A weekend of cup football to start 2018 in Norfolk with the quarter finals of the Ladies League Cup being played along with 3 ties from the 1st Round of the Ladies Plate Competition.
It was an emphatic win at home for current League Cup holders, Bungay Town Ladies as the Division One side ran out double figure winners over their Division Two opponents, Bure Valley Wildcats. Emily Leach netting a double hat-trick in the game, Samantha Walker was just one goal behind with 5 to her name. Selina Rowland also getting herself a brace. Nicola Hazell also getting a goal in a 14-0 win to book their place in the semi-finals.
Thorpe United Ladies were last season beaten League Cup finalists and they also reached the semi-finals of the competition this Sunday however they needed to come from behind to do so at home against Fakenham Town Ladies who were leading 1-0 at half-time. Shanice Sutton netted a brace in the 2nd half with a goal too for Alice Ford to see Thorpe edge Fakenham out with a 3-2 victory. Sam King and Rochelle Woods with the goals for Fakenham Town.
Also reaching the League Cup semi-finals are Stalham Town Ladies as they narrowly beat fellow Division One side Gorleston FC Ladies away from home on Sunday. Joanne Hooper getting a brace for Stalham Town at Emerald Park with Sophie Lubbock also grabbing a goal as the visitors edged Gorleston out with a 3-2 win. Leanne Smith and Samantha Hunn with the Gorleston goals.
The league Cup semi-final line-up is completed by FC Sprowston Ladies leading the Division Two table. Were at home to fellow league side Tavern Ladies in the quarter finals this Sunday the sides involved in a 7 goal thriller, Sophie Fuller getting a brace for Tavern with Lucy Kean scoring the visitors 3rd goal. It wasn’t enough however as FC Sprowston thanks to goals from Tammy Graves and Katie Fray along with a brace for Rebecca Kirby won the match 4-3 to progress.
Norfolk Ladies League Plate
3 games played in the 1st Round of the Ladies Plate competition this Sunday. North Walsham Angels Ladies winners of the Plate competition two seasons ago were drawn away to fellow Division One side Long Stratton Ladies. Progressed with a comfortable win leading 1-0 at half-time went on to score 3 more in the 2nd half with Mary-Anne Hoy, Luci & Hope Middleton and Rachel Bussey all getting in the scoresheet.
Bungay Town Ladies weren’t the only side to score 14 goals on their way to victory at the weekend as Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves also matched that result in the 1st Round of the League Plate away to Division One side Toftwood United Ladies. The Division One side proving too strong as they overwhelmed their opponents to progress.
An all Division Two tie in the 3rd 1st Round League Plate game played this Sunday with Freethorpe Ladies hosting Beccles Town Ladies. Kiera Squires scoring for the hosts in the 1st half it was Beccles Town who held the lead at half-time 2-1 up going on to add another goal 2nd half to progress with a 3-1 win. Jordan Duke, Lucy Robbens and Grace Storey their goalscorers.
3rd time lucky for the ERWFL League Cup for the 3rd Round tie yet to be played postponed twice in December because of bad weather rolled over into the New Year. Acle United in the end progressed without kicking a ball their game away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies postponed twice already off this Sunday as King’s Lynn couldn’t field a side having to forfeit. More sad news coming out from King’s Lynn Town Ladies with coach Joe Simpson leaving his role with the club instrumental in the women’s sides recent success he will be a loss to the game wish him all the best for the future.
Of the other two sides from the Division One North still left in the competition both were hosting Premier Division opposition at home tough games for both. Wymondham Town Ladies taking on Essex side Writtle Ladies. The hosts starting the game well however Wymondham 2-0 up inside the opening 12 minutes, top scorer Laura Nicholls continuing the great form she showed towards the end of 2017 scoring on 6 minutes, Hannah Waters recently signed having been at Lowestoft making it 2-0. That the lead at half-time Writtle pulled it back to 2-1 with Leanne Stubbings on target before Wymondham restored their 2 goal lead Nadine Basson making it 3-1. Nicholls with her 2nd of the game making it 4-1 4 minutes later. Georgina Tricker made it 4-2 for Writtle with 10 minutes left, Wymondham with the win the only side outside the Premier Division to make the League Cup quarter finals.
A tough test at home to for Ipswich Town Ladies Development also hosting an Essex side in the 3rd round of the League Cup, Billericay Town Ladies the visitors. Paris Smith was on the scoresheet with 5 goals in the tie for Billericay with both captain Lindsey Morgan and new signing Georgia Box getting a brace each the final score 10-0 to Billericay.
One tie yet to be played in the 3rd Round of the League Cup an all Premier Division clash with Royston Town Ladies playing Colney Heath Ladies this coming Sunday.
Will publish the full details of the quarter final draw on twitter once I have the final line-up.
ERWFL League Plate
One tie played in the 1st Round of the ERWFL League Plate competition another postponed twice already Histon Ladies were at home at the Glassworld Stadium taking on fellow Division One North side Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. A brace form Sophie Lanham along with a goal each from Abigail Davis and Katie Seagrave sealing Histon progress with a 4-0 victory.
ERWFL Premier Division
Two games played in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday featuring sides in the lower half of the table. Bedford Ladies in 6th were hosting Royston Town Ladies in the bottom 3 looking to try and close the gap to the sides in mid-table. Goals from Samantha Edgar and Sammy Tinsley seeing Royston Town start the year with a win just their 2nd in the league this season along with 3 draws to move them onto 9 points.
