Category Archives: Match Reports

Match Report – Aylsham FC Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

Sunday’s football action from the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, features the 2015/16 Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final between Aylsham FC Ladies & Thorpe United Ladies. Full match report below…

Cup Final Report – Aylsham FC Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

Trip the The FDC this Sunday to watch the 2015/16 Final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup between Aylsham FC Ladies and Thorpe United Ladies.

There will be a new name engraved on the trophy too after today’s final as the competition moves into it’s 6th year. From it’s conception in the 2010/11 season the Norfolk Women’s County Cup has been dominated by Norwich City Ladies playing their football in the FAWPL South East Division One winning 4 finals in a row up until last season when they didn’t enter the competition that allowed a chance for a new name to lift the cup last season, Acle United Ladies playing in Eastern Region Premier Division. Now it will be won by a side playing within the county football league set-up in Norfolk itself with both Aylsham FC Ladies and Thorpe United Ladies playing in Norfolk Women’s Division One.

Road to the Final

There were 3 ties to be played in the 1st round of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup with the rest given a bye to the 2nd round, played back in October Aylsham FC Ladies were handed a difficult looking 1st round tie at home to North Walsham Angels Ladies one of the title favourites in Division Two. Turned out to be a thrilling encounter with 12 goals scored during the 90 minutes level at 6-6 going into extra-time Aylsham FC Ladies found a bit extra and went on to win 9-6 to reach the next round.

In the 2nd Round were at home again taking on fellow Norfolk Division One side Long Stratton Ladies, much more comfortable this time around winning 4-0 to make it into the quarter finals. 4-0 was the winning scoreline again on home soil again as they were drawn against Norfolk Division Three side Toftwood Ladies. Home again in the semi-finals taking on Norfolk Division Two side Red Rose Ladies won 3-1 to reach their 1st Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final. An attacking side are rarely involved in low scoring games grinding out 1-0 wins isn’t their forte. Goals can come from anywhere in the side, but with 30 goals to her name in all competitions this season striker Abbie Charlton is one to watch. One of two finals for Aylsham FC Ladies this season as they have also reached the final of the Norfolk Women’s League Cup

Thorpe United Ladies were also in action in the 1st Round an away drawn against the early pace setters in Norfolk Division Three, Harleston Ladies made short work of them racking up a 13-0 victory to progress to the 2nd Round. Different story in the 2nd Round drawn at home against fellow Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies, both sides amongst the favourites for the league title, Thorpe United Ladies edged the contest by a single goal to reach the quarter finals.

At home again in the quarter finals drawn against Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies, progressed through to the semi-finals courtesy of a 5-0 victory to set up a repeat of last season’s final as they were drawn at home against Acle United Ladies. A tough test however Thorpe United Ladies celebrated at the final whistle again winning by a single goal to reach their 3rd successive Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final. Have made 3 final appearances to date and come so close last season missing out to Acle United Ladies in a penalty shootout will be determined to get their hands on the trophy and not another runner-up medal this time around their 3rd successive final appearance.

The venue for today’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final, The FDC, Norfolk FA’s Football Development Centre, boasting a number of all weather pitches and the main grass pitch on which today’s final is to be played, a clubhouse and modern facilities on the outskirts of Norwich. The pitch itself looking in great condition a seated stand along one side for spectators a bright and sunny afternoon if a little chilly, good playing conditions all round as the two sides stepped out onto the pitch.

Aylsham FC Ladies starting XI – Ania Vanston, Vikki Bird (C), Aneliese Smith, Alicia Lacey Becky Hibberd, Debbie Kelly, Lisa Ferdani Emma Gillespie, Leanne Woodward, Michaela England & Abbie Charlton.

subs – Becky Hills, Sophie Burr-Walpole & Kiera Squires.

Thorpe United Ladies starting XI – Kirstie Andrews, Nicole Read, Shannon Miles, Alice Ford, Cara Anderson, Jo Davey, Hayley Kindred, Charlotte Groves, Sharnie Boast, Rebecca Russell & Rebekah Lake (C).

subs – Chelsea Clark & Natasha Evans.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Thorpe to get the 2015/16 Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final underway wearing pink shirts with black across the top of the sleeves, black shorts and pink socks with opponents Aylsham lined up opposite wearing orange shirts with a white and blue band across the front, blue shorts and orange socks. Right from the start Aylsham press Thorpe for the ball, Lisa Ferdani in the middle closing down the ball winning it and spreading play out to the left channel the ball is whipped across the Thorpe area, Michaela England coming in far side can’t quite get onto the ball to take it forwards, wins a throw on the right.

Aylsham keep Thorpe penned in their own half at the start, Alicia Lacey and captain Vikki Bird dealing with anything sent long, having won the County Cup with Acle last time out Sharnie Boast now plays in the pink colours of Thorpe United, wins a 50/50 in the centre looks to release Rebekah Lake, Thorpe’s captain through the centre, Bird comes across to intercept. Aylsham try the same up the other end a good ball over the top right of the goal sees Abbie Charlton almost put though on goal into the area, Alice Ford gets across and lunging for the ball takes it away from the Aylsham attacker.

Aylsham’s Alicia Lacey challenging Thorpe’s Sharnie Boast for the ball

Lacey is defending well early on and getting forwards on the ball for Aylsham, sending the ball long for Leanne Woodward ahead of her attacking space on the left she looks to come inside get into the area is tackled well by Thorpe’s Cara Anderson. Thorpe having ridden out the early pressure applied by Aylsham start to get hold of the ball, Boast through the middle has Charlotte Groves making a forward run ahead of her playing the ball on Groves lays it out to Hayley Kindred attacking the right wing, sends a cross into the Aylsham box, is headed away by Bird, rolls back to Boast 20 yards out who goes for the shot, on target is straight into the gloves of goalkeeper Ania Vanston.

Great chance for Aylsham to take the lead the ball played forwards for Charlton making the forwards run into the box right side of goal, has Anderson on her shoulder with Thorpe goalkeeper Kirstie Andrews advancing, Anderson gets out of the way as Charlton reaches the ball hits her shot into Andrews the ball spinning to her right in front of goal, won’t sit for Charlton who stretches to knock it down, on target, Anderson has gotten around her keeper and is back covering the goal line stops the ball and brings it away from goal.

Sharnie Boast on the ball for Thorpe United Ladies

Bringing the ball up over halfway for Thorpe midfielder Rebecca Russell sees the run Groves is making to get in behind the Aylsham defence plays the ball forwards, back spin on the ball stops Groves taking it into her stride lays it behind her to Boast who attempts the threaded ball through the Aylsham defence to play Groves in too much weight on the ball runs through to the keeper. Emma Gillespie get’s on to the ball for Aylsham in the middle a good pass up to Charlton looking to break into the area is timely intercepted by Anderson.

GOAL! The opening goal of the Cup Final goes to Thorpe a little over 15 minutes played. A free kick is given away wide left inside the Aylsham half, it’s Boast standing over the ball, good with a set piece plays a great ball into the area heading for goal, Vanston gets and glove up to stop the ball, but only succeeds in knocking it down into her six yard box, Thorpe have three players breaking away from the edge of the area and it’s Kindred who gets to the ball to knock it home into the back of the net to give Thorpe the lead 0-1.

Hayley Kindred opens the scoring in the
Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Thorpe break from an Aylsham free kick inside their own half wide right cleared away edge of the area, Jo Davey up to Lake is clear through to chase the ball down, Vanston coming out of her area just makes it to the ball 1st to kick clear. Russell then has an opportunity to play Lake in through the middle again deeper this time, Bird wins the race and puts in a goo tackle to win the ball, comes out to Kindred wide right takes it up the wing before whipping the cross in again Bird is well placed to head clear.

Change for Thorpe with Nicole Read coming off at right back and Chelsea Clark, she immediately gives away a free kick to Aylsham wide right with Bird the player on the ball set to deliver sweeps it in towards the near post, Andrews comes and lays claim to the ball. Ferdani plays the ball over the top to the edge of the Thorpe area, Andrews comes towards the ball, Charlton racing in steals in on it before she can get there leaving the keeper stranded, taking the ball on to the touchline, can’t get a shot away as Davey gets back on her to win the ball.

Another free kick wide left for Thorpe a little closer than the one for the goal, Boast over the ball sends the shot in dropping near post Vanston saves well parrying the ball down then gathering. Groves charges forwards with the ball into the Aylsham half with Lake out to the right plays the ball up to her, holding it up well gives Kindred the chance to offer a passing option, plays the ball back to her, Kindred sends a high ball up into the area keeping her eye on the ball Vanston comes and claims well with Groves closing in the two collide the keeper getting the advantage.

A free kick for Aylsham on the right just inside the Thorpe half, Charlton is over the ball, sends in a powerful strike, Andrews coming misjudges ad ends up under the ball as it sails over her can only turn, and catches the ball as it rebounds off the base of the far post back into her gloves. Thorpe let Bird carry the ball the length of the pitch before she is crowded off the ball on the edge of their area the break is on the ball launched up into the Aylsham half with Lake always the willing runner, Vanston comes out to meet her sliding in bravely at the edge of the box saves the ball trapping it between her legs.

Thorpe United Ladies captain, Rebekah Lake

GOAL! Having come close to getting Lake in on goal, Thorpe eventually succeed as they force an error at the back from Aylsham, Groves taking the ball off Becky Hibberd as she rushes over to close the defender down on the left side of the attack puts the early diagonal ball in behind the centre backs with Lake on the move in between them, throws a foot forwards even as Vanston comes to try and reach the ball 1st a yard inside the box Lake get’s to it 1st this time, sends the ball over Vanston and on into the back of the net 0-2.Close to half-time there is 2 minutes added time in the 1st half.

Half-time Aylsham FC Ladies 0-2 Thorpe United Ladies

A lively 1st half, competitive as expected from both sides, Aylsham started very well causing Thorpe problems closing the ball down and sending it into Woodward and Charlton early, the defences have down well for the most part, Bird and Lacey in particular for Aylsham, Anderson and Ford with some timely tackles for Thorpe. Two errors have led to the goals Aylsham have conceded. 2-0 down they are no where near out of it, the next goal is crucial.

Aylsham have kick off 2nd half, in front of a good sized crowd that has come to watch the final. Aylsham’s Debbie Kelly plays the ball up to Ferdani the ball is sent up high into the Thorpe area is dealt with by Shannon Miles. Aylsham have an early free kick out on the left half way inside the Thorpe half the ball is sent into the area Andrews coming for the ball spills it comes out to Woodward on the left side inside the six yard box, doesn’t make clean contact with the shot is on target near post however Miles is the play who gets across to defend the post and kick the shot clear.

Charlton is busy if the ball isn’t coming to her she will go looking for it, chasing back robs the Thorpe midfield turn and makes a surging run towards the Thorpe defence shots from 20 yards out the ball deflected off a defender running through to Andrews. Thorpe come down the left the ball rolled on into Boast comes inside and goes for the curling shot aiming for the top corner the shot drifts out beyond the far post. Double change for Aylsham as they bring off Kelly and England, Becky Hills and Sophie Burr-Walpole are introduced to the action.

Aylsham FC Ladies, Abbie Charlton

Kindred attacks down the right side for Thorpe wins her side a corner kick the ball is whipped it towards Boast coming from a deep position edge of the box towards the ball meets it on the half volley, the attempted shot is deflected behind for a 2nd corner kick. This time the ball is headed across the face of goal, no one far side to turn it home as it flies out for a goal kick. Strong run on the ball from Aylsham’s Gillespie 30 yards out plays the ball forwards for Woodward racing into the Thorpe area the ball is just the wrong side of her, does well to turn and catch it with her heel try to send it on across Andrews but also off target as the ball runs wide.

Aylsham are pushing hard winning the ball if conceding a few free kicks as they look to get a goal back. Hills has made a difference since coming on attacking on the right side, a strong player hard to shake off the ball, takes the ball on coming inside driving for the box, Anderson stands firm offering no way through. A fantastic chance comes Aylsham’s way as they hit Thorpe on the counter attack Charlton and Woodward both timing their runs to perfection spring the offside trap as the ball is put over the top, the ball landing in Woodwards path, Andrews has to commit comes towards her, Woodward lifts her shot over her from the edge of the area and is left kicking the ground in frustration as she sees her shot sail over the crossbar.

