A handful of matches played in Cambridgeshire this Sunday with the League Cup group stages continuing and the one remaining 1st Round tie from the Division One Cup competition.
Two games took place in Group A this Sunday, Premiership leaders, ICA Sports Ladies topping thier League Cup group to with 3 wins from 3. The latest coming away from home as they travelled to play Championship North side, Pinchbeck United Ladies. Goals for Donna Nicholls, Zoe Leddy, Jessica Farchina and Megan Purnell securing a 4-1 victory. Rebecca Navarrette scoring the goal for Pinchbeck.
Also in Group A, Championship North side, Cardea Ladies were hosting Premiership side Netherton United Ladies on Sunday. Netherton proving too strong an opponent as they ran out 8-1 winners to record their 2nd win in the Group to move 2nd. Poppy Sparrow with her first goals for Netherton’s senior team getting a hat-trick. Lissy Crutchfield also getting her 1st goal for Netherton. Clare Gallagher scoring a brace with Emily Johnson and Holly Barber also on target with a goal apiece.
In Group D of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup, Fulbourn Bluebirds join Haverhill Rovers Ladies and Cambridge University Women on 6 points at the top of the table with their 2nd win in the competition on Sunday. The Premiership side were at home taking on Championship South side, Burwell Tigers Ladies. Krissie Taylor scoring a hat-tick for Fulbourn, Sharon Pinner was on target for two goals with a goal each for Stacey Kemp and Marie Stubbings in a 7-0 win.
Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, Krissie Taylor
In Group B, Premiership side, March Town United Ladies are 6 points clear at the top of the mini-league table with a game left to play have 4 wins from 4 now the latest coming this Sunday away in the local derby with Championship South side, Park Ladies. A close game however March leading 2-1 at half-time edging the final result 3-2 to pick up the 3 points. Emma Frost scoring twice for March along with a goal for Naomi McGarvie. Sherrie Martin plus and OG the scorers for Park.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Cup
In the one remaining 1st Round tie in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup, it was a meeting between the top two in the Championship South, St Ives Town Development at home to Haverhill Rovers Ladies, level on points in the league, their encounter in the Division One Cup a close one to call. In the end the 90 minutes couldn’t separate the sides with the pair drawing 2-2 to send the tie into extra-time, St Ives getting the all important goal in the extra period of play to see them through to the quarter finals with a 3-2 win. Emilee Steele scoring twice for St Ives with Penelope Ford also on target with a goal. Amy Evans and Julie Brown scoring for Haverhill.
That sees the quarter final draw for the Division One Cup settled and 7 sides will contest for a place in the last 4 of the competition, Burwell Tigers Ladies the side receiving a bye the remaining ties are as follows:-
League Cup weekend in Norfolk with 5 of the 8 ties from the 2nd Round of the competition taking place this Sunday afternoon. The game between Bungay Town Ladies & Hockering Ladies now listed as postponed.
Gorleston Ladies are through to the quarter finals of the League Cup with a 3-0 2nd Round win at home to fellow Division One side, Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves.
The upset in the competition came at Taverham, where the Division Two high flyers unbeaten in the league beat Division One opposition to reach the last 8. Taverham United Women taking on Sprowston Athletic Ladies on Sunday the hosts holding a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time it proved to be decisive as both sides went on to score two each in the 2nd period, Taverham going through 3-2 winners. Abbie Walker, Rebecca Sutton and Tiegan Robinson with the goals. Katie Fray and Codie Henderson scoring for Sprowston Athletic.
3 more Division Two sides reaching the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s League Cup this Sunday, 5th placed Tavern Ladies were at home hosting, 3rd placed Bure Valley Wildcats. It was Tavern who enjoyed the better day scoring two goals in each half to run out 4-0 winners to progress, 4 different players with the goals with Katie Hart-Copsey, Lucy Lincoln, Atlanta Griffith and Nicole Costin scoring on her 1st start for the club.
Division Two leaders, Fakenham Town Ladies were short on numbers for this weekends League Cup tie with just the 10 available as they travelled to Horsford Women on Sunday’s 2nd Round clash. Both sides with 10 on the pitch though as Horsford were reduced to 10 themselves with Kim Owen shown a red card early in the game. Sian Sands scoring from the penalty spot plus an own goal seeing Fakenham book a spot in the quarter finals.
A goal in each half for Keira Squires securing a place too in the quarter finals of the Norfolk Ladies League Cup for Freethorpe Ladies who were on the road in the 2nd Round taking on Gorleston Ranger Ladies on Sunday.
Two 2nd Round ties yet to be decided, this Sunday sees Thorpe United Ladies leading Division One away to Division Two side Thetford Ladies, whilst Division One sides Aylsham Ladies & Sprowston Ladies don’t meet until the New Year.
Another piece of news to bring you from Norfolk too in this weeks Round-Up in the Women’s County Cup Final as huge boost for the game in the county this season’s final will be played at Carrow Road the home of Norwich City FC. Fantastic for the sport and a huge incentive for the quarter finalists. I’m looking forwards to it already.
