Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership leaders, Netherton United Ladies were finally back in action having not played since the first weekend of the year, then they suffered just their 2nd defeat of the season away to St Ives Town Ladies, amongst those hoping to challenge them for the title come the end of the season. Their lead has been closed at little the sides below having games in hand but remains a healthy 7 points, returning to league action this Sunday got back to winning ways with a big win at home to Cambridge University Women. Jenna Nairn putting Netherton 1-0 up inside 5 minutes and own goal doubling the home sides lead 10 minutes later. Megan Strickland and Yasmin Green then scored to make it 4-0 the lead at half-time, Lori Van Raemdonck scoring her 1st goal for Netherton. An own goal saw Cambridge University reduce the deficit 2 minutes into the 2nd half. Netherton were soon back amongst the goals, Green going on to score a hat-trick with Emily Johnson adding a brace in the final 10 minutes too to see Netherton United move onto 30 points with a 9-1 win.
Newmarket Town Ladies are Netherton’s closest rivals moving back into 2nd place in the Premiership table with a home win against Cambridge City Ladies Development who they beat in the same fixture 4-1 two weeks ago. A closer game Bella Simmons giving Cambridge City an early lead. Jordanne Sillitoe getting Newmarket back on level terms 10 minutes later the sides drawing 1-1 at half-time. Sillitoe getting her 2nd of the game with 15 minutes left to secure the 2-1 win for Newmarket have 2 games in hand on Netherton.
ICA Sports Ladies move back into 4th in the Premiership table with victory away to bottom side Park Ladies this Sunday. A close first half the sides drawing 2-2 going into the changing rooms a different story 2nd half as ICA Sports came forwards scoring 5 goals to win 7-2 to claim the 3 points. Lorna Hart on target for 2 goals. Jessica Farchina, Carmen Herridge, Hayley Jones and Donna Nicholls all getting their names on the scoresheet too.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup
Two ties played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup on Sunday, it was game on at the 3rd attempt between Histon Ladies and Wisbech Town Ladies at the Glassworld Stadium on Sunday. Wisbech Town playing 2 leagues below Histon taking the lead 20 minutes into the 1st half Sophie Gutteridge with the goal. Histon had an opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot the ball saved. Late in the half the hosts did find a leveller Alison Wright seeing the sides go in drawing 1-1 at half-time. Histon started the 2nd half strongly going in front as the game approached the hour Tessa Shaw scoring to make it 2-1. Wisbech Town drew back level just 4 minutes later Josie Turner the goalscorer. Histon pushing for another goal retook the lead with 20 minutes left Katie Seagrave finding the back of the net and late into the game secured the win Siobhan White making it 4-2 to send Histon into the next round.
Championship South side, Isleham United Ladies were hosting Premiership side March Town United Ladies in the Invitation Cup on Sunday. March in control of the game leading 3-0 at half-time went onto double their tally in the 2nd half making it through to the next round with a 6-1 win. Shannon Shaw on the scoresheet with 4 goals taking her onto 14 for the season, Shannon Kelly and Emma Searle scoring too for March Town. Laura Todd with the 2nd half strike for Isleham United.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
Three matches in Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South on Sunday, leaders Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds finding themselves in trouble at half-time away to 3rd placed St Ives Town Ladies trailing 3-0. A complete turnaround in the 2nd half however as Fulbourn came back to win the match 4-3 to maintain their 3 point lead at the top of the table. Top scorer Marie Stubbings moving onto 32 goals for the season with a brace. Katie Luddy and Sarah Gee also scoring a goal a piece.
Defeat for St Ives Town Ladies Development saw Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves keep hold of 3rd spot in the table on goal difference after they had won earlier in the day away to Cambridge Rangers Women. Abbi Griffin putting the visitors in front inside 5 minutes an own goal extending the lead midway through the 1st half, Cassandra Carvalheiro netting a 3rd goal before half-time. Cambridge Rangers brought it back to 3-1 12 minutes into the 2nd half. Newmarket Town went on to find the back of the net for 3 more goals to win the game 6-1. Amanda Stacy, Dominika Szary and Hollie Turner getting their goals.
2nd placed Histon Ladies Reserves keep up the pressure on Fulbourn winning away from home on Sunday against bottom side Burwell Tigers Ladies. Philippa Hayden-Evans getting her 13th and 14th goals of the season along with strikes for Daniella Briggs and Sophie Wing in a 4-1 victory. Vicky Murrell scoring the goal for Burwell Tigers.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup
One game from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup group stages this weekend in Group D, Riverside Ladies were playing their 1st game in the competition at home to Spalding United Ladies who were also playing their 1st match. A big win for Riverside puts them straight to the top of the group. Samantha Woodham scoring 4 goals in the match, Jess Hill one goal behind with a hat-trick. Ronela Mardosaite claiming a brace with a goal each for Sophie Harris, Dionne Lawton and Jade Ramm in a 12-1 win.
Beginning 2018 with a game from FAWSL 2 a trip to Cheshunt FC to watch the leagues newest members Tottenham Hotspur Ladies take on Brighton & Hove Albion WFC.
