2nd placed Ely City Women.

  Isleham 4 points clear of Ely at the top with 5 matches to play. Well positioned to battle for top spot, that not quite in their hands with 3rd placed South Lincolnshire Swifts having 5 games in hand 8 points back, will need a few favours from the opposition, but can only look after their on house some bug matches to come.

  Isleham United Ladies looking to bounce back at the first attempt after suffering relegation from Division Two last season enduring a tough campaign winning just 3 of their 18 games. One of the longest established clubs within the Cambridgeshire Women’s set-up, have returned with a vengeance this season after initially drawing their opening two matches went on a run of 5 straight wins to power there way up the Division Three standings back to back defeats either side of the New Year stalling that charge slightly got back to winning ways taking maximum points from their last 4 to go top. Young players joining an established crop of experienced players have all been amongst the goals, Kaitlin Elsey top scorer netting 23v goals from 15 matches with Evie jakes and Georgia Blackaby on 9 a piece while Amelia Thompson has found the back of the net for 8 goals. 

  Ely City FC have been supporting women’s football in Cambridgeshire for a number of years their Demcom Stadium the home ground for both of Cambridge’s big guns, United and City’s woman’s sides, before the club’s natural progression to form it’s own senior women’s football side last season. No doubt a tough opening campaign struggling for results finishing 2nd bottom but got through it with a much healthier 2nd campaign in the league. Despite starting with a loss 3 straight wins got them going in the right direction new faces joining the squad. Has been a change of management, was player Natasha Lane stepping up from assistant to lead the management team working along side experienced coaches within club. A run of 5 straight wins seeing Ely climb into 2nd spot definitely in the title mix, will need a lot to go there way to claim top spot but will certainly help to decide in which direction it heads. Goal throughout the side, Danni Youngs top scorer with 11 goals, Kelly Docwra joining from Willingham Wolves on target for 9 goals so far with Bella Pillow scoring 6 from 6.

  Isleham United Ladies playing today’s match at nearby Mildenhall and The Hub a new build leisure complex on the outskirts of the town. Making use of there 3G pitch, probably just as well with the rain that I hadn’t planned on lasting so long into the afternoon continuing unabated. There usual home the Isleham Recreation Ground likely to be water-logged as were several games in the finish, some even abandoned at half-time. A caged £g with viewing on one side a useful facility for clubs to have access too. Viewing for spectators on one side no cover though. Rain pouring going to be a challenge writing a report, thankfully no wind so the umbrella can be tucked down the coat leaving the hands free for the notepad and camera. 

Isleham United Ladies

Isleham United Ladies starting XI – Rebecca Finch, Michela Edwards, Jodie Copping, Kayleigh Pearson, Evie Luker, Shona Kelly, Laura McAllister (C), Erin Clarke, Chloe Dunn, Georgia Blackaby & Amelia Thompson. Subs – Evie Jakes, Kaitlin Elsey, Laura Todd Zoe Middleton.

Ely City Women

 Ely City Women starting XI – Tiff Toynton, Anna Petrova, Kerry Dyer, Vicky Bailey, Kaci Gibson, Amy Lloyd (C), Sammi Miles, Natasha Lane, Danni Youngs, Kelly Docwra & Bella Pillow. Subs – Harriet Ford, Christina King, Alice Creswick, Amanda Beavis & Carlene Bunton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s the way side Ely to get the match underway kicking off the first half wearing, red shirts with maroon sleeves, black shorts and red socks with Isleham lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Danni Youngs who send it into her defence, Isleham quick out of the blocks rushing to close down the ball, Amelia Thompson causing the Ely backline to hastily clear out to the right the ball out of play for a throw.

   Ely win the ball in the middle Sammi Miles for Kelly Docwra in the right channel lays it out wide for Youngs on the move down the wing squares a cross low into the Isleham area, cut out and cleared by Jodie Copping. Almost a mistake at the back for Ely as Anna Petrova under pressure from Thompson with goalkeeper Tiff Toynton coming to the top of her area, too close the ball taken wide into the box, scrambled away before Thompson can stretch to snatch it. A lively start the rain falling steadily the ball pinging about players getting drawn over to the ball play compact on the left space to exploit if the wingers are prepared to pull into it. 

Bella Pillow attacking for Ely

  Bella Pillow leading the attack for Ely getting the ball into her feet and drives towards the Isleham area, tracking back wit her defender Evie Luker who puts in a well timed challenge inside the D to regain possession. Georgia Blackaby keeping wide on the left for Isleham the ball played into her by Shona Kelly carries it forwards with pace sweeping a low cross into the Ely box, intercepted by Vicky Bailey. Isleham pressing in the final third numbers on the left the ball coming through to the centre sees a shot struck over the bar.

Isleham’s Georgia Blackaby

  Blackaby a threat on the left getting free of her marker driving for the by-line Toynton has come rushing out to close her down as Blackaby plays the ball back up to Thompson positioned right corner with the keeper out of position looks for the early strike smashes her shot wide at the near post.

  Play mostly confined to the far side of the pitch Isleham pressing the attack down the left flank, Ely competing for the ball looking to find Youngs attacking the other way on the right. Chloe Dunn over on Isleham’s right has been patient not getting drawn in too close ready when the ball comes springing out to her on the right to knock it forwards and power her way forwards, Petrova pushing hard to catch up with her making the blocking tackle as they reach the box the ball deflected off hr behind for the 1st corner of the game. 

 Whipped into the box from the right knocked down into the mix, Pillow down as Docwra scrambles the ball clear. A pause in play Pillow up okay to play on. Michela Edwards and Copping combining in defence to thwart an Ely attack on the right the ball lifted on for Thompson up to looking to get the ball under control 20 yards out won’t drop for her before the Ely defence converge to close her down.

   A drop ball for the referee as the ball hits the wire running across the centre of the pitch carrying the netting to divide the 3G pitch into two smaller ones. Captain Laura McAllister putting her foot in to win the ball for Isleham in the middle the ball clipped diagonal out to the right for Dunn, a vital interception from Petrova or she would have been free to run in behind.

Evie Luker battling for possession with Sammi Miles

 A loose goal-kick going straight to Ely on the right the ball swung back into the area, Luker needing to deal with it screws her volley wide for a throw for Ely deep on the left Ely pressing players on the ball comes back to Kaci Gibson to cross in central 25 yards out, Ely’s player manager Natasha Lane striking the ball on her right foot from outside the D angling low for the inside of the right post, Isleham goalkeeper Rebecca Finch down sharply getting something on it to deflect the ball behind for the corner kick. 

Ely’s player manager, Natasha Lane

  The corner played in from the right, captain Amy Lloyd jumping near side just under it as it drops central, Kayleigh Pearson launching it clear. Ely encouraged getting some joy now play has opened up and both sides are starting to use the entire width of the pitch. Pillow with Youngs through the middle placing the Isleham defence under pressure, Pearson back to goal 20 out can’t risk playing it back to her keeper, slides it inside for Copping who turns well to evade Youngs and send the ball out to the left.

  Pouring down, and not likely to let up anytime soon Youngs with the ball attacking on the right for Ely, squares it inside for Miles 20 yards out right of the D, lays it off for Lloyd running on her 25 yard strike whistling over the bar. The wire ropes at it again another drop ball as an attack is halted. Docwra playing the ball into Lane to hit from range her effort fired straight at the keeper.

  GOAL! 27 minutes on the clock and the deadlock is broken. Blackaby remains Isleham’s chief threat out on the left the ball fed into her feet knocks the ball on, Toynton again comes rushing out to the edge of her area looking to reach the ball, Blackaby getting to it first however stabbing the ball past the keeper the ball on it’s way towards goal will it have the pace to get their before the back tracking Ely defence can clear, Thompson through running in towards goal to making sure they don’t get the chance as she smashes it home to put Isleham into the lead. 1-0.

Amelia Thompson fires Isleham into the lead.

  Ely behind Lloyd playing the ball out to Docwra pulling right has support with Miles coming forwards the inside ball played Miles whipping a cross into the area, Luker behind it to clear for Isleham. Despite the weather (or maybe because of it) both sides playing at a good tempo the ball not settling for long Lloyd opening up her body to thread a pass into Pillow up top, Copping getting hold of it for Isleham instead. Miles with a high hooked ball in towards goal as it comes into her from the right top of the D, dropping his Finch concerned bounces down and for a second no ones sure if it crept under the crossbar or over but the goal-kick is signalled, who have been a few hearts in mouths there.

Ely’s Sammi Miles

    Youngs pressing on the left enjoying a good tussle with Edwards, the ball lifted into the box, Youngs stealing in to attack it as Finch moves to the ball the pair with a heavy collision the keeper coming off worse. Concern for a minute as she receives treatment but thankfully up okay the game resuming with a corner kick to Ely. Another delivery swung into the mix, Isleham’s defence standing firm the ball headed clear.

Isleham midfielder, Erin Clarke

  Kelly bringing the ball on for Isleham lifting it on for Blackaby racing on left side all the way to the by-line, Dyer catching up with her for Ely does well to get a tackle in send the ball out for a throw. Isleham pushing up Erin Clarke laying the ball into Thompson 20 yards out, Lloyd lunging in to knock it away from her the visitors looking to counter, Miles up with Youngs on her inside on the right puts it into her, Youngs’ shot charged down.

Kerry Dyer clearing the ball for Ely

  Dunn and Blackaby switching flanks for Isleham looking to run at Petrova. Play with Ely however as they win a free-kick outside the Isleham area on the right, Docwra sending a curling delivery in across the top of the six yard box, Finch with an unorthodox save with her legs hooking the ball away, effective nonetheless. Ely win the ball back quickly fired up to the attackers Pillow and Youngs make the same run right channel impeded each other giving Copping  the opportunity to win the ball.

   Play switched instantly Isleham sending it on up to Blackaby and Thompson attacking through the middle, Toynton has comes all the way to the top of the area looking to reach the ball first can’t and is in trouble back peddling as Thompson lays it into Blackaby to strike right inside the D, low, Toynton recovers with a fantastic save getting a glove on the ball doing enough to deflect it wide past her left post for the corner. Some good corner deliveries from both sides Isleham’s this time whipped into the six yard box Ely struggle to scramble clear before a shot from the top of the area is fired wide. 

Ely goalkeeper, Tiff Toynton

  The game open at times Ely rushing forwards Youngs right channel has Docwra running into the left channel slides the ball into he path takes it on, Copping getting back at her tangling with Docwra the ball deflecting off the defender running behind for the corner. Docwra takes a quick corner with miles coming for the short one on the left sweeps a curling cross in towards goal, Finch having little time to react beating it down as she falls back the ball loose, Pillow looking to latching onto it but has to round Pearson to do that and the defenders not having it as Finch snatches the ball into her gloves.

  The first half drawing to a close Isleham getting up on the left winning a corner kick. The set-piece whipped into the crowd at the near post turned wide a goal-kick signalled. Dunn with the ball wide on Isleham’s  left squares a cross into the box, cut out by Bailey rebounds back to Dunn who blasts a show over from the angle. Isleham finishing the half strong getting bodies up the pitch keeping possession on the left before the ball comes in central to Luker 25 yards out, seeing an opportunity to shoot, her attempt is charged down. 

  Dunn looking to race on down the left get past Dyer the full back though sticking a foot out to send it behind for the corner. Again swung in near post this time though Toynton is free unopposed to catch it into her mid-riff. One last attack for Ely a corner won on the right Docwra playing it into Pillow right side knocks it goal wards, Luker coming off the back post there to intercept and clear.

Half-time Isleham United Ladies 1-0 Ely City Women

Both sides staying out at the break, want to get on with it

  Amelia Thompson’s first half strike the difference between the sides as the half-time whistle blows, didn’t think the teams would want to head back to the changing rooms being drenched already and bot stay out on the pitch for a shorter interval, keen to get going again. can’t say I blame them. No let up in the rain. Both sides making good attacking runs down the flanks, Blackaby on the left effective for Isleham, Youngs on the right for Ely both keeper forced into making a save. Played at a good tempo chances created very much all to play for in the 2nd period. 

  Play resumes with Isleham getting the 2nd half started. Ely making a change at the start of the 2nd half with Harriet ford coming on replacing Pillow. Miles moving left with Youngs pushed up with Docwra in attack. The ball played immediately into traffic as Ely move to close it down, Kelly getting hold of it for Isleham putting it out to Blackaby back on the left flank drives on Dyer close on her challenging the ball going out for a corner kick. Swung into the mix bailey clearance goes to Edwards top left of the area inside for Kelly central top of the D, her shot taking a nick to deflect it over the crossbar.

Danni Youngs pushed up in attack with Kelly Docwra for Ely in the 2nd half

  Ely counter on the right Lane lifting the ball on for Docwra pulling wide right, crosses early sending the ball in behind the Isleham defence into the box just beyond Youngs making a far post run, looks to retrieve it with Finch also giving chase the keeper diving onto the ball. Kelly has threatened to unlock the Ely defence with a killer pass or two in the game and nearly succeeds again as she spots Thompson pulling into the right channel, through but for a vital interception from Gibson. 

Isleham’s Shona Kelly

  Pearson clearing for a corner kick with Youngs and Docwra looking to hunt the ball down in attack. Out on the left played in near side Copping dealing with it for the hosts. Miles into Youngs 25 yards out left of the D, turns on the ball and shoots over. Ely enjoying a strong spell getting hold of the ball high up the pitch stretching the Isleham backline the cross from the left running into Lane central 25 yards out putting her foot through the ball the keeper beaten as the ball smashes down off the crossbar. 

Natasha Lane and Michela Edwards fighting for possession

  Isleham making their first change bringing on Kaitlin Elsey to replace Dunn out on the right. That pesky rope wire across the centre of the pitch intercepts the ball once again another drop ball. Kelly long from Blackaby on the left is keeping Dyer busy the pair having a good contest the defender staying on her to see Blackaby’s pass go astray. 

Georgia Blackaby

  Coming through the middle Ford on for Youngs up to Docwra outside the D, can’t get the ball down to hit cleanly, Finch diving puts it wide for the corner kick. Ely’s corner’s causing a few issues whipped into the mix with pace, Copping clearing this time. The visitors winning a few kick wide 25 yards out right of goal driven in low Finch stopping it with her legs, Copping getting hold of the loose ball hacking it clear.

   The centre wire rope getting involved again, both sides finding it. Edwards coming on a bit more on the left to give Blackaby some support going forwards into an advanced position lays a diagonal ball into the far post with Thompson making a good run, Gibson though has time to see it and set herself to clear. Lloyd giving away a foul on Clarke who is knocked over, Edwards adding insult to injury by accident blasting the ball into her stricken teammate. Clarke’s a bit dazed but into prepared to let it slow her down. The set-piece cleared by Ely.

  GOAL! The pressure Youngs and Docwra have be applying on the Isleham back line paying dividends as Docwra puts Copping in possession of the ball the back pass to risky is hesitates lacking a save options as Docwra steals in to take the ball away from her right of goal skip to the by-line and fired a low dipping  ball in across the keeper with Youngs dropping to head the ball over the line beyond 1-1.

Danni Youngs heads home Kelly Docwra’s cross to level the scores for Ely.

  Ely back on level terms with an hour played. Toynton not one to stay back on her line will come racing out off her box to clear if she can. Gets there ahead of Thompson and Blackaby on a couple of occasions. Almost caught out as her clearance is latched onto by Kelly, the Isleham midfielder having a go from range her effort dropping wide of the open goal. Kelly busy getting up the other end to slide in defend against Youngs as Docwra attempts to slide the ball on. 

  Isleham frustrated at conceding upping the ante the ball clipped into Thompson stealing into the box right of goal strikes the ball down towards goal, Toynton reacting smartly diving to beat it down towards the left post, loose, Blackaby’s eyes light up as she comes steaming in Dyer can’t get there she connects the ball mashed wide of the upright, Blackaby down throws her hands up in disbelief the opportunity missed.

Georgia Blackaby throws her hands up in frustration having put the shot wide

 Lane on the left sends a high ball in towards Youngs attacking top left of the D, can’t quite get it down under control just evades her as Luker comes back at her to clear. Into midfield McAllister with Kelly looking to play Thompson in up to, Bailey doing the intercepting this time.

Captain Laura McAllister back to help the defence for Isleham

 You guessed it they’ve somehow managed to find that wire rope again another build up thwarted. Ford turning on the ball central into Lane up on the right, Docwra ahead of her played into her feet turns, Edwards close on her to tackle for Isleham.

Ely’s Kelly Docwra

  GOAL! Isleham mount an attack sending the ball on left side Thompson sending Blackaby clear on the left wing Toynton starts to come to close the angle the cross/shot put into the area a deflection off  the keeper sends the ball on though to the far post Elsey closing on to direct the ball into the back of the net to see, Isleham retake the lead… after a brief consultation with the linesman, the referee deciding the goal stands 2-1.

  Isleham ringing the changes, Dunn coming back on along with Zoe Middleton and Evie Jakes going up top to replace Thompson, Middleton into the back line for Luker, Clarke also off. Ely winning a corner cut out near side by Blackaby who looks to chase the ball out of the box launch a counter Gibson standing her ground to halt her progress. 

  Finch with a brave blocking save to deny Docwra as the attacker bursts into the box from the left channel, hits the shot into the keeper at close range as she makes herself big in front of her. Edwards carrying the ball out for Isleham, left sending the diagonal ball into Jakes central, caught a little flat footed, just gives Toynton the time to come out of her area to clear having committed to her action. 

  Isleham having gotten ahead and made changes looking to add more energy to their game, Edwards coming inside laying the ball back out to Blackaby wide on the left from the angle 25 yards out looks to curl a shot into the top corner, fired wide of the upright. Lane out on the right clipping a looping ball into the area looking for Ford running in near side, can’t get it down under control before Copping can close her down to challenge and hook clear.

Ely’s Harriet Ford

  The game ebbing and flowing Ely with a good spell at the start of the 2nd half to draw level, Isleham fighting back to retake the lead, pushing on, Jakes putting the ball out to Elsey on the right wing, Petrova seeing it out for a throw. Isleham working the ball inside back to Jakes, Gibson tackling to get Ely back in possession. 

  Ford pushing up to join the Ely attack central with Docwra play the one two, however cant find a way past Copping. Blackaby comes off for Isleham as they send on Laura Todd with the game moving into the final 10 minutes. Toynton coming out to the top of her area, makes a confident catch as the ball is launched forwards for Jakes to attack. Ely up on the left looking to put pressure on the ball Youngs with Docwra wide the ball worked into the area from the by-line, Ford attacking it near post sees her attempt blocked. Ely keep pressing the ball to win a corner on the right.

  GOAL! Have been some great deliveries from corners and this is one of the best swung in central from Docwra, met cleanly by Lloyd unmarked to drill her header into the back of the net put Ely back on level terms for the 2nd time in the game 2-2.

Ely captain Amy Lloyd powers home the header to equalise for Ely

  Isleham pegged back for the 2nd time in the match attack on the right McAllister out to Elsey, cuts inside, tackled by Gibson. The game really open one minute Isleham are on the attack the next the momentum swings in Ely’s favour as the visitors come right Lane’s cross into the box sliced by the defender straight into Docwra’s path 10 yards out, fires her strike over the bar.

Isleham’s Laura Todd

  Todd giving Dyer a new threat to deal with on the right, the full back getting in her tackle as Todd looks to get her head down power into the channel. Bailey stepping in to cut the ball out at the back for Ely. Into the closing moments of the match Ely on the attack the ball from lane into Lloyd played in central to Docwra 30 yards out goes for goal her shot put straight at the keeper. The final whistle blows the points are shared. The teams wasting no time in exiting the pitch and getting into the warm, dry changing rooms.   

Full time Isleham United Ladies 2-2 Ely City Women

  An entertaining contest despite the weather. As a neutral was an enjoyable watch played in a great spirit no tension between the sides. Lively, players soaked through, loving it or mad, you can decide. Isleham taking the lead in the first half. Both sides forcing the keeper into a save. Ely making a change at the break started the 2nd half well pressing the Isleham defence forcing an error to see them level the scores. Isleham came back well to retake the lead and making changes of their own had opportunities to extend the lead. Ely never gave in however and came back for a 2nd time to level the scores late on. Both might feel they could have gotten a better result but as a neutral observer I think the draw id the fair result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the match award. It’s a really tough one to single out one individual today, so the award is going to the wire rope instead, held a great line throughout the game and made plenty of interceptions… just kidding. A few performances of note, for Isleham the defence all made vital tackles, Jodie Copping and Michela Edwards in particular the latter also getting on well to help in attack in the 2nd half. Shona Kelly strong in the middle getting about the pitch making tackles winning the ball and showed a good range of passing that on another day would have seen one of her attackers through on goal. Kelly Docwra leading the line for Ely making some excellent runs putting the Isleham defence under pressure through setting up both goals. Again the Ely defence all made vital challenges, Kerry Dyer had her hands full with Blackaby for most of the game, stuck to her task well winning her fair share of the ball. Danni Youngs a real threat whether out on the right in the first half or more central in the 2nd driving on getting into the box, getting Ely back on level terms. She ran herself into the ground however and getting the award today is Isleham’s Georgia Blackaby carried the threat for Isleham in the 1st half, Dyer making her work for it no doubt always available, whether down the line or cutting inside to set up others unlucky not to score. 