With league leaders, Cambridge City Ladies distracted by cup competition for the 3 Sunday run the chasing pack has caught up and a new side take over at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division, with Peterborough Northern Star Ladies recording a 7th straight league win to climb to the top of the table. At home this Sunday Northern Star were hosting bottom side Haringey Borough Women at the Branch Bros Stadium. A hat-trick from Vicky Gallagher winning the 3 points for the hosts as Northern Star won the game 3-1 to see them top the table.
Another side going into the weekend with the potential to lead the ERWFL Premier Division table were Royston Town Ladies as they took their unbeaten record up to Norfolk to play Acle United Women. A 3-1 win at home for Royston in the reverse fixture. A competitive 1st half seeing the sides holding each other to a 0-0 draw. A different story 2nd half as Acle went on to complete a comprehensive win. Olivia Mungham-Gray opening the scoring for Acle in the 53rd minute. The lead soon doubled with Grace Birchall firing home. Birchall getting her 2nd of the game scoring from the penalty spot, captain Megan Todd on target with 6 minutes left to see Acle win the game 4-0 climb up to 4th spot as Royston losing for the 1st time this season drop to 5th, just 4 points between the top 5 now.
Above Royston and Acle in 3rd place in the Premier Division are, Brentwood Town Ladies, returning to winning ways last weekend travelled to Bedfordshire this Sunday to take on AFC Dunstable Ladies. Top scorer Georgia Holdaway continuing her great form in front of goal scoring 4 more to take her tally to 17 for the season. Leah Cowan also on target with her 8th of the season along with a 4th goal of the season from Marie Barker seeing the Essex side take the 3 points home with a 6-2 victory. Victoria Allen and Chelsea Forde scoring for Dunstable.
AFC Sudbury Ladies were short on numbers as they played host to Wymondham Town Ladies on Sunday in the Premier Division. The Norfolk side coring plenty of goals have several attacking options and ran out comfortable winners to move back into the top half of the table. Laura Nicholls top scorer for Wymondham adding another 5 goals to her name against Sudbury. Mollie O’Callaghan scoring a hat-trick for the 2nd successive game too. There was a brace a piece for Alice Collins and Hannah Waters with Kayleigh Holloway scoring in a 13-0 win.
Colney Heath Ladies getting a bit of form behind them now after riding out a difficult spell after making a positive start to the season, unbeaten in 3 games now were hosting Harlow Town Ladies this Sunday having lost 4-1 to them back in September. A point a piece this time around. Poppy Binding firing Harlow into the lead, Colney Heath coming back to level just before half-time Sophie Gardiner scoring from a free-kick. 1-1 it remained both sides with chances to win it taking home a point each.
ERWFL Division One
The ERWFL is a great league to watch, entertainment guaranteed, a good level of football, good for player development, the title race in Division One as exciting as that in the Premier Division. It was here that Women’s Football East ventured on Sunday to watch a top of the table clash in Essex with Bowers & Pitsea Ladies the new side in 2nd spot in the table hosting league leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves. A 5 point gap between the sides, Bowers & Pitsea got off to a positive start it was Stevenage though who would take the early lead, Emily Schofield breaking in behind to send the ball under the keeper and score. Bowers & Pitsea kept coming on and got back on level terms Danielle Styles played in on the ball inside the box lashing the ball home to make it 1-1. Stevenage came back again against the run of play to score two quick goals to go 3-1 up. Schofield with both shooting from the angle having taken the original corner, than fouled in the box stepping up to complete her hat-trick from the penalty spot.
Danielle Styles with 4 goals this Sunday for Bowers & Pitsea
Bowers & Pitsea kept up their positive approach attacking well and with the first half moving into the latter stages pulled the scores level at 3-3 with two quick goals of their own both from corners, Georgia Fraser sneaking in unmarked to send the ball through a crowded six yard box and in, Taylor Parrish rising to head the ball in moments later. A complete turn around late on the half as Bowers & Pitsea took the lead Styles stealing the ball off the Stevenage defence and running in on goal to send the ball past the keeper at in.
Stevenage’s Emily Schofield on target for 5 goals
4-3 at half-time Bowers & Pitsea started the 2nd half as well as they finished the first extending the lead early on, Sophie Dowman setting up Styles to slot the ball home and complete her hat-trick. Styles going on to get a 4th trying her luck from distance making it 6-3. A comfortable lead going into the final 10 minutes, it turned out to be a nervy climax in the end, Schofield a threat all game running in behind one on one with the keeper to make it 6-4, it was 6-5 moments later, Schofield with her 5th of the game again beating the keeper to score. Bowers & Pitsea holding their nerve to win the game 6-5 close the gap to Stevenage to 2 points.
St Ives Town Ladies 3rd in Division One are the only unbeaten side in the league, a 2 points back on Bowers & Pitsea Ladies and 4 off leaders Stevenage with 2 games in hand on both. At home on Sunday were taking on Bishops Stortford Ladies. Tierney Coulson continuing her good form in front of goal at the start of the season hitting another 4 goals into the back of the net to take her onto 14 goals now for the season, top scoring for St Ives. Emily Smith also on target for a brace with Georgia Stancombe also scoring her 8th of the season in a 7-0 victory.
