Just a handful of matches in the 2 Division’s across Essex to start 2017. With Essex Women’s Premier Division leaders, Harlow Town Ladies not in action it was a chance for Lawford Ladies to close the 5 point gap in 2nd, having led the table for much of the early part of the season Harlow Town with a 100% winning start moving to the top in December. Lawford began the year away to Alresford Colne Rangers, Jasmine Cox netting 4 goals for the visitors, Jade Heath and Daisy Canny also scoring a goal each in a 6-0 win to close the gap at the top to 2 points.
Eastern Avenue in 3rd place in the Essex Women’s Premier Division also enjoyed a good run towards the end of 2016 to move them up the table, continued that form at home this Sunday taking on Chigwell Ladies. 2 goals for Katie Peers in the game with Abbey Dell and Tayla Hudson also putting the ball into the back of the net in a 4-1 to secure all 3 points.
Like the 2 sides above them 4th placed Runwell Sports Ladies showed good form towards the end of the year keeping pace with Eastern Avenue the gap between them just a point as they also started 2017 with a home win taking on another of the promoted sides, Wickford Town Ladies on Sunday winning the game 3-0.
Essex Women’s Division One
The top two of Corringham Cosmos and Frontiers Ladies weren’t in action in Essex Women’s Division One this Sunday. It was an opportunity for 3rd placed Hatfield Peveral Ladies to try and close the gap to the top 2 as they began 2017 with a home game against, Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves. Failed to capitalise however as they were beaten 3-1 by the visitors with Mia Brisley scoring 3 goals for Chelmsford City to see them climb a couple of places in the table up to 5th. Cara Wilsher scoring the goal in the 1st half for Hatfield Peveral.
In the other game played in Essex Women’s Division One on Sunday, Collier Row Athletic won away from home beating Wickford Town Ladies Reserves 7-0 to climb up from 6th to 4th in the table.
Sandy Ladies ended 2016 3 points clear at the top of Beds & Herts Division One a good end to the year have struggled in the league the season before. Were looking to build on last seasons form starting at home to Houghton Athletic Ladies newly promoted to the top Division this season in 7th place with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses a win would have pushed them into the midfield pack with games in hand. Ciara Craig scoring twice for Houghton Athletic in the match it wasn’t enough to take anything from the game as Sandy scored 3 times to win all 3 points to open up a 6 point gap at the top. A brace from Kirstie Gavin with Amber Williams also on target in a 3-2 win.
Bishops Stortford Ladies move up a place from 4th to 3rd with an away victory in Sunday. Were playing Sharnbrook WFC in 6th place in the Division One table the home side scoring a goal in each half through Gemma Franklin and Haley Traette-Reynolds. Bishops Stortford scoring 4 goals to win the match, Lauren Maynard with a brace along with a goal a piece for Brogan McHale and Kathryn Stanley. Move level on 15 points with 2nd placed Sherrardswood Ladies and have two games in hand on leaders Sandy.
Beds & Herts Division Two
3 games in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two to start the year. Is one of the most competitive leagues around with just 4 points separating the top six sides after this weekends results. Leaders Flitwick Ladies were held to a goalless draw away to Royston Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday that kept the gap between the side to 4 points, Royston Town however have 3 games in hand on the leaders.
So to do Watton Ladies after they beat 2nd placed Panshanger Ladies on Sunday to climb from 6th up to 4th in the Division Two table. A goal for Samantha Elgar, Francesca Smithers netting a brace matched by a hat-trick for Chloe Jones saw Watton Ladies start 2017 with 3 points. Chemise Huitson scoring a consolation goal for Panshanger Ladies in the 2nd half.
Goals galore in the other game in Beds & Herts Division Two at the weekend with 3rd placed Garston Ladies FC 96 travelling up to Hitchin Belles. Garston had just the 10 players available but that didn’t stop them from finding the back of the net, Lauren Berryman scoring a hat-trick. Dion Lewis also scoring. Hitchin Belles had their shooting boots on to however with both Shannon Page and Charis Wakefield both scoring 2 goals each to see the match end all square at 4-4 the points shared Hitchin Belles on 13 points in 6th now along with Royston Town and Watton having games in hand can’t be dismissed from the title challenge. A point above the trio, Garston Ladies FC 96 also have a couple of games in hand on leaders Flitwick.