A 7 goal thriller between AFC Sudbury Ladies and Brentwood Town Ladies, the side from Essex leaving with all 3 points in the back edging the score 4-3, Angela Arnold netting a brace, with a goal each for Georgia Holdaway and Nicole Manning sees Brentwood continue their recent good form winning 3 of their last 4 league games to climb out of trouble. Rebecca Chandler with one and Mia Etheridge with a brace scoring for AFC Sudbury who slip to 2nd bottom following Royston’s win.
ERWFL Division One North
Another match that had been postponed twice at the end of 2017 was finally played this Sunday in ERWFL Division One North with Cambridge United WFC Reserves hosting Essex side Silver End United Ladies. Goals from Lucy Gateson and Bethany Morrell seeing Cambridge United claim all 3 points with a 2-1 win. Rebecca Donnelly scoring for Silver End United. Cambridge move above Histon Ladies into 4th in the table their highest position in the league so far this season.
ERWFL Division One South
Two matches played in ERWFL Division One South this Sunday and league leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves relentless good form continues from where they left off in 2018 now winning 10 straight league games scoring 58 along the way now and still yet to concede a goal. Were playing bottom side Hertford Town Ladies this Sunday. Scoring 6 goals in the match with 6 different names on the scoresheet, Sherrie Evans, Amy Josland, Daniela Martucci, Stacey McConville, Naomi Sleator and Jenny Hepton all grabbing a goal.
Harlow Town Ladies were playing just their 6th league game so far this season on Sunday in 3rd place in the Division One South table were hosting Hutton Ladies. Both on 9 points, Harlow with the superior goal difference moved 3 points clear after the final whistle with a 3-0 win, Lily Bruno, Frances Gamble and Rosi Webb in her 2nd appearance for the club netting her 1st goal.
A New Year has begun and there’s plenty of exciting action to bring you over the coming months right across the East. A weather affected end to 2017 saw alot of postponements thankfully 2018 started better weather wise with only a handful of games being called off. Let’s begin proceedings with the weekends action from the FAWPL and 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup.
FA Women’s Cup
There were 6 ties in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup featuring sides from the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One. It was a big tie at home for South East Division One side Ipswich Town Ladies who over came fellow league side Stevenage Ladies in the previous round hosting Southern Division leaders, Charlton Athletic Women the lower league side pushing Charlton all the way taking the game into extra-time before eventually bowing out. Goalless at half-time it was Ipswich who took an early lead in the 2nd half a strike form Cassie Craddock putting the Suffolk side 1-0 in the 47th minute. Charlton came back to level it at 1-1 with 20 minutes left to play Charlotte Gurr with the goal then just 4 minutes later the visitors were leading Kit Graham sending the ball into the back of the net. Ipswich responded positively coming back to level it at 2-2 just 2 minutes later Craddock with her 2nd of the match to take the tie into extra-time. 2 goals in the 1st period of extra-time saw Charlton in control of the tie Graham with her 2nd of the game followed with a goal a minute later from Samantha Pittuck, then late into the 2nd period of extra-time Charlton made the score 5-2 with Charlotte Lee on target to send the Southern Division side into the 4th Round.
Cardiff City Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division were at home in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup hosting lower league side Burnley Ladies. Cori Williams giving Cardiff the early lead netting in the 7th minute that the advantage at half-time Ella Powell scored to make it 2-0 to the Welsh side 7 minutes into the 2nd half. The tie was far from settled however as Burnley came back into the game pulling it back to 2-1 in the 63rd minute drawing level in the 81st minute. Cardiff responded and Williams was on hand to score her 2nd of the game with 5 minutes left to send Cardiff through to the 4th Round with a 3-2 victory.
Crystal Palace Ladies 2nd in the FAWPL Southern Division were hosting 5th placed Coventry United Ladies in the 3rd Round Proper. It was the visitors who took an early lead in the match with Helen Dermody scoring from the penalty spot in the 7th minute. The players returning to the dressing room on 40 minutes due to an injury to Coventry United’s Keeley Davies a lengthy delay followed before the players returned to the pitch Coventry leading 1-0 at the half-time whistle. Chances for both sides in the 2nd half Coventry failing to extend their lead Crystal Place found an equaliser Nikita Whinnett sending the ball in from close range. The game heading into extra-time neither side able to find a winner it went to penalties to decide who would progress in the FA Women’s Cup, Coventry United winning the shootout 3-2 to reach the 4th Round.
A long trip up the country into Lancashire from the South Coast for Portsmouth FC Ladies to take on FAWPL Northern Division side, Blackburn Rovers Ladies. A disappointing result for Portsmouth as they were knocked out of the competition soundly beaten 7-0 by their hosts.
Another FAWPL Southern Division side making the long trip up the country were Lewes FC Women travelling the day before were taking on Huddersfield Town Ladies whom they beat in the FAWPL Plate final last season. Both sides are enjoying good season’s in the league, in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup it was a goalless 1st half. Into the 2nd half closing in on an hour played the deadlock was broken the visitors taking the lead Rebecca Carter scoring for Lewes, their lead lasted just 2 minutes before Huddersfield levelled thing’s back up Britanny Sanderson with the goal. The winning goal coming with 10 minutes left to play Lewes captain Katie McIntyre finding the back of the net to send Lewes into the 4th Round of the competition.
Chichester City Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division were at home in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup taking on Luton Town Ladies from the division below. The lower league side pushing Chichester all the way the hosts leaving it very late to get the win to take them through Alex Collinghan scoring in the 86th minute was quickly followed by a 2nd goal from Cherelle Khassel to put them into the 4th Round draw.
