The weather out pay to 3 ties across the East from 2nd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup last Sunday the ties rolled onto this Sunday.
A trip to Mildenhall Town FC for ERWFL Premier Division side, Harlow Town Ladies taking on higher league opponents, FAWNL South East Division One side, Cambridge United WFC. Few chances in the opening half hour Cambridge breaking the dead-lock in the 34th minute, Vicky Neal finding the back of the net, the lead doubled just 2 minutes later, Faith Hewitt striking from just inside the box. The advantage 3-0 come the half-time whistle with Kelley Blanchflower striking from distance. Steph Gale rifling the ball home to make it 4-0 in the 56th minute. Defender Kayleigh-Anne Burt getting the final touch as the ball was headed goalwards from a corner kick with 15 minutes left, Gabrielle Whitehurst adding a sixth goal from close range in the 86th minute to see Cambridge comfortably through to a 3rd Round Qualifying tie at home to Stevenage Ladies this coming Sunday.
Was an all FAWNL South East Division One 2nd Round Qualifying tie played this Sunday with Denham United Ladies hosting Crawley Wasps Ladies. Naomi Cole scoring on 15 minutes to hands Crawley Wasps the lead 1-0 the advantage going into the half-time interval. 5 minutes into the 2nd half Crawley Wasps were awarded a corner, Kemina Webber heading home to double the visitors lead. Faye Rabson scoring to make it 3-0 the game closing in on the hour. Denham pulling a goal back substitute Liv Thompson scoring on her debut with her first touch. Crawley Wasps winning 3-1 will now play away against Chesham United Ladies in 3rd Round Qualifying.
ERWFL Premier Division side, Royston Town Ladies bow out of the FA Women’s Cup after they were defeated on the road against Queens Park Rangers Girls on Sunday. Kristal Clarke, Melanie Hall and Merle Ling amongst the goals as the hosts ran out comfortable winners to progress to 3rd Round Qualifying. Sammy Tinsley scoring the goal for Royston Town. QPR Girls will now face Whyteleafe Ladies away from home this coming Sunday.
Revised 3rd Round Qualifying fixtures featuring sides across the East, ties to be played this coming Sunday 7th October:-
Five straight league wins for Coventry United Ladies now takes them back to the top of the FAWNL Southern Division. Unbeaten in 7 at the start of the season. At home on Sunday taking on C&K Basildon Ladies, goals from Amber Hughes and Jade Brook seeing Coventry start strongly 2 up after 10 minutes. C&K Basildon pulling a goal back before the half-time interval. Brook with her 2nd of the game restoring Coventry’s 2 goal cushion on the hour. Amy Wathan scoring in the last 10 minutes to see Coventry record a 4-1 win to move top ahead of Watford FC Ladies.
Losing to Coventry a fortnight ago Chichester City Ladies unbeaten start to the season came to an end last weeks fixture at home to Cardiff City Ladies falling foul of the weather, Chichester were on the road this weekend back in league action taking on Loughborough Foxes Women. A tight game the sides contesting a goalless first half, Chichester striking early 2nd half Molly Clark on 47 minutes scoring what would prove to be the winning goal, Chichester in 3rd keep the pressure on the leading pair.
Plymouth Argyle Ladies impressive start to the season continues the South West Division One Champions now up to 4th in the Southern Premier Division table after they won for the 4th successive game. Were on the road taking on Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Helen Bleazard with a 1st half double handing Plymouth a 2-0 half-time advantage, they didn’t have it all their own way 2nd half, QPR fighting back with 2 quickfire goals to level the scores, new signing Whitney Locke scoring her 1st goal for the club on 65 minutes, Rochelle Shakes also newly arrived making it 2-2, 4 minutes later. Plymouth coming back to retake the lead and go on to win the game Zoe Cunningham finding the back of the net to make it 3-2 with 7 minutes left.
A 2nd league win in the Southern Premier Division for Milton Keynes Dons Ladies as the newly promoted side winning South East Division One start to find their feet in the league. At home on Sunday at Stadium MK up against Gillingham FC Ladies. Another close contest 0-0 for 75 minutes, the winning goal was struck home by Kim Farrow for Milton Keynes Dons in the 76th minute to win them the 3 points moving them onto 7 points after 7 played.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies, Kim Farrow
FAWNL Cup
This weekend saw the 1st Round’s of the FAWNL Cup and Plate taking place, a handful of ties in both competitions with most handed a bye to the 2nd Round. Two 1st Round Cup matches featuring South East Division One sides, AFC Wimbledon Ladies were at home taking on Buckland Athletic Ladies from the South West Division One. Bernice Tully with her 1st goal for AFC Wimbledon giving the hosts a 21st minute lead Laura Quinn-Low also scoring for the 1st time this season seeing AFC Wimbledon leading 2-0 at half-time. Jenny Nagle another scoring her 1st goal for AFC Wimbledon to put them 3 up midway through the 2nd half. Georgia Heasman in her 1st game back in Wimbledon colours adding a 4th goal with 5 minutes left.