Aylsham’s Becky Hills with Thorpe’s Shannon Miles

Boast comes away with the ball from a 50/50 challenge has Lake ready to make the run ahead of her get into the box, Lacey is on the move even before Boast plays the ball and makes the interception. Going shoulder to shoulder with Burr-Walpole on the right Lake manages to get a shot away just inside the corner of the box, lacking any pace runs through to Vanston. Another powerful run in from the right from Hills for Aylsham she drives into the Thorpe area, Ford comes across and throwing herself in front of Hills makes the block as she goes to pull the trigger the ball deflected wide for a throw.

Woodward comes off for Aylsham with Kiera Squires coming on as they continue to press forwards, Burr-Walpole making ground up the left plays her cross in behind her attackers giving Russell tracking back a chance to clear the ball. Thorpe bring off Clark with read returning to the action. England is back on for Aylsham. Lake steals in to rob Aylsham of the ball and drives forwards into the box right side closing down the keeper, can only lift the ball straight into the keepers gloves.

Aylsham’s Lisa Ferdani goes to challenge Thorpe’s Charlotte Groves for the ball.

Burr-Walpole carries the ball up the left side for Aylsham lifting her cross into the area everyone has gambled near post as the ball flues over every one landing far post no one is their to attack the ball with little under 10 minutes left to play. Can’t get hold of the ball, Thorpe’s Ford and Anderson getting onto the end of any through ball, Woodward returns to the field. Russell with the ball on the left side for Thorpe plays a great delivery into the box Lake is their under challenge with Smith manages to get a shot away puts it straight into Vanston’s gloves again.

Into injury time, Thorpe try to play it into the corner keep Aylsham quiet, but they’re having none of it, the ball is played back to Gillespie in the centre looks to play the long ball into the box for Woodward and Charlton to attack, bounces trough to the keeper. Thorpe get the ball up the other end and win a corner kick, don’t go short playing it into the area Russell gets her head to the ball but can’t direct the shot on target.

Referee, Mary Harmer the 1st woman to officiate a Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final, blows the final whistle and Thorpe United Ladies beat Aylsham FC Ladies 2-0 to win the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final, finally collect the trophy in their 3rd successive final. It’s a big cup too can hold alot of champagne. An entertaining final, two fairly evenly matched sides Aylsham had their chances to score. Conceded two goals in the 1st half, Thorpe taking their chances well and defending well for the large part. Aylsham have another shot at silverware in two weeks time.

Thorpe United Ladies, Norfolk Women’s County Cup Winners

Congratulations to Thorpe United on winning the Norfolk Women’s County Cup enjoy the celebrations. My thanks to Norfolk FA for their help today.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC Reserves v Wisbech Town Ladies

Match Report from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Final as covered on the SWF Blog Weds 13th April

Cup Final Report – Cambridge United WFC Reserves v Wisbech Town Ladies

A midweek trip into Cambridgeshire to watch the final of the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup sponsored by S-Tech Insurance, with defending cup holders Cambridge United WFC Reserves taking on Wisbech Town Ladies for the trophy.

Cambridge United WFC Reserves are currently top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. Beat Milton Ladies from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South in last years final 4-0. Defend the cup once again against lower league opposition from the Championship North this time around, Wisbech Town Ladies, have dropped to 5th in the table after the weekends results despite holding the current league leaders Bourne Ladies to share the points in a 2-2 draw.

Road to the Final

It was an away tie to start the defence of the trophy for Cambridge United WFC Reserves taking on Championship North side Wisbech St Marys Ladies a comfortable 4-0 win saw them through the quarter finals. Drawn away from home they met Milton Ladies in a repeat of last seasons final scored 4 goals again to win the game 4-2. Drawn at home to Isleham United Ladies in the semi-finals they were awarded a home win with their opponents unable to field a side to book their spot in the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup for the 2nd season running.

The opposite for Wisbech Town Ladies they started the competition by being awarded a home win in the 1st round against Comberton Ladies. In the quarter finals faced a tough away draw against Premiership side Fulbourn Bluebirds. the game ending all square at 2-2 after extra-time the game went to a penalty shootout Wisbech Town Ladies winning 2-0 to progress to the semi-finals. Were drawn away from home to face Park Ladies from the Championship South, an interesting match up Wisbech Town Ladies proved too strong on the day taking the tie with a 3-0 victory to set up a final showdown with Cambridge United WFC Reserves.

The venue for tonight’s final Ely City FC, the regular home venue for Cambridge United WFC’s 1st team. Tonight it hosted their Reserve side and Wisbech Town Ladies who had brought a good number of supporters with them. The pitch which has seen alot of football was a little worn in places but overall showed good grass coverage. A large pitch surrounded by a railing a clubhouse with built in seated stand on one side opposite the dugouts. A cool but dry evening, good weather conditions for a Cup Final.

Cambridge United WFC Reserves starting XI – Tafadzwa Mhunduru, Emma Roberts, Becca Fay (C), Robyn Phillips, Liz Pamplin, Emily Ingle, Sarah Mosley, Emily Reed, Hayley Turner, Kelly Docrwa & Monique Christian.
subs – Catherine Hanley, Gemma Clark, Sarah Carroll, Kirsten Burt & Ebony-Jade Rule.

Wisbech Town Ladies starting XI – Abbie Venni, Danika Moss Papke, Emily Stephenson (C), Elizabeth Simpson, Faye Kowalewsky, Annie Rooks, Kyra Clarke, Polly Baird, Chelsea King, Albany Hodgson & Sophie Gutteridge.
subs – Jasmine Luckett, Amy Hempting, Becky Bourlet & Leah Hall

(roll on roll off substitutes)

The floodlights start to come on as Wisbech wearing red shirts with black running along the sleeves, black shorts and red socks get the 1st half underway with Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and amber socks. The ball is sent long down the right flan early on the attempted cross charged down turned out for a throw. A relatively quiet open to the match as both sides look to test the other out putting the ball into their attacking players without anyone finding any joy finding space behind.

From a throw on the right inside Wisbech’s half, Cambridge central midfielder Liz Pamplin longs to play a pass dissecting the centre backs with Hayley Turner looking to make a run in behind right of goal chasing the ball can’t catch it be the ball runs out of play. Making progress into Cambridge territory winning a series of throws down the left the ball eventually comes to the feet of Wisbech’s Polly Baird who passes the ball down to Sophie Gutteridge moving into the left channel, looks to try and drive inside pick out Kyra Clarke pushing to get into the Cambridge area, Sophie Ingle tracks back for Cambridge and closing Gutteridge down wins the ball back on the edge of the area. Passing forwards into Sarah Mosley who plays a great ball up the right side for Turner to go after she wins Cambridge the 1st corner of the match the ball is sent in low and fast to the back of the area, met on the volley by Monique Christian the shot is sent over the crossbar.

Both sides are playing it long from the back their attackers trying to win the ball in the air, Clarke goes up for the ball inside the Cambridge half under challenge for the ball bashes her head against her opponent and goes down. A lengthy pause as she receives treatment a nasty blow to the head unfortunately her cup final is over as the stretcher is brought on and she is taken off. No chances taken with concussion, an ambulance is called and after being seen to by the crew is taken to hospital for further checks, wish her a full and timely recovery.

Play goes on Jemma Adams coming on to replace Clarke. Mosley takes a free kick won on the right inside the Wisbech half puts it long towards the area with Turner making the run to get onto the end of it inside the box, Wisbech central defender Elizabeth Simpson stays with Turner and keeps her from connecting with the ball as goalkeeper Abbie Venni comes to scoop the ball up into her gloves. Gutteridge is the focal point of the Wisbech attack and is busy working across the Cambridge back line probing for an opening as the midfielders try to play the ball into her feet.

Closing down the ball in the middle, Mosley coming to the right side sends Kelly Docrwa away down the wing, has Ingle up in support coming inside into the box the ball is played into her headers it down, Venni reacts going to her left and pushing the ball behind for a corner kick.Cambridge keep the pressure on from the corner kick as Wisbech struggle to clear it pops back to Emily Reed left outside the area fires the shot back in again Venni saves throwing herself to her right to put the ball behind for another corner kick. A firm header inside the six yard box sees Wisbech clear the ball set up a counter attack with Annie Rooks bringing the ball on forwards into Gutteridge who peels left again, isn’t getting much joy against Cambridge’s Robyn Phillips as she tackles to win the ball.

A free kick inside the Cambridge half 30 yards out for Wisbech sees Albany Hodgson on the ball, a good delivery sent into the area, Cambridge’s Emma Roberts puts her name on the ball and headers it away. Wisbech retrieve the ball and attack down the right whip a cross into the area, Cambridge goalkeeper, Tafadzwa Mhunduru moving to that side of her area brings the ball down into her gloves. Up the other end Venni is called into action again Reed putting Christian through on the left side pulls the trigger from 20 plus yards, the shot coming in low is turned around the post as Venni throws herself to her right.

GOAL! Cambridge take the lead from the resulting corner kick, although not many in the crowd initially release they have down so thinking the ball coming in low with plenty of pace from the corner taker Ingle has run behind the goal, but no it is in running through the players gathering at the near post and rolling over the line to nestle in the back of the net Cambridge lead 1-0.

Wisbech make a change bringing on Jasmine Luckett, combines with Faye Kowalewsky straight away the two working the ball into Gutteridge, tries to take the player on in front of her turn towards goal, too much to do, riding one challenge is stopped by the 2nd.

GOAL! Cambridge’s lead lasts just 5 minutes as Wisbech pull it back all square just past the half hour mark, winning a free kick on halfway in a central position, Hodgson is over the ball looks to play it long into the area, Mhunduru comes towards the ball a it lands just inside the area, totally misreads the bounce as the ball skips up high over her falling behind to the left Wisbech have runners following in, Gutteridge is closest to the ball gets it, controlling inside her six yard box taps the ball home to make it 1-1.

Is a scrappy contest with neither side really able to get their foot on the ball and keep any meaningful possession, Gutteridge is working hard in front of the Cambridge defence, Rooks trying to get up to support, whilst at the other end Cambridge are getting Docrwa, Christian and Turner in behind just not finding the right ball. Amy Hempting is introduced to the action by Wisbech with Elizabeth Simpson coming off. Winning a corner on the left Cambridge try to take it quickly catch Wisbech before they can set themselves, Danika Moss Papke is alert to it and the only play from both sides already set inside the six yard box as the ball comes in headers it clear, Pamplin steals in to pass to Roberts who shoot from outside the box rolls through to Venni.

Kowalewsky turns her marker to bring the ball on over halfway down the left for Gutteridge back to the goal, tries to turn Phillips the defender is a tall player to get around stick out a leg and comes away with the ball. Cambridge break the ball put up the right into Docrwa drives into the Wisbech box, squeezes a cross along the six yard box to the far side of goal with Christian standing unopposed, looks to scoop the ball up and around Venni the goalkeeper parries the ball down falling right Docrwa tries to get to it but under challenge from Wisbech’s captain Emily Stephenson can only slice her shot wide.

Leah Hall joins the action for Wisbech. Luckett and Kowalewsky link up again in the middle played onto Hodgson, tries to bring the ball on is floored by a robust challenge in the middle. The ball is played up to the area again, Cambridge captain Becca Fay winning the header on the edge of the box. Cambridge make a couple of changes late in the 1st half on comes Gemma Clark and Ebony-Jade Rule for Christian and Mosley.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC Reserves 1-1 Wisbech Town Ladies

Fair to say this hasn’t been the most exciting 1st half of a Cup Final, has been scrappy but highly competitive both sides aren’t letting the other sit on the ball, are not picking out the right balls when they win the ball back the goals given away softly. Two sides that know little about each other have spent much of the 1st half trying to suss each other out. Gutteridge has done well on her own in attack losing Clarke to concussion early on was a blow.

Cambridge get the 2nd half underway and start brightly get a free kick in the middle as Hodgson fouls Turner. Towards the right the ball is sent long out to the far post across the Wisbech area, Clark operating wide left is coming in but can’t connect to turn the ball in as it bounces wide out of play. Clark is played in down the left wing pushing on in behind with the ball cuts back on herself and rolls the ball along the face of the area into Ingle, closely marked she tries to wriggle free to get room for a shot ends up on the ground but no one claims for a penalty as Wisbech bring it away.

Pamplin winning the ball inside the Wisbech half sees them continue to hold onto the ball early on Clark is put away down the left again, sends a pacey cross into Rule who meeting it on the volley cuts the ball high into the air and wide of goal. Reed with a good run through the middle plays the ball wide into Ingle her cross is turned behind for a corner kick, the ball is cleared out of the box back to the right sent back in Venni gathers this time. Good tackle from Stephenson on Rule as she gets the ball running into the area from the right.