The 4th Round Proper draw for the FA Women’s Cup was made on Monday and for the 1st time it will see the sides from both FAWSL 1 and 2 enter at this stage with 32 sides left the 12 sides from the FAWPL getting the opportunity to maybe test themselves against the top women’s sides in the country the draw is listed below.
Durham Women FC v Sheffield FC Ladies
Aston Villa Ladies v Middlesborough
Sunderland AFC Ladies v Derby County Ladies or Brighouse Town Ladies
Keynsham Town Ladies v Lewes FC Women
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Doncaster Rovers Belles
Liverpool Ladies v Watford Ladies
Cardiff City Ladies v Oxford United Women
The New Saints v Chichester City Ladies
Millwall Lionesses v Coventry United Ladies
Reading FC Women v Birmingham City Ladies
Plymouth Argyle Ladies v Leicester City Women
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC v Manchester City Women
Blackburn Rovers Ladies v Charlton Athletic Women
Yeovil Town Ladies v Arsenal Women
London Bees v Chelsea Ladies
Everton Ladies v Bristol City Ladies
The 4th Round ties are scheduled to be played Sunday 4th February with the winners receiving £2000.
FAWPL Plate
The FAWPL Cup and Plate competitions were heavily affected by the weather in December with a number of ties yet to be played with the FA Women’s Cup taking priority this Sunday several remain outstanding. One tie was settled in the Plate competition this weekend with Norwich City Ladies hosting Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Norwich City with some news to searching for a new 1st team manager, Grant Palmer joining the club after an extremely successful time with Essex side Harlow Town Ladies. Also coming in to join the coaching staff is Carla Dickinson.
On the pitch however Norwich couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start as they found themselves 2-0 inside 5 minutes. Heather McDonnell and Sasha Newsome scoring for Milton Keynes. Pulled a goal back late in the 1st half with Chelsea Garrett scoring. 2-1 at half-time Norwich got it back to 2-2 early in the 2nd half with Jodie Drake on target. Milton Keynes finished the stronger going on to the 2nd Round tie 4-2 to reach the next round of the FAWPL Plate, Amelia Hazard and Charly Wright getting the goals.
FAWPL Southern Division
Two games played in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday featuring the 4 sides at the bottom of the table. A frustrating afternoon at home for West Ham United Ladies as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Gillingham FC Ladies.
Queens Park Rangers Ladies travelled to play bottom side Swindon Town Ladies on Sunday Two goals in the 1st half from new signing Helen Ogle her first for the club saw the visitors leading 2-0 at half-time. Ogle going on to complete her hat-trick early in the second half. Kasha Petit also scoring just past the hour to see QPR leading 4-0. Mia Mugford pulling a goal back for Swindon Town in injury are still looking for their 1st league point as QPR winning 4-1 win their 2nd league game of the season moving onto 7 points 3 points behind the sides in 8th, 9th and 10th an have plenty of games in hand on all.
FAWPL South East Division One
AFC Wimbledon Ladies enjoyed a great 1st half of the season leading the FAWPL South East Division One table with a 5 point lead. Started the year at home to Cambridge United WFC. Katie Stanley giving the hosts an early lead netting in the 2nd minute. That was how the score remained for the next 83 minutes AFC Wimbledon only securing the 3 points with 5 minutes left to play in the 2nd half Jenny Banfield making it 2-0.
Leyton Orient WFC are enjoying a great debut year in the FAWPL too going into 2018 in 2nd place in South East Division One. Pulling 3 points away from 3rd placed Milton Keynes Dons at the weekend with a home win over Denham United Ladies . Top scorer Sophie Le Marchand giving Leyton Orient the lead in the 12th minute. Rebecca Hirst with her 1st goal for the club making it 2-0 on 21 minutes. Sophie Cheadle pulled it back to 2-1 for Denham United with 7 minutes left to play in the 1st half. No more goals added 2nd half the 2-1 sealing the 3 points for Leyton Orient WFC
Enfield Town Ladies came back form being a goal down at home to Actonians Ladies on Sunday to secure a point in South East Division One. Catherine Murphy scoring for Actonians to see them lead 1-0 at half-time conceded an own goal 20 minutes into the 2nd half to see the sides share the points.
The final edition of The Round-Up for 2017 and a one off reverting back to the Tuesday Round-Up format with another weather affected Sunday wreaking havoc on the fixture lists with plenty of postponements right across the East. 16 games were played a handful across the divisions makes sense to put them all together, much better than the previous Sunday when just 2 games beat the weather.
FAWPL
Starting with the FAWPL one game played in the Southern Division and it was a great end to the year to cap off a fantastic first half of the season for Crystal Palace Ladies as they climb back into 2nd spot having been amongst the forerunners in the league all season. On the road taking on West Ham United Ladies a goal from Northern Ireland International, Ciara Sherwood midway through the 1st half saw Crystal Palace leading 1-0 at the break, despite looking comfortable with their lead the visitors didn’t double their lead until the 88th minute to secure all three points, Gemma Bryan with her 29th goal of the season. Level on points with C&K Basildon Ladies both on 28 are 5 behind leaders Charlton Athletic Women with both having a game in hand the new year promises to be exciting.
For the 2nd weekend running the FAWPL Cup 2nd Round was heavily affected by the weather several ties postponed once again now rolled over into the new year. One tie did survive the weather however and it was a cup upset with Southern Division side, Cardiff City Ladies knocked out of the competition by South West Division One side, Plymouth Argyle Ladies. The visitors travelling to Wales in excellent form unbeaten in league and cup ended the year with that record intact, a goal from Rebecca Atkins giving Plymouth a 1st half lead. Natasha Knapman doubling their advantage 20 minutes into the 2nd half. Cori Williams pulling it back to 2-1 for Cardiff City, the lower league side progressing through to the next round.
