A very limited fixture list in the leagues across the 2 counties this Easter Sunday, only 3 scheduled one of those wasn’t played that just leaves the 2 to bring you. In Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Houghton Athletic Ladies in 7th were away to bottom side Hitchin Town Ladies. Goals from Ciara Craig and Emma Hawkes along with a brace for Holly Thomson seeing the visitors win the match 4-1 the 3 points taking them above Sharnbrook WFC into 6th spot. Tara Gooda scoring the goal for Hitchin Town.
The Chris Renshaw Trophy
Sharnbrook WFC themselves were in action in the quarter finals of The Chris Renshaw Trophy away to Division Three side Evergreen Eagles. Emma Butler scoring a 1st half hat-trick before Gemma Franklin added a 4th goal before the break. Butler scoring her 4th of the match in the final 10 minutes to see Sharnbrook WFC into the semi-finals with a 5-2 win.
A limited fixture list across the East this Sunday, due to a combination of it being the Easter Weekend and sides now starting to play out their fixtures the business end of the season so big matches played. None more so than in the FAWPL Southern Division where leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are now on the verge of clinching the league. They left it extremely late however to maintain their unbeaten league record at Cheshunt FC on Sunday at home to their closest rivals in the battle for the top Cardiff City Ladies.
It was the Welsh side in 3rd place in the table who got off to the better start taking the lead in the 6th minute, Cori Williams netting the goal. Held on to the narrow advantage going all the way into the final 10 minutes of the game. Nikita Whinnett (pictured) on in the 70th minute gotTottenham back on level terms scoring in the 84th minute to make it 1-1 then deep into injury time the home side won the game 90+6 when Wendy Martin struck the ball home to sealing the 3 points with a 2-1 win! A special occasion for the club on Wednesday night as they get to play at White Hart Lane against West Ham United Ladies and now they could be celebrating the title. Leading the way by a massive 11 points now with 4 left to play only Cardiff City Ladies can catch them now a win however would end even their slim title hopes and see Tottenham Hotspur Ladies crowned Champions.
Crystal Palace Ladies have almost certainly clinched 5th spot in the FAWPL Southern Division following promotion last season. An away trip to Portsmouth FC Ladies this Sunday got off to a fantastic start going 2-0 up inside the 1st 10 minutes. Gemma Bryan opening the scoring in the 3rd minute then Rosie Paye with her 1st goal for Crystal Palace heading in a corner to make it 2-0 in the 9th. Portsmouth responded soon after to pull it back to 2-1, Natasha Stephens scoring the goal. Bryan with her 2nd of the game extended Crystal Palace’s lead on the half hour 3-1 the lead at the break.
The score was extended straight away in the 2nd half as 10 seconds in Portsmouth gave away a penalty, Bryan stepping up to score her hat-trick. Portsmouth scored again in the 68th minute Samantha Quayle making it 4-2 but a 4th goal in the last 10 minutes for Bryan taking her to 26 for the season sealed the win for Crystal Palace 5-2.
A point at home for West Ham United Ladies on Sunday as they battle to avoid potential relegation. Held Lewes Ladies to a goalless draw the point taking them above Swindon Town Ladies into 9th 4 points clear of bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies who would have to double their points tally for the season to catch them have games in hand on both the sides above them. Remains tight at the bottom.
FAWPL South East Division One
Another side very close to clinching the title are Gillingham FC Ladies topping the table in FAWPL South East Division One. Unbeaten this season in 17 matches played travelled to 10th placed Stevenage Ladies this Sunday who themselves are looking for points to pull further clear of the bottom 2. Fought hard to keep the score at 0-0 going into the dressing room at half-time. Gillingham found the break through midway through the 2nd half, jenny Newman scoring to put them into the lead. Stevenage had an opportunity to level the scores as they were awarded a penalty kick, Gillingham goalkeeper Courtney Shanley saved it Gillingham going on to their 15th game of the season go 10 points clear at the top 2 more wins from their remaining for matches would see them win the title.
With 5 games in hand on Stevenage Ladies above them Norwich City Ladies need the points as they look to overturn a 6 point gap and avoid relegation themselves. Travelled to Mildenhall Town FC this Easter Sunday to play Cambridge United WFC fresh from winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup once again last Thursday. In 4th place a win for Cambridge would lift them into 2nd spot.