  Despite a miserable afternoon weather wise it was still an enjoyable game from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three. Haven’t seen Isleham for a long long time so great to catch up and great to see Ely too. Will be an interesting title run in will certainly be an interested observer. My thanks to both sides for all their help today very much appreciated.  

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Eaton Socon Ladies v Godmanchester Town Ladies

Friday 8th March

Huntingdonshire FA Women Senior Cup Final

The cup finals getting off to an early start this year with a Friday evening trip to St Neots to watch this season’s Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final between Eaton Socon Ladies and Godmanchester Town Ladies.

Very much a fledgling competition with this being the 3rd final to be played. Cambridge United WFC winning in inaugural competition beating St Ives Town Women with a stoppage time winner from Laura Mitchell to lift the cup. A single goal the difference in the finish in last season’s final too, albeit coming in the opening 50 seconds, Laura Rudd’s 30 yard screamer seeing Cardea FC Ladies win seeing St Ives Town Ladies finish runners-up for the 2nd successive year.

This evening’s prize

Huntingdonshire FA with a small catchment of clubs seeing a field of just 7 enter this years competition and that was further reduced with clubs sadly withdrawing from there respective leagues, one of those, St Ives Town Ladies, their 1st team at least, struggling for numbers and injuries making to tough decision to call it a day. Followed soon after by Yaxley Phoenix Ladies losing both their 1st team and development side. With two of the favourites not even getting to play their drawn matches the competition has opened the door to others. For despite these losses Huntingdonshire has huge potential for growth within the women’s game and interest is strong with the Hunts FA announcing over 600 tickets were sold leading up to this evenings final.

Eaton Socon Ladies into their 1st Hunt’s FA Women’s Senior Final a great opportunity to compete for silverware in what has been a tough season for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side. Due to unforeseen circumstances bringing in a new manager weeks before the start of the season. Dan Dodson looking to bring in a new style of play has taken a little bit of time for thing’s to settle but but after a poor start to the season and a good squad of talented players to work with results have started to come the bonus reaching their 1st cup final

Godmanchester Town Ladies were formed this season the side evolving from the core of the old St Ives Town Ladies Development side, initially moving to Huntingdon before establishing themselves with their new club. Are enjoying a very good season in the league. Top of Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Two look odds on to win the league with 7 matches to play, 8 points clear at the top undefeated winning all but one of their 13 games to date. Scoring plenty of goals long the way too with Kendal O’Connor leading scorer so far with 23 goals from 15 games with Ellie Harvey close behind on 20 for the season, with Francesca Worrall and Natasha Houchen also into double figures. That strong league form continuing into the cup competitions reaching a final in their 1st season.

Road to the Final

    With the quarter final draw being blown wide open by the early season withdrawals, Eaton Socon who had been handed a tough home game against St Ives Town Ladies progressed straight to the last 4. Godmanchester were drawn away to St Ives Town Ladies 2nd team which is still going. The away side winning 4-0 to reach the last 4 off the competition with holders Cardea FC Ladies and their new Reserves side the other semi-finalists.

  Eaton Socon at home again in the semi-finals drawn against Cardea FC Ladies 1st team. A 2nd half brace from Hannah Hutchinson and a stoppage time goal from Shannah Anico seeing Eaton Socon into the final winning 3-1 to knock out the holders. Godmanchester at home too taking on Cardea FC Ladies Reserves, rattling in the goals easily reaching the final with a 7-2 victory.

 The previous two Hunts FA Women’s Senior Finals taking place at Eynesbury Rovers FC, the final moved this season to St Neots Town Fc’s. Premier Plus Stadium. With a large crowd expected the ground starting to fill early, the main seated stand on one side of the ground with the kitchen hatch open for hot food and drinks along with the bar. Terraced standing behind both goals with viewing all round. The good sized grass pitch in great condition. A few welcome days of relatively dry weather leading up to the game although their was a bitterly cold breeze keeping temperatures down.

Eaton Socon Ladies

Eaton Socon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Lily Horsler, Victoria Wilkinson, Erin Kelly, Chloe Armstrong, Gemma Cooksley (C), Mollie Childerley, Charlotte Crisp, Hannah Hutchinson, Shannah Anico & Chloe Parncutt. Subs – Melissa Davidson, Rebecca Jones, Kelly Bingham, Cara Howell & Kayleigh Clarke. 

Godmanchester Town Ladies

Godmanchester Town Ladies starting XI – Jade Carpenter, Leah Culpin, Leia Wheeler, Emily Stephenson, Megan Stow, Cherish Sibanda (C), Natasha Houchen, Sophie Crook, Francesca Worrall, Ellie Harvey & Kendal O’Connor. Subs – Georgina Astley, Steph Ransome, Erica Zimmerman, Natasha Colmer & Nicolle Surtees.

  It’s Godmanchester to get the Hunts FA Women Senior Cup Final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing sky blue shirts with navy blue across the top of the chest and sleeves, navy shorts and socks. Eaton Socon lined up opposite wearing claret coloured shirts and socks with sky blue shorts. Th ball played back to the defence clipped long out to the right, Eaton Socon’s Victoria Wilkinson challenging the ball taken out of play for the throw. 

  Godmanchester pressing on the right the ball won central threaded through for Kendal O’Connor running into the right channel, Chloe Armstrong intercepting the pass at the back for Eaton Socon. A lively start to the game both sides closing the ball down, little time to pick a pass. Shannah Anico with pace to burn looking to get free on the right as the ball is squeezed in the middle launched forwards, Emily Stephenson winning it at the back for Godmanchester.

Shannah Anico (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

 Cherish Sibanda captaining Godmanchester combining with Sophie Crook through the middle played forwards for Francesca Worrall pulling in behind the Eaton Socon defence taking the ball into the area left of the goal, goalkeeper Keeley Robinson comes racing out to close her down going to ground making the blocking save at the strikers feet.

  Lily Horsler moving in to press the ball off a Godmanchester throw in on right looks to put Anico on down the wing, Stephenson getting across on the cover to close her down send the ball out for a throw. A high tempo both sides continue to get at one another, Eaton Socon come forwards Hannah Hutchinson on for Anico bursting down the right into the corner, holds possession sending it back into Hutchinson 25 yards out central, looks to return it to Anico as she races back to the top corner of the area, the number 9 brought down, referee Lauren Dobbs awarding the free-kick. 

 Crisp over the set piece 20 yards out right corner of the Godmanchester area whips a curling ball in low towards goal runners coming in to attack it, Mollie Childerley meeting it with a little too much power driving it wide at the near post. Eaton Socon starting to gain some momentum coming forward well, Erin Kelly on for Hutchinson out to Anico on the right Leia Wheeler getting her foot in to take the ball away from her clear for Godmanchester. Hutchinson pulling right again linking up with Anico threads the ball into the area, the Godmanchester defence across her to shield the ball out for the goal kick.

  Anico looking to play Hutchinson on this time down the right wing, Natasha Houchen tackling for Godmanchester. Jade Carpenter, keeping goal for Godmanchester comes to claim as Anico 25 yards out lifts the ball into her box. Carpenter then racing out of her area to kick the ball clear as Chloe Parncutt threatens to run in behind the defence from an over the top pass. 

 Eaton Socon doing well to win the 2nd balls stop Godmanchester finding their attackers turn play around played out to Childerley on the left, Wilkinson providing support the ball back to her played inside for Kelly to strike from distance Carpenter right behind it to save. Horsler putting herself about getting stuck in on the right linking up with Anico, Megan Stow getting across as she gets in behind to clear. Horsler with a nice piece of footwork to drag the ball back skip past her marker on the right cuts inside running into traffic can’t pick out a teammate before Sibanda tackles.

Lily Horsler (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

  O’Connor gets hold of the ball in attack for Godmanchester powers her way in behind the defence looking to attack the area moving central, checks inside to come back onto her right foot as the Eaton Socon defence recovers the ground, nevertheless gets her shot away a low strike angled in at right post, Robinson down smartly onto it to save.

 The tackles continue to mount up O’Connor earning herself the 1st yellow card of the game as Eaton Socon get the free-kick on halfway. Sent long in towards the area Stow heading clear, Eaton Socon keep possession a diagonal ball angled out to the right with Hutchinson giving chase to the by-line looks to play the ball of the tracking defender and gets it to win her side a corner kick. Parncutt to take the corner played in low to the top of the box the pass returned to Parncutt coming inside to sweep a cross into the six yard box, Sibanda winning it for Godmanchester. 

  GOAL! The deadlock broken in the 19th minute Eaton Socon winning the ball back on their left Wilkinson into Kelly to Parncutt the ball fed into the left channel Childerley breaking in behind the defence moving central comes back onto her left foot to smash a low shot under the diving keeper from 20 yards out and turns to race away in celebration. Next to her grandparents they were pleased with that one 1-0.

Mollie Childerley opens the scoring for Eaton Socon Ladies (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography

   Competitive in the middle, Crisp and Sophie Crook for Manchester getting stuck into each other as crisp comes right looking to pick out the run of Anico. Hutchinson finding room on the ball for Eaton Socon getting forwards well having the pacy Anico getting central slips the ball into the area forwards for Anico to attack left of goal a little too far ahead of her came on poke her shot wide of the post. Hutchinson then seeing the ball into her feet outside the box right corner turns to shoot, Stephenson out to block her.

  Godmanchester competing for the ball well, finding it hard to pick a pass with Eaton Socon moving quickly to get hold of the 2nd ball. Crook playing to the ball out to Worrall moves inside her inside pass cut out by Eaton Socon captain, Gemma Cooksley.

  GOAL! Out of nothing Godmanchester get themselves back on level terms, the ball played wide out to the left in the final third looking to be running out of play, chased down and kept in, Crook with it at her feet coming inside on the angle hitting the ball in towards the far post on the angle, sends it over Robinson under the crossbar to pull it back to 1-1.

  Back all square, Eaton Socon regain possession on the left the ball with Childerley forwards for Parncutt driving down the line, Leah Culpin getting in the challenge to win the ball back for Godmanchester. Kelly with Crisp in the middle the ball put forwards onto Anico up to, looks to steal half a yard on the defence get in behind, Stephenson with a great tackle recovering to nick the ball away from her.

  Stow winning the header in defence for Godmanchester the ball back into mid-field Crook out to the left wing for Worrall wins them their 1st corner of the game. The delivery swung into the near post clear by Hutchinson for Eaton Socon out for a throw. Eaton Socon build through the middle Parncutt combining with Crisp taking the ball right slide the pass in for Hutchinson 25 yards out, Stephenson quickly out to close her down tackling to win the ball back. 

Charlotte Crisp (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

  Both sides maintaining a good tempo the ball rarely still, flowing been with some robust challenges. Horsler nipping in to win the ball of Worrall breaking forwards comes inside runs into Sibanda. Godmanchester caught high lose the ball, Stephenson well positioned to halt the counter attack. Houchen with a talking too as she chops down Hutchinson on half way. Eaton Socon break left Childerley on for Parncutt, the ball rolled back to the top of the area the cross swept into the six yard box claimed well by Carpenter.

  Carpenter out of her area to hack the ball clear as Hutchinson feed the ball on for Anico on the right. Anico’s pace continues to cause Godmanchester problems as Carpenter is needed to run out to the top of the box to clear before the attacker and race onto the ball in behind. Eaton Socon looking to finish the first half strong Childerley, Anico and Parncutt combining down the left can’t quite keep the ball in play as she stretches to cross on the by-line. Godmanchester with one last attack in the half getting up the left winning a corner. A decent ball swung in central Eaton Socon thought winning the defensive header to see the sides go in level at the break.

Half-time Eaton Socon Ladies 1-1 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Hunts FA announcing an absolutely fantastic crowd of 708 at this evenings game. Have seen an entertaining first half with the sides drawing 1-1 at the break. Godmanchester breaking trough into the box with an early chance. The game played a a good tempo with little time afforded on the ball. Eaton Socon doing well to get themselves into a good position winning the 2nd ball well building momentum before opening the scoring in the 19th minute. Godmanchester though finding a goal out of nothing to pull the scores level. Both sides scoring in the final at the 3rd attempt will be intriguing to see if the pace of play can be maintained in the 2nd half very much still all to play for.

  No changes for either side at the break, with Eaton Socon getting the 2nd period underway, played back to Kelly into her defence, Cooksley and Armstrong pressed by the on rushing Godmanchester attackers the ball hastily cleared. Harvey and O’Connor getting after the ball both sides continuing to snap into their challenges. Crisp looking for Parncutt with the pass on the left, Culpin tackling for Godmanchester.

Kendal O’Connor on the attack for Godmanchester (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

  Eaton Socon bringing the ball on going right Hutchinson wide angling the ball in towards Anico making the run top of the area, Carpenter rushing out to put her foot though the ball. Sibanda dealing with a cross swung in from Eaton Socon’s right. Godmanchester looknig to be a little more direct push on ha opened the game up a little more Eaton Socon countering Kelly through to Anico with Hutchinson through the middle the pass played on for Parncutt making a run right of the D, Stephenson in her path to put in the blocking tackle. 

  GOAL! Eaton Socon driving at the Godmanchester defence the ball from midfield played in to Hutchinson right side of the D into the area takes the ball round a defender to shoot on the angle, drives her shot across the keeper into the bottom corner 2-1.

Hannah Hutchinson fires Eaton Socon back into the lead (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

  Eaton Socon getting back into the lead early in the 2nd half, Godmanchester looknig for a quickly response the ball from Crook into Worrall on the left checks inside turning into the box, tackled by Horsley. Culpin bringing the ball on down the right for Godmanchester playing the pass forwards for O’Connor, Wilkinson challenging for Eaton Socon. Hutchinson giving away a free-kick Godmanchester winning the set-piece 35 yards out Houchen over the ball lines up the strike on target but Robinson behind it all the way.

Vicky Wilkinson (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

    Eaton Socon with the first changes of the match making a double substitution  on 58 minutes bringing on Melissa Davidson and Kelly Bingham to replace Kelly and Crisp. Anico brought down for Eaton Socon the free-kick wide 35 yards out Childerley to send into the box, Stow heading the ball clear for Godmanchester as they break with pace the ball sent on for O’Connor on the right racing forwards, Bingham catching up with her top pf the area doing enough to take the power off her cross the ball deflected across D in favour of Eaton Socon who get to the ball 1st to clear.

  Armstrong getting across to defend on O’Connor takes the ball on down the right flank. Godmanchester pushing on Crook up with the attack the ball played into her inside the D, looks to turn off her own flick on get into the area but is tightly marked can’t get into the box. 

 Hutchinson regaining possession on the right as Godmanchester are forced into a hasty clearance taking the ball on her cross/shot on the angle claimed by Carpenter at her near post. A lot put into the game players starting to go down with cramp. Eaton Socon moving the ball well. Childerley up on the left with support from Parncutt the latter taking the ball infield before whipping a cross into the far post for Hutchinson to attack but is stopped by the raised flag, offside. 

(photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

 Midway through the 2nd half, Eaton Socon pushing looking for a helpful 2 goal cushion, Godmanchester fa from out of it. Eaton Socon turning play around as Horsley cuts out the ball at the back played forwards Parncutt pulling off the defence into the box left of goal, Carpenter rushing out to close the angle, Parncutt screws her shot wide of the post. Eaton Socon enjoying a good spell Childerley and Hutchinson both useful outlets on the flanks. Houchen taking a heavy fall down needing treatment a chance for a pause but is up ok Godmanchester making a change bring off Wheeler on comes Rebecca Jones as the game moves into the final 20 minutes.

Chloe Parncutt (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

  Bingham gathering the ball into her feet through the middle her momentum seeing her charge into the D is stopped by a somewhat clumsy challenge by Godmanchester get away with it the ball cleared. Another change for Godmanchester, Houchen having taken the knock coming off replaced by Erica Zimmerman. Harvey wit a strike on goal from the top of the area right of goal, Robinson back on her line seeing it all the way to save comfortably. A reminder to Eaton Socon that with just one goal in it the result is still in the balance.

 Anico with a burst on energy as the game moves into the final 15 minutes taking the ball right flashes a shot on the angle across the goal wide past the far post. Steph Ransome coming on for Eaton Socon to replace Armstrong at the back. Eaton Socon pushing on looknig for their 3rd goal Hutchinson wide right angling a ball into the near post, Childerley in the six yard box her attempt blocked at close range rebounds back to Bingham in the box on the right smashed her strike over the crossbar.

  Natasha Colmer coming on for Godmanchester with Harvey coming off with 5 minutes left on the clock. Eaton Socon on the whole looking comfortable continuing to push on in attack rather than begin dropping back looking to defend their lead. Parncutt breaks through the defence into the box right of goal, Carpenter out to block her. Bingham with Davidson passing on through the middle on for Parncutt, Stephenson cutting the ball out for Godmanchester. 

  Into stoppage time Eaton Socon making a double switch sending on Cara Howell and Kayleigh Clarke replacing Parncutt and Anico up top. Godmanchester going for it late on a strike from 25 yards out on the left rattling wide. Eaton Socon’s defence backed up by the midfield as they limited the spaces in behind the ball clear and the final whistle blows, Eaton Socon rush together to celebrate winning this season’s Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup. 

Full time Eaton Socon Ladies 2-1 Godmanchester Town Ladies 

  Another new name on the cup and it’s only into it’s 3rd season. A entertaining final played at a fast tempo with both sides closing the ball down throughout, Eaton Socon winning more of the 2nd balls to get themselves on the front foot looked comfortable in the 2nd half once they got their noses back in front but would have liked a further goal to extend the advantage at 2-1 Godmanchester were never out of the game and will feel they just lacked that final killer ball to expose their opponents defence. A lot of energy put into the game and with the shape of thinks currently in Huntingdonshire theirs every reason to think these two sides could be at the beginning of a new rivalry.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. It’s a tough one but my mid was leaning towards one player and that differs from the player who got the award on the night but it was close. A few performances of note to mention first for Godmanchester, Emily Stephenson was strong at the back reading the game well getting in some vital challenges and certainly denied Eaton Socon a few more chances. Cherish Sibanda got about the pitch to win the ball helped back in defence and looking to get the ball into her attackers. For Eaton Socon, Lily Horsley was a live wire at the back snapping in with her challenges to win the ball and keep Eaton Socon on the front foot. Mollie Childerley got forwards well to support the attack on the left took her goal well. Shannah Anico’s pace causing Godmanchester problems throughout made several good runs as did Chloe Parncutt who won the award on the night, was a great outlet up top running into the channels and setting up others unlucky not to find a goal herself. Edging it for me however was Hannah Hutchinson linked up fantastically with Anico getting forwards into some great positions whether inside or out on the right in the 2nd half took her goal well.

Captain, Gemma Cooksley with her hands on the cup for the victorious Eaton Socon Ladies (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

Eaton Socon Ladies 2023/24 Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup winners (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

Congratulations to Eaton Socon Ladies on winning this season’s Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup

  Hunts FA putting on a great final, fantastic to see a great crowd of 708 enjoy a good game, show piecing women’s football in the area. My thanks to everyone for their help tonight getting the team details. Thanks also to Lucy Nicole Photography (Instagram  @lucynicolephotography ) for allowing me to use some of her pictures in the report much appreciated. The cup finals have started my favourite time of the season.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Barnsley FC Women

Sunday 25th February

FAWNL League Plate

Heading over to St Neots this Sunday afternoon to watch Cambridge United WFC play in a huge game, playing for the opportunity to reach a National League final as they take on Barnsley FC Women in the semi-final of the FAWNL League Plate.

A fantastic opportunity for both sides having played their way into the last 4 of the competition along side Exeter City Women and Derby County Women who are contesting the other semi-final. A Determining Round taking place between all the sides competing in the FAWNL representing tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid with the winning sides going on to compete for the League Cup the losing sides going on to play for the League Plate.

Cambridge United WFC climbing up to 5th in the FAWNL South East Division One table with a midweek 2-1 home win over AFC Sudbury Women. The squad coming together well needing to adapt with the early season loss of their main attacking threat Sarah Wiltshire, pregnant with her 3rd child. Signing off with 4 goals it was a big hole to fill and Cambridge found the answer in playing Alysha Stojko-Down in a false number 9 position, quickly finding an eye for goal and scoring some important strikes along the way, 12 in total so far from 19 matches, backed up well by her follow attackers pushing off the flanks Bella Simmons scoring the winning goal in midweek moving onto 10 for the season while Ruth Fox has 7 to her name.