Was a 7 goal thriller in the FAWNL Cup 1st Round tie on Sunday, South East Division One side, Enfield Town Ladies hosting, Southampton Women of South West Division One. Nuala McKevitt putting Enfield 1 up within 6 minutes of the start. Southampton coming back equalised through Kayleigh Tonks in the 22nd minute the visitors taking the lead late in the 1st half Natalie Bavister on target. 2-1 the lead for Southampton, Jane Yates gave them a 3-1 lead scoring 2 minutes into the 2nd period. Enfield’s turn to fightback, Sara Degooye pulling it back to 3-2 five minutes later. Molly Peters scoring to see Enfield level it at 3-3 with 15 minutes left. The winning goal coming 3 minutes from the end of normal play, Roxanne Lee-Stewart with Southampton’s 4th and winning goal.
The draw for the 2nd Round of the FAWNL Cup has been made the ties featuring Southern Premier & South East Division One clubs listed below – ties scheduled to be played Sun 14th October :-
Billericay Town Ladies v Chichester City Ladies
Cambridge United Women v Leyton Orient WFC
QPR Women v Loughborough Foxes Women
Oxford United Women v Crawley Wasps Ladies
Larkhall Athletic Ladies v AFC Wimbledon Ladies
Southampton Women v Plymouth Argyle Ladies
Watford FC Ladies v Coventry United Ladies
FAWNL Plate
In the FAWNL Plate 1st Round, Southern Premier Division side, Portsmouth FC Women were away to Poole Town Ladies from South West Division One. The higher league side proving too strong, Katie James putting Portsmouth into the lead inside 10 minutes. Carla Perkins adding a 4 minute brace with Eilidh Currie making it 4-0 to Portsmouth midway through the 1st half. More goals coming for the visitors 2nd half, Rachel Panting striking early going on to complete a hat-trick. Hannah Geer also scoring with Perkins also adding a 3rd goal to complete her own hat-trick a 9-0 victory seeing Portsmouth progress.
The draw for the 2nd Round of the FAWNL Plate has also been made the ties featuring Southern Premier & South East Division One clubs listed below – ties scheduled to be played Sun 14th October :-
Maidenhead United Ladies v Denham United Ladies
Keynsham Town Ladies or Southampton Saints v Portsmouth FC Women
Brislington Ladies v Milton Keynes Dons Ladies
Actonians Ladies v Chesham United Ladies
Gillingham FC Ladies v Luton Town Ladies
Norwich City Ladies v Stevenage Ladies
Ipswich Town Women v C&K Basildon Ladies
FAWNL South East Division One
A thriller for the neutral at the top of South East Division One on Sunday with 3rd placed Actonians Ladies hosting 2nd placed Billericay Town Ladies. An early goal for Jennifer Laidlaw along with a goal for Sara Lopez-Ezzahiri for Actonians in the 1st half they found themselves trailing however with Billericay on target for 3 goals up the other end the visitors adding a 4th goal 2nd half, Actonians hit back to earn a point with Enya Collins and Carla Williams striking to see the game finish 4-4. Billericay’s 100% winning start coming to an end the point nevertheless enough to put the into top position with Crawley Wasps in cup action at the weekend.
Teams clustering below with just 2 points between 4th and 10th in the South East Division One table. Stevenage Ladies moving up into the top half of the table following their 2nd league win of the season on Sunday coming on the road away to Norwich City Ladies, goals from Shona Chitate and Ashleigh Deacon seeing Stevenage hold a 2-0 advantage at half-time. Norwich saw a penalty saved in the 2nd half before pulling a goal back with Laura Thacker making it 2-1. The visitors holding on for the 2-1 win.
A first league win of the season in South East Division One for bottom side Luton Town Ladies. At home on Sunday taking on Ipswich Town Ladies. The visitors taking the lead however Paige Wakefield putting Ipswich in front. Dionne Manning scoring a brace brought Luton back on level terms then gave them the lead. Jess McKay scoring to make in 3-1 and see Luton collect their 1st league points of the season.
This weekend saw the beginning of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup, the competition having a new group format this season with all the sides from the Premiership & Championship’s North & South drawn into 4 groups the top two progressing to the knockout stage. The draw made however before the start of the season 3 sides have unfortunately withdrawn before a ball has been kicked the latest Netherton United Ladies Reserves side joining Spalding United Ladies and Glinton & Northborough Ladies a real shame. Home & Away wins awarded to their opponents in each group now all consisting of 5.
Group A consists of Premiership sides ICA Sports Ladies & Netherton Ladies along with Championship sides, Cardea Ladies, Pinchbeck United Ladies & Ketton Ladies.
Group B consists of Premiership sides March Town United Ladies along with Championship sides Hungate Rovers Ladies, Wisbech St Mary Ladies, Park Ladies & Wisbech Town Ladies.
Group C consists of Premiership sides, Cambridge City Ladies Development, Histon Ladies Reserves & Riverside Ladies along with Championship sides, St Ives Town Ladies Development & Cambridge Rangers WFC.
Group D consists of Premiership sides, Cambridge University Women & Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds along with Championship sides, Burwell Tigers Ladies, Isleham United Ladies & Haverhill Rovers Ladies.