In FAWPL South East Division One, it was a winning end to the year for Enfield Town Ladies the 3 points lifting them up to 7th spot in the league table. At home on Sunday taking on bottom side, Haringey Borough Women. The hosts taking the lead 22 minutes into the 1st half through an own goal. Sheryce Slater making it 2-0 to Enfield just 4 minutes later. Leading 2-0 at half-time Enfield pressed the advantage 2nd half extending their lead in the 66th minute, Daisy Jenkins on target. Andrea Vivas scoring Enfield’s 4th goal with 20 minutes left scored again for her double towards the end of the match along with Danielle Smith the final score 6-0.
ERWFL
With all their games postponed last Sunday the ERWFL was trying again to play their League Cup and Plate ties, frozen pitches seeing games called off for a 2nd time just two ties from the 3rd Round of the League Cup were decided with the away side in both games progressing through to the quarter finals. Current ERWFL Premier Division leaders, Cambridge City Ladies were hosting Bedford Ladies both in good form a hard game to call. Cambridge City scoring through Bella Simmons it wasn’t enough as last season’s finalists were knocked out of the competition with Bedford winning the tie 3-1 to advance.
An all Essex affair at the Harlow Arena with ERWFL debutants Harlow Town Ladies entertaining Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies again another tough game to call but with Brentwood getting so recent momentum in the league it was the higher league side who booked their spot in the quarter finals winning the game 2-0 with Marie Barker and Georgia Holdaway scoring their goals.
Norfolk
One game in the Norfolk Women’s Football League survived the weather on Sunday, in Division Two with 4th placed Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies hosting Freethorpe Ladies, a great result for the visitors to end the year 2 goals for captain Claire Garner, (one from the penalty spot) along with a goal for Amy Morris seeing Freethorpe win the game 3-1 the 3 points moving them up a place into 5th in the league. Paige Baker with the goal in the 2nd half for Kirkley & Pakefield.
Cambridgeshire
Another heavily affected fixture list across Cambridgeshire on Sunday with 2 games played. In the Women’s Premiership, leaders Netherton United Ladies ended 2017 with a massive 12 point lead at the top of the table. A fantastic opening start to the season were hosting March Town United Ladies at The Grange. The visitors holding the advantage at half-time with a 2-1 lead having scored twice within the opening 10 minutes of the match, Livvi Hodges and Shannon Kelly the goalscorers. Netherton pulling it back to 2-1 with a goal from Emily Johnson in the final minute of the 1st half. The home side equalising early in the 2nd half with Georgina Parrett sending the ball home it make it 2-2. Johnson scored again to put Netherton into the lead with 20 minutes left to play. Yasmin Green making it 4-2 from the penalty spot before Johnson completed her hat-trick with 3 minutes left on the clock to see Netherton win 5-2.
In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup, it was an all Championship South tie with league leaders Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds hosting Isleham United Ladies on Sunday. Marie Stubbings scoring a brace for Fulbourn has 25 goals for the season now from just 9 appearances. There were goals too for Emma Clarke and Yasmin Upson along with Marcela Mundz who scored her 1st goal of the season. Fulbourn advancing into the next round with a 5-0 win.
Essex
In Essex the 1st Round of the Women’s League Cup was scheduled to be played again affected by the weather just 3 ties were played on Sunday with big home wins for all 3 Premier Division sides drawn against Division One opponents. Collier Row Tigers reaching the final of the League Cup last season were at home to Brentwood Town Ladies Reserves. Laura Bunton netting 4 goals for the Premier Division outfit half their tally in an 8-0 victory the other goals shared out between Marta Choruzy, Sarah Finch, Emma Harrison and Rebecca Killington.
Another side to score 8 goals at home on Sunday in the 1st Round of the League Cup were Premier Division side, Eastern Avenue taking on Waltham Forest Ladies. Katie Peers taking her goals scored to 13 so far with a hat-trick in the game. Hannah Warner moving onto 10 goals too with a brace for Eastern Avenue. Amara Drummond, Teliscia Linton and Lorna Huddleston with her 1st goal of the season also scoring in an 8-2 victory.
A potential upset in the League Cup on the cards in the other 1st Round tie played in the League Cup on Sunday with Harlow Town Ladies struggling for points in the Premier Division hosting Division One side Rayleigh Town Ladies. In the end a comfortable and much welcome win for the home side as Harlow advanced through to the next round with a 5-0 win, Casey Lunn scoring twice with Rubie Smith, Amber Strows and captain Rebecca Pope all getting on the scoresheet.
One game played in Essex Women’s Division One on Sunday, 2nd versus 3rd with Leigh Ramblers Ladies hosting Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies both looking to close the gap on Hullbridge Sports Ladies. Both having to settle for a point each as the match ended without neither goal breached 0-0 both having lost just the once this season with be pushing Hullbridge Sports still with a 100% record hard in the New Year.
Beds & Herts
A great end to the year for Houghton Athletic Ladies in Beds & Herts Division One taking their unbeaten run to 4 matches climb up to 4th in the league with a good away win on Sunday against Garston Ladies. Both Ciara Craig and Becky Sullivan scoring a brace in the match for the visitors. Emily Wilson, along with Louise and Rachel Spendelow were also on target in a 7-1 victory.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two the title race on well and truly on as 2017 ends with leaders Garston Ladies 2nd Xi beaten for the 1st time this season at home to Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires on Sunday the 3rd placed side closing the gap to just 2 points Georgina Harvey scoring a hat-trick. April Spang netting a brace along with Chemise Huitson also scoring in a 6-1 win for Welwyn Pegasus. Maxine Hotz getting Garston’s goal.