Well placed in the league have enjoyed a fantastic run in the League Plate beginning with with 2-1 away victory over fellow South East Division one side, Actonians Ladies in the opening round with goals from defender Rachel Kosky and Stojko-Down. Drawn at home to South West Division One side Keynsham Town Ladies, was likely to be a tough tie and proved to be the case with the sides drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes. Ruth Fox striking in the dying moments of extra-time to send Cambridge into the last 8. There they were drawn away to another South West Division One side, Maidenhead United Women, another close game with a single goal deciding it, Stojko-Down hitting it home to send Cambridge on into the final 4 of the competition.

 FAWNL Division One North is the only league with the FAWNL that has not featured a team on Women’s Football East (for obvious reasons) but I always like to see a new side in action and no doubt Barnsley FC Women are an ambitious side recruiting a good squad looking to win the league title and gain promotion to tier 3. Currently 2nd in the league are in a tussle for top spot with 3 others, Middlesbrough currently leading along with Durham Cestria and Hull City Ladies. Like Cambridge were in action in midweek drawing 1-1 at home to Stockport County. Emily Pierrepont their top scorer with 9 goals to her name. with both Abi Housecroft and Amy-Leigh Barringham-Beck on 6 a piece and their is a healthy number of goals spread out throughout the rest of the squad.

Barnsley beginning their FAWNL Plate campaign at home running out comfortable winners, beating Solihull Moors Women 7-0. Back at home for the 2nd Round taking on another Midlands Division One side Brooke Marsden was on target for 2 goals in a 4-0 victory, Abi Housecroft and Charlotte Stuart also scoring. The quarter finals saw them again on home soil with a tough tie against fellow title contenders Hull City, Housecroft, Stuart and Pierrepont all scoring, their opponents also scoring 3 however saw the game goal all the way to penalties, Barnsley claiming victory in the shootout 4-2 to see them drawn away to Cambridge in the semi-finals.

  Cambridge keen to get a big crowd to their home base at St Neots FC the Premier Plus Stadium within an ever increasing residential area that does boast huge potential to grow attendances and interest in the game. The grass pitch inside the stadium with a 3G pitch beside. The ground filling up nicely a good atmosphere building. The weather a little more reliable this weekend despite more midweek downpours a settled weekend, overcast and somewhat chilly the pitch in good nick as the sides walked out onto the pitch.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Rachel Kosky, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Abbie Jackson, Lauren Rouse, Gisela Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Zoe Wood, Ella Marden, Bella Simmons & Alysha Stojko-Down. Subs – Mayzee Seymour, Charlotte Gillies, Harley-Jean Simpson, Serena Cobb & Ruth Fox.

Barnsley FC Women

 Barnsley FC Women starting XI – Serena Clarke (C), Alayna Millard, Katy Woodcock, Autumn Housley, Jodie Michalska, Charlotte Stuart, Ruby Jex-Oldfield, Abi Housecroft, Brooke Marsden, Emily Pierrepont & Louise Biggins. Subs – Natalie Watson, Nat Shaw, Courteney Csomor & Amy Beck.

 Both sides having players unavailable through ineligibility for the competition. Cambridge without new signing Abbi Smith on loan from Ipswich. Barnsley rotating their squad a little with a busy run of games coming up. Cambridge to get the semi-final underway kicking off the first half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks, Barnsley in their white away kit shirts and socks with black shorts. Alysha Stojko-Down playing the ball back to captain Gisela Otten who clips it long out to the right for Bella Simmons racing forwards, Barnsley seeing it out for a throw in. 

 The visitors getting hold of the ball looking to move it across their defence build patiently before sending it out to the left with Emily Pierrepont tracking inside, tackled by Cambridge’s, Lauren Rouse outside the box. Barnsley closing the ball down getting back on the offensive keeping possession on the left before the shot comes in from range, Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb back on her line right behind it to catch the ball. 

Cambridge midfielder, Sammy Edgar

Shaping up to be a competitive tussle in the middle with some tough tackles coming in, Sammy Edgar never one to shy away from a tackle winning the ball back for Cambridge playing it on for Stojko-Down who is quickly closed down by Jodie Michalska before she came turn on the ball. 

  GOAL! Edgar tackling well in the middle, is cleaned out on the halfway line by the retaliatory tackle the referee awarding Cambridge the free-kick. Players going forwards as defender Abbie Jackson stands over the set-piece, struck long to the right of the D, Rachel Kosky is perfectly placed to meet it as she connects with the dropping ball to clip it up over the keeper and into the back of the net to open the scoring on 6 minutes 1-0.

Rachel Kosky runs away in celebration after firing Cambridge into the lead

  The perfect start for Cambridge who see themselves very much as the underdogs going into the game. Barnsley looking for an immediate response build strongly on their left bringing the ball on Pierrepont back up the line the shot from range held by Webb. Zoe Wood turning on the ball getting space as she comes left before lifting it on for Ella Marden to chase the Cambridge attacker looking to get in behind on the left, Charlotte Stuart getting across to slide in take the ball off her feet, Wood up with Marden the pair getting the ball back, Marden’s cross claimed by Serena Clarke captain and goalkeeper for Barnsley.

  Louise Biggins up top for Barnsley putting herself about making some useful runs across the Cambridge defence looking for the ball and to create space for her teammates to run into. Jackson getting a blocking tackle in as Ruby Jex-Oldfield sends the ball into the striker. Webb down sharply to her right to glance the ball behind conceding the corner as Barnsley send another vicious strike in from range. Fired in near side Housley coming towards the ball looks to twist her body turn her header into the six yard box, the ball attacked flies up over the crossbar.

  GOAL! Barnsley push players on the diagonal past picking out Pierrepont free on the left travelling into the area, shapes to go right before dropping her shoulder and heading for the by-line sending a low cross into the six yard box, the Cambridge defence blocking only succeeding in deflecting the ball out to Alayna Millard racing into the box to mash into the goal to level things up 1-1.

Alayna Millard levels the scores for Barnsley

  Barnsley getting themselves back on level terms just 5 minutes after conceding the opening goal. Wood again finding Marden running clear on the left the defence getting back at her the ball deflected behind for a corner kick. Barnsley bring the ball on down the right winning a throw high up the pitch Housley giving Abi Housecroft the ball she turns inside looking to power her way across the top of the area, however fouls Jackson in the process giving Cambridge the free-kick. Housley on the move with the ball right on for Woodcock, Cheal-Ferris in to close her down.

Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris

  This is a lively contest, Barnsley looking to take the ball on, Cambridge with a nervous energy that is seeing them compete for everything in the middle, Otten into Stojko-Down looks to play in Simmons on the right, Millard closing her down to regain possession for Barnsley. A few strong tackle being pulled up both side competitive. Edgar passing the ball to Simmons on the right, Kosky getting up the wing to support Cambridge winning the throw, looking to get it into the final third, Katy Woodcock getting the tackle in Barnsley threatening to counter quickly on the right, Jackson well positioned to intercept the ball.

Barnsley’s Katy Woodcock

  Pierrepont causing Cambridge problems down the left with some forceful runs down the line and as equally prepared to track inside winning a corner on the left. The referee needing to speak to the players as they jostle for position inside the box, Stuart looking to get away from Otten as the ball curls into the six yard box, Stojko-Down winning it knocked down then again Stojko-Down snaps in with the tackle before launching the ball clear.

Alysha Stojko-Down

 Barnsley getting players on threatening to overwhelm Cambridge at times the defence putting in some vital challenges to prevent the final ball exposing Webb. Pierrepont taking the ball inside of a mazy run top corner of the area left of goal lets fly, her shot striking her own player before the referee blows up for a handball. Jex-Oldfield linking up with Woodcock coming right, Rouse coming out to close her down blocking her attempted cross.

  No quarter given both sides fighting for the ball, a frantic pace set, Michalska coming on with the ball for the visitors threading the p[ass out to the left, Millard getting up to support Pierrepont, Otten tracking back to help Kosky in defence the pair doing well to prevent anything reaching the area. 

 Barnsley moving the ball about crisply amongst themselves as Cambridge stand off, played into Autumn Housley at the back the right back goes on a surging run through the middle before threading a fantastic ball in behind the hosts defence for Brooke Marsden bursting into the right channel, after the ball, Webb comes rushing out to the top of her area to slide in and save at her feet.

Autumn Housley breaking forwards for Barnsley

Lauren Webb sliding in to claim the ball at Brooke Marsden’s feet

  Barnsley win the ball in the middle clipped long for Pierrepont in space on the left, turns inside running into the area striking the ball with her right foot through bodies escapes out to the left the ball turned home, however the goal won’t count the offside flag raised. Edgar giving away a free-kick on the left all of 30 yards out, Barnsley sending players up into the box with Marsden standing over the ball with Pierrepont the the former with step over before Pierrepont strikes the ball over the wall in towards goal, Webb getting up well to make the save turning the ball behind for the corner.

  The corner driven in at the near post, Edgar defending for the hosts. Cambridge looking to break however Barnsley regain possession sends the ball out into the right wing for Housley to whip a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, attacked by Biggins rushing in at the far post turned over the bar. Cambridge working hard doing a good job in frustrating Barnsley Wood getting free up the left linking up with Marden the cross floated into the area cleared by Michalska for Barnsley. 

Autumn Housley beating Ella Marden to the ball

 A pause in play as Housley and Jackson come together on the left as Wood looks to play the defender on. Both up okay Cambridge with the free-kick. Barnsley not hanging about quickly getting on with the game Kosky stealing possession back on the right going forwards looking for Stojko-Down, closed down by Millard. Played on for Pierrepont racing forwards on the left, Rouse coming across to defend for Cambridge.

  Stojko-Down central playing the ball to Marden left for Cambridge, crosses for Simmons racing on right of the D, the ball cut out by Stuart gets it back to her keeper. Millard getting forwards on Barnsley’s left playing the ball inside for Biggins outside the D, turns into the shot firing the ball straight into Webb’s midriff. 

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

  Barnsley keep pushing players on pushing Cambridge back Rouse across to deal with Pierrepont on the by-line left side the ball played back up the line for Millard 25 out comes inside rolling in on for Michalska to turn and curl a shot in towards goal, Webb leaping up making a tremendous save top getting a arm up to turn the ball away for a corner on the right. The corner delivered in with pace into the six yard box a good attacking height Stuart and Michalska for Barnsley a heavy collision between Stuart and Jackson leaving both players floored as the ball is cleared the referee quickly stopping play for the physio’s to race on to administer treatment. 

  The game paused concern for both players not moving immediately time taken, Jackson dazed, Stuart bleeding. Both up thankfully, blood on the pitch to be cleaned up as both walk to the side-lines before being allowed back on. No doubt the crowd are playing their part getting behind Cambridge looking to wind up Barnsley who having created some good chances have been unable to get their noses in front. Kosky lunging in to deny Biggins as she takes the ball inside from the left.

  Kosky with a vital interception then as Michalska driving forwards through the middle nearly picks out Pierrepont racing clear on the left. Barnsley winning a free-kick in a central position late in the half Pierrepont into the area Michalska up to head the ball across the top of the six yard box cleared to the left, the shot struck on the angle sent over the bar. Barnsley’s frustrations boiling over as Stuart talks herself into a yellow card after fouling Wood on the left.   

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Barnsley FC Women

  The game all square after the first 45 minutes a lively and combative contest, both sides competing for the ball. Cambridge taking an early lead before being quickly pinned back by the visitors. Barnsley playing the ball across the ball breaking forwards well creating some good chances to get into the lead themselves, Cambridge though defending well, Webb making some excellent saves. A lot put into the first half will be interesting to see if these energy levels can be maintained in the 2nd half.

  Getting decidedly colder as the two sides return to the field for the 2nd half, neither making any changes, extra-time and penalties to come if required as Barnsley et the 2nd period underway. The visitors playing the ball forwards pushing players on right from the start, Pierrepont picked out on the left in behind to the by-line sends the ball racing in across the face of goal, defended beyond the far post knocked back inside for Webb to snatch into her gloves.

  Barnsley setting there stall out early doors, their intention to take the game to Cambridge find an early goal to take the lead in the 2nd half breaking right the ball crossed in onto the roof of the net. Cambridge under pressure at the back, Otten and Edgar pushed back to help the defence the hosts getting the ball cleared up to Simmons in space on the right plays it inside to Stojko-Down 20 yards out right of the D, her attempted shot charged down by Michalska.

  Otten shown a yellow card after a strong tackle on Jex-Oldfield on halfway. Jex-Oldfield playing the ball up the wing for Pierrepont who turns inside to lay the ball into Millard, Stuart up with her, back to Pierrepont who wins Barnsley a corner kick. An in-swinging delivery headed clear by Jackson for Cambridge. 

Barnsley’s Charlotte Stuart with Cambridge’s Zoe Wood

Wood nipping in to take the ball back for Cambridge. Wood with some good ball control looking to twist and turn get forwards for Cambridge link up with the attacking trio. Woodcock and Michalska defending solidly for Barnsley who continue to press forwards. The heavy tackles continuing both sides giving as good as they get Cambridge’s tenacity still frustrating Barnsley. 

Barnsley’s Abi Housecroft

  Barnsley powering on down the right Marsden crossing low, Jackson running back in defence cutting out the cross carrying it behind for the corner. Cambridge defending the corners Barnsley putting in some great deliveries. The hosts getting on down the right winning a throw 25 yards out put inside to Simmons positioned top of the D, Housley throwing herself into the blocking tackle as she lines up the shot.

   Cambridge making the first change of the game bringing off Otten whose on a yellow card bringing on Serena Cobb. Barnsley with their first switch too bringing Amy Beck to replace Marsden. Rouse racing back in defence as Barnsley attack down the leg traps the cross between her legs to take it out of play for a corner. Lifted in near post a Barnsley player rising to head the ball drills her header wide past the far post. 

Emily Pierrepont continues to take the game to Cambridge

  Pierrepont dribbling inside from the left pushes the ball inside to Jex-Oldfield 25 yards out, Edgar lunging in with a firm tackle to get the ball back for Cambridge. Pierrepont heavily involved in the game pulling left seeing the ball into her feet aiming to clip it over the top send Stuart through on goal the flag up however brings an end to the move. Barnsley on top but unable to find the break through as a few spots of rain begin to fall. Pierrepont sees the ball come into her feet in a central position strikes a right foot curler in on goal from range, Webb throwing herself it it can’t get there as the ball dips smashing onto the crossbar. 

Louise Biggins getting hold of the ball for Barnsley

  GOAL! Cambridge’s opportunities to break forwards limited in the 2nd half the ball cleared on for Stojko-Down central makes a great run forwards before delivering a cutting pass in behind for Simmons to attack top of the area, Michalska sliding in with her to try and win the ball, knocked on towards goal racing past Clarke to roll over the line a fire the hosts back into the lead in the 66th minute 2-1.

Bella Simmons putting Cambridge back into the lead

  Cambridge back in front after dealing with a sustained Barnsley onslaught at the start of the 2nd half. A huge blow for Barnsley as Wood getting hold of the ball travels into the right corner holding it up well before Kosky racing beyond her is pulled up for offside. The visitors rattled making a change Natalie Watson coming on to replace Jex-Oldfield. The game opening up as Cambridge find renewed energy breaking through the middle, Wood to Stojko-Down on for Simmons in attack, a crucial interception by Millard to prevent her getting clear to attack Clarkes goal.

  Stojko-Down on the half-volley from outside the area placed straight into the keeper as Cambridge attack on the left. Watson with a heavy tackle sending Simmons to the ground earning the substitute a yellow card. The tackles keep coming Stojko-Down getting bundled over outside the area aggrieved as play goes on. Cambridge winning a corner nevertheless out on the right. In near side Clarke up to punch the ball behind for a 2nd corner. The 2nd delivery into the six yard box defended by Michalska

Jodie Michalska

  Rouse the next player to go into the box as she brings Biggins down 40 yards out to the left as both turn to chase after the ball. Pierrepont over it, does have a hell of a strike on her and going for goal her attempt isn’t too far wide of the left corner. Cambridge making a change in the 79th minute bringing on Ruth Fox in place of Simmons up top.  Is a tense game now Barnsley pushing players on Cambridge nipping in to close the ball down

  GOAL! With Barnsley pushing on looking to get themselves back on level terms Cambridge winning the ball break on the left bringing the ball on players racing back to defend, the ball crossed into the box Fox central, Pierrepont getting there first gets a glancing touch on the ball can’t get it away instead presents it straight to Fox who show cool composure ( at least that’s what it looks like now doubt the heart was pounding ) as she picks her spot lifting it past the keeper and into the goal beyond immediately turning to race away in joyous celebration eventually caught by her teammates as Cambridge extend their lead with 10 minutes to play 3-1.

Ruth Fox runs in celebration after sending Cambridge into a 3-1 lead

  Barnsley respond straight away with a double switch bringing on Nat Shaw and Courteney Csomor. Falling 2 goals behind with a little over 10 minutes to play. Winning a free-kick wide on the right the ball swung into the area headed clear Cambridge look to counter Stojko-Down on for Wood who uses her experience to take the ball down into the corner at up valuable time. 

  Watson with the ball for Barnsley on for Housley travelling on down line in behind to the by-line her cross fired in across the six yard box cleared by Cheal-Ferris at the far post. Wood coming on with the ball combined with Stojko-Down as Cambridge look to keep the ball up the pitch, Michalska getting it back for the visitors up to Stuart has Housecroft inside her played out to Pierrepont on the left the cross whipped into the box cut out by Jackson for Cambridge.

  Cambridge determined in defence as Rouse clears a chipped ball forwards intended for Shaw. 

  GOAL! The game moving into stoppage time Barnsley getting themselves a free-kick inside the Cambridge half on the right, Pierrepont to play it into the area a fantastic ball cutting through the six yard box running out to the far post met by Michalska running in to turn it home from close range 3-2 game on!

Jodie Michalska pulling a goal back for Barnsley in the closing stages of the tie

  Michalska taking no time to celebrate grabbing the ball hasting back to the centre circle to get it restarted, Cambridge finding Wood on the right takes the ball into the corner, nothing silly now from the hosts keep Barnsley off the ball. Barnsley with one last push Millard on for Pierrepont wide left returns it inside for Millard to float a ball into the area attacked the header planted straight at Webb the keeper holding onto the ball.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 3-2 Barnsley FC Women

 The final whistle blows and Cambridge celebrate as they reach the final of this season’s FAWNL Plate. Beating Barnsley 3-2 with goals from Bella Simmons and substitute Ruth Fox in the 2nd half. Cambridge having to deal with a lot of Barnsley pressure in the 2nd period as the visitors came on strong looking to take the lead themselves looking to build on the good chances they had created in the 2nd half. Barnsley let themselves get frustrated by Cambridge’s tenacity and couldn’t get their noses in front. Cambridge had to work hard for the win and took their chances when they fell their way to set up what is sure to be a historic day for the club. The date and venue for the final to be announced. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to pick this Sunday’s Women’s Football east – Player of the Match. As with last weekends winner it’s another tough call to single out one player as it was a strong team performance all round. Several performances of note, firstly for Barnsley, Emily Pierrepont was the stand out player, worked tirelessly on the left, a ready outlet taking the ball on to the by-line or tracking infield created several good chances. Jodie Michalska strong at the back and getting forwards winning the ball and passing superbly. Autumn Housley winning the ball well at the back with several strong runs forwards. For Cambridge credit to the whole team for a battling display, were determined from the start, Abbie Jackson and Lauren Rouse with some vital tackles at the back. Rachel Kosky too as well as making some excellent attacking runs opening the scoring. Zoe Wood showing good skill on the ball got forwards well bringing others into play. Gisela Otten competing for the ball in the middle of the park getting back to help the defence. Goalkeeper Lauren Webb with some brilliant saves to keep Barnsley out n the first half. The award today though goes to the player who summed up Cambridge’s performance to a tee and that is midfielder Sammy Edgar, fought for everything getting across the park to tackle and frustrate Barnsley throughout.

  I know I’m supposed to be neutral but I do have my favourite team and it’s fantastic to see Cambridge reach a national final. Had a sneaky feeling they might. Even so the FAWNL is full of strong teams. Congratulations to Cambridge. My thanks to both sides for there help today with the teams. Best of luck to Barnsley in their hunt for the league table will keep an eye out for your results. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – KLSC FC Women v Aylsham FC Women

Sunday 18th February

KLSC FC Women v Aylsham FC Women

 For the 2nd weekend running heavy overnight rain across the region has played havoc with the women’s football fixtures with a large number of league and cup games falling foul to waterlogged pitches. Once again my first choice game called off , but as ever there are plenty of alternatives to choose from and an opportunity to see someone else in action so this Sunday it’s a short trip to King’s Lynn to watch KLSC FC Women play Aylsham FC Women in Norfolk Women’s Division One.

  Norfolk seeing a host of new sides joining the women’s league this season as the game continues to grow at a pace. With 8 new sides in a 14 strong Division Two and another new side Costessey Sports Ladies joining Division One 5 sides were pushed up from Division Two into Division One this campaign. The increase in teams hasn’t seen the comparable increase in new players and this has left squad stretched at times with dual signings often competing with unavailability and injuries, a stop start season for some clubs. Division One seeing a strong contest for the title emerging nevertheless.

