The clocks have gone forwards and the women’s football season it rapidly drawing to an end across the East, still loads to play for at both ends of the table, cup finalists are getting sorted. April is going to be a pivotal month, as Easter Bank Holiday weekend saw March draw to a close. The final Sunday of March falling over the Easter Holiday period saw a reduced fixture list across the region. No fixtures in Norfolk and Essex with just the 3 taking place between Cambridgeshire and Beds and Herts. 23 fixtures in all and 6 of those got called off as a heavy band of rain swept across the country with Storm Katie hot on it’s heels. 17 matches did take place and some significant results. All to come in Edition Twenty Eight of The Tuesday Round-Up.
FAWPL League Cup
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies booked their place in the final of the FAWPL League Cup last Sunday with a 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest Ladies now it was the turn of fellow FAWPL Southern Division side, Cardiff City Ladies at home to FAWPL Northern Division side Blackburn Rovers Ladies to see who would meet them in the final to be played at Kidderminster Harriers FC on Sunday 8th May.
Cardiff City Ladies opened the scoring after the half hour mark, Kerry Bartlett heading home from a corner kick, had a 2-0 advantage at half-time after Blackburn’s Lynda Sheppard put through her own net. Extended the lead to 3-0 20 minutes into the 2nd half with Hope Suominen on the scoresheet to make it comfortable, keeping Blackburn out the other end they set up an all FAWPL Southern Division, League Cup Final.
FAWPL Southern Division
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC have lead the FAWPL Southern Division virtually all season having gotten their games in when other hadn’t. There lead at the top is now 8 points with 2 matches left to play. All of their rivals have games in hand however cannot close the gap without Brighton dropping points. Were away this Sunday at C&K Basildon Ladies. Raced into a 2-0 lead Charlotte Gurr and Amy Taylor with the goals inside the opening 10 minutes. Claire Lacey pulled it back to 2-1 for C&K Basildon. Brighton took a 3-1 lead into the break with Deanna Cooper scoring. Cooper scored her 2nd of the match 10 minutes into the 2nd half, Brighton looking strong made it 5-1 when captain Jay Blackie scored on the 63rd minute. Substitute Kate Natkiel adding a 6th goal in the final minute.
Portsmouth FC Ladies climb back up into 3rd place in the FAWPL Southern Division table were on the road at the weekend taking on 2nd bottom side Forest Green Rovers Ladies at Slimbridge AFC. Scored 3 goals in the 1st half to put them in a commanding position, Lucy Quinn on 15 minutes setting things rolling. Leeta Rutherford added the 2nd goal midway through the 1st half with Shannon Sievwright scoring the 3rd goal in 1st half injury time. No more goals 2nd half the 3 points going back to the south coast.
Portsmouth FC Ladies are 8 points behind leaders Brighton with 2 games in hand, one of those is away to Brighton this Sunday a must win game if they want to keep their title hopes alive. That defeat for Forest Green Rovers Ladies seals their fate nothing short of a win would have done if they hoped to avoid relegation can no longer catch the sides above them as their tie in the FAWPL Southern Division ends after 1 season.
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies comfortable in mid-table in the FAWPL Southern Division are looking to build some form at the end of the season to give them confidence going into the finals they have coming up in April and May. Were at home on Sunday playing Lewes Ladies, won the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Avilla Bergin and Rosie Kmita to make it 10 league wins for the season with 3 more matches to play.
FAWPL South East Division One
A 3rd straight league win in March sees leaders Crystal Palace Ladies open up a 6 point gap at the top with their rivals Gillingham FC Ladies and Milton Keynes Dons Ladies facing each other this Sunday getting postponed. Crystal Palace Ladies remain unbeaten in the league were at home to 2nd bottom side Lowestoft Ladies and put in a commanding performance in both halves to seal the 3 points and give their goal difference another huge boost. Had a 4-0 lead at half-time, a brace from Gemma Bryan with a goal each for Leanne Bell and Rochelle Shakes. Pamela McRoberts set the ball rolling 2nd half before Byran 2 hit 2 minutes to make it 7-0, Nicha Dyett scored to make it 8-0. Bryan netting her 5th goal of the game to make the final score 9-0. 20 goals scored in their last 3 matches know they can’t afford to take their foot off the pedal, Gillingham FC Ladies in 3rd have games in hand can’t quite close the gap but a defeat for the leaders would change that.
Enfield Town Ladies earned a point at home against Denham United Ladies on Wednesday night, were at home again this Sunday taking on Norwich City Ladies and once again at the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium the points were shared the match ending in stalemate 0-0.
The points were shared too in Suffolk as 4th placed Luton Town Ladies travelled to Felixstowe & Walton FC to play Ipswich Town Ladies. Luton Town Ladies took a lead into half-time Natasha Fensome with the goal. Ipswich Town Ladies equalised early in the 2nd half Roxanne Small on target. Joanne Rutherford put Luton Town back in front but they were pegged back again Small with the goal again to see the game end 2-2.
Eastern Regional Leagues
One game survived the weather in the ERWFL Premier Division with 2nd bottom Great Shelford Ladies beating the 10 players of Brentwood Town Ladies 3-2 at home at the Great Shelford Recreation Ground. Katie Saunders, Sophie Ugar and Alison Wright with the goals to seal the win. Charlotte Twydell scored both Brentwood Town Ladies goals as they continue their poor run of form losing their last 6 league matches.
Elsewhere in the ERWFL it was the final round of group matches in the Division One Cup. Now in the last edition of The Tuesday Round-Up I made a big deal about how it was all going to play out for the sides this Sunday with them contesting a semi-final spot. However it transpires this season’s competition has a quarter final stage in the knock out phase with the top 4 from each group A & B going through. Very frustrating from my point of view as the information I was given told me it was the same as last season’s League Plate competition that was indeed the top 2 from each group going into a semi-final knock out and the full time website backed this up. Still I wasn’t the only one thinking this as most of the clubs contesting the cup were too. I do apologise for the mis-information.
However we had 4 games being played and all survived the weather, was at one of those ties covering it for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog. At the Codicote Social Club, both Stevenage Ladies sides were due to play, heavy overnight rain plus more falling saw the clubs player and staff working furiously to get the games on sadly Stevenage Ladies 1st team match in the ERWFL Premier Division against AFC Dunstable Ladies didn’t get played however the game I’d come to watch Stevenage Ladies Reserves v Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies was on.
It was 3rd versus 2nd in Group A with Essex side, Little Thurrock Dynamos 2nd defending an unbeaten record in the group stage. Fell a goal behind as Stevenage Ladies Reserve striker Leah Littlechild charged through into the box to score. The lead didn’t last long as Little Thurrock Dynamos were awarded a free kick wide on the right halfway inside their opponents half Elysia King to take flighted a high ball in towards the near post goalkeeper Emily Goodacre got a glove to the ball but saw to her dismay mishandled to see it drop into the back of the net. Stevenage had the lead going into the dressing room at half-time captain Sherrie Evans corner quick finding it’s way into the back of the net as Little Thurrock Dynamos struggled to defend.
Stevenage Ladies Reserves started the 2nd half strongly pushing Little Thurrock Dynamos back looked like there would be only one side to score next, however Little Thurrock Dynamos hit Stevenage on the counter Martine Smith turning on the ball to run into the area and lift a shot over Goodacre the ball smashing off the cross bar coming down for Robin Mudd to tuck home on the follow up 2-2. Little Thurrock Dynamos their heads up after the goal went on to take the lead Georgia Fraser lifting her shot over the keeper to drop into the back of the net. At the death Stevenage hit back to equalise a corner fired into the crowd gathered at the near post was forced in to make it 3-3. The full match report can be found scrolling down the page on Women’s Football East or by clicking on the link below to take you to the Supporting Women’s Football Blog
Also in Group A leaders Writtle Ladies were also into the knock-out stages whilst the bottom 2 in the group faced each other in their final match a win for either putting them through with Bury Town Ladies hosting ERWFL Division One West leaders Hutton Ladies. It’s Hutton Ladies who make it to the knock out stage with a 5-0 win.
In Group B leaders Offley & Stopley Ladies were already through as were 2nd placed Hoddesdon Owls Ladies who had both played out their group games. 3rd placed Colney Heath Ladies went into their home match against Silver End United Ladies thinking it was a must win game largely due to the last edition of The Tuesday Round-Up, as it was it was Silver End Ladies who needed the win with 4th spot in contention with Royston Town Ladies. Colney Heath Ladies went 2-0 up in the 1st half with goals from Samantha May and Holly Sheridan. Silver End United Ladies got it back to 2-1 before nicking it at the death winning 3-2 goals coming in the 89th and the winner in injury time the 3 goals scored by Rebecca Hollocks, Alexandra Bailess and Lynsey Bowman to see them secure 4th in the group.
Royston Town Ladies won too away to Long Melford Ladies as the too bottom sides met in Group B. Royston Town Ladies won the match 5-0 but if you’d have left with 15 minutes left on the clock you’d have missed all the goals as the 1st didn’t come until the 75th minute. the 5 goals coming from, Hayley Graham, Emma Phipps, Samantha Tinsley, Georgia Gannaway and Danielle Lewis.
The quarter finals are no scheduled to be played on Sun 10th April and it’s 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd respectfully from Group A & B so the knock out stage looks like this:
Writtle Ladies v Silver End United Ladies
Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies v Colney Heath Ladies
Offley & Stopsley Ladies v Hutton Ladies
Hoddesdon Owls Ladies v Stevenage Ladies Reserves
Suffolk
In Suffolk there were 2 league matches taking place this weekend in the Women’s Division. Brantham Athletic Ladies were at home to Copleston Ladies both sides in the title mix. A point behind leaders East Bergholt United with a match in hand, Brantham Athletic Ladies end the month as the new leaders of the Division but only on goal difference as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Copleston Ladies, had took the lead through an own goal in the 1st half. Conceded an own goal themselves 2nd half to put the scores level. Both themselves and East Bergholt United have 30 points with 3 matches left to play. Copleston Ladies are back in 5th place still have been playing catch up all season still have plenty to play for on 20 points behind the leading pair have 4 games in hand on both and have an important April coming up.
Leiston St Margarets Ladies are in a hot streak of form ending March with a 3rd successive win picking up their 2nd against bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies in 3 weeks at home to make it 4 wins for the season. The score was 1-1 at half-time before Leiston St Margarets went on to score the winner 2-1 the final score, Lucy Eagle and Sarah Cooper with the goals. Ipswich Phoenix Ladies are still without a point in the Division, Kirsty Haggar with their goal at the weekend.
Cambridgeshire
Just the one match across the 3 Divisions in Cambridgeshire at the weekend, in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South, a Casey Ward goal was enough to give park Ladies all 3 points away to Riverside Rovers Reserves. The victory sees Park Ladies move to within a point of leaders St Ives Town Ladies with a game in hand.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Two matches played in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire at the weekend. Letchworth Garden City Eagles Ladies were hosting Garston Ladies in the quarter finals of the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup. Letchworth scored twice through Emily Jamieson and Tayla Murray, it wasn’t enough however as Garston Ladies the current holders of the League Cup reach the semi-finals scoring 3 times, Emma Trill and Lucy Zecchin on target plus and own goal sealing the win. They will be away to Hertford Town Ladies in the semi-finals whilst last season’s beaten finalists Sherrardswood Ladies are home against Watton Ladies.
One league game at the weekend in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three. 3rd placed Evergreen Ladies close the gap on the leading pair Hitching Belles and Icknield Ladies to just 3 points with a 3-1 home win against Panshanger Ladies. Rebecca Freeman gave Evergreen the lead inside 5 minutes no more goals 1st half, Panshanger pulled it level 10 minutes into the 2nd half Chemise Huitson netting the goal. Evergreen retook the lead 5 minutes later Lauren Atkins putting the back into the back of the net. The 3 points weren’t secured until injury time Emily Jones scoring Evergreen’s 3rd goal have a game in hand on 2nd placed Icknield Ladies who they have at home this coming Sunday.
That concludes a smaller than usual edition of The Tuesday Round-Up. A busy April coming up a few titles will be decided, cup won and lost. Plenty more drama to cover and you’ll read about it all here on Women’s Football East. Until next week thanks for reading.
Spring is here and the leagues across the east are entering the home straight, the title contenders are getting whittled down. Team’s are playing out their league fixtures whilst others still have alot of catching up to do. Cup final placed are being decided and the 1st pieces of silverware are being contested. Edition Twenty-Seven of The Tuesday Round-Up will bring you all of the action from over 50 matches that were played across the leagues in the region. Let’s go!
FA Women’s Cup
As the FA Women’s Cup reaches the 5th Round stage this weekend the round when the big guns from FAWSL 1 enter the competition there was just the one club still representing the leagues represented on Women’s Football East still involved, FAWPL Southern Division leaders, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC, who were at home taking on the other non FAWSL side left in the cup, FAWPL Northern Division side Sporting Club Albion Ladies.
Sporting Club Albion took control of the tie racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes. Samantha Conroy with the opening goal on 10 minutes, it was 2-0 five minutes later Summer Holmes on target with Abigail Cottam adding the 3rd just a minute later. Brighton rallied late in the 1st half to pull a goal back through Lisa Fulgence making it 3-1 the break. 2nd half Sophie Perry smashing a free kick in off the underside of the crossbar. Into the final 10 minutes of the tie and the home side had the scores level Charley Boswell making it 3-3. Time for more drama with Sporting Club Albion regaining the lead just 2 minutes later Conroy with her 2nd goal of the match, the winning goal too as Sporting Club Albion Ladies book their place in the semi-finals of the FA Women’s Cup.
Their reward an away trip to play FAWSL 1 side Manchester City Women in the 6th Round on Sun 3rd April.
FAWPL League Cup
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were looking to reach their 3rd Cup Final of the season as they travelled north to play FAWPL Northern Division side, Nottingham Forest Ladies in the semi-final of the FAWPL League Cup. A tough test for Tottenham with Nottingham Forest Ladies doing well in the league, however Tottenham had knocked the leaders of their division out of the league cup in the previous round a single goal enough that time around. So to it proved this time coming in the 2nd half 20 minutes from time as substitute Eartha Pond fired a cross in towards the Nottingham Forest box Leah Rawle helping it on to the far post where Avilla Bergin was closing in to squeeze the ball home and send Tottenham into the League Cup Final where their opponents will be either Blackburn Rovers Ladies or Cardiff City Ladies the final is due to be played Sun 8th May at Kidderminster Harriers FC. Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are also in the finals of the Ryman and Capital Women’s Cup’s their opponents in both games Charlton Athletic Women.
FAWPL Southern Division
With the FAWPL Southern Division leaders, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC involved in the FA Women’s Cup there was an opportunity for 2nd placed Charlton Athletic Women to close the gap at the top. Their opponents felt the same with 4th placed Coventry United Ladies visiting Sporting Club Thamesmead. In the end they had to settle for a share of the points the 1st half ending goalless, Charlton took an early lead in the 2nd half with striker Gemma Shepherd putting the ball home on 47 minutes. Coventry United responded getting back on level terms 15 minutes later. The final score both still have games on the leaders however are relying on points being dropped if they wish to pip Brighton to the title.
Plymouth Argyle Ladies were all but relegated before the weekend needed other results to go there way, however without a win themselves it would count for nothing, have just the one all season in the league. C&K Basildon Ladies were the visitors had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot but missed the target. Plymouth went 2-0 up midway through the 1st half Mollie Taylor with the 1st goal, Jodie Chubb netting just 3 minutes later. C&K Basildon Ladies had it all square pulling 2 goals back before half-time. 2nd period the visitors went on to score 2 more goals to win the game 4-2 and end Plymouth’s stay in the FAWPL Southern Division. The goal scorers for C&K Basildon were Karissa Rodney, Stacey Little, Lily Mellors and Zoe Rushen.
Plymouth would have still gone down had Lewes Ladies gotten any points away to Forest Green Rovers Ladies. As it was Lewes Ladies hit the side 2nd bottom in the FAWPL Southern Division for 6 which has left them all but relegated themselves. The win almost certainly guarantees Lewes Ladies will be playing in the FAWPL Southern Division next season. Paige Walder gave them the lead on 15 minutes, Sian Heather making it 2-0 at half-time went on to score another 2 goals in the 2nd half to complete her hat-trick, Kellie Larkin and substitute Ellie Lock also scored in the 6-0 victory.
That win for Lewes Ladies sees them move up above West Ham United Ladies who drop to 10th in the table as they were beaten 2-0 at home to 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies on Sunday. Alys Hinchcliffe gave the visitors the lead before Hope Suominen scored late on to secure the 3 points.
FAWPL South East Division One
Crystal Palace keep the lead in the FAWPL South East Division One extending their unbeaten record to 15 games in the league. For the 2nd Sunday running were taking on Old Actonians Ladies having beaten them away 5-0 last weekend were on home turf this time around the advantage 5 goals again, Gemma Bryan helping herself to 4 goals, with Abigail Igbavboa and Nicha Pyelt also scoring. Jessica Byrne pulled a goal back for Old Actonians who remain 3rd from bottom still win less in the league in 2016 4 matches now have plenty of games in hand on the bottom 2 but badly need to pick up some points to pull clear of trouble.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies were keeping the pressure on the leaders Crystal Palace just a pint behind going into the weekend were at home at Newport Pagnell FC playing Enfield Town Ladies. The home side took a 2 goal lead into the break with Sophie Watson and Charley Clarke finding the back of the net. Enfield Town Ladies battled back 2nd half to earn a point Regan Coleman scoring both of their goals.
Having gotten up to 3rd place in the table Gillingham FC Ladies have games in hand on the sides above them but need to collect all the points they can, did so at the weekend were in ruthless form doing their goal difference a massive boost in the process as they made it unlucky 13 for visitors Lowestoft Town Ladies. Kallie Balfour scoring 3 goals, her hat-trick was added to with a quartet scoring braces in the game, Emma Tune, Lydia Wills, plus subs Paige Baker-Carroll and Shannon Redhouse all scoring 2 each, Madison North on target to, all coming after Lauren Davis had opened the scoring on 2 minutes. In the other match in the FAWPL South East Division One Luton Town Ladies were held to a goalless draw at home by Denham United Ladies.
Eastern Regional Leagues
In the ERWFL Premier Division, leaders Billericay Town Ladies open up a 5 point lead on 2nd placed Stevenage Ladies. Were at home playing local rivals Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday, won the match 3-0. Nicola Dunston, Lucy Wyatt and Nicole Farmer the players getting their name on the scoresheet. Have played more league matches than anyone else in the division with just the 1 game left to play that though is a month away.
Stevenage Ladies have 4 games in hand on Billericay Town Ladies however they dropped points at the weekend. A trip up to Norfolk to play Acle United Ladies who need the points to pull themselves away from the 2 sides below. Got a vital point holding Stevenage Ladies 0-0.
Below Acle United Ladies, bottom side Greta Wakering Ladies have found some form at just the right time as they look to escape from the bottom of the table. Made it 2 away victories in a row following up last Sunday’s 4-2 away win at Brentwood Town Ladies, beat 4th placed Haringey Borough Women on the road this Sunday winning the match 2-1. To keep level on points with Great Shelford Ladies. Unlikely anyone will be relegated from the league this season as 2 sides have already dropped out leaving 10 to compete what should be a 12 team league.
With the ERWFL Division One, East and West sides competing in the group stages of the Division One Cup in recent weeks, it was easy to forget there were still league matches to be played across both divisions. In the Division One East a match was played this weekend with Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies playing their last league game of the season away to fellow Essex side Silver End United Ladies currently in 2nd place in the table that has seen some adjustment with the departure of West Billericay Ladies from the league. After a goalless 1st half, Silver End United Ladies went onto to win the game 2-1, Rebecca Hollocks netting both their goals, Georgia Fraser scoring for Little Thurrock Dynamos who finish their league campaign in 5th place. Long Melford Ladies have played out too finish 6th along with Ipswich Wanderers Ladies who are currently 3rd but can be over taken by 4th placed Bury Town Ladies should they win their final league match against unbeaten league leaders Writtle Ladies. Silver End United Ladies are 2nd, 3 points behind Writtle have 2 games left and they are home and away against Writtle Ladies, big games coming up for both.
Elsewhere in the ERWFL, it was the continuation of the Division One Cup, group stages. Almost reaching it’s conclusion the top two from each group go through to the semi-final knock out stage. In Group A leaders Writtle Ladies unbeaten in the group were playing there final match at home against Ipswich Wanderers who too were seeing there season out. Writtle win the game 3-1 with goals from, Courtney Clarke, Abigail Fry and Georgia Tricker to guarantee top spot in the group qualify for the semi-finals. Also in Group A, Stevenage Ladies Reserves set up a last game shootout for 2nd spot in the table as they lift themselves up to 3rd spot it the table with a comfortable 6-0 win at home against Hutton Ladies. Leah Littlechild striking 4 times with a goal a piece for Hannah Marshall and Rebecca Brooker. They play 2nd placed Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies in their final group match 2 points ahead of them a draw will do at Stevenage Ladies Reserves who will need to win.
In Group B,Offley & Stopley Ladieswere at home against Colney Heath Ladies unbeaten in the group, both were on 9 points looking to go top. Colney Heath were suffering from injuries and had just the 9 players available, that didn’t stop them taking the lead, Holly Sheridan on target inside 5 minutes Adrienne Milton made it 2-0 half way through the 1st half as Colney Heath took the lead into half time. Despite a battling performance Offley & Stopsley Ladies got themselves back on level terms early into the 2nd half before going on to take a 4-2 lead, Milton scored late on of Colney Heath but they stay 3rd in the group as Offley & Stopsley finish top in 12 points. Colney Heath Ladies have one more match left to play and can join them in the semi-finals if they beat Silver End United Ladies next Sunday. Hoping that they don’t get the 3 points are Hoddesdon Owls Ladies who move into 2nd place in Group B onto 10 points with a 3rd straight win in the cup competition, at home against Royston Town Ladies, Kristi Burling, Becky Scola and Kristina O’Connell getting the goals in a 3-0 win.
Norfolk
Brandon Town Ladies currently hold the lead in Norfolk Women’s Division One on 30 points played 13 games have just the 1 game left to play and it will be a while before they do with other sides needing to catch up on fixtures. Whilst they wait they can only watch as home they get a favour from an opponent to retain the lead as in 2nd place Wymondham Town Ladies close the gap to just a point with 2 matches in hand as they stay unbeaten in the league with 3 to play a trip to Maltings Meadow on Sunday to play Bungay Town Ladies, had a 1-0 lead at half-time through Kayleigh Holloway, 2nd half Wymondham added 4 more goals Sally Hammerton with a brace, plus goals from Laura Hammerton and Alice Collins. Two big games coming up against the 3rd and 4th placed sides. Announced some more news at the weekend following the formation of a development side next season, the 1st team has applied for promotion to the ERWFL, will want to go up as champions.
With more games to play than anyone else in the league 4th placed Thorpe United Ladies have a busy April coming up can catch the leaders, Brandon who they have to play in the run in as well as Wymondham. Were away this Sunday at bottom side Long Stratton Ladies who had just the 8 players available. Thorpe United took full advantage winning convincingly 3 players all scoring twice, Sharnie Boast, Charlotte Groves and Rebekah Lake, with 3 more on target with a goal each, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Becky Russell and Hayley Kindred in a 9-0 win.
Also in Norfolk Women’s Division One, Fakenham Town Ladies met Lynn Ladies at home in a derby match, went 2 goals behind to win the game 3-2 late on. Nina Batchelor scoring a goal with 2 more scored by Rochelle Woods.
One match took place in Norfolk Women’s Division Two with 5th placed Bohemians ladies travelling to bottom side Morley Ladies. The visitors left with the 3 points in the bag takes to a 2 goal win, Nicole Sheldrake with both the strikes on target. The defeat for Morley means they can’t escape the bottom 2 in the league.
In Norfolk Women’s Division Three it was the battle between the top 2 both with an unbeaten record to defend as leaders Harleston Ladies travelled to Emerald Park to play Gorleston FC Ladies who had won 7 out of 7 to date. Harleston 10 points in front. Gorleston have 4 matches in hand closed the gap to 7 points as they ended Harleston’s unbeaten record with a 5-2 win. Bethany Turner and Kayleigh Byrne both scoring twice with Samantha Hunn also going through to score. Lacey Andrews scored both Harleston Ladies goals. Both sides are likely to go on to win promotion.
Freethorpe Ladies are leapfrogged by Toftwood Ladies in the Division Three table as they climb into 4th spot following a 4-0 away win Katie Hart and Thea Wilson with a brace each in the match. Sprowston Ladies Reserves are now unbeaten in 3 matches as they climb away from the bottom of the Division Three table denting Red Rose United’s faint hopes of a top 2 finish in the process as they beat them 3-2 at home on Sunday.
Suffolk
Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies normally get mentioned in the section above competing as they do in Norfolk Women’s Division Two, however situated just over the boarder in Suffolk they qualify for the Suffolk Women’s County Cup competition where they had reached the semi-finals. Both played this weekend the prize a place at the final being played this season at Portman Road home of Ipswich Town FC. Were playing Bury Town Ladies from the ERWFL Division One East, the game played at a neutral venue Walsham Le Willows FC.
A clash of kits saw Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies playing in the red shirts of Walsham Le Willows. Bury started the brighter without really troubling their opponents goal. Kirkley & Pakefield grew into the game hitting Bury on the counter smashed the ball against the crossbar twice in quick succession. Bury struck the woodwork themselves then 5 minutes before half time Norma Locker gave them the lead heading home from a corner kick. Kirkley & Pakefield battled hard to get back into the game 2nd half and pulled it level through Jody Wells breaking in on goal to slot home. That saw the game head into extra-time, a cagey half hour neither side settling for the shootout to follow Kirkley & Pakefield won a free kick wide right inside the Bury half with 4 minutes left to play Wells sweeping the ball into the area Sophie Martin timed her run perfectly to turn the ball into the back of the net an win it for Kirkley & Pakefield. The whole match report was featured on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and can be viewed on the Women’s Football east website just keep scrolling down.
Meeting Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies in the final of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup will be Ipswich Town Ladies the current holders. Was a repeat of last season’s final as they played AFC Sudbury Ladies at Stowmarket Town FC. Again the tie headed into extra time with the score 0-0 after the 90. An extra-time winner saw the Ipswich Town Ladies team get the chance to play at Portman Road, Jasmine Cox with the goal. The final is scheduled to be played on Monday 23rd April a 7pm KO.