Wisbech have ridden out a testing 10 minute spell at the start of the 2nd half from Cambridge now getting more of the ball inside their opponents half, Kowalewsky bringing it right has Hodgson available, from the wide position she sends a high ball up towards the Cambridge area a tricky ball, Roberts sees it cleared with Gutteridge lurking. A surging run up the left wing from full back Moss Papke sees Wisbech earn a corner kick. The set piece comes to nothing, Wisbech don’t let Cambridge bring it far winning the ball attempt to put Gutteridge in behind, Mhunduru comes racing out to get her gloves firmly on the ball 1st.

Regaining momentum Wisbech have Baird on the ball wide right like Hodgson minutes before she looks to send a high ball into the box higher up the pitch this one is dropping into the six yard box Mhunduru must see Gutteridge coming in the corner of her eye but isn’t distracted sees the ball safely into her gloves even as the striker leaps across her. Cambridge bring on Sarah Carroll and Kirsten Burt.

Cambridge spring the offside trap turning play around quickly as it is won, at the back, both Rule and Docrwa turn and as the ball goes over the Wisbech defence are through on goal. Rule has the ball reaching the edge of the area hits the shot, put it too close to Venni, who needs to get down sharply with spin on the ball saves the ball deflecting out of play for a corner across the goal. The corner comes in long towards the far stick, Moss Papke brings the ball out for Wisbech.

Good work from Clark on the left for Cambridge as Pamplin plays the pass out to her, driving with it to the byline, takes on and beating her marker gets into the area then looks to lift her cross up towards the near post, no one has gambled and the ball is brought out by Wisbech. Docrwa Hempting is back on for Wisbech. 15 minutes left to play and the game could go either way the action end to end Christian and Ingle work the ball up the right wing Ingle putting the ball into the area Stephenson intercepts and brings it out from the back sends the pass out to the left on for Rooks has Baird ahead of her rolling her in 20 yards out she slips as she goes to shoot the ball rolling tamely along the ground through to Mhunduru.

GOAL! The stalemate is broken as the game moves into the final 10 minutes, Cambridge win a free kick on half way the ball is sent up towards the Wisbech area by Fay the initial delivery is dealt with by Wisbech but as they attempt to play it out the ball strikes Carroll rebounds back into Christian on the edge of the box, connecting with the ball sends it high into the night sky, is falling towards goal, back on her line Venni can’t keep it out as it drops under the cross bar and bounces over the line 2-1.

Catherine Hanley comes on for Cambridge for Burt with 7 minutes left of normal time as they look to hold onto the lead. Get players back crowd Gutteridge off the ball as Luckett tries to send her through. Kowalewsky tries to do the same the ball played in over the top, Mhunduru is closer to it and claims before Gutteridge clatters into her. Cambridge break the ball swept out to the right by Fay into Carroll before the cross is put long out to Clark on the left opening her body for the shot shoots wide across goal from just inside the Wisbech box.

Cambridge are looking to keep the ball when they can in the corner, Wisbech aren’t letting them settle, Moss Papke bringing the ball out onto Luckett, Hodgson ahead of her is given the ball is allowed time and space 20 yards out but gets the shot all wrong sending the ball high and out of play. Cambridge defend well in stoppage time and celebrate as the referee blows the final whistle to see them win 2-1 to retain the Junior Invitation Cup.

Not a classic and the result was never certain could have gone either way, Venni was named player of the match for the vital saves she made for Wisbech Town Ladies who did the Championship North proud giving Premiership leaders Cambridge a run for their money.

Cambridge Women’s Junior Invitation Cup winners Cambridge United WFC Reserves
celebrating their trophy success

The club will be hoping to make it a double cup success with their 1st team contesting the Senior Invitation Cup tomorrow night again defending the trophy, while the Reserves get are in another Cup Final later in the month on the 28th April taking on Cambridge City Ladies in the League Cup, beaten finalists last year will be hoping to go one better this time around.

*NB Cambridge United WFC Reserves will now face Cambridge City Ladies on the 10th May after the Senior Invitation Cup on Thursday was postponed due to bad weather

Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC Reserves on their cup win. Best wishes to Wisbech Town Ladies injured player Kyra Clarke and thanks to Chris Abbott from the Cambridgeshire FA for his help with the squads tonight.

Match Report – Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

Football action featured 1st on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog Sunday 10th April

Match Report – Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

As most of you know when I’m not writing match reports on this blog I also look after the @WF_East twitter account and it’s website www.womensfootballeast.com which tries to cover as much women’s football in the East of England as it can. The top league covered there is the FAWPL Southern Division, but to date I haven’t seen the side that has been leading the way for most of the season, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC. Have one more league game left away to Tottenham Hotspur Ladies and it is a huge game for them one of the biggest they’ve ever played the scenario is simple, win and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC will be Champions.

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC have gotten matches played when others haven’t earlier in the season having gotten themselves into an early lead, were only off the top briefly in November when they lost 2 back to back league games. Those though were the only 2 league defeats to be suffered and recovering from that mini wobble went on to storm ahead in the table get their games in to leave themselves their destiny in their own hands knowing a win today will see them win the league even though their rivals Charlton Athletic Women (2nd) and Cardiff City Ladies (3rd) both have games in hand the maximum points tally both can achieve is 52 and 53 points respectfully, Brighton have 51 points now, 3 more from today’s game and it’s all over.

Can’t and won’t take anything for granted a tough away trip for their final league match of the season, playing Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, who I have seen a few times this season, but not in league action. Sitting in mid-table have won half of their league matches with 20 played to date, lost 9 with just the 1 draw have reached 3 Cup Finals, knocking Brighton out of the FAWPL League Cup at the quarter final stage back in March thanks to a goal in the final minutes. Manager Karen Hills has if all players are fit a large squad to chose from however of late that has not been the case with several unavailable again through injury or international duty.

That defeat of Brighton in the FAWPL League Cup to place at today’s venue, Brimsdown Sports Ground, home of Brimsdown Rovers FC instead of Tottenham’s usual home venue Cheshunt FC. The pitch situated behind a large clubhouse and function room. A large playing surface looked a little cut up, but good grass cover the ground itself could do with a little TLC, a small seated stand on one side opposite the dugouts. A bright sunny day, some cloud cover but no chance of rain. The crowd swelled by a good number of Brighton supporters hoping to see their side make history.

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies starting XI – Toni-Anne Wayne, Lucia Leon, Shannon Moloney, Eartha Pond, Alex Keown, Maya Vio, Riana-Devi Soobadoo, Josie Green, Rosie Kmita, Wendy Martin (C) & Kelley Blanchflower.
subs – Bianca Baptiste, Ronnell Humes, Kate O’Leary & Shakira Waithe.

Brighton & Hove Albion starting XI – Faye Baker, Catherine Cooper, Vicky Ashton-Jones, Deanna Cooper, Jay Blackie (C), Kirsty Barton, Sophie Perry, Charley Boswell, Kate Natkiel, Charlotte Gurr & Amy Taylor.
subs – Ellie Dorey, Lucy Somes, Lisa Fulgence, Nina Wilson & Lily Agg.

Lucia Leon was partnering Alex Keown in defence for Tottenham in the absence of regular captain Jenna Schillaci, Wendy Martin wearing the armband for them this afternoon lined up in their white shirts and socks with navy shorts with Brighton having kick off 1st half lined up in their away kit off what Nike call ‘Volt’ shirts and socks, (lime green) and back shorts. The ball is played out to the left side early on with Sophie Perry pushing down that flank up against Shannon Moloney played at right back for Tottenham today she defends well winning the ball, puts it long into the Brighton half, goes all the way back to goalkeeper Faye Baker, who shows good distribution of the ball from the back picking out Perry with a long kick, runs into traffic the ball going out for a throw.

Brighton’s Catherine Cooper keeping close tabs on Tottenham’s Kelley Blanchflower

Obvious early on this match is going to be played at a fast pace and both sides are going to close the ball down quickly, forcing both sides into rushed passes several are going astray. Charley Boswell attacking down the right for Brighton finds herself in space high up the pitch as the ball pops free from the pinball in the centre out to her, drives with it to the touchline cuts a cross in along the six yard box, racing back Tottenham’s Alex Keown cuts it out turning the ball behind for a corner kick. A high ball swept in from the right comes central, Tottenham goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne rises unopposed to claim the ball.

Brighton’s Vicky Ashton-Jones plays a long ball out from the back left side coming central drops for Gurr 20 plus yards out knows Wayne is off her line behind her goes for the lob sending the ball high, but it bounces harmlessly wide of goal. Brighton have started well Boswell and Perry providing good outlets for the ball right and left. Perry fires in an early cross on the diagonal from the left side racing across the six yard box, Natkiel chasing in far post can’t quite get her toe on the end of the cross to turn the ball home.

Riana-Devi Soobadoo wins the header against Brighton’s Amy Taylor

Tottenham are contesting the ball well enough in the midfield have found it hard to get it into the attacking trio of Martin, Rosie Kmita and Kelley Blanchflower the latter two try to link up create something as Riana-Devi Soobadoo gets hold of the ball and releases Kmita down the left wing, pushing in has Blanchflower inside her looking for the ball to be played ahead of her run into the box, Kmita sends it in, seeing the attack build Baker has already started to come and calling for it collects as her defence blocks off Blanchflower’s run.

A free kick wide left for Brighton, Perry to whips the ball in comes in towards the near post, bounces right before Wayne who has the angle covered gathers 2nd time despite a runner coming, Natkiel I think who ends up colliding with the post, but it’s alright. Brighton captain Jay Blackie plays a great ball from inside her own half up towards Amy Taylor the striker in a central position headers the ball down to the right where Boswell is in space, drives forwards, cuts the cross back in along the six yard area, Keown tracking back cuts the ball out putting it behind for a corner kick. The corner is put in long drifts out of play beyond the far post.

Leon is looking to bring the ball out from the back for Tottenham when she is brought down by Taylor, clear the defender is in trouble as the trainer runs on a lengthy stoppage and sadly the stretcher has to be brought on as she can no longer continue. Shakira Waithe is the substitute, goes to left back with Eartha Pond starting in that position moving into the centre of defence along side Keown. A free kick to Tottenham goes long, Brighton’s Deanna Cooper with a firm header clears the threat. Play continues to be constricted to the middle neither side finding the cutting ball into the area to send an attacker through.

Josie Green looking for a passing option for Tottenham

Martin is being well marked by Brighton as she looks to get hold of the ball up top for Tottenham. Maya Vio, Josie Green and Soobadoo are battling hard in midfield not making it easy for Brighton to pick their way through. Green gets the ball up to Kmita left side again pushing on cuts a cross back in along the face of the area, Blanchflower the target, Ashton-Jones with the interception. Moloney gets a talking to from the referee as she commits a foul in front of the stand, From a deep position on the left it’s Deanna Cooper to take sends a fantastic flighted ball long towards the far post with Boswell totally free to run in and attack it with Wayne drifting across her goal, Boswell looks to nod the header back across her, the goalkeeper flashes up a hand to stop the ball then bring it under control and hold.

GOAL! Into injury time in the 1st half and the stalemate is broken, Brighton hit Tottenham on the break and for once as the ball is swung in from the left the visitors have managed to overload the area have two players spare coming in behind the defence into the area, Wayne has to come off her line try to get to the ball, reaches the closest Brighton attacker 1st, Taylor who gets her foot to the ball 1st prods it past Wayne to roll home just inside the post. An important game for Brighton and it’s clear from the enthused celebration that greets the goal it has released alot of tension 0-1.

Half-time Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

Brighton take the narrowest of leads into the dressing room at half-time in what has been a scrappy 1st half, neither side getting hold of the ball for long. Brighton have had more opportunity to go forwards with the ball, the final pass more often than not failing to come off. Have dealt with the threat Tottenham’s attackers posed to their defence well with Blackie staying back to receive the ball and set up play further up the field.

The teams are out for the 2nd 45, a lead to defend as it stands Brighton are on course to win the title. Tottenham to take the kick off. Pushing up towards the Brighton area lose the ball is played out up towards Gurr who has Perry racing down the left flank plays the pass out to her, the cross is fired in towards Taylor in the centre, she ends up fouling Pond trying to get around the defender.

Tottenham’s Shannon Moloney

Coming out with the ball on the left Kmita sends what looks to be a nothing ball into the Brighton area, Blanchflower is up there but it is going to bounce into the waiting Baker’s gloves, at least it should have, must have woken a mole up or something because it skips up and threatens to embarrass the keeper going over her head she punches it away to her left across the six yard box her defence getting it clear.