It was Norwich who went on to open the scoring in the match a long distance strike from Aimee Durrant making it 1-0 in the 25th minute. Cambridge were quick to find a reply Nicole Perschky making it 1-1 5 minutes later. Soon after Cambridge were leading Carrie Bennett hitting her 1st goal of the season into the back of the net to make it 2-1 on 34 minutes. It was Norwich however who led at the break two late goals in the final 3 minutes of the 1st half from Kyla Love and Ellen Swift seeing them lead 3-2.
The lead didn’t last a minute into the 2nd half however a Cambridge getting a corner in the 46th minute levelled the scores, another player getting her 1st goal for the 1st team this season, Carolyn Sarafian volleying the ball in to make it 3-3. Took the lead for the 2nd time in the game 8 minutes later Laura Mills on target to make it 4-3. Again Norwich came back into the game Swift with her 2nd of the game making it 4-4 with 20 minutes left on the clock. Into the last 10 minutes of the game and Cambridge were awarded a penalty as Evie Gallop was brought down inside the box. Perschky to take her initial strike saved she was on hand to put in the rebound to score what would prove to be the winning goal 5-4 the final score. Games in hand on the sides below them unlikely to catch Gillingham, runners-up spot is very much on for Cambridge.
Two games played in the Suffolk Women’s Division this weekend, Walsham Le Willows secured runners-up spot in the league winning at home against Copleston Ladies. A brace each for attackers Laura Brame and Gemma Carter securing the 3 points in a 4-0 win still mathematically in with a shout at title 3 points behind leaders Ipswich Town Ladies Development with one game left to play a point from their remaining two games enough for Ipswich Town to be crowned Champions.
A big win at home for 4th placed East Bergholt United Ladies against bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies sees them close to within a point of 3rd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies with a game extra to play. Jessica Oxlade scoring a hat-trick in the game, both Jodie Sharp and Cameron Hogg firing in a brace a piece along with a goal each for Cara Savage, Pippa King and Georgina Longden in a 10-0 win.
Plenty of games left to play in the Norfolk Women’s County Leagues as the season moves into the final couple of months, on the hottest day of the year so far it was to the River Lane Playing Fields that the Supporting Women’s Football Blog headed to watch a top of the table encounter between King’s Lynn Town Ladies and leaders Thorpe United Ladies in Division One just a point between the sides in what is proving to be an intriguing contest at the top of the table the 1st game in a double header with King’s Lynn heading to Thorpe United next Sunday the home side started the brighter striker Josie Turner put through on goal in the 8th minute a coming together with Thorpe United defender Lauren Kett of the edge of the box before slotting the ball home to make it 1-0 the goal standing. Thorpe United responded straight away breaking to get back on level terms the ball played on for captain Rebekah Lake lobbing the keeper from the edge of the box to make it 1-1 no sooner had they equalised Thorpe United went on to take the lead hitting King’s Lynn on the counter attack the ball played into space on the left side both Lake and Shanice Sutton after the ball, Sutton there 1st left of goal into the box playing the ball pass the diving keeper goes after it to send the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.
2-1 down at half-time King’s Lynn started the 2nd half the better creating chances a throw won on the right the ball controlled is send long in towards the far post captain Shelley Woods arriving to head the ball home from close range. Just as in the 1st half however Thorpe United quickly score again not once but twice to make it 4-2! Midfielder Laura Hedtke gets forwards plays the ball into Lake moving right continues her run into the box receiving the ball loops her shot up over the keeper to score. Lake is through herself on goal moments later into the box her shot fired in the goalkeeper gets her glove on the ball but can’t keep it out. Woods gets it back to 4-3 for King’s Lynn firing home from a free-kick in the latter stages of the match, Thorpe United hold out for the win to open up a 4 point lead at the top of the table both sides however still have 7 games to play. The full match report can be found on the website or by clicking on the link below.
Brandon Town Ladies have found a bit of form going into the latter end of the season undefeated in 4 with 3 straight league wins travelled to 3rd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies this Sunday with just 10 players however, there hosts were depleted too especially in defence but with a strong youth set-up had younger players ready to step up to 1st team duty. Two goals for Hope Middleton for North Walsham, it was Brandon who came out on top with Brooke Wickens netting a brace along with goals for Ruby Robertson and Tiffany Forshaw seeing the 3 points secured with a 4-2 win moves Brandon Town in 5th to with 2 points of North Walsham who drop to 4th level on points with 3rd placed Bungay Town Ladies.