Two league games were played in the Suffolk Women’s Division at the weekend. A surprise result for Leiston St Margarets Ladies at home against Bacton United Ladies had won just the 2 league games in the league both against bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies the last one just last Sunday. 2 wins in a row now beating Bacton United 4-1 with goals from Sophie Hall and Leanne Fairweather, as well as Lucy Eagle who bagged herself a brace.
That defeat for Bacton United see’s them drop to 4th in the table as Witnesham Wasps Ladies move above them with a large home win against bottom side Ipswich Phoenix who have now conceded over 100 goals this season. Emily Steward helped herself to a serving of 5 goals in the match for Witnesham wasps with Lauren Page getting 2 more, Alice Rampling and Beth Welton also scoring in a 9-0 win.
Cambridgeshire
Semi-final action in Cambridgeshire this weekend too in the Women’s Invitation Cup, an annual event between Cambridge United WFC and Great Shelford Ladies in recent seasons both kept apart in the semi-final draw had sides aiming for title success in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership as opponents. Cambridge United WFC of the FAWPL South East Division One and current holders of the cup were away but not too far a local derby facing Cambridge City Ladies. Becky Taylor opened the scoring putting Cambridge United WFC 1 up on 23 minutes. Cambridge City had it back all square 5 minutes later Bronte Rapley with the goal. Closing minutes of the 1st half and Cambridge United WFC scored twice through Laura Baker then Laura Mills to have a 3-1 lead at the break. Taylor and Mills both scored in the 2nd half to put Cambridge United WFC 5-1 up. Cambridge City captain Grace Stanley pulled a goal back for the home side before Mills scored in the final minute to complete her hat-trick see Cambridge United WFC into another County Cup Final.
ICA Sports Ladies having beaten Riverside Ladies on penalties in the quarter finals of the competition were drawn away to ERWFL Premier Division side Great Shelford Ladies in the semi-finals. Had the lead at half time, Louise Barbour putting ICA Sports Ladies 1 up, Greta Shelford Ladies came back into the tie 2nd half Sophie Hopkins netting twice with Georgia Day also scoring as they went on to win 3-1 to reach the final where they will face Cambridge United WFC again.
In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, Cambridge United WFC Reserves took advantage of ICA Sports Ladies semi-final distraction to win and move back to the top of the league. At home against bottom side Fulbourn Bluebirds, goals from Hayley Turner and Liz Pamplin saw the 3 points won.
Also in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, Netherton United Ladies were at home to Newmarket Town Ladies who were in high spirits with back to back league wins. Yasmin Green gave Netherton United a 1st half lead and they were 2-0 up early into the 2nd half with Shannon Page on target. Newmarket Town pulled a goal back 5 minutes later with new signing Nadine Basson putting the ball home. The points were shared with Yasmin Woodfield getting the goal to make it 2-2 on the 67th minute. Both sides are unbeaten in 3.
In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North, leaders Bourne Ladies were held to a 3-3 draw at Swineshead Institute Ladies. Were 2-1 down at half time before pulling it level in the 2nd half. both sides having a player sent off, Lycia Elston for Swineshead, Claire Lawrenson for Bourne. Eleanor Spendlow struck twice for Swineshead with their other goal coming from Becky Taylor. Lawrenson scored for Bourne before her sending off, Lisa Richardson and Catherine Dougall also scoring.
Bourne see their lead reduced to 6 points with 2nd placed March Town United Ladies scoring double figures at home against bottom side, Tydd St Mary Ladies. 4 of their goals put into the back of the net by Shannon Kelly, braces from both, Charley Miller and Adele Munday, Anna Hatcher, Emma Frost and Emma Searle also on the scoresheet in an 11-0 win.
Stamford Ladies move up into 5th in the Championship North beating 2nd bottom side Hungate Rovers 6-0 at home on Sunday, whilst in the meeting between the 2 Wisbech’s it’s Town Ladies who take the 3 points to move back into 3rd place in the table, away to Wisbech St Marys Ladies, Wisbech Town Ladies won the match 5-1.
In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South, leaders St Ives Town Ladies keep the gap ahead of 2nd placed Park Ladies to 4 points with a large victory at the weekend at home playing Isleham United Ladies. Racking up double figures to boost the goal difference, Sasha Smith netted a hat-trick, a brace each for Hannah Seymour-Shove ad Georgia Rebane with goals also scored by Molly Berryman Amy Seymour-Shove, Georgia Stancombe and Megan Stow.
Park Ladies keep the pressure on the leaders St Ives Town Ladies, winning themselves at the weekend to keep the gap 4 points with 2 matches in hand. Away taking on Comberton Ladies, Amy Newell, Erin Powell and Danielle Green all scored goals in a 3-0 win. 3-0 was also the winning margin at home for 3rd placed Milton Ladies as they hosted 4th placed Riverside Rovers Ladies. Kirsty Lemmon-Sparkes with all 3 goals, Milton Ladies have 4 games in hand on the leaders with the gap 10 points have to play Park Ladies twice and St Ives Town once some big matches coming up.
Essex
Start in Essex with a Cup Final. The Essex Women’s Trophy Final played at Saffron Walden FC this Sunday contested between Wickford Town Ladies & Harlow Ladies both competing in Essex Women’s Division One. Wickford Town Ladies took an early lead Louise Balding putting them 1-0 up inside the opening 12 minutes, the lead didn’t last long Abbie Bensted putting Harlow back on level terms just 2 minutes later. 4 minutes before half-time Bensted lobs the Wickford Town keeper to make it 2-1 at half-time. Early into the 2nd half, Philippa Stephens rounds the keeper to put Harlow 3-1 up, Victoria Hill makes it 4-1 halfway through the 2nd half with Stephens scoring her 2nd goal to seal a 5-1 win and see Harlow Ladies in their 1st season as a club win their 1st piece of silverware and are well on course to make it a league and cup double.
In the Essex Women’s Premier Division, leading side Chelmsford City Ladies weren’t in action saw their lead reduced to just a point with 2nd placed Hullbridge Sports Ladies who won big at home playing Walden Ladies recording a 9-1 victory. Both Hullbridge Sports Ladies and Chelmsford City Ladies have 2 league matches left to play. In 3rd Collier Row Tigers aren’t out of it have just the 1 league game left now however a point off Hullbridge Sports Ladies 2 of Chelmsford City won at the weekend beating Hutton Ladies Reserves 3-0 at home. Eastern Avenue are in 4th place with 2 matches left to play can’t catch Chelmsford City Ladies won 3-1 at home to bottom side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies at the weekend.
In Essex Women’s Division One, 2nd placed Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves opened up a 4 point gap over their nearest rivals at home against 3rd placed Chigwell Ladies on Sunday winning 5-0 to boost their promotion hopes, Nicola Hatfield scoring a brace with a goal a piece for Ayo Okunugo, Charlotte Palmer and Laura Kendle. Also in Division One, Hullbridge Sports Ladies Reserves were at home fielded just the 8 players against Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies Reserves, a close scoring match Hullbridge Sports lost out as Little Thurrock took all 3 points winning the game 4-3.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Sherrardswood Ladies are top of the league 6 points clear of 2nd placed Hertford Town Ladies. Were at home facing 2nd placed Harvesters FC Ladies playing their last league match of the season. Laure Marris, Laura Cousins, Francesca Novelli and Abby Cardall from the penalty spot helped them to victory as they beat Harvesters FC Ladies 4-1. Harvesters FC Ladies slip to 3rd place Megan Kelly reducing the deficit from the penalty spot.
Hertford Town Ladies move into 2nd in the Beds & Herts Division One table, winning 3-1 at Bishops Stortford Ladies. Bilge Taspinar scoring on 20 minutes for them with Kerry Oldham scoring the other 2 goals in either half. Have 6 games in hand on Sherrardwood Ladies with the gap 6 points. Elle Georgiou with the goal for Bishops Stortford who stay 4th have games in hand on the leaders but can no longer overhaul them their title hopes gone.
In 5th place Garston Ladies have a huge 8 games to catch up on the leaders with the gap 14 points after they won at the weekend 3-0 away to bottom side Flitwick Ladies. Goals from Gemma Curtis and 2 from Vikki Davis seeing the 3 points won. In the other match in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Letchworth Garden City Eagles Ladies were 3-1 away winners at 2nd bottom Sandy Ladies.
Onto Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two, leaders Sharnbrook WFC are closing in on an immediate return to Division One. Were at home on Sunday taking on Garston Ladies FC 96 who have games in hand on everyone in the league and 1 of 4 sides in with a chance of promotion. Sharnbrook WFC scored 2 early goals Gemma Franklin and Charlotte Mullins putting them 2 up inside 16 minutes, Garston Ladies FC 96 came back scoring twice to see the points shared, leaves Sharnbrook 4 points clear at the top with 2 to play.
Moving up into 2nd place in Division Two are Hitchin Town Ladies, were away to Watton Ladies on Sunday who scored 3 goals through, Heather Dean, Elizabeth Dowton and Francesca Smithers. It wasn’t enough however with Hitchin Town Ladies hitting back with 4 goals to win the game and take the 3 points, Emma Chaffey with a brace, plus a goal each for Rebecca Day and Kayleigh Saunders. Have played a game more than Houghton Athletic Ladies 2 points behind in 3rd.
2 goals scored by Louise Grocott plus 1 from Zoe Molloy saw Icknield Ladies retrun to the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three at the weekend. Moving 3 points clear of Hitchin Belles. It’s still very close at the top games to be played with the top sides still to play one another, Icknield Ladies are in a strong position 4 of their last 5 league games are against their promotion rivals.
A good point earned by Kings Langley Ladies on Sunday at home against Bedmond Ladies who still have faint hopes of sneaking into the top 2. 1-1 the final score Nicole Barrett with Kings Langley Ladies goal. Molly Peters with the strike for Bedmond Ladies. was an 11 goal thriller in the final match to report on The Tuesday Round-Up, Bedwell Rangers FC now unbeaten in 3 with 2 successive wins in the league to pull away from the bottom. Were at home taking on Panshanger Ladies. A dramatic game Jessica Sullivan put Bedwell 1-0 inside 10 minutes. Georgina Harvey levelled it at 1-1 for Panshanger Ladies on the half hour mark. Bedwell scored 2 late 1st half goals through Sullivan and Sarah King to go in 3-1 up at half-time. Chemise Huitson pulled Panshanger not only back into the game but the lead as she scored a 13 minute hat-trick in the 2nd half. Claire McNally got it back to 4-4 for Bedwell 12 minutes from time only for them to concede and own goal fall behind 2 minutes later. King struck again with 3 minutes left to make it 5-5. 90 minutes on the clock and Leah Tomlin scored for Bedwell Rangers to see them edge the encounter 6-5 and take all 3 points.
What a game to finish Edition Twenty Seven of The Tuesday Round-Up, one more Sunday left in March the clocks go forwards, no one wants to get left behind, so much still to play for a few sides falling away, agony for those that have played out and can only watch. Games in hand is easy getting the points on offer isn’t so straight forwards especially when you can see the finish line. Twists and turns yet the calculator will be working overtime as the league season draws to a close and it’ll all be covered here. Thanks for reading Edition Twenty Seven, do it all again next week.
Welcome to Edition Twenty Six of The Tuesday Round-Up bringing you all of the women’s football action across the East from Sunday 13th March. For a change it was for the the large part a dry and pleasant day throughout the region with just a handful of matches ending up getting postponed. Plenty to bring you 50+ games taking place, the FA Women’s Cup seeing a replayed match. Cup and Plate semi-finals and quarter finals in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Two more unbeaten records fell as lot’s of goals were scored. News sadly of another club folding now 3 in as many weeks as the title races continue to see twists and turns, lots to bring you so let’s plunge into the action.
FA Women’s Cup
You’d be forgiven for thinking we’ve been here before, a game from the FA Women’s Cup, 4th Round Proper, all the ties had been played hadn’t they? Well sadly due to an admin error one had to be replayed as Brighton & Hove Albion WFC faced Blackburn Rovers Ladies for the 2nd time of asking. The FAWPL Northern Division side making the long journey down to the south coast once again after Brighton made the error of having 7 substitutes named on their bench when FA Women’s Cup competition rules state just 5 will be named on the bench.
Ainsley Strickland gave Blackburn Rovers Ladies the perfect start opening the scoring after just 3 minutes, but that was just the beginning of a frantic opening quarter of an hour as Brighton were back on level terms just 2 minutes later Lily Agg with the goal, 2 minutes later they had the lead Lucy Somes scoring to put them 2-1 ahead. On the 15 minute mark Sophie Perry scored from the penalty spot to make it 3-1 the half time score. Strickland found the back of the net again 10 minutes into the 2nd half pulling it back to 3-2 before Kate Natkiel’s goal on 70 minutes restored the 2 goal cushion a 5th goal scored by Lisa Fulgence sealing the result in the closing minutes winning the tie 5-2 this time around Brighton & Hove Albion WFC will be at home this following Sunday in the 5th Round of the FA Women’s Cup, Sporting Club Albion Ladies the visitors.
FAWPL Southern Division
In the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday a point won at home was enough to see Cardiff City Ladies move up from 5th to 3rd in the table. Playing their 1st league fixture since the last weekend of January they were at home with West Ham United Ladies the visitors. Kerry Bartlett gave Cardiff the lead on 20 minutes, the scores were level going into half-time thanks to Laura Curtis who made it 1-1 for West Ham United Ladies on the half hour mark. The visitors went on to take the lead 10 minutes in to the 2nd half captain Katie Bottom scoring for the 2nd successive match. Cardiff City Ladies came back to earn a point as Michelle Green netted to make it 2-2 with 15 minutes left to play.
2nd placed Charlton Athletic Women were also playing their 1st league fixture in a month and close the gap on leaders Brighton & Hove Albion WFC to 6 points with 2 matches in hand. Got the 3 points away from home taking on Lewes Ladies. The 1st half ended goalless, a single strike was to win the match, midway through the 2nd half striker Gemma Shepherd was brought down just outside the box, up stepped Stefanie Simmons to take the resulting free kick sent the ball home into the corner of the net to score and give Charlton Athletic Women all 3 points.
A single goal was enough to win all 3 points too for Queens Park Rangers Ladies at home playing C&K Basildon Ladies. Joanne Wilson putting the ball into the back of the net in the 1st half, kept C&K Basildon at bay for the rest of the game to make it 4 straight wins in the league the run starting back in December before an extended run of cup matches saw them resume their league program at the end of February now up to 8th are almost certain of retaining their FAWPL Southern Division status for another season.
After having most of the chances under the floodlights at The Boleyn ground last Tuesday night and ending up with nothing against West Ham United Ladies as they won the game 1-0, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were back in league action travelling to the South West to play bottom side Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Still missing a few players through injury, Tottenham got off to a fantastic start Kelley Blanchflower scoring within the opening 2 minutes. A brace from Wendy Martin scoring on the 12th and 25th minute saw them tae a 3-0 lead into the dressing room at half time. Amber Pollock pulled a goal back for Plymouth Argyle Ladies on 63 minutes. Bianca Baptiste having just come onto the pitch as a 2nd half substitute restored the 3 goal cushion netting on 65 minutes. Martin had chances to score her hat-trick but the ball wouldn’t cross the line. Pollock scored again with 20 minutes left on the clock the final score 2-4 to Tottenham as they consolidate 6th spot. Plymouth Argyle Ladies are all but relegated now matter what they do now 1 more point gained by Lewes Ladies will see them down.
FAWPL South East Division One
Crystal Palace Ladies stretch their unbeaten league season to 14 games to stay top of the FAWPL Southern Division. Were on the road this Sunday taking on Old Actonians Ladies who haven’t picked up a league point in 2016. That search goes on as they lost to the leaders 5-0, Gemma Bryan on target twice, with goals also scored by Pamela McRoberts, Freya Holdaway and substitute Alma Donohoe.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies keep up the chase in 2nd place the gap still a point behind Crystal Palace Ladies albeit having played 3 league games more. Were at home at Newport Pagnell FC with Denham United Ladies the visitors, took the early lead Helen Capewell putting them a goal in front just past the quarter hour mark. Milton Keynes Dons Ladies got themselves back on level terms going into the break with Andie Dickens heading home to make it 1-1. Looked like the match was heading for a draw before Milton Keynes found the winning goal 8 minutes from time Hannah Barrett scoring to see the 3 points won.
Gillingham FC Ladies are up to 3rd in the table climbing above Cambridge United WFC and their opponents this Sunday 4th placed Luton Town Ladies. At home at Chatham Town FC they saw their opponents reduced to 10 players on the half hour as Zara Carroll was sent off for a 2nd bookable offence. Luton Town Ladies kept the scores 0-0 until half-time. Early in the 2nd half Gillingham FC Ladies had a chance to take the lead Lauren Davies brought down inside the box the referee pointing to the penalty spot, Shannon Redhouse to take it saw her effort saved. by Luton Town goalkeeper Rachel Evans. On the 60th minute Gillingham FC Ladies did take the lead Kallie Balfour breaking beyond the defence to score. Luton Town Ladies battled hard to get back into the match, Balfour netting her 2nd of the game, Lauren Davies made it 3-0 with 15 minutes left on the clock, Lauren Williams making the final score 4-0 in the last 5 minutes.
Elsewhere in the FAWPL South East Division One it was derby day with Ipswich Town Ladies hosting rivals Norwich City Ladies both comfortable in the middle of the table, Ipswich Town Ladies having been enjoying a good run of form 5 matches unbeaten 4 wins in that run that had started back in January with a 3-2 away win against Norwich. Travelling to Felixstowe & Walton FC, Norwich City Ladies started the better side Chelsea Garrett putting them 1 up inside the opening 15 minutes, captain Kate Parsons doubled the advantage 3 minutes later then a further 3 minutes on Garrett scored her 2nd of the game to give the visitors a 3-0 lead at half-time. Garrett completed her hat-trick early into the 2nd half before Ipswich Town Ladies fought themselves back into the game pulling it back to 4-3 with Molly Hall netting twice, captain Amanda Crump with their other goal not enough as Norwich move back above Ipswich into 5th in the table.
One other match to bring you in the FAWPL South East Division One, Enfield Town Ladies travelled up to the Suffolk coast to play Lowestoft Town Ladies, the score was 1-1 all at half-time before the visitors went on to score 4 more goals in the 2nd half to win 5-2, their goals coming from Holly Brandon, Victoria Lewis Ayse Mustafa and 2 scored by Alena Beganovic. Gemma Moore with a 1st half penalty for Lowestoft Town Ladies whilst Abbie Everson scored in the final minute.
Eastern Regional Leagues
In the ERWFL Premier Division 3rd placed AFC Sudbury Ladies close the gap in the leading pair with a 3-2 away win against Acle United Ladies on Sunday. Stacey Teager gave AFC Sudbury Ladies the lead but they were pegged back to 1-1 with player coach Joanne Hooper scoring 10 minutes before half-time. The visitors responded Skye Ramsey putting them back in front 6 minutes before half-time, the lead was extended after the break with Teager scoring her 2nd goal of the match. Acle United Ladies pushed hard to get back into the match, pulled a goal back late on in injury time Jody Wells scoring on her debut for the club, wasn’t enough as AFC Sudbury held on for all 3 points, move to with a point of 2nd placed Stevenage Ladies who do have 3 games in hand a 4 behind leaders Billericay Town Ladies who have played one more than AFC Sudbury Ladies.
Colchester Town Ladies ran out 2-0 home winners against 2nd bottom side Great Shelford Ladies on Sunday, Paige Wakefield and captain Alexandra Brewis-Shephard the players getting their names on the scoresheet. Elsewhere it was only the 2 league victory of the season this Sunday for bottom side Great Wakering Rovers Ladies, the previous one coming back in November 2015. Were on the road taking on Essex rivals Brentwood Town Ladies. Rebecca Dalgarno scored a hat-trick in the match with Sarah Murphy also scoring as they won the match 4-2 to move level on points with Great Shelford. Chelcee Grimes and Jessica Mills on target for Brentwood Town Ladies who have now lost 4 league matches in a row.
Elsewhere in the ERWFL it was another round of group matches in the Division One Cup. In Group A, Bury Town Ladies were at home against Writtle Ladies, Laura Brame put the home side ahead before Writtle pulled it back to 1-1 at half-time. The visitors put in a strong 2nd half performance Sophie Vale netting a hat-trick as they went on to win the match 6-1 their other goal scorers, Courtney Clarke, Charlotte Walker and captain Abigail Fry as they move above Little Thurrock Dynamos to top the group. Also in Group A Hutton Ladies pick up their 1st win in the group stage at home beating Ipswich Wanderers Ladies, hitting 7 goals without reply.
In Group B of the ERWFL Division One Cup, Hoddesdon Owls Ladies end leaders Offley & Stopsley Ladies 100% winning start to the group and move up to 3rd place in the group as a result winning 3-0 at home, Daniela Martucci, Becky Scola and Natasha Crick with the goals to give them victory. Are kept from 2nd spot by Colney Heath Ladies whose fine form in the Division One Cup continues having a 100% win record themselves now 3 wins out of 3 to join Offley & Stopsley Ladies on 9 points. Colney Heath Ladies were playing away this Sunday against Royston Town Ladies all the goals came in the 1st half, Royston Town Ladies took an early lead but were soon pegged back Holly Sheridan with the goal, went 2-1 down before Sheridan scored again to make it 2-2 then went on to complete her hat-trick the half-time score 3-2 to Colney Heath Ladies was the final score at the finish. Getting their 1st win in Group B are Silver End United Ladies fresh from reaching the final of the ERWFL League Cup. Were at home taking on Long Melford Ladies, Lynsey Bowman, Alexandra Bailess and Rebecca Hollocks all scored to see them take the 3 points in a 3-2 victory to lift them up to 4th on 4 points.
One piece of sad new to bring you from the ERWFL and it’s a 3rd team in as many weeks dropping out of the league with West Billericay Ladies no longer listed in the fixtures or league table. Have seen alot of matches postponed throughout the season and looked like it might be on the cards still sad to see and send best wishes to everyone involved with West Billericay Ladies for the future.
Norfolk
In Norfolk it was an important weekend for the Ladies League Cup and Plate competitions as they reach the semi-final and quarter final stages representatively. In the Ladies League Cup in was a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Women’s County Cup Final with Aylsham FC Ladies at home taking on Thorpe United Ladies in the semi-finals of the League Cup. Thorpe United Ladies looked in control as they took a 3 goal lead in the 1st half, captain Rebekah Lake scored twice with Becky Russell also scoring. Aylsham pulled 1 back before the break then mounted a 2nd half come back scoring 3 times themselves to win the game 4-3 to reach their 2nd final of the season, 2 strikes from Leanne Woodward plus a goal each for Alicia Lacey and Abbie Charlton giving them the victory.
Will face the current League Cup holders in the Final as Wymondham Town Ladies reached their 2nd successive final with a convincing win at home against Lynn Ladies. Amber Cantwell smashing home a hat-trick, with Sally Hammerton, Laura Wiseman and Laura Hammerton also on the scoresheet in a 6-0 win. Further good news announced by Wymondham Town Ladies at the weekend as they are to introduce a 2nd ladies team next season.
It was the quarter finals of the Ladies League Plate competition. North Walsham Angels Ladies are through to the semi-finals the Division Two promotion chasers beating Division One side Bungay Town Ladies at home by 7 goals to 3 on Sunday. Amy Hemp scoring along with Hope Middleton who netted a brace, she was out done by Luci Middleton who was on target for 4 goals. Bungay Town Ladies 3 goals were scored by Inna Marx, Michelle Stanborough and Lauren Purling.
North Walsham Angels Ladies were out done in the scoring tally by fellow Division Two side Red Rose Ladies in 1 of the 2 all Division Two quarter finals away to Bohemians Ladies. Red Rose Ladies progressing to the semi-finals courtesy of an 8-2 win had 8 different goal scorers too with, Corine Bishop, Lauren Hems, Emily Hill, Vicky Lubbock, Ellen Hutton, and Sophie Lubbock all scoring along with Sophie Tipper and Natasha Wilmott who both scored from the penalty spot.
In the other all Division Two Ladies League Plate quarter final Sprowston Ladies were at home at the Open Academy taking on Stalham Town Ladies. Elizabeth Dawson and Marie Meale put the ball in the back of the net for Stalham Town Ladies to put them through to the semi-finals. It was Division Three v Division Two in the last Ladies League Plate quarter final with Division Three leaders Harleston Ladies at home against Division Two struggler’s Morley Ladies. After 90 minutes played the match was still goalless entered an extra 30 minutes of play saw 4 goals scored, Harleston Ladies scoring through Charlotte Evans, however Morley Ladies hit the back of the net 3 times, Emily Blanchflower with 2, Rebecca Humphreys also scoring to win the match in extra-time 3-1 to complete an all Norfolk Women’s Division Two, League Plate semi-final line-up the draw to be announced.
There was also some league action in Norfolk this Sunday in Norfolk in Division Three with the 4 clubs in the bottom half of the table all playing. Bottom side Cromer Town Ladies had just 9 players as they hosted Dereham Town Ladies to Cabbell Park, the visitors having the numerical advantage took a 3-0 lead into half-time adding a 4th goal in the 2nd half to take the 3 points. Sprowston Ladies Reserves were at home playing Toftwood Ladies the points were shared the match ending 2-2, Katie Hart with both the goals for Toftwood Ladies.
Was a 3rd match in Division Three between 3rd and 4th at the weekend between Red Rose United and Freethorpe Ladies however the game was abandoned with Red Rose United leading 4-0 on 56 minutes due to a broken goal stanchion.
Suffolk
The title battle in the Suffolk Women’s Division took another twist this Sunday as the leaders East Bergholt United lose and 2nd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies capitalise winning against another title hopeful to close the gap at the top to a point with a game in hand.
East Bergholt United Ladies were at home, Witnesham Wasps Ladies the visiting team this Sunday they were 3-0 in front going into half-time Lauren Page, Emily Steward and Beth Welton with their goals. East Bergholt United pulled a goal back in the 2nd half but Witnesham Wasps Ladies held on for the win to climb a place up to 4th in the table.