Another awkward ball for Baker to deal with as Tottenham’s Blanchflower lofts a high ball into the area from a good distance out, is turned over for a corner kick. Pond to take from the right sends in a vicious ball dissecting the six yard box coming far post, Ashton-Jones does well to head it behind for a corner, with martin a dead cert to score coming in behind her. The 2nd corner from the left side is wasted.

Perry is a constant threat for Brighton on their left Kirsty Barton puts the ball out to her feet on the wing Perry surges on up the line squares the cross in to the six yard box with Taylor at the near post tries to turn and hit her shot the ball is blocked by the defender up against her, rolls away Taylor goes for it trying to turn it back on target, slices the ball wide of goal. 1st change for Brighton with Lily Agg coming on for Gurr, going into the midfield Natkiel is pushed up along side Taylor for now. Another chance for Taylor to double her goal tally as Agg gets hold of the ball in the centre her pass up top is deflected off a defender into the run of Taylor 20 yards out goes to shot gets it wrong sends the ball over the bar.

Sophie Perry full of running on the left for
Brighton was a threat all afternoon

Baker is getting some testing ball put her way in the Brighton goal, this one fired in from distance by Green who gets plenty of zip on the ball, bouncing before it reaches the keeper again skips up again and Baker does well to adjust and tip the ball over the bar for the corner kick. Tottenham see the corner cleared off the line as it is fired in low and fast along the six yard box coming all the way through to Keown racing onto it connect well, blocked on the line before eventually being cleared. Pond has another chance to play the ball into the area for Tottenham as they are awarded a free kick wide on the right sends the ball in high looping towards the far post area a great save from Baker to turn the ball over and out for a corner kick. Tottenham make their 2nd change of the match sending on Bianca Baptiste for Martin.

GOAL! Super sub! I had just written… ‘and immediately Baptiste starts by putting herself about.’ Straight away the Tottenham striker is after the Brighton defenders hustling them on the ball pushing them into taking the ball right 20 yards out she steals the ball and from the right corner outside the area looks to go for goal, is a quality strike coming in fast sweeps over Baker and drops behind into the goal 1-1, Tottenham get themselves back on level terms with 20 minutes left to play.

Blackie with a quality pass out to Perry on the left sets up another Brighton attack the ball squared into the area again Taylor coming towards it has Keown on her shoulder, but despite being put under challenge connects with the ball turning her shot goalwards, flies over the crossbar.

Amy Taylor scoring both Brighton
goals to seal a 2-1 win

GOAL! Less than 15 minutes left and Brighton regain the lead. Again Perry is heavily involved with the build up, with the ball on the left fires it in to Taylor coming near post her turn and hit is blocked the ball rebounding out to Natkiel who pulls the trigger from outside the box into the crowd is deflected back out to the left, won back by Perry her 2nd cross comes to Taylor just inside the area this time she curls her shot around Wayne and into the back of the net to cue another round of exuberant celebrations 1-2.

Before the goal Brighton were thinking about a change and make it anyway, with Lisa Fulgence coming on for Catherine Cooper, joins Taylor up top, Natkiel going back into the centre. 7 minutes left on the clock and Brighton are defending for their lives as Tottenham look to push on the ball. The ball is pinging about, Fulgence is flagged offside as Taylor latches onto the ball and drives into the Tottenham half.

The match moves into stoppage time, Tottenham are applying the pressure, the Brighton fans in front of me don’t know what to do with themselves. Soobadoo gets her foot in wins the ball plays it on to Blanchflower, her pass comes to Green 20 yards out right side of the area hits the shot on the half volley, comes safely through into bakers gloves as she kneels to meet it no awkward bounce this time and that’s it the final whistle blows and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC win the game 2-1 and everyone races onto the pitch for a mass celebration inside the centre circle. 54 points secured and no one can catch them now! Champions!

It might have sounded a simple scenario win and it’s yours but that is never as easy as that. A scrappy contest, a difficult pitch and a competitive Tottenham side who weren’t going to roll over made for a good contest, Baptiste’s superb equaliser making for a nervy end, Taylor’s brace securing the 3 points Brighton needed, they are FAWPL Southern Division Champions. Not only that but will be contesting the FAWPL Play-off match with whoever’s crowned FAWPL Northern Division Champions for a place in the FAWSL on Sunday May 29th. For now thought it’s time to celebrate winning the title and with a few weeks before that match the players can celebrate and let it sink in.

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC celebrating after the final whistle blows

Thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today. My congratulations to the players, management, coaching staff, volunteers and fans of Brighton & Hove Albion WFC on your title win.

Cup Final Report – Brantham Athletic Ladies v Witnesham Wasps Ladies

Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final – Wedsnesday 6th April

Cup Final Report – Brantham Athletic Ladies v Witnesham Wasps Ladies

A Wednesday night trip into Suffolk to Hadleigh United FC to watch this seasons Women’s league Cup Final between Brantham Athletic Ladies & Witnesham Wasps Ladies.

Just the 7 sides are contesting the Suffolk Women’s Division this season, Brantham Athletic Ladies currently lead the way with Witnesham Wasps Ladies in 3rd place.

Route to the Final

The League Cup competition started at the quarter final stage with Copleston Ladies the team receiving the Bye into the semi-finals. Brantham Athletic Ladies were drawn away to new side Leiston St Margarets Ladies, reached the semi-finals courtesy of a 5-1 win. In the semi-final were drawn on home soil to play Bacton United Ladies scored 5 times once again beating them 5-2 to earn a place in the final for the 2nd year running and will be hoping to go one better this time, losing back then to Long Melford Ladies who made it a league and cup double, sure Brantham Athletic Ladies would love to do the same this time around.

Witnesham Wasps Ladies were also away in the quarter final stage against another new side in the Suffolk Women’s Division, Ipswich Phoenix Ladies, reached the semi-finals with ease clocking up 9 goals whilst conceding just the 1. Were drawn away to Copleston Ladies in the semi’s originally at the back end of November it was a tight encounter going all the way finishing 2-2 after extra time, however the match was called off before the penalty shoot out could commence due to it being too dark. The semi-final was rescheduled with an earlier kick off time two weeks later this time Witnesham Wasp Ladies went on to score 4 times beating Copleston Ladies 4-2 to set up a League Cup Final date with Brantham Athletic Ladies.

The venue for tonight’s League Cup Final, Hadleigh United FC. A small non-league ground situated in a picturesque part of Suffolk. A large pitch with a small seated and covered stand on one side of the pitch opposite a large clubhouse and bar offering a covered viewing area outside on the opposite side, with hot refreshments available. A bright and clear night with no sign of the rain seen earlier in the day, rapidly cooling as the light faded and the floodlights started to come on.

Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Keri Burley, Shanice Leeks, Charlotte Partridge, Monique Peters, Merlin Watson, Jo Hazelton, Lucy Elmes, Danielle Harvey, Lucy Dunnett (C) Becky Prime & Kirsten Hutchings

subs – Heather Andrews, Carra Seeley, Katy Skinner, Ana Carolina & Jessica Ryan.

Witnesham Wasps Ladies starting XI – Zoe Adams, Chloe Stopher, Lauren Jacobs, Kristy Bootyman, Caitlin Howe, Sho Allen, Beth Welton, Ali Rampling, Natasha Adams (C), Emily Steward & Emma Long.

subs – Lauren Page, Chloe Anderson, Annabel Tricker, Izzy Leming & Lucy Johnson.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Brantham to get the 1st half of the Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final underway. Kitted out in an all blue kit with Witnesham lined up opposite wearing yellow and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and yellow socks. They press Brantham for the ball right from the start winning it in midfield and trying to release, Beth Welton away on the right wing. Brantham regain possession and playing the ball into the Witnesham half captain Lucy Dunnett fights a bit of space moving to the right looks to play the ball up to her strikers Becky Prime and Kirsten Hutchings the ball dropping to the right side of the Witnesham area, full back Chloe Stopher defends well up against the latter as she looks to get on the ball.

Brantham with the ball down the right attack winning a throw the ball is dropped to the bright orange boots of Dunnett, immediately she looks to play in Hutchings down the line getting onto the ball she drives into the area taking on the shot from an acute angle flashes the effort behind the Witnesham goal.

Witnesham have begun at a fast tempo snapping at Brantham whenever they have the ball, force the error then look to attack get the ball out to either Emma Long moving into space left or Welton on the right. Emily Steward playing through the middle links up with Welton on the right the ball taken deep into the Brantham half brings the 1st corner of the match. An in swinging ball from the right towards the near post the ball is headed clear by Brantham’s Charlotte Partridge.

Danielle Harvey drives forwards with the ball at her feet from Brantham looking to take on the Witnesham defence is pushed out to the left side of the box, going for the early shot, the contact is poor as the ball is sliced wide of the target. Witnesham concede a couple of free kicks in the middle of the park both against Dunnett, with the no 11 to take the set pieces looks to send the ball long towards the area on both occasions and both times the Witnesham defence marshals the ball well.

Danielle Harvey drives forwards with the ball for Brantham Athletic Ladies

The ball pinging around in the centre circle with neither side getting hold of it pops free into the Brantham half with Long the player getting onto the end of it, driving forwards towards the edge of the area right of the D pulls the trigger sends her strike swerving in towards goal, bu straight into the gloves of Brantham goalkeeper, Keri Burley. Free kick to Witnesham wide on the right inside the Brantham half, it’s Tash Williams, Witnesham’s captain to take plays it in towards Welton right side of the area, heads the ball on across the front of the box into the crowd beyond drops amongst bodies far side a shot comes in the ball rolling wide of goal.

Sho Allen with time and space on the ball in the middle for Witnesham is allowed to bring the ball on winds up a shot 25 yards out hitting Brantham defender Monique Peters the ball spins away to the left is latched onto Long free beyond 20 yards out hits her shot wide of goal. A scrappy start, Witnesham’s energy to close Brantham down is seeing them get more possession of the ball. Brantham with Dunnett always a threat whenever she gets on the ball put it into space behind the Witnesham defence with Hutchings giving chase left side, Stopher stays on her gets her toe on the ball to put it out for a corner kick. A good delivery coming in high Witnesham goalkeeper Zoe Adams goes up for it in the centre of her goal, brushing it with a glove, drops behind her, no one for Brantham attacking the far post the ball goes out for a corner kick on the right. This one is played out to the top of the box with Hutchings making a run to get across her marker gets her foot on the ball turns the shot goalwards, close but just the wrong side of the post.

Break for Witnesham on the left Kirsty Bootyman releases Long out on the left wing, gets her head down carries the ball on aiming for the Brantham box releases her shot even as the defender coming in to challenge goes down to try and block the shot the ball evading her but is stopped by Burley who has come racing out off her goal line towards the danger sliding gets hold of the ball to make the save.

Jo Hazelton brings the ball on inside the Witnesham half pushing in from the left side into the centre, Prime comes towards her from attack to offer a passing option is given the ball as Hazelton looks to race on in behind her, Prime back to Dunnett who plays the pass over the Witnesham defence to pick out Hazelton driving into the area moving out to the left of the goal shoots back across goal from the edge of the six yard box, Adams gets down sharply to save, taking the pace off the ball then getting hold of it. A change for Witnesham with Bootyman coming off and Lauren Page coming on.

Dunnett with a shot from 20 yards out central as the ball is fired into her, bringing it under control shifts it a yard then sends it in towards goal a bouncing ball, Adams has time to set herself see it safely into her gloves. Welton is posing a few questions for Brantham on the right, looking to get in behind the defence and cross into the area as they make a 2nd change bringing off Steward sends Izzy Leming on to up top. Partridge carries the ball on from the back for Brantham over half way played on for Dunnett who attempts to play the ball on for Hutchings to chase into the Witnesham area, Adams coming out to meet the threat gets to the ball 1st as the referee brings the 1st half to a close.

Half-time Brantham Athletic Ladies 0-0 Witnesham Wasps Ladies

Has been a good contest 1st half, the sides closely matched, Witnesham have put a lot of effort into pressing Brantham off the ball, trying to release Welton and Long on the flanks, both sides have created chances but for the large part defences have been on top.

Witnesham out early from the dressing room get the 2nd half underway, Brantham have Jessica Ryan out on the pitch with Harvey off. Attacking down the Witnesham left Brantham get a throw on that side Williams fouls Hazelton as she looks to turn right of the area. Dunnett over the set piece puts the ball over the goal frame. Brantham have started the 2nd half strongly pushing Witnesham back keeping possession inside their own half.

