This Sunday in Essex attention was on the 1st Round of the Essex Women’s County Cup with 5 ties being played. Harlow Town Ladies Reserves handed a home win after Eastern Avenue couldn’t field a team.
Chelmsford City Ladies were at home taking on Division One newcomers Southend United Community. The Premier Division side holding a narrow 2-1 advantage and half-time went on to extend their lead 2nd half eventually winning 5-2. Georgia Sleep scoring twice, Mia Brisley and Angela Holden also getting a goal along with Rosie Coe from the penalty spot. Laura Johnson and Emily Pert with the goals in each half for Southend.
ERWFL Division One South were finally playing their 1st game of the season in the Essex Women’s County Cup 1st Round drawn at home to Premier Division side Collier Row Tigers, Kate Lowen scoring 5 goals for Hutton as they advanced with a 6-0 win.
Not so good news for Hutton Ladies Reserves as they were knocked out of the Essex Women’s County Cup by Division One newcomers Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies. The score level at 1-1 at half-time Dagenham & Redbridge went on to score the winner to knock the Premier Division side out of the competition. Daisy Davies and Fran Pridie with Dagenham & Redbridge’s goals.
In the all Division One tie between Leigh Ramblers Ladies and Hullbridge Sports a single goal scored by Broghan Kelly was the difference between the sides as Hullbridge Sports make it through to round two of the County Cup.
The 1st game of the season for Premier Division side Lawford Ladies in the 1st Round of the County Cup hosting Walden Ladies, had their scoring boots on too with a comfortable double figure win there were braces for 3 players, Ella Boyden, Daisy Canny and Jasmine Cox. Zoe Perkins. Keeley Blackwood, Susan Jackson and Gemma Issacs also grabbing a goal in the tie.
Essex Women’s Premier Division
One match played in the Essex Women’s Premier Division One Sunday with Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies at home to Chigwell Ladies. Goalless after 45 minutes Beacon Hill Rovers edged Chigwell to the points with goals from Demi Cassey and Jo Smeaton scoring a penalty to win their 1st league game of the season 2-1, Grace Holt on target for Chigwell.
Netherton United Ladies came back from a goal down to win 3-1 to make it 2 wins from 2 at the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership at a local derby match at home to ICA Sports Ladies it was the visitors who took an early lead Clare Knibbs putting ICA Sports 1-0 up in the 9th minute. Held onto that lead for almost an hour before Netherton found a reply captain Megan Parrett levelling the scores for Netherton. Soon after ICA Sports were reduced to 10 Donna Nicholls sent off. A player advantage Netherton went on to take the lead with 15 minutes left, Yasmin Green scoring. Parrett making sure of the 3 points scoring her 2nd of the game with a couple of minutes left.
Promoted as Championship South Champions last season Cambridge City Ladies Development started the new season in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership away to Park Ladies. Erin Fox netting a brace for the visitors there were goals to for Rachel Pearce, Molly White and Morgan Want in a 5-0 victory.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
In the Championship North, Wisbech Town Ladies have scored a whopping 32 goals in their opening two games without reply to lead the table. 14-0 last weekend to Orton Rangers were at home this Sunday to new side Pinchbeck United Ladies a tough beginning for the young side. Sophie Gutteridge scoring a double hat-trick last Sunday went one better this time around netting 7 times. Chloe Riches also claiming 4 goals to her name with Annie Rooks grabbing a hat-trick. Faye Kowalewsky scoring twice along with a goal for both Kaylie Swinden and Katie Garner in a crushing 18-0 scoreline.
Keeping up with Wisbech Town Ladies with points gained if not goals scored are Ketton Ladies 2 wins from 2 as they edged out Hungate Rovers Ladies in a close game for the 2nd successive weekend winning 4-3 on their patch last weekend Ketton travelling to Hungate this time around. The score 3-2 to Ketton this time around.
Lauren Laws scored 5 goals for Wisbech St Mary Ladies as they began their season at home to newcomers Spalding United Ladies on Sunday. Carlie Knight, Megan Ratcliffe and Abi Roach-Smith also getting a goal for Wisbech St Mary in their opening game the 8-0 putting them into 3rd position.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
In the Championship South, 2 wins from 2 for Histon Ladies Reserves sees them lead the way. Only one game played in the league on Sunday. Histon travelling to play Isleham United Ladies. Philippa Hayden-Evans amongst the goals for the away side finding the back of the net on 4 occasions. Angelica Fachechi, Sarah Freestone and Emma Gillespie also scoring for Histon who ran out 7-2 winners. Nicole Bailey and Rebekah Finch with Isleham United’s goals.
Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup
March Town United Ladies were at home to Orton Rangers Ladies in the opening round of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup the Premiership side too strong for their Championship North opponents progressing with a comfortable 6-0 victory. Captain, Shannon Kelly scoring a hat-trick, with a brace for Emma Frost and a goal for Shannon Shaw.