There were 5 group matches played this Sunday. The Premiership sides not all having it their own way with three suffering defeats in their opening group matches. Was an impressive result at home for Championship South side Cambridge Rangers WFC as they beat Premiership side Riverside Ladies on Sunday. A goal each for Robyn Barlow and Ruth Telfer along with a brace for Sharne Southgate seeing them win the game 4-1.
Also in Group C it was an opening day victory in the League Cup for St Ives Town Ladies Development from the Championship South over Premiership side Histon Ladies Reserves. 5-2 becoming a familiar scoreline for St Ives Town as it is the final score for their 3rd successive match. On the wrong end of the first now make it two wins from 2 in league and cup. Jade Carpenter and Connie Liddiard both scoring a brace with Katherine Speed also scoring for St Ives Town. Philippa Hayden-Evans and Sophie Wing scoring the goals for Histon Ladies Reserves.
Championship South newcomers, Haverhill Rovers Ladies were at home to Premiership side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds in their opening Group D match. Fulbourn starting well getting int a 2-0 lead Haverhill Rovers regrouping well from the early setback to come back strong an go on to win the game 8-3. Sian Cottrell back from injury opening her goals account for Haverhill Rovers with 5 goals. Abbi Griffin, Joeli Kirby and Hayley Turner the other goalscorers. Katie Luddy, Marie Stubbings and Krissie Taylor scoring for Fulbourn a 3rd successive match where they have scored 3 goals without anything in return.
ICA Sports Ladies are the current holders of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup began the defence of the trophy in Group A at home to Championship North side Cardea Ladies a new name in the league were beginning their season this Sunday. ICA Sports hitting the ground running in the Premiership with 2 wins from 2 proving too strong an opponent as they ran up a double figure score. Carmen Herridge netting a hat-trick. Zoe Leddy getting two goals to her name there were also goals for Sarah Rouse, Donna Nicholls & Kylie Armstrong in a 10-0 win.
March Town United Ladies recorded their 1st victory of the season in Group B on Sunday at home to local rivals Wisbech Town ladies in the League Cup a goal in each half saw the Premiership side chalk up a 2-0 success. Louise Barbour and Naomi McGarvie the goalscorers.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
There was also one league match taking place this Sunday with Ketton Ladies at last getting their campaign underway in the Championship North. A strong campaign last season saw them clinch runners-up position, will be hoping to go one better this time around. Got off to a fantastic start away to Pinchbeck United Ladies. Claire Lawrenson opening her account with a hat-trick, both Fran Kavanagh and Beth Goodman a brace with and own goal adding to an 8-0 opening game win.
Houghton Athletic Ladies press their advantage at the start of the season making it 3 wins from 3 to lead Beds & Herts Women’s Division One maintaining their 100% with victory on the road on Sunday up against Sherrardswood Ladies. A brace each for Shakeela Hussain and Emily Wilson seeing Houghton Athletic come away with a 4-2 win.
A great start to life in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One for newly promoted Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires building on their opening win of the campaign away to Garston Ladies last Sunday were on home soil for the first time coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller with Northwood Ladies to make it 2 wins from 2. Claire Cranfield with two of Northwood’s 3 goals. Goals from Sophie Mandel, Mary Lisle, Georgina Harvey and Katherine Calvert seeing Welwyn Pegasus win the game 4-3.
Losing their opening fixture at home to Houghton Athletic Ladies last Sunday, Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies were in danger of suffering a 2nd successive defeat at the start of the season as they found themselves trailing 2-0 at half-time away to Sharnbrook WFC. The visitors though fought back in the 2nd period going on to win the game 3-2 with Natasha McConville netting all 3 goals.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
3 games played in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two on Sunday. It was another close result for Hitchin Town Ladies as they made it 3 wins from 3 at the start of the season to keep the lead in the table. Where at home taking on newly promoted Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies. Louise Gash scoring for the hosts in the opening minute Hitchin Town Ladies starting well creating chances Gash was injured by Wheathampstead’s goalkeeper in a dangerous collision that saw her booked and Gash taken to hospital given the all clear after being checked out. Hitchin Town regrouping 2nd half went on to double their lead with Emma Chaffey scoring the goal in the 53rd minute. Wheathampstead pulling it back to 2-1 on the hour Hitchin Town successful in defending their lead going on to claim the 3 points.
A brace each for Samantha Edgar and Paige Rolfe along with a goal for Olivia Sole saw Royston Town Ladies Development continue their unbeaten start to the season on Sunday away to Bedford Ladies Development. 7 points fro their opening 3 league matches in Division Two, sees Royston Town go 2nd after a 5-2 win. Amy Butler with a goal on the hour and Eden Kibron scoring with 3 minutes left getting the goals for Bedford.
Hitchin Belles win their 1st game of the season in Division Two on Sunday although opponents Watton Ladies were far from happy with the outcome. Were on the wrong end of a 7-1 defeat. Kate White scoring a hat-trick top scorer for Hitchin Belles in the match, Charlotte Peters claiming a brace with a goal each for Kiera How and Amy Jack.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
There were 3 matches too in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three on Sunday. Starting life in the division with a 12-1 victory AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies sat out last Sunday’s fixtures as Biggleswade United Ladies made it 2 wins from 2 to move to the top of the table a 10-0 success last time out. This Sunday Biggleswade United Ladies travelled to AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies the hosts finding the back of their opponents net for 4 goals to make it 2 wins out of 2 themselves and end Biggleswade United’s unbeaten start in the process. Zara Garrard, Taylor Kingston, Rachael Mumford and Chloe Urbanowicz with the goals.
Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses have one side competing in the Beds & Herts Women’s League this season started with a 4-2 home win last Sunday. Were away to Bedwell Rangers this weekend. A goal for Chloe Jones in the 17th minute with Courtney Edwards adding a 2nd for Bedwell Ranger in the 77th minute it was Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses who would make it 2 wins from 2 come the final whistle as they edged the result 3-2. Georgie Payne and Laura Sephton getting on the scoresheet along with Amelia Glean converting from the penalty spot.
Is a 4 way tie at the top of the table in Division Three with Langford Ladies also moving onto 6 points winning for the 2nd time on Sunday, away to fellow league newcomers Stotfold Juniors Ladies. Another close result Langford coming out on top with the 3-2 victory. Rebecca Reeve scoring twice with Pearl Houghton also getting a goal.
A fantastic start to the season for Harlow Town Ladies Development setting the pace early on with 2 wins from 2 whilst scoring 17 goals to lead the Essex Women’s Premier Division. A 7-3 win over Leigh Ramblers Ladies in their opening game Harlow were even bigger winners this Sunday at home to Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. 4 players getting a brace in the game with Kelsey Mugford, Ellie Nicholls, Chloe Fleming all opening their Harlow accounts Hannah Smith the other brace scorer, Ciara Purdue also scoring a goal to add to er opening day pair with Lois Ruane completing a 10-1 victory for Harlow also on target for her 1st goal for the club. Samantha Weidner scoring the consolation goal for Beacon Hill Rovers.
Also starting their Premier Division campaign with 2 wins from 2 played are Frontiers Ladies although it was a much closer scoreline. Away to Collier Row Tigers on Sunday, Frontier returned home with a 1-0 win under their belts, Charley Sandford with her first goal for Frontiers. Still very early days in the league with both Silver End United Ladies and Southend United Ladies still to get their league campaigns started.
Essex Women’s Division One
Rayleigh Town Ladies made it 3 wins from 3 at the start of the season and it was a goals feast at home that saw them move to the top of Division One. The biggest scoreline of the weekend and brutal reading if you’re a supporter of Belhus Ladies the league newcomers were on the wrong end of a crushing 26-0 win! Captain Isabelle Wallings likes scoring goals and if I type this again I’ll be very surprised as she herself netted double figures with 10 goals to her name. Eleasha Reeves scoring 5 goals, with Megan Harley finding the back of the net for 4 goals. Holly Gash claiming a hat-trick. Amy Cox-Smith with 2 goals along with a goal for Francesca Browne both opening their Rayleigh Town goals accounts for the season.
You only need to win by 1 more goal than you opponents to collect 3 points however and elsewhere it was much closer in Division One on Sunday, Billericay Town Ladies Reserves free scoring at the start of the season with 27 goals from 2 played were looking to make it 3 in a row as they hosted Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies who themselves had started their season with a 7-0 away to Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves last weekend. Two goals in the final 20 minutes for Billericay coming from Sophie Vale and Hope Strauss it wasn’t enough as they suffered their first defeat of the season Dagenham & Redbridge scoring through, Daisy Theobald, Amy Jacobs and Jodie Barden to win 3-2 and maintain their own 100% record.
One goal was enough too for Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves to claim their 1st win of the season as they bounced back from a heavy defeat last weekend away to Dagenham & Redbridge. On the road again this Sunday playing Hutton Ladies Reserves a goal from Laura Kendle the difference between the sides.
Runwell Sports Ladies got back to winning ways on Sunday as they won for the 2nd tie this season following back to back defeats in Division One. Runwell Sports at home to league newcomers Island Ladies. Aaryanna Simonelli enjoying a god start to the season for Runwell Sports her 2nd hat-trick in 4 appearances to move onto 8 for the season with Karen Whitmarsh also getting a goal in a 4-0 victory.
3 games taking place in the Suffolk Women’s Division this Sunday. New leaders at the top of the table 3 wins from 3 for defending Champions, East Bergholt United Ladies the latest seeing them put the sword to league newcomers University of Suffolk Women. A baptism of fire for University of Suffolk a very tough start conceding 17 last weekend against Leiston St Margarets Ladies at home to the Champions, East Bergholt United weekend was another high scoring defeat. Annie Northwood netting 5 times, Pippa King with 4 goals, Jessica Clarke with a hat-trick. Both Charlotte McGrath and Jessica Oxlade getting 2 goals each, Charlotte Warren and Cara Savage also scoring in a 19-0 score for East Bergholt United seeing them move top on goal difference. Demoralising for University of Suffolk but if they can stick together there will be better days to come.