GOAL! Brantham take the lead. Possession on the right brings a throw the ball is played on to Dunnett who turns into the box on the right, looks to shoot, changes her mind knocks it on further to create room and hits the ball across the goal putting it into the back of the net 1-0.

Brantham Athletic captain battling for the ball with Witnesham Wasps Sho Allen
scores the opening goal in the Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final

Have been a few rashly timed challenges which the referee has been quick to blow up on. Both sides committing them in and around the centre circle. Williams and Hutchings have come together on a couple of occasions the latest encounter sees Williams needing treatment as they contest a 50/50 ball, comes off with Annabel Tricker being sent on.

Brantham win a free kick wide on the left half way inside the Witnesham half everyone goes into the area with Dunnett to deliver. Is a fantastic ball sent in towards the near post, on target dropping you can see it’s going to be a difficult one for the keeper to deal with. Adams goes for it gets some part of her glove on the ball, the crowd cheer, Dunnett looks to celebrate, I’d started to write 2-0… but no the ball was turned around the post for a corner kick a fantastic save from the keeper.

Welton pushing with the ball down the right wins Witnesham a corner kick, is played in towards her on the edge of the area, plays the dummy the ball rolling under her foot on to Page behind coming onto the ball inside the D, wraps her foot around the shot, too many bodies to get through, before play is pulled of for an offside decision. Another enforced change for Witnesham with Long hurt after a challenge on the right, has to come off with Steward returning to the action to support Leming up in attack as they search for an equalising goal.

Hazelton gets the ball from Elmes in the centre of midfield taking it on Ryan is free on the right for Brantham given the ball turns inside looking to fire the ball into Prime who dinks it over the top of the Witnesham defence, One of those moments where both defence and goalkeeper hesitate, Ryan bursts in behind to get onto the ball rolling out to the right of goal inside the area, pulls her shot wide at the front post. Williams has recovered from her knock to return to the game comes on in place of Page goes up to join the attackers.

A vital lunge to get her boot on the ball from Brantham’s Partridge as Witnesham attack down the right, play spread the ball had it found it’s target would have seen Williams free to attack the goal from the right side as it is they have a corner off Partridge’s interception. Coming in high towards the near post is flicked behind for another corner on the opposite side. This delivery drops down into the middle of the six yard box several attempts to connect with the bouncing ball, the vital touch is from a Brantham boot as the ball is launched clear. Few Witnesham players starting to feel it put alot of effort in cramping up

Emily Steward on the ball for Witnesham Wasps

Winning the ball at the back Witnesham’s Lauren Jacobs plays it long with the break on Williams left in front of the Brantham area has Steward to her right looks to play the ball on for her into the area, Burley comes racing out and is able to claim the ball 1st. A free kick for Brantham in a go position 20/25 yards out right side of the D, always going to be a shot from Dunnett from this position, gets far too much elevation on the ball sending it high into the night sky over the goal. Double change for Brantham as the match moves into the final 5 minutes of normal time. Hazelton and Prime the players coming off with Katy Skinner and Heather Andrews coming on. Shortly afterwards Witnesham’s Stopher suffers from a particularly painful cramping in her right leg and comes off, Chloe Anderson joining the action.

Ana Carolina also comes on late on for Brantham with Carra Seeley coming off. Witnesham have to push a few extra bodies forwards as they try and get a goal. Welton and Steward combine on the right high inside the Brantham half a give and go, the final pass to put Welton in behind won’t come off. A free kick for Witnesham 30 yards out left/central, Ali Rampling over the ball is encouraged to go for goal a good effort dropping late however coming across her goal Burley can see it wide.

GOAL! 3 minutes of normal time left to play and Brantham double their lead to put the result beyond doubt. Witnesham are looking to carry the ball out from the back lose possession with Dunnett getting onto the ball inside the centre circle has Andrews close by no her right lifts the pass on to her she plays it over the top into the path of Hutchings making a move to get forwards left side, shoots from the edge of the area burying the ball past Adams to score 2-0.

Kirsten Hutching with the ball doubles Brantham Athletic Ladies lead late on

In to injury time, Witnesham need the ball but can’t get it as play is broken up by Brantham who keep it inside their opponents half to see out the final minutes and cue the celebrations as the referee blows the final whistle to see Brantham win the Suffolk Women’s League Cup.

Was a good contest, competitive both sides working hard, Witnesham just could match the intensity they put into pressing the ball 1st half as they tired 2nd half. Brantham got the early goal in the 2nd half and looked like they would hold onto the lead the 2nd goal coming late into the game ensuring the win. Played in front of a good sized crowd too who saw an entertaining final.

Brantham Athletic Ladies, Suffolk Women’s League Cup Winners (photo credit Brantham Athletic)

Thank to the Suffolk FA staff for their help tonight with the teams. Congratulations to Brantham Athletic Ladies on their Cup Final success, enjoy the celebrations.

Match Report – Luton Town Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

Latest match report on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, from Sun 3rd April

Match Report – Luton Town Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

Sunday’s women’s football action comes from the Stockwood Park Athletics Stadium a match in the FAWPL South East Division One with Luton Town Ladies hosting Cambridge United WFC.

A clash between 4th and 5th in the FAWPL South East Division One table, both clubs enjoying a good league campaign. Luton Town Ladies got off to a flyer unbeaten in their opening 6 league fixtures and were in amongst the top 3 for a good part of the season have fallen out of the race for the title in recent weeks losing crucial games against the sides battling for promotion. Finished 4th last season on 27 points, have gathered 31 points so far this season and with 4 games left will want to push on. Made probably the best signing in the league at the start of the season bringing in Natasha Fensome from local rivals Bedford Ladies. Was one of the best players in the league during the 2014/15 season, a talent that wouldn’t look out of place in the FAWSL, a goal scoring midfielder/attacker has scored 22 goals in all competitions for Luton Town Ladies so far this season.

Totally the opposite start to the season for Cambridge United WFC, got off to a poor start failing to win any of their opening 8 league matches, the turn around came in October holding league leaders Crystal Palace Ladies to a draw the club then went on a unbeaten 8 match run that included 6 wins to propel them up the league table, smashing their previous seasons 20 point tally along the way, up to 3rd at one point had played more than others around them that has seen them drop to 5th place as games are caught up. On 29 points with 4 games to go will be looking to finish in 4th place too.

Both Luton Town Ladies and Cambridge United WFC have reached the finals of their respective County Cup competitions.

The venue for today’s match the Stockwood Park Athletics Stadium situated on the Stoockwood County Park in Luton a multi-purpose facility a large open green space very busy on what was a bright and sunny start to April, 3rd time lucky at reaching the venue bad weather saw the fixture postponed earlier in the year and last season traffic stopped me on the A1 and had to divert but still managed to watch Sandy Ladies in action instead. Here at last the football pitch as you can imagine is in the centre of a running track, seating over looking one side the clubhouse in the corner, under the flight path of Luton Airport planes coming and going overhead.

Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Hollie Staples, Rachel Carter, Jessica McKay, Rachel Kosky, Michelle Byrne, Shannon Pratt, Nicola Henman, Zara Carroll, Shanice Jiminez (C), Natasha Fensome & Joanne Rutherford.
subs – Erica Byron, Kezia Hassell, Samiara Khan, Tamera Bayne & Abbie Luby.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Tafadzwa Mhunduru, Emma Jenkins, Lucy Du Plooy, Laura Bright (C), Kayleigh Anne Burt, Tahnee Perfect, Hannah Goodchild, Laura Mills, Becky Taylor, Laura Baker & Paige Logie.
subs – Carrie Bennett, Faith Hewitt & Isabella Simmons.

It’s Luton to get the 1st half under way wearing orange shirts and socks with navy shorts. Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and amber socks. 1st team goalkeeper Verity Crook was unavailable which gave Cambridge’s Reserve side goalkeeper, Tafadzwa Mhunduru a chance to start between the sticks.

The ball goes out for a Cambridge throw early on, taken on their right the ball is played into Hannah Goodchild in the centre then sent on to Laura Baker, she looks to play the ball into the Luton area with Laura Mills making the run on the right wing, the pass a little heavy gives Luton goalkeeper, Hollie Staples an early touch of the ball.Cambridge come again as Tahnee Perfect tackles to win the ball back in the centre of midfield sends the ball out to Mills on the right, takes the ball on into the corner looking for room to cross, doesn’t get it as Luton left back Jessica McKay stays on her challenges and puts the ball out for a throw.

Coming down the other end Luton win themselves an free kick out on the right 22 yards out, have their captain Shanice Jiminez over the ball, sweeps it in along the face of the area, Rachel Kosky up from the back can’t quite get control of the ball to turn it back into the box, is knocked on for Natasha Fensome on the far side of the area, takes the ball into the area looking for a way round Cambridge right back Emma Jenkins, can’t find room the ball running out for a goal kick.

Luton get the ball back in midfield play the pass out to Fensome on halfway looks to take on Jenkins, Laura Bright, Cambridge’s captain comes across to help the ball is put out for a corner kick. Played in from the left is a high delivery in swinging towards the far post, Cambridge goalkeeper, Mhunduru goes up for it doesn’t make contact drops down far post the pace takes it out far side before anyone can connect to turn in. McKay wins the ball back from Mills an sets up a rapid counter attack for Luton putting Fensome in down the left, travelling with the ball goes for the early strike long way out sending the ball across goal, Mhunduru dives however the shot is off target going out the far side. A few over zealous tackles are coming in the referee content for now to have a word.

Free kick for Cambridge on halfway, Bright over the ball, Lucy Du Plooy, Cambridge’s left back makes a run up the left side as Bright plays it long to Becky Taylor attacking from that side wins the header, knocks it down for Du Plooy then peels off the Luton defence to get in behind, gets the ball back and flashes a cross along the Luton six yard box, spinning out of play before anyone can arrive to send it in.

Luton are putting pressure on the Cambridge back line whenever they have the ball their forwards, Fensome left, Jiminez right and Joanne Rutherford through the centre closing the ball down and forcing the error to regain possession, but as yet neither goalkeeper has been forced into making a save. Jiminez slices a shot well wide as she latches onto a header from Kayleigh Anne Burt at the back. Throw for Cambridge on half way the ball put into Perfect onto Taylor left plays it central into Baker up to Paige Logie who holds the ball up long enough for Taylor to make a run to get into the area, tries to play her in, Staples has sharp to it and 1st to the ball.

Luton’s Zara Carroll with Cambridge’s Tahnee Perfect

Another rapid counter attack Luton work the ball down the other end of the pitch with speed, Zara Carroll onto Jiminez on the right, plays in the early cross sending the ball long to the far post with Fensome having covered alot of ground to get there turns the ball on target dropping inside the post, Mhunduru dives to her right and turns the ball around for a corner kick. Cambridge deal with the initial corner send the ball up to halfway.

GOAL! No sooner have Cambridge got the ball away from their box from the corner Luton get hold of the ball and sending it back out to the left win themselves another corner. A great delivery swept in across the face of the goal is turned goalwards at the far post headed back in at close range the Cambridge defender covering the post blocks the effort but falling as they do so can’t stop the rebound as it is ends up in the back of the net, Nicola Henman with the headed ball at the far post claims the goal as Luton take the lead 1-0.

Chance for Cambridge to get straight back on level terms, Perfect playing a great crossfield pass out to Mills on the right gives her a chance to get behind McKay who has offered her little opportunity so far in the match, a good cross fired along the six yard line Logie is there well placed in the centre of goal looks to get her head on the ball turn it wide of Staples, sends it wide at the far post too. Players square up to each other on the far side of the pitch as another strong challenge goes unpunished.

Pressing with the ball in the Luton half, Mills lays the ball into Baker on the right side of the area, she is closed down by Rachel Carter, the central defender bringing the ball out and setting up a counter attack passing to Shannon Pratt, she has Fensome ahead of her coming inside, given the ball she is allowed to travel along way with the ball, has the option to shoot, instead looks for Rutherford peeling away on the left side of the area tries to pick her out, has strayed half a yard offside.

GOAL! Another free kick is given away in the middle as Henman fouls Perfect on halfway. Bright delivers the ball long up the right channel looking for Taylor who is peeling round the defence the ball squeezes through players to get to her in behind tries to cross the ball is deflected behind for a corner kick. Mills to take from the left is a fantastic delivery in swinging towards the middle of goal high, Staples goes up for it gets a finger tips to it, not enough as it drops down at the far post where Bright is arriving to bundle the ball over the line get Cambridge back on level terms 1-1.