Brantham Athletic Ladies had moved back into 2nd in the table last weekend were at home this Sunday for the 1st of 2 matches against 4th placed Copleston Ladies that could go along way to determining where the title may go, games in hand Copleston Ladies can catch everyone above them if they win the points. Instead it was Brantham Athletic Ladies who got the 3 points, Danielle Harvey scoring twice with a goal each for Kirsten Hutchings and Rebecca Prime as they win 4-1. Sophie Crane scoring for Copleston who drop to 5th now 9 points behind Brantham 10 behind East Bergholt United still enough games in hand to catch both very much all to play for still if they can get the points.
One other match in Suffolk battle of the bottom two with Leiston St Margarets Ladies 2nd bottom hosting Ipswich Phoenix Ladies both a long way from the title tussle above Leiston St Margarets Ladies made it a league double over Ipswich Phoenix winning 5-0 to gain their 2nd 3 point haul of the season leave Ipswich Phoenix win less after 11 played.
Cambridgeshire
In Cambridgeshire the race for the title in the Women’s Premiership is as hotly contested as any league in the region. The lead has changed hands several times with 4 teams slugging it out at the top. ICA Sports Ladies are the new leaders going top this Sunday and ending Cambridge City Ladies unbeaten record to do it as they met in a 3rd versus 4th clash at the weekend. ICA Sports Ladies winning the game 3-1 with striker Tash Applegate getting 2 more goals to her name with Louise Burgess also on target as they go 2 points clear at the top of the Premiership. Cambridge City Ladies captain Grace Stanley scored their goal as they suffer their 1st league defeat of the season. Have 3 games in hand on the leading trio still, very much wide open this one’s got a few more twists yet.
Netherton United Ladies were at home at The Grange, this Sunday, bottom side Fulbourn Bluebirds the visitors had just the 9 players available a tough ask against a Netherton United side which has rediscovered some form in recent weeks. wasn’t long before they had the lead Yasmin Green opening the scoring inside the opening 15 minutes, Sasha Haw doubling the score a couple of minutes later. Jenna Hairn made it 3-0 on the half hour. Michela Garner pulled a goal back for Fulbourn Bluebirds 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Megan Strickland restored Netherton United’s 3 goal cushion on 63 minutes. Fulbourn Bluebirds pulled it back to 4-2 on the 70 minute mark Sharron Pinner finding the back of the net, inside the final 10 minutes Green netted her 2nd goal of the game to win it 5-2.
Wins are like buses for Newmarket Town Ladies, you wait for ages to get one then two arrive! Got their 1st win in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership last Sunday 3-1 away to Bar Hill Ladies. Were at home at the Dullingham Polo Fields this Sunday, hosting Huntingdon Town Ladies who were once again without a full complement of players. Newmarket Town Ladies had a new signing making her debut a coup as they bring in Nadine Basson from Bury Town Ladies dropping back into county league football but with a club who are ambitious and are looking to progress in the coming seasons. Made an instant impact scoring 4 goals in the match. 4 more goals were scored by Dominika Szary, one with her left foot, one with her right and 2 headers plus a goal each for Sian Tatum and Kristen Hummel in a 10-1 victory. Sophie Marheineke on target from a free kick to score for Huntingdon Town Ladies.
Semi-finals weekend in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup this Sunday too although just the one semi-final was to be played in the end, current holders Cambridge United WFC Reserves progressing to the final without kicking a ball as they were awarded a home win against Isleham United Ladies who couldn’t raise a team.
90 minutes of football did take place in the other semi-final a meeting between Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North and South with Park Ladies from competing in the South at home to Wisbech Town Ladies in the North Division. Wisbech Town Ladies will be contesting Cambridge United WFC Reserves for the Junior Invitation Cup after they won the match 3-0, Sophie Gutteridge and Kyra Clarke their goal scorers plus an Park Ladies own goal giving them a 3-0 win, date and final venue to be announced.
One game in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North this Sunday with 3rd placed March Town United Ladies away to Stamford Ladies. A single goal scored by Stamford Ladies in the 2nd half saw them take all 3 points.
One match also played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South at the weekend. saw leaders St Ives Town Ladies back in league action after nearly a month have saw their lead at the top eroded by the chasing pack in recent weeks but got themselves back to winning ways on Sunday away to Comberton Ladies. 2 goals scored by Connie Liddiard saw St Ives Town Ladies edge the game winning 2-1 to restore a 4 point lead at the top over Park Ladies. Megan Jeray the player on target for Comberton Ladies.
Essex
In the Essex Women’s Premier Division all of the top 3 sides won big to pull away from the chasing teams below at the weekend. Leaders Chelmsford City Ladies were on the road at Walden Ladies. Lisa Overall bagged herself a hat-trick, Georgia Sleep scoring a brace with one more goal coming courtesy of Rosie Coe. Walden Ladies scored a goal for for both sides the final score 7-1.
7-1 was also the score between 3rd placed Collier Row Tigers and bottom side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. In 2nd place Hullbridge Sports Ladies were away playing Lawford Ladies, Brogan Kelly was on target on 4 occasions with Danni Dorrington and Christina Fragnito also scoring, Lawford making a fight of it scoring 3 goals themselves final score 6-3 to Hullbridge Sports Ladies.
In Essex Women’s Division One it wasn’t unlucky 13 for runaway leaders Harlow Town Ladies as they made it 13 league wins in a row beating 4th placed Alresford Colne Rangers at the Harlow Arena on Sunday, Riley Bennett and Angela Addison scoring to put them 2 goals to the good at half-time. Both Abbie Bensted and Teresa Addison scored 2nd half hat-tricks with Tia Dye rounding off the scoring in a 9-0 win.
Another huge defeat for bottom side Waltham Forest Ladies as their goals against goes above -200, they keep going were soundly beaten again at home with Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies Reserves the visitors beating them 22-0.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
The 1st Final of the 2015/16 season was in Hertfordshire the Women’s County Cup Final played between Stevenage Ladies (the current holders) and Watford Ladies Development U19’s. Two evenly matched sides on paper with similar records playing at the same level in the regional league set up, both with the opportunity of making it a league and cup double. The weather perfect for a Cup Final at the County Ground in Letchworth. Stevenage started the brighter however Watford soon got into their flow both sides moving the ball well looking to attack and create chances the 1st half ending goalless. Stevenage pushed hard at the start of the 2nd half looking to break the deadlock, it was Watford who took the lead following a strong run on the ball from midfielder, Aimee Durn towards the edge of the Stevenage penalty box, the ball is laid back to Chloe Farrell making a supporting run pulls the trigger 20 yards out lifting the ball up to smash against the cross bar and drop down over the line. Less than 15 minutes left and Watford double their lead a long back putting Emma Bebbington through on goal shoots outside the box putting the ball past the advancing keeper and into the back of the net. Watford Ladies Development U19’s go on to win the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final. The whole match report is available to read on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and you can find it by clicking on the link below
Elsewhere in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire at the weekend it was league action and for the 2nd Sunday in a row 2nd placed Sherrardswood Ladies had the opportunity to go top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One against the same opponents they played last Sunday 3rd placed Hertford Town Ladies, were beaten then at home as Hertford Town Ladies extended their unbeaten record in the league to 8 matches. Were at home against Sherrardswood this Sunday after a goalless 1st half Sherrardswood scored 15 minutes into the 2nd half Rhiana Rose putting the ball into the back of the net. Dee Gilbert pulled Hertford Town Ladies back into the game 10 minutes later and it looked to be heading for a draw when up popped Abby Cardall to score the winner for Sherrardswood Ladies to put them 3 points clear at the top have played alot more games than all their title rivals but bring Hertford Town Ladies unbeaten record to an end.
One side in Beds & Herts Division One with plenty of games on the new leaders are 6th placed Garston Ladies having played just 6 league matches to date. Were on the road at the weekend taking on 4th placed Bishops Stortford Ladies. The home side scored twice in the 2nd half, Sapphire Bennett and Elle Georgiou with the strikes, however Bishops Stortford’s own title ambitions were dealt a blow as Garston hit back winning the match 3-2 with goals scored by Gemma Curtis, Jade Hales and Caroline Tenebaum as they move up a place to 5th are 10 points behind the leaders with 8 matches in hand.
Leaders of Beds & Herts Division Two, Sharnbrook WFC saw their game postponed at the weekend giving an opportunity for the sides below to close the gap. 2nd placed Houghton Athletic Ladies were soundly beaten at Sharnbrook WFC last weekend as they opened up an 8 point lead at the top. That lead has been reduced to 5 points with Houghton Athletic Ladies at bottom side Evergreen Eagles this Sunday. Emma Hawkes scored 4 times as they won the 3 points winning 4-0.
3rd placed Hitchin Town Ladies keep pace with Houghton Athletic Ladies a point behind them scoring 4 themselves this Sunday away to Royston Town Ladies Reserves. Rebecca Day scoring a brace with a goal each for Emma Chaffey and Chanel Sherriff-Geary. Royston Town Ladies Reserves pulled one goal back through Grace Leslie as they lost 4-1. Like thier 1st team in beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Garston Ladies FC 96 have matches in hand on the sides above them and move up from 6th to 4th this weekend in Division Two with a large 6-0 win at home against Woburn Lionesses.
With the leading pair not in action in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three it was a chance for 3rd placed Evergreen Ladies and 4th placed Crawley Green Ladies to close the gap on their rivals for promotion. Evergreen Ladies were at home taking on bottom side Shefford Town & Campton Ladies. Goals from Lauren Atkins and Nicola Cairns along with a hat-trick scored by Emily Jones gave them the 5-0 victory and moves them to within 3 points of Icknield Ladies and Hitchin Belles above with a game in hand on Icknield.
Crawley Green Ladies promotion hopes took a dent away from home against Bedwell Rangers FC, despite going a goal up with Jessica McNamara on target, Bedwell Rangers FC hit them for six. Jessica Sullivan and Sarah King giving them a 2-1 lead going into half time both were to score again in the 2nd half with Ailish Beadle hitting a goal home on 78 minutes, Rebecca Moore adding the 6th goal in the final minute to give Bedwell their 1st 3 point haul of 2016.
That concludes another busy Edition of The Tuesday Round-Up midway through March a few sides falling away from the promotion picture, two more sides losing their unbeaten records just the 3 sides now with a 0 in the L column will they hold onto them till the end of the season? Title battles taking new twists, a few more to come as the league season enters the home straight with cup final line-ups being decided, it’ll all be covered by Women’s Football East the calculator working overtime as all the possible scenario’s are worked out, but it’s on the pitch matters will be decided… until next week thanks for reading.
Welcome to Edition Twenty Five of The Tuesday Round-Up. The 1st Sunday of March and it was scheduled to be a busy one too. January and February have been awful weather wise and the level of postponed fixtures across the East has been huge, was hoping March would be a little kinder but sadly it wasn’t as a wet start to the weekend saw nearly half of the fixture list kicking there heels once again. Still of the games that were played there were some very important ones taking place the semi-finals of the FAWPL League Plate and ERWFL League Cup. A quarter final in the FAWPL League Cup and several important league matches across the East. Sad news too as another women’s football team has folded. Busy a game on a Tuesday night puts me under pressure to get The Tuesday Round-Up done so let’s get cracking.
FAWPL League Cup
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are already into 2 cup finals this season the Ryman Cup and Capital Cup, took another step to potentially reaching a 3rd this Sunday in the quarter finals of the FAWPL League Cup. Faced a tough challenge having drawn FAWPL Southern Division leaders Brighton & Hove Albion WFC. Tottenham were knocked out of the FA Women’s Cup in extra-time last Sunday at home to FAWSL 2 side Aston Villa Ladies that match had took it’s toll with several 1st team regulars unavailable. Brighton too named a youthful side resting a few 1st team regulars themselves.
The match was played at Brimsdown Rovers FC, both sides created chances but neither could break the deadlock. Late into the match 3 minutes on the clock, Tottenham were awarded a free kick a chance for defender Alex Keown to launch the ball from distance into the Brighton area. Lucia Leon was there to latch onto the ball her 1st stab and goal blocked by Leah Samain making her debut for the Brighton 1st team in goal, however Leon had a 2nd bite to slot the ball home and did scoring the winning goal to put Tottenham Hotspur Ladies into the semi-finals where they will face Nottingham Forest Ladies an away trip to be played Sun 20th March.
FAWPL League Plate
It was the the semi-finals of the FAWPL League Plate being played this weekend. Enfield Town Ladies from the FAWPL South East Division One were at home at The Queen Elizabeth Stadium were the underdogs as they welcomed FAWPL Northern Division side Newcastle United WFC making their 3rd long journey down south for a cup competition had seen off Gillingham FC Ladies from the FAWPL South East Division One in the quarter-finals with a 3-0 away win. Enfield Town Ladies had reached the semi-final beating another FAWPL Northern Division team Loughborough Foxes LFC 1-0.
Newcastle United WFC had chances to take the lead, but so to did Enfield Town Ladies and it was the home side who took the advantage into the break with Alena Beganovic scoring on 39 minutes. It wasn’t until 6 minutes from time before the 2nd goal came, Chloe Bassett drilling the ball home to make it 2-0 to Enfield Town Ladies and send them through to their 1st ever National Final in what is their 30th anniversary season.
They will be joined in the final by Coventry United Ladies the FAWPL Southern Division side travelling to the South West to play Keynsham Town Ladies from FAWPL South West Division One. The away side got off to a great start Ashleigh Neville scoring to give Coventry the on 6 minutes, 2-0 up after 12 minutes Marie Gauntlett with the goal. Amber Hughes scored on the half hour mark to give Coventry a 3-0 half time lead. The goals continued to come 2nd half Gauntlett getting her 2nd of the match on the 60 minutes with Hughes getting her 2nd a couple of minutes later and own goal put them 6-0 up then 10 minutes from time Hughes completed her hat-trick Coventry winning 7-0 and reaching the League Plate final without conceding a goal.
The FAWPL League Plate Final between Enfield Town Ladies and Coventry United Ladies will be played on Sunday 24th April at Hednesford Town FC.
FAWPL Southern Division
3 matches played in the FAWPL Southern Division all featuring sides at the wrong end of the table. 2nd bottom Forest Green Rovers Ladies were hosting Queens Park Rangers Ladies the home side had the advantage at half-time leading 1-0 thanks to an Annie Martin strike. But for the 2nd league game in a row Queens Park Rangers came back from a goal down to win the match, Jo Wilson was brought down inside the Forest Green Rovers a spot kick awarded up stepped Emma Whitter to score and put Queens Park Rangers back on level terms on 60 minutes the winning goal coming 15 minutes from time with Juliette Denny on target to see the 3 points won and Queens Park Ranger climb up to 8th in the table.
Lewes Ladies were also on the road this Sunday away to bottom side Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Defeat last weekend had left Lewes Ladies in 10th spot 6 points above Forest Green Rovers Ladies. Natasha Wells found the back of the net midway through the 1st half to give the visitors a lead at half-time. Paige Walder added another goal on 57 to make it 2-0 the 3 points assured on the 90th minute with Danielle Lane netting, Plymouth Argyle pulled 1 goal back deep into injury time Ezme Wells with the strike, a consolation as Lewes open up a 9 point gap above the relegation zone up to 9th.
With Queens Park Rangers and Lewes Ladies both winning this Sunday that saw West Ham United Ladies drop to 10th in the league. were at home at AFC Hornchurch with 5th placed Portsmouth FC Ladies. The visitors getting off to a flyer, Molly Clark scoring in the opening 10 minutes, Leeta Rutherford made it 2-0 shortly after. Ellie Bloomfield getting a goal too midway through the 1st half giving Portsmouth a 3-0 lead at the break. Sarah Kempson was on target twice in the 2nd half the final score 5-1 the win lifting Portsmouth above Cardiff City Ladies and Coventry United Ladies into 3rd place.
FAWPL South East Division One
One fixture survived the weather in FAWPL South East Division One with Gillingham FC Ladies hosting Denham United Ladies at Chatham Town FC. The hoe side found themselves a goal down at 15 minutes after Denham United were awarded a penalty, Alissa Down scoring it to put the visitors ahead held onto the advantage going into the half-time interval. Gillingham FC Ladies came out strong at the start of the 2nd half creating chances before Jade Keogh struck to put them level on 50 minutes, 2 minutes later they had the lead Paige Baker-Carroll scoring one then finding the back of the net 7 minutes later to get her brace put Gillingham 3-1 up. Ten minutes left to play Kallie Balfour netted to make it 4-1 Lydia Wills starting on the bench today came on on in the 73rd minute scored in the final minute to seal a 5-1 win move Gillingham 3 points closer to the teams above them in 5th with games in hand.
Eastern Regional Leagues
The FAWPL League Plate semi-finals weren’t the only ones taking place this weekend, on Sunday it was also the semi-finals of the ERWFL League Cup. Newly promoted from the Essex Women’s Premier Divison, Silver End United Ladies were the underdogs in their semi-final the ERWFL Division One East side drawn at home against Premier Division title hopefuls Stevenage Ladies. After a goalless 1st half, Silver End United went a goal down Jessica Nash scoring for Stevenage Ladies. Silver End United turned it around in the final 5 minutes having worked hard to get back onto level terms, then snatched a last minute winner to take the game 2-1 to reach the final, Rebecca Hollocks the heroine scoring both of the goals.
They will be joined in the ERWFL League Cup final by Colchester Town Ladies after they beat AFC Sudbury Ladies coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller. It’s the featured match from this Sunday on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog. Both sides competing in the Premier Division, the game could have gone to either side. It was the away side AFC Sudbury who took the lead midway through the 1st half Stacey Teager turning a cross home at the near post. The lead didn’t last long with Colchester coming back Chelsea Forde bundling the ball over the line after AFC Sudbury fail to clear from a corner. Could have gone into the break with a 2-1 lead were awarded a penalty kick late in the half. Kerry Stimson smashing her powerful shot against the bottom of the post to miss.
The 1st half was lively, nothing compared to the 2nd, Colchester are awarded a 2nd penalty early in the 2nd half as Stimson is brought down running into the box. Paige Wakefield takes this spot kick scores 2-1. Doesn’t take AFC Sudbury long to get it level again a break up the left Sophie Jeffery out muscling Victoria King for the ball drives on into the box and drills a shot across goal comes back off the far post Jeffery’s momentum has carried her into the middle of goal to turn the rebound in. Colchester are soon back in the lead Stimson linking with Alexandra Brewis-Shephard her return ball putting Stimson through on goal to score. Straight from the other end AFC Sudbury get back to 3-3, Teager with her 2nd goal of the game. 10 minutes left the match could go either way Stimson is put through on goal again lifts her shot over the advancing keeper to make it 4-3, hold onto the lead this time and win the game 4-3 to set up a final with Silver End United Ladies. For the whole match report on the SWF Blog ckick on the link below
In the ERWFL Premier Division Billericay Town Ladies open up a 3 point gap over Stevenage Ladeis at the top with a big home win against 2nd bottom side Great Shelford Ladies winning the game 6-0 with 5 different goalscorers a brace from Lindsey Morgan was backed up with goals each for Nicola Dunston, Hayley Piggott, Marie Barker and Sarah Bovington have 2 league matches left to play, Stevenage have 4 games in hand.
4th placed Haringey Borough Women were at home at the weekend taking on Brentwood Town Ladies, ended a run of 4 league matches without a win to get the 3 points this Sunday Stephanie Cooper and Klesha Darroux both on the scoresheet as they beat Brentwood Town Ladies 2-1, Ashley Debnam with their goal.
AFC Dunstable Ladies current run of good form continues now 5 matches unbeaten in 5 league match. Won again this Sunday away to Great Wakering Rovers Ladies. Winning the match 3-1 the goals scored by Charlotte South, Paige Kavanagh and Kemina Webber to lift them 3 points clear in 5th spot in the league table.
Elsewhere in the ERWFL, the Division One Cup Group Stages continue. In Group A Ipswich Wanderers Ladies record their 1st win in the competition to lift themselves up into 3rd spot in the table, away playing Stevenage Ladies Reserves, Kristie Turner gave them the lead scoring from the penalty spot. A stunning strike from Leah Littlechild got Stevenage back on level terms however Ipswich Wanderers, Tarnya McKew scored in the closing minutes to seal the win.
Also in Group A the leaders of the ERWFL Division One West and East meet in the Cup, Hutton Ladies at home to Writtle Ladies. The visitors had the better of it scoring twice to win the match 2-0, to move a point behind Group A leader Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies. Abigail Fry and Leanne Stubbings the plays to score.
In Group B, leaders Offley & Stopsley Ladies made it 3 wins out of 3 edging out Royston Town Ladies at home by the odd goal in 7 winning 4-3 to put them 3 points in the lead. Up to 3rd place in the Grouo B table are Hoddesdon Owls Ladies winning their 1st game in the group this Sunday, at home taking on Long Melford Ladies, goals from Rebecca Scola and Daniela Martucci got them the 3 points winning the game 2-0.
Norfolk
Norfolk was hit heavy with the postponements this weekend with only 2 matches surviving. In Norfolk Women’s Division One, 3rd placed Aylsham FC Ladies will look back and wish theirs had fallen foul to the weather too. Were on their travels playing at Kings Meadow against 2nd placed Wymondham Town Ladies, who remain unbeaten in the league with games in hand on leaders Brandon Town Ladies, Sally Hammerton bagged herself a hat-trick with a brace a piece for Kelly Ayers and Amber Cantwell, Laura Hammerton also finding the back of the net in an emphatic 8-0 victory.
Aylsham FC Ladies might have thought conceding 8 goals was bad but it was worse for Morley Ladies in Norfolk Women’s Division Two as they were thumped 16-1 at Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies. Nikki Wigg struck to find the back of the net for 5 of the Kirkley & Pakefield goals Jody Wells scored 4, with 3 for Selina Rowland the other goals were shared by Sophie Marti, Gemma Farman, Sue-Lyn King, and Abbie Knights plus an own goal. Candice Halstead got the Morley Ladies goal. Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies stay 2nd a point behind North Walsham Angels Ladies after they were awarded a home win against Bungay Town Ladies Reserves.
Suffolk
In Suffolk there was just the one league match taking place with Brantham Athletic Ladies at home to Witnesham Wasps Ladies, scored a goal in both the 1st and 2nd half to win the match 2-0. Kirsten Hutchings and Jessica Ryan the players on target. The win sees Brantham Athletic climb above Bacton United Ladies into 2nd place.
Cambridgeshire
Was also meant to be the semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s league Cup this Sunday but sadly the ties between Cambridge United WFC Reserves & Fulbourn Bluebirds + Huntingdon Town Ladies & Cambridge City Ladies were postponed.
In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership there was just the one fixture, but a huge one for Newmarket Town Ladies as they picked up their 1st win in the top division. Away to Bar Hill Ladies, with their U18s fresh from winning a place in their League Cup final on Saturday the 1st team celebrated by beating Bar Hill Ladies away from home. Abbie Griffin, Kirsten Hummell and Dominika Szary all scoring in a 3-1 win. Anna Jephson with the goal for Bar Hill Ladies.
One match took place in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South with Downham Town Ladies on the road taking on 2nd bottom Hungate Rovers Ladies. George Lingham hit a hat-trick along with goals fron Zoe Sharp and Chelsea Thomason to win the match 5-0 the victory lifting Downham Town Ladies up to 2nd in the table.
All 3 scheduled league matches in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship took place at the weekend, Little Paxton Ladies have dropped out of the league which has seen a small amount of adjustment to the table. St Ives Town Ladies are still top but the lead is now down to a single point with 2nd place Park Ladies closing the gap and giving their goal difference a massive boost with a large home win against Isleham United Ladies, Kirstie Smith top scored with a hat-trick, with Ebony Bliss, Casey Ward and Erin Powell getting a brace, Madison Jackson and Gemma Hutton also scored in an 11-2 victory. Laura Todd scored both of Isleham United goals. Park Ladies have a game in hand on the leaders.
4th v 3rd as Milton Ladies played host to Riverside Rovers Reserves and Milton Ladies leapfrog Riverside Rovers into 3rd spot courtesy of a 4-0 win Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks scoring 3 times with Felicity Price also on the scoresheet. Another big winner at the weekend were Comberton Ladies at home to bottom side Cambridge Rangers. Kerri Hilton-Taylor was on fire putting the ball into the back of the net 6 times, Megan Jeray also scored as Comberton won 7-2.
Essex
Very quiet in Essex this weekend, with all but one league and cup fixture surviving that was in the Essex Women’s Premier Division with Collier Row Tigers at home to Walden Ladies. Had slipped to 5th in the table but are now right back in the hunt for the title winning comprehensively 10-0 to climb back up into 3rd spot 2 points behind leaders Chelmsford City Ladies.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Sherrardswood Ladies level on points at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One with Harvesters FC Ladies had the opportunity to go 3 points clear this Sunday were playing 3rd placed Hertford Town Ladies at home. Hertford Town had played just the one league match so far in 2016 de to cup commitments and postponements prior to that were going strong in the league undefeated in 7 matches with 6 of those wins. Laveena Betts and Donna Watts got the goals for Hertford Town Ladies as they beat Sherrardswood Ladies 2-0 the win putting them onto 22 points 3 behind the leading pair with games in hand.
Battle of the top 2 in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two, with leaders Sharnbrook WFC 5 points clear of 2nd placed Houghton Athletic Ladies going into the game. Thing’s didn’t go to plan for Houghton Athletic travelling to Sharnbrook as they suffered a heavy defeat to see gap extended to 8 points. Sharnbrook taking the lead midway through the 1st half, Gemma Franklin netting the goal, Charlotte Mullins scored just past the half hour mark, Franklin scoring again in 1st half injury time to make it 3-0 at half time. Mullins was on target 6 minutes into the 2nd half scoring her 2nd goal of the match. Sarah Fuller got herself on the scoresheet on the 60th minute with Tracey Hutchinson getting a goal 8 minutes later. Sian Cunningham made it 7-0 in the late minute to see Sharnbrook extend their lead at the top of the table.
Bottom club Evergreen Eagles picked up a point for the 2nd successive Sunday a high scoring draw as they held 4th placed Watton Ladies the match ending 4-4.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, leaders Hitchin Belles made it 10 wins out of 10 in the league to stay top, were at home hosting bottom side Shefford Town & Campton Ladies. The usual suspects with the goals with Emily Field and Shannon Page both putting the back home to win the game 2-0.