In between Garston Ladies 2nd XI and Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires are Royston Town Ladies Reserves winning away from home on Sunday to move level on points with Garston at the top of Division Two. Playing bottom side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues, Samantha Edgar netting a brace for Royston. Paige Rolfe and Jazmin Racher were also on the scoresheet in a 4-0 win.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, Wheathamstead Wanderers Ladies end the year on a high as they move into 2nd spot in the league table with a comfortable 5-0 win away from home against bottom side Potters Bar United Ladies.
A weather affected end to the year, my thanks to all that have enjoyed reading The Round-Up throughout the year plenty of excitement and action to look forwards too in the New Year. After all nothing is settled at Christmas. Enjoy your festive period and have a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Hatfield Peverel Ladies extended their lead at the top of the Essex Women’s Premier Division on Sunday as they won for the 4th straight league game on Sunday were at home taking on Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies the sides drawing 0-0 at half-time. Yasmin Cowley opening the scoring for Hatfield Peverel 10 minutes into the 2nd half with her 24th goal of the season. Christa Osman with her 6th goal of the season doubling the hosts lead on the hour mark and own goal securing a 3-0 win 20 minutes from time.
A defeat at the start of November and a lack of league action since had seen Collier Row Tigers briefly leading the Essex Women’s Premier Division slip down to 5th in the table. Other sides over taking them one being Chelmsford City Ladies on a winning run of 5 straight league games which had taken them up to 3rd. Collier Row Tigers were hosting Chelmsford City in the league this Sunday a brace for Laura Bunton seeing the hosts come out on top in a 2-1 win to claim the 3 points move them back up into 4th level on 18 points with Chelmsford City whose goal was scored by Niki Medici.
A big win away from home on Sunday saw Lawford Ladies in 6th place close the gap on the sides contesting the title above them. Taking on Chigwell Ladies, Ella Boyden top scoring in match for Lawford with 4 goals to her name. Top scorer Daisy Canny also claiming a hat-trick in the game, Jasmine Cox and Ami Warnes also getting a goal each along with new signing Tyler Christou from Chelmsford City getting off the mark on her debut in a 10-1. Victoria Parker scoring the goal for Chigwell who continue the search for additional players to help bolster their squad.
Corringham Cosmos were also in action at the weekend still unbeaten have played just the 4 league matches so far this season still handily placed in 7th position in the Premier Division table were away to 4th placed Eastern Avenue on Sunday. Rebecca Gallagher on target with 3 goals taking her onto 16 goals for the season with Chloe Sams, Corringham’s top scorer also getting a goal in the game taking her to 26 for the season so far in a 4-1 win. Katie Peers scoring for Eastern Avenue.
Essex Women’s Division One
Hullbridge Sports Ladies continue their 100% winning start to the season with an 8th straight league win in Essex Women’s Division One on Sunday. Scoring plenty of goals too in the process now on 63 whilst conceding just 5 goals in defence. At home taking on Rayleigh Town Ladies they claimed their biggest win of the season yet. Were 8-0 up at half-time before going on to add 5 more in the 2nd half to win 13-0. Broghan Kelly top scoring for Hullbridge in the game with 5 goals move her onto 26 goals for the season from 10 appearances. Karley Hunt and Christina Fragnito both getting a brace in the match with Grace Francis, Sophie Fraser, Danni Dorrington and Patricia McWeeney all getting on the scoresheet too.
Leigh Ramblers Ladies youngsters remain Hullbridge’s closest challengers 3 points further back in 2nd spot in the Division One table. At home on Sunday were taking on Walden Ladies. A hat-trick from Katherine Newton along with a goal each for Rhiana Castle and Megan Thomas securing Leigh Ramblers 7th win of the season from 8 played the final score 5-2. Kim Jeffery and Lucy Williamson scoring the goals for Walden.
With 3rd placed Southend United Ladies game away to Alresford Colne Rangers postponed at the weekend, 4th placed Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies had the opportunity to move level on points with them if they could secure the win away from home against FC Clacton Ladies. The visitors holding a 1-0 lead at half-time went on to win the game 3-0 in the 2nd half with Daisy Theobald, Juliet Thomas and Charlotte Copeland scoring the goals the win taking Dagenham & Redbridge into 3rd spot with a superior goal difference.
Brentwood Town Ladies move up to 5th in the Essex Women’s Division One table after a 5-0 win at home on Sunday to Billericay Town Ladies Reserves. Top scorer Emma Mackie moving onto 11 for the season scoring a hat-trick with Joanne Attridge and Clarista Wigley with her 1st of the season also scoring.
Has been a difficult time for Waltham Forest Ladies haven’t seen much action with only the 3 league games played a large number of postponements in Division One 3 losses too bottom of the table some positive news coming through this weekend and league action at last as they took on fellow strugglers Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves at home. Waltham Forest despite starting the game with just 9 players coming away with a positive result in a high scoring game winning 5-3 to claim their 1st win.
With St Albans Ladies not in action this Sunday it was an opportunity for 2nd placed Northwood Ladies to close the gap on the leaders in Division One, a tough game at home however taking on Garston Ladies. Northwood with just the one defeat in their opening 6 games since joining the league at the start of the season secured the 3 points winning the match by a single goal, Emma Steele finding the back of the net.