Two ambitious clubs joining the FAWSL as it enters a new and challenging era adjusting to a return to the winter calendar too. A reshaping of the leagues seeing clubs bidding for either a place in FAWSL 1 or FAWSL 2 having to meet stringent criteria. Tottenham Hotspur Ladies looking to retain their FAWSL 2 status have bid for place in that league whilst Brighton & Hove Albion WFC receiving significant backing from the club have bid for a place in the new FAWSL 1 where all clubs will have to be fully professional.
Both following the same path to the FAWSL, both prominent clubs within Women’s Football East the FAWPL Southern Division being the top league that is covered. Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were crowned Champion’s 2 season’s ago with Tottenham Hotspur Ladies winning the title the season after both going on to win the subsequent FAWPL Playoff game between their Northern Division counterparts to achieve promotion.
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies have had a solid start to life in FAWSL 2 the move from summer to winter not affecting them at all. Have strengthened their squad by bringing in defender Ashleigh Neville from Coventry United Ladies and experienced WSL attacker Sarah Wiltshire from Yeovil Town Ladies and young prospect Lauren Pickett. A narrow opening game defeat away to Durham Women FC, Tottenham responded well winning their next 2 league games a along with their 2 opening Continental Tyres Cup group matches unbeaten in 5 before ending the year with 3 straight defeats in league and cup. In 6th place in the table a win today puts them onto 10 points amongst those challenging at the top of the table.
Although Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were promoted the season before Tottenham Hotspur Ladies this is technically their first season of FAWSL 2 football too as they entered the league during it’s transitional period prior to reverting back to the winter a one off Spring Series played during the 1st half of 2017 each side facing their opponents once. Would have benefited Brighton the most giving the club an opportunity to get used to the league and it’s strengths.
Operating with an interim manger during that period the club has shown it’s ambitions by bringing in former England manager, Hope Powell to coach the 1st team. Several new faces joining the playing squad too bringing FAWSL experience with them, ex-Notts County player Danielle Buet along with Aileen Whelan and Fern Whelan who were with Everton ladies prior to coming down to the South Coast. Ini Umatong who was previously with Oxford United Women along with Fliss Gibbons and goalkeeper Lucy Gillett. Currently in 4th spot in the FAWSL 2 table one of 3 sides on 10 points looking to challenge leaders Doncaster Rovers Belles for top spot with 3 wins and a draw from their opening 5 league matches.
The two sides met in November in the group stages of the Continental Tyres Cup, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC winning the game away from home 4-1. The venue for today’s game Cheshunt FC a large pitch offering good width, has fared well despite the recent heavy rain. Quite an open stadium a bitterly cold day at the beginning of January but dry. Hold food and drinks available along with a bar.
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies starting XI – Chloe Morgan, Lucia Leon, Ashleigh Neville, Jenna Schillaci (C), Renee Hector, Sophie McLean, Hannah McKenzie, Sarah Wiltshire, Lauren Pickett, Katie O’Leary & Ronnell Humes. Subs – Toni-Anne Wayne, Maya Vio, Wendy Martin, Coral-Jade Haines, Bianca Baptiste & Ryah Vyse.
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC starting XI – Lucy Gillett, Beth Roe, Sophie Perry (C), Laura Rafferty, Fern Whelan, Kirsty Barton, Jenna Legg, Kate Natkiel, Bronwen Thomas, Fliss Gibbons & Ini Umotong. Subs – Laura Hartley, Sophia Pharoah, Lucy Somes, Natalie Taylor & Vicky Ashton-Jones.
It’s the away side to kick off the game Tottenham changing ends to have the low sun at their backs in the 1st half. Brighton in their away colours an all yellow kit with bronze across the shirt shoulders. Tottenham in their home colours white shirts and socks with navy shorts. Brighton looking to keep the ball moving along the ground work the ball forwards out to Fliss Gibbons on the left she is tackled by full back Lucia Leon the ball out for a throw in.
Laura Rafferty on the ball for Brighton
Getting the ball forwards the long pass finds Ronnell Humes in space drifting right for Tottenham, Fern Whelan coming to put in the tackle prevents the striker getting a shot away as she enters the box. Brighton launch a quick counter attack the ball moved forwards quickly the diagonal ball aimed for Bronwen Thomas running down the right is tackled in the corner by Ashleigh Neville to concede the 1st corner of the game.
A quiet opening to the game both sides looking to get on the ball make progress up the pitch Brighton pressing the ball inside the Tottenham half well not letting the home side retain any meaningful possession. Leon gains ground on the right supporting Lauren Pickett, Whelan is across again to stifle the threat, when Tottenham eventually get a cross into the area it is caught by Lucy Gillett at her near post.
Brighton come forwards Jenna Legg finding a bit of room on the ball 30 yards out central attempts the slide the ball forwards for Ini Umotong making a run towards the top of the area, Renee Hector closes her down for Tottenham gets her foot to the ball first directing it back to goalkeeper Chloe Morgan to clear. Sarah Wiltshire gets forwards for Tottenham sees her cross swung in from the right claimed by Gillett.
Tottenham’s Sophie McLean looks to find a way through
GOAL! Brighton are soon down the other end of the pitch a free-kick is won just outside the box to the left of the D, captain Sophie Perry comes forwards to take it as referee Stacey Pearson moves the Tottenham was back. A quality free-kick from the Republic of Ireland international the ball whipped past the Tottenham wall with plenty of pace just inside the post evading the diving Morgan to give Brighton an 11th minute lead 0-1.
