A mixture of postponements and suffering their 1st defeat of the season away to in form Bungay Town Ladies in February had seen Thorpe United Ladies slip to 2nd in the Norfolk Women’s Division One table. A midweek 6-0 win for Bungay Town Ladies against bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies had seen them slip a further place to 3rd going into Sunday’s game. Their match away to Fakenham Town Ladies reversed with Thorpe United hosting on a 3G to beat the beat the weather. Sophie Jermy and Lauren Kent both scoring a brace for Thorpe United in the game with captain Rebekah Lake also scoring in the match along with Charlotte Groves and Laura Hedtke to see Thorpe United return back to the top of the league with a 7-0 win.
7-0 was also the winning scoreline for 4th placed side North Walsham Angels Ladies as the newly promoted side aim to secure a top half 1st in their 1st season in the top flight in Norfolk. Were at home on Sunday taking on Aylsham FC Ladies in 6th. Hope Middleton got herself a hat-trick in the game with sister Luci netting a brace. Robyn Johnston also getting her name on the scoresheet with an own goal making up the score to see the 3 points collected.
Norfolk Division Two
7 was a popular number in Norfolk at the weekend with Stalham Town Ladies hitting 7 goals into the back of the net at home to Bohemians Ladies in the only match played in Division Two on Sunday. Leading 2-0 at half-time Stalham Town went on to win 7-1 in the 2nd half, a brace each for Charlotte Crane and Millie Cursons with Stephanie Brightly, Emily Kent and Marie Meale all grabbing themselves a goal.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
Well a few weeks back I mentioned it was all getting very interesting in Norfolk Women’s Division Three as Toftwood United Ladies won at home against the then league leaders Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves to close up gap between the top 4 to 2 points since then Toftwood United Ladies have continued their excellent form climbing into 2nd in the table and now lead the way! Were at home on Sunday taking on East Coast Ladies who were in possession of top spot going into the match the sides playing out a 7 (yes there it is again) thriller.
East Coast Ladies the visiting side took the lead on 15 minutes Rosie Cook with the goal. Toftwood equalising midway through the 1st half went into the dressing room at half-time 2-1 down after conceding an own goal 4 minutes before time. Toftwood United came out the 2nd half the stronger scoring twice in the opening 10 minutes to turn it around to lead 3-2 extending the lead with 20 minutes left, Katie Hart scoring a hat-trick with Thea Wilson also on target. East Coast pulled a goal back with 5 minutes left with Cook scoring her 2nd of the game to set up a nervous finish but Toftwood now unbeaten in 5 league games win 4-3 to go 2 points clear at the top of the table. One league game left to play with their rivals all having games in hand may well get caught but it’s a good place to be right now. You can read East Coast Ladies match report from the game by clicking on the link below.
Dereham based side Tavern Ladies also move up a place in the Division Three table from 4th to 3rd winning away to Freethorpe Ladies at the weekend a dominant 1st half display seeing them lead 3-0 at the break adding 2 more goals in the 2nd half, Roxy Coomber, Sophie Fuller and Jordan Head amongst the goals. Didn’t have it all their own way however as Freethorpe rallied to pull it back to 3-5 before the final whistle was blown.
New leaders in the Norfolk Women’s Division as King’s Lynn Town Ladies overhaul Thorpe United Ladies who have held on to top spot all season to date. Thorpe United weren’t playing at the weekend 2 points behind a win for King’s Lynn Town would see them go top were away playing Brandon Town Ladies, captain Shelley Woods continues her fine goal scoring form this season adding another 4 goals to her tally with Josie Turner also scoring a brace in the game, Becky Russell also getting on the scoresheet with a goal as King’s Lynn Town won 7-0 boosting their goal difference and going a point clear at the top of the table.
Also continuing their excellent for in 2017 are Bungay Town Ladies as they move above North Walsham Angels Ladies into 3rd place in the table with a big win at home to Fakenham Town Ladies who had just the 10 players available an injury reducing them to 9 during the match were up against an in form side winning all of their games so far this year. Bungay Town led 3-0 at half-time going on to double that tally in the 2nd half, both Lacey Andrews and Lauren Purling netting a brace each with Teodora Ilie and Hannah Jones also getting a goal each in the win.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
One game in Norfolk Women’s Division Two on Sunday with Briston Wanderers Ladies hosting 2nd placed Long Stratton Ladies. The side bottom of the league scored through Corrine Bishop, Megan Skinner and Sophie Tipper to lead Long Stratton 3-1 at half-time. The visitors came back into the match 2nd half scoring twice to level thing’s up at 3-3 the sides taking a share of the points, enough to lift Briston Wanderers of the foot of the table level on points with Bohemians Ladies. Charlie Head and 2 goals for Sophie Rose for Long Stratton Ladies.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
Mentioned last week how tight thing’s were getting at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division Three and it was all change at the top again this weekend with East Coast Ladies moving above Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves to lead the way after winning at home against 3rd placed Tavern Ladies ending their unbeaten league record in the process. Tavern had beaten East Coast in their previous 2 meetings this season. Jordan Duke put East Coast into the lead with a quarter of an hour played. Tavern came back late on in the 1st half with 2 goals in the final 5 minutes to lead 2-1 at the break. East Coast got themselves back on level terms 15 minutes into the 2nd half Vicky Ottey scoring the goal and with 10 minutes left on the clock Lucy Robbens grabbed the winning goal to see East Coast win 3-2 and climb to the top of the table.