Previous league leaders Icknield Ladies had suffered there 1st league defeat in 7 matches last time out dropping to 2nd on goal difference behind Hitchin Belles they keep the points tally neck and neck 30 each getting 3 points away to Hatfield Town Ladies. Won big to take the 3 points, Zoe Molloy netting a hat-trick, Cyeanna Eaton a brace with a goal each for Louise Grocott, Sandra Knias, Jodie Molloy and Jackie Sheridan in a 9-1 win.
The team who beat Icknield Ladies last Sunday were Bedmond Ladies the win lifting them up into 4th in the table and into the mix for promotion. Their opponents Evergreen Ladies had suffered defeat at that weekend away to Hitchin Belles now they were away to Bedmond and win for either would give them home of catching the leading pair. Evergreen Ladies got the 3 points to move back up into 3rd place in a high scoring match coming out on top of a 5-3 scoreline. Their goals scored by Emily Jones, Rebecca Freeman, Natalie Maher, Louisa Johnson and Krystie Jacobs.
End with some sad news as there has been another side drop out of the leagues, in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, Welwyn Garden City Ladies have folded which sees an adjustment to the table Women’s Football East wishes everyone involved the very best and hope you find a new club to enjoy your football with.
That concludes another edition of The Tuesday Round-Up plenty of goals scored this Sunday. Another two cup finalists sorted. League battles not going to plan at the top for a few as the business end of the season arrives, still lots to play for. Just want to see some sunshine. Results are all updated in the leagues, cups and the league tables themselves to follow will update as soon as I can, off to watch West Ham United Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies at Upton Park tonight been looking forwards to this visit. Until next Tuesday thanks for reading.
Welcome to Edition Twenty Four of The Tuesday Round-Up bringing you all of the women’s football action across the East for this the last Sunday in February with clubs gearing up for a final push for points. The FA Women’s Cup saw 7 ties spread out all over England reach the 4th Round Proper, the 9 sides from FAWSL 1 join the competition in the next round. The finalists have been decided to contest the Norfolk Women’s County Cup. I recent edition’s of The Tuesday Round-Up I have been going on about how busy the end of the season is going to be for several clubs getting behind with their fixtures in their leagues, of course the opposite applies to a few with February drawing to a close, so too are their fixtures and a few thing’s are starting to look clearer in the battle for the top or bottom in most leagues. Just a handful of postponements too as the days lengthen and the weather slowly begins to improve, so plenty of games to bring you, let’s get started.
FA Women’s Cup
Of the 7, 4th Round Proper, FA Women’s Cup ties taking place this Sunday, 3 involved teams playing in the FAWPL Southern Division. It was an all FAWPL tie for FAWPL Southern Division leaders, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC drawn at home for the 3rd consecutive round of the FA Women’s Cup. Had thrashed FAWSL 2 side Oxford United Women by a huge 10-0 margin in the last round. Was a long journey to the south coast for Blackburn Rovers Ladies who play in the FAWPL Northern Division.
Kate Natkiel gave the home side the perfect start scoring from distance in the opening 3 minutes, created more chances during the 1st half hitting the woodwork but couldn’t add to their advantage before half-time. Blackburn Rovers fought hard to get back into the match getting themselves back on level terms on 66 minutes with Lynda Shepherd converting from the penalty spot to make it 1-1. Into the final 10 minutes and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC restored their lead, Amy Taylor seeing her shot from distance go through the goalkeepers gloves and into the back of the net the final score 2-1. The draw for the 5th Round of the FA Women’s Cup was made on Monday and a club form the FAWPL will be guaranteed a spot in the quarter finals as Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were drawn at home to play the only other FAWPL side to make it through, Sporting Club Albion Ladies from the FAWPL Northern Division who beat FAWSL 2 newcomers Sheffield FC Ladies 3-1 away from home.
Charlton Athletic Women had beaten FAWPL Northern Division side Newcastle United WFC 10-0 at home in the previous round, were drawn to play another side from the North East in the 4th Round only away this time as they made the long journey north to play FAWSL 2 side Durham Women FC. Both sides were creating goal scoring chances with both goalkeepers busy. Durham Women FC took the lead on 20 minutes, Beth Hepple curling a shot from the edge of the box home, the lead didn’t last long as Charlton Athletic responded 6 minutes late Gemma Shepherd pulling the scores back to 1-1. Megan Lynch in the Charlton Athletic goal made two good saves to keep Durham from retaking the lead before Charlton had a chance to go into the lead themselves after they were awarded a penalty. Helen Alderson saved the penalty taken by Shepherd. Durham Women FC scored soon afterwards Natalie Gutteridge putting them 2-1 up at half-time. It wasn’t until the final 5 minutes before Durham made the tie safe Gutteridge netting again to make the final score 3-1. In the 5th Round of the FA Women’s Cup Durham Women FC will be away to FAWSL 1 Notts County Ladies.
Bianca Baptiste scored twice for Tottenham
It was also FAWPL v FAWSL 2 in the other FA Women’s Cup 4th Round tie with Totteham Hotspur Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division hosting Aston Villa Ladies at Cheshunt FC this Sunday. Still building up for the upcoming FAWSL season this was Aston Villa’s 2nd competitive match of the season having beaten Portsmouth FC Ladies in the previous round. Were caught cold right from kick off with a perfectly weighted ball seeing Tottenham’s Bianca Baptiste put through on goal and lobbing advancing goalkeeper Jess Myers from outside the box to score in the opening minute.
Aston Villa got into their stride with both sides creating chances finding space out wide if not the final ball into the box. Midway through the 1st half Aston Villa were level breaking from a Tottenham free kick on half way the ball was sent forwards for new signing Destiney Toussaint to latch onto making a run in behind the Tottenham defence to send the ball past goalkeeper Toni-Ann Wayne coming to the edge of her box to make it 1-1 at the break. Tottenham were to regain the lead in the 2nd half catching the Aston Villa defence static after a couple of pauses for injuries to be treated Baptiste was put through again to lob the keeper from outside the box for the 2nd time in the match. The game was end to end Aston Villa looking to get back into it won a corner with 7 minutes left a great in swinging delivery was met at the far post by midfielder Mollie Rouse who bundled her header over the line 2-2 the final whistle blew sending the match into extra time. The 1st period saw no more goals. Early in the 2nd half of extra-time Aston Villa were attacking up the left from the resulting throw striker Katie Wilkinson was looking to carry the ball across the face of the box looking for space to shoot when she was shoved over the referee pointing to the spot. Wilkinson to take slotted the ball past the diving Wayne to score going 3-2 up turned out to be the winning goal as Aston Villa advance to the 5th Round Proper where they will be at home to fellow FAWSL 2 side Everton Ladies. This game was the featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday, for the whole report click on the link below
Five more ties complete the line up for the 5th Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup scheduled to be played on Sunday 20th March are listed below
Birmingham City Ladies v Arsenal Ladies
Doncaster Rovers Belles v Chelsea Ladies
Liverpool Ladies v Manchester City Women
Reading FC Women v Millwall Lionesses
Yeovil Town Ladies v Sunderland AFC Ladies
FAWPL Southern Division
Coventry United Ladies climb above Cardiff City Ladies on goal difference into 3rd spot in the FAWPL Southern Division courtesy of a 4-0 away win at West Ham United Ladies on Sunday. All of their goals coming in the 1st half with Helen Dermody scoring on 7 minutes going on to score again on 18. Marie Gauntlett scored Coventry United Ladies 3rd on 27 with the 4th coming just 3 minutes later Natasha Lynch the goalscorer. Have 3 games in hand on leaders Brighton & Hove Albion WFC with the gap 11 points.
Portsmouth FC Ladies are 2 points further back in 5th spot also with 3 games in hand on the leaders following a big win at the weekend a home against their south coast rivals Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Sarah Kempson scored a hat-trick during the match her 1st coming on the 25th minute after Ellie Bloomfield had given Portsmouth FC Ladies the lead 2-0 at half-time Portsmouth scored 4 goals in 10 minutes to put the result beyond doubt, Kempson with 2 goals in 3 minutes on 61 and 64 to complete her hat-trick 3 minutes later Molly Clark netted, with sub Natasha Stephens adding the 6th goal on the 70th minute. Jodie Chubb saw red for two bookable offences late on to compound Plymouth Argyle Ladies day who have a new manager in charge Dave Leonard, bottom of the league without a win since September are 10 points from safety with 6 league games left.
Continuing to do well in their debut season in the FAWPL Southern Division, Essex side C&K Basildon Ladies are comfortable in mid-table picking up another 3 points this Sunday with a long road trip west to play 2nd bottom side Forest Green Rovers Ladies. In a close match a single goal was enough to secure all 3 points, Amy Nash getting the goal 4 minutes before half-time. Queens Park Rangers Ladies travelled down to the South Coast at the weekend to take on Lewes Ladies a place and 3 points above them in 9th going into the game. Both looking to pull clear of the 2 sides below them. Lewes Ladies got off to the perfect start taking the lead in the open 5 minutes with Emma Plewa on target. Hel on to the lead for 70 minutes before Queens Park Rangers Ladies got it back to 1-1 with Danielle Puddefoot striking on 72 minutes the match looked to be heading for a draw but up stepped Queens Park Rangers Ladies captain Elly Maggs to score the winning goal in injury time to give the visitors all 3 points and leapfrog above Lewes Ladies on goal difference.
FAWPL South East Division One
A big game in FAWPL South East Division One with leaders Crystal Palace Ladies taking their unbeaten record in the league to Chatham Town FC taking on 5th placed Gillingham FC Ladies still with title ambitions themselves and plenty of games in hand to try and close the gap. Emma Tune gave the home side the lead midway through the 1st half, curling a free kick in from the edge of the box to put them 1 up. Crystal Palace Ladies were awarded a penalty late in the 2nd half Gemma Bryant scoring from it on 77 minutes to put them back on level terms, neither side could find a late winner the points shared. A point suiting Crystal Palace better as they remain top, Gillingham still have 3 games in hand on them in 5th with the gap to close 12 points. Gillingham FC Ladies defender Charlie Thurston suffered a broken foot during the match but continued playing for 60 minutes, tough as nails, Women’s Football East wishes her a speedy recovery.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies remain 2nd a point behind Crystal Palace Ladies having played 3 games more. Were on the road this weekend at The Queen Elizabeth Stadium on Donkey Lane taking on Enfield Town Ladies. 2 goals scored by Leah Cudone were enough to see Milton Keynes Dons Ladies win all 3 points the final score 2-1 Enfield Town Ladies goal scored by Regan Coleman.
Cambridge United WFC continue their good form as they played their final home league match of the season this Sunday hosting 2nd bottom Lowestoft Town Ladies. Stay 3rd in the table despite being held at 0-0 by Lowestoft Town Ladies in the 1st half. Cambridge United WFC came out firing 2nd half and took the lead on 51 minutes Laura Mills with the goal. Captain Laura Bright doubled the lead on 70 minutes from a corner with striker Paige Logie adding a 3rd goal with 12 minutes left to play have played more games than all the teams around them but will have a say in the title race as 3 of their final 4 league games are away to sides in the top 5.
Luton Town Ladies are level with Cambridge United WFC on points in 4th on goal difference. Were at home to Denham United Ladies this Sunday. Striker Joanne Rutherford gave Luton Town Ladies the lead scoring after just 4 minutes. Wasn’t till the 2nd half before the home side doubled their advantage Natasha Fensome heading home to make it 2-0, Erika Byron made sure of the 3 points scoring with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Eastern Regional Leagues
The top two in the ERWFL Premier Division met for the 2nd time in a fortnight this Sunday with leaders Billericay Town Ladies at home taking on 2nd placed Stevenage Ladies. The game 2 weeks ago ended goalless. Wasn’t much between the two sides again 1 goal winning the game. A huge result for Stevenage Ladies, Nicole Perschky the heroine scoring the goal to take the 3 points move them level on points with Billericay Town Ladies an inferior goal difference but have 3 games in hand giving them the edge in the race for promotion to the FAWPL.
AFC Dunstable Ladies move into the top half of the ERWFL Premier Division into 5th showing great league form in 2016 unbeaten in 4 league matches travelling to Essex this Sunday to play Brentwood Town Ladies. Emma Mackie and Charlotte Twydell found the back of the net for Brentwood Town Ladies, 2 goals wasn’t enough however with AFC Dunstable Ladies taking all 3 points with a 3-2 victory, Danielle Carty win a goal 6 minutes into the 2nd half along with a brace from Carly Cowell on 60 and 69 minutes.
Colchester Town Ladies were at home taking on bottom side Great Wakering Rovers Ladies were 2-0 up inside the opening 5 minutes, Georgia Box striking the ball home inside the 1st minute, Paige Wakefield making it 2-0. Alexandra Brewis-Shephard scored their 3rd goal on the half hour mark. 2nd half Wakefield went on to score 2 more for her hat-trick the final score 5-1.
The ERWFL Division One Cup continues this weekend with 5 games taking place across the 2 groups A & B. Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies are now top of Group A unbeaten in 4 matches played so far a single goal away to Hutton Ladies giving them their 2nd win Katy Judd scoring on her debut.
Writtle Ladies are 2nd in the group also unbeaten winning 4-0 at home against Sawbridgeworth Town Ladies at the weekend. 2 goals from Amy Simmons plus 1 each for Mia Brisley and Nicola Medici giving the Essex side the 3 points. Bury Town Ladies were leading Group A going into the weekend 2 wins an a defeat to date, were at home at with Stevenage Ladies Reserves the visitors looking for their 1st win in the competition, got the 3 points winning the game 3-0, Leah Littlechild striking twice along with a goal from Alexandria Moir to give them the win.
There have been more postponements in Group B so less matches played to date. Offley & Stopsley Women top the group with 2 wins out of 2, won 5-0 away from home this Sunday in Suffolk taking on Long Melford Ladies, Charlene Moreton scoring a hat-trick, Katerina Hamplova and Rianne Townsend-Brown also getting their names on the scoresheet.
Joint 2nd in Group B are Colney Heath Ladies also with 2 wins from 2 matches played. 2nd on goal difference were away from home too this Sunday a trip to Hoddesdon Owls Ladies. Came away 3-0 winners all the goals coming in the 1st half, Annie Hickey putting Colney Heath Ladies 1 up, Samantha May and quoting the Colney Heath Ladies twitter feed “SCREAMER!!” Sophie Joseph made it 3-0.
Royston Town Ladies haven’t played a game in the competition to date but start with a victory this Sunday to move them into 3rd place in Group B as they beat Silver End United Ladies 3-1 on home turf, Samantha Tinsley putting them 1 up at half-time went on to score twice more 2nd half to complete her hat-trick, Rebecca Hollocks getting a goal for Silver End 15 minutes into the 2nd half the final score 3-1.
Norfolk
Both semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup were postponed last weekend, immediately rescheduled for this Sunday the weather alot better across Norfolk both were on. Aylsham FC Ladies from Norfolk Division One were at home against Division Two side Red Rose Ladies. Won the match 3-1 to book their place in the final.
Was a repeat of last season’s final in the other semi-final with Thorpe United Ladies having home advantage over defending Cup holders Acle United Ladies. The team in pink runners up in the competition for 3 out of the last 4 finals made it through to their 3rd successive final edging a very close match scoring to win 1-0 to knock the holders out and set up an all Norfolk Women’s Division One final.
In Norfolk Women’s Division One itself leaders Brandon Town Ladies remain 7 points clear at the top, faced 2nd placed Wymondham Town Ladies at home this weekend and for the 2nd time this season the pair played out a goalless draw. 4 teams have been in the running for the Norfolk Division One title all season, Brandon Town Ladies are almost played out just one league game left whilst the chasing pack have games in hand Brandon Town Ladies play 4th placed Thorpe United Ladies away in their last league fixture a win would knock Thorpe United out of the running. Either way Brandon Town Ladies will be left as spectators at the top the 3 sides hoping to catch them all playing each other before the season ends, March and April is going to be very interesting.
Elsewhere in Norfolk Women’s Division One the bottom 4 clubs met each other, Bungay Town Ladies win for the 2nd successive Sunday to climb above opponents Lynn Ladies into 5th place, the winning margin 2-0 new signings Ella Hindley and Lauren Matthews with the goals either one in each half. In the clash between the bottom 2 Fakenham Town Ladies welcomed Long Stratton Ladies to Clipbush Park without a win in the league this season the visitors got a point sharing the spoils with the match ending 3-3. Megan Bird, Emily Watts, and Charlie Head with their goals. Nina Batchelor, Sian Sands and Rochelle Woods on target for Fakenham Town Ladies.
In Norfolk Women’s Division Two, North Walsham Angels Ladies in only their 2nd season have secured a top 2 finish in the league winning big at the weekend 8-1 away to bottom side Morley Ladies. Emma Allsopp scored 3 goals, with 2 more from Hope Middleton on her debut, Luci Middleton and Lauren Yarham also scoring. A side that is growing all the time, move back to the top of the table by a point having played 2 games more than rivals Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies.
Sprowston Ladies move 5 points clear in 3rd place in Division Two winning 2-1 at home against Stalham Town Ladies in their penultimate league game, Millie Cursons and Rebecca Kirby with the goals to win them the 3 points.
With leaders Harleston Ladies not playing this weekend it gave 2nd placed Gorleston FC Ladies finally getting a run of league matches going a chance to close the gap just 6 league games to date have a 100% win record made it 7 wins out of 7 winning by a comfortable margin 8-1 away to Freethorpe Ladies. Bethany Turner scored a hat-trick with a brace a piece for Samantha Hunn and Kayleigh Byrne a goal form Hayley Muir too completing their total to end February in style.
A much closer scoreline between Dereham Town Ladies and Red Rose United with the visitors coming out the better of a 3-4 game this Sunday coming back from 3-0 down at half time to win the game. In the last match in Division Three this weekend Sprowston Town Ladies lift themselves off the bottom of the table beating their closest rivals in terms of league points 4-0 away from home giving them their 2nd league win of the season.
Suffolk
Jessica Oxlade was on target, scoring 5 goals as leaders East Bergholt United opened up a 6 point lead at the top of the Suffolk Women’s Division, at home to bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies, Kelly Jackson also scored 2 goals with a goal each for Jessica Quinsee and Georgina Longden in a 9-0 win.
The gap increases as 2nd placed Bacton United Ladies lost at the weekend going down 2-1 at home to Witnesham Wasps Ladies, despite taking a 1-0 lead into half time the visitors came back into the game 2nd half with Emily Steward scoring both of their goals to give them the 3 points.
Bacton United Ladies losing allowed 3rd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies to close the gap to them to just a point. Were at home to 2nd bottom side Leiston St Margarets Ladies at the weekend, 2 goals from Lucy Dunnett, with Kirsten Hutchings and Carra Seeley also on target, plus an own goal saw them take the 3 points with a 5-0 win. The title race still wide open in Suffolk, with both Brantham Athletic Ladies and 4th placed Copleston Ladies having games in hand on the leaders whether either can close the gap on East Bergholt United we will see.
Cambridgeshire
No matches in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership or Championship South this Sunday. 2 league matches took place in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North with league leaders Bourne Ladies extending their advantage at the top to 8 points with a 2-0 home win against 4th placed Downham Town Ladies. Claire Lawrenson scored for the 5th league match in a row with Tracey Duxbury-Mead getting the other goal scoring from the penalty spot.
Also in the Championship North, Swineshead Institute Ladies leapfrog opponents Wisbech St Marys Ladies to move into 5th in the table winning 3-2 at home. Sian Peeling and Jeorgia Carr scored for Wisbech St Marys Ladies but it wasn’t enough with Eleanor Spendlow striking 3 times to win the game for Swineshead Institute.
Elsewhere in Cambridgeshire this weekend it was the quarter finals of the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup. Fulbourn Bluebirds from the Premiership were at home to Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies, a 1-1 draw saw the game move into extra-time both sides scoring another goal to make it 2-2 and send the match into a penalty shootout. Wisbech Town Ladies advance to the semi-finals winning 2-0 in the end. Kirsty Geal and Krissie Taylor with the goals for Fulbourn Bluebirds.
Another Premiership knocked out of the Junior Invitation Cup are Huntingdon Town Ladies was a tough ask as they travelled to Championship South side Isleham United Ladies with just 8 players. Did well managing to score, Kallie-Ann Daniels with the goal. Isleham’s numerical advantage proved too much in the end as they found the back of the Huntingdon net twice, Anita Butters and Laura Todd the players on target to seal a 2-1 victory.
Madison Jackson and Amy Newell both scored for Park Ladies in the all Championship South quarter final, were at home against Riverside Rovers Reserves, the 2 goals enough to see them into the semi-finals, Jessica Hill scoring for the visitors it wasn’t enough the final score 2-1.
The last side to complete the semi-final line up are Junior Invitation Cup holders, Cambridge United WFC Reserves. Were away to Championship South side Milton Ladies who they beat in last years final. Cambridge United captain Becca Fay gave her side an early lead scoring from a free kick. Play was delayed for a spell after one of the Milton Ladies players suffered a nasty head injury needing an ambulance, wish her a speedy recovery not nice to hear. When play did eventually resume Milton Ladies got themselves into the lead. Jade Powell pulled it back to 2-2 for Cambridge United to send the match into extra time. The visitors went on to score 2 more goals in the extra period, Sarah Mosley and Hayley Turner with the strikes to put them into the semi-finals, the draw is as follows,
Park Ladies v Wisbech Town Ladies
Isleham United Ladies v Cambridge United WFC Reserves
Scheduled to be played Sunday 13th March with a 1:45pm KO
Essex
The race for the title in the Essex Women’s Premier Division is still wide open with 5 sides still in contention with the games starting to run out. Just the one match taking place in the league this Sunday with Hullbridge Sports Ladies away to bottom side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. Christina Fragnito scored from the penalty spot, with Broghan Kelly also finding the back of the net as the away side won 2-0 to move back into 2nd place in the table a point behind leaders Chelmsford City Ladies.
Was quarter-final weekend in the Essex Women’s League Cup, with 3 ties taking place with the three sides 3rd, 4th, and 5th in the Premier Division all going through to the semi-finals beating sides in the lower half of the table. 3rd placed Runwell Hospital Ladies were away taking on Walden Ladies ran out 3-1 winners.
Current League Cup holders Eastern Avenue Ladies won big at home beating Hutton Ladies Reserves 8-1 to reach the semi-finals whilst 5th placed Collier Row Tigers booked a semi-final place courtesy of a 3-0 win at Lawford Ladies. Will be joined in the semi-finals by either Harlow Ladies or Chigwell Ladies from Essex Division One who play their quarter final next Sunday.
That is because Harlow Ladies were involved in another cup competition this weekend in the semi-final of the Essex Women’s Trophy, were at home playing FC Clacton Girls U18s. Nene McInerney scored a hat-trick on the day with a goal each for Phillipa Stephens and Victoria Hill seeing them into the final winning 5-1. Will play Wickford Town Ladies for the Trophy, the final scheduled for Sunday 20th March with a 3pm KO at Saffron Walden Town FC.
Wickford Town Ladies were at home this weekend in the only match to be completed in Essex Women’s Division One, won comfortably beating Southend Town Ladies 5-0 to record their 8th league win of the season.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
There was league Cup action too in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire with the all Garston Ladies 2nd Round tie finally getting played at the weekend after seeing a number of postponements, Garston Ladies 1st team were drawn against Garston Ladies FC 96 playing in the league below them in the League Cup. No upset for the 1st team as they ran out 7-0 winners, Vikki Duffy, Emma Trill and Lucy Zecchin all scoring 2 goals with Joanne Sharp also on target. Will be away to fellow Beds & Herts Division One side Letchworth Garden City Eagles in the quarter finals.
Was the quarter final in the other League Cup game played this weekend with Beds & Herts Division One side Hertford Town Ladies travelling to Crawley Green Ladies playing in Division Three. No banana skin here either with Hertford Town Ladies winning 5-0 to join Sherrardswood Ladies and Watton Ladies in the semi-final line-up.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Sherrardswood Ladies join leaders Harvesters FC Ladies on 25 points at the top of the table, have played 2 more league matches. At home against Toddington Rovers Ladies, Laure Marris struck twice on the stroke of half-time and with 10 minutes left after Laura Cousins had opened the scoring for the home side just before in the 1st half. Jade Ryan and Kathryn Jones got on the scoresheet 2nd half before Marris’ 2nd goal winning the game 5-1. Megan Palmer with the goal for Toddington Rovers Ladies.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two, leaders Sharnbrook WFC open up a 5 point link at the top of the table. Faced a tough opponent at home with 3rd placed Hitchin Town Ladies the visitors, had gone 3-0 up against 2nd placed Houghton Athletic Ladies the previous weekend before getting pegged back to 3-3 in the last 10 minutes. Involved in the battle for promotion to the top division Emma Chaffey got on the scoresheet for Hitchin Town Ladies. Two goals in the 1st half from Sharnbrook WFC were enough to win the game Charlotte Mullins on target scoring on 15 minutes with Claire Smith scoring what would be the winning goal on the half hour mark. A 5 point advantage with 4 league matches left to play for Sharnbrook WFC.
Watton Ladies climb up from 6th to 4th in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two beating Woburn Lionesses 2-1 at home. Emma Cater and Francesca Smithers with Watton Ladies goals. Georgia Herrington with the strike for Woburn Lionesses not enough as they fall away from the battle for promotion suffering their 3rd league defeat in a row. Bottom side Evergreen Eagles picked up just their 2nd league point of the season Christie Brewer scoring their goal as they held Royston Town Ladies to a 1-1 draw at home on Sunday. Sophie Hart scoring for the visitors.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, Hitchin Belles return to the top of the league moving ahead of Icknield Ladies on goal difference with 11 wins from 11 beating a side hoping for promotion themselves Evergreen Ladies. The visitors had been unbeaten with a 100% win record themselves until recently, now they lose 2 league games in a row. Hitchin Belles winning 3-1, Keira How, Shannon Page and Sophie Fairburn putting the ball into the back of the net. Tamara Williams with Evergreen Ladies goal 4 minutes into the 2nd half.
That defeat for Evergreen Ladies coupled with a win for Bedmond Ladies sees them drop to 5th in the table as Bedmond Ladies climb above them into 4th with their 3rd league win in a row, continuing a fine start to 2016 winning 4 out of their 5 league matches ignite a chance of winning a promotion spot was a big result this Sunday too as they beat league leaders Icknield Ladies 3-1 at home, Molly Peters striking twice with Sarah Gunn also getting a goal. Icknield Ladies lose for just the 2nd time this season Cyeanna Eaton with their goal.