Brighton captain, Sophie Perry opens the scoring from a free-kick.
Tottenham look to respond right away Wiltshire with the through ball for Humes is closed down by Laura Rafferty, Gillett coming out of her goal to prevent the ball spinning away for the corner. Brighton work the ball forwards through the centre enjoying good possession before the pass is played out to Thomas on the right cutting inside with the ball attempts to curl the shot towards goal, angled in is straight at Morgan who saves comfortably.
The visitors are working well as a unit to break up any Tottenham forward play then moving it forwards with purpose when in possession using the full width of the pitch, full back Beth Roe putting in the tackle as Humes is played in through the centre, Barton in the middle plays the ball forwards with Umotong making a good run from left to right across the top of the Tottenham area aims her cross back across the box for Gibbons far side who lashes the ball into the back of the net even as she receives the ball the flag is up for offside.
A free-kick to Brighton on halfway the ball lifted up in towards the top of the box is headed clear dropping for Barton 30 yards out controls well on her chest before volleying a shot in towards goal on target the ball is caught low by Morgan right behind the shot. Neville brings the ball on up the left for Tottenham plays a cross into the area cleared for a throw. A one two between Katie O’Leary and Humes the latter seeing her cross cut out as Whelan clears for Brighton.
Brighton’s, Beth Roe
A great tackle by Tottenham’s Hannah McKenzie to deny Brighton’s Umotong as Legg plays the ball into her path breaking forwards. Up the other end Whelan is reading the game well for Brighton winning the ball as the home side try to find a way in behind. Kate Natkiel coming forwards the ball played on to Legg out to Thomas right side 25 yards out takes on the shot curling in again top corner, Morgan has time to get across and take the ball into her gloves.
Brighton’s Kate Natkiel evades Hannah McKenzie’s tackle
Tottenham come forwards Sophie McLean on for Wiltshire the pass out to Pickett on the right plays the cross into the box, Gillett claiming it well at her near post with Humes and Wiltshire both coming in. Another free-kick in a dangerous position for Brighton top right corner outside the area this time Perry with the step over as Gibbons curls the ball in towards the far post Tottenham win the header the ball cleared, Brighton quickly regain possession the ball played into the box Whelan still up from the back directs her header wide of goal.
Ronnell Humes in possession of the ball for Tottenham
The visitors are finishing the 1st half the stronger winning the ball in the middle Barton with a good challenge, Natkiel comes forwards lets fly form 25 yards out her shot deflected wide to the right Thomas after the loose ball sends her shot wide across the face of goal. Leon is fouled late in the 1st half a free-kick to Tottenham 10 yards inside the Brighton half players come forwards from the back as captain Jenna Schillaci plays a great ball into the area bouncing inside the six yard box their are appeals for a penalty as Hector goes down appearing to get caught by a high boot. Play stopped so she can receive treatment the protests are waved away.
Half-time Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC
Sophie Perry’s 11th minute set-piece goal the difference between the two sides at half-time Brighton leading 1-0 have had the better chances in the 1st half. Have enjoyed more of the ball pressing Tottenham inside their own half whilst defending as a unit have prevented their opponents getting anything meaningful going forwards in attack. Just the 1 goal in it however plenty of time for Tottenham a turn it around with the 2nd half to come.
It’s gotten decidedly colder with a strong breeze blowing across the stadium has had some effect on the ball too during the match towards the end of the 1st half. Tottenham to kick-off the 2nd half have made a change at the break Maya Vio on for McKenzie in midfield. An early attack for the home side a tidy spin as the ball comes into her for Wiltshire 30 yards out sends the pass on looking for Humes making the break into the box, Gillett spotting the danger is out to the top of her area quickly to slide in and take the ball at the strikers feet.
Tottenham’s Maya Vio & Brighton’s Jenna Legg battle for the ball
Brighton counter attack the ball moved forwards quickly with Gibbons finding space on the left take on the shot from distance cutting across the ball sending it sailing over the crossbar. Umotong a powerful runner on the ball hard to shake off wriggles clear as she makes a run towards the area, Hector across on the cover cuts out her strike. Up the other end Humes evades Perry’s tackle right corner plays a cross into the area Whelan heading clear at the far post for Brighton.
Tottenham’s Renee Hector
Neville getting forwards for Tottenham wins a corner left side the ball played in is cleared by Rafferty at the near post. A great run by Leon coming into the Brighton half from the right for Tottenham coming inside closing in on the box opens up for a shooting opportunity instead the full back opts to lay the ball on for O’Leary inside the area to her right, Gillett already on the move dives in to claim the ball at the strikers feet.
A 2nd change fro Tottenham closing in on the hour mark with Bianca Baptiste coming off the bench to replace Humes up top. An immediate impact by the substitute too as Tottenham come forwards she provides a great run across the top of the Brighton area as Wiltshire picks her put with a superb pass right of the D sends a shot it towards goal the ball inches over the crossbar.