Joining St Ives Town on 17 points in 4th spot are Essex side Hutton Ladies, were taking on Newmarket Town Ladies at home on Sunday. It was just Newmarket’s 3rd away game of the season. A competitve game Hutton in the end running out convincing winners with some quality strikes, if I said Vicky Kinsman didn’t score you wouldn’t believe me… and you’re right was on target for another brace this Sunday taking her onto 26 for the season (and it isn’t Christmas yet). Sally Appleton also netting two goals in the game, there was a 1st goal for Hutton for Hayley Piggott to since joining from Billericay. Hutton winning 5-1, Brooke Wickens scoring for Newmarket.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies make the trip up to Norfolk on Sunday to play King’s Lynn Town Ladies. The Hertfordshire side capitalising on a slow start from the home side to race into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 19 minutes. Natasha Crick on 8 minutes making it 1-0 Kristina O’Connell scoring Hoddesdon’s 2nd a minute later. Crick making it 3-0 with her 2nd of the game in the 19th minute. King’s Lynn rallied and late in the first half pulled it back to 3-1 with a goal from Olivia Baker. The 2nd half a much better performance from King’s Lynn according to my undercover reporter at the game the hosts dominated but were unable on convert there chances. Hoddesdon had two good chances to extend their lead as well but in the finish the opening 19 minutes proved the difference Hoddesdon winning 5-1 climb up to 5th place in the Division One table.
Lastly in ERWFL Division One, Hatfield Peveral Ladies were hosting Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies on Sunday. The visitors having the better of the first half getting into a 2-0 lead at half-time. Hatfield Peverel fighting back in the 2nd half creating chances couldn’t find a reply as Histon took home the 3 points to move up a place to 8th.
Coventry United Ladies return to the top of the FAWNL Southern Premier Division with a convincing win at home extending their unbeaten run to 13 games. Coventry were hosting Plymouth Argyle Ladies on the final Sunday of November. Got off to the perfect start racing into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes. Shannon O’Brien giving Coventry the lead in the 5th minute, quickly followed by a goal from Natalie Haigh lobbing the keeper to make it 2-0. Amber Hughes also finding the back of the net in the 11th minute. Another goal added late in the first half with defender Rosie McDonnell heading in. McDonnell adding her 2nd just before the whistle to see Coventry leading 5-0 at the break.
Plymouth came out fighting 2nd half pulling a goal back through Helen Bleazard but that was as good as it got for the visitors as Coventry continued to push forwards, Amy Wathan heading in a Lois Jefferies cross on the hour to make it 6-1. McDonnell going on to complete a hat-trick as the game entered the last quarter hour. Jefferies getting in on the goal action to make it 8-1 in the 80th minute. A penalty awarded in stoppage time scored by Chemise Austin to wrap up a 9-1 victory.
Loughborough Foxes Women in 4th position on the Southern Premier Division were looking to make it 5 straight wins in the league as they travelled down to Kent on Sunday to play Gillingham FC Ladies, a goal from Chloe Young just past the half hour seeing the visitors holding a narrow lead at half-time. Sammy Brooker getting Gillingham back on level terms 7 minutes after the restart. Loughborough responding straight away to get the ball forwards and retake the lead a minute later, Charlotte Broad from close range making it 2-1. Closing in on the final 10 minutes of the match and Gillingham equalised for the 2nd time in the match Breon Grant with a terrific strike from outside the box to make it 2-2, that the final score the points shared.
Portsmouth FC Women were on their travels this Sunday into Wales to play Cardiff City Ladies in the league. Few chances in the opening 20 minutes it was Cardiff who were to take the lead just past the half hour, Nia Rees letting fly from distance finding the top corner. 1-0 at half-time, Portsmouth started well 2nd half, Cardiff doubling their lead against the run of play Jasmine Simpson shooting from the edge of the area to make it 2-0. Into the final 10 minutes and Portsmouth pulled it back to 2-1 Danielle Rowe scoring her first league goal for the club it wasn’t enough however as Cardiff held on to the 2-1 lead to claim the 3 points.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies recorded a 4th win in the Southern Premier Division to consolidate their 8th position in the league following promotion. Were in Essex at the weekend taking on C&K Basildon Ladies. Charley Clarke putting the visitors into the lead in the 32nd minute. C&K Basildon levelling the scores just before half-time Holly Turner with a wonder strike making it 1-1. Milton Keynes Dons getting back into the lead in the 2nd half Clarke with her 2nd of the game proving to be the difference as the visitors ran out 2-1 winners.