Michelle Byrne on the ball for Luton Town Ladies

Michelle Byrne hasn’t had too many opportunities to break from right back for Luton in the game, bringing the ball on over halfway delivers a high ball into the box with both Rutherford and Fensome charging forwards to get into the area, going long Fensome goes up with Bright as both look to get there head on the ball hits one or the others shoulder drops down inside the six yard box, Rutherford gets a foot to the ball trying to get around Burt, can’t get a meaningful touch the ball is gathered by Mhunduru.

Half-time Luton Town Ladies 1-1 Cambridge United WFC

Been a lively 1st half, play disrupted by a number of free kick, some robust challenges from Luton in particular but as yet the referee has been happy to keep his cards in his pocket. Luton have pressed the ball well and defending deep, Cambridge have found little opportunity to get in round the back. The full backs on both side having a busy game but for the large part winning the battle.

Cambridge to kick off the 2nd half. Look for Mills wide right straight from kick off the ball runs long out for a goal kick. Luton play the ball out from the back, McKay sends the ball up the left for Fensome ahead of her, squares the ball early across the face of the area, catches Rutherford by surprise, improvises trying to side foot the ball on into the area, runs out of play on the right for a goal kick. Attacking down the right, Jiminez wins Luton a corner kick. The ball is delivered towards the near post area, Henman goes up for it getting her head on the ball lifts the shot over the crossbar. Fensome has taken up a higher attacking position joining Rutherford up top early in the 2nd half.

Luton Town Ladies, Jessica McKay

Byrne on the right comes again for Luton up the pitch comes inside plays the ball on to Henman in the centre of the Cambridge half, looks to play the pass into Rutherford ahead of her back to goal, outside the area the striker is looking to hook the ball on into the area send it to her left, Bright is positioned well behind her to intercept the ball play it out into Goodchild to send long for Taylor on the left. Puts the cross into the area near side for Logie, good turn from the striker to deceive her marker, looks to play in Baker free on the edge of the area, the pass is short gives Carter a chance to get her foot on the ball 1st.

GOAL! Busy in the midfield, Henman gets hold of the ball bringing in on plays the pass out wide right to Jiminez, she looks to play the early cross in towards the face of the Cambridge area Rutherford and Fensome are inside the D, Rutherford plays a good dummy ducking under the ball letting it fall to Fensome beyond, the no 10 takes the ball on into the area, Jenkins is with her does her best to force her wide of goal as she takes the ball out to the right the angle against her Fensome still manages to get the shot away cutting the ball back across goal, going down Mhunduru gets a glove to the ball but isn’t enough to stop it rolling over the line2-1 Luton retake the lead.

Natasha Fensome with the goal
to put Luton 2-1 up

Free kick for Cambridge wide right, Baker to take 20 yards out, sends it into the area with good height and pace, it’s Carter who rises highest to head the ball clear for Luton. Cambridge make a change bringing off Perfect, sending on Isabella Simmons to join the attack.

Mass brawl! It had been bubbling up the tackles hadn’t been stamped on by the referee players have been snapping at each other it boils over in the middle, Baker and Pratt go for each other pushing, then everyone else rushes in, ugly scenes totally unnecessary don’t want to see it. Goodchild joins in is shoved to the ground by Carroll, Bright ends up on the ground too, everyone’s there takes the referee a minute to sort it out, going to be repercussions as he talks to his officials, case of what stood out in the melee. Carroll and Goodchild are called over the latter receiving a yellow card, Carroll is shown a straight red as Luton are reduced to 10. Tensions are high all over the park.

Back to the football. Jiminez goes down in the middle looked innocuous but she appears to be in some discomfort and needs to come off. Luton make the change sending on Erica Byron. Shouts for a penalty from Cambridge as Mills plays a long pass down the centre of the pitch for Logie whose touch places the ball out wide right for Simmons to attack entering the area Carter lunges for the ball, Simmons goes over the ball travels out to Byrne further right, Carter having gotten to it 1st. Byrne clears the ball up the line, Cambridge win it back send it long again Carter needs to keep watch for Simmons closing in Staples as she sets herself to claim the falling ball inside her box. Cambridge bring on Faith Hewitt for Goodchild the move seeing Logie drop into a deeper role.

Jenkins looks to play the ball across the park pick out Taylor on the far side the ball is intercepted by Luton but knocked down into the path of Baker 25 yards out, looks to lob the ball high into the area, ends up lobbing it over. Cambridge build another attack down the right side Jenkins bringing it on passes into Simmons on the centre sends the ball out to Mills on the wing and turns to head in towards the area. Mills holding the ball up on the wing has Jenkins up with her 20 yards out gets the ball back turns and rolls it into Simmons ahead of her, takes on the shot inside the D with the outside of her boot sending it in on target, Staples is well placed to make the save.

Cambridge United WFC right back, Emma Jenkins

Less than 10 minutes left Cambridge are pushing forwards a free kick on the right put into the area by Baker, once again it’s one of the 2 Luton centre backs who get’s their head to the ball Kosky this time the ball put out of play for a corner. Mills plays the ball long towards the far post, Burt sees her shot blocked at close range. Still the risk of a Luton counter with Rutherford staying up top as Cambridge pile players forwards the home side defend well bodies behind the ball no space available behind. Send the ball long Burt can only get a glancing header on the ball carries through to Rutherford edge of the area, Jenkins gets across in front of her to win the ball prevent the shot.

Cambridge can’t find a way back into the match late on as the referee blows the final whistle and Luton win2-1 to take all 3 points to open up a 5 point gap over Cambridge to consolidate 4th spot in the table with 3 league games left to play. A scrappy game, competitive shame tempers boiled over but with passionate and committed players on both sides always likely. Two sides that will feel they have the platform to kick on and aim higher.
Speaking to Luton manager Nikki Baker after the match she certainly feels Luton have had opportunities this season to improve on last seasons 4th placed finish push for the top of the table.

Good to have finally gotten this match in, thanks to both sides for their help with the teams as always.

Match Report – Stevenage Ladies Reserves v Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

Latest match report featured on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, from Sun 27th March.

Match Report – Stevenage Ladies Reserves v Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

A match this Sunday from the last round of group matches in the ERWFL Division One Cup, taking a look at two new sides for the 1st time, too with Stevenage Ladies Reserves hosting Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies.

The competition involves the sides competing in the ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) Division’s One East and West drawn to play each other in two groups with 6 in each following West Billericay Ladies pulling out of the league and Sawbridgeworth Town WFC not taking part. Originally I was led to believe it was the top two from each group A & B going into a semi-final knock-out stage and for weeks have been putting that info out without being corrected, today I have found out there is actually a quarter final stage hence the top 4 from each group progress with 1st playing 4th from the opposite group, as well as 2nd v 3rd.

So I turned up today thinking this was a winner takes all match in Group A with Little Thurrock Dynamos in 2nd spot needing just a draw to progress, Stevenage Ladies Reserves needing the win. As it is both are jockeying for final position in the Group with the top two having home advantage in the quarter-finals.

ERWFL Division One Cup – Group A

Pos	Team	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Writtle Ladies	5	4	1	0	17	3	14	13
2	Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies	4	2	2	0	7	3	4	8
3	Stevenage Ladies Reserves	4	2	0	2	10	7	3	6
4	Ipswich Wanderers Ladies	5	1	1	3	5	14	-9	4
5	Hutton Ladies	4	1	0	3	7	9	-2	3
6	Bury Town Ladies	4	1	0	3	6	16	-10	3

That was of course if there was a match taking place at all. Heavy over night rain and more forecast meant there was a good chance it wouldn’t survive with Storm Katie on the horizon too. Headed for Hertfordshire dark clouds ahead of me. The venue Codicote Social Club a few miles outside Stevenage where both Stevenage Ladies 1st and Reserve sides play. 2 pitches both sides were scheduled for a game today and the squads were doing their best working to get water off the pitches trying to get their games on even as more heavy rain fell. A lot of water on the ground in the goalmouth and before the penalty area where the pitch dips a little half an hour to go before kick off it didn’t look promising. Final decision with the referee who was last to arrive needed the rain to stop falling for a couple of hours or so, it did slow and thanks to the hard work put in by the Reserves side their match was on albeit a few minutes late kicking off.

Credit to the Stevenage Ladies Reserves players for the work put in to get the game on.

Although I’ve seen Stevenage Ladies in action before, who play in the league above the ERWFL Premier Division and are looking a good bet for promotion to the FAWPL, I haven’t seen their Reserves side, the club works closely with the men’s team. The Reserves play in the ERWFL Division One West and with 2 league matches left to play can overhaul leaders Hutton Ladies for top spot. The Codicote Social Club boasts a large newly built clubhouse with bar over looking the pitches with a good sized changing room block beside it with further plans to improve the playing grounds in the near future.

The visitors today are Essex side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies they compete in the ERWFL Division One East, along with 6 other sides have played out their league fixtures finishing 5th in the table. Have shown much better form in the Division One Cup Group stage are 2nd in Group A, unbeaten in their previous 4 games a draw or better today guarantees 2nd and gives them home advantage in the quarter finals. A growing club also runs a reserve side competing in the Essex Women’s County League along with a number of youth sides.

Stevenage Ladies Reserves starting XI – Emily Goodacre, Netice Chalkright, Jade Beckett, Keri Green, Chloe Rouse, Cara Breckenridge, Rebecca Brooker, Megan Evans, Sherrie Evans, Dani Friel & Leah Littlechild.
subs – Steffany Cowell, Kelly Hannington, Isabelle McAree, Kerry Milton & Sarah Payne.

Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies starting XI – Atlanta Fulva, Courtney Fraser, Elysia King, Danielle Styles, Taylor Parrish, Sydney Killick, Patrizia Leo, Libby Clarke, Abbie Simmonds, Georgia Fraser & Katy Judd.
subs – Robin Mudd, Naomi Hayes, Kerri Thomas, Kaylee Warwick & Martine Smith

(roll on roll off substitutes)

We had a game on the rain had stopped the dark clouds moving around the ground actually had blue skies beyond, the 1st team weren’t so lucky their match against AFC Dunstable Ladies getting called off. A quarter of an hour late it’s Stevenage playing in an all blue strip with black sleeves on the shirts get the 1st half underway, with Little Thurrock wearing lime green shirts with black across the front and sleeves, black shorts and socks. Play is congested in the midfield before Stevenage flight the ball long for striker Leah Littlechild breaking into the area has strayed offside. Up the other end, Little Thurrock’s striker Katy Judd, hustles the Stevenage back line looking to take the ball off a toe and steal into the box.

The match kicks-off as the dark clouds in the distance disappear.

Picking up the ball in central midfield, Sydney Killick plays the ball in over the top for her Little Thurrock team mate Georgia Fraser, 20 yards out wants to get into the area but is pushed wide by Stevenage’s Cara Breckenridge, puts in the challenge lunging to take the ball away from Fraser who goes after the ball wrapping her foot around it on the byline sends high cross into the area is pulled down out of the air by Stevenage goalkeeper, Emily Goodacre with Judd coming in behind her. Little Thurrock come again down the left side Courtney Fraser onto Libby Clarke ahead of her reaching the edge of the box unleashes a shot, fires it straight at Goodacre who holds onto the ball.

Little Thurrock get the ball into the area from the flanks on a couple of occasions, Stevenage’s Jade Beckett gets her head on both to clear. Bright sunshine all around, grounds still wet the ball now carrying but players keeping their feet well enough, those that don’t want to go for a slide in the mud that is. Judd springs the offside trap and runs in behind the Stevenage defence from the right the ball getting held up as she goes to shoot from inside the box doesn’t get the contact to take it past Goodacre the goalkeeper sees the bouncing ball into her gloves.

GOAL! Stevenage get the early advantage going ahead a striker Littlechild steals in on the ball taking it off the Little Thurrock defence carries it towards the area, Courtney Fraser tries to get across from left back to put in the challenge slides in takes the ball away from Littlechild but she stays on her feet gets after the ball rounding left and turns her shot across the Little Thurrock keeper Atlanta Fulva and in at the far post 1-0.

Leah Littlechild carrying the ball forwards for Stevenage Ladies Reserves

Stevenage have another goal chalked off for offside moments later a high ball sent across the pitch from the left sees Rebecca Brooker racing into the box from the right looks to knock her header across the goal, falls far post and is turned home, however the flag is up. Testing ball played in from the right for Little Thurrock by Patrizia Leo, little too high for Judd, will carry through to Georgia Fraser beyond, Stevenage’s right back Netice Chalkright attempts to hook it clear smashes the ball into Fraser but the rebound spins away from goal out for a goal kick.