Bianca Baptiste
Leon fouled wide right players up from the back into the box as Schillaci plays the ball into the area, caught in the strong breeze, Gillett is forced into the save pushing the ball behind for the corner kick. The ball in from the left is scrambled away by Brighton. The visitors make their 1st change of the match Vicky Ashton-Jones celebrating her birthday today coming on for Rafferty at the back. Tottenham doing better now getting more players forwards Leon down the right, Ashton-Jones slides in to tackle conceding the corner. Gillett calls for the ball catching the delivery at her near post.
A corner won for Brighton with 20 minutes left to play before it is taken Tottenham make their 3rd change bringing on Wendy Martin for O’Leary in attack. Neville wins the ball from the corner for Tottenham heading the ball clear of her box. Getting the ball up the other end Pickett gets the better of Whelan flicking the ball over the defender aiming to get in behind into the area Gillett is again out rapidly to stifle the threat.
Gibbons with the ball left side as Brighton advance plays the pass inside to Umotong she lays it on for Natkiel who puts the shot in towards goal from 25 yards out Morgan behind it all the way catches cleanly. The game is a little stretched late on as Tottenham look to try and find an equalising goal, Wiltshire’s ball into the box from the right is chested away by Whelan straight into the path of Baptiste coming in from the left her 1st time shot from 20 yards out flies wide of the near post.
Ini Umotong getting past the Tottenham defence
A deflection on Baptiste’s shot a corner given delivered from the left in high towards the near post Martin gets her head on the ball knocking it down towards goal, Gillett smothering it makes the save. Martin receiving the ball into her body turns and releases Baptiste on the left she cuts inside her shot landing in the side netting.
Brighton attack as the game moves into the final 10 minutes Umotong with the run right side her cross from the byline saved at the near post is deflected towards the top of the box with Natkiel looking to strike it back in towards goal, Vio racing back does enough to prevent the no 10 taking the 1st time shot, keeping her composure Natkiel still has the ball at her feet sends her shot up over the goal.
Kirsty Barton beats Sarah Wiltshire to the ball
There are a few robust challenges being made late on Martin’s complaints she her shown a yellow card. Brighton make a 2nd change Legg coming off to be replaced by Natalie Taylor. The home side continue to press chances remain limited however Gillett claiming anything played from deep into the box. The game moving into injury time a late free-kick for Tottenham as Wilshire is brought down the ball curled in towards goal claimed comfortably by Gillett.
A late chance for Brighton as they break the ball played up field into Umotong a powerful run on the ball into the box getting in behind the Tottenham back line as she moves left of goal six yards out looks to stab the ball wide back across goal past Morgan the goalkeeper down smartly makes a fantastic save.
The final whistle blows and Brighton with a clean sheet win the 3 points thanks to Perry’s first half free-kick. Keeps the status quo at the top with Brighton staying fourth as the side above them all claimed victory too this Sunday.
Full time Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC
One defeat from their opening 6 league games Brighton are looking well placed to challenge Doncaster Rovers Belles for the title along with Durham Women FC and Millwall Lionesses. A good performance today especially 1st half pressing Tottenham well for the ball inside their opponents half making it difficult for the home side to get any momentum going forwards. Solid at the back too with Gillett always alert to any threat behind her defence. Tottenham created chances in the 2nd half bringing on Baptiste and Martin just couldn’t find that one clinical chance to take anything from the game.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
The 1st Women’s Football East – Player of the Match in 2018 goes to Brighton’s Fern Whelan. I thought the central defender had an excellent game at the back covering the ground well to keep Tottenham finding a way in behind and defending well from set-pieces.
Good to be back at it after a lengthy break over Christmas enjoyed the football on display if not the cold. My thanks to the Tottenham staff for all their assistant today everyone was very helpful.
4 games played in the Suffolk Women’s Division this weekend and with league toppers East Bergholt United Ladies not in action it was an opportunity for the rest to close the gap. Brantham Athletic Lades did just that away to Coplestonians Ladies on Sunday as they made it 3 wins from 3 to start the season. Goals from Lucy Dunnett, Kirsten Hutchings and Jodie Sharp securing the 3 points with a 3-0 win.
Bacton United Ladies move up from 4th into 3rd in the Suffolk Women’s Division beating newcomers AFC Kesgrave Ladies away from home their 1st loss of the season after winning their opening 2 league games. Francesca Rainbird scoring a hat-trick in a 3-1 win for Bacton United. Ashley Bustos scoring the 2nd half goal for AFC Kesgrave.
A 2nd win of the season for Leiston St Margarets Ladies and a big one to away to league newcomers Hadleigh United Ladies. Fielding the bare 11 it was the home side who started the better however striker Isabel Chaplin running clear to attack the Leiston defence regaining possession inside the D and curling a shot into the top corner to make it 1-0. Leiston soon regained momentum and a spell of 3 quick goals midway through the half put them in control of the game. Two more goals before the half-time whistle saw them lead 5-1. A repeat of the goals 2nd half early on with 3 more scored in quick succession. An 8-1 one lead Hadleigh kept going but with Leiston having the extra legs to bring off the bench it was they who added the goals 2 more scored to win the game 10-1 and climb into 5th.
Walsham Le Willows Ladies having finally started their season last weekend in the County Cup were getting their league campaign underway this weekend away to Ipswich Athletic Ladies. Amongst the favourites to win the Suffolk Women’s Division title they started well with a comfortable result beating their opponents 6-0 to take the 3 points home.