Sherrardswood Ladies consolidated 3rd position in the Beds & Herts Women’s Division One table with a win at home on Sunday against Sharnbrook WFC. It was the visitors however who were leading at half-time goals for Emma Butler and Gemma Franklin putting Sharnbrook into a 2-0 lead before Laura Cousins pulled it back to 2-1 in the 40th minute. Trailing 2-1 going int the final 15 minutes Cousins grabbed her 2nd goal of the game in the 77th minute to draw the sides level at 2-2. Sherrardswood going on to claim all 3 points in the final 5 minutes with Francesca Novelli scoring the winner.
Two successive draws against the top two in the league Houghton Athletic Ladies built on that by securing their 1st win of the season in Division One away to Flitwick Ladies. The hosts struggling for numbers and looking to recruit new faces to the squad came up against a confident Houghton side Emily Wilson scoring a hat-trick with Holly Thomson also on target with 2 goals. Holly Skinner, Ciara Craig and Louise Spendelow all getting a goal each too in an 8-0 that takes Houghton up into 5th position.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
One match played in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two at the weekend with 5th placed Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires away to bottom side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues. Goals from Danielle Allen, Sophie Mandel, Mandy Mercer, April Spang and Hanicka Mikova plus a brace for Chemise Huitson seeing Welwyn Pegasus win the match 7-1. The 3 points lifting Welwyn Pegasus up 2 places back into 3rd position in the table. Sally Green the goalscorer for Woburn & Wavendon.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Three games played in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three at the weekend. It was a meeting between the top two with league leaders, Bedford Ladies Development away to Welwyn Pegasus Azures. 5 points clear of their opponents going into the match Bedford took an early lead in the game with Cayleigh Jackson scoring in the 8th minute. Susannah Hall made it 2-0 to Bedford just 3 minutes later. Janiece Allen pulled a goal back for Welwyn Pegasus. Joanne Makin putting Bedford 3-1 on 27 minutes. Allen netted her 2nd goal to make it 3-2 to Bedford going into half-time. The visitors going on to secure the win 2nd half captain Jessica Bunnage scoring just past the hour to see Bedford extend their lead at the top to 8 points with a 4-2 win.
Wheathamstead Wanderers Ladies leap frog two places in the Beds & Herts Division Three table into 2nd position level on points with Welwyn Pegasus Azures as they won at home on Sunday taking on Bedwell Rangers Ladies. Sophia Pidgeon scoring a hat-trick for the hosts as they ran out 3-1 winners to make it 5 wins from 6 league games played.
Bottom side Potters Bar United Ladies are finally off the mark in Division Three after they secured a point at home on Sunday playing Shefford Town & Campton Ladies. Leah Casali the goalscorer for Potters Bar. Karen Clark netting for Shefford Town & Campton the 1-1 draw enough to lift them up a place into 5th in the Division Three table.
Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup
An all Evergreen affair in the final tie in the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup 2nd Round to be settled this weekend with Evergreen Eagles in Division Two at home to Evergreen Ladies playing in Division Three. Amber Charlton scored for Evergreen Eagles however a goal from Samantha Jackson along with a brace from Natalie Maher saw Evergreen Ladies win the game 3-1 to advance into the quarter finals.
The 4 quarter final ties are scheduled to be played in the New Year, Sunday 14th January the completed draw as follows:-
St Albans Ladies v Garston Ladies
Sharnbrook WFC v Garston Ladies 2nd XI
Houghton Athletic Ladies v Flitwick Ladies
Evergreen Ladies v Northwood Ladies
Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup
The 1st of the 4 Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup quarter finals was played at the weekend with last season’s beaten finalists, Royston Town Ladies away to Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two side, Hitch Belles. 3 leagues between the sides ERWFL Premier Division side Royston opened the scoring as early as the 2nd minute, Becky Shephard getting the goal. Hitchin Belles responded quickly with a goal to make it 1-1, Keira How on target. Royston were soon back in front however with Shephard getting her 2nd of the game. After that Royston went on to dominate the tie, Paige Rolfe, Sammy Tinsley, Hayley Graham and Andrea Wright all scoring before Shepard went on to complete her hat-trick, Wright adding her 2nd of the game a minute before half-time to see Royston leading 8-1 at the break. Doubled their score 2nd half Tinsley getting 2 more to complete her hat-trick. Gemma Croucher, Ellie Pickard and Paris Coldicott-Stevens also getting a goal each. Shephard adding a 4th goal to her tally with Wright also getting 4 goals in a 16-1 win.
After suffering their 1st league defeat of the season last Sunday Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership leaders, Netherton United Ladies were looking to put things right at home on Sunday as they hosted Cambridge City Ladies Development in the only match taking place in the league this weekend. A great start for Netherton as they opened the scoring in the 5th minute Emily Johnson scoring. Midway through the 1st half the lead was doubled with Yasmin Green making it 2-0. Johnson getting her 2nd of the game just 4 minutes later to put Netherton into a strong 3-0 lead at half-time. It was 4-0 2 minutes into the 2nd half Netherton awarded a penalty Green stepping up to score. Cambridge City pulled it back to 4-1 in the 57th minute adding a 2nd goal in the last minute, Morgan Want and Charlotte Vaskin scoring their goals. Netherton once again opening up a 9 point lead at the top of the Premiership table.
Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup
Elsewhere it was quarter finals day in the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup. In the only all Premiership tie St Ives Town Ladies were on home soil facing March Town United Ladies. In great form St Ives proved to strong an opponent as they reached the semi-finals of the competition with a convincing win. Georgia Stancombe netting 5 goals in the game for St Ives. Hannah Seymour-Shove also getting herself a brace with Katherine Speed also on target in an 8-0 win.