A 2nd win of the season at home for Fakenham Town Ladies as the bottom two sides met at Clipbush Park on Sunday. Leading 1-0 at half-time went on to beat bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies 2-1 with goals from Sian Sands and Rochelle Woods. Sophie Martin with the Kirkley & Pakefield goal as they continue their search for their 1st point of the season.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
In Norfolk Women’s Division Two, Stalham Town Ladies moved 3 points clear in 2nd spot winning away from home on Sunday against bottom side Bohemians Ladies. Leading 3-0 t half-time Stalham Town looked comfortable for the result however Bohemians cam back scoring twice in the 2nd half, Jenny Markwell and Lorraine Newbury with the goals before Stalham Town wrapped up the points winning 4-2.
A comfortable win away from home for 4th placed Sprowston Ladies with games in hand on all the sides above them albeit a forlorn cause to catch Gorleston FC Ladies already crowned Champions. Sprowston led 5-1 at the break before going on to win 8-1. Rebecca Russell scoring a hat-trick with a brace each for Rosie Wickenden and Joanna Davey along with and own goal. Rebecca Smith with the Briston Wanderers goal in the 1st half.
Just the one match played in the Essex Women’s Division this Sunday a game between 3rd and 4th with Chelmsford City Ladies travelling to play Runwell Sports Ladies both level on 31 points going into the game, Runwell Sports scoring twice through, Sophie Olley and Danielle Stace. Not enough to collect any points however as Chelmsford City found the back of their opponents net for 3 goals to win the match move 3 points clear in 3rd position their goals scored by Angela Holden, Shannon Hughes and Tyler Christou.
Essex Women’s League Cup
Semi-finals day in the Essex Women’s League Cup this Sunday. An all Premier Division tie as Lawford Ladies 2nd in the league hosted 5th placed Collier Row Tigers. In the end it was the visitors who ran out 4-2 winners to reach the Final scheduled for Sunday 7th May.
Collier Row Tigers will face Corringham Cosmos in the League Cup Final after the Essex Women’s Division One leaders beat Premier Division side Chigwell Ladies 4-1 away from home to book their place in their 1st ever final in women’s football having joined the league this season. A hat-trick from Chloe Sams along with a goal for Rebecca Gallagher seeing them to victory.
Essex Women’s Division One
In Essex Women’s Division One, Frontiers Ladies and Corringham Cosmos both new to the league have been slugging it out at the top all season. Whilst Corringham were booking their place in the League Cup Final, Frontiers were away to 4th placed Hatfield Peveral Ladies this Sunday looking to make it 13 straight league wins to move back level on points with the leaders won the match 6-0 to collect another 3 points, Sharon Ferguson netting a brace in the game with goals each for Jill Bartholomew, Kay Foy, Emma Best and Shannon Hardinges.
A loss for Hatfield Peveral Ladies benefiting Harlow Town Ladies Reserves as they edged a 7 goal thriller at home to 6th placed FC Clacton Ladies winning 4-3 to win and collect the 3 points that move them up into 4th position a point behind 3rd placed Collier Row Athletic both having played 16 games.
Tiptree & District Women’s Charity Cup
A 4-1 home win in the semi-finals of the Tiptree & District Women’s Charity Cup against Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies sees Harlow Town Ladies defending the trophy through to the final for a successive season a league and cup double still on the cards. A intriguing final in prospect too with Lawford Ladies at home against Frontiers Ladies unbeaten in Division One in the other semi-final scheduled to be played this weekend.
For the 2nd successive Sunday a home win is awarded against Bar Hill Ladies as they are unable to fulfil a fixture as the fixture as the league season draws to an end games to catch up on little time to fit them in the league presented with little choice. The beneficiaries this weekend Cambridge United WFC Reserves in 3rd place the 3 points moving them to with 2 points of joint leaders Netherton United Ladies and Newmarket Town Ladies with games in hand on both.
Elsewhere in the Premiership 4th placed Cambridge University Women also with games in hand on the leading pair were hosting 6th placed St Ives Town Ladies. The visitors scoring twice with Amy Seymour-Shove netting both goals, Cambridge University claiming the 3 points scoring 3 2nd half goals to edge the win, Sophia D’Angelo scoring in the 58th minute, Taylor Lynn-Jones added another just 2 minutes later with Amanda Wainwright scoring the 3rd with 15 minutes left to play.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North, leaders March Town United Ladies unbeaten record finally came to an end after 11 matches played having beaten Swineshead Institute Ladies away from home 7-3 in an entertaining match last Sunday were at home hosting in the reverse fixture this time around and again the match saw plenty of goals, despite having the early chances March Town United fell behind on the 22nd minute, awarded a penalty the visitors scored from the spot, Gabby Smith putting Swineshead into the lead. Ellie Spendlow who had been fouled for the penalty then doubled the lead for the visitors. 2-0 the lead at half-time.