  Aylsham FC Women and KLSC FC Women finishing 1st and 2nd respectfully in Division Two last season to win promotion to Division One, joined by Mulbarton Women Development, North Walsham Angels Ladies and Thorpe St Andrew Women. 

  KLSC (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) FC Women finishing runners-up in Division Two last season 2 points behind champions Aylsham FC Women, the pair emerging on top of what was a competitive title race. Have made a solid debut in Division One sitting comfortably in mid-table winning 4 and drawing one of their 9 matches so far taking 7 points from their opening 4 league games. Josie Turner has always had a great scoring record where ever she’s played and has continued that trend with KLSC finding the back of the net for 38 goals last terms is once again leading the scoring charts for KLSC his time around with 10 goals from 6 appearances. 

  Aylsham FC Women going undefeated in their debut season to win the Division Two title lasts season, winning all but 2 of their 20 league matches, clinching the title two point ahead of KLSC FC Women. Bringing together a squad of experienced players led by captain Jordan Arnoup who was in hot form in front of goal herself last season breaking the back of the net for 39 goals to become top scorer in the league. Aylsham promoted to Division One finding life a lot tougher, struggling for numbers at times due to work commitments, injuries lost their opening 3 league matches, however 7 points from their next 3 fixtures pulled them free of the bottom, in 9 will be aiming to push on into mid-table, new sighing Australian, Billie Myall top scorer for Aylsham with 7 goals to her name so far in her debut campaign. Arnoup one goal behind on the score sheet for 6 so far.

  With the heavy rain predicted once again for the weekend, KLSC FC Women planned ahead and booked their local 3G pitch ready for use should their grass pitch on King’s Way Playing Fields be deemed unplayable which was highly likely. A wise decision the game switched to the Alive Lynn Sport 3G pitch, the heavy rain blowing through west to east likely to clear before kick-off leaving a slightly overcast but bright afternoon. The well used sports facility caged on 3 sides with viewing for spectators on one side of the pitch beside the sports hall. 

KLSC FC Women

KLSC FC Women starting XI – Gemma Thomas, Elizabeth Puckova, Leeanne Smith, Viktorija Burkauskaite (C), Taeya Mayes, Caitlin Jacob, Chloe Edwards, Trinity Tokaji, Josie Turner, Nikola Maslak and Ellie Panks. Subs – Lydia Hunter, Ellena Bennington & Rachel Skinner.

Aylsham FC Women

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Hannah Lock, Ella Swift, Abbie Butcher, Jordan Arnoup (C), Sophie-Jayne O’Connor, Georgie Bobbin. Cayla Brown, Flo Simpkin, Rhiannon Dack, Molly Webb & Gabrielle Cobb. Subs – Sausha Levy-Twomey, Ellie Cleaver, Lily Carus & Ellie Snowling.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Viktorija Burkauskaite and Jordan Arnoup with referee Shane Watts

  It’s the visitors Aylsham to kick off the first half, with a few players out through injury and unavailability the call offs elsewhere meant they could bolster their squad with a few of their dual signings. KLSC FC Women short on numbers too with player manager Ellie Bennington naming herself amongst the substitutes. Aylsham wearing orange coloured shirts with blue vertical strips on the front with blue shorts and orange socks. KLSC lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical striped shirts with black short and red and black hooped socks. The ball rolled back to Georgie Bobbin in midfield helped back to her defence, KLSC rush on to press the ball high…

 GOAL! Sophie-Jayne O’Connor getting the ball out to right back Ella Swift she in turn plays a fantastic long pass up to Gabrielle Cobb in attack knocks the ball down into the path of Rhiannon Dack bursting on down the right surging towards the area turning the KLSC defence she slides the ball in central in front of goal, Molly Webb coming in off the left waiting to pounce the KLSC defender stretching in front of her attempting to reach the ball can only deflect it towards her own goal, the ball agonisingly creeping in inside the right post the give the visitors the lead inside the opening 30 seconds 0-1.

Rhiannon Dack’s burst forwards and cross leading to the own goal to put Aylsham into the lead

   An early set back for KLSC the hosts battling to win the ball in the middle comes to Josie Turner on the right played forwards up the channel for Nikola Maslak to chase, Aylsham goalkeeper Hannah Lock out to the edge of her area quickly to the ball first touching it back into her box to lay claim to the ball. A lively start from Aylsham keen to get the ball moving forwards, Bobbin getting her tackles in to win the ball, Cobb up top looking to spin off the defence with Dack and Webb breaking forwards on the flanks.

 

  Bobbin getting hold of the ball laying it forwards into Cobb up top combines with Webb top of the D before the ball is laid back into Flo Simpkin 25 yards out to strike her effort fired straight at and saved by KLSC goalkeeper, Gemma Thomas. KLSC’s, Taeya Mayes has one of the most powerful kicks in the league and manages to clear the ball onto the roof of the sports hall beside the pitch.

Aylsham midfielder, Georgie Bobbin

  Aylsham pushing forwards well Dack taking the ball on going right inside to Cobb central rolling it back for the on rushing Cayla Brown to line up a shot from 25 yards out her attempt racing wide of the right post. KLSC not set as Aylsham press the advantage looking to capitalise on their positive start. Bobbin getting stuck in in the middle, Simpkin getting forwards well to support the attackers. 

  Cobb laying the ball on for Dack pushing on down the right flank sends a looping cross into the box, near post Cobb looking to leap in on the keeper as Thomas goes to catch the ball, spilt is loose inside the six yard box, Webb taking a swing at it sending her attempt high over the crossbar. 

  Chloe Edwards getting the ball out to Turner on the right for KLSC knocks it on for Maslak to chase, getting the ball into her feet turns infield travelling across the top of the area looking for an opening doesn’t find it as she is closed down by Swift the ball cleared. O’Connor winning the ball at the back passing to Swift on the right played forwards for Dack running down the line, Elizabeth Puckova recovering her ground well to slide in take the ball off Dack behind conceding a corner. Looped high into the six yard box his headed clear.

Ella Swift

  KLSC captain Viktorija Burkauskaite intercepting the ball at the back as Bobbin attempts to find Cobb up top with the threaded pass. Edwards down after receiving a heavy knock in a challenge on halfway. Down and in some discomfort can’t continue KLSC forced into a change as Edwards is helped to the side-lines, Rachel Skinner coming on. The resulting free-kick just over half way Mayes over the ball strikes it towards goal, no a bad effort however Lock can see the ball safely past her left post. 

KLSC’s Nikola Maslak with Aylsham’s Abbie Butcher

  Turner linking up well with Maslak on the right as KLSC look to get some momentum going forwards winning a throw high the ball comes to Maslak inside the box right of goal attempts to bring the ball down and turn, is soon closed down by the Aylsham defence the ball hooked clear. Skinner getting about the pitch in an attempt to win the ball get KLSC on the move finds left back Leeanne Smith advancing up the pitch sends it forwards looking to put Maslak in behind, Abbie Butcher across her path to cut the ball out for Aylsham. 

  Maslak pushing up high or KLSC looking to turn onto the ball of her own headed flick on, runs into traffic as Arnoup and Butcher converge to close the ball down for Aylsham. Simpkin getting the ball into her feet dribbling forwards for Aylsham coming left held up by Mayes, has Webb ahead of her lays the ball into her feet, Webb’s looping cross going long cleared by Puckova at the far post. 

KLSC’s Elizabeth Puckova

  Thomas out sharply to the top of her area to slide in and smother the ball at the feet of Cobb as the Aylsham attacker threatens to run in behind the defence chasing a long defensive clearance. Simpkin attacking with Webb on the left her cross deflected into the keepers gloves. Simpkin involved in the action winning the ball back n the left for Aylsham has Cobb in an advanced position ahead of her corner of the area whips her cross along the top of the area with Dack the target on the far side, closed down by Caitlin Jacob and Puckova tries to play it back for Brown to attack 20 yards out, Trinity Tokaji getting back at her to tackle break up the move for KLSC. 

Aylsham’s Flo Simpkin

  KLSC getting a little frustrated passes not finding their mark up top, a little feisty too with a few robust challenges on display. Cobb going over on her shoulder getting a free-kick on halfway to the left. Arnoup over the set-piece fired into the area, taken well by Thomas with Cobb looking to attack it. 

Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup

The ball clipped across the pitch to Dack outside the area right corner bringing it down to shoot fires her effort wide past the far post. The visitors making a change bringing of Bobbin with Sausha Levy-Twomey dual signed with Thetford Town Ladies coming on going into the back line with Arnoup pushed into midfield. 

  Half an hour played Skinner coming on has given KLSC some extra traction going forwards the ball falling in her 25 yards out, strikes a shot wide of the left post. Turner pushing up now linking with Maslak firing the ball into the channel, Levy-Twomey using her experience to get across the attacker shield the ball out for a goal kick. O’Connor sticking out a boot to intercept well as Maslak driving inside from the right looks to feed the ball in behind with Skinner pulling off the defence.

KLSC’s Rachel Skinner

  The changes seeing the game opening up with KLSC gaining some momentum getting into the final third better, remains feisty with Arnoup and Jacob getting stuck in Aylsham making a double switch bring Butcher and Webb off, Ellie Cleaver and Ellie Snowling coming on. Maslak on for Turner ahead of her on the right lays the ball in central for Skinner, O’Connor cutting the pass out clearing for Aylsham.

  The ball not sticking up top as KLSC press winning it back into Turner who knocks it on for Ellie Panks pulling into the left channel, O’Connor coming across to defend before she can play the cross. KLSC Pushing on well winning a throw high on the right players up the ball knocked on across the six yard box cleared at the far post…

  GOAL! The ball quickly won back on the left Puckova putting in back inside Panks and Skinner outside the area left channel drawing defenders to them as the pass inside cuts the defence open to send Turner racing clear on goal right side hasn’t had much opportunity to get into the box so far and makes it count as she rifles the ball across the keeper into the bottom corner to equalise. 1-1.

Josie Turner equalising for KLSC

  KLSC getting themselves back on level terms capitalising on Aylsham dropping off late in the first half. From the restart Aylsham build on the right forwards for Dack who opens up her body to lay the ball on for Cobb and Simpkin racing forwards to attack the box, Mayes in between them going to ground sliding in to take the ball away from danger.

KLSC’s Taeya Mayes

  Arnoup upset as she is fouled by Mayes on halfway winning the free-kick fires the ball forwards deflected into the area right of goal, Cobb pounces after it her 1st touch a little too strong however giving Thomas the extra yard she needs to get out and lay claim to the ball.

Half-time KLSC FC Women 1-1 Aylsham FC Women

  All square at the break with a goal scored by KLSC at either end of the first half, Aylsham cutting KLSC open with their first attack, Rhiannon Dack’s cross turned into the back of their own net inside 30 seconds. Aylsham making the better start winning the ball well in the middle and getting players on to support the attack creating some chances without over testing the keeper. KLSC were unsettled took a while to get going, the changes helping Rachel Skinner coming on adding drive to the attack, Aylsham not benefitting from their changes as they fell back inviting KLSC forwards Josie Turner finding the pocket of space she needed to run into inside the area to score. Game on as the sides stay out on the field for the half-time interval a quick turn around the game restarting.

  No changes for KLSC as they get the 2nd half underway. Aylsham taking off Simpkin with Lily Carus coming into the middle joined by O’Connor with Arnoup along side Levy-Twomey at the back. The ball played back into the defence Aylsham looking to press, the keeper coming out to claim the ball, just, for KLSC. 

  Both sides into each other at the start the ball closed down quickly the diagonal pass finding Snowling out on the left for Aylsham takes it on tracking inside, Burkauskaite coming to close her down standing her ground winning the ball outside the box. Turner dropping her shoulder moving inside from the left looks to pick out Panks up top, after the ball as it runs into the area is closed down well by Arnoup. 

 Mayes with a strong tackle on Dack out wide to win the ball back on the left for KLSC sends it on for Turner, taking the ball inside from the left, looks to take on Levy-Twomey, the defender reading her run, getting her foot in to win the ball back. The ball deflected over for a corner of Mayes as Snowling attacks down the left for Aylsham, the corner from the left swung in turned over for a goal kick.

  Maslak turns well on the ball off a throw on the left turning inside has Panks with her central the pair looking to play a one two to get through on goal, Arnoup getting in the way to block the ball cleared out to the left comes back in claimed by Lock at her near post. Aylsham break getting up the other end quickly the ball with O’Connor in midfield sends it on for Cobb up top left of the D sends it across to the right for Dack stealing into the box, Thomas though comes rushing out to meet her sliding in to claim the ball at her feet.

Aylsham’s Sophie-Jane O’Connor

  A much more even 2nd half the ball not staying with either side for long KLSC come on through the middle with purpose the ball driven on for Turner outside the box to turn and shoot, her effort driven on low, Lock with a superb save getting down to her right to get a glove on the ball deflect it behind for the corner kick. 

Aylsham goalkeeper, Hannah Lock.

  Swung in from the left angled into the keeper, Lock punches the ball clear out of the box. Burkauskaite coming across to challenge well as O’Connor looks to play Snowling in on the left wing. KLSC Making a substitution bringing on Lydia Hunter to replace Smith just over an hour played. Straight into the action as wins the tackle on Snowling as O’Connor again looks to link up with her on the left. Aylsham gaining some momentum through the middle O’Connor linking up with Carus the ball sent out to the right Dack winning her side a throw in.

KLSC captain, Viktorija Burkauskaite

  GOAL! The throw in leads to Aylsham winning a corner on the right Arnoup across to take in sends a pacy cross the six yard box out towards the far post, Dack stooping into the header to drive the ball past the keeper into the back of the lead to fire Aylsham back into the lead 1-2.

Rhiannon Dack heads Aylsham into the lead

  KLSC falling behind in the 65th minute looking for a quick reply, looking to get forwards however the passes are a little rushed the Aylsham defence set winning the ball back. Skinner and Turner looking to combine on the left exchanging passes Turner looking to get into the box stopped by Levy-Twomey. 

 Cobb continues to work hard to press the KLSC defence looking to move around the ball falling to her 5 yards out looks to turn and attack, Burkauskaite lunging in with the challenge to deny her the opportunity. Aylsham bringing off Brown sending Bobbin back on. Thomas getting out to close Cobb down as she looks to lob the ball over her inside the D as the ball comes into the area from the right the ball falling wide.

  Carus taking the ball on for Aylsham linking up with Snowling on the left, Burkauskaite coming out to tackle get the ball up the field for KLSC. KLSC winning a free-kick inside the Aylsham half on the left, Mayes sending it long into the area, Levy-Twomey’s sliced clearance turned behind for a corner kick. Arnoup at the near post defending the corner as it is swung into the six yard box.

 Moving into the final 15 minutes Aylsham working hard to maintain their lead, Arnoup intercepting the ball as Mayes attempts to find Panks inside the box with a diagonal pass from the left. O’Connor coming off for the visitors with Simpkin returning to the action. KLSC with a throw in the right dropping inside for Tokaji outside the area sees her shot charged down, the ball cleared. Aylsham making another change with Webb returning to the pitch for Snowling on the left.

Trinity Tokaji

  Aylsham attack Carus up to Cobb left outside the area flicks it down into the path of Dack 25 yards out left of the D, her shot deflected behind for a corner kick. Arnoup’s corner flashed across the face of goal through everyone at the far post cleared to the left but comes straight back played in central Arnoup looking to return to her defensive position seeing the ball into her feet 25 yards out and firing  shot straight into the keepers gloves.

  The clock ticking down KLSC press forwards with a flowing move Skinner out to Mayes forwards into Turner left inside for Panks who runs into traffic as she looks to plough her way in on goal. Aylsham get the ball up the other end KLSC defending then Thomas plays her kick against Cobb inside the area right of goal plays it across for Carus to attack, Burkauskaite timing her tackle to get the ball way from danger.

Ellie Panks

Aylsham finding energy late in the game looking to hold onto their lead press well Bobbin on for Carus up with Webb on the left, Thomas rushing out to make the blocking save the ball deflected back to Cobb 20 yards out looking to send the ball home into the empty net the ball doesn’t drop quick enough as she sends her attempt looping up to smash down off the crossbar, KLSC regrouping at the back to launch it clear. Butcher coming back on for Swift to see out the match.

  Skinner playing the ball on for Maslak on the right for KLSC comes inside, tackled by 20 by Butcher the ball deflected back for the keeper to gather. Aylsham doing well in the latter stages to see out the game. Thomas rushing out to the top of her area to save at the feet of Cobb as she receives the ball off Simpkin as she steals possession back top of the D.

  Stoppage time being played as Aylsham win the set-piece Arnoup launching the ball forwards into the opposition box, Dack drifting in behind can’t direct her header on target as it drops to the right of goal, Thomas racing out to shield the ball out for a goal kick.

Full time KLSC FC Women 1-2 Aylsham FC Women

  The final whistle blows and Aylsham celebrate a much needed win the 3 points pulling them further clear of the bottom two and in a position to challenge the teams above for a mid-table position to consolidate their place in Division One. Made hard work of the in in the finish after making a positive start to the game on the front foot for much of the first half after taking the lead, the substitutions seemed to hamper them in the first half as they sat back allowed KLSC to gain the momentum get themselves right back into contention puling the scores level. A much more even 2nd half with KLSC creating a few good opportunities in front of goal. Didn’t have the subs to rotate as did Aylsham and that helped the visitors as they retook the lead and ad something to hold onto seeing out the game well creating an opportunity or two to extend their advantage.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As is often the case a hard decision with a few contenders in the mix. In this case really hard to single it down to one with 4 players all having a good shout, in the end it comes down to goals and that probably gives it away. A few performances to mention of course. For KLSC firstly. Their captain Viktorija Burkauskaite with a number of vital tackles at the back. Josie Turner getting into some great positions taking her goal well. Nikola Maslak lively on the flank taking the ball inside taking the game forwards. Rachel Skinner getting about the pitch looking to get KLSC going making an impact off the bench. For Aylsham the defence as a whole read the game well and all made some vital tackles further forwards Georgie Bobbin with some strong tackling in midfield handed the momentum to Aylsham early on and set the tone for the first half hour. Flo Simpkin got forwards well to support the attack with some great attacking runs. Gabrielle Cobb worked tirelessly up top to create opportunities for herself and her teammates and was unfortunate not to score. Edging it though today’s award goes to Rhiannon Dack her surging run and resulting cross into the box putting Aylsham into the lead, was a constant outlet out on the right linking up with Cobb and headed home the winning goal.

  Great to catch up with both sides today, another weather hit weekend but I stayed dry. An entertaining contest my thanks to both sides for their assistance today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v London Seaward FC

Sunday 11th February

FAWNL South East Division One

League action from the FAWNL this Sunday on Women’s Football East, a trip down into Suffolk for the South East Division One clash between AFC Sudbury Women and London Seaward FC.

Another bout of heavy overnight rain following on from a wet week seeing a large number of this weekends fixtures fall foul to the weather AFC Sudbury FC’s MEL Group Stadium boasting an artificial playing surface one of the games to beat the weather. The flood plains full around Sudbury since last November remain high backing onto the ground with the area behind the home dugout and terraced still partially flooded.

The FAWNL South East Division One table taking shape now as we head into February with the teams fighting at both ends of the table being defined, AFC Sudbury Women unfortunately finding themselves in the relegation scrap at the foot of the table and with Chesham United Ladies edging themselves 6 points clear of the bottom three, it looks to be a contest between Sudbury, Cambridge City Women and Haywards Heath Town Women both in the bottom two to avoid the drop.

AFC Sudbury Women competing in the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid for the 1st time in their history as they secured back to back promotions in the ERWFL. The women’s side very much a part of the club as a whole with Sudbury setting up a academy to development young players for the clubs senior teams. Sudbury amongst the leading clubs in Suffolk. Have found it tough playing in the FAWNL coming up against some very strong sides, on the whole featuring in some competitive matches without getting the points on the board with just 6 so far coming from a single win and 3 draws. Games beginning to run out have some crucial fixtures against the sides at the bottom to come and will be looking to make home advantage count. Goals harder to come by in the FAWNL with just 18 racked up so far compared to 69 during their promotion winning campaign in the ERWFL Premier Division. Sophie Jeffery top scorer with 4 goals.

London Seaward FC formed off the back of the  Leyton Orient side that had fought their way up to the FAWNL. Leyton Orient choosing to take their women’s side in a different direction, the women’s team became a stand alone independently run club renamed London Seaward FC and have worked had on and off the pitch to retain their place in the league. Facing the many challenges that some with it, building a strong playing squad backed up by a reserves team. Come into today’s match in 8th position having a healthy gap on the sides below them and well placed to make a push for the top half of the table. Shamoy Campbell the clubs to scorer so far on 7 goals with Megan Jarvis scoring 6 and Sam Lanza 5 respectfully.