Toftwood United Ladies beat the previous league leaders Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves last Sunday to move to within a point of the leading trio this Sunday Toftwood United won big away from home against bottom side Cromer Town Ladies to climb up from 4th into 2nd place in the Division Three table. A little confusion with the final scoreline however as Toftwood initially listed it a 9-0 but elsewhere it is recorded as 7-0. Have the goalscorers listed as Katie Hart who netted 4 goals in the game, with Thea Wilson getting a hat-trick to aswell as a goal for Olivia North which makes it 8, either way the 3 points were won.
The title race in Norfolk Women’s Division One is heating up as one side in a hot streak of form in 2017 brought to an end the league leaders 100% winning record on Sunday. Bungay Town Ladies are unbeaten themselves in 2017 winning all of their games so far to see them move up to 3rd spot in the table after winning 3-0 away to Brandon Town Ladies last Sunday. The weather too was alot warmer this Sunday as they hosted leaders Thorpe United Ladies who had won all of their previous 9 league matches, played just the one league and cup match in 2017 so far frustrated by a lack of games. Bungay Town held a 2-1 lead at half-time captain, Rebekah Lake scoring for Thorpe United. Bungay Town going on to add two further goals 2nd half with Laura Holden scoring a brace along with goals for Lauren Purling and Nicki Hazell to take the 3 points with a 4-1 to see Thorpe United lose for the 1st time this season.
Despite the win Bungay Town Ladies drop a place in the table to 4th as North Walsham Angels Ladies got the 3 points away to bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies with enough goals scored to edge past Bungay Town on goal difference. Two goals each for Luci and Hope Middleton for North Walsham, Rosie Filby also finding the back of the net as well as goalkeeper Cyan Rose scoring from a well taken penalty to win the game 6-0. Both North Walsham and Bungay Town are on 21 points, 6 back from leaders Thorpe United both having played one game more.
The side capitalising most from Bungay Town Ladies victory over the Division One leaders is 2nd placed Kings Lynn Town Ladies, in a strong vein of form themselves their only defeat back on the opening day of the season against Thorpe United are now just 2 points behind with both having played 10 games after winning at home to Aylsham FC Ladies on Sunday. Natalie Bunton opening the scoring for Kings Lynn. Josie Turner made it 2-0 with captain Shelley Woods on target to give the home side a 3-0 lead. Emma Gillespie pulled a goal back for Aylsham FC Ladies before half-time. Woods added a 2nd goal to her tally in the 2nd half with Lithuanian International Oksana Imanalijeva scoring from the penalty spot after she was brought down inside the box to seal a 5-1 win.
A full list of fixtures in Division One this weekend with all 8 sides in action in the last game to bring you Brandon Town Ladies recovered from last weekends defeat with a 3-0 win away to Fakenham Town Ladies. Tiffany Forshaw, Shannon Odebrecht and Chloe Slater scoring the goals at Clipbush Park.
Norfolk Ladies League Cup
Was an all Norfolk Women’s Division Two clash in the last outstanding quarter final of this season, Ladies League Cup competition. League leaders Gorleston FC Ladies hosting Stalham Town Ladies who had knocked them out of the County Cup earlier in the season. Gorleston booked their spot in the semi-finals of the competition this time around winning 2-0 courtesy of goals from Kayleigh Byrne and Beth Turner. Gorleston will now be away to Thorpe United Ladies in the semi-finals with Brandon Town Ladies hosting Bungay Town Ladies in the other semi both scheduled to be played Sunday 12th March.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
All very tight at the top in Norfolk Women’s Division Three with the top 4 sides separated by just a point now after 4th placed Toftwood United Ladies got the 3 points at home against the league leaders, Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday. Goals from Jolene Ayrton and Thea Wilson seeing Toftwood edge the win 2-1 with Sally Hammerton scoring the goal for Wymondham Town who remain on 19 points the same as 2nd placed East Coast Ladies, Toftwood United joining Dereham rivals Tavern Ladies in 3rd on 18 points have played more games than those above them, but with all 3 capable of taking points off each other it’s going to be an interesting end to the season.