Spendlow extended Swineshead’s lead in the 2nd half before Adele Munday pulled it back to 3-1 with a 20 yard strike for March Town. With the home side pressing for more goals Swineshead hit them on the counter Spendlow completing her hat-trick taking her goals to 32 for the season. March Town captain, Jade Pointer reduced the deficit to 4-2 in the final 10 minutes, Swineshead going on to win 4-2 the win lifting them all the way from 6th to 2nd spot in the Championship North table. March Town despite the defeat remain 6 points clear at the top.
Wisbech St Mary Ladies drop to 3rd on goal difference as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Boston United Ladies on Sunday. Catherine Ray with the goal for Wisbech St Mary remains very tight in the league with several matches still to fit in. 2 points between 2nd and 6th. The point for Boston United Ladies lifting them up from 5th to 4th.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
3 points on the board for bottom side Orton Rangers Ladies in the Cambridgeshire Championship South after this weekends results. Didn’t kick a ball however were instead awarded the home win after opponents Cambridge Rangers couldn’t field a side. Still it means they will end the season with something on the board.
Elsewhere, Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves hold onto 2nd spot in the Championship South table go 3 points clear in fact with a 4-0 home win against Fulbourn Bluebirds on Sunday. Hollie Turner scoring a brace, with a goal each for Jessica Linger and Nadine Basson.
3rd placed Milton Ladies were held at home to a 1-1 draw by Riverside Reserves on Sunday, Sam Cousins scoring for Milton, Annie Posnett putting home a penalty for the visitors.
3 matches played in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday with 4 sides completing their league campaigns. 3rd placed AFC Dunstable Ladies were away to Billericay Town Ladies who could have ended the season in 5th with a win. AFC Dunstable Ladies have had an excellent season keeping pace with the top two all season, goals from Erin Davies, Paige Kavanagh and Samiara Khan seeing them win the game 3-1 to finish on 36 points and a minimum a 4th place finish. Despite a goal from Vicky Kinsman, Billericay Town Ladies end the league season in 6th meaning AFC Sudbury Ladies have secured 5th spot having played out their games last weekend. Cup Final action for Billericay Town Ladies coming up this week on Thursday at AFC Hornchurch as they take on C&K Basildon Ladies in the Essex Women’s County Cup.
The title scenario remains the same with current leaders Bedford Ladies 3 points clear having played out watching the progress below both 2nd placed Haringey Borough Women and 4th placed Acle United Ladies able to catch them both knowing they win all their remaining games they will be Champions meeting as they do in their final game of the season. Acle United Ladies have to keep focused winning the games before then 1st. A double header with Royston Town Ladies over the next 2 Sunday’s Acle United were the hosts this Sunday.
Despite applying the early pressure the hosts found themselves goal down in the 20th minute, Royston Town scoring from 25 yards. Megan Todd pulled it back to 1-1 with 10 minutes of the 1st half left. Acle went on to take the lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half midfielder Alice Ladbrooke brought down inside the box stepping up to score the resulting penalty. 2nd half substitute Lauren Bullard extended Acle United’s lead to 3-1 as the game moved into the last minute. Royston Town awarded a free-kick scoring a quick reply to make it 3-2 sent up a tense finish Acle holding on for the win. Sammy Tinsley with her 34th goals of the season and Grace Leslie scoring the goals for Royston Town. Acle United have 3 games left now 2 points behind 2nd placed Haringey Borough who have 2 matches left. You can read Acle United Ladies match report from the game by clicking on the link below
An Essex derby to end the season for both Brentwood Town Ladies and Writtle Ladies as they played their last league games of the season this Sunday. A strong finish to the season for Writtle Ladies, Courtney Clarke scoring a hat-trick up front with goals too for captain, Abigail Fry, Amy Simmons, Sophie Vale and Charlotte Walker in an 8-2 victory that sees Writtle climb above Brentwood Town into 7th place. Angela Arnold and Leah Cowan scoring the goals for Brentwood Town as they end the season on a disappointing note having had a strong spell earlier in the campaign that had seen them potentially challenge for a top 4 finish.