Well unfortunately it’s bad news to start another Round-Up for the 2nd week running following the news Sandy Ladies from Beds & Herts Division One has folded after 14 season’s another side made the announcement this weekend with ERWFL Premier Division side Colchester Town Ladies folding their senior side. Struggling for players were league cup winners just 2 season’s ago a tough call as ever for any side to make wish everyone involved with the club all the best for the future.
Colchester Town Ladies celebrating winning the ERWFL League Cup in 2016
ERWFL Premier Division
Colchester Town Ladies folding will see some adjustment to the ERWFL Premier Division table. Leaders Writtle Ladies were at home on Sunday looking to make it 7 seven straight league wins keep ahead of rivals Billericay Town Ladies. Were hosting Brentwood Town Ladies. Courtney Clarke and Amy Simmons scoring for Writtle Ladies, Brentwood scoring twice too Leah Cowan and Georgia Holdaway on target. The points shared Brentwood holding on after going down to 10 players for over 45 minutes after a nasty injury to Cowan suffering ligament damage and a possible fractured ankle. Wishing her all the best for a speedy recovery.
Writtle dropping points at the top of the table didn’t cost them however as they are no the only unbeaten side in the ERWFL Premier Division. 2nd placed Billericay Town Ladies seeing their 100% winning start in the league come to an end away to Cambridge City Ladies who have turned their form around in the league with a 3rd straight league win all by 2 goals to one to push on it 4th spot in the table. Goals from Charlotte Gillies and Bella Simmons enough to take all 3 points with Paris Smith getting the goal for Billericay Town.
AFC Dunstable Ladies are another side in the ERWFL Premier Division rediscovering their form after a shaky start to the season as low as 10th at one point a 2nd straight league win at home to Lowestoft Town Ladies sees them keep hold of 5th position. Charlotte South netting a hat-trick at Creasey park there were goals too for Danielle Carty, Beth Stanton and Claudia Attenborough in a 7-1 win. Nicole Sheldrake with the Lowestoft goal.
Colney Heath Ladies travelled up to Suffolk at the weekend to play AFC Sudbury Ladies. A goal from Holly Sheridan saw them leading the contest 1-0 at half-time. Couldn’t hold onto the lead 2nd half with Sudbury levelling the scores from a corner kick Rebecca Chandler putting the ball into the back of the net to see the sides take a point each.
In the end there were points dropped for all three sides in the top 3 of the ERWFL Premier Division with Acle United Ladies having to settle for a point at home to Royston Town Ladies on Sunday. A bright start Acle taking a first half lead with new signing Naomi Cooper from Nottingham Forest coming off the bench to send the ball past the Royston keeper on 35 minutes to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break. Becky Shephard levelled the scores for Royston early in the 2nd half. A battling performance seeing them keep Acle from getting back in front to take a point home from the game needed too with Colchester folding they are occupying bottom spot.
ERWFL Division One North
ERWFL Division One North leaders King’s Lynn Town Ladies made the long trip down to Essex to face bottom side Silver End United Ladies with just 10 players available. Despite this a hard working and spirited performance saw them come away with all 3 points a double from Vikttorija Burkauskaite securing a narrow 2-1 win. Lindsey Cowell netting the goal for Silver End.
The win made all the better as the 3 points extend King’s Lynn’s lead at the top of the table to 4 points after 2nd placed Ipswich Wanderers Ladies lost heavily away to Wymondham Town Ladies finally returning to league action after their recent cup distractions. The two sides drawing 2-2 at Ipswich Wanderers on the opening game of the season a different story this time around, Ipswich Wanderers affected by injuries Wymondham Town are in great form scoring plenty of goals and that continued, Laura Nicholls top scoring with 5 in the match, their were hat-tricks too for Mollie O’Callaghan and Nadine Basson the latter starting on the bench. Alice Collins and Brooke Moreno also getting on the scoresheet in a 13-2 win. Jade Horne and Michelle Taylor-Allum scoring the goals for Ipswich Wanderers.
ERWFL Division One South
6 straight league wins now for Stevenage Ladies Reserves in ERWFL Division One South sees them open up an huge 9 point lead at the top of the table and yet to concede a goal in those 6 games either as their goals scored reached 40! At home at the weekend taking on Harlow Town Ladies who they had beaten 1-0 at the Harlow Arena earlier in the season a late winning goal finally ending Harlow’s 2 season winning run. Once again it was a single goal that took all 3 points this Sunday, Hayley Wood Thompson scoring for Stevenage to keep up their 100% winning start to the season.
Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies move above Harlow Town Ladies into 2nd in the ERWFL Division One South table after they to won at the weekend to maintain their own 100% winning start to the league albeit having played 3 matches as a pose to Stevenage’s 6. At home to Essex rivals Hutton Ladies for the 3rd time in their last 4 games the previous two in cup competitions narrowly winning both they won for a 3rd time coming back from being 2-1 down at the break goals from Sophie Dowman, Eloise Ives and Abbie Simmonds seeing them win the 2nd half 4-2.
A 1st league win of the season takes Hertford Town Ladies off the bottom of the ERWFL Division One South as they won away to Bishops Stortford Ladies having lost to their Hertfordshire rivals 3 times already this season in league and cup. A brace for Donna Watts sealing a 2-0 win.