FAWNL South East Division One
A ninth straight win following promotion to the FAWNL South East Division One sees Crawley Wasps Ladies open up an 8 point lead at the top of the table. At home on Sunday their opponents were Denham United Ladies. Crawley getting off to a good start Kemina Webber making it 1-0 in the 6th minute. Sian Heather doubling the lead in the 20th minute. A brace from Emma Plewa shortly after seeing the hosts take a healthy lead. 4-0 up at half-time a further flurry of goals with 20 minutes left saw them extend their lead, 3 goals in 3 minutes, Rachel Palmer making it 5-0, Webber then netting her 2nd of the game a goal from Megan Stow making it 7-0. Heather adding her 2nd of the game with 7 minutes left Jenny Dury scoring her first goal of the season in the final 5 minutes to wrap up a 9-0 win.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies move up into 3rd in South East Division One winning away to previous 3rd placed side Enfield Town Ladies on Sunday. Hannah Baptiste with her first goal of the season putting Wimbledon into the lead in the 20th minute. A narrow lead at the break, Katie Stanley introduced to the action 2nd half scoring in the 56th minute to put Wimbledon 2-0 up, Jenny Nagle making things more comfortable adding a 3rd goal on the hour securing a 3-0 win for Wimbledon that sees them move to within a point of 2nd place Billericay Town Ladies.
Also joining AFC Wimbledon on 18 points after the weekends results are Leyton Orient WFC. A trip up to Norfolk for the London club on Sunday taking on Norwich City Ladies. Goalless at the half-time interval that was how the game remained with the final 15 minutes approaching, Sophie Le Marchand finding the back of the net for the 5th time this season winning the game 1-0 for the visitors.
Leyton Orient WFC’s, Sophie Le Marchand
A single goal late in the 2nd half also the difference in the final match to bring you from South East Division One this Sunday with Ipswich Town Women travelling to Hertfordshire to play Stevenage Ladies. A close game a physical contest could have gone either way, Kerry Stimson captaining Ipswich fed in down the line cutting inside and shooting scoring for first goal for the club and the winning goal keeping them firmly in touch with the sides above in 6th spot.
Saved the biggest Round-Up till the last with the sides splitting to compete in their individual County Cup competition this Sunday both at the 2nd Round stage in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup
Three matches taking place in the 2nd Round of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup the winners joining, Houghton Athletic Ladies, Sharnbrook WFC, AFC Dunstable Ladies, Luton Town Ladies and current holders Bedford Ladies in the quarter finals.
The top two in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three meeting for the 1st time this season in the County Cup, leaders Langford Ladies away to AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies. The home side having the better of the first half leading the game 2-0, Langford fought back in the 2nd half with Amber Clark and Chloe Scott both getting a goal, AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College, finding a 3rd goal in the 2nd period edging their league rivals out to win the game 3-2.
Also riding high in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three are AFC Dunstable Ladies Reserves sitting 3rd level on points with AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies and like them kept up their unbeaten start to the campaign with victory in the 2nd Round of the County Cup. Away to Stotfold Juniors Ladies this Sunday, top scorer Bianca Vassell moving onto 15 goals for the season as she found the back of the net for another 4 goals. Madison Ashford also on target with a brace, Ameerah Zaman-Choudary on the scoresheet too in a 7-0 win for Dunstable.
Bedfordshire sides dominating the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, 4th placed Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses were at home to 6th placed Biggleswade United Ladies in the 2nd Round of the County Cup, a 7 goal thriller between the sides, Kayleigh Saunders hitting a brace for Biggleswade with Helen Coster scoring the visitors 3rd. A brace from Laura Sephton along with a goal each for Victoria Harrold and Giselle Randall seeing Woburn & Wavendon edge the game to book their spot in the quarter finals.
The draw for the quarter finals of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup is as follows, the 4 ties to be played Sunday 16th December:-
AFC Dunstable Ladies v Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses
AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies v AFC Dunstable Ladies Reserves
Sharnbrook WFC v Luton Town Ladies
Bedford Ladies v Houghton Athletic Ladies
Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup
8 ties in the 2nd Round of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup this Sunday and those saw plenty of goals scored too.
Cup holders, Stevenage Ladies were drawn at home taking on Hitchin Belles a tough test for the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two side but despite their being a 4 league gap between themselves and FAWNL South East Division One, Stevenage they gave it a go. Stevenage proving too strong on the day running out comfortable winners, scoring 16 goals without reply to progress to the quarter finals.
Charlotte South hit a double hat-trick for Royston Town Ladies as the ERWFL Premier Division side eased through at home to Bishops Stortford Ladies in the 2nd Round of the County Cup on Sunday. There was also a hat-trick for Sammy Tinsley along with a brace for Joanne Rutherford, Samantha Edgar also scoring in a 12-1.
12-1 was also the winning margin in the 2nd Round of the County Cup for Watford Ladies U23s side at home as they won comfortably against Stevenage Ladies Reserves on Sunday to book their place in the quarter finals.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One side Garston Ladies 2nd XI were also big winners at home in the competition on Sunday as they took on Division Three side, Bedwell Rangers Ladies. Ruby Jager getting on the scoresheet for 4 goals for Garston, Holly Jury 1 behind with a hat-trick, their were goals too for Lauren Berryman, Leah Crockett, Chloe Hazell and Charley Kelsey. Garston reaching double figures didn’t have it all their own way however as Bedwell Rangers struck home 3 goals at the other end with, Alicia Fieldsend, Chloe Jones and Rachel Jones all getting a goal each. Garston winning 11-3.