ERWFL Division One
Cambridge City Ladies are the ERWFL Division One Champions clinching the title in at the 1st attempt a 2nd successive league title having been promoted as Cambridgeshire Premiership winners last season. Won the title with 4 games to spare going 4 points clear of 2nd placed Colney Heath Ladies who have one league game left to play.
Were at home to 4th placed Silver End United Ladies who travelled with a depleted squad. Cambridge City knowing they were one win away from securing the title, held a 2-0 lead going into half-time, really turning it on in the 2nd half to add a further 8 goals to win the game 10-0. 3 players netting themselves a brace in the game, Sarah Mosley, Carla Penny and Philippa Witherspoon. An own goal, with Stacey Fullicks and Charlotte Gillies also scoring along with an extremely rare goal for centre back Robyn Phillips. The league secured Cambridge City have 2 Cup Finals to prepare for starting with the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final this Thursday against Cambridge United WFC .
Congratulations to Cambridge City Ladies on their title success.
In the other game in ERWFL Division One played this Sunday, Ipswich Town Wanderers in 10th place were hosting Essex side Hutton Ladies who had just the 9 players available. Despite the valiant efforts from their goalkeeper Hutton were eventually beaten 2-0, Ipswich Wanderers goalscorers, Laura Tuley and Michelle Taylor-Allum the 3 points lifting them up 3 places into 7th in the Division One table with one game left to play. 3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies were awarded the home win against Stevenage Ladies Reserves.
Been twists and turns all season long in the battle for the title in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One with 5 sides all in contention pretty much the whole campaign. New leaders as the season enters the home straight with sides having between 1 and 3 games left to play. Sherrardswood Ladies have been flirting with the top two Sandy Ladies and St Albans Ladies for a few weeks now and with both in cup action this weekend took full advantage with a big win at home to move top of the table above Sandy Ladies on goal difference.
Sherrardswood were hosting bottom side Hitchin Town Ladies. Got off to a great start Manjinder Atwal opening the scoring in the 5th minute, goals from Laura Cousins and Laurie Marris quickly followed Sherrardswood 3-0 up after 10 minutes. Julie Briars making it 4-0 in the 12th minute, 2 more goals were struck on the half hour Francesca Novelli getting on the scoresheet, Marris adding her 2nd. Marris went on to complete her hat-trick in the 2nd half, adding a 4th goal from the penalty spot. Cousins and Novelli both scoring to complete a brace each in the final 5 minutes in a 10-1 win, Emma Chaffey scoring for Hitchin Town fielding 10 players.
Also a big win at home for 5th placed Garston Ladies at home to Houghton Athletic Ladies on Sunday, a brace each for both Jane Hales and Lucy Zecchin, with Emma Trill and Linda Watt also on target putting the ball into the back of the net in a 6-0 win. 2 games left for Garston Ladies 6 points off top spot mathematically not out of the title race yet but certainly can push for a top 3 finish.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
The bottom 4 sides in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two all played each other this Sunday all looking to move up the table in their final games. Garston Ladies FC 96 were in 5th were hosting bottom side Evergreen Ladies, a brace from Jade Roberts taking her to 19 goals for the season seeing Garston win the match 2-1, Natalie Maher scoring for Evergreen. The win guarantees Garston a top half finish as they move into 4th position above Hitchin Belles with 2 games yet could yet secure a top 2 finish in the table.
2nd bottom side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets move 4 points clear of bottom side Evergreen Ladies as they won at home on Sunday against Royston Town Ladies Reserves. Charlotte Demmon scoring her 12 goal of the season put Woburn into the lead as early as the 3rd minute the single goal enough to secure all 3 points.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, Crawley Green Ladies were hosting Potters Bar United Ladies, both playing their final game of the season a few sides lost to the league this season not had as much action on the field as they would have liked. Potters Bar United new to the league this season took the lead late in the 1st half. Crawley Green came back to level early in the 2nd half Samantha Joiner with the goal in the 51st minute. Into the last 10 minutes of the game and Potters Bar United went on to score what would prove to be the winning goal the 2-1 result seeing both sides end on 12 points 4th and 5th respectfully.