Bright sunshine at last! Spring has finally arrives… just as the season draws to it’s end. Sunday 1st of May plenty of sides playing for the last time this season this weekend, just a handful left for the rest The Tuesday Round-Up will soon be all rounded up… at least for now. A busy weekend to start the month more league titles have been decided, in Cambridgeshire, Beds & Herts and Essex. Cup Finals day in Norfolk the League Plate and Cup contested. Plus another side loses it’s 100% league win record this season just 2 remaining now, lots to cover so let’s plunge on.
FAWPL Southern Division
The season is almost over the in the FAWPL Southern Division, the Champions decided and relegation places filled a handful of games left as sides complete their league games. Two fixtures this Sunday. Charlton Athletic Women needed a win in their final match of the season to secure a runners-up spot in the league. Faced a tough away trip to 5th placed Coventry United Ladies who with 2 games left to play could claim 3rd themselves with 2 wins.
Coventry captain Natasha Lynch gave the home side the lead going into the half-time interval scoring on 15 minutes. Charlton fought back 2nd half and with in 5 minutes of kick off their captain Kimberly Dixson scored to make it 1-1, 7 minutes later and Charlton were in front Kit Graham putting the ball into the back of the net. Coventry came back themselves the lead lasting just 4 minutes with Amber Hughes scoring on 66 minutes to make it 2-2. The game all square heading into the final minute of normal play Charlton scored the winning goal Ellie Baxter coming off the bench in the final 10 minutes with the winning goal on 89 minutes to see Charlton finish as runners-up just 2 points behind Champions Brighton & Hove Albion WFC.
A winning finish to Charlton Athletic Women’s season too not only FAWPL Southern Division runners-up but also retained the Capital Women’s Cup in midweek beating Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 3-0 in the final.
That win for Charlton ended 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies hopes of claiming the runners-up spot in the FAWPL Southern Division. With 2 matches left to play they needed a Coventry to defeat Charlton to have any chance of chasing them down. This Sunday saw them play their final home game of the season against C&K Basildon Ladies who themselves were playing their final game of the season. Chloe Lloyd found the top corner from a free kick won inside the opening 2 minutes to give Cardiff City the lead. C&K Basildon Ladies pulled it back to 1-1 with Karissa Rodney on target but Cardiff went into the break with a 2-1 advantage after Kerry Bartlett scored.
Hope Suminen came on 2nd half and put Cardiff City 3-1 up early on in proceedings, C&K Basildon scored again Rodney with her 2nd of the game to make it 3-2. Gemma Evans made it 4-2 to Cardiff City, the final score. They secure 3rd place in the table, travel to Coventry United Ladies on the 15th May in the only outstanding league game left. A Cup Final before that on Sunday 8th May in the FAWPL Cup against Tottenham Hotspur Ladies to be played at Kidderminster Harriers FC with a 2pm KO.
C&K Basildon Ladies finish in 8th place in their debut season in the FAWPL, looked comfortable throughout holding a mid-table berth for pretty much the whole season. Captain Claire Lacey retires from the game at the end of the season a long serving player and respected within the women’s game Women’s Football East wishes Claire all the best for the future, still remember that ball in the side I got from one of her defensive clearances way back.
FAWPL South East Division One
Crystal Palace Ladies will be playing in the FAWPL Southern Division next season Champions of the FAWPL South East Division One and by some margin too, undefeated headed to already relegated Lowestoft Town Ladies this Sunday, for their penultimate match of the season. Took Crystal Palace 30 minutes to break down the hosts and score Gemma Bryan putting the ball home, were 2-0 at half-time Leanne Bell getting the goal just before the half-time whistle. Bryan added her 2nd goal of the match inside the opening quarter of an hour of the 2nd half, but they didn’t have things all their own way as Lowestoft Town Ladies fought back captain Hannah Waters pulling a goal back then Gemma Moore made it 3-2 from the penalty spot. 6 minutes from time Bryan completes her hat-trick to put the result beyond doubt an away trip to Norwich City Ladies their final league match of a successful season will want to finish unbeaten.
A tough season for newly promoted Lowestoft Town Ladies playing their last game in the FAWPL South East Division One, upheaval at the club seeing the manager and alot of the players that got them promoted moving on, leaving a squad of young players who have been asked to step up and done well under difficult circumstances, will look to build again for next season and put themselves in the best position to re-stage a promotion challenge.
Runners-up spot in the FAWPL South East Division One was a three way battle going into this weekends fixtures, Milton Keynes Dons Ladies have held that position for much of the season, were at home to Old Actonians Ladies who finally got the win they needed to secure FAWPL football next season, last Sunday. Took Milton Keynes Dons Ladies a little while to break down the Old Actonians defence but as the game moved past the half hour mark they took complete control scoring 3 goals in 6 minutes, Andie Dickens on 33 minutes setting things rolling, Leah Cudone with a brace netting on 36 and 39 minutes to send them into the dressing room with a 3-0 lead. The scoreline was extended by 3 more goals in the 2nd half an own goal putting Milton Keynes 4-0 up after 57 minutes. Awarded a penalty with 15 minutes left Heather McDonnell put it away to make it 5-0, Samantha Gillings found the back of the net to seal a 6-0 victory.