GOAL! Little Thurrock get themselves back on level terms as Judd is followed out wide on the right the set piece halfway inside the Stevenage half, right back Elysia King to take. Sends a high ball floating in towards the near post. too high for a runner to head on Goodacre goes up to put a glove on the ball set it wide mishandles and to her dismay the ball drops behind her into the back of the net 1-1.

Judd goes after a ball put through into the left channel by Little Thurrock captain, Abbie Simmonds, taking it down to the byline her 1st cross is cut out by Chalkright, the ball comes back to Judd steals around the Stevenage right back into the area as she tries to recover, takes on the shot sends the ball high and wide across the goal face. Little Thurrock make a double change switching the wide players Leo and Clarke come off for Martine Smith and Robin Mudd.

Little Thurrock Dynamos captain, Abbie Simmonds

Strong run through the middle by Littlechild taking the ball into the area, Little Thurrock central defender Taylor Parrish recovers well to get back on her slides in to send the ball out for a throw. Stevenage’s Keri Green defends well against Smith trying to bring the ball down the right as she is send down the line by Judd. Georgia Fraser is subbed by Little Thurrock which sees Smith move into the middle with Naomi Hayes going right.

GOAL! Initially it is a fantastic tackle from Little Thurrock’s Danielle Styles to deny Stevenage’s Megan Evans a shot on goal as she is put through into the area, Styles committing to the sliding challenge has to get it right the ball goes out for a corner on the left. The defending for the corner isn’t great the ball whipped in by captain Sherrie Evans is missed by the defender at the near post squeezing through and goes in at the far side to put the home side back into the lead 2-1.

Stevenage Ladies Reserves
captain, Sherrie Evans

Simmonds plays a great ball though the middle dissecting the Stevenage defence with Mudd making a run around the back from the left side to get into the area, Goodacre has read it and off her line quickly is onto the ball before Mudd can connect. Good build up play from Stevenage, Dani Friel putting the ball into Littlechild 20 yards out back to go rolls it left to Evans, who passes back to Friel her pass releasing Breckenridge on the left wing, she looks to put the cross into the box for Littlechild the is challenged the ball turned behind for a corner. Stevenage make a change bringing on Kelly Hannington for Breckenridge who took a knock in their last attack.

Hannington attacks down the right for Stevenage as they finish the 1st half strongly, whips a cross in near post, is cut out by Styles, rolls back to Hannington looks to curl her 2nd cross in towards the far post, too close to Fulva the keeper claims the ball. Late chance for Little Thurrock as Simmonds goes long with the pass, Smith is after it closing in on the left corner of the Stevenage box goes for goal hits it wide across the six yard box.

Half-time Stevenage Ladies Reserves 2-1 Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

Amazingly despite all the rain before kick-off we’ve had a 1st half played in bright sunshine, blue skies the pitch has held up well, little tricky with the white lines faded but can’t be helped, players have been able to keep their footing. Stevenage have the advantage Littlechild a threat through the middle. Little Thurrock have used the width more got the ball into the box however the Stevenage defence has been winning the headers.

Changes at the start of the 2nd half for both sides Kaylee Warwick and Kerri Thomas on for Little Thurrock. Three changes for Stevenage with Kelly Milton, Isabelle McAree and Steffany Cowell on as they look to try and build on their lead. Little Thurrock to kick off the 2nd half. Evans wins the ball in midfield looks to send Littlechild in the centre through on goal, Parrish gets across to challenge her for Little Thurrock sees the ball out for a throw. Stevenage are pushing Little Thurrock back at the start of the 2nd half have players up around the front of their area spreading play right to left comes to Hannington stabs the ball up for Evans just inside the area, central heads the ball down sees it bounce wide of the goal.

Little Thurrock Dynamos Sydney Killick looking to beat
Stevenage’s Megan Evans to the ball

Little Thurrock relieve some pressure launch the ball long for Judd to go after running central, Goodacre had been carefully marking the edge of her area where the water had sat before kick off at the start of the 2nd half comes racing out to close Judd down out of the area gets her boot to the ball 1st as the pair come together. Stevenage break down the right Littlechild with possession drives on, has players up with her for the cross lining up along the area, is rolled though to Hannington in a central position shoots, a low effort Fulva gets down to her right to stop it, is loose but her defence helps to clear as Milton tries to latch onto the ball.

Stevenage’s Megan Evans won’t be shoved of the ball as she drives forwards

Both sides are making full use of the roll on roll off substitutes, Clarke returning to the action for Little Thurrock with Judd rested sees Mudd go up to support Smith in attack. Breckenridge is back on for Stevenage with Brooker the player coming off. Play on the right the cross is from Milton into the area, Littlechild looks to flick it on, Little Thurrock half clear the ball coming to Hannington left side of the area closing in on the near post lifts her shot high over the bar, took a knick corner given. The ball drops into the middle of the area, bit of pinball between the sides before Little Thurrock get it away. Evans won’t be knocked off the ball as she pushes her way through the middle, Hannington is coming in from the left side wants the ball put into the area, Evans turns the ball inside, Fulva is closest to it get’s her gloves on it before Hannington can connect.

Martine Smith on the ball for Little Thurrock Dynamos

GOAL! It looked like only one side was going to score the next goal, however football isn’t like that for all the pressure Stevenage have been applying at the start of the 2nd half Little Thurrock go up the other end and level thing’s back up. Bringing it over half way the ball is fired into Smith midway inside the Stevenage half back to goal pulls off her marker and drives out right looking to get into the area the Stevenage defence can’t get back on her as she clips the shot in sending it arrowing up over Goodacre the ball smashes against the crossbar drops back into play left side inside the six yard box, Mudd is running in on the follow up to turn it back in, Goodacre throws herself at it but the ball squeezes under her to make it 2-2.

Robin Mudd makes it 2-2 for Little Thurrock

Simmonds is back on for the visitors. The goal has lifted Little Thurrock’s game they win the ball in the middle, Simmonds putting it long for Mudd to have a run at the Stevenage are a defender on her shoulder closing in on the left corner, Goodacre comes to close down, sliding in gets hurt as she takes out her own player, the ball is still alive rolling on, Clarke races onto it tries to put the ball into the empty net, Stevenage get back to intercept the ball. Goodacre is okay after receiving treatment. Gathers a shot lacking pace from Mudd as she is played onto the ball by Thomas bursting through the middle.

Smith and Mudd are replaced in attack with Judd and Georgia Fraser back on for Little Thurrock. Friel comes back on for Stevenage as the game moves into the final 10 minutes. Good defending inside the box from Leo for Little Thurrock on Stevenage’s Hannington inside the box as she looks to control a high ball sent in from the right. Isn’t long before Leo finds herself up the other end of the pitch Simmonds playing her in down the wing she looks to hit the ball the cross/shot straight at Goodacre at her near post.

GOAL! 3 minutes left on the clock and Little Thurrock take the lead for the 1st time in the game, Parrish out from the back puts the ball up into the Stevenage half is helped out to the right side in front of the area with Georgia Fraser getting hold of it takes on the shot, sending the ball up and over Goodacre and into the back of the net 2-3.

Georgia Fraser scorer of Little Thurrock
Dynamos Ladies 3rd goal

Into injury time Stevenage get the ball down into the Little Thurrock penalty box shouts for a penalty are waved away as they see a player go down in the box from a Styles challenge the ball out for a corner kick on the left.

GOAL! The corner ball is fired in shoulder height near post their are plenty of bodies around trying to get something on the ball, is in Fulva’s gloves memorially but doesn’t stick and drops over the line, now idea who got the final touch possibly an own goal 3-3.

Late drama Little Thurrock defend frantically as Stevenage come on, Breckenridge steals in on the ball with the visitors having a throw, takes the ball into the area left of goal sees her shot blocked deflected wide for another corner is cleared scrambled up to halfway as the referee blows the final whistle and the match ends in a 3-3 draw. Both sides into the quarter finals, Little Thurrock end the group stage unbeaten will hope to carry that form on into the knock-out stages were under a spell of pressure 2nd half but came back into the game well taking the lead before eventually conceding. Stevenage did well especially 2nd half dominant didn’t convert their chances the draw sees them stay 3rd in the group.

And if the quarter finals are as I’ve been told they should look something like this:

Writtle Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies v Colney Heath Ladies

Hoddesdon Owls v Stevenage Ladies Reserves

Offley & Stopsley Ladies v Hutton Ladies

A good contest today enjoyed it my thanks to both clubs for all of their help with the team details today. Thanks to for the Stevenage Ladies team and staff for their tremendous efforts in making sure we had a game on in the 1st place. Best of luck to both sides in the knock out stages.

Match Report – Bury Town Ladies v Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies

A trip to Walsham Le Willows FC to watch a semi-final match in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup contested between Bury Town Ladies and Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies. The incentive not only to reach the final but also the opportunity to play at Portman Road home of Ipswich Town FC.

Bury Town playing their football in the ERWFL Division One East, have made it into their 2nd successive Suffolk Women’s County Cup semi-final and will be hoping to go one better and reach the final this time around. Receiving a bye in the 1st round of the competition. In the 2nd round were drawn away to Suffolk Women’s Division side Witnesham Wasps Ladies won the game with a double figures score 11-0 to make it to the quarter finals where they were drawn at home to the leaders of the Suffolk Women’s Division, East Bergholt United. Another clean sheet winning the match 4-0 to book a spot in the semi-finals.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies formed 2 season’s ago, compete in the Norfolk Women’s Football League, in Division Two where they are undefeated and on course for promotion. Just over the boarder in Suffolk they qualify for the County Cup competition. A bye in the 1st round like Bury Town were drawn at home to Suffolk Women’s Division side Leiston St Margarets Ladies, won big racking up a 14-0 win. Were awarded a home win over Brantham Athletic Ladies in the quarter finals to advance to the semi-finals.

Today’s match is being played at a neutral ground, Walsham Le Willows FC. A multi-purpose sports ground that has seen some and has on going renovation work a new seated stand along one side of the pitch between the dugouts. A good sized clubhouse in one corner. Pitch looked a little worn in places but is that stage of the season has seen alot of football. A bright dry day few clouds around, got all the way here and realised I’d left my coat at home, good job it was the start of spring.

Bury Town Ladies starting XI – Charlotte Osborne, Jennifer Grey, Mia Banbury, Laura Bloomfield, Lisa Pratt (C), Norma Locker, Kate Silva, Gabrielle Whitehurst, Shelly Cocksedge, Laura Brame & Gemma Carter
subs – Steph Hanratty & Shelby Beveridge.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies starting XI – Shauna Brunton-O’Neill, Peta Belson, Maria Palmer, Nikki Wigg (C), Sue-Lyn King, Samantha Brown, Gemma Farman, Jodie Fewkes, Jody Wells, Sophie Martin & Selina Rowland.
subs – Sarah Meades, Lisa Sissen & Jordan Harris.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Both teams usually play in blue, virtually identical kits, unfortunately this hadn’t been communicated to either team before the game. A solution was found Kirkley & Pakefield would done the Walsham Le Willow FC men’s shirts, red in colour with yellow trim with yellow sock tape placed around their blue socks and it’s Kirkley & Pakefield to kick off the 1st half.

Is a quiet opening to the match the play congested in the middle 3rd over on the far side of the pitch to the stand. Both sides trying to release players down the channels, Bury play it long with Laura Brame making the run on the left, looks to thread a diagonal ball across the area for Gemma Carter on the opposite side, reaching the ball tries to cut it back across the six yard box before it runs out of play slices it behind for a goal kick.

Kirkley & Pakefield’s Peta Wilson modelling their improvised oversized kit

Bury are enjoying more of the ball early on as Kirkley & Pakefield get used to playing in red, Selina Rowland plying through the centre is the focal point of their attack Gemma Farman looks to send her through on goal centrally, Bury central defender Laura Bloomfield is on her shoulder goes to ground to make the tackle and wins the ball back.

A spot of head tennis inside the Kirkley & Pakefield half sees the ball put over the top of the defence with Brame racing clear after the ball, goalkeeper Shauna Brunton-O’Neill is out to the edge of her area gets there 1st to kick clear. Brame has the ball out left in the next attack getting to the byline her attempted cross is deflected behind for a corner kick. Swung in towards the far post the target Norma Locker rising to meet the ball clatters into Kirkley & Pakefield captain Nikki Wigg as she meets it the referee stopping play Wigg needing treatment, but is able to return to the pitch.