Beds & Herts Division Three
It is in Beds & Herts Division Three where I have to report another side lost to the league, probably not a surprise either as Hertford Town Ladies Reserves have disappeared from the table. Had managed just a handful of fixtures, newly formed at the start of the season it is always tricky getting a reserves side up and running always set up with the best intentions players available at the beginning of the season then the numbers fall. A shame but then not to be to critical I know Hertford Town Ladies are committed to the game and the 1st team is finding its feet now in the ERWFL.
Three matches also in Division Three this Sunday to start 2017. League leaders Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues new to the league ended 2016 with a 100% winning record 6 wins from 6 started 2017 on the road playing bottom side Hatfield Town Ladies who had played just 3 league games before the New Year. Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues extending their lead at the top of the table to 9 points with a crushing win. Lauren Stewart the pick of the goalscorers with 4 to her name. Amy Gibbins wasn’t far behind with a hat-trick moving her into double figures for the season. A goal each for Casey Chapman, Madison Drewett, Millie Glenn and Carrie Mancini sealing an 11-0 victory.
2nd placed Evergreen Eagles Ladies also finished 2016 in Division Three with a 100% winning record had played just the 4 games however were on the road themselves at the weekend taking on 3rd placed Potters Bar United Ladies new to the league this season, 3 points the gap between the sides a single goal scored by Janiece Allen was enough to see Potters Bar United win to end Evergreen Eagles unbeaten record and move level on points have however played 2 games more.
Ending the Beds & Herts Round-Up with an away win for 4th placed Crawley Green Ladies beginning 2017 with an away trip to Shefford Town & Campton Ladies a place below them in the table. Nina Service giving Crawley Green the lead inside the opening 10 minutes she went on to score her 2nd of the game 2 minutes from the end of the 1st half to move her onto 11 goals for the season so far. 2-0 the advantage at half-time Shefford Ladies did pull a goal back midway through the 2nd half however Crawley Green held onto their lead and get the 3 points.
A handful of games to start the New Year in Cambridgeshire this weekend, 5 matches played across the 3 Division’s. Two games in the Women’s Premiership with Newmarket Town Ladies level on 15 points with Cambridge United WFC Reserves at the top of the table having the opportunity to pull ahead into top spot with their title rivals not in action. Newmarket Town who have yet to play a league game at home this season were the hosts at last playing Park Ladies 2nd bottom without a win since promotion last season. Abbi Griffin gave Newmarket Town the lead in the 6th minute with Nadine Basson (pictured) making it 2-0 inside the last 10 minutes of the 2nd half. Newmarket Town went on to secure all 3 points with 12 minutes left on the clock in the 2nd half, Lauren Deller scoring the goal to see them go 3 points clear at the top of the Premiership.
The points were shared between ICA Sports Ladies and St Ives Town Ladies as both side fought out a 3-3 draw in Peterborough on Sunday. St Ives Town Ladies captain Sasha Smith taking her goals tally for the season to 8 with a goal. Georgia Stancombe also on target with her 4th goal of the season along with an own goal conceded by ICA Sports Ladies whose 3 goals came courtesy of a hat-trick from Lorna Hart in her 1st start of the season.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
One game in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North and it was a great start to 2017 for new side Boston United Ladies as they secured their 1st 3 points of the season following on from a good league cup group win to end 2016. Were at home to Hungate Rovers Ladies on Sunday. A hat-trick from Demi Barai along with a goal each for Victoria Bradford and Ella Marie Mcororey seeing them get the 3 points with a 5-2 victory.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
In the time it took to write one Round-Up and begin another more bad news lands with the new another side has disappeared from a league that makes it more than a leagues worth of women’s football sides in the East alone gone in 6 months is a real concern not just in the women’s game by in the grassroots game in general. St Ives Rangers Ladies are now no longer listed in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South. Know it was a big step up from the U16s Leagues for the side but they gave it a shot beginning the season in need of players, wish everyone well a the club and hope it’s just a temporary absence and the club returns in the future.
Noticed it of course as the loss of St Ives Rangers Ladies alters the layout of the league table to the one I put up just 24 hours ago with points won against St Ives Rangers scrubbed off. It affects the game between 2nd placed Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday away to 3rd placed Milton Ladies the most. Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves had gone above Milton at the end of 2016 a win would see them pull further clear however Milton were unbeaten in the league 2 points behind with games in hand. A goal from Amy Butterfill along with a brace from goal scoring machine Kirsty Lemmon-Sparkes saw Milton Ladies win the match 3-0 however having lost 3 points they remain in 3rd 2 points behind Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves.