The 2nd weekend of football in Norfolk saw a whopping 67 goals scored in 7 league games across the 2 Divisions! 29 of those scored in the 3 games that took place in Norfolk Women’s Division One. The biggest scorers of the day on Sunday were North Walsham Angels Ladies, at home taking on Long Stratton Ladies. Luci Middleton the clubs top scorer leaping ahead early on scoring a double hat-trick in the match accounting for half of North Walsham’s final score as they put their opponents to the sword, Rachel Bussey and Lauren Yarham both netting a brace their was also a goal each for Sian Wager and Robyn Johnston the final score 12-0 a result that puts North Walsham straight to the top of the table on 4 points having drawn 3-3 with Gorleston FC Ladies on the opening day.
Joining them at the top of the table on 4 points are Sprowston Ladies as they too were held to a 3-3 drawn at home to Gorleston on Sunday. Paige Barnard, Victoria Leyer and Rebecca Russell all scoring for Sprowston. Gorleston earning a 2nd successive point with Samantha Hunn netting twice along with a goal for Molly Sims.
An 11 goal thriller between Stalham Town Ladies and Fakenham Town Ladies. Stalham in the end edging the result to take all 3 points, Sam King scoring a hat-trick for Fakenham amongst their goal scorers hitting 5 lost out the experience of Stalham’s Abbie Charlton and Joanne Hooper helping them to win the game the former on target for a hat-trick, Hooper scoring a brace the final score 6-5 Katie Clarke the other goal scorer.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
A total of 38 goals scored in Norfolk Women’s Division Two across 4 games. Beccles Town Ladies new to the league won 7-2 against fellow newcomers Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies on the opening weekend to top the league. Were at home this Sunday again taking on another new side Costessey Sports Ladies playing there 1st game. Plenty of goals scored 1st half Costessey Sports with 3 were trailing 5-3 at halftime Beccles going on to take control of the 2nd half pretty much as they did last weekend rattling in another 6 goals to win 11-3 keep them top of the table. Jordan Duke scoring 5 of their goals. Grace Storey and Chelsea Caplin both scoring a brace. Lucy Robbens also finding the back of the net.
Two sides likely to be involved in the title challenge at the top of the table began their season’s this Sunday, Tavern Ladies and FC Sprowston Ladies. Tavern were at home taking on Freethorpe Ladies. Tavern leading 3-0 at the break went on to add 4 more 2nd half to start with a comfortable win. Jordie Head, Lucy Kean and Lucy Lincoln with 3 of their goals.
FC Sprowston Ladies were away to the other Dereham based side in Division Two, Toftwood United Ladies, who came very close to folding during the summer, alot of effort put in to see them find enough players to begin the season no chance to get any pre-season games in and it was a big defeat to start the season as FC Sprowston settled and established hit them for 10. Laura Jenkins with a brace, Keri Boorman, Katie Fray, Rebecca Kirby and Nicole Read also amongst the goals.
That still leaves 7 goals unaccounted for and they were scored in the final match to bring you with Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies hosting new side Gorleston Rangers Ladies. A tough season last time out Kirkley & Pakefield struggling for numbers were relegated from Division One. Started this season on a positive note a point in their opening game against Freethorpe. Were celebrating their 1st win of the season at the end of 90 minutes this Sunday beating Gorleston Rangers 6-1 to go 2nd. Sophie Martin getting 4 goals for Kirkley & Pakefield, Paige baker and Donna Parsons also getting on the scoresheet.
Into the 2nd week of the season and 3 more sides get there season started two meeting with new side Hadleigh United Ladies hosting East Bergholt United Ladies a big win for the visitors that puts them top of the table scoring 5 goals in the 1st half adding 4 more in the 2nd to win 9-0. Annie Northwood scoring 5 of those goals for East Bergholt, the other 4 goals were scored by Georgina Longden, Jessica Quinsee, Cara Savage and Jessica Oxlade.
Moving straight into 3rd spot in the Suffolk Women;s Division table are another new face to join the league this season, AFC Kesgrave Ladies at home were taking in Ipswich Athletic Youth Ladies. Were 2-0 up at half-time, Kesgrave finished 5-0 winners 5 different goal scorers in the game with, Ashley Bustos, Georgia Clarke, Christy Fraser, Issi McCartney and Daisy Starsmoore all opening their accounts.
Leiston St Margarets Ladies were defeated 6-0 on the opening day away to Brantham Athletic Ladies. This Sunday the bottom side scored 6 at home to beat Coplestonians Ladies the win lifting them up into 4th. 6-1 the final score. That leaves two sides yet to get started Bacton United Ladies and Walsham Le Willows Ladies. The former will be in action this Sunday in the League Cup, Walsham Le Willows finally get going in October.
With it being an FA Women’s Cup weekend several side from the 3 divisions were still involved in the competition, that left a limited league programme with 4 games being played some big results in those however.
ERWFL Premier Division
One game in the ERWFL Premier Division, Colchester Town Ladies bottom of the table playing their 2nd league game of the season were hosting Lowestoft Town Ladies on Sunday. A great comeback from 3-1 down last time out in the league saw Lowestoft win 4-3 to pick up their 1st win of the season after a difficult summer and start to the season. Leading 2-1 at half-time Lowestoft went on to claim a 2nd successive league win to move them up to 5th in the table the final score 3-2 captain Hannah Waters claiming a 2nd successive hat-trick. Nancy Butler and Millie Wilding getting the goals either half for Colchester.