Pretty much right across the East this weekend the county league program was hit hard by postponements with just a handful of games surviving after a wet and cold spell that saw a dusting of snow in most area’s come Sunday morning. In Norfolk this we no exception with just 4 games being played. In Division One the only fixture to survive was across the border in Suffolk with Brandon Town Ladies pitch bearing up extremely well considering the weather. Brandon were hosting Bungay Town Ladies who started the day 4th on the table on an excellent run of form on 2017 winning all of their games played to date a win today would see them up to 3rd in the table.
Bungay got off to a great start taking the lead inside the opening 6 minutes Laura Holden put through on goal the goalkeepers attempted clearance falling to her, her initial shot from the edge is stopped however Holden reacts quickly getting to ball 1st to send it into the back of the net at the 2nd attempt to make it 1-0. A fast paced game both sides looking to use the width of the pitch Bungay have further chances to add to their lead, Brandon goalkeeper, Shannon Odebrecht with a superb diving save to deny Ella Hindley. 1-0 the lead at the break the play resumed at the same frantic pace of the 1st half as Bungay went on to extend their lead scoring twice more in the 2nd half Holden turning provider for both goals playing the ball on for striker Stef Cool (pictured) to score a brace and see Bungay move into 3rd spot with a 3-0 win. The game was the featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday and you can read the report on this website or by clicking on the link below.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two runaway leaders, Gorleston FC Ladies have had to wait a long time to continue their 100% winning record to the season having not been in league action since mid-December last year this was their 1st match of 2017 were on the road playing Briston Wanderers Ladies who they beat 5-3 in the same fixture back in September, the sides in the Division facing each other 3 times this season. A brace for Samantha Hunn along with a goal each for Molly Sims and Sophie Gillett saw Gorleston win the match 4-1 to extended their 100% record to 9 matches.
The game between Stalham Town Ladies and 2nd placed Long Stratton Ladies was switched to The Flegg FDC all weather pitch with the inclement weather around. A single goal enough to win all 3 points for Stalham Town Ladies.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
One game in Norfolk Women’s Division Three beat the weather on Sunday with Freethorpe Ladies making the journey to the coast to play 3rd placed side East Coast Ladies. Jordan Duke scoring in the 15th minute to give East Coast a 1-0 lead at the break. Lucy Robbens making it 2-0 from the penalty spot. Freethorpe pulling it back to 2-1 with around 15 minutes left to play, East Coast Ladies made sure of the 3 points with 5 minutes left to play Duke with her 2nd goal of the game the win taking East Coast Ladies above Tavern Ladies into 2nd place in the table.
5 matches across the 3 divisions in Norfolk this Sunday, with all 3 points going to the home side with some big wins along the way. Thorpe United Ladies were due to play Division Two side Bohemians Ladies in the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup after 2 postponements the game was switched to Thorpe United’s Recreation Ground however the defending Cup holders were awarded the win after their opponents couldn’t field a side. Thorpe United will now face Aylsham FC Ladies in the semi-finals of the competition.
With Thorpe United not playing for the past 3 Sundays, 2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies had an opportunity to close the 8 point gap on the leaders as they hosted bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies this Sunday in Division One. Got the 3 points and boosted their goal difference with a thumping double figure win. Captain Shelley Woods ending the match with another 5 goals to her tally for the season. Strike partner Oksana Imanalijeva netted also netted a hat-trick, with Becky Russell getting herself a brace, plus a goal each for Josie Turner and Elle Bocking as King’s Lynn Town won 13-0.
Bungay Town Ladies move 3 points clear in 4th spot in the table, were hosting Aylsham FC Ladies at Malting Meadow on Sunday. The home side extending their excellent league form in 2017 taking a 3 point for the 3rd successive league game. A hat-trick each for, Lauren Purling and Laura Holden seeing them win the game 6-1 as they look to consolidate their position in the top half of the table.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
One match in Norfolk Women’s Division Two with 2nd placed Sprowston FC Ladies travelling to played 3rd placed Long Stratton Ladies. The visitors getting themselves into a 2-0 lead, Long Stratton coming back in the match to go score 3 goals to take all 3 points and in the process move above Sprowston into 2nd spot in the Division Two table their goals coming from Maryanne Hoy, Charlie Head and Sophie Rose.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
In Norfolk Women’s Division Three 2nd placed East Coast Ladies travelled to play 3rd placed Tavern Ladies the Dereham based side still unbeaten in the league, leading 1-0 at half-time went on to score twice more in the 2nd halve to win the game 3-0 and climb above East Coast Ladies in 2nd move a point behind leaders Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves both having played 8 matches face each other at Wymondham in two Sunday’s time.