Milton Ladies in 3rd are 6 points behind Championship South leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development but do have 2 games in hand. Cambridge City started the year with a home match against Riverside Rovers Reserves who enjoyed a strong end to 2016. Cambridge City were to strong on the day, Bella Simmons scoring 4 goals in the game with Carla Penny also netting a hat-trick, Erin Fox also scoring in an 8-2 win, moving onto 19 points Cambridge City like Milton are also unbeaten so far this season.
A full fixture list in Norfolk Women’s Division One to start the year with all 8 sides in action on Sunday. Table toppers Thorpe United Ladies had ended 2016 with a 100% record in the league winning 8 from 8. Started the year with an away trip to play 2nd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies who have had a good 1st half of the season since earning promotion in the summer. Looking to close a 6 point gap on the leaders, Thorpe United were having none of it, North Walsham scoring twice were beaten 5-2 to see Thorpe United extend their lead at the top of the table.
Kings Lynn Town Ladies have had a great 1st half of the season too in Norfolk Women’s Division One after losing their opening game of the season didn’t drop another league point in 2016, 6 straight wins putting them up to 3rd level on points with North Walsham Angels Ladies. Were at home to Brandon Town Ladies at the start of the year, the visitors taking the lead in the 1st half before Kings Lynn pulled it back to 1-1 at the break. Brandon Town getting the lead in the 2nd half only for Kings Lynn to draw level again captain Shelley Woods with both the goals for Kings Lynn the points shared 2-2 the final score enough to see Kings Lynn move into 2nd place in the table.
A difficult start to life in Norfolk Women’s Division One for Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies promoted as Division Two Champions last season have struggled for players since, hampered by injuries too, are looking for additional players to bolster their squad. 6 games without a point to end 2016 bottom of the table started with a home match in 2017 against Aylsham FC Ladies. The visitors leaving with all 3 points edging the result 3-2 to climb a place into 4th in the league table.
A big win away from home for Bungay Town Ladies to start 2017 as they travelled to Clipbush Park to play Fakenham Town Ladies, wracking up a double figure score line winning the game 11-0. Strikers, Lacey Andrews and Hannah Waters both scoring 4 goals each with Lauren Matthews netting a brace along with a goal for Lauren Purling.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
2016 was a bad year for writing about clubs folding and unfortunately 2017 sees no change 2 more gone over the festive period. The 1st one is in Norfolk, Harleston Town Ladies gone from Division Two after achieving promotion just last season. Have been struggling for a while for numbers and have been conscious of this coming for a while to be honest. A shame but not all doom and gloom the club is to continue in the 7 a-side format of the game for now and hopefully they will return in the future.
That sees the Division Two table adjusted, leaders Gorleston FC Ladies losing 3 points are still a massive 15 point lead however with a 100% winning start to the season 8 from 8 now. There was just the one game played in Division Two on Sunday with 2nd placed Long Stratton Ladies match at home to Briston Wanderers Ladies postponed it gave an opportunity for 3rd placed Sprowston Ladies to climb above them if they got the 3 points at home to Bohemians Ladies. The sides contesting a goalless 1st half a single goal in the 2nd half was enough to secure all 3 points with the 1-0 win going to Sprowston Ladies.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
The top 2 in Norfolk Women’s Division Three were due to meet this Sunday, with leaders East Coast Ladies due t travel to Dereham to play, 2nd placed Tavern Ladies both sides level on 15 points the game was postponed however giving a chance for 3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves on 13 points going into the New Year to go top with 3 points if they beat Freethorpe Ladies away from home. Goals from Sally Hammerton, Emily Anderson and Natalie Wood seeing Wymondham Town win the game 3-0 to take over top spot in Division Three.
In the other game played in Division Three on Sunday it was a good start to the New Year for Toftwood United Ladies as they scored 7 goals without reply at home to bottom side Cromer Town Ladies.
Three matches in the Suffolk Women’s Division to start 2017 with league leaders, Ipswich Town Ladies new Development side beginning the year as they ended the last extending their 100% record to 7 games with a big away win against 2nd bottom side Leiston St Margarets Ladies. Sian Cottrell top scoring in the game on Sunday grabbing 4 goals. Grace Bowman also netting a hat-trick in the game. Emily Steward scored twice with a goal a piece for Jennifer Gray, Sophie Leming and Elin Davies in a 12-0 win.