ERWFL Division One North
3 wins from 3 games sees Histon Ladies return to the top of ERWFL Division One North winning away from home against Essex side Silver End United Ladies a narrow victory Histon claiming the 3 points courtesy of a 2-1 win goals from Sophie Hopkin and Alison Wright. Lisa Nepean scoring for Silver End who remain without a point on the board after 4 league matches.
Also on 0 points at the bottom of the ERWFL Division One North table are Ipswich Town Ladies Development a tough start to life at a higher level. Were at home on Sunday playing in an Ipswich derby against Ipswich Wanderers Ladies an experienced side at this level. Goals from Jess and Michelle Taylor-Allum along with a goal for Melissa Strickland seeing Ipswich Wanderers win 3-1 to move them into 3rd level with 2nd placed Wymondham on 7 points. Harriet Petley scoring for Ipswich Town Ladies Development.
ERWFL Division One South
In ERWFL Division One South, Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies claimed their 1st win of the season with a narrow 2-1 win away to fellow bottom side Hertford Town Ladies. Charley Handley scoring for Hoddesdon in the 26th minute. 1-0 the lead at half-time Hoddesdon had chances to go further ahead however it was Hertford who found the back of the net Donna Watts levelling the scores. Into the last 5 minutes of the game and Hoddesdon scored again Kristina O’Connell striking the ball into the back of the net to win the game.
20 sides from the East won through to 2nd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup. 11 ties featuring those sides scheduled to be played this Sunday. Acle United Ladies saw their home tie against Riverside Ladies postponed the visitors unable to raise a side. Awarded a home win Acle United progress into 3rd Round Qualifying where the side from FAWPL Division One enter the competition. Who would be joining them?
Ten ties to bring you. Women’s Football East returned to The Ridgeon’s Stadium to watch Newmarket Town Ladies who beat Histon Ladies from ERWFL Division One North 4-2 in 1st Round Qualifying take on King’s Lynn Town Ladies from the same Division who were making their FA Women’s Cup debut this season starting with a 3-1 win away to Oadby & Wigston Dynamo Ladies. History to be make for both side never before playing in this round, fancied this game and I wasn’t disappointed, the match report can be found 2 posts down.
It was a fairly even contest for the opening 40 minutes or so before an error of judgement from Newmarket goalkeeper Dominika Szary handling outside her area saw her sent off Newmarket reduced to 10. King’s Lynn going on to capitalise captain Bethan Jones firing home right on the stroke of half-time. A player advantage King’s Lynn looked to be in control of the match as goals from Tiffany Forshaw and 16 year old Olivia Baker put them 3-0 up. Cue a fantastic come back from Newmarket.
15 minutes left to play Abbi Griffin back outfield after stepping in to keep goal after the sending off with an ambitious strike from 40 yards out the ball flying over the keeper into the back of the net this was followed by a 2nd quickfire goal Jordanne Sillitoe blasting the ball in from the top of the box. Game on King’s Lynn struggle to find a response Newmarket fired up minutes left the ball fired in from the right is flicked on by Sillitoe into Brooke Wickens she sends her shot across the keeper to level it at 3-3. The tie heads into extra-time. Newmarket going on to take the lead Wickens with her 2nd a strike from outside the box. The home side see out the remaining minutes with just 9 as Sillitoe is shown a red for foolishly aiming a spit at an opponent, Newmarket hold on defending deep and celebrate a fantastic result to progress into the next round.
Newmarket’s opponents in the next round of the FA Women’s Cup will be another ERWFL Division One North side, Wymondham Town Ladies who knocked them out of the competition last season. They were at home in 2nd Round Qualifying taking on FA Women’s Cup debutants St Ives Town Ladies from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. The higher league side have gotten a fondness for the FA Women’s Cup in recent seasons and proved too strong on the day with Laura Wiseman scoring a hat-trick. Goals too for Betty Fretwell, Kayleigh Holloway, Mollie O’Callaghan and substitute Laura Nicholls for Wymondham as they ran out 7-1 winners.
Norfolk Division One side Bungay Town Ladies had progressed to 2nd Round Qualifying for the 2nd successive season. Were on the road down into Essex once again in the FA Women’s Cup to play Harlow Town Ladies reaching this round for the 1st time. Playing in ERWFL Division One South they were ran close by Bungay who gave it a good go Emily Leach scoring twice for them. Harlow Town emerging 3-2 winners however thanks to a brace from Chloe Bassett and a goal for Nicole Learner. A home tie awaits in 3rd Round Qualifying a good test taking on FAWPL opposition with Denham United Ladies the visitors.
Bishops Stortford Ladies in ERWFL Division One South this season were through to 2nd Round Qualifying for the 1st time after beating fellow league side Hertford Town Ladies in the previous round now they were away to ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Dunstable Ladies. Danielle Carty scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes to put Dunstable 2-0 up Charlene Moreton making it 3-0 before half-time. It was all Moreton 2nd half as she scored 4 more goals in the 2nd half to send Dunstable through 7-1 into the next round where they will be at home to Eastbourne Town Ladies.