  The MEL Group stadium a hive of activity featuring a busy day of football with 4 fixtures to be played. The clubhouse and bar opening offering a roast chicken dinner and pint for £10. The kitchen open too serving hot food and drinks. Covered standing behind both goals with a seated stand beside the clubhouse and a terraced stand my favoured position on the opposite side behind the dugouts, knew where the flooded area might be so headed off in the opposite direction to get set up. A brighter sunny afternoon after the overnight rain with some cloud cover.

AFC Sudbury Women

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Ronni Harrison (C), Sophie Jeffery, Amy Jarvis, Aliyat Lambe, Leonnie Bezant, Ava Jouvenel, Maisie Goodwin, Eva Frazzoni, Jessica Allen & Victoria Leyer. Subs – Amber Provan, Jodie Donley, Kayleigh Dodd, Chloe Brame & Alex Penny.

London Seaward FC

London Seward FC starting XI – Tia Ginn, Mira Hoteit, Livia Capparelli, Lucy Cockerill, Ellie Finneran, Liz Mulvaney, Maisie Cannon, Megan Burrows, Sarah McDermott, Rea Thomas-Arayo & Katherine Long. Subs – Ylenia Carabott, Sam Lanza & Kelsey Smith.

Captains, Maisie Cannon and Ronni Harrison with today’s match officials

  It’s the hosts Sudbury to kick-off the 1st half wearing yellow coloured shirts and socks with blue coloured shorts. London Seaward lined up opposite wearing teal coloured shirts with a swirled pattern on the front, with navy coloured shorts and socks. The back played back to the defence out to Sophie Jeffery on the left, London seaward race forwards to press the ball, Megan Burrows putting in the challenge seeing the ball deflected out for a throw in to the visitors high on the right.

 Sudbury’s defence deal with the ball turned into the area cleared long up to the right for Jessica Allen to attack, London Seaward full back, Mira Hoteit getting across her to safely pass the ball back to her goalkeeper, Tia Ginn to control and put out to the right side. Playing the ball confidently across the back line Sudbury have an opportunity to press as the pass forwards is delayed but the visitors move it quickly between one another waiting for the right opportunity to attack.

Sudbury captain, Ronni Harrison

  Played forwards Amy Jarvis heads the ball clear for Sudbury at the back out to the right for her captain Ronni Harrison to bomb forwards, her cross chipped up, blocked by London seaward captain, Maisie Cannon. The ball played long with Burrows making a strong run forwards on the right, looks to take on Jeffery the defender standing up well as she puts in the blocking challenge. 

  London seaward making a positive start moving the ball across their back line opening up the pitch with attacker making dynamic runs, Livia Capparelli getting forwards out on the right going beyond Burrows to attack the by-line her cross blocked and carried out of play for a corner by Sudbury’s Aliyat Lambe at the near post. Players up for the corner on the right as cannon plays the ball into the box, Rea Thomas-Arayo heading it from the top of the box back out to Cannon to send in a 2nd cross, cut out by Lambe, Ellie Finneran up for London Seaward right corner of the Sudbury area looking to keep the attack alive getting hold of the ball and trying to power her way inside, closed down the ball deflected off her for a goal kick.

Sudbury’s Aliyat Lambe

  London Seward causing Sudbury a few problems in the opening stages their forward runs threatening to cut the defence open, players looking to burst in behind, Burrow in particular. Capparelli on the move with the ball on the right jinks inside 25 yards out pushing into the D, Ava Jouvenel tracking back from midfield in position to tackle and win the ball back for the hosts. Sudbury counter the diagonal ball finding Allen wide on the right travelling at pace sweeps a looping cross into the London seaward area, bouncing far post Maisie Goodwin can’t make up the ground to attack it as it runs safely out of play.

  Dropping back London Seaward are comfortable in position with Ginn making it effectively 5 at the back stroking the ball out to her defenders tempting Sudbury to come on, occasionally risky especially with Victoria Leyer playing up top today, dual signed from Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women snapping in looking to force an error take advantage.

 Leonnie Bezant getting hold of the ball in the middle for Sudbury chipping the pass out to Allen on the right her cross lifted into the box headed away by Lucy Cockerill for the visitors. Sudbury appealing strongly at the officials as Eva Frazzoni appears to be pushed over inside the D, the appeals waved away. 

Leonnie Bezant

  Bezant finding Allen out on the right again the cross defended by Finneran at the near post as, Frazzoni jumps in. Cleared back out to the right the 2nd attempt at playing the ball into the area also dealt with by Finneran.

 GOAL! London Seaward break out from the back quickly Liz Mulvaney playing a great ball forwards into the path of Capparelli as she surges away down the right wing in behind the full back tracking into the area whips a vicious ball in across the face of goal. players queuing up to turn it in at the far post, Thomas-Arayo with the touch to put the ball over the line to open the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes 0-1.

Rea Thomas-Arayo celebrates after opening the scoring for London Seaward

 Sudbury carved open for the goal look to get on the attack from the restart London Seaward closing the ball down played on for Burrows, stays on her feet as her heels a clipped before lifting the ball out to Thomas-Arayo attacking down the left her cross lifted into the area, headed clear by Lambe. 

 Ginn comes rushing out of her area alert as her defence is caught high turned by a long ball played through the middle. Frazzoni seeing the ball into her feet in the right channel for Sudbury skips on looking to attack the box, stopped by Cockerill inside the D. 

GOAL! Sudbury’s defence is cut open for a 2nd time as Capparelli breaks in behind on the right taking the ball all the way to the by-line check inside to flash ball in across the face of goal, goalkeeper Millie Carter goes down trying to grab onto it even as Thomas-Arayo closes it down the ball not claimed bundled over the line, Thomas-Arayo linking up with Capparelli for the 2nd time to double London Seaward’s lead 0-2.

Livia Capparelli

Rea Thomas-Arayo combining with Livia Capparelli for London Seaward’s 2nd goal

  Attacking on the right Harrison puts the ball on for Leyer to turn on the angle and strike from 25 yards out, struck with some pace, Ginn reacts sharply plucking the ball down into the ground as she falls back and collecting it cleanly on the bounce. Jeffery looking to get on down the left of Sudbury playing the ball off Goodwin before taking it on towards the area, Finneran tackling to win the ball back for London Seaward. 

Maisie Goodwin

GOAL! London Seaward finding the spaces in behind to exploit the Sudbury defence the ball send forwards quickly out to Katherine long on the left side wide of the area, Carter comes rushing out to try and close her down the striker chipping her shot up over the keeper to see it bounce into the exposed goal beyond to make it 0-3.

Katherine Long sending the ball over the advancing keeper to make it 3-0

 London Seaward racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes looking dangerous breaking forwards the ball up towards the top of the area left side knocked down by Thomas-Arayo into the path of Long central to hit from 25 yards out drives her effort wide of the right post. Capparelli playing the ball on for Burrows dribbling into a central area lays the pass on for Long breaking free of the defence on the right channel to attack the goal, on the angle sends her rising shot straight at the keeper.

  The visitors threatening to overwhelm Sudbury as they play the ball on through the middle out to the right, Jeffery jumping to try and get her head on the ball can only get a glancing touch seeing in drop in behind with Burrows sprinting after it into the area, Lambe getting back superbly to make the blocking tackle on the by-line holding Burrows off as she gets the ball back for Carter to clear. Carter down for a moment needing treatment a pause for both sides to come to the bench take on fluids get instructions

Sudbury goalkeeper, Millie Carter

 Carter back up on her feet is okay and soon called into action as Mulvaney plays Burrows through into the box on the right, Carter coming to close her down saving at her feet the ball deflected out to the left cleared by Harrison. Sudbury looking to find something to get them back into the game build on the right Allen laying it back for Harrison so sweep a high cross into the area, Leyer positioned on the penalty spot looking to strike it on the volley Finneran charging her down to block. 

London Seaward defender, Ellie Finneran

GOAL! Sending the ball on through the middle with pace, Long turns to send the ball through for Burrows running in behind into the area twisting and turning, evading a challenge as Carter comes to dive at her feet, can’t get the ball as Burrows takes it to her left and drives the ball into the back of the net 0-4.

Megan Burrow sends London Seaward into a 4 goal lead

  Half an hour played and London Seaward are firmly in control of the game, stretching Sudbury the hosts keep going looking for an opening Allen forwards for Leyer, Finneran intercepting the pass for London Seaward. Jouvenel nipping in to win it back for the hosts the pass out to Allen drifting right her dipping cross claimed by Ginn as she drops onto the ball at her near post.

 

   Jarvis taking the ball forwards for Sudbury plays the pass inside for Leyer 30 yards out central turns on the ball to strike a powerful shot wide past the left post. Bezant turning well on the ball to evade a tackle lifts her pass out to Allen on the right 25 yards out on the angle sends her shot straight into the keepers gloves.  

  Sudbury coming on well enough kept out of the area by a well organised London Seaward defence, Mulvaney, Cannon and McDermott all getting back to win the ball back. Jouvenel moving out to the left win the ball is hauled to the ground Sudbury winning their first free-kick of the game. 35 yards out Jeffery over the ball, sends it in high towards goal with runners positioned top of the area, back on her line though it is a straight forward catch for Ginn.

  Coming forwards with purpose the ball played into Long sends it on for Thomas-Arayo attacking on the right, Goodwin getting back on her well to defend of Sudbury 25 yards out the winger then fouled as Thomas-Arayo looks to regain possession. Jeffery looking to get forwards on the left side, pushing down the line Finneran going with her to see the ball safely out of play for the goal kick. 

Eva Frazzoni

 Allen pressing the ball wins it back high on the right her cross played into the box for Leyer near side, Cockerill defends for London Seaward cleared for a throw on the right the ball floated back into the box, Jouvenel looking to get it down to shoot is closed down quickly her attempt blocked. Sudbury winning a corner on the right off Finneran, an in swinging ball punched clear by keeper, Ginn as she rises amongst the crowd inside her six yard box. Play stretched as Sudbury look to push on seeking something from the first half London Seaward breaking right Capparelli racing to the by-line Goodwin going with her the cross struck hard against the defender Goodwin down in need of treatment, needs to come off, Alex Penny coming on. 

Hoteit able to come on with the ball left side for London Seaward striking the ball on the angle from the top of the area wide past the far post. Frazzoni opening up her body to play the pass into Penny looking to get on down the wing, Mulvaney getting her body across the attacker to see the ball back to her keeper. McDermott fouls Frazzoni 25 yards out giving Sudbury a free-kick right of the D. The shot taken on, Ginn dropping low to her left getting behind the ball to save on her line.

London Seaward goalkeeper, Tia Ginn

  Capparelli bursts down the right for London seaward to the by-line her cross cut back into the six yard box cut out by Lambe, cleared by Bezant. Jarvis intercepting the cross-field pass intended for Thomas-Arayo breaking in behind on the left. The clock ticking down in the first half Sudbury mounting one last attack Frazzoni through the middle on for Leyer bursting into the area right of the D, Ginn rushing out to close her down saving well at her feet before grabbing the ball into her gloves. 

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 0-4 London Seaward FC

  A strong first half from London Seaward sees the visitors leading 4-0 at the break. Started on the front foot moving the ball well and the back releasing players forwards finding gaps in behind the Sudbury defence, easy pickings at times taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes before quickly racing into a 3 goal advantage. Sudbury chasing the game creating a few half chances but the London Seaward defence has been organised prepared to pay the ball out from the back starting with their goalkeeper waiting for the right moment to burst forwards. Far from the first half Sudbury would have desired and know they have a mountain to climb in the 2nd half if they are hoping to take anything from the game.

 No changes for either side at the break as the floodlights come on the cloud cover a little more pronounced. London Seaward to get the 2nd half underway the ball rolled back to the defence Sudbury operating with Allen now wide left Penny on the right push forwards to press the ball, Penny right with Leyer on Finneran the ball out for a throw played back into the top of the area cleared by Cannon. 

Alex Penny

  A positive start to the 2nd half from Sudbury Jouvenel linking up with Frazzoni playing the one two on the right Jouvenel taking the ball all the way to the by-line playing it into Leyer at the near post back to goal lays it off for the onrushing Frazzoni to strike a rising shot over the crossbar. 

  Mulvaney clears the ball for London Seaward up to Long pulling out into the left channel looking to take it on plays the pass inside with the outside of her boot looking to pick out Burrows surging on through the middle, Jeffery going with her getting something on the ball to take it away from her for a throw on the right. 

 Sudbury lively in the final 3rd at the start of the 2nd half, Leyer inside the box charging down Ginn’s kick out, the ball loose inside the six yard box, Ginn scrambling for it as Leyer attempts to snatch a shot away gets a glove to the ball to haul it into her body. Ginn then holding onto a shot from distance struck from all of 30 yards out. Sudbury pressing well Jouvenel driving for the box left of the D is upended by Finneran a clumsy looking foul, Sudbury appealing the decision a free-kick right on the line outside the area. Jeffery over it left of the D, fires her shot over.

Sudbury’s Ava Jouvenel

  Sudbury looking a different side taking the game to London Seaward who can afford to sit back wait for the right moment to attack, Hoteit’s long pass on the left too strong for Thomas-Arayo. Leyer and Penny combining on the right to win the ball for Sudbury off Thomas-Arayo she snaps back at Penny giving the foul away and shown the yellow card is also sent to the sin bin leaving London Seaward down to 10 for the next 10 minutes. Jeffery to curl an inviting ball into the six yard box, however it his claimed high by Ginn unopposed at her far post.

 London Seaward bring the ball forwards played on for Long in the left channel has McDermott inside giving her the ball she plays it out to Hoteit getting on down the left, Penny tracking back with Harrison regains possession for the hosts. A competitive 2nd period, Sudbury making a 2nd change bringing off Jouvenel on in her place Chloe Brame. Sudbury attack down the left Jeffery into Allen the cross into the box cleared by Cockerill. Jeffery going beyond Allen to the by-line sees her crossed claimed by Ginn at her near post. 

 Leyer plays the ball back for Bezant, put out to Sudbury’s left with Jeffery getting forwards her cross looped into the area, Brame central can’t get it down to control, before being closed down by Cockerill. London Seaward making their first change bringing on Sam Lanza to replace McDermott. A host of changes follow as Sudbury make a change sending on Jodie Donley on for Harrison. London Seaward deciding to bring on Kelsey Smith in place of Capparelli. Lanza linking up with Long on the left as the pair look to gain ground, Jarvis getting in to tackle Lanza to win the ball back for the hosts. 

GOAL! Sudbury attacking down the left the ball rolled on for Leyer who comes inside the box six yards out, Ginn coming to close her down at her feet as Leyer moves the ball, the keeper failing to get hold of the ball is grounded as it runs on for Brame central, can’t get to her as she strikes the ball into the empty net 1-4.

Chloe Brame getting a goal back for Sudbury

  A goal back for Sudbury capitalising on the strong start to the 2nd half positive taking the game on asking a few questions of the visiting defence. Thomas-Arayo re-joining the action London Seaward back up to 11 as Sudbury make a substitution bringing on Kayleigh Dodd for Allen with 67 minutes played. All action Sudbury gaining some confidence pushing players up the ball lifted into the area knocked out to the right Dodd looking to latch onto the ball, Ginn rushing out to make the blocking save at her feet. Ylenia Carabott coming on for London Seaward in place of Long up top. 

 GOAL! Sudbury have the ball on the right Penny over on that side now combining with, Jeffery the ball lifted into the area into the path of Leyer who has 18 goals this season for Dussindale & Hellesdon, put through on goal she rides Cockerill’s challenge before coolly lifting the ball over the advancing keeper to pull a 2nd goal back for the hosts 2-4.

Victoria Leyer through on goal to score a 2nd for Sudbury

  Dodd down after a heavy challenge winning Sudbury a free-kick on the right. From deep Jeffery looks to send it long to the far post over everyone takes a glancing touch off a defender out for a corner on the left. Another in-swinger curled into the crowded near post, Ginn up well to get a fist on the ball to punch it to safety. Sudbury with their tails up the game moving into the final 15 minutes. London Seaward needing to regain their momentum.

Kayleigh Dodd with Liz Mulvaney

 Burrows puling away to the left attacking for London Seaward fouled by Jarvis, the defender getting a taking too as Cannon places the ball down ready to deliver into the area, Carter fouled as she goes to claim the ball the host getting the free-kick. Getting a little tasty out there emotions running high, the Sudbury management team unhappy with a few decisions. Carabott taking the ball left has Thomas-Arayo ahead of her making the run into the area the ball rolled in behind, Carter out quickly to make the save at the attackers feet.

  London Seaward winning a free-kick wide on the left the ball threatening to go over everyone, Lambe looking to see it out goes behind a corner awarded much to Sudbury’s disapproval. Put in from the left Mulvaney rising gets a glancing header on the ball but can’t direct her effort on target as it runs wide past the right post. Sudbury with another change bringing on Amber Provan for Lambe.

  Tempers flaring as Mulvaney is fouled, London Seaward looking to push on take the pressure off their defence keep Sudbury turned the wrong way as the game moves into the final 10 minutes. Hoteit up on the left plays the ball into Lanza who in turn release Thomas-Arayo wide on the wing the flash a cross into the area, goes long across the top of the six yard box Carter after it down to smother the ball before anyone can pounce from the right.

  Burrows coming on with the ball left plays it inside for Mulvaney getting on through the middle, she in turn is challenged by Frazzoni top of the D for Sudbury. London Seaward win a corner on the right send players up into the box is a good delivery swung in on goal Carter doing well getting up through a crowd to punch the ball away, Sudbury look to break, Penny through the middle however Lanza does superbly well to stay on her lunging in to steal the ball back keep the momentum with the visitors. The sun setting low behind the goal London Seaward are attacking.

  A highly competitive finish to the game London Seaward wanting to keep Sudbury away from their box, Mulvaney winning possession back in the middle, Thomas-Arayo the outlet on the left. The game heading into stoppage time. A free-kick eventually awarded for London Seaward after Thomas-Arayo is fouled by Frazzoni in a central position before gaining no advantage taking the ball out to the left. Emotions running high Sudbury angered by the time taken to make the decision. The free-kick stands Cockerill floated the ball in to the far post Carter comes but can’t reach it as it’s knocked behind for a corner.

London Seaward’s Liz Mulvaney

  Swept in towards the near post headed back out to the right the 2nd attempt lifted in high to the far post, Hoteit getting up to head the ball down puts it straight into the keeper. 

 

  Provan defending for Sudbury as the ball is crossed into the area from the right. London Seaward getting players forwards in the latter stage Mulvaney out to Hoteit breaking on the left wing her cross in behind sees the offside flag raised. Sudbury moving the ball quickly, Cannon breaking up a move for London Seaward played into Mulvaney out to Thomas-Arayo left side put infield for Lanza, fouled the advantage played as the ball runs on for Carabott top of the area, Jarvis tackling to regain possession for Sudbury, the defender then fouled giving Sudbury the free-kick. 

Sudbury defender, Amy Jarvis

 London Seaward doing well to keep the ball away from their area in the closing moments of the match, Provan’s ball from the right headed clear by Cockerill as the referee blows the final whistle to signal the end of the match. London Seaward taking home the 3 points.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 2-4 London Seaward FC

A strong fightback from Sudbury in the 2nd half restoring some pride as they pressed the ball high creating several good opportunities, putting the visiting defence under pressure to score twice to threaten a comeback. London Seaward responded by getting out to take the game to their opponents keep them away from their area look to fin d a 5th goal themselves. Ultimately though the damage done in the opening 20 minutes London Seaward with a strong start to the match racing into a 3 goal lead adding a 4th before the break. Had control of the game. Doesn’t change much at the bottom of the table with Cambridge City losing at home to Ashford and Hayward Heath not playing due to the weather, Sudbury remain 10th out of the relegation zone on goal difference (just) some big games to come. London Seaward stay 8th but right in contention with those in the middle of the table.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As usual is another tough call some strong performances to consider. A few to mention firstly for Sudbury fought back well in the 2nd half, Alex Penny making a difference coming off the bench. Chloe Brame too with some strong runs forwards, Victoria Leyer getting about up top looking to create an opportunity bringing others into play. For London Seaward, Ellie Finneran had a good game at the back making several important tackles and getting across to win the ball. Liz Mulvaney winning the ball in the middle of the park pushing on finding her teammates with some great passing. Livia Capparelli storming forwards with the ball on the right certainly caused Sudbury some issues leading to the opening goals. Rea Thomas-Arayo attacking down the left getting in behind opening the scoring and was a constant threat. The award though goes to Megan Burrows her runs especially in the first half served to expose the hosts defence and provided a fantastic outlet for the forwards pass getting in behind on a number of occasions and took her goal well.

  Another good day out at the MEL Group stadium, very welcoming a tough season for Sudbury but one their young squad will be all the stronger for. Good to catch up with London Seaward too haven’t seen the since before Covid for various reasons. An entertaining contest from the FAWNL thanks to both for all their assistance today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Royston Town Women v Barking FC Women

Sunday 4th February

ERWFL Premier Division

 For the first time in 2024 heading out of Norfolk to watch some women’s football action. A trip into Hertfordshire today to Garden Walk to watch Royston Town Women take on newly promoted Barking FC Women in the ERWFL Premier Division.