A big result at home for East Bergholt United Ladies on Sunday, starting the year by hosting 2nd placed, Walsham Le Willows Ladies. Beginning the day in 4th spot 3 points behind their opponents East Bergholt United move above 3rd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies who weren’t in action to join Walsham Le Willows on 15 points courtesy of a 4-0 win. 4 different goal scorers for East Bergholt United in the match with Jessica Clarke, Georgina Longden, Jessica Oxlade and Jodie Sharp all finding the back of the net.
In the other match being played in the Suffolk Women’s Division this Sunday, Copleston Ladies where at home playing Bacton United Ladies. The two sides sharing the points with a 1-1 draw. Lois Balfour scoring for Bacton United Ladies. Elysia Young with a free-kick scoring for Copleston Ladies.
Some sad news to begin the year with that on New Years Day Haringey Borough Women’s manager, Steve Browne had passed away after losing a long battle with cancer. A player, coach and manager for several non-league clubs took on the managers role at Haringey Borough Women in 2014 bringing young players with him to help turn the women’s team fortunes around leaving them in their highest ever position in the women’s football pyramid top of the ERWFL Premier Division, well placed to go on and contend for the title. I remember meeting him in 2015 covering a game for the SWF Blog, back then he was keen to stress how young his side was but that it was full of potential and would become a force in the game. Results speak for themselves. Many clubs, both women’s and men’s paying their respects at the weekend. Rest in Peace.
ERWFL Premier Division
Haringey Borough Women with 4 games in hand on 2nd placed Bedford Ladies both on 27 points at the top of the table were due to play on Sunday the 1st v 2nd clash at Kempston Rovers FC was unfortunately called off due to a waterlogged pitch to be played at a later date.
That postponement gave an opportunity for 3rd placed AFC Dunstable Ladies to join the leading pair on 27 points at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division if they continued their form in 2016 into the New Year. Were at home on Sunday at Creasey Park taking on Royston Town Ladies. Danielle Carty putting the Bedfordshire based side into the lead on 15 minutes made it a brace on 35 minutes. Amber Pearson scoring for AFC Dunstable in the 2nd half to see them win the game 3-1 and move level on points with the leaders having played 15 games like Bedford in 2nd. Amy Cooper with the goal for Royston Town Ladies.
A late goal for Writtle Ladies saw the Essex side take all 3 points home from Norfolk where they were playing Acle United Ladies. Having found their feet in the ERWFL Premier Division towards the end of 2016, Writtle Ladies ended the year 4th in the table. Acle United Ladies started the season strongly themselves threatening Haringey Borough and Bedford at the start of the season as lack of regular fixtures since has seen them drop down the table but with games in hand can still get themselves into the mix for the title. Both sides had chances to take the lead, it was Writtle who got themselves the opening goal, Amy Simmons scoring on 22 minutes. Acle United scored an equalising goal within 10 minutes of going behind, club captain Rebecca Burton returning to the side after 2 months out with injury making it 1-1. That the score at half-time, the sides looked to be sharing the points until 2 minutes from time Writtle played Sophie Vale through on goal and she scored what was to be the winner.
5th placed AFC Sudbury Ladies were at home on Sunday the Suffolk side hosting bottom Histon Ladies from Cambridgeshire. The game was officiated by Emily Heaslip who also plays for Millwall Lionesses in FAWSL 2. Histon took the lead in the game Jordanne Sillitoe scoring in the opening 15 minutes. AFC Sudbury came back into the game with a strong spell in the last 15 minutes of the 1st half scoring 3 goals to hold the lead at the midway point in the game, went on to score another goal in the 2nd half to win the match 4-1 with a brace for both Mia Etheridge and Stacey Teager (pictured).
With the top 3 all tied on 27 points it is also a 3 way tie on points between, Writtle Ladies in 4th, AFC Sudbury Ladies in 5th and Brentwood Town Ladies in 6th all on 21 points as the Essex side also won at home on Sunday to start 2017 with 3 points were hosting fellow Essex side Colchester Town Ladies. Brentwood Town going into a 3-0 lead at half-time before going on to win the game 5-2 in the 2nd half. Leah Cowan netting a brace for Brentwood with Angela Arnold, Marie Barker and Georgia Holdaway all getting their name on the scoresheet. Colchester Town scoring twice in the 2nd half with Nancy Butler and club captain Georgia Box both on target.