A bye for Frontiers Ladies in the opening round of the FA Women’s Cup they ad a home tie against ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Sudbury Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying the higher league placed side too strong for their opponents from the Essex Women’s Premier Division. Semma Halil scoring a hat-trick for Sudbury. Both Mia Etheridge and Megan Partridge getting a brace each along with a goal for Stacey Teager seeing them through with an 8-1 victory. An away trip to Enfield Town Ladies awaits in the next round.
A big win away from home for ERWFL Premier Division side Bedford Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying to set up a home tie against fellow Premier Division side Royston Town Ladies in the next round of the FA Women’s Cup. Taking on Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies. There was a hat-trick for both Natasha Fensome and Eden Kibron. Maya Sidhu and Michelle Byrne both netting 2 goals each. Jasmine Ajayi and Olivia-Rose Cunningham also both on target in a whopping 12-0 win.
It was an all ERWFL Premier Division clash in 2nd Round Qualifying between Colney Heath Ladies and Royston Town Ladies. The away side struggling for results in the league progressing in the FA Women’s Cup winning 4-0, Becky Shephard and Erin Davies both scoring twice to send Royston Town into the next round away to Bedford Ladies.
Cambridge City Ladies progress to the next round of the FA Women’s Cup winning at home on Sunday against Kettering Town Ladies. Goals from, Stacey Fullicks, Charlotte Gillies, Emily Reed, Lauren Tomlinson and Sarah Mosley securing a 5-2 victory. At home again in 3rd Round Qualifying having been on their travels regularly in the competition last season have a decent looking tie against Ipswich Town Ladies from FAWPL South East Division One.
A local derby and another all ERWFL Premier Division tie between Brentwood Town Ladies at home to Billericay Town Ladies as usual saw a competitive tussle between the two sides with the visitors ultimately claiming victory to progress into the next round of the FA Women’s Cup. Leah Cowan scoring two goals for Brentwood they were knocked out of the cup with Billericay winning 3-2 a brace for captain Lindsey Morgan along with a goal for Kirsty Knight seeing Billericay into the next round a tough game away t FAWPL South East Division One newcomers Leyton Orient WFC awaits.
Lastly a tie between two sides not featured in The Round-Up very often as they don’t play in the leagues I regularly cover plying their game in the East Midlands regional leagues I do give the Peterborough based sides coverage however via social media was a Peterborough derby in 2nd Round Qualifying between EMWFL Premier Division side Peterborough Northern Star Ladies at home to Division One South side Peterborough United Ladies. A hat-trick from Cassie Steward along with a goal for Emma Pollard seeing Star Ladies win the game 4-2. Will be at home in 3rd Round Qualifying hosting Acle United Ladies.
The draw for 3rd Round Qualifying featuring those sides from the region is listed below.
FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Qualifying draw – ties to be played Sun 8th Oct
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies v Actonians Ladies
Cambridge City Ladies v Ipswich Town Ladies
Maidenhead United Ladies v Luton Town Ladies
Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Ladies
Peterborough Norther Star Ladies v Acle United Ladies
Harlow Town Ladies v Denham United Ladies
Wymondham Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Ladies
Enfield Town Ladies a AFC Sudbury Ladies
Godalming Town Ladies v Haringey Borough Women
AFC Dunstable Ladies v Eastbourne Town Ladies
Leyton Orient WFC v Billericay Town Ladies
Hassocks LFC v Stevenage Ladies
Bedford Ladies v Royston Town Ladies
AFC Wimbledon Ladies v Woodley United Ladies or Alton Ladies
Crystal Palace Ladies leading the FAWPL Southern Division table were at home on Sunday looking to extend their unbeaten run against Coventry United Ladies who were looking for a positive result after suffering to successive narrow defeats in the league. Prolific striker Gemma Bryan was making her 50th appearance for Crystal Palace who despite creating chances couldn’t get the better of a resolute Coventry United defence the sides contesting a goalless draw. Crystal Palace remain unbeaten in the league on 10 points after 4 played.
New leaders at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division table as Charlton Athletic Women maintaining their own 100% winning start picked up maximum points at home to Queens Park Rangers Ladies on Sunday. Were leading 1-0 at half-time skipper Kim Dixson putting Charlton in front on 20 minutes. Charlotte Gurr go thing’s rolling for the home side as she doubled the lead just 4 minutes after the restart. Ellie Dorey scoring soon after to make it 3-0. Moving into the last 15 minutes of the game Charlton went on to score 4 more goals, Katie Flack on the scoresheet. Once again Kit Graham coming on as a 2nd half substitute collected a quickfire double with Hope Nash scoring in between her goals to see Charlton to a 7-0 win. 4 wins from 4 at the top of the table.
3 wins on the bounce for newly promoted Gillingham FC Ladies see them climb up the Southern Division table into 3rd position after a comfortable win at home to bottom club Swindon Town Ladies on Sunday. Jenny Newman opened the scoring for Gillingham after 12 minutes. Striker Kallie Balfour scoring two goals before half-time to see the home side leading 3-0 Balfour completing her hat-trick 15 minutes into the 2nd half captain Jade Keogh scoring to make the final score 5-0 in the final five minutes. Swindon’s search for league point and goal goes on.