Garston Ladies young guns are also through to the quarter finals of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup after their U18s side won 3-0 at home to Sherrardswood Ladies in the 2nd Round this Sunday.
Colney Heath Ladies from the ERWFL Premier Division were away to Beds & Herts Women’s Division One champions, St Albans Ladies in the 2nd Round of the County Cup this Sunday. Sophie Gardener scoring for Colney Heath midway through the 1st half putting the visitors into the lead. That the score at half-time Colney Heath had further chances to extend their lead. Nicola Hollick making it 2-0. Rianne Townsend-Brown adding a goal to the tally securing the win for Colney Heath as they reach the last 8.
Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies are also into the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup quarter finals as they edged their 2nd Round tie away to Watford Ladies Development on Sunday. leading 2-1 a half-time both sides scoring a further goal 2nd half Hemel Hempstead going through 3-2. Natasha McConville, Louise McCoy and Kayleigh Baker with their goals.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies reached the final of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup last season, needed extra-time to progress in this season’s competition, at home on Sunday taking on Beds & Herts Women’s Division One leaders, Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires. Janiece Allen and Ellie Burke scoring a goal each for Welwyn, as goal late in each half from Natasha Crick her 2nd 5 minutes from time seeing the sides drawing 2-2 at the final whistle. Onto extra-time and time was running out for either side to find a winner penalties looming, 3 minutes left of open play and Hoddesdon found the back of the net for the winning goal, Crick again completing her hat-trick to send Hoddesdon through to the quarter finals.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies, Natasha Crick
The draw for the quarter finals of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup as follows the games to be played Sunday 9th December:-
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies v Garston Ladies 2nd XI
Stevenage Ladies v Royston Town Ladies
Watford Ladies U23s v Colney Heath Ladies
Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies v Garston Ladies U18s
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
A handful of league games too played at the weekend, one game in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Garston Ladies 1st team at home to Houghton Athletic Ladies on Sunday. 3 straight defeats in the league at the start of the season for Garston seeing them bottom of the table were taking on a Houghton Athletic side looking to get back to winning ways themselves after a run of 3 straight defeats themselves after a promising start to the campaign. Despite a brace for Emily Watson for Houghton Athletic it was Garston who were celebrating at the final whistle as they won the game 3-2 to claim their 1st league points, Janine Rodgers, Yasmin Sabri and Kelly Spencer with the winning goals.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Tow their were 4 league matches taking place on Sunday, and with leaders Hitchin Town Ladies not in action it was a chance for 2nd placed Letchworth Garden City Eagles to close the 4 point gap. Letchworth away to Bedford Ladies Development. Tayla Murray scoring twice her 7th & 8th goals of the season and a first goal of the campaign for Natalie Moey making her first appearance of the season securing a 3-1 victory. Letchworth with a game in hand on the leaders.
Evergreen Ladies join Sunday’s opponents on 8 points in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two were at home to 3rd placed Royston Town Ladies Development. A single goal the difference, Natalie Maher’s goal winning it for Evergreen Ladies.
A first league win of the season on Sunday in Division Two for Evergreen Eagles as they won away to Watton Ladies. Sian Owens and Amy Marshall striking the back of the net for Watton, Evergreen Eagles breaching their opponents goal for double that tally with, Samantha Feeney, Katie Hendry, Jessica Taylor and Paige Lacey-Akers all getting on the scoresheet in a 4-2 win.
A 2nd successive league win on Sunday sees Wheathamstead Wanderers Ladies move up into mid-table following promotion from Division Three, were at home playing fellow promoted side Welwyn Pegasus Azures. Wheathampstead Wanderers picking up the 3 points courtesy of a 5-2 victory.
Cambridgeshire’s County Cup competition the Invitation Cup reaching the quarter final stage this Sunday, 8 sides vying for a place in the semi-finals, through without kicking a ball are ERWFL Division One side, St Ives Town Ladies awarded a home with after opponents ICA Sports Ladies withdrew.
That left 3 quarter final ties to be settled on the pitch. It was an all Championship tie with Championship North side, Wisbech Town Ladies hosting Championship South side, Park Ladies for the 2nd successive Sunday. A 2nd successive win for Wisbech Town Ladies too as they reached the last 4 of the Invitation Cup courtesy of a 7-1 win. Both Amy Newell and Jasmine Luckett scoring two each, Luckett’s first goals for Wisbech Town, also scoring were Chloe Stanborough, Leah Hall and Sophie Swinden.
Cambridge City Ladies are the new holders of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup they began their defence of the trophy in the quarter finals drawn away from home against ERWFL Division One side, Histon Ladies. A 100% record at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division, Cambridge City Ladies kept up their winning form winning the game 3-0 to reach the last 4 of the competition. Charlotte Gillies, Sarah Mosley and Erin Davies getting the goals.