ERWFL Division One
Plenty of good games to look-out for in 2017 in the ERWFL Division One several sides in contention for the league title. Games in hand for 2nd placed Cambridge City Ladies gives them the edge over their rivals. Leading the way for much of the 1st half of the season a run in the FA Women’s Cup saw other sides close the gap at the top with Offley and Stopsley WFC topping the table at the end of 2016.
The Bedfordshire side began 2017 with a league match away to Stevenage Ladies Reserves. Their 1st team starting the year with a 1-0 home win the Reserves side followed suit a single goal enough to give Stevenage Ladies Reserves all 3 points in the match, Hannah Marshall with the winning goal.
Cambridge City Ladies hadn’t played a league match since the end of November 2016 lay 3 points behind league leaders Offley & Stopsley WFC in 3rd place, were at home on Sunday starting 2017 with a home match against Essex side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies. Moved level on points with the league leaders courtesy of a 4-0 victory, 4 different goalscorers too with Bronte Rapley, Sarah Mosley, Philippa Witherspoon and Lauren Tomlinson all getting themselves on the scoresheet.
A loss for table toppers, Offley & Stopsley WFC also gave an opportunity for Wymondham Town Ladies laying 2nd in the ERWFL Division One table going into Sunday’s matches to go to the top of the table, a good start to the season playing at a higher level were at home to 5th placed Essex side Silver End United Ladies at the weekend. It was the visitors who took the lead midway through the 1st half. Wymondham Town getting back on level terms not long after, Amber Cantwell putting the ball into the top corner of the net from the penalty spot after Gemma Sanders was brought down in the area. All square at the break Silver End United took all 3 points with a strong 2nd half performance scoring 3 times to win the match 4-1, captain Rebecca Hollocks netting a hat-trick with Lynsey Bowman also scoring a goal.
Plenty of goals elsewhere in ERWFL Division One at the weekend. Hertford Town Ladies had found some form towards the end of 2016 to pull away from the bottom of the table were at home to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies on Sunday a place above who were struggling with results towards the end of the year, a lack of games had games in had on most in the league, started 2017 with a win coming out on top edging a 7 goal thriller. Hertford Town Ladies scoring 3 goals in the game with their captain Kerry Oldham netting a brace along with a goal for Becky Shephard, not enough to get anything from the match however as Ipswich Wanderers Ladies scored 4 goals to win the match, a brace from Kirstie Turner, with jade Horne and captain, Tarnya McKew also finding the back of the net the 3 points moving them up a place into 8th in the table.
Fair to say the 1st half of the season has been a tough one for Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies without a single point in 2016 as a new look side tries to bed itself into ERWFL Division One, 14 matches played with nothing on the board, signs there that the side was improving that elusive 1st point would come, 2017 beginning on a more positive note. An away trip to mid-table Hutton Ladies to start the year. Charlotte Grogan putting Hoddesdon into the lead midway through the 1st half, Hutton pulled the scores level, Hayley Critchell starting 2017 as she finished 2016 with a goal. 1-1 at half-time Hannah Kelly scored to put Hoddesdon into the lead again 2nd half. Again Hutton came back to level Kaitlin Sugg making it 2-2 the visitors unlucky not to take all 3 points hitting the woodwork twice, Hoddesdon Town holding on for their 1st point.
With it being a FA Women’s Cup weekend there were a limited number of matches across the FAWPL on Sunday with just the 4 played across the Southern and South East Division One leagues.
Just the one league game in the FAWPL Southern Division with Crystal Palace Ladies looking to build on a fantastic 2016 earning promotion unbeaten from FAWPL South East Division One to end the year comfortably in the top half of the Southern Division table. Were looking to further consolidate their top half place in 5th spot at home to West Ham United Ladies. Crystal Palace got off to a great start taking an early lead Gemma Bryan on hand to put the ball into the back of the net inside 2 minutes. Rochelle Shakes doubled the home sides lead midway through the 1st half with Ciara Sherwood scoring a screamer closing in on the half hour mark. 3-0 the lead at half-time.