 The 12 strong league representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid across the East of England growing ever stronger with the talent pool increasing within the women’s game. Remains a tough league to conquer with the title bringing with it promotion to the FAWNL. AFC Sudbury Women achieving back to back promotions to achieve that dream last season. Real Bedford Ladies looking the strong favourites to take the title this season yet to drop a point at the top of the table 11 points clear of the rest. Is a frantic tussle for 2nd spot with just 4 points between the sides in 2nd down to 6th spot.

 Royston Town Women winning 3-1 away to AFC Dunstable Women last weekend to edge themselves up into 2nd as they recorded a 7th straight league win. Recovering well from a slow start that saw the club take just 4 points from their opening 6 matches. Now up to 2nd off the back of their 7 game winning streak move up into 2nd spot with an astounding 10 of their 13 league games played to date coming away from home! The last time Royston played at their Garden Walk home stadium was back at the start of November. Having nudged their way into 2nd spot have 8 of their remaining games at home and will be looking to press the advantage.

 Knocking local rivals and current holders, Stevenage FC Women out of the Hertfordshire County Cup, Royston have progressed to the semi-finals of the competition where they will play at home to ERWFL Division One North title hopefuls, Harpenden Town Women. Emma Slater leading the goal scoring charts this season with 14 goals coming in 15 appearances. Jordanne Sillitoe joining Royston from Haverhill Rovers Women following a short stint at Thetford Town has scored 7 goals in her 8 appearances for the club.

 Barking FC Women are newly promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division after running away with the Division One South title last season. Went the whole campaign unbeaten winning all but one of their 16 league matches. Scoring 80 goals in the process, Laura Bunton who has always been prolific in front of goal for the club as Barking and previously as Collier Row Ladies scoring 30 goals during that campaign.

 Bunton once again amongst the goals as the club competes in the 5th tier for the first time scoring 23 goals in 19 appearances. Lindsay Sibbons the next closest scoring 6 from the 12 matches she has featured in. Formerly Collier Row Ladies before the move to Barking has seen the side grow rapidly now promoted to the Premier Division and setting up a new Reserves sides competing in Essex Women’s Division Two this season. Have gotten their games played well out in front in that regard 17 of their 22 league games completed sit in mid-table in 6th spot amongst the cluster of sides pushing for 2nd, could well run out of fixtures in what has been an inconsistent campaign so far losing as many games as they’ve won.

 

 Garden Walk the venue for today’s match little used by Royston themselves so far this season will be regulars come the latter part of the season. Their first game at home since November. The Stadium very much in the heart of the community in a build up area surrounded by housing. A large sloping grass pitch with seated stands on one side of pitch and behind one goal. Small covered stands dotted around the other side by the dugouts the clubhouse and changing rooms behind the other goal leading into the ground the bar open serving hot and cold drinks with a burger van also available. A bright sunny day with a little cloud around and a stiff breeze blowing making things feel chilly. Knew things were going too well this morning 40 minutes to KO, finished my cup of tea and discovered the memory card was corrupted in my camera (has played up since the soaking it received at the Manea game before Christmas) One mad dash to the local Tesco’s later and a replacement installed got back in time to get set up before kick-off. Phew!

Royston Town Women

Royston Town Women starting XI – Elie Sarter, Emma Todd, Annie Georgiou, Tally Miles, Amy Houghton, Erin Davies, Charlotte South (C), Laura Mills, Lily Hall, Emma Slater & Poppy Smith. Subs – Katie White, Nicole Hendrick, Jordanne Sillitoe, Amy Josland & Emily Smith.

Barking FC Women

Barking FC Women starting XI – Serena Hand, Juliet Thomas, Jemma McCarty, Daisy Cook (C), Sarah Finch, Poppy Hartwell, Kiera Colthart, Maisy Wyer, Chloe Jackson, Ammarah Ali & Laura Bunton. Subs – Niamh Pridie, Emily Glensman, Brooke Reed, Grace Holt & Isabella Curran.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s the hosts, Royston to kick-off the first half wearing the white coloured shirts and socks with black shorts with Barking lined up opposite in an all blue kit. The ball played back to the defence, Barking rush forwards to press the ball, Amy Houghton turning to play the ball back to her goalkeeper, Ellie Sarter to clear. Houghton then playing the clipped diagonal pass long to the right for Emma Slater to attack on the flank, checks infield to loop a cross into Laura Mills positioned outside the box right of the D, looking to get her foot over the ball to shoot, lacks power as it runs safely through to Barking goalkeeper, Serena Hand.

  A lively start Barking setting out their stall to get after the ball inside the Royston half, a little over zealous give away a free-kick, knocked forwards into the feet of captain, Charlotte South drives forwards looks to plough her way towards the box, Maisy Wyer and Kiera Colthart convert to crowd her off the ball for Barking. A little scrappy with players being closed down rushed into realising the ball, failing to find its mark.

Captain, Charlotte South powers her way forwards for Royston.

  Barking’s Laura Bunton pulled over to the left of the pitch seeing the pass from Ammarah Ali into her feet, spins cleverly to take the ball in behind the defence looks to get after it as it runs into the area, Tally Miles racing across on the cover from centre back to clear the ball away for a throw. Royston bring the ball out from the back, Erin Davies with the cross-field ball finding Lily Hall out wide left taking the ball on sends an early cross in towards the top of the area looking for Slater coming off the right flank, Juliet Thomas going with her for Barking the full back winning the ball.

Barking’s Laura Bunton

  Slater getting on well up the right for Royston, coming inside has South up with her waiting to receive the ball top of the area, looking to turn and strike is quickly closed down by three Barking players the ball cleared. Davis seeing the ball down into her feet off a throw on the left for Royston hooks it forwards into the channel her target Poppy Smith in attack, Daisy Cook captaining Barking, intercepting the ball.

Royston’s Erin Davies beating Barking’s Kiera Colthart to the ball

  Bunton getting about the Royston back line looking for the ball, Ali left and Chloe Jackson right looking to get close to support take the ball in behind, Houghton cutting a pass out well for Royston. Annie Georgiou at left back, challenging Jackson as she attempts to drive on down the right. 

Royston defender, Amy Houghton

  Miles getting hold of the ball at the back for Royston decides to burst forwards over half way before threading the ball on for Mills pulling into the left channel the ball knocked on ahead of her as she drives for the box left of goal, the angle closing fast stabs the ball goal wards with the outside of her boot, Hand across to defend her near post seeing the ball up into her gloves.

  Bunton never needs an invite to shoot and seeing the ball into her feet out on the left 25 yards out shifts it onto her right foot before unleashing a strike angles in low across the keeper, Sarter diving to her left getting behind the ball to make the save.

  South combining with Smith through the middle playing the one two South sending it on for Smith to attack the area, Sarah Finch getting in to close her down, defending well as she backtracks towards her box the ball cleared to the left. Royston attack with Hall on the ball left the cross swept into the area, the flag going up for offside against Slater even as Hand comes sliding in to save at her feet.

Barking’s Sarah Finch

Royston’s Lily Hall

  Barking continue to press the ball unsettling Royston pinging back and forth in the middle the ball races back towards Sarter’s area comes out to her left to clear the ball, outside the area unable to pick it up with Jackson pushing forwards to close her down she strikes the attacker with her attempted clearance the ball rebounding off Jackson, safe behind for a goal kick.

Barking’s Chloe Jackson

 Colthart getting across the pitch steaming in to win the ball for Barking on the right sends Jackson away down the flank, Hall tracking back to defend bringing the Barking winger down right on the edge of the area a free-kick outside the box to the right of goal, Ali over it clips the ball into the six yard box, Sarter back on her line down to claim seeing it all the way.

Royston goalkeeper, Ellie Sarter

  Barking working hard across the pitch to frustrate Royston’s build up, Poppy Hartwell getting her tackles in to win the ball. Mills up top for Royston getting into some useful positions as she looks to find an opening set up her teammates. Smith finding Hall with the pass out on the left fires a cross in central towards South, is quickly closed down by Hartwell before she can craft an opportunity to strike the ball. 

Poppy Hartwell

  Davies and Colthart enjoying a good battle in the middle of the park, Davies getting away from Colthart this time to play the ball forwards into Smith back to goal looks to drop her shoulder spin off Cook behind her, the defender reading it however, sticking a foot out to intercept the ball. A lively opening 20 minutes. Royston finding Hall out on the left looking to get into the area, Hand comes rushing out to save at her feet batting the ball away, out of position as Smith latches onto the ball wide but her defence has gotten back to cover the goal as the ball is swept back into the six yard box and hooked clear.

Poppy Smith

  Bunton out on the left with another ambitious effort from range all of 35 yards out on target, Sarter covering her near post right behind it to make the catch. Barking look to break in behind, Bunton over on the right sending it on for Jackson in the clear can’t quite take the ball in her feet catching in the turf, Bunton right up with her snatching the ball to knock it on into the area, looking to bear down on goal from the right, Miles recovering her ground superbly getting across her run to block the shot she the ball spin away behind for a corner kick.

  Barking sending players up for the corner looped into the six yard box headed clear falls to Thomas 30 yards out to the right lays it back out to the corner taker to launch the cross back into the mix, South doing the defending for Royston. The throw in high on the right dropped into Colthart inside the area holds off her marker to turn and send the low ball in towards goal, Sarter on her line right behind the shot to save.

  Bunton is all action up top for Barking a great outlet looking to pull off the defence, hold the ball up. Royston seeing an opportunity to press themselves from Barking’s goal kicks are prepared to push players up around the area, Finch and Jemma McCarty both making blocking tackles on South as she pushes up to receive the ball. Bunton linking up with Jackson through the middle in attack, Jackson racing with Miles on her shoulder towards the box, Sarter rushing out to slide in and claim the ball at their feet.

Ellie Sarter rushing in to claim the ball for Royston

  All action as Georgiou intercepts at the back for Royston sends it long up the left for Hall in an advanced position, appears to be fouled by Cook as she manages to squeeze the ball into the D for Smith who is challenged by McCarty the ball running back to Hall who stabs her shot wide of the left post from 20 yards. 

 Frantic at times with players getting at one another, a little heated at times a few challenges causing concern for the Royston bench. Georgiou with the diagonal ball out to Slater on the right getting it down onto her feet travels inside and finds her path blocked by the Barking defence.

  GOAL! End to end at times Barking break quickly Colthart out to Jackson on the right, the midfielder continuing her run into the box as Barking carve open the Royston defence, Jackson right of the area firing in the ball towards Colthart central, Todd lunging in to block her strike for Royston the ball deflected out to the left Ali and Bunton forwards to get hold of the ball, Bunton shifting it onto her right foot to strike the ball hard across the keeper into the bottom corner 0-1.

Laura Bunton fires in the opening goal for Barking

  The goal coming with 10 minutes left on the clock in the first half. Barking getting on well to pressure Royston at the back get in behind to score. Miles carrying the ball on through the middle for Royston sees an opening to push on all the way, McCarthy needing to get across to halt her run. 

 Colthart working hard to get after the ball for Barking spins off her marker making a strong run towards the area, forwards into Bunton, Houghton getting a leg out to nick the ball off her conceding the corner on the right. Swung in towards the six yard box headed clear out of the area to the right the ball won back by the visitors hooked back in long to the far post players queuing up to attack it Colthart not getting a firm header the ball knocked into the ground Sarter pouncing onto it for the hosts.

  Royston remain unsettled haven’t really found their flow, Barking doing well in that aspect, Colthart out to Ali breaking on the left swinging a looping cross into the area, claimed at the far post by Sarter. Smith turning on the ball 25 yards out for Royston sees her shot charged down by McCarty. 

 Late into the first half Royston continue to be frustrated push players on Davies up to Smith central top of the D her attempt charged down the ball spinning away to the right, Mills stretching latching onto the ball for the hosts sending it on towards goal Hand can’t get down in time, the ball rebounding back off the post falls to South in on the follow up, sees her first time effort deflected wide past the left post for a corner kick. 

The corner swung in towards the far post, Hand up well to glove the ball away to the right. Smith back for Miles pushing up for Royston threaded forwards into South outside the box drives on, Finch closing her down with the blocking tackle for Barking.

Half-time Royston Town Women 0-1 Barking FC Women

  A frustrating first half for Royston as they go into the changing rooms trailing at the break. Barking working hard to close the ball down get after their opponents. Bunton a lively outlet up to ready to receive the ball pulling into the channels always looking for the shot or to set up a teammate, shooting from inside the box to open the scoring. Royston getting forwards well enough creating opportunities but haven’t been able to impose themselves on the game. A single goal in it remains all to play for.

  No changes for either side at the break in terms of personal, Slater and Hall switching flanks at the start of the 2nd period for Royston as Barking get the 2nd half underway, played back to Thomas sends the ball up the left for Ali racing forwards, Davies across to cut the ball out for the hosts, Royston showing their intent straight away at the start of the 2nd half with South pushing on to support the attacking players, South seeing the ball into her feet outside the area laid back to Todd to clip a high ball into the area over the defence bounces up and claimed high by Hand in the Barking goal.

  Houghton’s clearance launched forwards threatens to release Slater attacking on the left, Cook alert moving forwards into her path to intercept the ball 25 yards out. Royston pressing the Barking defence in the final 3rd. Slater charging down the keeper as Hand comes rushing out of the box left side the ball rebounding behind for the goal kick. Barking making a change early in the 2nd half bringing off Finch at the back, Niamh Pridie coming on. 

Barking captain, Daisy Cook

 Hand racing out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball as Davies hooks it forwards for Smith to attack from the flick on. South laying the ball out to the left for Georgiou to take on as she breaks forwards squaring a low cross into the box his just behind Slater attacking the near post six yards out runs on for Smith central, can’t dig the shot out from under her feet the ball trickling to the left post Hand down to claim it caught accidentally by Slater as she makes a stab for it.

Hand okay to continue, Barking sitting back waiting for the opportunity to launch a counter attack, Ali through the middle has Colthart moving out to her left, turning infield swings the pass into Bunton, central sweeps it on for the far post with Jackson stretching her legs trying to get there, Georgiou going with her, cutting the ball out to clear the threat for Royston. 

  Royston competing in the middle for the ball Davies into South played on for Smith outside the D, looks to turn is closing watched by McCarty the defender winning her tackle. Royston on top in the 2nd half looking to take the game to Barking, the visitors setting out their stall to defend launch the counter with Bunton the willing outlet up top. South inside the box left of goal seeing the pass into her from Slater lays it back out to the top of the area for Todd, her shot charged down by Hartwell.

Barking midfielder, Kiera Colthart

  Mills breaking into the box as the ball is fired into the near post, can’t quite latch onto it before Hand can snatch the ball into her gloves. Royston pushing on looking for the equaliser South central chipping the ball forwards Mills with the flick off her head to lay the ball into Hall’s path as she bursts into the area, on the angle strikes the shot, Hand with a brilliant save sharp diving down to her left to push the ball behind for the corner kick. 

 Miles on the corner a great ball swung in under the bar, central Hand is equal to it reaching up above her head to pull the ball down into her body.

  Barking inviting pressure as they pull back to defend, Royston able to commit players on knowing Bunton has a lot to do up top should the ball break to her. The ball launched into the box from deep on the right, Cook up to head the ball down far post falls straight to Smith who attempts to lift the ball over the defence sees her effort come down off the crossbar before being cleared long.

Barking’s Ammarah Ali

  Barking dangerous on the counter Bunton seeing the ball down sweeping the pass out to Jackson bursting clear wide right, plays the ball inside for Colthart breaking central, Miles closing her down, getting back to cut out the pass. Georgiou fouled Royston with a free-kick 40 yards out, Miles smashing her strike into the barking wall the ball spinning away to the right Miles chasing it down with Bunton, a strong shoulder charge to stop Miles getting the ball, the hosts appealing but not getting the decision, goal kick.

Royston full back Annie Georgiou

  Royston forced a corner on right. Make a change before it’s taken bringing off Houghton, sending on Amy Josland. The corner fizzed in low through the six yard box comes to the substitute who sends the ball over the crossbar with her first touch. 

  Ali takes the ball on for Barking on the left linking up with Colthart as the visitors gain ground the cross fired in towards Jackson racing in right of the D, Miles intercepting the ball for Royston. Mills chasing after a lost cause on the right as Royston put the ball forwards an excellent turn of pace seeing Mills get to the ball on the by-line then back heels cleverly against the onrushing defender to send it out for a corner kick. 

Laura Mills

The corner count mounting for Royston, Miles with some dangerous deliveries, Barking needing to stay sharp at the back. The hosts pressing, not getting the rub of the final all, Barking a threat on the counter Ali pushing up with Bunton through the middle, Todd defending well at the back for Royston. 

Royston’s Emma Todd

  Ali screws a shot wide from all of 30 yards in the left channel as Thomas getting up on the wing plays the pass into her feet. Slater getting onto the ball, puts it on for Mills pushing inside, McCarty challenging to halt her run for Barking. Josland drops a shot wide from 30 yards out as the ball is deflected back to her. 

 Bunton still full of running for Barking having to push on by herself at times taking the ball out to the right held up by Georgiou before sending a cross into the box, Miles allowed to bring it away unchallenged. Miles spinning on the ball central attempting to play it into Slater’s path top of the area, Cook stepping in to win the challenge for Barking.

Royston’s Tally Miles

  Barking making a 2nd change bring on Brooke Reed to replace Wyer with 28 minutes played in the 2nd half. Hall fouled for Royston deep on the left as she tries to take the ball forwards. Players lining up top of the area as Miles launches it forwards across the goal, Hand needing to get down to her left to push the ball out for the corner kick. Royston making a double switch before the corner bringing of Poppy Smith and Hall, sending on Katie White and Emily Smith.

  The corner fired into the six yard box from the right falls straight to Emily Smith her snap shot put back across to the right side off target before being hooked clear. Royston knocking on the door looking got an equalising goal, just isn’t happening. Mills with the ball at her feet shifting in inside to shot from outside the box left of the D, Hand down sharply to her right to save push the ball away, the corner conceded. 

  Miles from the left overcooking this one swept wide of the far post. Jackson firing over from range as the ball comes out to her following a break through the middle between Ali and Bunton. 

  Hand’s rushed clearance falling straight to White out on Royston’s left wing, comes inside to shoot, Hand getting back to cover her near post bat the ball away for a corner on the left. Flung in across the face of goal, Emily Smith attempting to go for it can’t quite get a touch as it flashes past the far post for a goal kick. Jackson picking up a yellow card as she trips Miles with the defender looking to break forwards. 

Emma Slater attacking for Royston

  Moving into the final 5 minutes of the match plus what ever stoppage time the referee applies, time running out for Royston to get something from the game. Barking soaking up a lot of pressure the threat of a break remains, Bunton out with Ali to the left the cross into the area cleared by Georgiou for Royston. 

Barking goalkeeper, Serena Hand

  Racing to the by-line right side, Slater battles for possession against Thomas, getting inside the box to shoot can only put the low ball straight into the keeper’s gloves. 

  GOAL! Royston have been knocking on the door all 2nd half and at last their perseverance pays off winning the ball on half way knocked forwards Mills gets her head on it to flick in in behind right channel send Emily Smith through to attack the box, one on one with the keeper as Hand comes to close her down Smith shoots, Hand going to ground making the blocking save the ball deflected on behind her to the right of goal Smith after it into the six yard box pokes it over the line to level! 1-1.

Emily Smith breaking into the box to shoot her initial effort saved by Serena Hand, Smith sending home the follow up.

Emily Smith scoring the late equaliser for Royston

  The goal coming as the game moves into stoppage time Royston back on level terms, eager to get the game underway seek out a winning goal. Hartwell fouls Slater to pick up a yellow card. The free-kick on halfway launching into the box bounces safely through to the keeper. The ball clipped long for Slater to attack on the right flank, twist and turns to get into the box her cross put to close to the keeper, Hand down low to grab.

  Todd clears the ball long out into the right corner, Mills rushing on to close it down, shifts inside plays her cross straight into Hand’s gloves. Time almost up Barking making a change bringing Ali off with Emily Glensman coming on to support Bunton up top. Looks to put herself about win the ball for her team try to get Barking one last telling attack, Miles cutting out the pass for Bunton. 