The biggest win of the season for Freethorpe Ladies and a huge confidence booster too as the club hosted bottom side Cromer Town Ladies without a point or a goal in the F column to date. A tough season for both so far, Freethorpe were looking for their 3rd win of the season. A double figure win in the end as Freethorpe ran out 10-0 winners with both Claire Garner and Megan Wilson both scoring a hat-trick, Laurali Colbrook also netted twice in the match with Cassandra Barnes scoring her 1st goal of the season along with Michaela Yeates who came on to score on her debut. You can read Freethorpe’s match report from the game on their website by clicking on the link below.
A slightly different edition of The Round-Up this week, with just the one to post, falling back to last season’s format which I will bring into play on a weekend such as the one we’ve just had, no surprise going to happen this time of year. A wet start to the weekend, cold too, with rain all day across much of the country on Sunday their were going to be postponements across the East in all 29 games were called off!
It was a wipe-out in the FAWPL & Suffolk, with just one game surviving in the ERWFL, however several sides from that league and the FAWPL were involved in their respective County Cup competition’s some of those falling to the weather too which will alter next weekends fixture list too. So some clubs will be in the County round-ups instead. Still plenty to bring you, 20 games did survive the weather alot of muddy kits to be washed, unfortunate if you got the job this week.
ERWFL Division One
The one match played in the ERWFL this Sunday was from ERWFL Division One with Hertford Town Ladies making the long journey up to Suffolk to play Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. Payed each other last Sunday in the reverse figure Ipswich Wanderers returning home to Suffolk with all 3 points winning the game 4-3. At home both Danielle Lynch and Jess Taylor-Allum scored for Ipswich Wanderers, however Hertford didn’t leave Suffolk empty handed, earning a point in a 2-2 draw.
Norfolk
A total of 6 matches were played in Norfolk at the weekend, the Norfolk Women’s County Cup had reached the quarter final stage. 3 of the 4 ties surviving the weather, Bohemians Ladies & holders Thorpe United will try again next Sunday after their game was called off. Plenty of goals scored in the other 3 quarter final games.
Acle United Ladies are the highest league placed side in Norfolk in the competition competing in the ERWFL Premier Division. With the rain forecast and already playing catch up with their league fixtures took the decision early to switch the match to the 3G pitch at Flegg High School in Martham where they train during the week. King’s Lynn Town Ladies were their opponents playing two leagues below but in good form in Norfolk Women’s Division One in 2nd place unbeaten in the league since the opening weekend.
King’s Lynn were encouraged by a positive start and the game was played at a high tempo, the visitors with some good opportunities to take the lead, however it was Acle United with 2 quick fire goals as the 1st half approached the half hour mark that went ahead. New signing Megan Todd (pictured) was played through into the box coming in from the right sent her shot across the keeper into the back of the net to score on her debut. A minute later Acle doubled their lead, Kate Pasque nodding the ball in from a corner. King’s Lynn kept pressing for a goal, the 1st half into the last 5 minutes a pinpoint cross from Anna Larkins into the six yard box saw Jody Wells racing in force the ball into the back of the net. 3-0 was a harsh scoreline for King’s Lynn and heads were dropping but with the half drawing to a close they got it back to 3-1 the ball played up front, Oksana Imanalijeva turns taking the ball into the box firing home from the top of the six yard box.
The 2nd half starts just like the 1st half both sides on the attack, 20 minutes played and King’s Lynn are forced into a change as Taylor Sarchet is injured helped off the pitch with her ankle bandaged up. A 4-5 minute break in play. Acle go straight on the attack from the restart and score attacking down the right Larkins plays the cross long to the far post Wells behind the gets call from Bryony Knights who arrives form the left side to turn the ball over the line to make it 4-1. King’s Lynn respond straight away captain Shelley Woods fouled in the area gets the penalty and scores. Moving into the latter stages of the match Acle are awarded a penalty after a drive into the box from Todd see’s her brought down, steps up to take it to score her score of the game. Time for one more goal at the death with Woods through beating the offside trap gets by the onrushing goalkeeper and lifts the ball over the back-tracking defence to score her 2nd of the match final score 5-3 This game was the featured match on the SWF Blog and the whole match report can be found below this post or by clicking on the link below
It was another high scoring win for the other ERWFL in the competition with Wymondham Town Ladies 2nd the the Division One table at home to Norfolk Women’s Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies on Sunday. Like the 1st quarter final a two league gap between the sides, Wymondham Town opened the scoring on 19 minutes Kayleigh Holloway with the goal. Chelsea Clarke with an assist for the 1st goal, put the ball into the back of the net herself to make it 2-0 in the 26th minute. Laura Wiseman seeing Wymondham Town into a 3-0 lead. Two goals within 2 minutes 17 minutes into the 2nd half from Alice Collins and Wiseman made it 5-0, Stalham Town pulled a goal back soon after before Holloway with her 2nd of the game and Clarke in the 90th minutes scored her 2nd to see Wymondham Town into the semi-finals.