Crystal Palace continued to press for more goals in the 2nd half, Bryan with her 2nd of the game with 55 minutes played. West Ham United pulled a goal back in the 65th minute through Chloe Burr. Bryan ended 2016 by scoring a hat-trick, started 2017 in similar fashion scoring her 3rd of the match with 20 minutes left on the clock, Shakes adding her 2nd goal of the game to see Crystal Palace win the game 6-1 to take all 3 points. The defeat sending West Ham United to the bottom of the Southern Division table on goal difference from Queens Park Rangers Ladies
FAWPL South East Division One
3 matches in FAWPL South East Division One on Sunday. Actonians Ladies have enjoyed a good 1st half to the season ending 2016 in 4th place in the league, travelled up to Suffolk at the weekend to play Ipswich Town Ladies who have had a frustrating season so far in 8th place in the table. The sides contesting a goalless 1st half, a single goal was to win all 3 points in the 2nd half and the goal went to the visitors with Melissa Jung (pictured) heading the ball into the back of the net from a free-kick to see Actonians Ladies close the gap on the top 3 in the table to just a point.
Luton Town Ladies were at home to Denham United Ladies on Sunday, had a few 1st team regulars unavailable manager Nikki Baker naming 5 teenagers in her starting line-up. Luton Town not afraid to throw their youngsters into the action they have delivered so far this season when called upon. Gemma Bryon putting Luton 1-0 inside the opening 10 minutes. Lucy Webster netted her 1st goal for the club to put Luton Town 2-0 just after the half-hour mark. 2-0 the advantage at half-time, Luton Town went on to score a 3rd in the 2nd half with Jodie Bellinger on target with the goal. The home side weren’t to have it all their own way however as Denham United pulled it back to 3-1 then scoring again in in the last 10 minutes set up a nervous finish to the match Aimee Dunn and Alissa Down with the goals. Luton Town held on to win 3-2 however the 3 points taking them back above Gillingham FC Ladies into 5th place in the South East Division One table.
A meeting of 2 of the bottom 3 in the final FAWPL South East Division One with Norwich City Ladies travelling down to Hertfordshire to play the side immediately below them in the table Stevenage Ladies the newly promoted side still looking for their 1st win at this level since winning the ERWFL Premier Division title last season. Both sides in need of the points they were locked at 0-0 at half-time. One goal was enough in the end to see the 3 points won and it was Stevenage Ladies who were celebrating at the final whistle after Kristina O’Connell goal in the 65th minute saw the club get that 1st ever FAWPL league win, the points taking them above Norwich City into 10th.
Happy New Year everyone and welcome to the 1st edition of The Round-Up for 2017. The 1st footballing weekend of the year seeing the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup taking place with 14 ties taking place, 28 sides all looking for a place in the next round when they may face a potential tie again an FAWSL 2 side as they enter the competition. £900 prize money for winning the tie also going a long way to help with club funds too.
Of the 14 FA Women’s Cup games taking place this Sunday, 7 featured sides from the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One and those are covered in more detail below, starting with Cambridge United WFC’s match at home against Southampton Women FC, one of just two regional league sides left in the competition. An intriguing tie on paper both sides in great form with a fantastic start to the season, Cambridge United WFC leading FAWPL South East Division One. Southampton Women FC 3rd in the Southern Regional Premier Division with a 100% record going strong in 3 cup competitions too.
As it was the game was totally dominated by Cambridge United WFC attacking right from the off, preventing Southampton from making any ground inside their half the home side creating chances took the lead in the 16th minutes, Becky Taylor (pictured) going through on goal into the box and sending the ball over goalkeeper Millie Peake into the back of the net. The lead was doubled just after the half hour mark, Cambridge sending players forwards for a corner the ball fell to centre back Mollie Kmita at the far post and she blasted the ball into the back of the net. 2-0 the lead at half-time.
With little opportunity to trouble the Cambridge goal 1st half, Southampton pushed players up straight form kick-off 2nd half the ball lost on the left played on for Rosie Kmita her pin point pass forwards into the opposing D was met by Nicole Perschky sending the ball home to make it 3-0. A 4th goal was scored by Cambridge on 65 minutes with Taylor playing the ball into the box for Danielle Puddefoot, the midfielder opening up her body to send the ball across the goal into the far corner. The final score Cambridge advancing to the 3rd Round Proper. This game was covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and the match report can be read in full on this website or by clicking on the link below.