The Chris Renshaw Trophy
Two quarter final ties played in The Chris Renshaw Trophy this Sunday with the sides at the time top two in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One in action. Sandy Ladies were hosting fellow Division One side Letchworth Garden City Eagles, drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes the game headed into extra-time Sandy Ladies scoring again in the extra period of play to win the game 2-1 to advance into the semi-finals of the competition their goals scored by Kirstie Gavin and Amber Williams. Amy Atsma on target for Letchworth.
Sandy Ladies opponents in the semi-finals of The Chris Renshaw Trophy will be St Albans Ladies, 2nd in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One going into the game. Were away to Division Two side Hitchin Belles. Having not played in 3 weeks St Albans had been saving up a few goals, Ellie Lovelock top scoring in the match netting a hat-trick, their was also a brace each for Sophie Monahan and Suzanne Reid with Katie Grehan also getting a goal in an 8-1 win to see them into the semi-finals. Emily Field scoring the goal for Hitchin Belles. The other quarter-finals to be decided.
With three quarters of their league games played FAWPL Southern Division leaders, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are looking in good shape to win the title as they continue their unbeaten league form and two of their rivals meeting at the weekend drop points.
It was a trip to the South Coast for Tottenham this Sunday taking on Portsmouth FC Ladies, Wendy Martin heading the ball into the back of the net inside the opening 15 minutes to give them the lead. Kelley Blanchflower doubling Tottenham’s advantage just past the half hour mark, took control of the match leading 3-0 at half-time Bianca Baptiste scoring in with 4 minutes of the 1st half left. Portsmouth pulled a goal back to make it 3-1 10 minutes into the 2nd half with captain Gemma Hillier on target, Tottenham responded quickly restoring their 3 goal cushion just 3 minutes later Lucia Leon with the goal, 4-1 the final score the win putting Tottenham 4 points clear of 2nd placed Charlton Athletic Women who have played 3 games more, are now 8 points ahead of 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies and 10 clear of 4th placed Coventry United who both like Tottenham have played 15.
Charlton Athletic Women keep up the pressure in 2nd also winning away on the South Coast this Sunday a trip to The Dripping Pan to play who were unbeaten in 4 matches in league and cup. The sides contesting a goalless 1st half striker Gemma Shepherd was introduced from the bench in the 71st minute and gave Charlton the lead 4 minutes later one goal was quickly followed by 2 with Kit Graham moving onto 33 for the season scoring in the 79th minute to help secure the 3 points.
It was 3rd versus 4th in the FAWPL Southern Division as Cardiff City Ladies travelled to Pack Meadow to play Coventry United Ladies both sides needing the 3 points to keep up the pace with the top two in the division. It was the visitors who held the advantage going into half-time leading 1-0. The score was doubled early in the 2nd half. Coventry United responded quickly to reduce the deficit Alison Hall making it 2-1 left it late for find an equaliser was worth waiting for however a superb strike from Laura Cooper from outside the box into the top corner giving the keeper no chance. The points shared in the end doesn’t neither any favours.
A big win at home for Crystal Palace Ladies as they look to secure a top 5 finish in the FAWPL Southern Division following promotion last season. Have switched to a new home ground for their remaining home games a familiar one to FAWSL fans, Beckenham Town FC formerly home of Watford Ladies. Settled it quickly taking on C&K Basildon Ladies, Sarah Jones putting Crystal Place into the lead in the 4th minute. Mary Robinson doubling the score 5 minutes later before Gemma Bryan (pictured) netted her 1st of the game to see the home side leading 3-0 inside the opening 15 minutes. 3-0 the lead going into the 2nd half Crystal Place continued to dominate eventually extending their lead inside the last 15 minutes Bryan adding a 2nd goal before completing her hat-trick with 3 minutes left to play taking her to 26 for the season the 5-0 victory opening up a 6th point gap between themselves and 6th placed Lewes Ladies.
FAWPL South East Division One
In FAWPL South East Division One a similar story is unfolding at the top of the table with Gillingham FC Ladies now opening up a 7 point lead at the top as they continue their unbeaten lead campaign away to closest rivals 2nd placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies at the weekend. The run stretching to 7 matches now. Felicity Gibbons put the visitors into the lead at Newport Pagnell FC just past the half hour mark of the 1st half. Defender Vanisha Patel making it 2-0 to Gillingham scoring 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Held on for all 3 points as Milton Keynes pulled a goal back late into the 2nd half, Heather McDonnell firing in a free-kick.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies take advantage of rivals Milton Keynes Dos Ladies loss to climb above them in the South East Division One table into 2nd, were at home on Sunday playing Enfield Town Ladies. Were leading 1-0 at the break thanks to a Kelly-Jade Whelan goal in the 14th minute, Rebecca Sargent doubled the lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half a 4 minute brace from winger Katie Stanley seeing the points secured netting in the 1st and 75th minute the final score 4-0.