At the other end of the table Kings Langley Ladies in 8th spot win their 1st match of 2016, on the road playing Hatfield Town Ladies a place below them in the table. Kimberly Nield gave Kings Langley Ladies the lead on 15 minutes, Bethan Duro doubling their advantage at half-time scoring on 32 minutes. Nield struck again in the 2nd half to see the 3 points secured.
A lot of matches to cover as February ends and we move into March hoping the weather continues to improve. Will be a crucial month fixture wise games in hand won’t count for nothing if the points don’t come, several battles top and bottom of the table will be decided over the next few weeks, and it will all be covered on The Tuesday Round-Up where the calculator will be busy checking up on the possible scenario’s that could unfold on the pitch. That concludes Edition Twenty Four of The Tuesday Round-Up thanks for reading see you all next week.
Welcome to Edition Twenty Three of The Tuesday Round-Up, bringing you all the action from last Sunday’s football across the East and beyond as FAWPL Southern Division side Cardiff City Ladies were in action playing in the FAWPL League Cup. A busy weekend of both league and cup football with most County Cup competitions reaching the semi-final stage, in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex and Norfolk whilst it was the quarter finals in Cambridgeshire. Suffolk are keeping the excitement of their County Cup semi-finals until March. A few postponements around but there is still 50+ matches to cover and a few of those went to extra-time too so we’d best get on with it.
FAWPL League Cup
Cardiff City Ladies were on the road this Sunday to play FAWPL Northern Division counterparts Stoke City Ladies in the quarter finals of the FAWPL League Cup. The Welsh side won the match 4-2 in the finish to book a semi-final spot, Laura Williams scoring twice on 15 and 30 minutes with Kerry Bartlett adding a 3rd 5 minutes before half-time. Wasn’t until the 90th minute though before the game was secured Alys Hinchcliffe recently joining the club from Yeovil Town Ladies with the goal on her debut. Are joined in the semi-finals by Blackburn Rover Ladies who beat Sporting Club Albion Ladies 4-1 with two more quarter finals to be played.
FAWPL League Plate
A fantastic result for FAWPL South East Division One side Enfield Town Ladies in the quarter finals of the FAWPL League Plate as they beat FAWPL Northern Division side Loughborough Foxes LFC 1-0 away from home to win a place in the semi-finals. A single goal enough to send them through scored by their captain on the day, Regan Coleman. That win completes the semi-final line-up with Enfield Town Ladies joining, Keynsham Town LFC, Newcastle United WFC and Coventry United Ladies in the draw.
FAWPL Southern Division
Just the one match taking place in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday with 4th placed Coventry United Ladies at home against the leaders Brighton & Hove Albion Ladies. League games at the start of 2016 have been sparse for both this Brighton’s 1st for nearly a month, Coventry United Ladies hadn’t had a league game since the opening weekend of the year. Have 4 matches in hand on the leaders with the points gap 14. Amber Hughes opened the scoring on 4 minutes to give Coventry the perfect start. Brighton were back on level terms by half-time Kate Natkiel with the strike on the half hour mark. Jade Brook restored Coventry’s lead almost 20 minutes into the 2nd half, Brighton looked to be heading for their 3rd defeat in the league however Sophie Perry found the back of the net with a well taken free-kick in injury time to see that the points were shared.
FAWPL South East Division One
In the FAWPL South East Division One, Milton Keynes Dons Ladies had the chance to go level on points at the top with leaders Crystal Palace Ladies. Were at home at Newport Pagnell FC against 5th placed Gillingham FC Ladies who were playing their 1st league match of 2016 their last league game coming back in November 2015. As a result they have plenty of matches in hand on the sides above them having played just 8 to date. Kallie Balfour gave the visitors the lead 10 minutes before half time. The lead was doubled soon after with Lauren Williams claiming the goal. Milton Keynes Dons Ladies pulled a goal back late in the match with Leah Cudone on target but it wasn’t enough as they suffered their 2nd defeat of the season the 1st all the way back in September as Gillingham FC Ladies take all 3 points.
Lowestoft Town Ladies were on their travels this Sunday taking on their Suffolk rivals Ipswich Town Ladies who had been in great form recently winning 3 league matches in a row to climb the table. Lowestoft Town Ladies had gotten a much needed 3 points themselves last Sunday at bottom side Bedford Ladies, Molly Hall and Natasha Thomas scored for Ipswich Town, it wasn’t to be a 4th win on the spin however as Lowestoft Town Ladies came back to earn a 2-2 draw with Hannah Waters on target for both of their goals the 2nd a minute from time to see the points shared.
Capital Women’s Cup
It was the semi-finals of the Capital Women’s Cup this Sunday. An all FAWPL Southern Division tie saw Charlton Athletic Women at home taking on Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Booked their place in the final with a comfortable 5-0 victory their prolific strike force doing the damage once again. Kit Graham scoring twice in the 1st half before adding a 3rd to complete her hat-trick on 76 minutes, before Graham got her hat-trick Gemma Shepherd helped herself to a 2nd half brace.
Their opponents in the Capital Women’s Cup final will be Tottenham Hotspur Ladies after they beat London & South East Regional Premier Division side Camden Town FC. A much closer game it took Tottenham 43 minutes to break the deadlock Wendy Martin giving them the half-time lead, Tottenham continued to create goal scoring chances but Camden Town held on pulled the scores level on 70 minutes Sarah White scoring the goal. Two minutes later Tottenham restored their lead Rhiana Soobadoo with the goal that turned out to be the winner as they took it 2-1 to reach the final to play Charlton Athletic Women for another piece of silverware as both sides will also be contesting the Ryman Women’s Cup Final too.
Eastern Regional Leagues
One league match in the ERWFL Premier Division with other sides involved in the latter stages of their various County Cup competitions. Gave 3rd placed AFC Sudbury Ladies the chance to close the gap upon the leading pair. Were at home with bottom side Great Wakering Rovers Ladies the visitors. Stacey Teager scored a hat-trick for AFC Sudbury Ladies with Sophie Jeffery finding the back of the net twice plus a goal for Phoebe Guiver as they won the match 6-2 to move a to within a point of 2nd placed Stevenage Ladies albeit having played 3 games more are 4 points of leaders Billericay Town Ladies both have played 14 games.
Elsewhere across the ERWFL it was the continuation of the Division One Cup Group matches. The 2 scheduled games in Group B fell foul to water logged pitches, Group A faired better. Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies remain unbeaten picking up their 2nd successive point following a 0-0 draw away to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. New leaders in Group A this weekend as Bury Town Ladies win their 2nd game away to Sawbridgeworth Town WFC, Nadine Basson and Jessica Horgan scored a goal a piece to give the side from Suffolk the 3 points.
Norfolk
In Norfolk it should have been the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, however both Aylsham FC Ladies v Red Rose Ladies and Thorpe United Ladies v Acle United Ladies fell foul to the weather and will both try again next Sunday.
In Norfolk Women’s Division One Brandon Town Ladies go 7 points clear at the top with their title rivals not in action this weekend. On the road a trip to West Lynn to play Lynn Ladies, captain Tiffany Forshaw put the ball into the back of the net 4 times with Chloe Slater also getting on the scoresheet won the match 5-1 despite seeing Shanice Burch sent off.
Bungay Town Ladies won the battle of the bottom two in Norfolk Division One to record just their 2nd league victory of the season moves them up a place to 7th over Fakenham Town Ladies. Emily Leach scoring a hat-trick to give them all 3 points away to Long Stratton Ladies having beaten them at home in the Ladies Plate 2 weeks ago.
In Norfolk Women’s Division Two the top two North Walsham Angels Ladies and Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies met again having shared the points in a 2-2 draw back at the end of January. Both went into this match still unbeaten North Walsham Angels Ladies a point in front at home this Sunday. Luci Middleton was on target 1st half to give them a 1-0 lead at the break. Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies came back in the 2nd half Selina Rowland netting twice to win the match 2-1 and put the visitors back on top of the lead end North Walsham Angels Ladies unbeaten record.
Sprowston Ladies climb back up to 3rd in the Norfolk Women’s Division Two table, Millie Cursons scoring a goal in each half in a home win against Bohemians Ladies. Bottom side Morley Ladies are still searching for their 1st win of the season had a single point on the board as they took on Stalham Town Ladies at home this Sunday. 1-1 at half time both sides went on to score again 2nd half to share the points in a 2-2 draw. Lucy Lincoln and Hannah Lucas with the strikes for Morley Ladies. Stalham Town Ladies goals came from Liz Dawson and Jade Telfer who scored her 1st goal for the club.
In Norfolk Women’s Division Three another record was ended as leaders Harleston Ladies saw there 100% winning start to the league end 10 wins out of 10 going into this Sunday’s game dropped points for the 1st time this season. At home against Dereham Town Ladies the score was 2-2 at half-time, both sides scored again 2nd half to see it end 3-3. Lacey Andrews, Nicole Holland and Miryam Ruiz the players on target for Harleston Ladies.
Two league games in a row for 2nd placed Gorleston FC Ladies as they get their season resumed after a long lay off from competitive action the cobwebs brushed off now as they continue their 100% winning start in the league now 6 wins out of 6. Were on the road at Toftwood Ladies. Braces all round with 4 players, Kayleigh Byrne, Molly Sims, Bethany Turner and Leanne Muffett all helping themselves to 2 goals in an 8-1 win. Katie Hart with the consolation goal for Toftwood Ladies. Red Rose United are up to 3rd in the Division after a 6-1 home win against Cromer Town Ladies.
Suffolk
The Suffolk Women’s Division continues to remain interesting at the top the race for the title still very much in contention. Leaders East Bergholt United were at home playing Witnesham Wasps Ladies. the points were shared as the game ended in a 2-2 draw. Georgina Longden and Jessica Oxlade scoring for East Bergholt United, Emma Long and Natasha Williams getting the goals for Witnesham Wasps Ladies.
A chance for the chasing pack to close the gap, it was 3rd and home to 2nd with Brantham Athletic Ladies playing Bacton United Ladies. Was a high scoring match with Lucy Dunnett putting the ball into the back of the net twice with Brantham Athletic Ladies scoring 3, Kirsten Hutching also on the score sheet. Bacton United Ladies kept pace with Brantham Athletic Ladies, Samantha Walker scoring a hat-trick for the visitors to see it end 3-3 the points shared.
One side in Suffolk did pick up all 3 points at the weekend and get their own title ambitions back on track. Copleston Ladies in 4th place close the gap on the sides above them with a convincing 5-0 win away to Leiston St Margarets Ladies. Shannon Giles with 2 goals with a goal each scored by Sophie Crane, Jade Carter and Jade Horne. Copleston Ladies have games in hand on all the sides above them.
Cambridgeshire
In Cambridgeshire it was quarter finals weekend in the Women’s Invitation Cup. Holders Cambridge United WFC were drawn away to Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side Newmarket Town Ladies. The match was played at Newmarket Town FC a big challenge for Newmarket Town Ladies playing as side plying their trade 4 leagues above them, a great opportunity too. The FAWPL South East Division One side started strongly Laura Baker then captain Laura Bright both getting 3 goals each, Bright’s 3rd from the penalty spot. The goals kept coming in regular intervals 2nd half with Faith Hewitt scoring on 70 minutes, Becky Taylor on 80 with Isabella Simmons adding Cambridge United WFC’s 9th goal in the last 10 minutes as they won the match 9-0.
Last season’s runners up Great Shelford Ladies were on home soil in their quarter final tie with Bar Hill Ladies the visitors. Jordanne Sillitoe and Sophie Hopkin were both on target twice for the ERWFL Premier Division side with Alison Wright getting on the scoresheet as they beat their Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership opponents 5-1 to reach the semi-finals. Anna Jephson with the goal for Bar Hill Ladies.
Also through to the semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup are Cambridge City Ladies as they beat Cambridgeshire Championship South leaders St Ives Town Ladies. One goal scored by India Aluwihare-Duffy enough to send the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side through.
Saved the best quarter final till last, if you wanted drama then this tie had it all and this is where the Supporting Women’s Football Blog featured match comes from this weekend in Peterborough with Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side ICA Sports Ladies hosting Riverside Rovers Ladies playing a league above them in the Invitation Cup. Riverside Rovers had the early lead with their captain Clare Knibbs dual signed for both clubs putting them in front. Went 2 up in the 1st half with Holly Morgan doubling their lead. Lorna Hart got on the end of a quickly taken free kick late in the 1st half to pull one back for the home side.
Were level in early in the 2nd half, striker Tash Applegate finding the top corner from the edge of the box. That was how it finished after the 90 minutes were up 2-2 and the match headed to extra-time. Riverside Rovers got themselves back in front Annie Posnett drilling home a shot from wide on the right in the 1st half of the extra 30. So close to seeing it out ICA Sports made on late push the shot coming in was pushed wide by the goalkeeper, ICA Sports Ladies scored at the death Carmen Herridge up the left in the box to tap the ball home to send the match into penalties. Both sides scored their opening penalty, then both failed to convert the next 2. Riverside saw their 5 spot kick save the shootout posed at 2-2 one taker left up stepped Louise Burgess for ICA Sports Ladies she buried it to send her side into the semi-finals. For the whole match report on the SWF Blog click on the link below.
The draw for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup was made earlier today and is as follows below: –
Cambridge City Ladies v Cambridge United WFC
Great Shelford Ladies v ICA Sports Ladies
One match took place in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday with Netherton United Ladies travelling to Huntingdon Town Ladies who had picked up their 1st win in the league last time out. Instead it was the visitors who got themselves back to winning ways with Yasmin Green giving them the lead just before half-time. Green scored her 2nd of the game 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Netherton United Ladies putting the result beyond doubt 5 minutes from time with Sasha Haw scoring on her full debut for the club.
In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North, leaders Bourne Ladies haven’t played since the end of January in the league returned to action with an away trip to local rivals Stamford Ladies. Made it 5 league wins in a row with Claire Lawrenson scoring a hat-trick, with Charlotte Ayers and Toni McHamilton also scoring in a 5-1 victory.
March Town United Ladies are there closest rivals 5 points back as they climb above Wisbech Town Ladies into 2nd place in the table. Were taking on Wisbech Town Ladies this Sunday at home won the match by a single goal to take all 3 points. Adele Munday with the match winner. Wisbech St Marys Ladies hadn’t had a great start to 2016 losing all 3 matches played to date, finally got back to winning ways on the road against bottom side Tydd St Mary Ladies. Won big to netting double figures Toni Lewis scoring 4 times, with Jeorgia Carr adding a hat-trick, 2 goals more from Eilish Brown with goals each for Frances Peeling, Catherine Ray and Jade Kelly in a 12-2 win. The 2 goals for Tydd St Mary scored by Alexandra Roper and Natasha Lane.
With leaders St Ives Town Ladies in cup action this Sunday it gave an opportunity for those hoping to chase them down for the title a chance to close the gap and they most certainly took the chance. 2nd placed Park Ladies 6 points behind with 2 games in hand are now 3 points behind with a game in hand and narrow the goal difference too just 1 goal as they helped themselves to 11 goals without reply at home to Comberton Ladies. Fran Plitsch finding the back of the net on 5 occasions, hot on her heels was Kirstie Smith netting 4 goals with Casey Ward getting another goal for Park Ladies and OG completing the scoreline.
Another side with plenty of games in hand on the leaders in the Championship South are Milton Ladies, the 4th placed side haven’t played a league match in 2016 yet have played just 6 to date are 16 points off top spot but have 6 games in hand on the leaders. Resumed league action with a massive win at home playing Isleham United Ladies racking up double figures too winning 10-1, Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks with 4 goals, Lauren Threadgold and Daniella Briggs both scoring a brace with a goal each from Carly Dawson and Lucie Buzkova giving them the 3 points.
Essex
The semi-finals of the Essex Women’s County Cup this weekend and the 4 big guns in the county were shooting it out for a place in the final. Was an all ERWFL Premier Division clash with Billericay Town Ladies at home to local rivals Brentwood Town Ladies in the 1st semi-final. Two goals each from Lindsey Morgan and Hayley Piggott plus a goal scored by captain Marie Barker saw Billericay Town Ladies win comfortably to reach the final winning 5-1. Piadamoyo Dedza with the goal for Brentwood Town Ladies.
In the other semi-final, Colchester Town Ladies were at home taking on higher league opponents FAWPL Southern Division side C&K Basildon Ladies and current holders of the County Cup. The ERWFL Premier Division side battled hard kept C&K Basildon from scoring in 90 minutes the game ending 0-0 to bring extra time. C&K Basildon Ladies were creating chances and eventually they found the break through Amy Nash scoring direct from a free kick in the 1st period of extra-time. Won the match 3-0 with 2 more goals coming in the closing minutes of the 2nd period of extra time Hannah Porter and Zoe Rushen scoring to see them into the final.
Wickford Town Ladies are into the final of the Essex Women’s Trophy competition beating Trinity U18s 3-2 at home. Harlow Ladies or FC Clacton U18s contest the other semi-final.
In the Essex Women’s Premier Division, leaders Chelmsford City Ladies stay top after beating one of the sides hoping to catch them. At home taking on Eastern Avenue this Sunday they won the game 5-1 to take the points, 5 different players on the scoresheet with a goal each for, Bobbi Cubberley, Gaby Freedman, Georgia Sleep, Laura Kendle and Rosie Coe.
A surprise result sees a new side move into 2nd spot as Runwell Hospital Ladies jump from 5th up to 2nd two points behind Chelmsford City Ladies following a big 7-0 win at home to 4th placed Collier Row Tigers. At the bottom end of the Premier Division Walden Ladies were at home playing bottom side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies, pull further away from the bottom as they edge a nine goal thriller taking the 3 points after a 5-4 win.
A huge victory for Chigwell Ladies in Essex Women’s Division One scoring 30 goals without reply against bottom side Waltham Forest Ladies whose goal difference closing in on -200 now a torrid 1st season for the club. Tori Parker top scored for Chigwell Ladies whose great from in 2016 continues up to 3rd spot now a point off 2nd, may fancy they have a shot at promotion now, a massive boost to the goal difference certainly helps.
Chelmsford City Reserves in 2nd won big at the weekend themselves at home scoring 8 times against Valley Green. Tyler Christou on target with 4 goals, was backed up by Emma Sharpe scoring a hat-trick one more goal scored by Nicola Hatfield completing the rout. In the other match in Essex Women’s Division One Hullbridge Sports Ladies Reserves beat Southend Town Ladies 1-0 Megan Marney with the goal.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
At last Watford Ladies Development U19s know who they will be playing in the final of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup as the other half of the draw was finally completed with holders Stevenage Ladies at home playing Royston Town Ladies this Sunday. Stevenage Ladies went a goal down against Royston Town Ladies playing in the league below them, but the ERWFL Premier Division side came back to lead 2-1 the game was to head into extra-time as Royston Town equalised late on. Stevenage Ladies proved the stronger in the extra period going on to score 2 more goals to win the game 4-2. Hollie Jardine and Nicola Perschky with a goal each with a brace scored by Donna McGuigan for Stevenage Ladies. Gemma Croucher and Samantha Tinsley bagging the goals for Royston Town Ladies.
Semi-finals day in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup this Sunday too. Holders Bedford Ladies were away to fellow FAWPL South East Division One side Luton Town Ladies. Natasha Fensome struck twice to send Luton Town Ladies through the final winning the tie 2-0.
2-0 was also the winning margin for the home side in the other semi-final with Offley & Stopsley Women runners-up last year reaching the final once again knocking out higher league opponents as the ERWFL Division One West side beat ERWFL Premier Division AFC Dunstable Ladies.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, 4 of the top 5 sides were due to play each other however these games were called off leaving just 2 placed Sherrardswood Ladies in action had the chance to move to within a point of leaders Harvesters FC Ladies, were at home to bottom side Sandy Ladies who are yet to win this season. Took a point af Harvesters FC Ladies back in December. Katie Seldon gave sandy Ladies the lead on 16 minutes. Sherrardswood pegged it back to 1-1 at half time Abby Cardell scoring from the penalty spot. Amber Williams put Sandy Ladies back in front on 59 minutes were close to getting their 1st win of the season but Sharrardswood salvaged a point Rhiana Rose scoring with 5 minutes left to play to see it end 2-2.
The title is going all the way in all three divisions in the Beds & Herts Women’s League. No less so than in Division Two. Sharnbrook WFC went to the top of the table last Sunday on goal difference after winning big, was another large win this Sunday on home turf taking on Royston Town Ladies Reserves. Charlotte Mullins followed up last Sunday’s 5 goal haul with a hat-trick this time around, Helen Spalding scored 2 goals with Claire Smith, Gemma Franklin and Summer Ranayne getting a goal each.
Move two points clear at the top over Houghton Athletic Ladies who were away to 3rd placed Hitchin Town Ladies coming into the match in good form. Hitchin Town raced into a 3-0 lead Emma Chaffey scoring in the opening 5 minutes then 10 minutes later to put them 2 up on 25 minutes Kayleigh Saunders put Hitchin Town 3-0, held onto the lead for a long time but there was to be a dramatic come back from the visitors with ten minutes left on the clock Errin Davies and Emma Hawkes scored to get it back to 3-2 then up popped Louise Spendelow to score for Houghton Athletic with virtually the last kick of the game to grab a point.
Watton Ladies were at home in Division Two hosting bottom side Evergreen Eagles. Francesca Smithers scored a double hat-trick, with Zoe Hammick and Emma Cater both scoring 2 each, Elizabeth Dowton adding to the scoreline in an emphatic 11-0 win.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three 2nd placed Hitchin Belles have now won 10 out of 10 to continue their impressive league form the 100% extended against a title rival too. At home against Crawley Green Ladies, Hitchin Belles ran out 4-2 winners with 2 goals scored by Emily Field. Keira How and Charis Wakefield striking to score too. Samantha Joiner and Fiona Neto scoring in the 2nd half for Crawley Green Ladies.
Bedmond Ladies were hosting Panshanger Ladies raced into a 4-0 lead with a hat-trick from Molly Peters, and a goal from Abbie Harrison in the opening 30 minutes before Chemise Huiston pulled one back for Panshanger before half time. Bedmond extended the lead to 5-1 with Harrison on target again early in the 2nd half. Panshanger responded quickly Sophie Whitman with the strike got it back to 5-3 on 63 minutes with Kerry Twigg netting the goal. Peters got her 4th to put Bedmond 6-3 up, Huitson scored in the last 5 minutes to make it 6-4, but Peters wasn’t finished scoring her 5th of the afternoon to make the final score 7-4 to Bedmond Ladies.
Shefford Town & Compton Ladies were at home playing Bedwell Rangers, doubled their points tally for the season earning a point in a 1-1 draw, had gone in front Sophie Bound scoring in the 1st half. Bedwell Rangers pulled it level 10 minutes into the 2nd half with Jessica Sullivan the player scoring.
That concludes another Edition of The Tuesday Round-Up lots to cover with March soon upon us and the business end of the season coming up. Nothing is even close to being decided in any off the leagues across the East plenty of drama yet to come can’t call anything at the top of any league table has been an intriguing season so far, still lot’s of games to be played, need some better weather and it needs to last a month without rain how good would that be right now… ain’t going to happen. Not as far ahead a usual this week results are updated, the league tables will follow shortly. Edition Twenty Four will soon come around until then thanks for reading Edition Twenty Three.
Welcome to edition Twenty Two of The Tuesday Round-Up bringing you all of the women’s football action from across the East this past Sunday 14th February. Although there were several postponements again it as still a packed fixture list with over 40 games to cover in this edition ranging from the 3rd Round of the FA Women’s Cup to the Ladies Plate 1st Round in Norfolk. Lot’s of league action new leaders in beds & Herts Women’s Division Two and elsewhere the battle for the title only getting hotter. Let’s crack on.
FA Women’s Cup
This Sunday saw two FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Proper ties featuring sides from the FAWPL Southern Division getting played having been postponed the previous weekend. Long away trips too for Lewes Ladies and Queens Park Rangers Ladies and an even longer journey home as both sides bowed out of the competition.
Queens Park Rangers headed to the South West having been drawn against FAWSL 2 side Bristol City WFC, playing their 1st competitive match under their new name and following relegation from FAWSL 1. A huge test for Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City WFC having several new signings in their line-up it was one of those Millie Farrow who put the home side in front virtually straight from the kick-off. Queens Park Rangers Ladies got themselves back on level terms a minute later Natalie Richardson with the strike. A frantic start another goal was clocked up on 3 minutes Bristol City going 2-1 with a goal from the returning Corrine Yorston. Another new signing got her name on the score sheet from Bristol City 10 minutes later Chloe Arthur putting the back into the back of the net, that was the score at half-time.
Bristol City were 4-1 up within the 1st 5 minutes of the 2nd half kicking off another new face, Jodie Brett on loan with Farrow from Chelsea Ladies for the season with the goal. 4-1 it stayed until the closing 10 minutes of the match before Bristol City captain Grace McCatty poked the ball home from close range to make it 5-1. Farrow scored her 2nd of the match with 3 minutes left, with substitute Tatiana Pinto scoring in injury time to make the final score 7-1 and set up a 4th Round date with local rivals and fellow FAWSL 2 side Yeovil Town Ladies who knocked Bradford City WFC out of the competition.
A long journey North from the South Coast for Lewes Ladies too in the FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Proper travelling up to play Loughborough Foxes who play in the FAWPL Northern Division. Lewes Ladies took the lead on the 12th minute, Danielle Lane scoring for The Rookettes. Audrey Moore got Loughborough Foxes back on level terms before half time. No more goals were to come in the 2nd half the game going into extra time and when that failed to yield anymore go goals the game went to penalties the teams couldn’t be separated after 5 successful spot kicks went to sudden death Loughborough put their 6th away Lewes missed and Loughborough Foxes make history advancing to the 4th Round of the FA Women’s Cup where they have a home tie against FAWSL 2 side Millwall Lionesses.
FAWPL Southern Division
In the FAWPL Southern Division, Charlton Athletic Ladies move above Cardiff City Ladies into 2nd spot in the table gave their goal difference a massive boost too as they proved to strong an away opponent for West Ham United Ladies this Sunday. Kit Graham opened the scoring for Charlton Athletic Women on the 22nd minute, strike partner Gemma Shepherd and captain Kimberly Dixson both scored on 31 and 37 with Stefanie Simmons making it 4-0 a minute before half-time. The goals continued to come Shepherd with 2 more goals in a 3 minute spell early in the 2nd half to complete yet another hat-trick this season. Dixson did the same scoring 2 on 3 minutes 20 minutes later to see Charlton Athletic Women win 8-0.