FAWNL South East Division One side, Cambridge United WFC were drawn away in the quarter finals of the Invitation Cup up against Newmarket Town Ladies, showing good form following promotion to ERWFL Division One this season. Newmarket holding thier higher league opponents for much of the 1st half, Cambridge United breaking from a Newmarket corner in the 44th minute, Jade Bell there to turn the ball into the back of the net as Mollie Coupar’s shot came back off the post. 1-0 the half-time lead it was Coupar herself who doubled the visitors lead her presence in the box bringing a defensive error for which she pounced on the ball and shot home. Bell put through on goal late in the match to score her 2nd of the game and send Cambridge United through to the last 4.
The draw for the semi-finals has been made and is as follows:-
Cambridge United WFC v St Ives Town Ladies
Wisbech Town Ladies v Cambridge City Ladies
Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup
The Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup also beginning this Sunday, 2 tie scheduled in the 1st Round, Cambridge City Ladies Development going through courtesy of a home win over Riverside Ladies, that left just the one tie to be played.
March Town Ladies from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership hosting Championship North side, Wisbech St Mary Ladies. A comfortable first half for March saw them holding a 3-0 lead at half-time, doubled that scoreline 2nd half to progress with a 6-1 victory. Their goals coming from 6 different players with, Louise Barbour, Adele Munday, Emma Searle, Megan Webb, Georgia Brown and Claire Watts. Carlie Knight with the 2nd half goal for Wisbech St Mary.
Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup
One game played this Sunday in the group stage of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup. In Group D, Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side, Cambridge University Women were hosting Burwell Tigers Ladies from the Championship South. Having suffered defeat away to Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds in their opening group match, Cambridge University got their 1st win this time around with goals from Amanda Wainwright and Lili Donlon Mansbridge plus a brace from Shona Lester securing a 4-0 win.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
One league match played in Cambridgeshire at the weekend on Sunday morning in the Championship South, 3rd placed, Cambridge Rangers Women hosting 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development, a one sided contest with St Ives rampant in front of goal achieving a double figure scoreline to win the 3 points and move level on points with Haverhill Rovers Ladies at the top of the table. Frances Chapman scoring 4 goals, Megan Stow claiming a hat-trick, a goal to for Connie Hornibrook along with a brace for Jade Carpenter in a 10-0 win for St Ives.
The County Cup action continues with the Suffolk Women’s competition too at the 2nd Round stage, 8 ties drawn out of the hat (it might have been a bag I’m just guessing) all vying for a place in the quarter finals, Ipswich Town Ladies dominating in recent season’s have an iron grip on the trophy. Progressed with an away win to make the last 8 this time around. Haverhill Rovers Ladies and Needham Market Women also progressing courtesy of home wins that left 5 ties to be decided on the pitch in Sunday.
AFC Sudbury Ladies were Ipswich Town Ladies opponents in last season’s final. They were drawn at home to Suffolk Women’s Division side, Leiston St Margarets Ladies in the 2nd Round of the County Cup. A tough start to the season in the ERWFL Premier Division, AFC Sudbury proving the stronger side on the day gaining a positive result to reach the quarter finals of the competition. Carmen Joyce scoring a brace, their were goals to for Charlene Roach-Smith, Emma Paveley and Emma Squirrel in a 6-0 home win.
Two sides have started the Suffolk Women’s Division win a 100% winning start both entering the Suffolk Women’s County Cup at this weekends 2nd Round stage, defending champions East Bergholt United Ladies with an away trip to Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies who have graced the pitch at Portman Road itself in a recent final in the County Cup, East Bergholt are scoring plenty of goals whilst not shipping many at the other end so far this season and that form continue into the County Cup as they can away win a 4-0 win to reach the quarter finals.
Brantham Athletic Ladies too have started the season well a 100% winning start in the Suffolk Women’s Division neck and neck with East Bergholt at the top of the table, were at home in the 2nd Round of the County Cup taking on Bungay Town Ladies who themselves have endured a tough start to the season in Norfolk Women’s Division One as they begin the defence of their league title, the small shoots of recovery beginning last weekend. Brantham Athletic starting the game the better getting themselves into a strong 3-0 lead, Bungay with 2 players on debut and 3 just 16-years-old fought back to 3-2 thanks to goals from Leanne Smith and Imogen Mcgregor on her debut from the penalty spot, before Brantham Athletic settled the game scoring from a free-kick to win the game 4-2 to reach the quarter-finals.
Woodbridge Town Ladies were hosting Beccles Town Ladies in the 2nd Round of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup at the weekend, Beccles taking an early lead, Woodbridge responding quickly to level the scores. Both scoring again in the 1st half the tie remained all square at half-time no further goals 2nd half the tie heading into a penalty shoot-out, Woodbridge emerging 3-2 winners in the shoot-out to book their place in the last 8 in their debut season. Rosie Cook and Fran Heaney scoring for Beccles.