Needham Market Ladies also starting the season with a 100% success rate 3 wins too, dropping to 2nd after the weekend results were on the road taking on Brightlingsea Regent Ladies who themselves have faced Leiston St Margarets Ladies and East Bergholt United in their opening two matches. A 1-0 lead to Needham Market at the half-time interval they went on to score twice more in the 2nd half to win 3-0. Both Nicola Henderson and Jemma Wessels scoring their 1st goals for the club with Lois Balfour also on target for her 5th goal of the season.
Walsham Le Willows moving onto 7 points for the season climb up to 3rd place in the Suffolk Women’s Division, had to settle for a point after they were held at home in a high scoring draw with Alresford Colne Rangers on Sunday. Olivia Hodges with a brace scoring her 1st goals this season for Walsham Le Willows their other goal coming courtesy of an own goal. Alresford Colne Ranger taking a point home with them scoring 3 times up the other end with Hannah Bingham scoring her 1st goal of the season along with strikes for Jo Harvey and Tiffany Reeves. 3-3 the final score.
A great start to the season in Norfolk Women’s Division One for Thorpe United Ladies as they made it 3 wins from 3 at the beginning of the campaign. Away this Sunday were taking on last season’s Division Two Champion’s Sprowston Athletic Ladies a new name this season after being FC Sprowston Ladies last season. Were playing there 1st competitive match under the Sprowston Athletic banner. Thorpe having hit the ground running having the better of the 1st half leading 2-0, and although Sprowston Athletic got their 1st ever goal in Division One courtesy of Rachel Bussey, it wasn’t enough as Thorpe added a 3rd goal to win the game 3-1. Captain, Rebekah Lake scoring twice with Aneliese Smith also getting a goal.
Still very early days in all the county leagues across the East and league tables are only beginning to take shape. Aylsham Ladies returning to Division One started the new campaign with a 4-2 home win over newly promoted Beccles Tow Ladies were at home again this Sunday for their 2nd league fixture taking on Gorleston FC Ladies who have begun the season with a win and a loss. 2 wins from 2 for Aylsham in 2nd spot thanks to 3 goals scored by Millie Cursons, Sophie Lubbock and Leanne Symonds. 3-1 the winning margin Mary Croft scoring the goal for Gorleston.
Sprowston Ladies were in action too for only the 2nd time this season as they travelled to play Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday. Both without a point going into the match it was Sprowston celebrating the win come the final whistle, Abby Hitchin and Amee Kennett scoring in a 3-0 success for the visitors takes Sprowston 3rd.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Relegated without a point on the board and just 9 goals to their name last season Long Stratton Women are enjoying a most welcome rejuvenation in Division Two this season are top of the table after 3 played with 3 wins already on the board and the 9 goals already surpassed were at home on Sunday and were prolific in front of goal against league newcomers Horsford Women on Sunday scoring an eye watering 20 goals (but keep reading the round-ups because it was not the highest score of the weekend). Brutal scorelines for the losing side has to be said but all you can do it move on to the next one. Long Stratton have had many a black afternoon in recent months themselves goals galore this Sunday, Samantha Walker with a triple hat-trick (you won’t say that very often) Emily Watts and Beth Stratton both scoring 4 a piece, Jennifer Head with a brace and a goal for Annie Mayes.
Fakenham Town Ladies also dropping down to Division Two this season are enjoying a much needed rejuvenation themselves starting the season with 2 league wins went into their 3rd game of the season this Sunday at home against another side looking to defend a 100% winning start Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies. The visitors holding the advantage at the break Bure Valley Wildcats 2-1 to the good thanks to goals from Carrie Last and Keira Brown. Fakenham though for the 2nd successive game came back from a losing position to winning the match taking the 3 points with a 3-2 win to move 2nd win 3 wins from 3, Fanny Dankskanen, Kayleigh Robb and Amber Guyatt with the goals.
Fakenham Town Ladies, Fanny Dankskanen
Taverham Women are new to the league this season and a big win to build on their unbeaten start on Sunday sees them move up into 3rd spot in the Division Two table. Were at home taking on fellow league newcomers Hockering Ladies who travelled short on numbers due various unforeseen reasons. 9 were to become 8 due to injury making for a tough afternoon kept going Taverham capitalising with a big win. Rebecca Sutton top-scoring for Taverham with 5 goals. Hannah Artis and Maya Lawlor getting a brace each with goals too for Laura Jones, Abbie Walker, Tiegan Robinson, Caitlyn Arnup & Charlotte Hurren in a 14-0 scoreline.
A first league win of the season on Sunday for Freethorpe Ladies in Division Two, were at home taking on league newcomers Bulldogs Ladies. Getting into a 2-0 lead at half-time Freethorpe going on to take control of the 2nd half to eventually run out 7-1 winners. Claire Garner and Caitlin Smith both getting two goals each. Kiera Squires, Andrea Colbrook and Amy Morris were all on target with a goal each Freethorpe not scoring in their opening two league matches are up to 5th in the table.
Just the one game in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday with several of the other teams involved in the FA Women’s Cup. It was a significant result though at home for Brentwood Town Ladies over Bedford Ladies. Goals from Jessica Mills her first of the season and Georgia Holdaway on target for her 8th already this season enough to secure a 2-1 victory, Brentwood’s 3rd successive league win taking them up to 2nd in the ERWFL Premier Division table. Charlotte Demmon with her 1st goal of the season not enough as Bedford having gone 4 league games unbeaten at the start of the season suffer back to back defeats.