Full time Royston Town Women 1-1 Barking FC Women

  Full time and the points are shared, Royston pushing all 2nd half for the equaliser grabbing it late on to salvage a point from the game. A strong 2nd half performance getting after the Barking defence applying pressure through out risking the counter but Barking not able to get the numbers up to support. The visitors soaking up a lot of pressure defended their box well, a hard fought match will be disappointed they couldn’t hold on for the clean sheet and 3 points. Royston getting the goal, frustrated it didn’t come earlier may well have opened up the game led to further goals. Remains tight in the top half of the table Royston dropping to 3rd following Haringey Borough’s 2-1 win against Wroxham. Barking up into 4th spot and Stevenage FC Women up to 7th joining the party undefeated in 5.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Boy this is a tough one let me tell you. Both sides with several strong performances really hard to single it out to just one but we’ll try and their will definitely be some differing opinions but here we go. For Barking goalkeeper Serena Hand pulled off a number of crucial saves to keep the lead intact for much of the game claimed well. Jemma McCarty with several vital tackles and blocks in defence. Poppy Hartwell working hard in the middle to disrupt Royston’s flow especially first half while Kiera Colthart got about the pitch to win the ball. Laura Bunton led the line well pulling off players coming to the ball and creating scoring opportunities. For Royston, Tally Miles was composed at the back reading the game and getting in her tackles, a danger with a set-piece too. Erin Davies won the ball well setting Royston up going forwards. Lily Hall providing a great outlet out wide with some good link up play. Emma Slater attacking down the left and right flank making several useful attacking runs. Laura Mills with a freer role getting into some good positions for herself to create chances and set up others. The award though goes to captain, Charlotte South took the game to Barking made some great runs in the first half and pushed on 2nd half kept the visitors under constant pressure. 

  Apart from the mad dash to the supermarket for a memory card a good afternoon at Garden Walk, is a good atmosphere and Royston have plenty of home games to come. Good to see Barking too especially as they featured in a rather heavy defeat last time out. Both strong outfits in the ERWFL Premier Division which itself is a strong league always guaranteed an entertaining match. My thanks to both for the help with the team details today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Wroxham FC Women

Sunday 28th Jan

ERWFL League Cup

Back at it after a much needed weeks break, heading over to Mulberry Park this afternoon to watch Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies take on fellow Norfolk side Wroxham FC Women in the quarter finals of the ERWFL League Cup.

 A strong line up reaching the last 8 of this season’s competition with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies one of two Division One sides to progress this far, with the other being Division One South leaders Watford Ladies Development away to the Premier Division’s runaway leaders Real Bedford Ladies. defending cup holders Luton Town Ladies are away to St Albans City Women next week. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies taking on Stevenage FC Women in the remaining quarter final tie. A different format to the League Cup this season with all the clubs entering at the 1st Round stage, previously the Premier Division sides entered in the 3rd Round.

 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies moving up into regional football after back to back titles in Norfolk Women’s Division One. Building a strong women’s section in their relative short history bringing in a high level of talent from Norfolk. Have made a good start to life in tier 6, whilst suffering the frustration of a lack of league fixtures for various reasons, that had seen them a low as 2nd bottom purely through lack of game time, but with just 13 points separating top to bottom a 3-2 at home to Fakenham last weekend push Mulbarton up to 5th and with plenty of game in hand on the sides above are more than capable of putting pressure on the top two whom they have yet to face in the league.

 Rebekah Lake amongst the best strikers playing in the county has been top of the scoring charts for Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies since their beginning and is out in front again this season finding the back of the net for 14 goals from 9 appearances. Sam Walker another leading goal scorer in the county joining Mulbarton from Long Stratton last season has 5 so far from 8 played. A bye for the club in the 1st Round of the League Cup drawn at home to Division one South side Billericay Town Women Development, Lake on target for a brace with Walker also scoring in a 3-0 victory. Away to another Division One South side in the 3rd Round taking on Lawford Ladies, goals from lake, Lucy Kean, Atlanta Griffith, Laura Hedtke and Charlotte Groves sealing a 5-2 win to send Mulbarton into the last 8.

 Wroxham FC Women currently 4th in the ERWFL Premier Division table, amongst a cluster of sides in the top 5 separated by just two points challenging for what looks like runners-up spot with runaway leaders Real Bedford Ladies yet to drop a point so far this season. Adam Race taking on the managerial role this season having moved from Long Stratton, inheriting a strong squad with a great blend of youth and experience have added a number to their ranks with the most recent signings being talented young goalkeeper Bryony Williams and experienced defender Mary Croft both dual signed from Norwich City Women.

 Hannah Fuller (previously Waters) can easily go toe to toe as one of the best strikers in the county. Both are a nightmare to defend against finding great positions to run in behind and take on players. Leading the goal scoring charts for her club once again netting 20 goals so far from 15 matches . Lara Densley enjoying a great season for Wroxham on the scoresheet for 8 goals from 16 played. Luci Middleton and captain Becky Russell both with 7 goals. Like Mulbarton a bye for Wroxham in the opening round, an away trip to Essex to play newly promoted Southend United Ladies in the 2nd Round, Holly Connell striking twice with goals from Hannah Fuller, Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley and Keela Olive securing a 6-1 win. A home tie in the 3rd Round against fellow Norfolk side and Division One North leader, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. Fuller on target to bag herself a hat-trick with Ella Gambell and Russell getting a goal apiece in a 5-1 victory.

 Mulberry Park the venue for todays game the weather much improved after the stormy conditions at the beginning of the week. Warm and bright, with no wind. The pitch seeing a lot of action, the ground still damp heavy in places. A small seated stand opposite the dugouts with the tee hut open serving hot drinks and snacks. The sun low behind the stands moved from my opposite flank to view the game so I had it at my back to help with the camera. 

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Jody Todd, Lauren Bumstead, Rachel Jermy, Megan Belsey, Ellie Hunter, Leah Brown, Lanta Griffith, Sam Walker, Sophie Jermy, Molly Ryan & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Melissa Belsey, Laura Hedtke, Poppy Loveland & Olivia Smith.

Wroxham FC Women

 Wroxham FC Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson, Albany Hodgson, Becky Russell (C), Jennifer Drummie, Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley, Luci Middleton & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Ella Gambell, Rachel Cossey, Keela Olive, Ellie Overton & Sumer Copland.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Mulbarton to get this afternoon’s quarter final underway kicking off the first half wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. Wroxham lined up opposite in their away colours aquamarine coloured shirts with black across the top of the chest and shoulders, black shorts and socks. The ball played back into the middle, Wroxham break forwards quickly to pressure the ball out on the left the ball won pushed back towards captain Becky Russell outside the box clips a high ball in towards goal dropping down cannons off the bar back into play the Mulbarton defence launching it clear.

Wroxham captain, Becky Russell

  Wroxham setting the tempo early doors getting at the Mulbarton back line keeping the hosts pinned in the final 3rd Chelsea Clarke combining with Lara Densley on the left flank on for Luci Middleton wide her cross blocked behind for a corner kick. Curled into the area defended headed back out to the left the 2nd ball in deflected away for a throw in. Wroxham threatening left side Russell with Densley forwards for Middleton to attack running into the box, tackled the ball prodded out of play for another corner.

Lara Densley crossing the ball for Wroxham

   Ellie Hunter looking to take the ball on through the middle spark Mulbarton into life played on for captain Rebekah Lake up to, Albany Hodgson stepping in to intercept the pass. Wroxham come right Jennifer Drummie off a throw in forwards for Lauren Bullard to travel the the by-line before squaring a ball into the six yard box, cut out and cleared by Megan Belsey at the back for Mulbarton. All Wroxham winning the ball inside the Mulbarton half push players into the final third the ball rolled into Densley top of the D, struck on the half volley, dipping in front of goalkeeper Jody Todd does well to get her palms behind it make the blocking save. 

Mulbarton yet to get a toe hold in the Wroxham half yet a meaningful attack registered, Drummie in to win the ball in the middle, Clarke left and Leah Newcombe on the right getting forwards to push the hosts back. The ball sent long on the left in behind for Fuller to attack  from the left channel a strong run, Lauren Bumstead and Belsey going with her as she powers her way into the box the ball won well and cleared. 

Lauren Bumstead clears the ball for Mulbarton

 Wroxham dictating the play able to push their defence up play the ball across the back, Lake up top alone with a lot to do if her teammates can get the ball into her. Newcombe taking the ball on up the right forwards for Bullard looking to turn in behind, Hunter tracking back well getting to the ball to take it clear for a throw. 

Mulbarton’s Ellie Hunter

  Hodgson plays the pass along the ground into Densley left side, lines up a strike from range her shot flashing wide of the far post. The visitors forwards on the left Clarke on for Densley into Fuller left of the D, gets the ball across the top of the area for Middleton central ready to shoot, Hunter gets back on her in the nick of time to win the ball the opportunity gone. Sam Walker goes into the book for an off the ball offence with Drummie. 

Wroxham attacker, Luci Middleton

  Walker with a ell timed challenge a few moment later to halt Densley’s progress as she looks to make ground on the left. Belsey out to block Densley as she lines up another strike 25 yards out top of the D. Walker find Leah Brown on the right as the winger looks to get away down the line pushing inside, Densley closing her down stops the cross, Brown winning Mulbarton their first corner of the game. Taken short, Mulbarton dally on the ball too long as Wroxham rush out to close it down threaten to counter, Belsey standing her ground on halfway to make sure that doesn’t happen. 

  Midway through the first half, Wroxham dictating play creating chances around the box, Mulbarton yet to have in theirs working hard at the back, getting the ball out and keeping it their proving difficult. Middleton seeing the ball into her feet 25 yards out to the left of the D, turns well to hit the shot her effort flashing over the crossbar. Drummie out to Newcombe right on for Bullard, Rachel Jermy stretching to win the ball clears for Mulbarton. 

Mulbarton defender, Rachel Jermy.

  Russell sending the pass on for Bullard wide right squares it across the top of the area, Drummie running onto the ball her shot charged down by Belsey. Newcombe taking the ball in behind for Wroxham on the right, Sophie Jermy running back to challenge on the by-line clearing for the hosts falls straight to Russell positioned right of the area 25 yards out, looks to thread a diagonal ball on for Middleton spinning off the defence into the area central, Bumstead getting back at her to lung in take the ball away from her. 

  Sophie Jermy pushed back needing to slow down Newcombe help Rachel Jermy out with Bullard looking to run in behind her. Walker on for Hunter through the middle, Lake pulling out wide on the left into space brings the ball down whipping a cross into the area, Molly Ryan cutting in of the right channel looking to attack it the ball though cleared by Hodgson. 

  Mulbarton finding a little momentum in the middle as Lanta Griffith, Hunter and Sophie Jermy combine getting forwards on the left, Jermy sending the ball on for Hunter bursting into the left channel the ball crossed in cleared back out to Griffith, lifted back into the box, Tigi Robson heading clear for Wroxham out to the right of the box, Ryan looking to latch onto it, Clarke in to block her shot. 

Sophie Jermy

  Clarke on from the left with Densley played into Fuller left of the area turns inside bursting into the six yard box putting it in across goal, Todd their first to snatch the ball down, vital with Middleton lurking ready to turn it home. Clarke getting up on the left receiving the lay off from Fuller left of the D, shots her shot blocked defecting harmlessly through to the keeper. Wroxham upping the ante pressing forwards as a pack the ball played into Fuller up top left side flicks the ball into the path of Middleton putting her clear right side to attack the goal, shoots, Todd down smartly gloving the ball away for a corner kick. 

Luci Middleton played in on goal

  The ball dropped into the box scrambled away by Hunter for Mulbarton. Sophie Jermy alert on the left taking a quick throw looking to set Griffiths away, Newcombe getting back at her to tackle see the ball out for a throw. Clarke putting Fuller through in behind to run into the box, and score won’t count however the flag early against her as Mulbarton’s defence hold a good line. Fuller hungry for a goal, so too Clarke as the ball comes back to her on the left, as soon as it arrives you can see she’s going to take the shot on hit on the angle a vicious ball in low dipping late on Todd does well to block with her legs as she falls forwards doesn’t get hold of it as Fuller rushes in on the follow up, strikes the ball looking to get it over the keeper, Todd getting enough of her body in the way to deflect it over the bar!

Hannah Fuller in to follow up Clarke’s strike seeing her shot deflect over of the keeper

  Bryony Williams has largely been a spectator in goal for Wroxham in the first half but need to remain alert pushing up from the back Mulbarton winning it back launch a pass long for Lake to try and chase down, Williams needing to come hurtling out of her area to clear the ball. Wroxham attack right Bullard sending it on for Newcombe on the overlap to the by-line back to Bullard turning into the area right lifts a cross into the mix, Hunter trapping the ball top of the six yard box, but not away Fuller taking a swing at it as it rolls forwards doesn’t get a clear hit scuffed as Megan Belsey gets the block in and taken away to the left for a corner kick.

Wroxham full back Leah Newcombe

Lauren Bullard preparing to cross

Megan Belsey into block Hannah Fuller’s attempted strike

  Mulbarton making a change bringing off Ryan with Poppy Loveland coming on. Russell seeing the ball onto her feet for Wroxham outside the D, puts her foot through the shot rising in on goal, Todd with the spectacular save gloving the ball up over the bar for the corner kick.

Mulbarton goalkeeper, Jody Todd

  Swung into the area knocked down into the mix, cleared by Bumstead, the counter on as Sophie Jermy takes it on for Griffiths who bombs forwards into the left channel making for the box is clipped as she looks to drive into the area, goes down play brought back for the free-kick, Bullard goes into the referees book. Loveland on the set-piece gets it past the Wroxham wall in towards goal, Williams though right behind seeing the ball into her mid-riff as she drops forwards. 

Lanta Griffith driving on for Mulbarton

 Into first half stoppage time Wroxham still prepared to push player forwards Drummie winning in in the middle on for Russell, playing the ball forwards as Rachel Jermy and Walker collide allowing a gap for Fuller to turn and run into looking to get onto it as it races towards the box, Todd sharp diving forwards onto the ball in the nick of time Fuller leaping up letting out a cry of frustration. 

a coming together at the back sees Hannah Fuller break after the ball

Jody Todd getting to the ball before Fuller can strike

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 0-0 Wroxham FC Women

  As one sided a goalless first half as you will ever see, Wroxham will be wondering how they are not in front have pushed hard for the opening goal, seeing one disallowed and the woodwork struck. Mulbarton goalkeeper Jody Todd called into action for a number of saves. The hosts have had to work hard at the back to keep Wroxham at bay right from the off a gutsy performance under pressure. Rebekah Lake up top on her own getting little to fed on. Wroxham pushing up will getting their full backs advanced to keep Mulbarton pushed back looking to move the ball about the park. Still with nothing in the goal scored column all to play for 2nd half.

  Changes for both sides at the break, Mulbarton staying out on the pitch making two changes bringing on Laura Hedtke and Melissa Belsey for Bumstead and Griffith. Ella Gambell coming on for Wroxham on the right replacing Bullard. Wroxham to get the 2nd half underway, played into Russell looks to clip the ball out to the left for Densley, Brown can see it safely out of play for Mulbarton. 

  Gambell into the attack early on racing down the right into the corner winning a free-kick. Looped into the near post headed on across goal headed goal wards the ball claimed by Todd in goal. Russell gathering the ball into hr feet on the right tracking inside for Wroxham fires it into Densley running in central to curl a shot from 20 yards out wide of the right post.

Wroxham midfielder, Jennifer Drummie

  Wroxham looking to start of the 2nd half where they left off the first. Middleton drifting right seeing her cross cut out turned behind for a corner. The corner curled into the middle of the area by Densley headed back out to the right inside the box snatched hold of by Gambell strikes a shot on the angle saved by Todd knocked down into the ground and cleared by the defence. 

  Hedtke sending the ball on for Lake pulling out to the left for Mulbarton wide has limited options as she looks to cross the ball into the area, the ball intercepted by Hodgson. Drummie on through the middle, Middleton and Fuller running in ahead of her towards the area plays it on for Middleton central as Fuller peels away to the right of goal, Middleton lays the ball into her Megan Belsey getting across to lunge in to put in the block as she goes to pull the trigger the ball spinning away for a corner kick.

Rebekah Lake looking to cross the ball.

  The corner count rising Densley putting so useful balls ball in from that side, in central cleared back to Gambell right this time sends her shot behind. Mulbarton making another change bringing on Olivia Smith to replace Walker. Brown storming forwards with the ball on the left for Mulbarton, sending it inside to Lake 20 yards out, Clarke in to challenge her before she can look to spin in behind to shoot. 

Leah Brown coming forwards with the ball for Mulbarton

 Clarke running into space on the left found by Russell striking in a shot on the angle held by Todd. Mulbarton’s back line remain pinned back, Megan Belsey and Rachel Jermy both making a blocking tackle on Middleton and Fuller respectfully. Gambell adding to Wroxham’s threat going forwards with some driving runs on the right, sees a cross snuffed out by Rachel Jermy as he breaks for the by-line.

Ella Gambell attacking for Wroxham

  Clarke adding to the threat going forwards from the back on the left for Wroxham, bursting forwards plays a one two with Fuller as she continues her run past her into a central position to shoot from 20 yards out her effort fired straight at Todd who claims the ball. 

Chelsea Clarke getting forwards on the left for Wroxham

 Wroxham make their 2nd change bringing Rachel Cossey on to replace Middleton. Densley tracking in from the left appears to be bundled over, the visitors appealing for the fouls as the ball runs through to Gambell 25 yards out right side, Rachel Jermy rushing out to meet her win the challenge for Mulbarton. Wroxham win a corner on the right swung in near post Todd comes out into the mix to try and get hold of it doesn’t as the ball is turned behind for a 2nd corner.

  GOAL! The corner deliveries from the right have been dangerous and this one brings the opening goal the ball fired in with pace into the six yard box met by Robson making her 50th appearance for Wroxham gets her head under the ball powering it into the back of the net 0-1.

Wroxham celebrate scoring the opening goal

Tigi Robson scoring on her 50th appearance for the club

  The deadlock finally broken in the 65th minute. Play resumes Ryan and Griffith back on for Mulbarton the ball played up the left sent into the area, cleared. Robson down needing treatment. Wroxham suddenly down to 10 as Clarke finds herself sent to the sin bin the game had gotten a little testy. The visitors adjusting to the player disadvantage by making a change bringing of Densley, with Ellie Overton coming on the fill in at the back. 

Wroxham’s Albany Hodgson

   Gives Melissa Belsey less to worry about on her flank the full back getting forwards as Hedtke picks her out with the pass up the pitch lifts a cross into the box knocked clear by Hodgson. Mulbarton a goal down with a player advantage need to come out attack, have to remain wary of Wroxham’s attack still lively Gambell on the drive central closed down well by Megan Belsey. The ball swept out to Fuller pulling right side of the box lay the cross into the D with Drummie on the move Ryan going with her getting enough of a challenge in to slow her down force the ball left as Megan Belsey comes to clear the ball.

Melissa Belsey

  Wroxham competing well with one less player keeping the ball away from their exposed left flank. Russell on the left of the box heading the ball down into Fuller central turns to run out to the right, Smith stretching to stop her cross. Robson going down under a heavy challenge picking up a knock Wroxham on the attack Drummie clipped out to Fuller right her cross chipped into the box cleared by Megan Belsey.

  Griffith getting hold of the ball driving forwards through the middle for Mulbarton aiming to thread the ball through the Wroxham defence for Lake to hunt down, Williams though ready racing out to the top of her area to dive onto the ball.

Bryony Williams winning the race to claim the ball

  Mulbarton pressing on trying to find a break through to get them back on level terms Hedtke on for Lake to attack, Williams again going down to claim it spills the ball however no one is close enough to capitalise as the ball is made safe. Clarke’s time up is allowed back onto the pitch eager to resume, Overton pushed on ahead of her. Hunter and Gambell battling for the ball come together a bit of afters quickly dispelled, Hunter hurt in need of treatment can’t continue, Bumstead coming back on.

   Fuller with a drive on the right smashing the ball against the crossbar from the angle. Robson is down feeling the effects of her earlier knock, needs to come off with Newcombe returning to the game. The clock ticking down Wroxham continue to dominate the attack, yet while the score remains 1 nil Mulbarton only need one moment to turn the game on its head, looking unlikely though with Fuller driving on with the ball into the area, Melissa Belsey and Bumstead combining to defend see the ball out for a corner. 

 Gambell from the right cutting inside lays the ball in central, Loveland cutting it out for Mulbarton playing it forwards the left, Clarke latching hold of it coming straight back at them. The final whistle signalling the end of the game Wroxham clinch the win to send them through to the last 4 of this season’s ERWFL League Cup

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 0-1 Wroxham FC Women

  Tigi Robson’s 65th header proving to be the difference between the sides as Wroxham find a goal in the 2nd half to win the match. Doesn’t tell the whole story, Wroxham no doubt the dominant side going forwards right from the opening whistle creating chances getting players forwards to keep Mulbarton penned back limited their opportunities going forwards in the process. An intriguing yet tense contest. Mulbarton on the back foot never really found the spark to get ignited going forwards that left Lake isolated in attack, no doubt part of Wroxham’s game plan. Credit to the defence however who played well making some vital challenges under a lot of pressure. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to pick this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match as more often than not a difficult one and one I don’t thankfully have to make on the final whistle, even if one or two players are in prime position in my thought the notes help immensely. Some great and battling performances out there. Firstly for Mulbarton, Ellie Hunter  really covered the ground in the middle getting back to help the defence and winning the ball doing her all to get her side going forwards. Credit to the defence for a hard fought display particularly Megan Belsey for some vital blocks and tackles. Goalkeeper Jody Todd too her saves and positioning undoubtedly keeping the score down. For Wroxham was a strong attacking performance  without necessarily getting the rewards. Both full backs got forwards well Leah Newcombe on the right, Chelsea Clarke strong on the left with some great runs and passing, getting into good shooting positions. Hannah Fuller up top would have scored a hat-trick on another day made some great runs pulling into the channels setting up others. Luci Middleton deeper with some fantastic runs with and without the ball to create chances. Tigi Robson scoring the winning goal in her 50th appearance for the club. As is often the case when one side is pushing the other back it’s how the ball is won back in the middle that often keeps the pressure on and for that today’s award goes to Jennifer Drummie a strong performance in the middle to win the ball and keep Wroxham pressing forwards getting into some good positions to have herself a shot too.