An all Suffolk Women’s Division clash saw Brettvale Ladies hosting Coplestonians Ladies in the 2nd Round of the County Cup. The visitors advancing with a 4-1 win to complete the quarter final line-up. Another intriguing last 8 in the competition will be waiting with interest to see what the draw brings up.
The Essex Women’s County Cup reaching the 3rd Round stage this Sunday, there was however one 2nd Round tie to be settled with Brentwood Town Ladies Reserves from the Premier Division hosting, Rayleigh Town Ladies from Division One. Rayleigh scoring plenty of goals this season getting the better of their higher league opponents to set up a home tie in the 3rd Round next Sunday with Hullbridge Sports Ladies. Top scorers and captain Isabelle Wallings adding another 2 goals to her tally. Megan Harley getting a goal takes her to 11 for the season whilst Millie Arnold struck for the first time this season as Rayleigh won the match 4-0.
Onto the 3rd Round itself a place in the quarter finals of the competition up for grabs. Premier Division leaders Leigh Ramblers Ladies were at home taking on fellow league side, Chelmsford City Ladies. The league leaders in a great run of form 7 straight wins continued that form into the County Cup, their young side emerging the winners with a 5-0 result to book their place in the quarter finals.
Another young side doing well in the Essex Women’s Premier Division this season are Harlow Town Ladies Development unbeaten in the league were at home to Division One side, FC Clacton Ladies in the 3rd Round of the County Cup this Sunday. A strong performance from Harlow Town’s Development side playing at the Harlow Arena as they reach the last 8 of the County Cup courtesy of a 17-0 win.
Also in the 3rd Round of the Essex Women’s County Cup it was Hutton v Hutton as the clubs were drawn to face one another in the competition the first team playing in ERWFL Division One hosts taking on the young guns of their Reserves. The Reserves making the 1st team work for the win, Vicky Kinsman is in fine form in front of goal for Hutton this season and she was on target for another two goals in the County Cup to see the 1st team through to the quarter finals. The draw for those to be make Wednesday evening.
Essex Women’s Trophy
One of two ties played on the 1st Round of the Essex Women’s Trophy this Sunday with 6 other sides receiving a bye through to the quarter finals of the competition. Premier Division side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies at home to Division One side, Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves. A good result for the home side reaching double figures with 3 players all opening their accounts for the season, Demi Cassie finding the back of the net for 4 goals. Amber Long also netting a brace for Beacon Hill, Xanthe Davis getting on the scoresheet, Jo Smeaton with two goals one from the penalty spot, as the hosts ran out 10-0 winners to progress.
Essex Women’s Division One
One fixture played in the league itself this Sunday in Division One, Billericay Town Ladies Reserves away to Leigh Ramblers ladies Reserves. Goals from Rachel Armstrong-Morris, Emilia Dingwall and Karen Stephanou along with 1st goals of the season for Gemma Curtis an Nicola Carty securing a 5-0 win for Billericay their 8th of the season putting them back to the top of the table on goal difference ahead of Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies.
It was County Cup action all the way across the country this weekend and the East was no exception with most competitions at the 2nd Round stage (Essex into the 3rd Round). Plenty of interesting ties out there some games one sides other very close and a just a few upsets. Two of those coming in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup with 7 2nd Round ties taking place on Sunday. Aylsham Ladies receiving a bye straight to the quarter finals.
With plenty of games to choose from it was a good decision to settle on a tie early on so it was back to The FDC Flegg for Women’s Football East this Sunday to watch Acle United Women from the ERWFL Premier Division take on high league opponents, Norwich City Ladies stalwarts of the league above the FAWNL South East Division One. Was treated to a fantastic game of football, Norwich starting well, it was Acle who had the first opportunity on goal, captain Megan Todd through on goal sending the ball wide of goalkeeper Hope Armstrong as she closed her down the ball rolling wide of the post. Norwich going on to get the lead a long range shot palmed down in the box, Natasha Snelling the quickest to the ball putting Norwich 1-0 up. The game ebbed and flowed both sides enjoying spells of pressure Acle getting back on level terms Grace Birchall meeting a Todd cross at the top of the area to send the ball into the bottom corner of the net to make it 1-1.
All square at the break. Norwich were temporally reduced to 10 as the County Cup sees the new sin-bin offence applied, Ellie Smith the recipient. That said it was Norwich who retook the lead in this spell, Kathryn Stanley receiving the ball of a throw-in left side turning inside to close on the area a strike a looping shot in from 20 yards out over the keeper and into the goal beyond, 2-1 up. Again Acle pulled the scores level, Birchall a constant threat up front played in from direct play in behind beating the keeper to send the ball home to make it 2-2. The game could have gone either way both sides positive till the end at the death Norwich were attacking Acle countered Birchall peeling away into space closing in on the area shooting her shot deceiving the keeper and running on into the goal to put Acle 3-2. Now time left for Norwich find a reply as Acle reaching the final last season progress into the quarter finals.