Newmarket Town Ladies were away in the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup quarter finals taking on Championship South side Isleham United Ladies. Laura Bailey put through on goal to score the opening goal for Newmarket. Chloe Slater doubling the advantage. Abbi Griffin also scoring a brace in the match with Bailey getting another goal to her name. Jess Linger completing the goalscorers, Newmarket progressing to the semi-finals with a 6-0 victory.
Championship North leaders, Wisbech St Mary Ladies came into this weekends League Cup quarter final tie in confident form as they hosted Premiership side Cambridge University Women who themselves had knocked out Netherton United Ladies in the previous round. The hosts scored twice with Carlie Knight and Lauren Lewis getting the goals. Cambridge University scoring 2 goals in the 1st half with Amanda Wainwright netting both. The visitors starting the 2nd half strongly Lili Donlon-Mansbridge and Fiona Conlon scoring within 5 minutes of the restart. Donlon-Mansbridge adding another goal on the hour with Wainwright going on to get her hat-trick in the 84th minute. Cambridge University Women winning 6-2 to reach the semi-finals.
Is an all Premiership line-up in the semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup too with ICA Sports Ladies also progressing although they were run all the way to penalties by Championship South title chasers, Histon Ladies Reserves. The visitors leading 1-0 at half-time Philippa Hayden-Evans with the goal. Megan Purnell equalising for ICA Sports in the 2nd half. The tie needing to be decided from the penalty spot ICA Sports edged the shootout 3-2 to progress.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
One match played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South on Sunday with leaders Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds opening up a 3 point lead at the top of the table over Histon Ladies Reserves with a big home win over bottom side Burwell Tigers. Ebony Rule scoring a hat-trick for Fulbourn on her return to the side. Stacey Kemp and Marie Stubbings both netting a brace, there were goals too for Yasmine Upson, Sarah Green, Seema Grewal, Katie Luddy and Sharon Pinner an own goal too seeing Fulbourn win 13-1. Megan Seabrook-Mead with the goal for Burwell.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup
A new competition in Cambridgeshire this season which as of yet I know very little about except as the name suggests the Division One Cup which in this case is the Championship North and South. Two 1st Round ties were played at the weekend. An all Championship South tie saw Cambridge Rangers Women hosting St Ives Town Ladies Development. The visitors progressing into the next round winning by a single goal captain Georgia Rebane the scorer for St Ives.
The other 1st Round tie saw an all Championship North tie with Ketton Ladies at home to Pinchbeck United Ladies on Sunday. 2nd in the league Ketton reaching the next round comfortably with a 10-1 win.
East Bergholt United Ladies were 4-2 winners away to Coplestonians Ladies in the only league game played in the Suffolk Women’s Division last Sunday to open up a 3 point lead at the top of the table with a 5th straight league win. Kept the 3 point gap this Sunday as they won big at home to AFC Kesgrave Ladies to extend their 100% winning start to the season, a dominant 1st half seeing East Bergholt United leading 7-0 added a further goal 2nd half winning 8-0, Jessica Clarke and Deban Faiers both scoring a brace in the game with a goal each for Millie Wilding, Annie Northwood, Charlotte Warren and Jessica Quinsee.
Keeping up the pressure on East Bergholt United at the top are 2nd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies also winning 8-0 at the weekend on the road taking on Ipswich Athletic Ladies. Kirsten Hutchings on target scoring 5 times in the match. Jodie Sharp also netting a brace with Lucy Elmes also getting her name on the scoresheet.
Also winning at the weekend were Bacton United Ladies to move 3 points clear of Walsham Le Willows Ladies in 3rd place in the Suffolk Women’s Division table. Away on Sunday taking on Leiston St Margarets Ladies were leading 4-0 at half time with both Lois Balfour and Rebecca White scoring 2 goals each. Although Leiston St Margarets threatened a 2nd half comeback getting it back to 4-2 Bacton United held on to claim their 4th league win of the campaign.
A 2nd win of the season for Coplestonians Ladies moves them up for 8th in the Suffolk Women’s Division into 6th position. Away to bottom side Hadleigh United Ladies on Sunday both Courteney Farris-Whatling and Josie Haward netted a brace along with a strike from Jemma Wessels in a 5-0 win.
Two matches played in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday, with Thorpe United Ladies taking over the lead in the league for the 1st time this season, although they dropped points for the 1st time this season in the process. At home to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves the visitors held a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time with Sally Hammerton scoring the goal. Thorpe United coming back in the 2nd half to draw the game 1-1, Shanice Sutton the scorer taking her goals scored tally to 20 from just 7 appearances. The point enough to move Thorpe United ahead of Sprowston Ladies on goal difference.
Fakenham Town Ladies travelled to the coast on Sunday to play Gorleston FC Ladies looking to build on last weekends 3-3 home draw against Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves. Scored 3 goals once again with Jennifer Codman netting a brace along with a debut goal for Jade Dodds. It wasn’t enough however to take anything from the game this time around as the home side netted 4 times up the other end to win the game 4-3, Gorleston winning their 1st league game of the season. Sophie Gillett scoring a hat-trick along with a goal for Bethany Turner.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
In Division Two, Bure Valley Wildcats ladies climb a place in the table up into 5th spot after claiming their 2nd league win of the season on Sunday away to Toftwood Ladies. A goal from each side saw them drawing 1-1 at half-time the visitors going on to score twice more in the 2nd half to win the game 3-1. Abigail Clark, Charlie Cooper and Juliette Kelly getting the goals. Thea Wilson scoring the 1st half goal for Toftwood United.
Gorleston Rangers Ladies won their 1st ever league game in Division Two at the weekend new to the league have been on the wrong end of some heavy defeats claiming their 1st win will do their confidence no end of good. At home to Freethorpe Ladies the sides playing out a goalless 1st half Gorleston Rangers went on to score in the 2nd half and win the game 1-0.