There were two all FAWPL Southern Division ties in the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup. A special day for Charlton Athletic Women getting to play their game at The Valley taking on Portsmouth FC Ladies, a crowd of 471 in attendance, Charlton opening the scoring with 10 minutes left in the 1st half captain Kimberley Dixson with the goal. Kit Graham making it 2-0 in the final minutes of the half. New signing Katie Bottom netted her 1st goal for the club since joining from West Ham United Ladies 4 minutes into the 2nd half before Graham went on to complete another hat-trick scoring in the 57th and 65th minute. Charlton winning 5-0 to reach the 3rd Round.
A great result for Lewes Ladies at The Dripping Pan on Sunday as they ended Cardiff City Ladies 13 match unbeaten run this season to make it into the next round of the FA Women’s Cup winning the match 2-0 both goals coming in the 1st half, Rachel Carter was played trough on goal to score on the 18th minute with Leeta Rutherford doing the with 9 minutes of the 1st half to play. Lewes also the only side to take league points off Cardiff City this season too on the opening day of the season.
FAWPL Southern Division leaders, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are also safely through to the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup at home to FAWPL South East Division One side, Gillingham FC Ladies. The winning goals coming late in the 2nd half, 0-0 closing in on the final 15 minutes, substitute Maya Vio rounded 2 players to put the ball into the back of the net 4 minutes after coming on. The lead was doubled just 2 minutes later with Bianca Baptiste making it 2-0 added a 2nd goal to see Tottenham win the game 3-0 in the 87th minute.
Coventry United Ladies, 2nd in the FAWPL Southern Division were at home to South East Division One side Milton Keynes Dons Ladies in the 2nd Round Proper scoring 2 goals in each half winning 4-0 to advance in the FA Women’s Cup. Marie Gauntlett (pictured) scoring the opening goal in the 13th minute, Alison Hall doubled Coventry United’s lead 4 minutes later. Gauntlett made it 3-0 with a goal in the 57th minute, Amber Hughes with Coventry United’s 4th goal 5 minutes later.
A cup upset at Canvey Island FC on Sunday as C&K Basildon Ladies were knocked out of the FA Women’s Cup by lower league opposition. The Essex club were hosting FAWPL South West Division One side, Keynsham Town Ladies, making the long journey from near Bristol were delayed by traffic seeing a later kick-off time it din’t hamper Keynsham as they started brightly taking the lead on 10 minutes Keka Vega with the goal. Sara Sinclair got C&K Basildon back on level terms making it 1-1 in the 28th minute however Keynsham soon restored the lead Justine Lorton putting them into a 2-1 lead at half-time. Keynsham went on to add a 3rd goal in the 2nd half, Geovana Alves seeing them win the game 3-1 to reach the 3rd Round Proper.
In the final tie in the FA Women’s Cup to featuring a side from FAWPL South East Division One, AFC Wimbledon Ladies 2nd in the league made the long journey down to the Devon to play FAWPL South West Division One side, Plymouth Argyle Ladies.AFC Wimbledon holding a narrow 1-0 led at the break with Sami Bock opening the scoring in the last 10 minutes of the 1st half. Laura Low took her goals tally for the season into double figures scoring twice in the 2nd half to see AFC Wimbledon through to the 3rd Round with a 3-0 win.
The other results from the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup are listed below,
Long Eaton United Ladies 3-4 Brighouse Town Ladies
Derby County Ladies 3-2 Sheffield United Ladies (aet)
West Bromich Albion Ladies 4-0 Radcliffe Olympic Ladies
Middlesborough Ladies 1-2 Leicester City Women (aet)
Blackburn Rovers Ladies 5-0 Hull City Ladies
Liverpool Marshalls Feds Ladies 1-0 Newcastle United WFC
The draw for the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup was made on Monday with the sides from FAWSL 2 entering the FA Women’s Cup and the 12 ties are as follows;-
Blackburn Rovers Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies
Aston Villa Ladies v Cambridge United WFC
Charlton Athletic Women v Sheffield FC Ladies
Millwall Lionesses v London Bees
Leicester City Women v Liverpool Marshalls Feds Ladies
Keynsham Town Ladies v Durham Women FC
Coventry United Ladies v Oxford City Women
West Bromich Albion Ladies v Lewes Ladies
Doncaster Rovers Belles v Watford Ladies
Derby County Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies
Brighouse Town Ladies v Everton Ladies
AFC Wimbledon Ladies v Brighton & Hove Albion Ladies
Ties scheduled to be played Sunday 5th February with £1000 going to the winning side.