  Well rested after a week off, didn’t know how much I needed it. A great game to come back to. Always a good contest between the sides who might well end up facing each other in the County Cup should they win there respective quarter finals. My thanks to both for there help with the teams today and to catch up with a few footballing friends.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mundford FC Ladies v Beccles Town Ladies Development

Sunday 14th Jan

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

A short trip this Sun day to watch a top of the table clash form Norfolk Women’s Division Two. An exciting title race emerging as we enter the 2nd half of the season. 4 sides making a strong start to the season with 3 tied at the top on 24 points, it’s to one of those I travel today, Mundford FC Ladies as they take on 4th placed Beccles Town Ladies Development hot on the heels of the leading trio.

A host of new sides joining the NWGFL this season with Costessey Sports Ladies going straight into Division One and 8 others joining Division Two seeing it grow to 14 sides. A large league with plenty of fixtures to cram into the season, newcomers Bure Valley Women and Mundford FC Ladies hitting the ground running with Stalham Town Ladies relegated from Division One last season all vying for top spot level on points with identical records having played 9, won 8 with just the one defeat. Behind them with games in hand a new look Beccles Town Ladies side undefeated to date having won 6 of their 8 matches played to date. Some big fixtures at the top of the table to come.

 Mundford FC Ladies formed over the summer, joint mangers Rob Johnstone and Dan Ellis recruiting players from the area to compliment the core of players joining from the Thetford Bulldogs playing in Division Two last season. Started the season with a 10-0 away win away to fellow league newcomers Martham FC Ladies with a further 4 wins on the spin to propel them to the top of the league before suffering their only league defeat to date away to fellow title chasers Stalham Town Ladies. Bounced back to win the following 3 league games scoring 19 goals along the away while keeping 3 consecutive clean sheets. Livvi Hodges top scoring so far this season netting 18 goals in 10 matches with Ellen Kerbey on target for 9 goals and Lauren Roberts scoring 8. 

  A new look Beccles Town Ladies to compete in Division Two last season, a new era with Alan Runnacles stepping down as coach, The club loosing a lot of their experienced players as they struggled for points in Division one last season. With a handful of last season’s players left and the club bringing through several of their U16s players they weren’t keen on staying in Division One which was a proposal with the new leagues taking shape this season. With a young squad coaches Konner Carter and Gary Elder going straight into women’s football set up with a new title effectively as Beccles Town Ladies Development.

 A wise call in my opinion having seen how tough life in Division One can be for a young side as others have suffered in the past. That said Beccles have began life in Division Two well, the only undefeated side winning 6 of their 8 matches played including wins against title chasers Bure Valley and Stalham Town Ladies. Have a lot of football to play with just 8 of their proposed 26 games played to date haven’t played for 7 weeks for various reasons and have a busy 2nd half of the season to come. Libby Elder top scorer with 10 goals from 8 matches while Vicky Bloomfield and Alisha Tuttle have 7 each.

 The Glebe, the venue for today’s match home of Mundford FC situated beside the cricket ground just off the A134. For once a game I can travel to in under 20 minutes. The changing rooms situated by the carpark leading out to some grass training pitches with the main grass pitch and stadium further down by the road. Railing all around a small terraced stand behind the dugouts housing a tea hut serving hot drinks. The cold weather blowing in overcast with a few spots of rain in the air with the sun doing it’s best to break through which setting low behind one goal might pose some issues. 

Mundford FC Ladies

 Mundford FC Ladies starting XI – Sharn Thompson, Sophia Price, Kiara Dale, Beth Seymour, Ruby Wilson, Tiff Seymour, Iris Jaggard, Gabi Varanaiciute, Stevie Malkinson, Ellen Kerbey & Lauren Roberts. Subs – Lynn Fuller, Amber Briggs, Jess Todd & Shae Malkinson.

Beccles Town Ladies Development

 Beccles Town Ladies Development starting XI – Annabel Outlaw, Kelly Collins (C), Sally Schug, Lola Middlemass, Evie Bailey, Megan Sergeant, Vicky Bloomfield, Millie Reeve, Libby Elder, Alesha Tuttle & Marie Carter. Subs – Georgia Tiffin, Saffron Jones-Yates, Erica Hansen, Sophie Runnacles & Emily Wilkinson.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Kelly Collins and Gabi Varanaiciute with match referee Tom Miles

  Mundford to get the match underway kicking off the 1st half wearing red and black vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. Beccles captained by Kelly Collins who has plenty of experience playing in the NWGFL for both Beccles and Bungay lined up opposite wearing white shirts with black trim, black shorts and socks. The ball played back to Ruby Wilson in defence she sends it long up the right for Stevie Malkinson to attack, Marie Carter clearing for Beccles at the back 

  Evie Bailey gathering the ball in the middle for Beccles getting on the move looking to end it on for Millie Reeve looking to get in behind on the right flank, Mundford captain Gabi Varanaiciute sticking out a timely leg to intercept the ball to prevent Reeve racing clear. Beccles temporally down to 10, someone forgetting (I won’t mention who) to put their shin pads on. Beccles lively in the opening exchanges pressing the ball in the final third Alesha Tuttle up with Evie Bailey top of the D the snapshot flashed in wide of the right post.

  Pushed up Beccles pressing the advantage on Mundford’s goal kicks winning the ball clipped in from the right, Wilson stepping out of the backline to win the challenge clear the ball for the hosts. Mundford yet to get the ball into their opponents half as a Beccles cross from the right is deflected behind for a corner. The in swinging delivery into the six yard box claimed confidently by Mundford goalkeeper, Sharn Thompson. 

  At last Mundford get hold of the ball in the middle and attack with purpose, Ellen Kerbey carrying the ball on before laying on on for Malkinson running clear wide on the right gets her foot over the ball to lift a cross in towards the near side of the Beccles goal, Lauren Roberts trying to adjust to get her head to the ball as it drops slightly behind her, the chance gone as the Beccles defence scramble it away for a throw. Beccles winning a series of throws up the left side of the pitch win a free-kick inside the Mundford half, wide to the left a good way out midfielder Vicky Bloomfield over it goes for goal, not a bad strike plenty of power behind the ball just too high as it flies over Thompson’s crossbar. 

Beccles midfielder, Vicky Bloomfield

  Iris Jaggard getting hold of the ball for Mundford in the middle linking up with Kerbey the ball forwards for Malkinson breaking on the right pace to get herself ahead of the Beccles defence, lets fly from all of 30 yards out, a low strike racing into the near post, Beccles goalkeeper Annabel Outlaw has her angles covered gets down to see the ball into her body. Both sides looking to get rid of the ball getting players turned run at the defence.

  A hopeful clearance from the Beccles defence sees the ball launched forwards with Libby Elder looking to break clear race after it into the box, Thompson though alert out to the top of her area quickly to get to the ball first. Roberts playing the ball into Malkinson’s path 30 yards out from goal, takes a wicked bobble as she goes to strike it, half catching the ball her shot swerves well wide of Outlaw’s left post. After a slow start Mundford are gathering a head of steam building through the middle looking to get players forwards en masse.

  Mundford’s turn to capitalise from a poor goal kick won on the right by Roberts has Malkinson up with her tracking wide to cross the ball back into the area a vital interception by Collins to clear the ball for the visitors. The Beccles defence pushed up Mundford regain possession central look to turn play around lifted on for Roberts driving on through the middle, Lola Middlemass racing back with her doing the defending prodding the ball back to her keeper Outlaw to clear.

Beccles Lola Middlemass

  The game even now Beccles making a change bringing Cater off on comes, Sophie Runnacles. Middlemass back to defend inside the box for Beccles as Malkinson attacks down the right the cross put behind for a corner kick. Lifted in towards Kerbey coming towards the ball from the near post knocked up into the air, Beccles rush in to try and scramble the ball away falls to Malkinson outside the area to the right of goal, strikes the ball her shot racing wide of the far post.

Mundford’s Ellen Kerbey

  Beccles clearances from the back looking a promising form of attack as they turn the Mundford defence caught high, Elder right channel after the ball, Beth Seymour recovering well for the hosts getting back at Elder to slide in with the tackle the ball deflected off Elder for the goal kick. Reeve attacking with the ball on Beccles right wing squares a cross in towards to D, the foul won to the right of goal as Elder is brought down 20 yards out. Bloomfield over the set-piece, over cooks it this time sending the shot high over the bar.

Beccles, Libby Elder

 Emily Wilkinson coming on at the back for Beccles, replacing Reeve. The game a more even contest now, Mundford with more possession central pushing players on, Beccles lively capable of launching a quick counter. Kerbey’s run clear on the left side halted by the offside flag, as Jaggard plays the ball through to her, a very tight call. Jaggard fouling Bloomfield 25 yards out from goal as she looks to shift the ball onto her right foot to shoot. Bloomfield picking herself up to take the free-kick strikes it wide of goal.

  Mundford come through the middle, Tiff Seymour with Roberts threaded through to Kerbey pulling off the Beccles defence into the area left of the D aiming to send her low shot back across the keeper, Outlaw get down smartly to make the save. Mundford pressing the attack getting players up to press the ball high, Malkinson from the angle right of the box flashing a shot wide across goal.

Beccles goalkeeper, Annabel Outlaw

  Beccles making another switch sending Saffron Jones-Yates on replacing Elder. Outlaw with an unorthodox save with her legs as she throws herself forwards to stop the cross from Malkinson chipped in from the right. Collins does well at the back for Beccles tackling Roberts as the striker turns to attack drive at the box from 25 yards out as she receives the off a throw from the left. Roberts in again to attack the area central as she runs onto a through ball, Wilkinson racing back with her the defender seeing Roberts shoot over.

   Mundford strong as they advance through the middle the ball lifted out to Malkinson on the right her cross lifted into the area, Middlemass tracking back well there to intercept the ball ahead of Roberts lining up to attack the ball. Beth Seymour rushing across to tackle Jones-Yates in the box as she breaks into the area from the right a strong challenge as Jones-Yates goes over but well timed no penalty.

  Bailey coming out to the right for Beccles whipping a dangerous ball into the six yard box, Beth Seymour cutting it out at the near post behind for a corner. Played in towards the top of the area, Beccles lose possession Mundford countering, Middlemass tracking back to defend conceding a corner up the other end. Beccles with a player down needing treatment as Mundford make a change bringing of Varanaiciute for Jessica Todd. Swung in near side Outlaw comes for the ball and misses it, falls unexpectedly at Kerbey’s feet, little time to adjust, knocks it into Todd in close proximity who fires over from close range. 

  Elder back on for Beccles, races forwards to attack the ball right channel, Kiara Dale coming across to slide in clear the threat for the hosts. Jaggard coming off for Mundford with Lynn Fuller entering the game. The clock ticking down in the first half a competitive tussle Beccles bringing Reeve back on for Sergeant. Bailey on the right for Beccles up with Tuttle who shoots over from 25 yards out. Beccles finding some extra energy late in the half pressing forwards Bailey winning a free-kick inside the Mundford half to the right, Bloomfield to float the ball in towards the top of the area the shot taken from the left of the D blasted wide across goal.

Sally Schug clearing the ball for Beccles

  Into stoppage time, Dale winning the ball at the back for Mundford carrying it forwards before threading a great ball through the middle for Roberts to attack racing on towards the area Collins tracking back with her the striker looks to chip the ball over the keeper, not enough on it however as Outlaw standing tall plucks the ball down to make the save. 

Lauren Roberts seeing her stoppage time shot saved by the goalkeeper.

  GOAL! Deep into first half stoppage time Mundford coming away with the ball wide left on halfway knocked forwards into Roberts up top runs onto the ball left of goal into the box, Collins going with her the attacker makes no mistake this time as she goes to chip the keeper, Outlaw agonisingly getting her fingertips to it but not enough to stop the ball traveling beyond her into the back of the net 1-0.

Lauren Roberts opens the scoring for Mundford right at the end of the first half.

  Half-time Mundford FC Ladies 1-0 Beccles Town Ladies Development

  Mundford with the goal late in the first half to go into the half-time interval leading the game. Finishing the half strong after an unsettled start that saw Beccles press the advantage in the opening exchanges putting pressure on the ball in the final 3rd. Took their foot off the gas to allow Mundford to gain some momentum with some strong runs through the middle the hosts creating a few opportunities while Beccles defended well at the back looking a threat on the counter with a couple of half chances themselves. A blow to concede so late in the half some adjustments to be made at the break to get themselves back into the match, a single goal in it still very much all to play for.

  Georgie Tiffin coming on for Beccles at the start of the 2nd half with a quick turn around with both sides staying out on the pitch during the break. Beccles to get the 2nd half underway the promise of a little sun having gone the cloud cover firmly in place the ball clipped long out to the right bouncing on sees Bailey spin in behind looking to get after the ball into the box, Thompson rushing out to the corner of her area sliding in well to make the blocking save.

Mundford goalkeeper Sharn Thompson

 Malkinson bringing the ball out to the right for Mundford winning a free-kick. The ball chipped into the near post, dealt with by Outlaw. 

Stevie Malkinson taking the ball on for Mundford

  GOAL! The Mundford backline pushed up to half way as Beth Seymour gets hold of the ball surges forwards before knocking it wide to Malkinson, continuing her run pointing to Malkinson to lift the ball over the top as she powers in behind the Beccles defence running onto the pass taking the ball wide down to the by-line running out of room wraps her foot around the ball as she slides onto it sending a venomous ball past the keeper into the goal beyond to double Mundford’s lead 2-0.

Beth Seymour breaking forwards to score Mundford’s 2nd goal

 Beccles quickly conceding a 2nd goal early in the 2nd half look for a reply Tuttle holding onto the ball as she brings it on central played on for Reeve, who crosses the ball in towards, Jones-Yates top of the D, Tiff Seymour stepping in to cut the pass out clear for Mundford. Tuttle making some useful runs with the ball for Beccles driving on into the right channel tackled by Mundford’s Fuller. 

Alesha Tuttle on the attack for Beccles

 Beth Seymour covering a lot of ground at the back for Mundford coming across to tackle Reeve as she attacks with the ball left corner, taking it out for a throw in. Mundford imposing themselves on the game getting after the ball. Sergeant returning to the action for the visitors replacing Reeve. Bailey on the right with Sergeant who knocks the ball forwards a little too much on it but does well to pressure the defence win a corner kick. The in swinging ball flashed across the face of goal through every one Bloomfield lunging at it far post but can’t turn it home as it goes out for a goal kick.

  Tiff Seymour with the ball at her feet bringing it on through the middle laying it out to Malkinson moving right looking to turn into the box, Middlemass getting back to challenge stabbing the ball behind for a corner. Beccles frustrated a Tuttle looking to evade Tiff Seymour as she looks to get away on the right gives away the free-kick the bench unhappy with the decision. Tempers flaring between the coaches as Dale comes in with a strong challenge winning the ball between the dugouts a few words exchanged the referee looking to calm thing’s down, Malkinson however says one thing too many and as a consequence is shown the yellow card and sent to the sin bin.

  Mundford down to 10 players for the next 10 minutes. Beccles making a change bringing Wilkinson back on for Hansen. Beccles need to settle if they are to try and press the player advantage however they give away a free-kick inside their own half to the left of the centre circle, the ball angled n towards goal dipping in front of the keeper, Outlaw does well to save getting down to punch the ball away to her right, the ball cleared.

 The hosts winning another free-kick wide on the right, struck in towards the far post Todd 10 yards out knocking the ball up back in towards goal Roberts going up for it with the keeper, fouling Outlaw as she gets her gloves on the falling ball. Amber Briggs coming on for Mundford replacing Todd. The game scrappy the ball pinging about in the middle of the park. Beccles bringing Elder back on for Tiffin. 

  Beccles getting players forwards, Bailey out on the right laying the ball back for Sergeant to cross in near post Collins bringing the ball down turning to send her strike over the bar. Malkinson’s 10 minutes up she returns to the game Mundford back up to their full compliment.

  Beccles winning a corner on the right played short into Tuttle, looks to turn inside but is closed down by Price the ball cleared. Malkinson coming off now with Varanaiciute back on. 

 Beccles applying some pressure as Mundford drop back into their area playing the ball across the area Tuttle lively looking to make something happen the ball struck wide from 20 yards out. Wilson playing the ball long from the back helped on through the middle for Kerbey pulling left with Roberts the back cut back into the middle for Tiff Seymour getting up to join the attack, Middlemass out to close her down for Beccles.

  Mundford attacking left price on for Roberts to turn and strike the ball on the angle racing in low to the near post, Outlaw behind the shot to make the comfortable save. A free-kick for Beccles a good 40 yards out, Bloomfield can get some power behind the ball as she tries her luck from range the ball running wide of Thompson’s left post. The game moving into the final 10 minutes, Beccles pushing on trying to find an opening Mundford settled at the back working well together to limit openings.

  Tuttle evading a challenge wide on the left taking the ball on for Beccles Hansen back on ahead of her crossing inside for Wilkinson top of the area left of the D looks to play it forwards for Elder, Beth Seymour though can get across the path of the ball to shield it out safely for a goal kick.

 Play stopped Beccles having had a player go down unexpectedly off the ball, concern as she lays unmoving as teammates and coaches rush onto the pitch. Appears to have fainted a pause in play as she is accessed and eventually helped of the pitch carried to the bench somewhat groggy, hoping it’s nothing too serious as play resumes Beccles bringing Runnacles and Reeve back on, Hansen also coming off. Mundford bringing Shae Malkinson on for Briggs.

Kiara Dale dealing with the ball at the back for Mundford

  The clock ticking down Beccles pushing on a little disjointed with players out of position as they look to pressure the Mundford defence late on try and take something from the game. Sergeant getting hold of the ball 25 yards out driving on into the area, Beth Seymour stretching to tackle her winning the ball. Launched up to Roberts has Kerbey up in support as they look to keep the ball in their opponents half with the referee signalling the game has entered stoppage time. 

 Tuttle running onto the ball played out to the right inside looking for Elder, Wilson challenging to clear the ball for Mundford as the final whistle blows and Mundford celebrate winning the 3 points. The result taking them 3 points clear of 3rd placed Stalham Town who were in county cup action this afternoon, remain neck and neck with Bure Valley Women who won 1-0 away to SWFC Lingwood Ladies. 

Full time Mundford FC Ladies 2-0 Beccles Town Ladies Development

  Two goals either side of half-time the difference between the sides in the finish. Mundford recovering after a slow start to create opportunities in the first half. Lauren Roberts played trough into the box to score in first half stoppage time and despite goalkeeper Sharn Thompson being called into action early in the 2nd half Beth Seymour broke forwards to score a wonderful goal to put the hosts 2-0 early in the 2nd half. Mundford settled back then comfortable defending their lead working hard to ensure a 4th consecutive clean sheet. Beccles frustrated as they suffer their first league defeat despite a strong start to the game and some promising attacks didn’t really get at Mundford 2nd half and will be looking to put things right next weekend as they host Mundford in the return fixture. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football east – Player of the Match. Rarely an easy decision although I did have a strong favourite in mind as I left the ground today and the notes only confirm that. Several strong performances to mention first though. For Beccles. Alesha Tuttle was good in attack making some strong runs with the ball looking to take the game to Mundford bring her teammates into contention. Emily Wilkinson and Kelly Collins making some vital challenges at the back getting back to win the ball. Lola Middlemass superb covering the ground in the middle and getting back to help the defence. For Mundford, Lauren Roberts made some great attacking runs strong on and off the ball scoring the opening goal. Stevie Malkinson providing a great outlet attacking down the right flank. The back line strong, Ruby Wilson and Kiara Dale with some great interception and tackles the award though goes to Beth Seymour was strong at the back getting back to make some well timed tackles covering the ground well the icing on the cake her burst forwards to score the 2nd goal. 

 Great to catch a top of the table clash from Norfolk Women’s Division Two remains an exciting title race. My first look at both sides in competitive action and both look in great shape. Mundford with a good setup with a decent squad. Beccles with plenty of youthful talent in their ranks too will only get better as they grow as a team. My thanks to both for their help today and wishing Beccles poorly player all the best for a speedy recovery

by Darren Gilham