Kirkley & Pakefield are starting to get themselves into the contest, counter attack with Jodie Fewkes bringing the ball out from the back up the left has Rowland coming across offering support the throw is won taking quickly releasing Rowland up the right wing drives on with the ball crosses it in towards the near post, Bloomfield racing back intercepts puts it behind for a corner kick.

Much of the play is taking place on the far side of the pitch the right for Bury as they bring it forwards winning a throw the ball is played in field before being launched in towards the far side of the area, Kate Silva is wide left for Bury runs onto the ball into the area going away from goal does well to cut a shot back in towards the post rising, Brunton O’Neill has got across to cover the angle and is well placed to make the save holds onto the ball.

Kirkley& Pakefield break the ball put into Rowland inside the Bury half turns inside the circle and takes on the bury defence, shifts the ball between her feet left, right travels to the edge of the area then pulls the trigger the ball arrows in towards goal rising Charlotte Osborne keeping goal for Bury is beaten the ball smashes against the crossbar and bouncing down doesn’t cross the line, Sophie Martin racing up the left for Kirkley & Pakefield tries to get to the on the follow up, Jennifer Grey is back with her wins the tackle for Bury.

The bar is rattled again moments later, Kirkley & Pakefield breaking up another Bury attack bring the ball out into Rowland, tries to help the ball on with Jody Wells making the run in midfield to get beyond her Bury get bodies in the way of the ball however it is deflected out to the left side with Martin in the clear, Osborne had started to come the the edge of her area sensing the threat through the middle is back peddling as Martin takes on the shot 25 yards out, flies over the keeper strikes the crossbar and bounces back into Osborne’s gloves as the keeper gathers.

After Bury’s early dominance on the ball, Kirkley & Pakefield have grown into the game and it has become a much more even contest. Playing the ball out from the back left side Bury captain Lisa Pratt sends Silva away down the left wing taking the ball into the corner shifts it to get half a yard on her marker before delivering a cross into the six yard box, Carter making a great run far post, Brunton-O’Neill gets down in front of her to claim the ball.

Everyone is inside the Bury half bar Brunton-O’Neill as Kirkley & Pakefield win a series of throws on the right, the ball is put into the centre, cleared back to Wigg just over the halfway line her pass forwards clears everyone puts Rowland through springing the offside trap to run in towards the area get after it, Osborne races out towards the edge of her area sliding in saves at the strikers feet.

Bury taking the ball up the right win a corner. The ball is flighted in towards the near post side of goal for Locker to meet 10 yards out, rising heads the ball down into the ground, on target bouncing up Brunton-O’Neill saves, flicks her left hand out to turn the ball wide for another corner, this one towards the far side is defended.

Brunton-O’Neill has to make another save off her own player this time around with Carter carrying the ball on down the right side again for Bury, lifts a high ball into the box near post, Wigg is under it heads the ball up into the air going behind her is in danger of dropping down centrally just under the bar, Brunton-O’Neill keeps her eye on it touches it over the bar.

Bury’s turn to hit the crossbar, build up on the right again Carter with Gabrielle Whitehurst moving the ball down the channel the pass is cut back into the middle of the park with Mia Banbury racing to get onto the end of the ball 25 yards out connects well the ball flies towards goal, nothing Brunton-O’Neill can do except watch it sail past, smashes against the bar down into the area, Fewkes getting to it 1st before it can be turned home out for a corner.

GOAL! 5 minutes before half-time and the dead lock is broken. Bury win another corner kick on the right. The ball is send in head head height in towards the front of the area the target is Locker coming towards the ball meets it with a bullet header that flies into the back of the net 1-0.

Norma Locker scores the opener for Bury

Late attack for Kirkley & Pakefield with Fewkes charging up the pitch wins the ball in the middle and lays it out to the right into space with Rowland calling for it, 25 yards out looks to drive towards the area its the shot early, Bloomfield getting across the line of the ball turns it behind for a corner. The ball is fired into the area a chest height angling across the six yard box, Osborne isn’t distracted by Fewkes closing in on her as she sees the ball comfortably into her midriff.

Half-time Bury Town Ladies 1-0 Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies

A good contest in the 1st half 2 sides working hard play has been congested to the right ending up out of play inside the roped off cricket square for the groundsman’s liking. Both sides have hit the woodwork with stinging strikes, Bury have targeted Locker with almost every corner eventually one paid of as she got the goal to give them the slender advantage going into the 2nd half.

Bury to kick off the 2nd half make a change at half-time with Locker the player coming off, Shelly Beveridge coming on takes up a central attacking role. Kirkley & Pakefield defender Sue-Lyn King winning the ball brings it out from the back laying her pass into Wells on half way she is tripped as she looks to release Rowland through the centre the referee brings it back for the free kick with no advantage on offer. Wells plays the free kick long into the box, Martin gets onto the ball but has strayed offside.

Martin turns provider of Rowland in Kirkley & Pakefield’s next attack threading the ball through the Bury defence to put Rowland clear to attack the area coming in from the left side trying to hit across the ball on the run slices it into the side netting. Bury make a 2nd change with Shelly Cocksedge coming off, Steph Hanratty coming on.

Wigg has been clattered inside the box again needing treatment Kirkley & Pakefield make a change Peta Wilson coming off with Jordan Harris coming on joining the defence. Brame attacks down the left side for Bury getting in behind her marker taking on the eraly shot from the corner of the area pulls it wide of the near post. Brame on the ball again carries the ball into the area this time getting closed down puts her foot on the ball and turning looks to hit the ball in across goal for Beveridge to head home, plays it too close to Brunton-O’Neill who claims the ball.

Farman puts a fantastic ball through the middle dissecting the Bury defence with Rowland racing through in behind into the area Osborne comes towards her one on one Rowland looks to lift the ball around the keeper with the outside of her boot, drops to the floor with her head in her hands as the ball rolls agonisingly wide of the post.

Kirkley & Pakefield introduce Lisa Sissen to the action with Martin having a rest. Bury have Kirkley & Pakefield stretched a quick build up through the middle see’s Whitehurst put the ball up into Beveridge 20 yards out back to goal holding it up Brame makes a run for her on the left side rolls the ball into her path Brame sends the cross/shot along the six yard box, no one following in far post the ball rolls wide out of play. Cocksedge returns to the field for Bury with Bloomfield off.

Wells is playing closer to Rowland up top now the two linking well causing Bury some problems, Wells looks to pass the ball into the box for Rowland peeling around the back of the Bury defence edge of the area, the initial pass is cut out but still squirms in behind, Rowland is after it the angle against her goes to shoot put the ball across the face of goal runs out the far side.

GOAL! Just under 20 minutes left and Kirkley & Pakefield get themselves back on level terms. The ball is played out from a Bury goal kick doesn’t get much clearance is won back 25 yards out and prodded forwards Wells is onto it racing clear to attack the area hits it early low and hard into the bottom corner of the net 1-1.

Jody Wells races through to equalise for Kirkley & Pakefield

Bury have to deal with a spell of Kirkley & Pakefield pressure heads up after scoring the goal win a series of corners that are defended, Bury finally get the ball back into their opponents half winning a throw on the right the ball is played across the middle lofted up into Cocksegde central she slices her shot 20 yards out the ball spins wide to Silva she hits it in towards goal King gets across to clear.

Bury are conceding a few free kicks in the middle and this is giving Wells the opportunity to launch it in towards the area, the target this time is Rowland looking to peel in behind as the ball drops, Brame gets in across her run to intercept the ball, clear the area for Bury. Late on Rowland and Wells have switched with the no 8 moving into the more advanced role. Rowland puts the ball through with Bury pushed up on half way far too much for Wells to do to reach the ball before Osborne can come out get to it 1st.

Into the last 5 minutes of normal time, Bloomfield is back on for taking the place of Pratt as they switch to 3 at the back. Brilliant save from Osborne late on to keep Bury in the game as the ball is won in the middle Farman putting Rowland away through the centre, Banbury is win her but can’t foul as they enter the box, Osborne having initially started to come back onto her line as Rowland shoots throws out a glove to her right to turn the shot around the post for a corner kick. The corner is swept in long towards the far post Wigg up from the back rises but turns the ball behind with her header.

That’s it the referee brings an end to the 90 minutes and the semi-final heads into extra-time.

Extra Time

It’s Bury who get the extra half hours play underway. Bury have the early ball but can’t find the final ball into the area. Kirkley & Pakefield bring it out from the back a rapid counter move Fewkes putting the ball into Rowland’s feet has Wells already on the move behind her looks to put the ball into her run, Bury’s Hanratty lunges and cuts out the pass.

Kirkley & Pakefield bring Wilson back on with Harris coming off. Bury have increased their tempo, the game has an urgency to it both sides are looking to score in extra-time. Sissen is put away down the left for Kirkley & Pakefield her cross too close to Osborne the keeper gathers. Sissen comes off with Martin going back on.

Cool as you like from Brunton-O’Neill on her goal line as Bury’s, Carter whips in a cross from the right a high ball with Beveridge and Silva running in either post in between the goalkeeper palms it down with one glove and gathers the bouncing ball. The 1st period of extra time comes to an end.

Kirkley & Pakefield get the 2nd period underway. Pratt is back on for Bury who attack down the right Carter twisting and turning works the ball free for the cross squares it in for Beveridge, but Brunton-O’Neill gets in front of her to pluck the ball down.

Few players starting to cramp up. Wigg has been clattered all match, is a little more serious can’t continue, Sarah Meades comes on. Kirkley & Pakefield have a free kick on half way the ball is played early with Martin away on the left side coming inside looking to get onto the end of it as it drops in the area, Osborne gets to it 1st Martin collides with her accidentally the keeper down keeps hold of the ball. Martin again for Kirkley & Pakefield rolls her marker on the left and drives with the ball down the line crosses into Rowland inside the box left sweeps her cross along the sx yard box Wells is there to head it in far post but is flagged offside even as Osborne saves it.

GOAL! Another free kick is given away by Bury wide on the right half way inside their half, Wells over the ball sends it in towards the near post bouncing across the six yard box Kirkley & Pakefield have runners coming in and one of those is Sophie Martin who connects to turn the ball home and give Kirkley & Pakefield the lead with barely 4 minutes of time left on the clock 1-2.

Sophie Martin wins the game for Kirkley & Pakefield

Defend like crazy for the closing minutes Bury can’t get hold of the ball haven’t much time left hold out and celebrate as they win the game 2-1 in extra-time to go through to the Final of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup and the fantastic opportunity to step out and play at Portman Road.

A good contest for 2 hours both side battled hard, work rate was superb a late extra-time winner the difference.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies will face current holders Ipswich Town ladies after they beat AFC Sudbury Ladies 1-0 in extra-time themselves to go through to the Portman Road Final scheduled for Monday 23rd May with a 7pm KO. I will be there.

Congratulations to Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies and best of luck in the final. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today.

Match Report – Stevenage Ladies v Watford Ladies Development U19’s

First Final of the 2015/16 season this weekend in the East, from the County Ground, Letchworth. The Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final. Stevenage Ladies are the current holders of the County Cup, are on course for the title in the ERWFL Premier Division with 4 games in hand on the leaders the gap 3 points, are looking to make it a league and cup double. So too are their opponents today, Watford Ladies Development U19’s top and undefeated in the GLWFL Premier Division not much separating the sides in terms of league placement sets up an intriguing final. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog was there to watch see who would lift the Cup for all of the match action click on the link below.

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final 2015/16

Match Report – West Ham United Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

A Tuesday night trip down to the big city for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog a game from the FAWPL Southern Division, West Ham United Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies. Not just any old league game however but a special occasion for both teams, most so West Ham United Ladies as the match was to be held at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park. A famous and historic football venue just a handful of games left before West Ham United FC move to the Olympic Stadium. An opportunity for the West Ham United Ladies to don their claret shirts on the hallowed turf, in front of a record crowd too. A great night for all involved click on the link below to take you to the whole match report on the SWF Blog

West Ham United Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

Match Report – Colchester Town Ladies v AFC Sudbury Ladies

Sunday’s match report on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Cup semi-finals, a clash between two Premier Division sides with Colchester Town Ladies hosting AFC Sudbury Ladies. An exciting game that either side could have won, fast paced with plenty of action was won by the odd goal in 7, great for the neutral spectator. For the whole match report click on the link below to take you to the SWF Blog.

Colchester Town Ladies v AFC Sudbury Ladies

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