In the other quarter-final tie played on Sunday, 2nd Division side Briston Wanderers Ladies were leading at home against Division One side and last season’s beaten finalists, Aylsham FC Ladies. The 2nd half saw the match tied at 2-2 going into the last 30 seconds Aylsham FC Ladies scoring the winning goal to win the game and advance to the semi-finals
The draw for the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup was made on Monday the ties scheduled to be played Sunday 19th March with a 2pm kick off are as follows:-
Acle United Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies
Bohemians Ladies or Thorpe United Ladies v Aylsham FC Ladies
Three league games also took place at the weekend, one game in Norfolk Women’s Division One and a good result at home for Bungay Town Ladies taking on Brandon Town Ladies winning the game 4-0 to climb up from 6th to 4th spot their highest position this season starting 2017 well with 2 wins scoring 15 goals and 2 clean sheets.
Two games in Norfolk Women’s Division Three and bottom side Cromer Town Ladies were put to the sword at home against league leaders Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves wracking up 15 goals without reply to open up a 4 point lead at the top of the table.
In the other match in Division Three, 2nd placed East Coast Ladies were at home to Toftwood Ladies on Sunday the home side leading the game 3-0 at half-time. Toftwood staged a 2nd half comeback however to earn a share of the points the game ending in a 4-4. Jordan Duke scoring a hat-trick for East Coast Ladies with Rosie Cook also on target.
Cambridgeshire
The fixture list was hit heavily in Cambridgeshire too disrupting the opening round of matches in this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup, with 5 of the 7 matches pushed back a week after being postponed.
A much needed win and moral boosting result for Premiership side Park Ladies in their 1st Round tie at home to Orton Rangers Ladies, bottom of the Championship South. Amy Newell scored a double hat-trick for Park, half of their goal scoring tally as they reached double figures, Kirstie Smith also netting a hat-trick. Ebony Bliss grabbing a brace with Erin Powell also getting a goal in a 12-0 victory.
Premiership side ICA Sports Ladies travelled to Championship North side, Wisbech Town Ladies on Sunday in the 1st Round of the Invitation Cup, goals from Carmen Herridge, Zoe Leddy and Megan Purnell saw the Peterborough based side edge the result 3-2 to reach the next round.
The top two in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership were in action on Sunday, league leaders, Newmarket Town Ladies away to Cambridge University Women who were playing just their 4th league game of the season. Goals from Taylor Lynn-Jones and Amanda Wainwright inside the opening 25 minutes put the home side into an early 2-0 lead. Cambridge University went on to win the game 3-1, with Eve Audoulos scoring the 3rd in the 80th minute, Nadine Basson with her 10th goal of the season scoring for Newmarket Town.
Defeat for Newmarket Town saw 2nd placed Cambridge United WFC Reserves close the 3 point gap at the top of the table and lead the table on goal difference with a big away win against bottom side Bourne Ladies. A hat-trick from Lauren Gibson, along with a brace each for Ebony Rule and Carolyn Sarafian seeing the visitors take the 3 points with a 7-0 win.
It is sad I have to do this again but it’s another edition of The Round-Up that has to report the loss of another women’s side in the leagues across the East and this time it’s from the Cambridgeshire Championship North, Spalding United Ladies no longer listed in the league table, new this season have barely played any fixtures 3 league games, hoping their players find another club and that Spalding can host another women’s football side in the near future.
Their was a game played in the Championship North at the weekend with Boston United Ladies picking up another good result away to P&L Motors Diamonds. 3 straight wins in league and cup for Boston United now lifts them up to 6th in the table. A brace each for Victoria Bradford and Stephanie Powell along with a goal each for Demi Barai, Charlie Green and Ella Marie Mcororey seeing Boston United win the match 7-2.
Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire
It was quarter final Sunday in the Bedfordshire Women’s League Cup too this weekend, however both it and the league programme was heavily affected by the weather with all but 2 matches surviving.
In the quarter final that was played Cup holders Luton Town Ladies were away to Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets, who play 4 leagues below them in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two. The FAWPL South East Division One side were soon on the front foot taking the lead in the 4th minute, Lucy Webster with the goal, 2 minutes later the lead was doubled, Jodie Southbe on target. Amy Summerfield getting on the score sheet 6 minutes later to see Luton Town 3-0 inside the opening quarter hour. Erica Byron netting a goal in the 20th minute, 4-0 the advantage at half-time.