Portsmouth had started the season well two victories in their opening matches lost 1-0 last time out at home to 10 player Charlton grabbing an injury time winner. Were away to Lewes FC Women this Sunday and it was late agony again as they lost a close and competitive match by a single goal scored by Lewes in the 85th minute Rebecca Carter grabbing the winner. A successive 1-0 win for Lewes against tough opponents sees them moving up the table. Into 5th position have announced this week the signing of goalkeeper Faye Baker formerly with Brighton along with Avilla Bergin the Northern Ireland International winger spending last season with Charlton.
Another side on the up in the FAWPL Southern Division are Chichester City Ladies, the South West Division One Champions into the top half of the table after picking up a 2nd successive league win at home to West Ham United Ladies on Sunday. The sides level at 0-0 at half-time. Cherelle Khassel giving Chichester the lead 2nd half. A brace from Charley Wilson-Blakely putting them 3-0 up then an assist for Jade Widdows to shoot and score from the top of the box to seal the 3 points winning 4-0 move up to 6th
FAWPL South East Division One
3 wins from 3 saw Luton Town Ladies top of the league going into the weekend as they travelled down to Sutton United FC to play AFC Wimbledon Ladies who were on the move up the FAWPL South East Division One table with 2 successive wins after an opening day loss. Caroline Bisson scoring in the 14th minutes giving the home side a narrow advantage at half-time. Two quickfire goal 15 minutes into the 2nd half from Katie Stanley and Bisson with her 2nd putting Wimbledon in control of the game. Luton pulling a goal back through captain Zara Carroll. Wimbledon winning a 3rd straight league game 4-1 the final score Kelly-Jade Whelan with the late strike. Join Luton on 9 points moving in to 3rd spot.
3 sides tied on 9 points at the top of the South East Division One table with Actonians Ladies moving back to the top over Luton with the superior goal difference gained from their opening games. Were amongst the goals again this Sunday at home to Norwich City Ladies. Actonians taking an early lead Norwich drawing level at 1-1 in the 12th minute Chelsea Garrett with the goal. After that Actonians took control Carla Williams, Alessandra Barreca and Mariko Eagles all scoring a brace in the game with Katrina Duncan also netting a goal, 7-1 up, Norwich pulled a goal back deep into stoppage time Aimee Durrant scoring a 7-2 win for Actonians.
Newly promoted Leyton Orient WFC are starting to find their feet at this level now 3 wins in succession in league and cup that sees them climb up to 4th in the South East Division One table. Have opening their season against some strong opponents too. This Sunday travelling up to Suffolk to play Ipswich Town Ladies who were undefeated with 2 wins and a draw from their opening 3 league games. Two goals midway through the 1st half from Lisa Holmbeck and Chanel Richards seeing the visitors leading 2-0 at half-time. Ipswich unable to pull a goal back in the 2nd half as they suffered their 1st defeat of the season.
Another side picking up a 2nd successive league win to start moving up the South East Division One table are Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Away to Enfield Town Ladies on Sunday. The visitors leading by a single goal at the break. 2 more goals followed 2nd half for Milton Keynes Dons to secure a 3-1 win, Amelia Hazard with a brace along with a goal for Charly Wright seeing the 3 points secured. Donjeta Krasnici with the goal for Enfield who suffer a 3rd successive league defeat.
Cambridge United WFC are now the only side undefeated in FAWPL South East Division One however they left it extremely late to evade their 1st defeat of the season away to Stevenage Ladies on Sunday. Cara Breckenridge with the goal to hand Stevenage Ladies the lead were holding on to the narrow advantage right up until the end of the game Cambridge winning a corner the ball sent in bundled into the back of the net by defender Emma Jenkins to see the points shared. 3 draws and win from their opening 4 games. Both making new signings this week with Ashleigh Deacon with Cambridge last season joining Stevenage. Cambridge signing Kelley Blanchflower the attacker helping Tottenham Hotspur Ladies to the FAWPL Southern Division title last season.
Denham United Ladies got their 1st win of the season on Sunday as they travelled to bottom side Haringey Borough Women. A point from their opening game 2 losses have followed for Denham. A difficult start to life at a higher level for Haringey 3 straight defeats, a competitive contest between the sides especially 1st half Chontelle Lawrence giving Denham the lead on 14 minutes Haringey came back to level at 1-1 Jenny Banfield scoring to give Denham a 2-1 lead at half-time. Haringey getting it back to 2-2. Sophie Cheadle then found the back of the net twice for Denham to put them 4-2 up Annie Hewitt securing their 1st 3 points of the season in the last minute seeing Denham climb to 8th in the table.
The Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Women’s Football league begins with 25 sides across 3 Division’s. 9 in Division One with last season’s Champion’s Bishops Stortford Ladies moving up to the ERWFL. Northwood Ladies are a new face I know little about. Watton Ladies are promoted as Division Two Champions with Flitwick Ladies also promoted.