In the other game taking place in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were at home against bottom side Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Avilla Bergin gave the home side an early lead putting the ball into the back of the net on the 3rd minute. Rosie Kmita put Tottenham 2-0 midway through the 1st half. The 3 points were secured with 15 minutes left to play Wendy Martin on target. Is now 11 games without any points for Plymouth Argyle.
FAWPL South East Division One
In the FAWPL South East Division One, Cambridge United WFC saw a recent run of 8 matches unbeaten come to an end that run had seen the up to 4th place in the league. Were at home this Sunday back at Ely City FC back in league action taking on Old Actonians Ladies who themselves were at last in league action having not played since the 1st of November 2015! Had just 8 games clocked up compared to Cambridge’s 16 the lack of league games caused by a mixture of cup games and postponements had seen them drop down the table, still well placed above the bottom two were looking for the points to start moving back up the table.
Cambridge United WFC, captain Laura Bright
This game is the featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this weekend. Was a competitive and gritty game, both sides putting in a shift the 3 points secured by a single goal scored by Cambridge United WFC’s captain Laura Bright, stealing round the back from a free kick to nod the ball past the keeper into the back of the net early in the 2nd half. For all of the match action click on the link below to take you to the SWF Blog
With other matches in the FAWPL South East Division One getting called off the result saw Cambridge United WFC climb into 3rd place in the table.
One other match did survive the weather in the FAWPL South East Division One the battle between the bottom two played on a 3G surface with Suffolk side Lowestoft Ladies travelling down to Bedfordshire to play Bedford Ladies. Both with just a single win to their name going into today’s match are in trouble at the bottom of the table. Lowestoft Ladies have been through a turbulent period of late, losing much of their 1st team squad and the announcement of the departure of manager David Eastwood ho had enjoyed a very successful time in his 4 years with the club.
A new management team in place now Nathaniel Einecker and Ricky Graves are in the process of rebuilding a young squad to take the club forwards. A win on the board is a great place to start as Lowestoft Ladies come away from Bedford with a 2-1 win on Sunday. Jacqueline Zavala scoring on 30 minutes with Hannah Waters scoring what would be the winning goal on 65 to get the 3 points go to within 3 points of Old Actonians Ladies but have played 5 games more. Rebecca Reeve on target for Bedford Ladies they have played more games than anyone else in the league and 8 points from safety with 9 left to play for.
Eastern Regional Leagues
It was draws all the way in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday. 3 matches played the biggest one the clash between the top two with leaders Billericay Town Ladies travelling to Hertfordshire to play Stevenage Ladies. The points ended up being shared after the match finished 0-0, keeps Billericay Town Ladies 3 points in front Stevenage Ladies do have 3 games in hand on the leaders.
0-0 was the result too between 3 placed AFC Sudbury Ladies and Gt Shelford Ladies 2nd bottom in the table. 4th placed Haringey Borough Women were hosting AFC Dunstable Ladies again the points were shared but their were goals in this one as it ended 1-1, Zhane Ameoten scoring for Haringey Borough Women with Shephanie Fisher netting for AFC Dunstable Ladies the point enough to see them climb a place into 6th on the ERWFL Premier Division table.
Elsewhere in the ERWFL it was the continuation of the Division One Cup the 2nd round of league matches with the 14 sides from the East and West Division’s drawn into 2 groups. In Group A it was a great result for Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies as they took points off Writtle Ladies the 1st time in a league format. Both going into the game having made a winning start last time out. Both share top spot following a 1-1 draw, Georgia Fraser on target for Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies with Caroline Brown credited with the goal for Writtle Ladies.
Also in Group A Bury Town Ladies record their 1st win of the competition as they travelled to local rivals Ipswich Wanderers Ladies, a close game Michelle Allum scored twice for Ipswich Wanderers Ladies, however it wasn’t enough as Bury Town Ladies won 3-2 ther goals coming from Shelby Beveridge who got a brace with Gemma Carter also heading the ball home. Sawbridgeworth Town WFC were also in action in Group A for the 1st time got off to a winning start a good result securing the 3 points at home against Hutton Ladies, Kelly Holsworth with what turned out to be the winning goal scored in the opening 10 minutes.
In Group B the weather had put pay to all but one game last time out so the sides were only getting started this Sunday. Silver End United Ladies had played last time around getting a point drawing 1-1 with Hoddesdon Owls Ladies. Were at home again this Sunday against Offley & Stopsley Women. Was a high scoring match 9 goals in this one only have Silver End United Ladies goal scorers Lynsey Bowmen on 31 minutes with 2 more 4 minutes later on 35 and 38 from Paula Drane was interesting in itself but Offley & Stopsley Ladies took all 3 points winning the game 6-3! If any Offley & Stopsley players are out there following the block I’d love to fill in the rest of this one.
One more match to bring you in Group B, with Lucy Hancock and Adrienne Milton scoring for Colney Heath Ladies in a 2-1 victory over Long Melford Ladies to get their Division One Cup campaign off to a winning start. Megan Partridge with the goal for Long Melford Ladies.
Norfolk
One outstanding Norfolk Ladies League Cup quarter final to be played this Sunday and an interesting one too with Division One side Thorpe United Ladies travelling to promotion chasing Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies. Jodie Fewkes found the back of the net for the home side, however Thorpe United Ladies booked their place in the semi-final draw winning the match 2-1 with captain Rebekah Lake and Alice Ladbrooke scoring the goals. An impressive semi-final line up it is too with Lynn Ladies, Aylsham FC Ladies and defending League Cup holders Wymondham Town Ladies in there too with Thorpe United Ladies.
Two outstanding ties in the Norfolk Ladies Plate 1st Round too following last weeks postponements. Was a great result for Norfolk Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies as they reached the quarter final draw courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Division One side Fakenham Ladies, Elizabeth Dawson with the goal in the 2nd half to secure the away win.
Extra time was needed in the other Norfolk Ladies Plate 1st Round tie with Division Two side Morley Ladies travelling to Dereham Town Ladies in Norfolk Division Three. The game was all square at 1-1 after 90 minutes, heading into the extra 30 minutes Morley Ladies went on to score 2 goals and win through to the quarter final draw, Candice Halstead scoring a brace.
In Norfolk Women’s Division One, Brandon Town Ladies go 4 points clear at the top of the league after a big win this weekend. One home soil were hosting bottom side Long Stratton Ladies. Went 1-0 down early on in the 1st half, came back to lead 2-1, Long Stratton Ladies getting it back to 2-2 before Brandon Town Ladies took a 4-2 lead into the break, came out the stronger 2nd half scoring 4 more goals to win the game 8-2 the goals coming from Nettie Stillinger, Rosey Turner, Brooke Wickens and 2 from captain Tiffany Forshaw with a hat-trick scored by Millie Bales stepping up from the clubs youth set up.
In the race for the Norfolk Women’s Division One title, Brandon Town Ladies saw one of their rivals defending champions slip up as they lost at home against Lynn Ladies. Despite scoring 3 goals themselves it wasn’t enough as Lynn Ladies hit back with 5 goals of their own taking it 5-3 to win for the 3rd time this season, Shelley Woods with 4 of the goals Jodie Hopkins also scoring.
In Norfolk Women’s Division Two, 2nd place North Walsham Angels Ladies took full advantage of leaders Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies cup distraction to win big to retake the lead in the table were on the road taking on 3rd placed Red Rose Ladies. A hat-trick from Luci Middleton, 2 goals from midfielder Amy Hemp and Emma Allsopp with a goal securing a 6-0 win to move them a point ahead of Kirkley & Pakefield who they face at home this coming Sunday.
In Norfolk Women’s Division Three, Lacey Andrews, Rosie Clark and Maureen Ellis were all on target for Harleston Ladies as the league leaders made it 10 wins out of 10 beating Cromer Town Ladies away from home this Sunday. Finally their rivals for the title get back into league action can match Old Actonians Ladies record from FAWPL South East Division One in not having played a league match since the 1st of November 2015 had only 4 on the board a 100% like Harleston made it 5 wins out of 5 returning to league action this weekend, edged it in a close match taking on bottom side Sprowston Ladies Reserves at home winning 4-3 with goals from Molly Sims, Leanne Muffett and 2 scored by Bethany Turner.
In the last match to bring you in Norfolk in Division Three, Rebecca Loveday gave Toftwood Ladies a 1-0 lead at half time at home against Red Rose United, the points were shared in the end the visitors coming back to level in the 2nd half.
Suffolk
Just the one game to bring you in Suffolk from the Women’s Division. 2nd place Bacton United Ladies closing the gap on leaders East Bergholt United to 3 points following a 2-1 away win against Leiston St Margarets Ladies. Lois Balfour and Samantha Walker with the goals for Bacton United Ladies. Lucy Eagle scoring for Leiston St Margarets Ladies.
Cambridgeshire
Women’s football in Cambridgeshire is proving to be highly competitive the battle for the Women’s Premiership being contested by 4 sides makes for an ever changing picture at the top another week another side takes their place at the top this it’s Cambridge United WFC Reserves the early leaders for a long period as they come out on top of a close match at home against ICA Sports Ladies in 2nd place going into the match. Cambridge United WFC’s Reserves good form had seen a handful of their players getting an opportunity with the 1st team this Sunday, without them they won the game 3-2 to take a point lead at the top, Monique Christian, Emily Ingle and Clara Greed the players bagging themselves a goal. Tash Applegate and Clare KNibbs both on the scoresheet for ICA Sports Ladies.
Cambridge University Women had gone top of the Premiership themselves the previous weekend. Were at home to Bar Hill Ladies this Sunday. Cambridge University scored twice on 45, Rosa Davies-Jones and Lynn Jones-Taylor on 85 minutes, Bar Hill Ladies got the 3 points scoring 4 goals to win the match 4 different goal scorers too, Anna Jephson, Grace Parker, Natalie Wells and Rebecca Cavells in what is their return to league action having not played in the Premiership since the end of November 2015.
Another side that hasn’t played league games in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership are Huntingdon Town Ladies, just the 4 matches played so far had just the one point on the board sat bottom of the table were taking on the side just above them an away trip to Fulbourn Bluebirds. A close game Huntingdon Town Ladies got their 1st league win of the season winning it 3-2 Emma Clark and Claire Knox plus an own goal giving them the 3 points to lift them up to 7th spot.
One game played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North this Sunday and another good result for Downham Town Ladies. 4th in the table going into this weekends fixture were down the road taking on 2nd placed Wisbech Town Ladies. Are in a good run of form starting 2016 well climbing the table made it 4 wins out of 4 this year in the league a single goal enough to take the 2 points to lift Downham Town Ladies up to 3rd place, goal difference now separating 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the table.
An interesting tussle is developing at the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South too, St Ives Town Ladies were well clear and the top 2 weeks ago and are still in a very good position but drop points for the 2nd weekend in a row having lost to 2nd place Park Ladies by a single goal last Sunday were on the road playing Riverside Rovers Ladies Reserves who had climbed up to 3rd themselves last weekend. The points ended up being shared with the final result a 1-1 all draw, Molly Berryman with the strike on target for St Ives Town Ladies, Shikiba Hajizadeh scoring from the penalty spot for Riverside Rovers Ladies Reserves.
That result saw Park Ladies close the gap on the leaders to 6 points with 2 matches in hand, were up early on Valentine’s Day for an 11 o’clock kick off at Girton against Cambridge Rangers. Proved to be too strong for the bottom side still without a win this season as Park Ladies won 6-0 a brace from Gemma Hutton, with a goal each for Ebony Bliss, Amy Newell, Casey Ward and Kirstie Smith.
Essex
Just the one game played in the Essex Women’s Premier Division this Sunday but it was a huge win for Lawford Ladies going into the match at home 4th bottom in the table taking on Runwell Hospital Ladies in 5th won the game 2-1 to lift them onto 16 points and open up a healthy points gap on the sides below them.
Two matches survived the weather in Essex Women’s Division One. Chigwell Ladies are enjoying a good run of form at the start of 2016, 4 league wins now and the 2nd time they have beaten a side in the top 5 above them to take all 3 points this Sunday a 6-2 home win over 2nd placed Alresford Colne Rangers into 4th now a point off 2nd and 3rd might fancy their chances of nicking a promotion spot. That result allowed Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves to move back into 2nd spot on goal difference over Alresford Colne Rangers as they picked up the 3 points this Sunday winning 3-1 away to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies Reserves, the goals scored by Jessica Loble, with Shannon Tranter netting twice.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Now we’re moving in the delayed half of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup following on from their 11-1 success over Garston Ladies FC 96 in the 2nd Round, Royston Town Ladies now faced another home match in the quarter finals playing Beds & Herts Division One title hopefuls Hertford Town Ladies. Hayley Graham scored 2 goals with Rebekah Fisk and Georgia Gannaway also on target as Royston Town Ladies win 4-0 to set up a semi final next Sunday (21st) away to the current cup holders Stevenage Ladies.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Harvesters FC Ladies extend their lead at the top of the table recording an 8th win of the season were at home to Garston Ladies who like a couple of others I’ve already mention in this Edition hadn’t played a league game since early November 2015. Were unbeaten going in to today’s league match came out the wrong side of a 7 goal thriller going down 4-3 as Harvesters FC Ladies took the 3 points Lauren Croucher bagging herself a brace with Ellie Lovelock and Kayla Johnson also scoring goals. Vikki Duffy, Joanne Sharp and Lucy Zecchin finding the back of the net for Garston Ladies.
Sherrardswood Ladies are as high as they have been all season as they move into 2nd spot in Beds & Herts Division One following on a 5-0 home win against 2nd bottom Flitwick Ladies.
It’s all change at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two with long term leaders Houghton Athletic Ladies not in action this weekend dropping to 2nd spot on goal difference as 2nd placed Sharnbrook WFC won big at the weekend recording double figures in a 10-0 home win over AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies. Charlotte Mullins racking up 5 goals, 4 coming in the 1st half, Mel Harradine scored twice with the other 3 goals coming from Chantelle Harris, Gemma Franklin and Ruth Derrick.
It looked for a while that the title in Division Two might be just between Houghton Athletic Ladies and Sharnbrook WFC that picture has changed in recent weeks, the chasing pack have been picking up the results most notably of late Hitchin Town Ladies. Ended Houghton Athletic Ladies unbeaten start to the season last weekend, have followed that up with a convincing 7-1 away win at bottom side Evergreen Eagles to move into 3rd spot just a point back of the leading pair all on 10 games played. Rebecca Day amongst their goals again netting a hat-trick for the 2nd successive match for Hitchin Town Ladies.
Woburn Lionesses had a good run that put them into touch with the top two themselves are still in the hunt for promotion 3rd going into the weekend that suffered a blow as they lost at home to Garston Ladies FC 96 who have games in hand on all the teams above them. Winning 2-0 they stay 5th but are just 5 points off the top.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, Icknield Ladies open up a 6 point lead at the top of the table the Bedfordshire side newly formed this season having won 8 league matches in a row. This Sunday were on the road away to Bedwell Rangers, Louise Grocott scored a hat-trick helping Icknield Ladies to a 7-1 win with 2 more goals from Zoe Molloy and a goal a piece from Amber Hedges and Annya Hall. Sarah King was on target for Bedwell Rangers.
7 goals were also scored by Bedmond Ladies as they move back into 5th spot above Panshanger Ladies with a home win over bottom side Shefford Town & Campton Ladies. A hat-trick from Sarah Gunn with 2 scored by Abbie Harrison. Emma Treanor and Molly Peters with a goal each helping Bedmond Ladies to the 3 points.
A notable result for Hatfield Town Ladies, another sign of their recent improvement as they pick up a very good point at home taking on one of the league title hopefuls Crawley Green Ladies, held the 3rd placed side to a 2-2 draw with Hollie Watson and Sam Innes scoring the goals. Yasmin Wacey striking twice for Crawley Green Ladies.
The title battles continue to excite if anything are getting more so after this weekend, no side is running away with anything yet and that just shows the competitiveness of the game these days, especially at county level, can’t wait to see the twists and turns as to how it will all unfold as we see this awful winter finally yield some better weather and teams finally get back into league action, going to be a a busy end to the season for a lot…. including Women’s Football East! That concludes Edition Twenty-Two of The Tuesday Round-Up, thanks for reading, same day same place next week see you then.
Welcome to Edition number Twenty One of The Tuesday Round-Up. Can put one of the wettest January’s behind us and hopefully get some football played, plenty of sides out there with alot of fixtures to catch up on, even a few that haven’t kicked a competitive ball in 2016 yet! 1st Sunday of February would the weather be kinder? A packed fixture list across the East with over 60 matches scheduled, including the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup, a top of the table clash in the FAWPL South East Division One and another unbeaten run was brought to an end in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two. Lot’s to cover so let’s get started.
FA Women’s Cup
It was the FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Proper this Sunday, the stage where the FAWSL 2 sides enter the competition and the draw had thrown up 14 very interesting ties. The FAWPL Southern and Northern Division sides had entered the competition in the previous round. An in form, fit FAWPL sides would pose a huge test to an FAWSL 2 side just returning to pre-season .
So was the case for FAWSL 2 side Oxford United Women draw away on the South Coast to face FAWPL Southern Division leaders, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC. Are top of the table currently 10 points clear at the top, have won their last 8 matches on a run dating back to November last year. Oxford United Women are just two weeks back into pre-season and this is their 1st competitive fixture. Exited the FA Women’s Cup at the same stage last season to Coventry United Ladies (Coventry City back then).
Brighton were to take an early lead Amy Taylor netting after 2 minutes, Sophie Perry made it 2-0 after 10 minutes. Brighton were firmly in charge the lead 4-0 at half-time with Kate Natkiel and Charlotte Gurr both scoring. Taylor added another goal to her tally 7 minutes into the 2nd half. Natkiel scored 2 quick-fire goals on 70 and 72 minutes to complete her hat-trick. Lisa Fulgence continued her form of coming off the bench to score a goal adding Brighton’s 8th. They weren’t done there with 2 more goals scored in the last 5 minutes both from Gurr to complete her hat-trick and hand Brighton their biggest win of the season and against a higher placed league opponent too.
They weren’t the only FAWPL Southern Division side to wrack up double figures at the weekend either. Chartlon Athletic Women were drawn at home in an all FAWPL tie as they welcomed Northern Division side Newcaste United WFC to Sporting Club Thamesmead. This game was also the featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog at the weekend. Charlton Athletic Women were quick out of the blocks powering into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes all 3 goals scored by Gemma Shepherd the 3rd from the penalty spot. Newcastle United WFC were up against it the Charlton tide kept coming Shepherd adding a 4th goal on the half hour mark, then striker partner Kit Graham added 2 goals of her own before half-time the 2nd one her 100th for the club.
Graham went on to complete her own hat-trick a minute into the 1st half as Charlton continued to dominate. Shepherd scored her 5th of the match 10 minutes later. Stefanie Simmons came off the bench for Charlton on the 60th minute mark and made an immediate impact striking the ball from outside the box to rattle the woodwork and score Charlton’s 9th. Not the immediate impact from the bench, Emily Ellis was looking for as she was introduced to the action late on the Newcastle United WFC unfortunately putting the ball through her own net the final score 10-0 to Charlton. For the whole match report on the SWF Blog click on the link below.
In another all FAWPL clash it was the Northern Division side that came out on top of their Southern counterparts with promotion hopefuls Blackburn Rovers Ladeis travelling to AFC Hornchurch to take on West Ham United Ladies. Sophie Jones gave Blackburn the lead on the 17th minute the start of a purple patch for the visitors as 4 minutes later Saffron Jordan doubled the advantage, Lynda Shephard making it 3-0 5 minutes later. Jordan scored her 2nd goal of the game in added time to give Blackburn a 4-0 lead at the break. Shepherd went on to score a hat-trick adding 2 more goals 2nd half with substitute Alisha Johnson scoring in the last 10 minutes, Blackburn Rovers Ladies winning 7-0.
FAWPL Southern Division side Portsmouth FC Ladies travelled to Sutton Coldfield FC to play FAWSL 2 side Aston Villa Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup. Was a hard fought encounter, a close game with a single goal settling the match. The goal scored on the 65th minute by Aston Villa Ladies striker Katie Wilkinson to see the FAWSL 2 side into the next round. Was a Birmingham derby and another FAWPL Northern and Southern Division tie between Sporting Club Albion Ladies and Coventry United Ladies in a tight contest a late winner sealed victory the goal put away in the 89th minute by Karen Clough to send Sporting Club Albion Ladies through to the 4th Round Proper.
A single goal was also the winning margin in the last tie to bring you featuring sides in the East. Gillingham FC Ladies were one of the few sides remaining in the FA Women’s Cup not plying their trade in the FAWPL top divisions or FAWSL 2, the FAWPL South East Division One side at home taking in FAWPL Southern Division, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, had met in the semi-finals of the Ryman Cup earlier in the season a thrilling game that Tottenham won 5-3. Back to Chatham Town FC in the 3rd Round of the FA Women’s Cup, Bianca Baptiste scored in the 1st half putting Tottenham ahead the single strike enough to see Tottenham through to the 4th Round Proper. Bristol City WFC v Queens Park Rangers Ladies and Loughborough Foxes v Lewes Ladies LFC were postponed and will be played this coming Sunday.
The draw for the 4th Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup is listed below
Bristol City WFC or Queens Park Rangers Ladies v Yeovil Town Ladies or Bradford City WFC
Sheffield FC Ladies v Sporting Club Albion Ladies
Loughborough Foxes LFC or Lewes Ladies v Millwall Lionesses
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC v Blackburn Rovers Ladies
Everton Ladies v Nottingham Forest Ladies or Preston North End WFC
Durham FC Women v Charlton Athletic Women
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Aston Villa Ladies
Ties scheduled to be played Sunday 28th February
FAWPL South East Division One
FAWPL South East Division One leaders, Crystal Palace Ladies were finally back in league action after an extended spell of postponements and cup fixtures. Unbeaten in the league they resumed with a top of the table clash against Luton Town Ladies, 3rd in the table enjoying a good season themselves. Crystal Palace Ladies unbeaten league record looked to be under threat after they found themselves 2-0 behind at half-time Luton Town Ladies scoring through Nicola Henman and Erika Byron. Crystal Palace Ladies came back 2nd half to get themselves back on level terms Pamela McRoberts and Gemma Bryan on target. Went 3-2 ahead with Leanne Bell scoring. Natasha Fensome made it 3-3 for Luton Town Ladies, but Crystal Palace Ladies came back again Rochelle Shakes with a determined run into the area crossing for Gemma Bryan to score her 2nd of the match to win it for Crystal Palace 4-3.
Ipswich Town Ladies continue to climb away from the bottom of the table a winning streak that now extends to 3 matches to lift them as high in the table as they have been all season into 7th spot. On the road taking on Suffolk rivals Lowestoft Town Ladies. Defender Aimee Harrison gave Ipswich Town Ladies the lead, former Lowestoft Town Ladies player Natasha Thomas scored a brace against her old club with captain Amanda Crump netting Ipswich Town Ladies final goal in a 4-0 victory.
Moves them 3 points behind East Anglian rivals Norwich City Ladies in 6th spot in the table, Norfolk’s leading women’s side also bagging 3 points this Sunday were at home at Plantation Park hosting bottom side Bedford Ladies. Megan Bartlett found the back of the net for Norwich on 11 minutes. Ebony Wiseman struck 10 minutes later to give Norwich 2. Bartlett scored another before half-time. Ellen Swift was on target midway through the 2nd half with an own goal adding to Bedford Ladies woes as they lost 5-1, Norwich City Ladies winning for the 1st time in 2016.
Eastern Regional Leagues
Of the 4 scheduled matches due to take place in the ERWFL Premier Division only 2 survived the weather. One of those featured current leaders Billericay Town Ladies who had the chance to extend their lead with title rivals Stevenage Ladies match one of the postponements. Billericay Town Ladies were on the road taking on fellow Essex side Colchester Town Ladies. A single goal was enough to give Billericay Town Ladies all 3 points, Nicola Dunston putting the ball into the back of the net.
In the other ERWFL Premier Division match to beat the weather Acle United Ladies were playing on 3G at the Lynn Grove Academy. Faced tough opposition with Haringey Borough Women the opposition. After a goalless 1st 45 minutes, Acle United Ladies got themselves in front Luka Goodfield scoring the goal 6 minutes into the 2nd half. The lead wasn’t to last long as Haringey Borough Women came back to equalise 5 minutes later through Morgan Lundberg. No more goals were added the points shared in a 1-1 draw.
At the 3rd time of asking the ERWFL League Cup quarter final tie between Great Shelford Ladies and AFC Sudbury Ladies was finally one this Sunday. Stacey Teager gave AFC Sudbury Ladies the lead midway through the 1st half. Sophie Jeffery doubled their lead. Didn’t have it all their own way Great Shelford Ladies creating chances pulled one back late on to ensure a tense finish, AFC Sudbury Ladies held on to win 2-1 to book their place in the semi-finals joining Stevenage Ladies, Colchester Town Ladies and Silver End United Ladies.
The ERWFL Division One’s East and West take a break as the 14 sides contesting the 2 divisions enter the Division One Cup. Played in a league format with two Groups A and B drawn out between the 2 leagues the top 2 from each going through to the semi-finals.
In Group A this Sunday, Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies were hosting Bury Town Ladies. Nadine Basson found a goal for Bury Town Ladies in either half however it wasn’t enough to get anything from the game with Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies running out 5-2 winners their goals coming from Georgia Fraser, Naomi Hayes, Patrizia Leo and new signing Martine Smith who scored 2 on her home debut.
Also in Group A, Division One East leaders Writtle Ladies were at home to Division One West’s Stevenage Ladies Reserves. Writtle continued their 100% winning league form to top the table early on scoring 5 goals to win the match with 5 different goal scorers, Abigail Fry, Sophie Vale, Georgina Tricker, Amy Simmons and Charlotte Walker all on target.
One game on in Group B with Silver End United Ladies of Division One East hosting Hoddesdon Owls Ladies from Division One West who were finally playing a competitive match in 2016. Took the lead after a goalless 1st half, Silver End United coming back late on Rebecca Hollocks scoring to goal to see the points shared 1-1 the final score.