ERWFL League Cup
In ERWFL Division One this Sunday the action focused to the League Cup, with 5 ties from the 1st Round taking place. Plenty of goals scored and big wins in 4 of the 5 games too. There were plenty of goals scored in the other 1st Round tie too but it was a much closer game between Stevenage Ladies Reserves at home to King’s Lynn Town Ladies the sides sharing a 9 goal thriller in the finish. Stevenage getting off to the better start getting themselves into a 3-1 lead King’s Lynn fighting back saw the sides drawing 4-4 before Stevenage scored for a fifth time to take the win. Daniela Martucci another attacker showing great form at the start of the season moving onto 8 as she bagged a hat-trick for Stevenage, Rebecca Brooker with her 1st of the season and Hannah Marsh also on target. Also 8 goals for the season too for King’s Lynn striker Oksana Imanalijeva as she scored all 4 of the visitors goals.
Elsewhere the results were more one sided in the 1st Round of the League Cup. Lawford Ladies were on the road taking on Bishops Stortford Ladies. A hat-trick for captain, Daisy Canny with Jasmine Cox going one better with 4 goals seeing Lawford safely through to the 2nd Round with a 7-0 win.
Bowers & Pitsea Ladies were getting to play at home for first time this season at the newly refurbished The Len Salmon Stadium. Were hosting Ipswich Wanderers Ladies in the 1st Round of the League Cup. Bowers & Pitsea coming back from a goal down to lead 2-1 at half-time with Danielle Styles and Emma Mackie on target. The hosts finishing the game strongly scoring 7 goals in the final 23 minutes to run out 9-1 winners with Styles adding two more to complete her hat-trick. A hat-trick too late on for Ebony Moore. Georgia Fraser also scoring to begin the 2nd half goal feast, Louise Daly netting her first goal for the club along with a late strike for Sophie Dowman seeing Bowers & Pitsea progress.
A hat-trick each for Victoria Kinsman and Rosi Webb along with a goal for Sally Appleton her first for the club saw Hutton Ladies win comfortably at home in the 1st Round of the League Cup against Hatfield Peverel Ladies on Sunday. Kinsman now has an incredible 13 goals from 5 appearances so far this season, Webb with 7 in the goals scored column from 4 appearances.
St Ives Town Ladies also progressing to the 2nd Round of the League Cup with a good result at home against Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday. Georgia Stancombe netting a brace, there were goals too for Hannah Seymour-Shove and Katie Stancombe with new signing Francesca Worrall also getting a goal her 1st for the 1st team.
With 3 sides receiving a bye’s in the 1st Round of the League Cup 4 ties with take place in the 2nd Round with the winners joining the Premier Division sides entering in the 3rd Round. The draw to be played Sunday 28th October is as follows :-
This Sunday saw 60 ties drawn out of the hat for 2nd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup with the sides from FAWNL Division One entering the competition. 15 of those ties featuring sides competing in the East. The wet start to the weekend following through to Sunday morning putting pay to a few fixtures, Cambridge United WFC v Harlow Town Ladies, QPR Girls FC v Royston Town Ladies & Denham United Ladies v Crawley Wasps Ladies amongst those that will have to try again this coming Sunday.
The weather was set to clear across the region come kick-off time and although it was a waiting game elsewhere pitches fared fairly well at the start of autumn. It was to one of this weekend’s FA Women’s Cup ties Women’s Football East headed on Sunday. A trip into Cambridge to watch ERWFL Premier Division leaders take on FAWNL South East Division One side, Leyton Orient WFC. Ended up witnessing a 9 goal thriller. Not that you would have expected that outcome as the higher placed league side made the far better start to the game. Leyton Orient. Pressing the ball getting players into advanced positions Sophie around the box Lisa Holmback’s strike blocked the rebound coming to Tara O’Halloran her strike from the edge of the area going in to give the visitors the lead in the 7th minute. Sophie Le Marchand a constant threat on the left or coming in field doubling Leyton Orient’s lead. Cambridge City struggling to get anything going in attack didn’t have a shot on target until the 43rd minute that though bringing them a vital lifeline to take into the 2nd half, Laura Mills muscling her way through the defence into the box to send the ball home to make it 2-1.
An eventful 2nd half to follow, Cambridge City getting it back to 2-2 early on Mills setting up Sarah Mosley scoring with a great strike outside the box. Leyton Orient came back to retake the lead from a corner O’Halloran unmarked at the near post heading in from close range. Cambridge City hitting back Charlotte Gillies getting hold of the ball on the right delivering a great cross into the Leyton Orient six yard box new signing Shannon Shaw getting onto the cross to turn it in. Once more Leyton Orient retook the lead Le Marchand beating the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 4-3. Mills with a powerful strike from outside the box bringing it back to 4-4. Close to the end Cambridge City went on to score the winning goal full back Lauren Tomlinson finding space to run into on the left running 3/4 the length of the pitch before squaring a cross along the face of goal Bella Simmons meeting it at the far post to make it 5-4 to the hosts and send them through to the next round knocking out higher league opposition.