Now let up from Luton Town in the 2nd half a flurry of goals early on Jo Rutherford scoring from the penalty spot after Nicola Henman was brought down. Byron went on to score two quick fire goals to complete her hat-trick. Henman scoring to make it 8-0, with Rebecca Kane getting a goal to make it 9. Rutherford was fouled in the box herself, scored again from the penalty spot to bring up double figures. Lucy Tape scoring with 5 minutes left to see Luton Town reach the semi-finals with an 11-0 win.
The one match beating the weather in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League was in Division One with St Albans Ladies at home playing Hitchin Town Ladies. St Albans climbing up to 4th in the Division One table with a 4-0 victory. Megan Samuels scoring a brace. Suzanne Ried and Holly Rossington also putting the ball into the back of the net.
Essex
In Essex it was also the quarter finals of the Women’s County Cup with 3 of the 4 scheduled to be played this Sunday with Hutton Ladies hosting holders C&K Basildon Ladies next Sunday. Lawford Ladies tie at home to Writtle Ladies fell victim to the weather this Sunday will try again next Sunday.
No weather issues at the Harlow Arena an all weather surface, Essex Women’s Premier Division leaders Harlow Ladies were hosting ERWFL Division One side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies, a league between the sides it was a close contest both sides scoring in the game, 1-1 after 90 minutes the quarter final headed into extra-time, the visitors scoring the winning goal to book a place in the semi-finals, Georgia Fraser with both goals for Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies.
A local derby in the other quarter final in the Essex Women’s County Cup with Billericay Town Ladies hosting fellow ERWFL Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies. Goals from Paris Smith, Rosi Webb and Kirsty Knight saw Billericay Town through the the semi-finals the final score 3-1 with Emma Mackie getting Brentwood Town’s goal.
Two matches beat the weather in the Essex Women’s Premier Division on Sunday. With the leading pair involved in the County Cup it was an opportunity for 3rd placed Eastern Avenue to close the gap at the top. Were away to Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. Could only narrow the gap by a point as they were held to a 2-2, Jo Smeaton scoring both the goals for Beacon Hill Rovers.
Wickford Town Ladies recorded their 2nd league win of the season in the Premier Division on Sunday, beating Collier Row Tigers 2-1 at home to move up 2 places from 10th to 8th in the table.
Two league games also played in Essex Women’s Division One on Sunday and just as in the Premier Division the top two weren’t in action giving Hatfield Peveral Ladies a chance to close the gap down to just 2 points on 2nd placed Frontiers Ladies if they could get a win away to Harlow Town Ladies Reserves. Got the 3 points courtesy of a 3-1 win.
4th placed Collier Row Athletic were beaten away from home on Sunday playing FC Clacton Ladies who edged them out with a 3-2 win that lifts them up 2 places in the table to move into 5th a point behind Collier Row Athletic.
A full fixture list in Norfolk Women’s Division One to start the year with all 8 sides in action on Sunday. Table toppers Thorpe United Ladies had ended 2016 with a 100% record in the league winning 8 from 8. Started the year with an away trip to play 2nd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies who have had a good 1st half of the season since earning promotion in the summer. Looking to close a 6 point gap on the leaders, Thorpe United were having none of it, North Walsham scoring twice were beaten 5-2 to see Thorpe United extend their lead at the top of the table.
Kings Lynn Town Ladies have had a great 1st half of the season too in Norfolk Women’s Division One after losing their opening game of the season didn’t drop another league point in 2016, 6 straight wins putting them up to 3rd level on points with North Walsham Angels Ladies. Were at home to Brandon Town Ladies at the start of the year, the visitors taking the lead in the 1st half before Kings Lynn pulled it back to 1-1 at the break. Brandon Town getting the lead in the 2nd half only for Kings Lynn to draw level again captain Shelley Woods with both the goals for Kings Lynn the points shared 2-2 the final score enough to see Kings Lynn move into 2nd place in the table.
A difficult start to life in Norfolk Women’s Division One for Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies promoted as Division Two Champions last season have struggled for players since, hampered by injuries too, are looking for additional players to bolster their squad. 6 games without a point to end 2016 bottom of the table started with a home match in 2017 against Aylsham FC Ladies. The visitors leaving with all 3 points edging the result 3-2 to climb a place into 4th in the league table.
A big win away from home for Bungay Town Ladies to start 2017 as they travelled to Clipbush Park to play Fakenham Town Ladies, wracking up a double figure score line winning the game 11-0. Strikers, Lacey Andrews and Hannah Waters both scoring 4 goals each with Lauren Matthews netting a brace along with a goal for Lauren Purling.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
2016 was a bad year for writing about clubs folding and unfortunately 2017 sees no change 2 more gone over the festive period. The 1st one is in Norfolk, Harleston Town Ladies gone from Division Two after achieving promotion just last season. Have been struggling for a while for numbers and have been conscious of this coming for a while to be honest. A shame but not all doom and gloom the club is to continue in the 7 a-side format of the game for now and hopefully they will return in the future.