8 sides in Division Two, Letchworth Garden City Eagles and Hitchin Town Ladies dropping down from Division One. Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues and Evergreen Eagles promoted from Division Three. A new name in Division Two in Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires formerly Panshanger Ladies.
3 new faces in Division Three making up the 8 sides with a 2nd Welwyn Pegasus side the Azures joining along side Bedford Ladies new Development side and Bedwell Rangers Ladies. Evergreen Ladies and Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets dropping down from Division Two.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
St Albans Ladies hit the ground running in Beds & Herts Division One with a double figure home win on the opening day of the season. Got off to flyer against newly promoted Watton Ladies. Ellen Slater scoring in the 4th minute, Holly Rossington making it 2-0 2 minutes later Michaela Johnson then scored twice with Chloe Reeves on target for a 5th goal before half-time. More goals flowed 2nd half Johnson completing her hat-trick early on, Slater with her 2nd putting a penalty into the back of the net. Ellie Lovelock with a brace. Kiran Reyat scoring a goal too with Reeves going on to score a hat-trick the final score 12-1.
Sharnbrook WFC got their season off to a great start to away from home on Sunday against Sandy Ladies. Taking the lead in the 34th minute Hoffi Pursey scoring the goal. 1-0 the narrow lead to the visitors at break a different story 2nd half Charlie Mullins doubling the lead in the 58th minute Sharnbrook the ran riot Emily Clark netting 2 goals, with Emma Butler on target with 13 minutes left. Pursey with her 2nd goal of the game in the last 5 minutes Stephanie Hettle making it 7-0 in injury time.
Northwood Ladies started their Division One campaign at home to last season’s League Cup Winners, Houghton Athletic Ladies. 2 goals each for, Leanne Jones and Francesca Webster seeing Northwood win the 3 points in a 4-1 victory. Sinead Borsah scoring the goal for Houghton Athletic.
Flitwick Ladies back in Division One started the campaign with a tough game at home to Sherrardswood Ladies. Goalless at the break the sides both scoring 2nd half to take a share of the points, Sky Evans scoring for Flitwick, Sherrardswood’s goalscorer their captain Katy Jones.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires are a new name this season but containing a host of familiar names having formerly been Panshanger Ladies. Welwyn Pegasus have two sides entering the Beds & Herts Leagues this season, the Azures in the league below but by no means are they a 1st and Reserve/Development side. The Sapphires do contain a large majority of Panshanger’s 1st team squad from last season but with so many player on their books the new look and name change making perfect sense, and I like the names refreshing and new.
A positive start for the Sapphires beginning their season away to Royston Town Ladies Reserves. Chemise Huitson scoring a brace in the game with another goal from Ellie Burke to see them start with a 3-0 win.
A Hitchin derby to start the season with Hitchin Town Ladies relegated last season hosting Hitchin Belles. A 2nd half brace for Amy Jack sealing a 2-0 win for Hitchin Belles to start their season flirted with the title last season, are they ready to mount a stronger challenge this season?
The Blues and the Clarets have swapped leagues with Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues new last season winning the Division Three title with ease whilst the Clarets in Division Two were relegated. The Blues started the season away to fellow promoted side Evergreen Eagles returning to Division Two after being relegated the previous season. A tight game the sides earning a share of the points drawing 1-1. Samantha Feeney scoring for Evergreen Eagles, Bethany Young for Woburn & Wavendon.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Bedford Ladies playing in the ERWFL Premier Division have established a new Development side this season entering Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three began the season with a convincing win away from home against Bedwell Rangers Ladies also new to the league this season. Kirsten Peters opening the scoring for Bedford in the 9th minute. Paige Abraham and Jessica Bunnage scoring in the 15th and 24th minute. Katy Peters and Becky Lenton making it 5-0 at half-time. Kirsten Peters scoring twice more in the 2nd half to complete her hat-trick with Bunnage adding her 2nd to see Bedford start with an 8-0 win.
Shefford Town & Campton Ladies started their 3rd season in Beds & Herts Division Three with a win away from home to Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets and only their 2nd ever 3 point haul. A good win too with Louise Grocott scoring a brace, with goal each for Chloe Tate and Helen Coster to put them 2nd in the table. 4-1 the final score Maya Santos scoring for Woburn & Wavendon.
Welwyn Pegasus Azures followed the Sapphires in the league above with an away win on the opening day of the season in their 1st ever competitive match taking on Potters Bar United Ladies. Goals from Janiece Allen and Samantha Coughlan in the 1st half. Allen adding a 2nd goal 7 minutes into the 2nd half and a goal form Senal Chapman in the final 15 minutes seeing the away side win 4-2. Mandy Morgan with both the goals for Potters Bar United.
In the last match to bring you in Beds & Herts Division Three, 1st half hat-trick for Sophia Pidgeon saw Wheathamstead Wanderers Ladies start their season with a win at home to Evergreen Ladies. 3-1 the final score Kirsty Stephan with the goal for the visiting side.
A late change to the league structure in Essex this season having initially seen an increase of sides going up to 30 a 3rd league was created with 10 sides in each sadly a 5 sides have since not gone on to start or in the case of Wickford Town Ladies 1st and Reserves side have folded.. for now at least that left 25 sides a adjustment has seen Essex revert back to 2 leagues 12 in the Premier Division, 13 in Division One including 7 new sides.