Grace Birchall completes her hat-trick and wins the game at the death for Acle United Women
Wymondham Town Ladies were the side to beat Acle United Women in last seasons final to lift the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the first time. Awarded an away win in the 1st Round draw were drawn away to Bulldogs Ladies in the 2nd Round a daunting tie to the side currently bottom of Norfolk Women’s Division Two a huge gap between the sides it would have been an easy call to forfeit the match but full credit to the Thetford based side for giving it a go. Wymondham promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division this season have a strong attacking line-up and the goal GIFs were out in force this Sunday.. the dance moves… interesting in themselves. Both strikers Laura Nicholls and Hannah Waters were celebrating first half hat-tricks. Mollie 0’Callaghan getting a brace, whilst Alice Ladbrooke, Chelsea Clarke had a goal each to their name, Waters hitting a 4th as Wymondham reached double figures before half-time.
More of the same followed 2nd half, Alice Collins netting a brace. Nicholls scored her 4th of the game. Waters completing a double hat-trick. Captain Rachel Cossey claiming a goal. Rebecca Russell hit the back of the net twice her 1st goals for Wymondham. Clarke getting a 2nd,Leah Newcombe also scoring with O’Callaghan completing her hat-trick at the end as Wymondham ran out 22-0 winners.
It was also progress in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the 3rd ERWFL side competing in the regional leagues for Norfolk, King’s Lynn Town Ladies the Division One side at home to Dereham based side Tavern Ladies in the 2nd Round of the competition. Two leagues between the sides, King’s Lynn started well, Natalie Wright scoring twice as the home side built up a 4-0 half-time lead. Tavern pulling a goal back in the 2nd half with Katie Hart-Copsey on target, King’s Lynn adding two further goals to win the game 6-1. Wright completing her hat-trick, Tiffany Forshaw with 2 goals and one for Rochelle Woods.
A 100% winning start in the league for Fakenham Town Ladies, at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division Two, they were drawn away in the County Cup 2nd Round to fellow Division Two side, Gorleston Rangers Ladies. A recent 4-1 home win in the league for Fakenham against the same opponents a different story this weekend as Gorleston Rangers got themselves into a 2-0 lead, Fakenham fighting back pulling a goal back through Fanny Dankskanen it wasn’t enough as Gorleston Rangers won 2-1 to see Fakenham suffer defeat for the 1st time this season.
Also progressing from Norfolk Women’s Division Two, in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup are Taverham United Women. At the top tussling with Fakenham, Taverham too themselves are unbeaten this season new to woman’s football this season, were away to fellow league side Horsford Women in the 2nd Round, reach the quarter finals of the County Cup with a comfortable 9-0 win.
Thorpe United Ladies the current leaders of Norfolk Women’s Division One are two times winners of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup were at home in the 2nd Round of the competition taking on fellow league side Gorleston Ladies. Both side scoring twice in the match the scores were tied at 2-2 after 90 minutes. Into extra-time and neither could find the winning goal to send them through into a penalty shoot out Thorpe edged it 5-4 to advance into the quarter finals.
Last but not least Freethorpe Ladies from Norfolk Women’s Division Two were hosting Division One side, Sprowston Athletic Ladies in the 2nd Round of the County Cup. The higher league side finding a winning formula with 3 successive wins in league and cup extended that run to 4 with an away win on Sunday. Laura Jenkins scoring 4 goals in the game her 1st of the season in just her 2nd start. Olivia Leggett was also on target with a goal in a 5-0 win to see Sprowston Athletic Ladies into the quarter finals. An intriguing last 8 it will be interesting to see what the draw throws out.
As with the previous Round-Up the ERWFL fixture list like the the FAWNL was severely reduced due to clubs scattering to take part on their various County Cup competitions at the weekend with just the two games taking place across the 2 divisions.
In the Premier Division, Harlow Town Ladies were playing host to AFC Dunstable Ladies, Goals from Abbey Dell, Olivia Steele and Tayla Handscombe seeing Harlow score 3, but a battling display from AFC Dunstable saw them earn a 5th point of the season as they drew 3-3 thanks to 2 goals from Storm Sherry Burrows and a 1st goal for defender Tanya Blacksley. The point seeing both move up a place Harlow Town back into the top half of the table.
ERWFL Division One
All very tight in the top half of the ERWFL Division One table and with just the one fixture taking place this Sunday 2nd spot was up for grabs as Bowers & Pitsea Ladies hosted fellow Essex side Hatfield Peverel Ladies on Sunday. Sluggish in the first half, Hatfield Peverel were holding Bowers & Pitsea to a goalless draw at the half-time interval. A better start to the 2nd half for Bowers & Pitsea however as they broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, Danielle Styles scoring to fire them into the lead. The advantage doubled just 6 minutes later with Sophie Dowman scoring to make it 2-0. Into the final 15 minutes as Abbie Simmonds found the back of the net to make it 3-0 an secure the win for Bowers & Pitsea a put them 2nd in the table. Undefeated in 4 league games now including 3 wins. A couple of big games coming up, 1st up in midweek this Thursday are at home to Charlton Athletic Women in the quarter finals of the Bostik Women’s Cup. Followed on Sunday with a home game against the league leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves.