That sees the Division Two table adjusted, leaders Gorleston FC Ladies losing 3 points are still a massive 15 point lead however with a 100% winning start to the season 8 from 8 now. There was just the one game played in Division Two on Sunday with 2nd placed Long Stratton Ladies match at home to Briston Wanderers Ladies postponed it gave an opportunity for 3rd placed Sprowston Ladies to climb above them if they got the 3 points at home to Bohemians Ladies. The sides contesting a goalless 1st half a single goal in the 2nd half was enough to secure all 3 points with the 1-0 win going to Sprowston Ladies.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
The top 2 in Norfolk Women’s Division Three were due to meet this Sunday, with leaders East Coast Ladies due t travel to Dereham to play, 2nd placed Tavern Ladies both sides level on 15 points the game was postponed however giving a chance for 3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves on 13 points going into the New Year to go top with 3 points if they beat Freethorpe Ladies away from home. Goals from Sally Hammerton, Emily Anderson and Natalie Wood seeing Wymondham Town win the game 3-0 to take over top spot in Division Three.
In the other game played in Division Three on Sunday it was a good start to the New Year for Toftwood United Ladies as they scored 7 goals without reply at home to bottom side Cromer Town Ladies.
Like the previous 2 Round-Up published on the website their were just a handful of matches in Norfolk on Sunday to end 2016, just the 4 in total across the 3 divisions. 2 games in Norfolk Women’s Division One, little information available. Thorpe United Ladies have had a very successful start to the season end 2016 top of the table with a 100% recording their 8th straight league win to open up a 6 point lead in the table. Were at home on Sunday playing Bungay Town Ladies, Thorpe United with a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time went on to score 3 more goals in the 2nd half to win the game 4-1.
Brandon Town Ladies haven’t had the start to the season they would have liked have like alot of sides Women’s Football East follows across the county leagues not played enough competitive games, following the game like I do it’s not something I’m oblivious too. Looking to end the year on a positive note Brandon Town were at home playing Fakenham Town Ladies who held a 1-0 advantage as the 2 sides headed back to the dressing rooms at half-time. Brandon Town got back on level terms in the 2nd half and went on to win the game 2-1 and move onto 9 points in 4th place in the Division One table.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
One match in Norfolk Women’s Division Two on Sunday with Stalham Town Ladies at home to Sprowston Ladies, plenty of goals in the game the sides going into half-time all square at 2-2. Both sides finding the back of the net for another goal each in the 2nd half the points shared in a 3-3 draw.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
One match also in Norfolk Women’s Division Three with Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves at home playing the side immediately above them, Toftwood United Ladies. Plenty of goals on this game too, Toftwood United scoring 4 goals however it wasn’t enough to take anything from the game with Wymondham Town finding the back of the net 5 times to take all 3 points in a 9 goal thriller that sees them move above Toftwood United into 3rd spot 2 points behind leading pair East Coast Ladies and Tavern Ladies with a game in hand. Gemma Hamilton-Rout scoring a hat-trick and Emily Anderson scoring 2 goals for Wymondham Town.
A handful of games across the 3 divisions in Norfolk at the weekend. In Norfolk Women’s Division One there was a big game at the top of the table with 3rd placed Kings Lynn Town Ladies on a good run of form winning 5 in a row since suffering a heavy opening day defeat hosting 2nd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies enjoying a fantastic season since winning promotion last season. A 3 point gap between the sides, Kings Lynn started the brighter the ball moving quickly from one end of the pitch to the other, took the lead in the 12th minute when captain Shelley Woods was given the ball wide on the left 30 yards out shot for goal, goalkeeper Cyan Fulbrook getting a touch on the ball couldn’t keep it from dropping behind her into the back of the net. Kings Lynn continued to pressure the North Walsham defence extending the lead on 20 minutes Taylor Sarchet receiving the ball in the box laying it back to Becky Russell (pictured) outside the box her shot racing inside the post to make it 2-0.
North Walsham pulled a goal back quickly, Alicia Lacey sending the ball forwards a deflection favouring striker Luci Middleton who picked up the ball inside the box and sent it home to make it 2-1. Right on the stroke of half-time Kings Lynn restored their 2 goal cushion Russell capitalising on a defensive mix up to put the ball into an empty net. A lot of tension between the 2 sides that may have been stopped with early intervention from the referee. Things calmed down a little 2nd half as North Walsham looked to find away back into the match pulled it back to 3-2 10 minutes into the 2nd half Alicia Lacey throwing herself at the ball sent up into the box to turn it past the keeper and over the goal-line. Kings Lynn dealt with the pressure their opponents applied 2nd half and creating chances themselves up the other end got a 4th goal to make the result save late in the match, Josie Turner scoring to see them go level on 18 points with North Walsham beating them 4-2 for the 2nd time this season. The whole match report can be read on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog by clicking on the link below.