Norfolk
Cup action all the way in Norfolk this Sunday with the quarter finals of the Ladies League Cup and the 1st Round of the new Ladies Plate competition. Starting with the League Cup the game between Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies & Thorpe United Ladies was postponed. Lynn Ladies were awarded a home win against Bungay Town Ladies Reserves. That left 2 quarter finals to be played.
One was a repeat of last seasons league Cup Final with holders Wymondham Town Ladies defending the trophy against the side they beat in the final Brandon Town Ladies, travelling to Brandon. Were the better side 1st half going into the break 3-0 to the good. Brandon rallied 2nd half captain Tiffany Forshaw netting twice, Wymondham Town Ladies knock them out to reach the semi-finals going on to win 4-2, Mary Cann and 2 from Laura Wiseman amongst the goals.
Anyone remember Gorleston FC Ladies? They haven’t played since the beginning of December 2015 and have seen very little football altogether so far this season. Were finally back in action this Sunday at home a game on at last but it was a tough return a League Cup quarter final against Division One side Aylsham FC Ladies. The Division Three side no match as they were beaten 9-0, Abbie Charlton scoring another hat-trick for Aylsham FC Ladies, braces too fro Becky Hills and Lauren Oliver a goal each for Debbie Kelly and Michaela England.
In the Norfolk Ladies Cup 1st Round, Bungay Town Ladies were on home soil taking on fellow Division One side Long Stratton Ladies. The scores were level at half-time 1-1, Nicola Hazell scoring for Bungay whilst Charlotte Head netted for Long Stratton. 2nd half saw Bungay add 3 more goals to their total Hazell scoring again with Lois Nethersell and Taylor Whiting also on target, Jennifer Head with another goal for Long Stratton the final score 4-2, Bungay Town Ladies into the quarter finals.
Norfolk Division Two side Red Rose United Ladies travelled to the coast to play Division Three side Cromer Town Ladies in the Ladies Plate. There were braces scored by three of their players, Vicky Lubbock, Megan Skinner and Lauren Hems, Sophie Lubbock and Stacey High also getting on the scoresheet as Red Rose Ladies win comfortably 8-0 to reach the quarter finals.
An even bigger winning scoreline for fellow Division Two side Bohemians Ladies who were also away to Division Three opponents in Sprowston Ladies Reserves. 10-0 the final score can’t bring you the goalscorers as they’re not listed. Better news for the Sprowston Ladies 1st team with the Division Two side also at home this Sunday in the Ladies Cup hosting Red Rose United of Division Three, a quarter final spot looked out of reach at half-time however as they found themselves 2-0 down. Sprowston Ladies turned it around in the 2nd half to come back to score 3 goals and beat Red Rose United 3-2 to put themselves in the hat for the quarter final draw.
One more Ladies Cup tie result to bring you in an all Division Three match leaders Harleston Town Ladies were at home facing Toftwood Ladies won the game 2-1 with goals from Lacey Andrews and Rosie Clark, Laura Harvey scoring for Toftwood Ladies. Fakenham Town Ladies v Stalham Town Ladies and Dereham Town Ladies v Morley Ladies were both postponed whilst North Walsham Angels Ladies advance to the quarter finals having been awarded a home win.
Suffolk
In Suffolk East Bergholt United Ladies won again to keep their 6 point lead at the top of the table beating Copleston Ladies away from home by 2 goals to 1 this Sunday. Those chasing also picked up 3 points as 2nd and 3rd placed Bacton United Ladies and Brantham Athletic Ladies recorded large wins.
Having moved into 2nd spot in the table last weekend, Bacton United Ladies were at home this Sunday against 2nd bottom side Leiston St Margarets Ladies had a 2-0 lead at half-time before going on to win the match 6-0 with Eleanor Catchpole and Samantha Walker both scoring two goals each. Maria Walker and Lois Balfour also getting in on the goal scoring action.
3rd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies have 2 games in hand on Bacton United Ladies remain a point behind after smashing 14 goals in against bottom side Ipswich Phoenix who remain pointless at the foot of the table. 4 goals a piece for Danielle Harvey and Kirsten Hutchings for Brantham Athletic Ladies. Lucy Elmes scored a hat-trick with a goal each for Lucy Dunnett, Shanice Leeks and Merlin Watson.
Cambridgeshire
Is an ever changing picture at the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership with a 4 way battle going on for the title right now. New leaders after this Sunday’s results with Cambridge University Women going to the summit on goal difference over ICA Sports Ladies, captialising on opponents Fulbourn Bluebirds bringing 10 players to their Fenners ground. Amanda Wainwright helping herself to 5 goals on the day with Fiona Carter collecting 4 more, Eve Avdoulos and Hannah Sheahan also scoring in an 11-1 win. Michela Carter with the goal for Fulbourn Bluebirds.
ICA Sports Ladies keep hold of 2nd spot following a 4-0 away win against Newmarket Town Ladies at the weekend. The 4 goals shared out between 4 different scorers, Tash Applegate, Clare Knibbs, Annie Posnett and Megan Purnell. Cambridge United WFC Reserves climb up a place into 3rd in the table were at home at the weekend against Netherton United Ladies. Was a close contest a single goal enough for Cambridge United WFC Reserves to take all three points, Hayley Turner with the winning goal in the 1st half.
All that saw previous leaders Cambridge City Ladies drop to 4th in the table, it being that close at the top of the Premiership. They weren’t in league action this weekend, instead trying to play their quarter final in the League Cup against Bar Hill Ladies now into it’s 5th attempt to get it completed. Did at last Cambridge City Ladies the travelling side. Captain Grace Stanley was on the scoresheet yet again with two to her name Carla Penny also netting to see Cambridge City Ladies through to the semi-finals where they will be away again against the current League Cup holders Huntingdon Town Ladies.
In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North leaders Bourne Ladies weren’t in action, however 2nd placed Wisbech Town Ladies could only close the 6 point gap by a point as they were held to a 1-1 draw away to Swineshead Institute Ladies, Becky Taylor scoring the goal for the home side, Kyra Clarke on target for Wisbech Town Ladies.
Stamford Ladies won for the 1st time in 2016 at the weekend inflicting a 3rd league defeat in a row on Wisbech St Marys Ladies that see’s the former leaders slip to 7th in the table as Stamford Ladies climb above them following a 2-0 away win.
In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South, St Ives Town Ladies have built a big lead at the top of the table look favourites for the title. A big game at the top this weekend with St Ives Town Ladies travelling to play 2nd placed Park Ladies. Amy Newell scored for Park Ladies the only goal of the match giving the victory and 3 points to Park Ladies close the gap at the top to 8 points and do have 2 games in hand on the leaders, maybe the title race isn’t over yet?
Moving up to 3rd in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South are Riverside Rovers Reserves winning 6-1 at home against Isleham United Ladies this weekend. Two goals each for Roneta Maroosafte and Shikiba Hajizadeh with one more each scored by Jessica Blackbird and Jessica Hill completes the scoresheet for Riverside Rovers Reserves, who have 3 games in hand on the leaders the gap 12 points. Rachel Turner scoring for Isleham United Ladies.
One other game in Cambridgeshire to bring you in the Junior Invititation Cup 1st Round, Huntingdon Town Ladies knocking Little Paxton Ladies out of the competition with a large 8-0 win to book a quarter final tie away to Isleham United Ladies on the 28th of February.
Essex
In Essex, Collier Row Tigers and Hullbridge Sports Ladies met in the 2nd Round of the Women’s League Cup, the two are chasing Chelmsford City Ladies for top spot in the Premier Division, was a close contest ending 1-1 after 90 minutes. Extra time yielded no winning goal so the tie headed into a penalty shootout, Collier Row Tigers won it 4-3 to send them into the quarter finals of the competition.
In the Essex Women’s Premier Division, Chelmsford City Ladies remain at the top after the weekends results 1 goal enough to take all three points away to 5th placed Runwell Hospital Ladies.
Elsewhere in the Premier Division the other two fixtures featured the sides battling it out at the bottom of the table Hutton Ladies Reserves won big beating Walden Ladies 8-2 at home to pull away from the danger. In the other match it was a narrow 2-1 home win for Lawford Ladies over bottom side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Let’s start with the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup whilst one side of the draw already has a finalist in Watford Ladies Development u19s the other half is still at the 2nd Round stage, why I will find out eventually. Either way the 2nd Round tie finally took place this Sunday with ERWFL Division One West side hosting Beds & Herts Division Two side Garston Ladies FC96. Proved to be too tough an opponent for the lower division side who lost 12-1. Royston Town Ladies will now play at home next weekend in the quarter final against Hertford Town Ladies.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Bishops Stortford Ladies move back up into 3rd spot after beating Flitwick Ladies 3-1 on Sunday with Danielle Dutnall, Elle Georgiou and Abigail Stevens the players getting their goals. Elsewhere in the division it ended goalless between Toddington Rovers Ladies and Sherrardswood Ladies.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two Houghton Athletic Ladies unbeaten start to the 2015/16 season came to an end after 10 matches after the leaders were beaten 3-2 at home against Hitchin Town Ladies, Rebecca Day scoring a hat-trick enough to take all 3 points Emma Hawkes and Shakeela Hussain with the goals for Houghton Athletic Ladies. The win see’s Hitchin Town Ladies up to 3rd spot in the table.
That result benefited Sharnbrook WFC who move a place back into 2nd in the table now 3 points behind Houghton Athletic Ladies with a match in hand. Where away to Woburn Lionesses who occupied 2nd spot themselves going into the game. Charlotte Mullins gave Sharnbrook WFC the perfect start scoring in the 1st minute. Woburn Lionesses had it all square come half-time Danielle Hull levelling in 30 minutes. Sharnbrook went into a 3-1 lead 2nd half Sian Cunningham netting twice on 66 and 72 minutes, Georgia Herrington got one back for Woburn Lionesses 3 minutes later to set up a tense final 15 minutes Sharnbrook WFC held out to claim the 3 points.
Also in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two Watton Ladies were held 2-2 at home against Royston Town Ladies Reserves, Georgia Gannaway on target both times for the visitors.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, Icknield Ladies remain 3 points clear at the top of the table winning 4-0 at home against 5th placed Bedmond Ladies at the weekend. Two goals from Jackie Sheridan and another from Cyeanna Eaton plus an opposition own goal sealing the win to keep them ahead of the rest.
Hitchin Belles climb back into 2nd in the table still with a 100% win record now 9 out of 9 following a comfortable 9-1 win away from home at Kings Langley Ladies. Shannon Page and Emily Field both wanting a match ball after scoring a hat-trick each. Charis Wakefield chipping in with a brace, Amy Jack with the other Hitchin Belles goal. Kimberly Nield with the consolation goal for Kings Langley Ladies.
Panshanger Ladies climb above Bedmond Ladies into 5th spot in the table following the weekends results. Have now won 3 in a row away against Hatfield Town Ladies this Sunday were behind on 18 minutes Milan Johnson scoring to put the home side in front. Panshanger Ladies equalised on the half hour mark Kathryn Light finding the back of the net had a 2-1 lead at half-time with Hatfeild Town Ladies putting through their own net. Light added a 3rd goal for Panshanger 15 minutes into the 2nd half with a goal coming in injury time scored by April Spang to win the game 4-1.
That concludes Edition Twenty-One of The Tuesday-Round-Up, nice to have plenty of action to cover. Now February’s here hoping more sides can get a decent run of games in this month I think will go along way into deciding where titles will be won and lost and in almost every league their are still several contenders, lot’s more to look forwards to. League tables and results updated across the website. Women’s Football East passed 1,000 followers on Twitter during the past week pleased to see the interest continues to grow at a rapid pace and I appreciate all the support. Until the next Edition thanks for reading.
The Tuesday Round-Up has reached Edition Twenty. January has been a challenge the wettest for a long time so many postponements glad to see them tail off somewhat these past two Sunday’s. That of course means there’s plenty of women’s football action to bring you from this weekend league and cup. Quarter Finals of the FAWPL League Plate and Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup to mention a couple. Sitting down later than I would like to write this on a Tuesday evening so let’s get cracking into it.
FAWPL Southern Division
The south coast was where the weather proved to be the least kind this weekend with the FAWPL Southern Division fixtures at Portsmouth FC Ladies and Lewes Ladies getting postponed. That left just the one game in the league but it was a big one 2nd v 3rd as Cardiff City Ladies travelled to London to take on Charlton Athletic Women. Both sides were after the 3 points to close the gap on leaders Brighton & Hove Albion WFC. In the end it was neither side could find the breakthrough the game ending in a goalless draw with see’s them both narrow the gap at the top by a point. Both have 3 games in hand on the leaders as do all the teams hoping to catch Brighton however they will have to see them drop points down the line if they wish to overhaul them in the race for the title.
FAWPL League Plate
It was the quarter final stage of the FAWPL League Plate this Sunday and two of those ties featured sides featured on Women’s Football East. Gillingham FC Ladies of FAWPL South East Division One were taking in higher league opposition as FAWPL Northern Division side Newcastle United Ladies make the long trip down to Kent. They returned to the North East with a place in the semi-finals secured winning the game 3-0 the goals scored by, Ellie Dobson, Emma Hewitt and Ellen Turnbull.
Coventry United Ladies were at home in their quarter final tie taking on lower league opposition, FAWPL Northern Division One side Liverpool Marshalls Feds Ladies. The FAWPL Southern Division side are in the semi-final draw winning the game by a single goal, scored by Helen Dermody in the 62nd minute. Keynsham Town Ladies are also in the semi-finals line-up whilst we will have to wait for 2 more weeks to see if either Loughborough Foxes WFC or Enfield Town Ladies join them.
FAWPL South East Division One
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies move level on points at the top of the FAWPL South East Division One with leaders Crystal Palace Ladies following another big win at the weekend. Having beaten Lowestoft Town Ladies at home 12-0 the previous Sunday, were making the trip east to play Lowestoft again this Sunday and although the side 2nd bottom of the table kept the scoreline below double figures Milton Keynes Dons Ladies gave their goal difference another boost winning 7-0, Leah Cudone and Andie Dickens with 2 goals each along with strikes from Hannah Barrett, Charley Clarke and Heather McDonnell. Milton Keynes Dons have played 3 games more than the leaders.
The other match taking place in the FAWPL South East Division One this Sunday was at Wootton Blue Cross with Bedford Ladies bottom of the league taking on Ipswich Town Ladies who were looking to build on last weekends derby victory over Norwich City Ladies to move themselves further clear of the bottom end of the table. Picked up 3 more points to move above Old Actonians Ladies into 9th in the table. Hollie Clement and Natasha Thomas both scoring with Zoe Cossey newly signed from Lowestoft Town Ladies scoring her 1st 2 goals for Ipswich as they won 4-2. Bedford Ladies goals from Chelsea Hunter and Kaiya Glynn.
Capital Women’s Cup
This weekend saw the 3 remaining quarter finals of the Capital Women’s Cup with Charlton Athletic Women already through to the semi-finals. West Ham United Ladies were paired against Tottenham Hotspur Ladies in another cup competition, at home this tie at AFC Hornchurch. Avilla Bergin gave the visitors an early lead finding the back of the net on 5 mins. West Ham responded on half an hour getting back on level terms through Italian striker Romina Pinna. No more goals followed in the regular 90 the game headed into extra-time still the deadlock couldn’t be broken and the tie went to penalties. A dramatic shootout followed going all the way to sudden death Tottenham goalkeeper Toni Anne Wayne saving to see them take it 7-6 on pens and advance to the semi-finals.
Enfield Town Ladies were hosting Queens Park Rangers Ladies at the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium. The visitors had an early chance to take the lead from the penalty spot, Enfield goalkeeper, Kerrie Marlborough saved it. Queens Park Rangers had the lead at half-time with Danielle Puddefoot scoring on 25 minutes. Had to wait until the 73rd minute to double their advantage Jo Wilson on target, went on to score another a few minutes later before Emma Whitter made it 4-0 on the 84th minute that the final score, Queens Park Rangers booking their semi-final spot.
Completing a strong quartet of semi-finalists are FAWPL South East Division One leaders Crystal Palace Ladies at home taking on lower league opponents Abbey Rangers Ladies, came away with a convincing win making double figures 10-0 the final score, Gemma Bryan with a hat-trick, Nicha Dyett, Abigail Igbavboa and Alma Donohoe all with 2 each with Pamela McRoberts also getting in on the goalscoring.
Eastern Regional Leagues
Stevenage Ladies go level on points with Billericay Town Ladies both on 25 at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division after a goalless draw away to Colchester Town Ladies this Sunday. Crucially Stevenage Ladies have two games in hand although two of the games they have yet to play are home and away with Billericay Town Ladies both coming up later this month they could go along way to deciding where the title is heading.
Brentwood are up one weekend, down the next the visitors this Sunday were Acle United Ladies who were looking to build on last Sunday’s county cup win to get thier 1st league win of 2016. Had the early lead Kate Pasque scoring the goal. Took till the 43rd minute to double their advantage Amber Rowland scoring her 1st goal for her new club. Brentwood Town came back into it early in the 2nd half Carla Rose halving Acle’s lead. Wasn’t long before Acle restored the 2 goal cushion Alice Ladbrooke through on goal to score. Leah McGuire scored a 4th for Acle before Anna Larkins struck from distance to make it 5-1.
AFC Dunstable Ladies picked up another 3 points to lift them away from the bottom end of the table too, were at home to bottom side Gt Wakering Rovers Ladies at the weekend. Had a 2-1 lead at half-time Danielle Carty with both of the goals, another brace followed 2nd half this time scored by Amber Pearson to seal a 4-1 win.
In ERWFL Division One, there was just the one league match played with Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies hosting 2nd placed Silver End United Ladies. The visitors had a 2-1 advantage at half-time with Katharine Pearson and Danielle Warnes finding the back of the net. Abbie Simmonds scoring for Little Thurrock Dynamos, Simmonds added another goal in the 2nd half but it wasn’t enough as Lynsey Bowman bagged herself a hat-trick Silver End United winning 5-2.
One fixture in ERWFL Division One West beat the weather too this weekend, leaders Hutton Ladies finally back in action having not played since December 6th 2015 in the league have held onto top spot by a single point were on the road taking on 3rd placed Offley & Stopsley Ladies. Was a high scoring contest 10 goals shared between the two sides, Hutton Ladies, Katie Lowen netting a hat-trick with team mates Kelly Roberts, Ebony Moore and Rachael Agomber also putting the ball into the back of the net to win it 6-4 and open up a 4 point gap at the top of the league.
Norfolk
Brandon Town Ladies went top of Norfolk Women’s Division One last weekend and that’s were they remain after this Sunday’s league fixtures following a big 8-0 win away to Fakenham Town Ladies, captain Tiffany Forshaw on target 6 times, with Brooke Wickens scoring twice to keep them a point clear at the top with 2nd and 3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies and Aylsham FC Ladies also winning.
Wymondham Town Ladies were also on their travels this Sunday crossing the county to play Lynn Ladies at the West Lynn Social Club. Led 2-0 at the break with Amber Cantwell and Sally Hammerton on target. Lynn Ladies pulled a goal back through Shelley Woods 2nd half, but Wymondham Town went on to win 3-1 to take the 3 points.
Aylsham FC Ladies were on home turf taking on Long Stratton Ladies, the visitors took the lead before the defending champions came back with goals from Abbie Charlton, Becky Hill and a brace from Kiera Squires to take the points in a 4-2 win. Charlotte Head and Jennifer Head the players grabbing the goals for Long Stratton.
In Norfolk Women’s Division Two the stand out fixture was the meeting between 1st and 2nd at Walmer Road as Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies took on North Walsham Angels Ladies both side unbeaten this season and gunning for promotion. This was the featured game on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday and turned out to be a real cracker a great game to watch and with it a fantastic advert for women’s football in Norfolk. The tone was set right from the 1st minute with Kirkley & Pakefield clearing the ball off their goal line following a break away from North Walsham’s Luci Middleton. It as a break way from the home side on 10 minutes that would lead to the opening goal Nikki Wigg bursting over halfway her shot saved by the on rushing North Walsham goalkeeper on the edge of her area the ball loose coming to Sophie Martin who hooked the ball high into the air to see it drop over the line.
Scores were back on level terms at half-time Middleton getting past the on rushing goalkeeper then controlling the ball well before rifling it into the back of the net. The visitors sent their support wild when Emma Allsopp stabbed her shot over the keeper from the edge of the box and had Kirkley & Pakefield facing their 1st defeat of the season. Pushed everyone forwards late into injury time getting hold of a poor clearance the ball found it’s way through to Wigg at the far post she put the ball into the back of the net the final score 2-2. To read the full match report click on the link below.
3 more games played in Division Two this Sunday, 3rd placed Sprowston Ladies were away to Bohemians Ladies. Lost the game 2-1 as Bohemians Ladies ended a run of 4 straight defeats to pick up their 1st points of 2016. That defeat fro Sprowston Ladies saw Red Rose Ladies move up to take 3rd spot in the table as they won big on the road taking on Bungay Town Ladies Reserves. Lauren Hems did plenty of celebrating as she helped herself to 5 goals, not far behind her was Sophie Lubbock on target with 4 goals with a goal each for Vicky Lubbock and Ellen Hutton in an 11-2 win. Nicola Hazell with both goals for Bungay Town Ladies Reserves. Stalham Town Ladies also picked up their 1st 3 point haul of 2016 this Sunday with a 3-1 home win against bottom side Morley Ladies.
In Norfolk Women’s Division Three, Harleston Town Ladies going marching on at the top of the league 9 wins out of 9 now well clear at the summit. At home this Sunday against Toftwood Ladies, no surprise to see Miryam Ruiz on the score sheet added another 4 goals to her tally this game with Claire King and Rosie Clark also scoring in a 6-2 win.
6 goals were also scored at home by Red Rose United Ladies as they beat bottom side Sprowston Ladies Reserves 6-1. Freethorpe Ladies move into 2nd place in the table capitalising whilst Gorleston FC Ladies remain in hibernation. Freethorpe Ladies were at home this weekend Dereham Town Ladies the visitors. The home side found themselves a goal down at half-time. Responded 2nd half scoring 3 goals, Claire Garner with a pair, Samantha Greenland also netting, Dereham Town Ladies scored another goal themselves the 3 enough to take the points for Freethorpe Ladies winning 3-2.
Suffolk
Battle of the top 2 in the Suffolk Women’s Division this weekend with leaders East Bergholt United Ladies at home to Brantham Athletic Ladies. A fine result for East Bergholt United too as they take the 3 points to give themselves a 6 point lead at the top. Jessica Clarke and Jodie Sharp on target in either half enough to give East Bergholt United a 2-1 victory, Lucy Dunnett getting the goal 2nd half for Brantham Athletic.
That defeat see’s Brantham Athletic Ladies slip to 3rd in the table as Bacton United Ladies climb to the highest place they have been all season following a huge win away to bottom side Ipswich Phoenix. Lois Balfour and Francesca Rainbird with a goal each for the visitors, 2 each for Eleanor Catchpole and Maria Walker, plus an OG, the scoreline was dominated by Samantha Walker on target with 5 goals in a 12-2 win. Shannon Cameron and Katie Sherwood scored a goal each in the 1st half for Ipswich Phoenix.
Copleston Ladies also won at the weekend taking the 3 points in a 4-2 home win over Witnesham Wasps Ladies. Kristie Turner scoring 2 goals for Copleston, with a goal a piece for Elysia Young and Amy Trenter. Witnesham Wasps replying through Emma Long and Emily Steward.
Cambridgeshire
Netherton United Ladies got themselves back to winning ways in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership at the weekend having suffered defeats against 2 of the 3 leading the pack in recent games were at home to 2nd placed Cambridge University Women this Sunday prevented the visitors going clear at the top winning the match 2-0 with goals from Stacey Fullicks and Megan Strickland to take the 3 points climb up to 5th spot.
At the other end of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, Newmarket Town Ladies travelled to Fulbourn Bluebirds, both sides still searching for their 1st win of the season. Looked like Fulbourn Bluebirds might have it as they led 3-0 at half time. Newmarket Town Ladies young guns came back 2nd half Abbi Griffin scoring a 2 goals in 4 minutes on 46 and 52. Fulbourn Bluebirds got it back to 4-2, Newmarket Town came back Kate Winnewisser scoring twice to see the points were shared in a thrilling 4-4 draw. Michela Garner, Rachel Pearce and 2 from Abigail Molloy the goal scorers for Fulbourn Bluebirds.
In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North, Bourne Ladies extend their lead a the top of the table to 4 points following a 3-2 away win at Downham Town Ladies at the weekend. Goals from Tracey Duxbury-Mead, Claire Lawrenson and Charlotte Ayers enough to take the 3 points despite a brace from Downham Town Ladies, George Lingham.
Elsewhere in the Championship North it was a clash between the bottom two with Tydd St Mary Ladies hosting Hungate Rovers Ladies. The visitors have the one win to their name so far and that was the reverse fixture against Tydd St Mary Ladies, now have the double over them to record their 2nd win of the season winning 4-1 Jade Chamberlain scoring a hat-trick with Chantelle Abraham getting Hungate Rovers Ladies other goal.
St Ives Town Ladies newly formed this season are running away with the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South this season, extended that lead to 9 points win a convincing 7-1 away win against fellow new side Riverside Rovers Ladies. Tierney Poore and Georgia Rebane both bagging a brace with their other goals scored by Georgia Stancombe, Penelope Ford and Hannah Seymour-Shove. Michelle Bark with the consolation goal for Riverside Rovers.
Elsewhere in Cambridgeshire it was the 1st round of the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup with 4 ties scheduled to take place. Wisbech Town Ladies were handed a home win when opponents Comberton Ladies couldn’t field a team. Holders of the Junior Invitation Cup, Cambridge United WFC Reserves were away taking on Wisbech St Marys Ladies. Ebony-Jade Rule opened the scoring for the visitors before Hayley Turner, captain Becca Fay and Emily Reed all scored for Cambridge United WFC Reserves to see them into the quarter finals.
Joining the holders in the quarter finals are, Championship South side Park Ladies although it took them extra-time to do it, away in a Sunday morning kick off against Cambridge Rangers was 2-2 after 90 minutes before Park Ladies finished the stronger in the extra 30 scoring 3 more times to take the tie 5-2 their goals coming from Erin Powell x2, Casey Ward, Amy Newell and Kirstie Smith. Fellow Championship South side and last season’s beaten finalists Milton Ladies are also through to the next round after they beat March Town United Ladies 5-3 at home, all 5 of their goals scored by Kirstie Lemmon-Sparks. Emma Searle, Adele Munday and Shannon Kelly on target for March Town United Ladies.