Gillingham FC Ladies own title hopes faded away in recent weeks, however the runners-up spot is still within their grasp have always had games in hand on everyone else in the league still do and can chase down 2nd spot if they win all three of their remaining matches. Were on the road playing Denham United Ladies this Sunday. Katie Hardaker with the goal to her name giving them a half-time lead Kallie Balfour and Jade Keogh finding the back of the net in the 2nd half to make it 3-0 and claim all 3 points. Denham United Ladies have played out their fixtures end in 9th on 23 points can be caught by Old Actonians Ladies who have 5 games left to as things stand.
In the final fixture being played in FAWPL South East Division One this Sunday 4th placed Luton Town Ladies saw their faint hopes of closing down the runners-up spot end at home in their penultimate match against Ipswich Town Ladies as they won 2-0 Jade Henry and Zoe Cossey with the goals. Ipswich Town Ladies have two matches left play Enfield Town Ladies away from home on the 15th a win will secure a top half finish.
Eastern Regional Leagues
Stevenage Ladies will be playing FAWPL football next season, the ERWFL Premier Division Champions wrapping up the title with a game to spare were on home soil playing bottom side Great Shelford Ladies this Sunday and celebrated with a comfortable 6-0 to see them finish 6 points clear at the top of the table. Great Shelford Ladies finish bottom of the #ERWFL Premier Division but with 2 sides folding over the season are unlikely to be relegated although they will be Great Shelford Ladies no more as come the start of next season will become Histon Ladies moving to a new home and a more secure future a new challenge awaits next season.
A late season flurry of good form sees new #ERWFL Premier Division side Great Wakering Rovers Ladies pull themselves out of the bottom two and finish 8th with a victory in their final game at home beating Acle United Ladies 4-0.
All thing’s come to an end and in the ERWFL Division One East, Writtle Ladies saw their long standing 100% league win record come to an end at home to Essex rivals Silver End United Ladies. Almost 3 seasons, Writtle Ladies have already secured the league title. Silver End United Ladies had secured runners-up spot, this their last league match of the season with the ERWFL League Cup Final to contest ended on a high. A 7 goal thriller Writtle Ladies found the back of the net on three occasions, Abigail Fry, Sophie Vale and Charlotte Walker all getting a goal to their name, but Silver End United Ladies edged the result scoring 4 to win the game a goal from Rebekah Henderson plus a hat-trick from Rebecca Hollocks seeing them become the 1st side to beat Writtle in a league game since they were formed. Writtle Ladies have one more league game left to play, plus a final of their own to look forwards to the ERWFL Division One Cup.
One league game being played in ERWFL Division One West, Stevenage Ladies Reserves at home for their last game of the season playing Hoddesdon Owls. It was the visitors who took the lead Becky Scola on target inside the opening 15 minutes, 10 minutes later an Stevenage had their noses in front, Leah Littlechild then Cara Breckenridge scoring within a minute of each other. Scola scored again 10 minutes before the end of the 1st half to see it all level at 2-2 at half-time. Hoddesdon were the stronger side 2nd half taking a 3-2 lead as Stevenage put the ball through their own net then conceding a penalty kick, Kristina O’Connell made it 4-2 from the spot before Scola went on to complete her hat-trick. Into the final 15 minutes and O’Connell scored her 2nd of the game. Stevenage found a reply through Megan Evans, the game ending 7-3 to Hoddesdon with Charlotte Grogan getting her name on the scoresheet. Hoddesdon still have 3 games left to play currently 5th could with the right results finish as runners-up.
Also playing in the ERWFL Division One West were bottom sides Colney Heath Ladies and Sawbridgeworth Town Ladies the points shared the match ending goalless.
Norfolk
It was Finals Day in Norfolk the Women’s and Girls Football League (NWGFL) League Cup and Plate Finals played at Plantation Park home of Norwich United FC and Norwich City Ladies. The Ladies Plate Competition is a new competition introduced this season and saw an all Division Two Final with North Walsham Angels Ladies taking in Red Rose Ladies both sides playing in their 1st final.
North Walsham Angels have already secured promotion in just their 2nd season since forming. Took the lead in the Plate Final scoring on the 15 minute mark, Lauren Yarham coming in far side to turn the ball home inside the six yard box after Luci Middleton saw her shot saved pushed out wide. Middleton get’s on the scoresheet before the end of the 1st half being played through before lifting her shot over the keeper and into the back of the net from just outside the area.
Middleton went on to claim the match ball in the 2nd half on target twice more, played in behind the Red Rose defence to chase down the ball evade a challenge and put driving into the box shoots from an acute angle to score. Moments later Middleton gets her hat-trick play building up down the left the ball coming to the edge of the area for Imogen Carver, gets a touch on it just before the advancing keeper squaring it to Middleton who has an empty goal to shoot at doesn’t miss. North Walsham Angels Ladies win 4-0 to lift the Ladies League Plate. The whole match report can be found by scrolling further down this web page or clicking on the link below to take you to the Supporting Women’s Football Blog.
Wasn’t the only Final being covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog on Sunday as no sooner had North Walsham Angels Ladies celebrated their win it was time for the Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final, with defending cup holders Wymondham Town Ladies taking in Aylsham FC Ladies playing in their 2nd final this season having lost 2-0 to Thorpe United Ladies in the County Cup a fortnight ago.