In the other match in Norfolk Women’s Division One, Aylsham FC Ladies ended a run of 3 straight defeats in the league with a big away win on Sunday against Fakenham Town Ladies, winning the game 7-1 to climb up the table into 4th place from 6th.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Gorleston FC Ladies are looking ever more an unstoppable force in Norfolk Women’s Division Two as they won there 9th consecutive league match on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of the table to 15 points with a 2-0 home win against Briston Wanderers Ladies. A goal in each have scored by Kayleigh Byrne and Hayley Muir seeing them take the 3 points with a 2-0 victory.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
Two matches in Norfolk Women’s Division Three on Sunday and the lead at the top switches yet again as East Coast Ladies win away from home to move above Tavern Ladies on goal difference. Were playing Freethorpe Ladies who were buoyant after a 4-0 win against Cromer Town Ladies last weekend. However they found themselves on the back foot early on in the game with East Coast scoring 2 quick goals at the start of the game Jordan Duke and Emily Coe putting the ball into the back of the net. Duke going on to score a 2nd goal to put East Coast 3-0, Freethorpe in danger of suffering a heavy defeat reorganised and kept the ball from going in. 2nd half was a much more even affair both sides creating chances and by all accounts a great advert for the game no more goals scored East Coast winning 3-0.
Go top as Tavern Ladies were held to a draw at home against Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves who held a 1-0 lead going into the changing rooms at half-time, Tavern coming back to score in the 2nd half see the points shared in a 1-1 draw.
Norfolk Women’s Division One leaders, Thorpe United Ladies extended their 100% winning start to 7 games since the start of the season playing at home on Sunday against Brandon Town Ladies, the visitors leading 1-0 at half-time, Thorpe United coming back in the 2nd half to win the game 3-1 to take all 3 points.
Elsewhere in Division One their were big wins for both 2nd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies and 3rd placed as they continue their pursuit of Thorpe United and open up a big gap to the rest of the field. North Walsham Angels Ladies were at home on Sunday taking on Fakenham Town Ladies. Leading the match 4-0 at half-time the home side went onto reach double figures winning 10-1 to record their 6th league win of the season. Hope Middleton top scoring in the match with 5 goals. Sister Luci also scoring a brace in the match with Rachel Bussey, Rosie Filby and Alice Wardle also getting their names on the scoresheet with a goal.
Was also a double figure winning score for 3rd placed Kings Lynn Town Ladies away to bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies in Division One on Sunday, another player with 5 goals to her name at the weekend was Shelley Woods, Kings Lynn Town Ladies captain, Josie Turner scoring a hat-trick in the match too with Becky Russell and Natalie Bunton (returning to the side after picking up an injury in pre-season) also getting a goal each after Taylor Sarchet had opened the scoring in the 15th minute final score 11-0.
Kings Lynn Town Ladies and North Walsham Angels Ladies meet this Sunday in the league, weather being kind it’ll be the featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and I’ll be amazed if it ends 0-0.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Just the one match played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two on Sunday, it saw league leaders Gorleston FC Ladies open up a massive 12 point lead at the top as they recorded their 8th straight league victory of the season away to Bohemians Ladies. Bethany Turner scoring 4 goals in the game. Leanne Smith scoring twice with Caitlin Smith also
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
Two matches in Norfolk Women’s Division Three at the weekend the lead at the top constantly changing between, East Coast Ladies and Tavern Ladies. With the former playing Stalham Town Ladies in a friendly match, it was Taver Ladies who returned to the top of the table with a big win against Dereham rivals Toftwood United Ladies winning the game 8-1 to take a 2 point lead in the Division.
Elsewhere in Division Three, Freethorpe Ladies were on the road a trip to the coast to play Cromer Town Ladies, the visitors winning their 2nd league game of the season beating the side bottom of the table 4-0. Megan Wilson opening the scoring early in the match with Michela Stordy, Andrea Colbrook and Claire Garner also scoring a goal to see Freethorpe win the 3 points.
Norfolk Women’s County Cup
One outstanding tie in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup 2nd Round to be played postponed a fortnight ago, Long Stratton Ladies from Division Two were at home to Division One side and last season’s beaten finalists Aylsham FC Ladies. The visitors taking the lead Leanne Ferdani scoring the goal were pegged back to 1-1 by Long Stratton before going on to score twice to lead 3-1 the game unfortunately having to be abandoned on 85 minutes due to an injury to a Long Stratton player, Women’s Football East wishes all the best to the player involved. A result Aylsham FC Ladies will now play Briston Wanderers Ladies away from home in the quarter finals of the competition in the New Year.