It was an all ERWFL Premier Division clash in 2nd Round Qualifying between AFC Sudbury Ladies and Acle United Women on Sunday. Visitors Acle proving to be too strong for their hosts on the day, goals from Rhianne Brister, Grace Birchall and captain Megan Todd seeing the Norfolk side leading 3-0 at half-time. More goals coming 2nd half with Lauren Bullard netting a brace to make it 5-0 with Todd adding two more herself to complete her hat-trick and a comfortable 7-0 for Acle.
It was seventh heaven too for Luton Town Ladies as they finally got a victory under their belts on Sunday hosting ERWFL Premier Division side and local rivals AFC Dunstable Ladies. The FAWNL South East Division One side taking the lead through Aurora Ryan scoring her 1st goal for the side. Jess McKay on target to double Luton’s advantage. A strike from distance from Zara Carroll making it 3-0. Nicola Henman heading home from a corner put the hosts 4-0 in front, A brace by Erica Byron along with another goal for McKay making it 7-0. Progressing in the FA Women’s Cup, Luton will be hoping this Sunday’s win can kick start their league campaign as they look to climb off the bottom of the table.
Norwich City Ladies were on the road in the FA Women’s Cup a wet trip up the A17 to face EMWFL Division One North side Boston United Ladies. The game taking place at Boston United FC the FAWNL South East Division One side running out resounding winner by 11 goals to 3 to progress. Kyla Love netting a 6 minute 1st half hat-trick with further goals coming from Chelsea Garrett, Jodie Drake and Reeanna Cook in the 1st period. Garrett going on to score twice more early in the 2nd half to complete a hat-trick herself. Aimee Durrant and Kathryn Stanley both claiming a goal with Love wrapping up the scoring with 5 minutes left to play.
Leigh Ramblers Ladies entering the FA Women’s Cup for the first time had already caused an upset by beating higher league opponent Bowers & Pitsea Ladies in the previous round now the newly promoted Essex Women’s Premier Division side were taking on another ERWFL Division One side, Histon Ladies. Travelling to Cambridge, Leigh Ramblers were to score first take the lead. Histon coming back to level with 10 minutes left to play in the 1st half Katie Seagrave scoring the equaliser. 1-1 at the break an early goal 2nd half putting Histon into the lead Alison Wright on hand to score. Katie Webb stealing on on the keeper to win the ball and score to make it 3-1 to the hosts in the 56th minute. Leigh Ramblers setting up a tense finish to the game adding a 2nd goal with 6 minutes of normal time left. Histon holding on with 7 minutes of added time to play to go through with a 3-2 win.
A trip to Norfolk for another Essex Women’s Premier Division side with title hopefuls Corringham Cosmos travelling to play ERWFL Premier Division side, Wymondham Town Ladies who rather like the FA Women’s Cup and they were by far the dominant side in Sunday’s 2nd Round Qualifying tie. Striker Hannah Waters netting a 7 minute hat-trick to see Wymondham leading 3-0 after 23 minutes. Livvy Gunn scoring a 4 minute brace around the half hour a goal Laura Nicholls sandwiched in between. Another for Waters along with a 2nd for Nicholls seeing Wymondham dominant leading 8-0 at half-time. Nicholls completing her hat-trick early in the 2nd half. Chelsea Clarke brought up double figures on 55th minutes. Gunn going on to complete her hat-trick. Nicholls scoring her 4th of the match, Corringham Cosmos getting a goal with a long range strike before Carolyn Sarafian got her name on the scoresheet. into the final 15 minutes Nadine Basson back from injury scoring a brace, Nicholls with a 5th to her name and vice-captain Leah Newcombe scoring from a free-kick. 17-1 the final score.
Wymondham’s opponents in the next round of the FA Women’s Cup are another fee scoring side this season, Billericay Town Ladies newly promoted the the FAWNL South East Division One were at home in 2nd Round Qualifying taking on ERWFL Premier Division side Colney Heath Ladies. Captain Lindsey Morgan getting Billericay off to a flying start, putting them 1-0 up inside 5 minutes. Megan Jiggins scoring to double the lead 10 minutes later. Zoe Rushen scoring twice in the 2nd half her brace coming either side of a goal from Nicole Farmer on 62 minutes. Amy Nash also getting her 1st goal for Billericay. Jay Blackie scoring a late brace with Danica Dougal making it 9-1 2 minutes from time. Adrienne Milton with the consolation goal for Colney Heath.
EMWFL Premier Division side Peterborough United Ladies were on the road in 2nd Round Qualifying away to FAWNL South West Division One side Chesham United Ladies, were soundly beaten a 5-0 win seeing Chesham United into the next round.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies were hosting AFC Phoenix Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup this Sunday the FAWNL South East Division One side needing extra-time to see off their lower league opponents to advance. The sides entering the extra period of play with the 90 minutes ending goalless. So too the 1st period of extra-time the winning goal coming 3 minutes into the 2nd half of extra-time Katie Stanley getting the ball into the back of the net to send Wimbledon into the next round.