Norfolk Ladies League Cup
FC Sprowston Ladies complete the Ladies League Cup quarter finals line up with a big win away to fellow Division Two side Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies in the last remaining 2nd Round tie to be played. Tammy Graves top scoring in the match with 4 goals. Lois Irving hit a brace with goals too for Keri Boorman, Rebecca Kirby, Joanne Pipe and Nicole Read in a 10-0 victory
The Norfolk Ladies League Cup ties are scheduled to be played in the New Year, Sunday 7th January the final line up as follows:-
Cambridge City Ladies fantastic league form continues as the newly promoted side keep hold of the leaders spot in the ERWFL Premier Division winning away to Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies to extend their unbeaten run to 8 matches winning 7. A single goal enough to secure all 3 points on Sunday scored by Bella Simmons who takes her goals tally to 13 for the season from 11 appearances.
Cambridge City Ladies remain a point clear of 2nd placed Billericay Town Ladies who also won at the weekend taking on 3rd placed Acle United Ladies in the Premier Division on Sunday. The Essex side getting off to a fantastic start scoring 2 goals in the opening 2 minutes were 3-0 up before the opening quarter of an hour. The lead 4-0 to Billericay at half-time, Paris Smith netting a brace along with a goal each for Georgia Bx and captain Lindsey Morgan. Acle had chances 1st half and came back strongly in the 2nd half Megan Todd wearing the captains armband scoring twice in the 57th and 74th minute not enough however the damage done early in the game Billericay Town keeping up the pressure on the league leaders.
Writtle Ladies finally got back to winning ways after a slump in the league that has seen the one time league leaders take just 2 points from their last 5 games. Came out on top in a 7 goal thriller away to Suffolk side AFC Sudbury Ladies. Goals from captain Abigail Fry, Lucy Jones Hannah Mold and Sophie Vale seeing the Essex side edge the result 4-3 to claim the 3 points and take them back above Acle United into 3rd position. Stacey Teager, Charlene Roach and Semma Halil scoring the goals for AFC Sudbury Ladies.
It was a Bedfordshire derby on Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division with 6th placed Bedford Ladies hosting 5th placed AFC Dunstable Ladies. The hosts winning the game 2-0 with goals from Setor Acolatse and Eden Kibron to close the gap on AFC Dunstable to a single point.
ERWFL Division One North
King’s Lynn Town Ladies are now 7 points clear in the ERWFL Division One North as they recorded their 7th straight win in the league on Sunday at home to Silver End United Ladies they finished the game strongly to take all 3 points with a 5-1 win over the Essex side. Two goals for Olivia Baker, with Tiffany Forshaw, Georgia Reardon and Shelley Woods all claiming a goal each. Rebecca Hollocks scoring for Silver End United Ladies.
3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies were on the road on Sunday taking on 2nd placed Ipswich Wanderers Ladies, have played half the league games of their opponents due to cup commitments Wymondham Town remain unbeaten in the ERWFL Division One North are scoring plenty of goals two in good form added to that fire power with the addition of striker Hannah Waters formerly with Lowestoft Town Ladies. A blistering start too for Waters in her 1st start for Wymondham scoring in the 6th minute her 1st goal for the club had a hat-trick just TWO minutes later scoring in the 7th and 8th minute. Mollie O’Callaghan made it 4-0 to Wymondham just 2 minutes later. Top scorer Laura Nicholls scored her 22nd goal in the 37th minute to see Wymondham lead 5-0 with Waters scoring her 4th of the game a minute from half-time to see the visitors end a dominant 1st half leading 6-0. Two more goals midway through the 2nd half saw Wymondham win the game 8-0 both O’Callaghan and Waters getting on the scoresheet again. 49 goals now from 7 league games for Wymondham as they look to chase down the leaders.
Histon Ladies were at home in the ERWFL Division One North on Sunday hosting Ipswich Town Ladies Development. Emily Steward putting the visitors into the lead before Katie Seagrave equalised for Histon with 5 minutes left of the 1st the hosts going on to score again late in the 1st half to lead 2-1 Seagrave claiming her 2nd of the game. Histon extending their lead 3 minutes into the 2nd half Sophie Hopkin netting the goal the lead 4-1 going into the final 20 minutes Abigail Davies getting the goal. 15 minutes left and Ipswich Town Development mounted a fightback to claim a point awarded a penalty Grace Bowman stepped up to score to make it 4-2. 5 minutes later it was 4-3 Steward with her 2nd of the game. Into the final 5 minutes and another penalty awarded to the visitors Bowman taking it again and scoring to level the scores up at 4-4.
ERWFL Division One South
Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies kept their winning start to the season going in the ERWFL Division One South, the Essex side making it 7 wins from 7 to close the gap on Stevenage Ladies Reserves to 6 points with 2 games in hand winning away from home to fellow Essex rivals Hutton Ladies who they have already played 5 times this season in league and cup. Came out on top once again leading 1-0 at half-time went on to win the game 3-1 in the 2nd half. Kerri Thomas scoring a brace for Little Thurrock along with a goal for captain Abbie Simmonds.
At the other end of the ERWFL Division One South, it was good to see Bishops Stortford Ladies returning to action for the 1st time in over a month a difficult period for the club have regrouped and ready to go again this Sunday taking on Hertford Town Ladies. A brace for Kathryn Stanley along with a goal a piece for Heather Martin and Brogan McHale seeing Bishops Stortford win 4-2 to claim their 2nd league win of the season.