Essex
In the Essex Women’s Premier Division leaders Chelmsford City Ladies were at home to newly promoted Hullbridge Sports Ladies enjoying a good start to life in the top tier in Essex were fou points adrift of the leaders going into the game, found themselves 1-0 down at the break, Lisa Overall giving Chelmsford City Ladies the lead. Hullbridge Sports Ladies came back 2nd half to win the game 2-1 with goals from Christina Fragnito and Broghan Kelly to move into 2nd spot in the table a point off top spot level on points with Eastern Avenue and Collier Row Tigers with Runwell Hospitall Ladies just 2 points off the top in 5th all very tight at the top. At the other end of the Essex Women’s Premier Division, Walden Ladies beat Lawford Ladies 3-2.
In Essex Women’s Division One their was some very sad news as the league lost a side Leigh Athletic Ladies folding never good to here and Women’s Football East wishes their players and coaches all the best hope some if not all stay in the game.
That will see an adjustment to the league table. Of the games that did take place it was a high scoring draw between Alresford Colne Rangers and Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies Reserves the game ending 4-4. Was a good result for Chigwell Ladies too as they travelled to Wickford Town Ladies picking up another win 5-1 the final score.
One other match in Essex at the weekend in the Women’s League Cup 2nd round Runwell Hospital Ladies book a spot in the quarter finals with a 2-1 win at home against Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
An ever changing picture at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One with just the one fixture taking place this Sunday. Harvesters FC Ladies who were knocked off top spot last weekend after losing heavily at home to Hertford Town Ladies, were at home again this time against bottom side Sandy Ladies go 3 points clear at the top once again winning 5-0 Ellie Lovelock and Kayla Johnson both scoring 2 with the 5th goal added by Lauren Croucher.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two it was the battle of the top two with Houghton Athletic Ladies taking their unbeaten record to Woburn Lionesses. Keep it in tack following a 1-1 draw to keep the gap in front to 4 points. Ciara Craig scoing their goal, whilst Georgia Herrington was on target for Woburn Lionessess. Hitchin Town Ladies climb up to 4th place in the league table a point behind 3rd placed Sharnbrook WFC after a 3-0 home win against AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies. Emma Chaffey, Rebecca Day and Chanel Serriff-Grey getting the goals.
One match in Beds & Herts Division Three, with Panshanger Ladies taking on bottom side Shefford Town & Campton Ladies. Looking to build on last weeks win Panshanger had the lead on 10 minutes Sophie Whitman opening the scoring. Were 4-0 to the good at half-time Georgina Harvey and Kerry Twigg netting before Whitman added her 2nd a minute before half-time. Whitman completed her hat-trick 15 minutes into the 2nd half. Shefford Town & Campton pulled 1 goal back through Chloe Moore. Five minutes from the end April Spang added a 6th for Panshanger as they win 6-1 leaving them comfortable in mid-table well clear of the battle at the bottom.
Elsewhere in Beds & Herts it was the quarter finals of the Women’s League Cup, 2 ties were played this Sunday. Last season’s runner-up Sherrardswood Ladies were at home draw against a potential banana skin in Hitchin Belles unbeaten in Beds & Herts Division Three. The Division One side proved too strong in the end, goals from Manjinder Atwal, Laure Marris and a 90th minute penalty from Abby Cardall seeing Sherrardswood Ladies through to the semi-finals.
In the other quarter final tie Flitwick Ladies struggling in Beds & Herts Division One were at home against Division Two side Watton Ladies. No goalscorers for this one which is a shame as it was a high scoring game 8 goals shared between the teams, Watton Ladies reach the semi-finals scoring the more winning 5-3. The quarter final tie between Crawley Green Ladies and Hertford Town Ladies was postponed, whilst Letchworth Garden City Eagles are still waiting to see which Garston Ladies side they will face in the quarter finals.
That completes another packed Edition of The Tuesday Round-Up some thrilling games there the drama keeps coming and looking forwards to writing about even more twists and turns into February now few teams out there with a hefty fixture list still others glad to have the points on board. Until next week thanks for reading and your support of Women’s Football East the twitter account is rapidly closing in on 1000 followers and that highlights the interest that is out there for the women’s game.
Well this is more like it a Sunday where more fixtures get played than end up getting postponed, good to see and let’s hope it lasts. Still sides out there yet to kick a ball in competitive action in 2016 but a few more finally got the New Year going. With last weekend being a County Cup one, quarter finals in most cases any postponements were rolled back to this Sunday. Were still 3 outstanding 2nd round Proper FA Women’s Cup games to get played. In Essex it was the 2nd Round of the women’s league cup.
The busiest edition of The Tuesday Round-Up yet in 2016 with the action from 45 matches to bring you so let’s get started; Edition Nineteen – Sunday 24th January.
FA Women’s Cup
Postponed for the past 2 Sunday’s there were still 3 FA Women’s Cup ties from the 2nd Round Proper to be played the earlier poor wet weather causing plenty of disruption to playing calenders. West Ham United Ladies were drawn away to London rivals Crystal Palace Ladies in the 2nd Round Proper, a league separating the 2 sides Crystal Palace Ladies are leading the way in FAWPL South East Division One, unbeaten so far this season. A potential upset on the cards as West Ham United Ladies travelled to Bromley FC. The visitors conceding an early penalty , Fraya Holdaway stepping up to put the spot kick into the back of the net to give Crystal Palace Ladies the lead. West Ham United Ladies soon get themselves back on level terms as Italian striker Romina Pinna sends her shot into the back of the net, applying pressure on the home side late in the 1st half West Ham go in at the break 2-1 up, Whitney Locke giving them the lead. Both sides create chances 2nd half, no more goal are scored however and West Ham United Ladies advance to the 3rd Round Proper where they will have hoe advantage over the winner of the Nuneaton Town Ladies/Blackburn Rovers Ladies tie still to be played.
It was also FAWPL Southern Division against FAWPL Division One in the other two outstanding ties, Queens Park Ranger Ladies travelled down to the South Coast to play FAWPL South West Division One, Chichester City Ladies, and it was they who had the lead in the tie Amy Found converting a penalty on 25 minutes. Queens Park Rangers got themselves back on level terms 6 minutes before half time Jo Wilson scoring from a corner. The visitors won an early 2nd half penalty, Danielle Puddefoot scoring it to give Queens Park Rangers the lead, no long after Wilson with her 2nd of the match to make it 3-1, an own goal reduced their lead to 3-2 before half-time substitute Natalie Richardson scored to make it 4-2, Found scored again for Chichester City but it wasn’t enough as Queens Park Rangers held out for the 4-3 and now face a long trip west to play FAWSL 2 side Bristol City WFC in the 3rd Round Proper.
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were also taking on FAWPL South West Division One opposition heading west to face Swindon Town Ladies, fresh from reaching the Ryman Women’s Cup Final on Thursday night, Leah Rawle gave Tottenham the lead before Swindon put though their own net to go 2 down, Rawle found the net again with Avilla Bergin putting them 4-0 after half time. Alex Hurst pulled a consolation goal back for Swindon Town Ladies but it’s Tottenham who progress to the 3rd Round Proper an away trip to face Gillingham FC Ladies.
FAWPL Southern Division
Just the 1 league game played in the FAWPL Southern Division to date in 2016 and that back on the 3rd of January. Two matches did finally take place this weekend, with the current run away leaders Brighton & Hove Albion WFC on the road away to 2nd bottom side Forest Green Rovers Ladies. Took 40 minutes until the deadlock was broken, Deanna Cooper scoring the goal to give Brighton the slender advantage at half-time. Forest Green pulled it level five minutes after the break Kirsty Richardson scoring from the spot. Any hopes of holding on to get anything from the match were blown away for Forest Green with 10 minutes left, Charlotte Gurr nosing them back in front, then Lucy Somes extended the lead with 5 minutes left, Lisa Fulgence scoring in injury time Brighton winning 4-1 are now 11 points clear of the chasing pack, have played 4 games more the 3 sides below them.
Moving back into 2nd spot are Cardiff City Ladies playing their 1st league match since back in mid November 2015. Were on the road at the The Dripping Pan to play Lewes Ladies who like Cardiff hadn’t played a league game since November 22nd themselves. The Welsh side started brightly had the lead on the 3rd minute Chloe Lloyd finding the back of the net, midway through the 1st half the lead was doubled Kerry Partridge with the goal. 2-0 the lead to Cardiff at half-time they gave Lewes a mountain to climb early in the 2nd half with Laura Williams netting their 3rd goal. The home side pulled a goal back on 65 minutes through Sian Heather, Cardiff won it 3-1 to move back into 2nd.
FAWPL South East Division One
It’s in the FAWPL South East Division One where this weekend’s featured match report comes from on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, a trip down to The Queen Elizabeth II Stadium to watch Enfield Town Ladies play their 1st league game since the 25th October last year. The A10 derby with Cambridge United WFC the visitors. Enfield’s opponents were in a rich vein of form going into the match a run of 8 games unbeaten that had seen them rise to 4th on the table, Enfield’s lack of games during that same period had seen them drop down the table.
Cambridge were the stronger side in the 1st half creating chances, Enfield’s Kerrie Marlborough the busier of the two goalkeepers pulling off a vital save just before half-time to deny Hannah Goodchild an easy goal from an Anneka Nuttall cross. Straight after the break Enfield were lifted as striker Chloe Bassett truck from distance the ball heading for the top corner needed a fine save from Cambridge’s Verity Crook to turn it around the post. The home side were better 2nd half getting the ball out wide winning a corner midway through the half Regan Coleman moved unmarked towards the near post and meeting the ball hooked her shot over Crook and into the back of the net. The single goal was to settle the match Enfield Town Ladies collecting all 3 points, Cambridge’s unbeaten run coming to an end, For the whole match report click on the link below to take you to the SWF Blog
Another local derby of the East Anglian variety also too place this Sunday in Norfolk at Plantation Park with Norwich City Ladies hosting Suffolk rivals Ipswich Town Ladies. The visitors looking to get points on the board to move them away from the bottom two had the lead Coral Young scoring it 2 more goals followed Ipswich Town going 3-0 up with Hollie Clement and Jo Foy on target. Norwich came back late on coring twice in the last 6 minutes Chelsea Garrett on 90 with Paige Shorten adding another deep in injury time, too little too late Ipswich Town winning 3-2.
Turbulent times at Lowestoft Town Ladies with several of there 1st team players joining other clubs in recent weeks it was a young squad that travelled to Newport Pagnell FC to play promotion hopeful’s Milton Keynes Dons Ladies who took full advantage to win the 3 points to move back above Luton Town Ladies into 2nd improve their goal difference dramatically too with a 12-0 win, Leah Cudone the pick of the goalscorers with 5 to her name. Charley Wright and Heather McDonnell scored two each with Sophie Watson, Leanne Doyle and Claire Hollingsworth all on target too.
Eastern Regional Leagues
No league games on in the ERWFL Premier Division, although leaders Billericay Town Ladies were due to face local rivals Brentwood Town Ladies the match ended up being called off . Elsewhere it was the Quarter Finals of the ERWFL League Cup. 3 of those ties survived the weather with Great Shelford Ladies v AFC Sudbury Ladies falling foul to a water logged pitch.
Of the other three ties Stevenage Ladies are through to the semi-finals of the competition beating Great Wakering Rovers Ladies 4-1 at home, Josie North scoring a brace, Hannah Marshall and Jessica Nash also getting goals.
Also winning 4-1 at home to reach the semi-finals are ERWFL Division One East side Silver End United Ladies taking on West Billericay Ladies. Alexandra Bailess opening the scoring on 9 minutes it was 2 a minute later Danielle Warnes on target with Rebecca Hollocks making it 3-1 at half-time 4 minutes before the break. The 4th goal came on 63 minute Helen Alder getting her name on the score sheet. Colchester Town Ladies also booked their place in the semi-finals facing a tough opponent at home to Haringey Borough Women a single goal was enough to win the match.
In the ERWFL Division One East, leaders Writtle Ladies extend their 100% record to 9 games in the league were on the road away to Bury Town Ladies, 2-0 up at half-time went on to win 5-0 with Abigail Fry bagging a hat-trick, Sophie Vale scoring the other Writtle goals.
5-0 was also the winning margin in the other ERWFL Division One match taking place this Sunday, scored by the home side this time around and a 2nd league win of the season for Suffolk side Long Melford Ladies as they welcomed Little Thurrock Dynamos to their Stonylands ground. Jessica Clarke and Megan Partridge both scoring a pair, Jodie Sharp with the other goal that sees Long Melford open up a healthy gap between themselves and bottom side West Billericay Ladies.
In the ERWFL Division One West one match took place on Sunday with bottom side Colney Heath Ladies hosting Stevenage Ladies Reserves. Jael Muzzi gave Colney Heath Ladies the lead at half-time. Stevenage Ladies Reserves came back into it 2nd half levelling from the penalty spot before going on to win the game 3-1 and move into 2nd a point behind leaders Hutton Ladies. Sarah Payne, Leah Littlechild and Alexandria Moir with the goals for Stevenage Ladies Reserves.
Norfolk
Two Norfolk Women’s County Cup quarter final ties fell foul to the weather last weekend. Alysham FC Ladies were at home to Division Three side Toftwood Ladies, the Norfolk Division One side ran out 4-0 winners with Alicia Lacey on target along with a hat-trick from Abbie Charlton.
Norfolk Division One side Lynn Ladies were hosting the County Cup holders Acle United Ladies, the ERWFL Premier Division side. Acle United took an early lead Kate Pasque scoring from a corner kick. Player coach Joanne Hooper adding a 2nd goal just before half time. Acle United continued to create chances 2nd half without adding to the score winning 2-0
Norfolk Women’s County Cup semi-final line up
Aylsham FC Ladies v Red Rose Ladies
Thorpe United Ladies v Acle United Ladies
In Norfolk Division One there are new leaders once again as Brandon Town Ladies move back to the top of the pile. At home against Bungay Town Ladies they had to come from behind to take the 3 points, Michelle Stanborough giving the visitors a 1-0 lead at half time. Brandon Town came back 2nd half the ball ending up in the back of the net from a Chloe Slater corner to bring it level before Nettie Stillinger scored from distance to seal a 2-1.
Hot on Brandon Town Ladies heels moving into 2nd spot are Wymondham Town Ladies won big on Sunday at home to bottom side Long Stratton Ladies 8 nil the winning margin the goals shared between 7 different scorers, Mary Cann, Amber Cantwell, Kelly Ayers, Kayleigh Holloway, Laura Hammerton and Louise Hamilton-Rout, with Laura Wiseman scoring a brace.
In Norfolk Division Two there was a big win for Norfolk Women’s County Cup semi-finalists Red Rose Ladies at home this Sunday to Bohemians Ladies, who they had beaten last Sunday in the Cup. Won 4-1 then, and even bigger margin this time around 4-0 up at the break went on to win 7-1 Sophie Lubbock and Megan Skinner both scoring hat-trick with Stacey High also finding the back of the net to move Red Rose up to within 2 points of 3rd placed Sprowston Ladies with a game in hand.
In ended goalless on the North Norfolk Coast in the match between Cromer Town Ladies and Freethorpe Ladies in Norfolk Women’s Division Three, the point sees Freethorpe up a place into 3rd in the table. The league leaders Harleston Town Ladies were away to bottom side Sprowston Ladies Reserves had beaten them at home 13-0 earlier in the season a much closer match this time around Harleston Town edging it 2-1 to maintain their 100% win record at the top of the league Lacey Andrews and Miryram Ruiz with their goals.
Suffolk
One match in the Suffolk Women’s Division took place this Sunday with league leaders East Bergholt United away to Bacton United Ladies had the chance to extend their lead over 2nd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies to 6 points, instead the gap is 4 after they were held to a 1-1 draw, Jessica Quinsee the player on target for East Bergholt.
Cambridgeshire
New leaders at the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership with Cambridge City Ladies at the summit of the table for the 1st time this season, were away to Netherton United Ladies. All the goals coming in the 1st half, Carla Penny scoring once with Grace Stanley scoring a hat-trick for the 2nd successive Sunday. In fact Stanley is in a hot run of goal scoring form for Cambridge City Ladies scoring 17 goals in her last 7 games including 4 hat-tricks, (1 of which was a 4 goal haul). Are the only unbeaten side in the league.
Cambridge City Ladies lead is slender mind on goal difference with 3 sides all on 17 points at the top former leaders ICA Sports Ladies drop to 3rd as Cambridge University Women move up into 2nd winning 3-2 away to rivals Cambridge United Ladies Reserves who were leading the Premiership for the 1st half of the season now find themselves down in 4th spot. Cambridge University had an early 2 goal lead through Fiona Carter and Finnoula Taylor. Sarah Mosley and Monique Christian got Cambridge United back on level terms at 2-2 before Amanda Wainwright scored in the 85th minute to win it for Cambridge University. All very tight at the top just 2 points separating the top four although they are pulling away from the rest.
One other match from the Women’s Premiership saw Newmarket Town Ladies pick up their 3rd point of the season, where at home hosting Bar Hill Ladies on the Dullingham Polo Fields. The final result 1-1 with Faye Sutton scoring for Newmarket Town Ladies, Anna Jephson finding the back of the net for Bar Hill Ladies.
No fixtures in the Women’s Championship South both matches postponed due to waterlogged pitches. Three matches did take place further north in the Women’s Championship North. Leaders Bourne Ladies weren’t in action whilst 2nd placed Wisbech Town Ladies match against Wisbech St Marys Ladies was called off. The side to take advantage of this was March Town United Ladies who climb back into 2nd spot in the table following a 2-0 win at home to Stamford Ladies a goal scored in either half by Emma Searle and Jessica Harvey.
Another side moving up a place in the Women’s Championship North are Downham Town Ladies moving from 5th to 4th spot following a huge 11-0 win at home to bottom placed Tydd St Mary Ladies at the weekend. George Lingham with 5 more goals to her name has scored in every match Downham Town Ladies has played this season with 12 of those coming in her last 3 games. Also on target for Downham Town were, Georgia Brown and Chelsea Thomason, with Holly Eves and Zoe Sharp getting 2 a piece.
Also climbing a place in the Women’s Championship North table and settling comfortably into the middle in 6th are Swineshead Institute Ladies on the road playing 2nd bottom Hungate Rovers Ladies had a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time, went on to add 4 more goals 2nd half to win 5-1. Lycia Elston with 2 goals, Erin Carmody, Leah Ardon and captain Chloe Gray all scoring too. Kesley McKenna netting on 80 minutes for Hungate Rovers Ladies.
Two rearranged ties from the 2nd Round of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup were also played after being postponed last Sunday. Huntingdon Town Ladies were hosting fellow Premiership side ICA Sports Ladies. The game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes ICA Sports Ladies having a penalty saved in closing minutes to see the game went into extra time, the visitors found the back of the net to win the game 3-1 to book a quarter final place at home to Riverside Rovers Ladies. Louise Burgess, Cara Clarke and Becky Shields with the 3 goals of ICA Sports Ladies.
An all Championship South clash in the other 2nd Round tie in the Invitation Cup, Comberton Ladies at home to runaway league leaders St Ives Town Ladies. 2 goals each from Georgia Rebane and Sasha Smith with Jorgie Hall added another goal saw St Ives through to the quarter finals with a 5-0 win, will face Cambridge City Ladies at home.
Essex
Cup matches all the way in Essex this Sunday, 1st off one outstanding Essex Women’s County Cup quarter final tie to be played postponed due to holders C&K Basildon Ladies FA Women’s Cup commitments. Were at home at Canvey Island FC this Sunday with Essex Premier Division title hopefuls Hullbridge Sports Ladies the visitors, a great opportunity and test for the newly promoted side taking on C&K Basildon 5 leagues above them in the FAWPL Southern Division. C&K Basildon had a 4 goal lead at half time with Karissa Rodney, Zoe Rushen and Amy Nash getting the goals with and own goal making up the scoreline. 2nd half C&K Basildon went on to score 6 more goals Rodney, Rushen and Nash adding another whilst Lilly Mellors also helped herself to a brace with Stacey Little prodding in from a corner to score her 1st goal for the club final score 10-0.
Essex Women’s County Cup semi-final line up
Billericay Town Ladies v Brentwood Town Ladies
Colchester Town Ladies v C&K Basildon Ladies
Elsewhere in Essex it was the 2nd round of the Women’s League Cup with 5 ties taking place this Sunday the pick of those the clash between the league leaders from both divisions with Harlow Ladies unstoppable in Essex Division One hosting Premier Division table toppers Chelsmsford City Ladies. Anyone who follows The Tuesday Round-Up will know this is a tough test for both sides. Harlow Town Ladies opened the scoring Abbie Bensted the player to put the ball into the back of the net, Phillipa Stephens made it 2-0 to the home side before Daisy Dobbs got Chelmsford City back to 2-1 at half time. The visitors were level in the 2nd half Georgia Sleep scoring the equaliser, 2-2 Harlow Town Ladies had the final say winning the match 3-2 Riley Bennett with the winning goal to send Harlow Town through to the quarter finals.
3-2 was also the winning score in another 2nd Round tie featuring a Premier Division side against Division One opposition, The Premier Division side having home advantage this time around as Lawford Ladies took on Wickford Town Ladies another close game it was 2-2 going into the closing stages of the 90, Lawford Ladies popped up with a last gasp winning goal to knock Wickford Town out. Premier Division side Eastern Avenue were at home to Division One side Alresford Colne Rangers. Mollie Rose scored a hat-trick as Eastern Avenue won the tie 8-2 to advance to the quarter finals team-mates Billie Davis, Katie Peers, Courtney Lowther, Hannah Warner and Charlotte Lynch also amongst the goals.
Chigwell Ladies are the other Division One side guaranteed a quarter final spot after they ran out 7-0 winners against fellow Division One side Southend Town Ladies at home. A 7 goal thriller between Premier Division sides Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies and Hutton Ladies Reserves with Hutton edging it 4-3 to book a quarter final spot. Walden Ladies are also in the quarters without kicking a ball awarded a home win over Hullbridge Sports Ladies Reserves. Two outstanding ties to be played before the full quarter final line up is known.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
It was a total white wash in the quarter finals of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup last weekend so they all tried again this Sunday with a much better outcome all 4 games getting played. Couldn’t have been a bigger gap in leagues in the game between Icknield Ladies from Beds & Herts Division Three hosting FAWPL South East Division One side Luton Town Ladies, 7 leagues the difference, a tough test but great experience for Icknield. Luton Town Ladies were too strong in the end running out 10-0 winners natasha Fensome scoring a hat-trick, Erica Byron scoring twice with a goal each for Shanice Jiminez, Abbie Luby and Kezia Hassall with an OG making it 10.
Another side winning big were AFC Dunstable Ladies at home to Beds & Herts Division One struggler’s Flitwick Ladies. Were 3 goals up at half time through Rebecca Langthorne, Danielle Carty and Amber Pearson. Ran riot 2nd half with Pearson going on to make her goals tally for the match 5, Carty and Langthorne also scored again, with Carly Cowell, Stephanie Fisher and Bethany Stanton completing the score-sheet in a 12-0 victory to progress to the semi-finals.
Defending County Cup holders Bedford Ladies are through to the semi-finals also a narrow 2-1 win for the FAWPL South East Division One side over Beds & Herts Division One bottom side Sandy Ladies. Making up the semi-final line up are Offley & Stopsley Ladies the ERWFL Division One West side away to Beds & Herts Division Two side Woburn Lionesses won 5-1.
As I’m writing this post the draw for the semi-finals was taking place and is as follows;
Offley & Stopsley Ladies v AFC Dunstable Ladies
Luton Town Ladies v Bedford Ladies
New leaders at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One this Sunday. A top of the table clash with leaders Harvestes FC hosting 2nd place and still unbeaten in the league Hertford Town Ladies. Hertford Town are the new leaders taking over from Harvesters on goal difference with a huge 9-3 win away from home. Laveena Betts top scoring with 4 goals for Hertford Town whilst there were braces for Kerry Oldham and Becky Shephard with Donna Wells also getting a goal. Lauren Croucher got 2 of the Harvesters FC goals with Ellie Lovelock also on target.
All very tight at the top in Division One, Sherrardswood Ladies move from 4th to 3rd following a 2-1 win at home to Letchworth Garden City Eagles, Laure Marris scoring both their goals, Emily Jamieson for the visitors.
One match played in Beds & Herts Division Two a meeting between the bottom two with AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies at home to Evergreen Eagles a single goal the difference between the two sides the 3 points going to AFC Kempston Rovers only their 2nd win of the season whilst Evergreen Eagles still have 0 in the W column.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three another 100% win record came to an end this Sunday leaving Hitchin Belles as the only side left across the three divisions not to drop a point so far this season in Beds & Herts. Evergreen Ladies saw their record end at home to Bedmond Ladies as they were edged out 3-2. Bedmond Ladies took the lead through Molly Peters. Evergreen Ladies came back to make it 1-1 at the break then go 2-1 up in the 2nd half, Natalie Maher and Ruth Morris with the goals. Peters got Bedmond Ladies back on level terms with 20 minutes left to play. Bedmond Ladies captain Abbie Harrison scored the winning goal as they ended Evergreen Ladies unbeaten record.
On more match to bring you in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, Panshanger Ladies were at home at the Moneyhole Playing Fields. April Spang opened the scoring for Panshanger Ladies after just 3 minutes, Danielle Harvey added a 2nd goal after 10 then double her tally with another strike on 25 minutes. Tenyl Damrauskas scored for the home side midway through the 2nd half with Kerry Twigg adding a 5th in the closing minutes to seal a 5-1 win to take the 3 points.
That concludes Edition Nineteen of The Tuesday Round-Up, plenty to cover and good too, sides getting matches under their belts at last competitive minutes you can’t beat them. Results still popping up to say there will be plenty of twists and turns yet, several sides playing catch up too, games in hand or points on the board most coaches… well probably all will tell you they’d rather have to points. Sunshine at a match at last, don’t suppose it’ll last. One Sunday left in January will bring you all the action in Edition Twenty until then thanks for reading.