Exiting the FA Women’s Cup at the first hurdle though are FAWNL South East Division One side Ipswich Town Women beaten on penalties by lower league opponents, New London Lionesses. Paige Wakefield scoring early on for Ipswich in the first half conceded a penalty in the 13th minute New London Lionesses equalising from the spot. A free-kick arrowed in from Cassie Craddock late in the 1st half seeing Ipswich restore their lead. New London Lionesses coming back again to make it 2-2 on 70 minutes. Onto extra-time neither side able to break the deadlock it headed to penalties never a nice way to lose great if you get the win and New London Lionesses were celebrating after taking it 4-2.
An all FAWNL South East Division One clash in 2nd Round Qualifying saw two sides starting the season well going head to head Enfield Town Ladies hosting Actonians Ladies on Sunday. Sara Degooye on target in the 5th minute for Enfield to see the hosts lead. Alessandra Barreca on target for Actonians 2nd half but it wasn’t enough as Enfield clinched a 2-1 win with Molly Peters getting the goal in the 85th minute.
One more game to bring you from the FA Women’s Cup this Sunday with ERWFL Premier Division side Peterborough Northern Star Ladies hosting FAWNL Division One side Stevenage Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying. A brace from Amy Makewell along with goals for Shona Chitate, Erin Pope and Ellie Searle seeing Stevenage progress with a comfortable 5-1 win. Emma pollard scoring for Northern Star.
The draw for 3rd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup was made this Monday a place in the 1st Round Proper up for grabs, ties to be played Sun 7th October with the winners receiving £600. The ties featuring sides playing in the Women’s Football East catchment listed below:-
Nettleham Ladies v Histon Ladies
Norwich City Ladies v Enfield Town Ladies
Acle United Ladies v Cambridge City Ladies
Cambridge United WFC or Harlow Town Ladies v Stevenage Ladies
Wymondham Town Ladies v Billericay Town Ladies
Chesham United Ladies v Denham United Ladies or Crawley Wasps Ladies
AFC Wimbledon Ladies v Godalming Town Ladies
Whyteleafe Ladies v QPR Girls FC or Royston Town Ladies
Just the sides from the Southern Premier Division in action this weekend with the FAWNL Division One sides entering the FA Women’s Cup. Heavy overnight rain on Saturday continuing most of Sunday morning saw 3 of the scheduled league matches being postponed, C&K Basildon Ladies v QPR Women, Coventry United Ladies v Plymouth Argyle Ladies & Chichester City Ladies v Cardiff City Ladies needed to have a new date set.
3 matches did survive the weather however and it was good news for Watford FC Ladies as they recorded a 5th straight win in all competitions to climb to the top of the Southern Premier Division table. Took then a while to get going though at home to Gillingham FC Ladies on Sunday. The visitors in fact holding the advantage at the half-time interval leading 1-0 thanks to a penalty scored by Ellie Manning in the 19th minute. Didn’t take Watford long to find the equaliser 2nd half, Katherine Huggins finding the back of the net in the 48th minute. 3 minutes later Watford were in front Katie O’Leary on target to make it 2-1. A great strike from outside the box by midfielder Laura Baker saw her score her first goal for Watford since her move from Cambridge United WFC.
Watford were in control of the game by now Katie Akerman also scoring her 1st goal to make it 4-1 in the 65th minute. Gillingham were awarded a 2nd penalty in the match in the 79th minute, Maddison Farrand converting to pull it back to 4-2. Watford responded however scoring two more goals in quick succession to put the result beyond doubt, Helen Ward and Leanne Bell seeing Watford go top with a 6-2 win.
Portsmouth FC Women halted a run that had seen them suffer 4 straight losses with victory away to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies on Sunday. Travelling to Stadium MK on Sunday their hosts were beginning to find their feet at a higher level following promotion Milton Keynes Dons with the lead at half-time thanks to a free-kick scored by Charly Wright late in the first half. The lead didn’t last long 2nd half however as Portsmouth found the equaliser just 2 minutes after the restart, Rachel Panting making it 1-1. The visitors taking the lead on the hour with Daisy McLachlan sending the ball home to give Portsmouth a 2-1 advantage. Katie James giving the visitors some daylight scoring in the 76th minute Portsmouth going on to win 3-1 getting back to winning ways after a promising start to the season.
Oxford United Women with a 2nd successive league win on Sunday climb into the top half of the Southern Premier Division table. Were at home hosting early pacesetters Loughborough Foxes Women. The newly promoted side taking an early lead in the game with Kate Lowder putting them 1 up in the 11th minute. Oxford came back to level the scores just 2 minutes later Florence Fyfe scoring to make it 1-1. Fyfe getting her 2nd goal of the game midway through the first half to see Oxford leading 2-1 at half-time. Loughborough came back in the 2nd half to level the scores through an unfortunate own goal. The host finishing the game strongly retook the lead with 15 minutes left Catherine Beaver netting to give Oxford a 3-2 lead her 1st goal of the season. Emily Allen also netting her first goal of the season wrapping up a 4-2 win for Oxford with 8 minutes left.