Essex Women’s Premier Division
The adjustment saw both Hatfield Peveral Ladies and Harlow Town Reserves Ladies join the already promoted Corringham Cosmos and Frontiers Ladies in the Premier Division from Division One. Also restored to the Premier Division, Hutton Ladies Reserves. Harlow Town Ladies 1st team Champions last season move up to the ERWFL. A tough call to say who will win the title this time around both Frontiers and Corringham Cosmos will be strong contenders with Lawford Ladies emerging as a force last season. Chelmsford City are usually there or thereabouts too.
Hatfield Peveral Ladies now promoted to the Premier Division couldn’t have gotten their season off to a better start beginning away to Chigwell Ladies. Yasmin Cowley opening the scoring for the visitors in the 6th minute made it 2-0 5 minutes later. Hatfield took control of the game with 10 minutes left in the 1st half Victoria King finding the back of the net. That was soon followed by two more quickfire goals for Cowley. A 5-0 lead at half-time Hatfield kept up the pressure 2nd half Megan Warner extending the lead to 6-0 with King going on to score 2 more to complete her hat-trick in between Cowley scoring her 5th of the game to see Hatfield Peveral win 9-0.
Chelmsford City Ladies began the Premier Division season at home to Runwell Sports Ladies, Frances Murphy scoring in the 10th minute for the visitors, Chelmsford went into the break 2-1 in front. Went on to take control of the game in the 2nd half. Georgia James scoring 2 goals, Mia Brisley, Tyler Christou, Shannon Hughes and Charlotte Palmer all opening their accounts with the final score being 6-1 to the hosts.
Frontiers Ladies formed last season finished as Division One Champions aswell as winning the Essex Women’s Trophy. Began life in the Premier Division with a local derby away to Harlow Town Ladies Reserves. Due to pitch issues the game was switched around. It didn’t affect Frontiers who were quickly in front Kelly Holsworth firing home from 35 yards. Jill Bartholomew scoring from a corner to see Frontiers into a 2-0 lead at half-time. Harlow Town Reserves pulled the score back to 2-1 in the 2nd half, Casey Lunn with the 25 yard shot. Frontiers were quick to respond Sharon Ferguson restoring their 2 goal lead. The 3 points secured late on with Freya Liiv on hand to score after Holsworth’s free-kick struck the crossbar.
Essex Women’s Division One
A huge influx of new sides joining the Essex Women’s County League with 7 new names in total. Both ERWFL Premier Division sides, Billericay Town Ladies and Brentwood Town Ladies have set-up a reserve side. Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies, Southend United Ladies, Leigh Ramblers Ladies and Rayleigh Town Ladies also come in along with the returning Hullbridge Sports after a season’s absence.
10 of the 13 sides in action on the opening Sunday and plenty of goals scored in those matches too. FC Clacton Ladies are the early table toppers hitting double figures away from home on the opening day. Entering their 2nd season were playing Benfleet Villa Ladies also beginning their 2nd season. Both Charlotte Warren and Lauren Lucas started the season by scoring a hat-trick for FC Clacton. The final score 11-0 the other 5 goals were shared out amongst, Louise Hayles, Abbie Hooper, Danielle Leonard, Sasha Moy and Daisy Hodgson.
Returning to the Essex Women’s Football league after a season’s absence Hullbridge Sports Ladies had previously enjoyed a successful if brief spell. Now back they have several off their old squad back along with some new faces joining from Wickford Town Ladies. Were away from home this Sunday beginning their season at another new side Billericay Town Ladies Reserves got off to a great start leading 4-0 by half-time went on t repeat that goals tally 2nd half to run out 8-0 winners. Broghan Kelly netting 4 of those goals. Danni Dorrington, Karley Hunt, Patricia McVeeney and Grace Francis also on target with a goal each.
Another new side racing into a 4-0 lead on the opening day was Southend United Ladies at home to Waltham Forest Ladies on the opening weekend. Ria Toovey breaking the deadlock on the 20th minute. Goals coming in regular intervals after that with Lauren Johnson scoring a brace on 25 and 40 minutes with Emily Pert scoring a goal in between. Substitutes Charlotte Anderson and Lily-Maree Halliday extended Southend’s lead in the 2nd half. Fanni Csikos getting a goal for Waltham Forest 6-1 the winning score.
Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies have been extremely busy on social media promoting their new side and finally the competitve action could begin this weekend rearing to go were hosting Brentwood Town Ladies new Reserve side. Dagenham & Redbridge enjoyed a good opening 45 minute holding a 3-0 lead at half-time closer 2nd half both sides scoring the final score 4-1 to Dagenham & Redbridge, Pauline Adeyemo scoring a brace with a goal each for Fran Pridie and Hannah Humphreys.
Another opening day game against 2 new sides to Division one was a good contest between Leigh Ramblers at home to Rayleigh Town Ladies with the home side eventually running out 4-2 winners Leigh Ramblers scoring 3 goals in the 1st half lead 3-1 Emily Diwell with 2 goals substitute Abi Brown also scoring with Paige White firing home from the penalty spot for Leigh Ramblers to win the 3 points. Holly Gash and Isabelle Wallings scoring the goals for Rayleigh Town.