Cambridge United WFC keep up the pressure on the sides above them as winning away from home this Sunday. The 4th placed side travelling once again to the Suffolk Coast to play bottom side Lowestoft Town Ladies having arrived there earlier in the season only to see the match called off due to a waterlogged pitch. No chance of that this Sunday the hottest of the year to date. With the score looking to be 0-0 at the break full back Emma Jenkins (pictured) got forwards to score a fabulous goal from outside the box striking the ball sending it into the top corner to give Cambridge the lead. The 3 points were finally secured as the game moved into the final 10 minutes, striker Sarah Wiltshire heading the ball home from inside the box. Games in hand on the 2nd and 3rd placed sides a 3 point gap between them.
3 points further back from Cambridge United WFC are 5th placed Actonians Ladies were away to 6th placed Luton Town Ladies this Sunday the visitors going in front early in the game Melissa Jung with the goal in the 7th minute. A brace from Alessandra Barreca scoring in the 22nd and 31st minute had Actonians leading comfortably by half-time. Defending a 3-0 lead in the 2nd half Luton Town managed to pull a goal back in the final 10 minute Amy Summerfield on target, however winning 3-1 Actonians open up a 5 point gap over Luton.
At the other end of the South East Division One table 2nd bottom side Norwich City Ladies have plenty of matches left in which to save themselves from the drop, need to convert those games into points however with a 6 point gap to 3rd bottom side Stevenage Ladies who travelled to Plantation Park with a few 1st team regulars missing. The gap between them remains 6 points both adding to their tally contesting a goalless draw.
Sandy Ladies have been leading or near the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One all season moved back level on points with leaders St Albans Ladies last weekend. This Sunday they went 3 points clear at the top and put themselves in pole position to win the title. At home to bottom side Hitchin Town Ladies were held to a goalless draw by the visitors at half-time. 2nd half they found the back of their opponents net Kirstie Gavin, Amber Williams and Chloe Reeves all scoring to see Sandy win 3-0, Rachael Jones red carded for Hitchin Town. 2 games left to play win them both and Sandy Ladies can’t be caught.
One of their remaining games however is against 4th placed Bishops Stortford Ladies who lay 6 points off the lead but with 3 games left could get 36 points if they won them all. Gave their goal difference a massive boost too on Sunday with a big win away to Letchworth Garden City Eagles. Top scorer, Kathryn Stanley netting a hat-trick making it 19 goals for the season. Lauren Maynard, Brogan McHale, Brooke White and Rosee Golding also scoring the final score 7-0.
Another side who can yet claim 36 points is 3rd placed Sherrardswood Ladies closing the gap at the top jointing 2nd placed St Albans Ladies on 30 points winning away from home against Houghton Athletic Ladies this Sunday. Goals from Katy Jones and Francesca Novelli along with an opposition own goal seeing them win 3-1. Ciara Craig with her 9th goal of the season scoring for Houghton Athletic.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
The 4th side in the East celebrating league title success this weekend were Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues, new to Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three this season winning the league at the 1st attempt. A 100% winning record too with 9 wins from 9 with one game left to play can’t be caught. Were away from home on Sunday playing Crawley Green Ladies. Both sides short of players it was Woburn & Wavendon who held the advantage at half-time leading 2-0. Crawley Green puled a goal back through Nina Service her 14th of the season 2 minutes into the 2nd half. Woburn & Wavendon went on to restore their 2 goal lead 15 minutes into the 2nd half, Crawley Green again reduced the deficit Kirsty Morley netting the goal however the visitors held on to the 3-2 lead to win and claim the league title. Jade Matthews Amy Gibbins and Casey Chapman with the goals. Congratulations to Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues on winning the title.
Beds & Herts The Chris Renshaw Trophy
One tie remaining from the 1st Round of The Chris Renshaw Trophy played this Sunday a new competition introduced by the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League this season, Division Three side Shefford Town & Campton Ladies hosting Flitwick Ladies from Division Two. Goals from Sky Evans and Kierra Gabriel seeing the high league side into the quarter final this coming Sunday where they will be at home to Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues.