Like the previous 2 Round-Up published on the website their were just a handful of matches in Norfolk on Sunday to end 2016, just the 4 in total across the 3 divisions. 2 games in Norfolk Women’s Division One, little information available. Thorpe United Ladies have had a very successful start to the season end 2016 top of the table with a 100% recording their 8th straight league win to open up a 6 point lead in the table. Were at home on Sunday playing Bungay Town Ladies, Thorpe United with a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time went on to score 3 more goals in the 2nd half to win the game 4-1.
Brandon Town Ladies haven’t had the start to the season they would have liked have like alot of sides Women’s Football East follows across the county leagues not played enough competitive games, following the game like I do it’s not something I’m oblivious too. Looking to end the year on a positive note Brandon Town were at home playing Fakenham Town Ladies who held a 1-0 advantage as the 2 sides headed back to the dressing rooms at half-time. Brandon Town got back on level terms in the 2nd half and went on to win the game 2-1 and move onto 9 points in 4th place in the Division One table.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
One match in Norfolk Women’s Division Two on Sunday with Stalham Town Ladies at home to Sprowston Ladies, plenty of goals in the game the sides going into half-time all square at 2-2. Both sides finding the back of the net for another goal each in the 2nd half the points shared in a 3-3 draw.
Norfolk Women’s Division Three
One match also in Norfolk Women’s Division Three with Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves at home playing the side immediately above them, Toftwood United Ladies. Plenty of goals on this game too, Toftwood United scoring 4 goals however it wasn’t enough to take anything from the game with Wymondham Town finding the back of the net 5 times to take all 3 points in a 9 goal thriller that sees them move above Toftwood United into 3rd spot 2 points behind leading pair East Coast Ladies and Tavern Ladies with a game in hand. Gemma Hamilton-Rout scoring a hat-trick and Emily Anderson scoring 2 goals for Wymondham Town.
Just the 4 matches across the 3 women’s football leagues in Cambridgeshire to end 2016. In the Women’s Premiership, Netherton United Ladies ended the year on a high away to Park Ladies, putting in a strong performance to win the 3 points with a big win. Jenna Nairn setting the ball rolling scoring Netherton United’s opening goal inside the 1st 5 minutes, Alice MacNichol making it 2-0 in the 7th minute. Yasmin Green putting the ball into the back of the net on 21 minutes made it 3-0 to the visitors, 3 more goals were scored in the final 8 minutes of the 2nd half with Nairn adding a 2nd goal to her tally. A brace in the 1st half late on for debutant Lauren Johnson the lead 6-0 at half-time. Johnson went on to complete her hat-trick then score a 4th goal 15 minutes into the 2nd half and own goal extended Netherton United dominant scoreline, Park scoring a consolation goal with 14 minutes left on the clock, the final score 9-1 Netherton United consolidating a mid-table position at the end of the year. A tough start to life in the Premiership for Park Ladies after a disappointing result will be aiming for a better things in the New Year.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
Just the one match in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North at the weekend with March Town United Ladies aiming to return back to the top of the table visiting bottom side Thurlby Tigers yet to register a point this season. Louise Barbour netting herself a hat-trick with Livvi Hodges on target for 2 goals, Raechel Luty, Danielle Westgate and Emma Frost also scoring in the game with March Town United Ladies winning 8-0 to go 3 points clear at the top with a 100% record to end 2016, 6 wins from 6.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
Two matches in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South at the weekend. Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves were away to Isleham United Ladies on Sunday a win would see them end 2016 in 2nd place in the climbing above unbeaten Milton Ladies. Secured the 3 points with a convincing victory with Kate Winnewisser scoring 4 goals in the match to move onto 7 goals for the season. Siobhan White close behind netting a hat-trick for Newmarket Town. The final score 7-1 with Laura McAllister scoring in the 2nd half for Isleham United.
A 4th straight league win for Riverside Reserves sees them move onto 12 points in 4th in the Championship South table at the end of 2016 with a narrow home win against Fulbourn Bluebirds on Sunday who scored through Marie Stubbings, Riverside scoring twice to win the game 2-1. 4 point separate the top 4 in the division with leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development along with Milton yet to e beaten in the league.