Going to be an interesting league to watch this season with so many new sides now way to predict who will emerge as Champions several sides have that as their target no doubt.
Essex Women’s County Cup
Cup action in Essex too at the weekend with two ties being played in the Essex Women’s County Cup. A Preliminary Round, Beacon Hills Rovers Ladies from the Premier Division were hosting ERWFL Division One South side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies. A comfortable victory in the end for the higher league side despite Beacon Hill Rovers scoring 3 goals, Sophie Dowman netting a hat-trick for Little Thurrock. Captain Abbie Simmonds and Courtney Fraser both with 2 goals each. A goal for Taylor Adcock along with and own goals seeing them into the 1st Round with a 9-3 win.
In the other Preliminary Round tie Alresford Colne Rangers were hosting Premier Division side Corringham Cosmos. 4 goals for Chloe Sams along with a brace for Rachel Fleming and a goal from Rebecca Gallagher seeing the visitors progress to the 1st Round with a 7-0 win.
The women’s county league season began in Cambridgeshire this Sunday with their once again being 3 divisions the Premiership and Championships North & South. 24 sides all together with sadly a few drop-outs before the season began. 8 sides in each league. Think all 3 leagues will be competitive at the top with several sides in contention for top spot over the season.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership
Last season’s Premiership Champion’s Cambridge United WFC Reserves have moved up into Regional football. Bar Hill Ladies are no more hoping to set-up with a different club the move hasn’t happened this season. Joining the Premiership this season are March Town United Ladies and Cambridge City Ladies Development, Championship North & South Champions respectfully last season. 3 matches played in the Premiership on the opening Sunday.
Netherton United Ladies finished runners-up in both the league and league cup final last season. Began this season away to Park Ladies. Captain, Megan Parrett scoring a hat-trick for Netherton with striker Yasmin Green bagging a brace on the opening day a goal too for Alice MacNichol seeing the visitors start the season with a confident win 6-0 to sit top of the pile.
March Town United Ladies began life in the top flight in Cambridgeshire with a trip to Peterborough to play ICA Sports Ladies. Goals for Shannon Shaw and Emma Frost seeing March win the 3 points in their opening fixture to set them on their way.
St Ives Town Ladies were hosting Newmarket Town Ladies in their opening league fixture in the Premiership. Both were in confident mood having won their matches the previous weekend in the FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Qualifying. A competitive rivalry growing between the two sides both ambitious and wanting to win the Premiership title. Will also face each other in the Championship South this season with Newmarket having an established Reserves side, St Ives Town beginning a Development side this season. A close contest between the pair, Anna Hicks scoring for St Ives, it was Newmarket who won the 3 points on the opening day winning 2-1, goals for Cindy Ponder and new signing Brooke Wickens.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
Wisbech Town Ladies began their season in the Championship North with a huge away win as they played Orton Rangers Ladies starting their 2nd season moving from the Championship South last season. A tough start to life in the Championship North against a side that should if they can find some consistency be amongst those gunning for top spot. Certainly couldn’t have started any better running up a double figure winning score. Sophie Gutteridge starting her season with a double hat-trick. There was a hat-trick to for Chloe Riches. Faye Kowalewsky scoring a brace, with goals to for Shushannah Feast, Annie Rooks and Emma Woods the final score 14-0 to Wisbech.
A much tighter contest in the other opening day fixture in the Championship North with Ketton Ladies hosting Hungate Rovers Ladies. A 7 goal thriller between the sides Kesley McKenna scoring a brace along with a goal for Laura Punter for Hungate Rovers. It wasn’t enough to take anything from the match as Ketton scored 4 in reply to start the season with a 4-3 win.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
3 matches played in the Championship South on the opening weekend and a great start to the season for Cambridge Rangers Women in recent seasons at the wrong end of the table find themselves top after the opening day. Traditionally kicking off their home games at 11am were hosting new side Burwell Tigers. Robyn Barlow scoring a hat-trick for Cambridge Rangers along the way to an 8-1 win, 2 players netting a brace Rebecca Lewis and Cornelia Buettner with Stephanie Rowan also on the scoresheet. Vicky Murrell with the goal for Burwell Tigers.
Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds began the season with an away game against Isleham United Ladies. Marie Stubbings getting Fulbourn’s season off to a fantastic start scoring 4 goals in the game with Katie Luddy and Yasmin Upson both scoring too in a 6-1 victory. Vicky Beeton netting for Isleham.
Newmarket Town Reserves began their season at home to the newly formed Histon Ladies Reserves. The visitors coached by Ian Freestone formerly of Milton Ladies has a few former Milton players in the Histon squad including a very familiar name to readers of The Round-Up, Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks a prolific goalscorer netting 71 goals in her previous 2 seasons. A close contest away to Newmarket, Dominika Szary and Kate Silver scoring for the home side. Samantha Cousins scoring twice for Histon along with a strike by Lemmon-Sparks to see the new side start with a win.