A fairly uneventful 1st half with two sides evenly matched not seeing their final balls come off with defences on top for the large part. 2nd half substitute Laura Wiseman put Wymondham Town Ladies into the lead midway through the 2nd half. The ball over the top putting her clear shooting early from outside the box to score. Had a chance to double the lead soon after put in again with the keeper coming pulls the shot wide across goal. Well into the last 5 minutes of the final and Aylsham FC Ladies have a corner kick put in from the right captain Vicki Bird times her jump to perfection connecting with the ball and sends it home to make it 1-1. Unbelievably there is time for a winning goal with Aylsham FC Ladies 1-0 moments ago going on to score again to win the Cup Final. An innocuous looking free kick inside the Wymondham half in front of the centre circle, Abbie Charlton over it decides to go for goal, gets good contact and swerve on the ball, flies over the keeper and Charlton is caught and buries under her celebrating team mates as they win the Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final, again you can find the report further down this page or by clicking on the link below.
Copleston Ladies have had the games in hand on everyone all season knew if they could turn those into points the title was theirs to take. Brantham Athletic Ladies leading the way have played out their league fixtures, finishing on 39, Copleston have climbed up into 2nd spot the gap 4 points had 2 games left to play, 2 victories and they will lift the Suffolk Women’s Division title playing the bottom sides in their remaining fixtures. Their last home league fixture against 2nd bottom Leiston St Margarets Ladies this Sunday, made no mistake scoring 4 goals 4 different scorers too, Jade Horne, Elysia Young, Shannon Giles and Roxanne Middle all netting to see Copleston win 4-0 to move to within a point of Brantham. Away to bottom sides Ipswich Phoenix Ladies next Sunday who haven’t picked up a point all season, can’t afford any sympathy nothing less than a win will do if they want to finish top of the league.
Cambridgeshire
Cambridge City Ladies are the new leaders of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership as they beat the current leaders ICA Sports Ladies at home on Sunday to move level on points with 3 games left to play. Goals from captain Grace Stanley and Phillippa Witherspoon securing the victory winning 2-1. Have a game in midweek against Cambridge University Women, being played even as I’m writing this edition of The Tuesday Round-Up another win to go 3 points clear beating them 5-2 courtesy of a goals from Stanley and Carla Penny with Witherspoon netting a hat-trick sees them go 3 points clear one more point from their remaining 2 games and they will lift the Premiership title.
Bar Hill Ladies are up to 4th in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership table. A big win at home at the weekend against bottom side Fulbourn Bluebirds. Anna Jephson finding the back of the net for 4 goals. Hayley Stevens and Natalie Wells also getting goals along with substitute Nadine Wejkins who scored a brace as Bar Hill ran out 8-0 winners.
Last league match of the season for Newmarket Town Ladies and the last time they will be playing at the Dullingham Polo Fields as they move to Newmarket Town FC next season. Were taking on Netherton United Ladies. Was a close encounter a single goal settling the result and securing 3 points for Netherton who climb up to 5th in the table. Megan Parrett with the goal in the 2nd half.
Bourne Ladies were celebrating on after Sunday’s match as they won the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North title. At home to local rivals Stamford Ladies. Was a high scoring game, Bourne Ladies holding a 3-2 lead at half time went on to win the game by the odd goal in 11 6-5 the final score their goals coming from Charlotte Ayers and Tracey Duxbury-Mead with Kimberly Fairweather and Claire Lawrenson both scoring a brace.
Congratulations to Bourne Ladies on winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North.
March Town United Ladies will have to make do with finishing runners-up in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North the gap 4 points with one game needed Bourne to drop points, they didn’t. Were away playing Wisbech St Marys Ladies. Adele Munday scored the only goal of the game to see the 3 points won. Was a single strike for 3rd placed Wisbech Town Ladies too to see them pick up 3 points at home to Hungate Rovers Ladies on Sunday. Bottom club Tydd St Mary Ladies have had a tough season conceding lots of goals and no points to show for it, have a win to their name now albeit awarded to them by the league as opponents Downham Town Ladies couldn’t field a team late in the season.
Was a home win award to for Cambridgeshire Championship South side Park Ladies against bottom side Cambridge Rangers, are still 4 points clear at the top with one game left to play. 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies were taking on 3rd placed Milton Ladies both sides still in the title race themselves, Sasha Smith and Tierney Poore scored for St Ives Town Ladies to get them the result winning the game 2-1. Have two left to play can finish on 44 points. Milton in 3rd can finish on 45 like Park Ladies have the better goal difference too with 3 to play. One of those game is against St Ives Town Ladies once again a defeat for either would end their title hopes, Park Ladies will be hoping for a draw knowing a win in their final game will see them lift the title.
Isleham United Ladies were at home to Riverside Rovers Reserves in the Cambridgeshire Championship North on Sunday lost out by the odd goal in 7 as Riverside won the game 4-3.
Essex
Harlow Ladies are just one of 2 sides across the region now holding a 100% league win record have 17 games on the board now win 17 wins one match to go. Promotion to the Essex Women’s Premier Division and a League Cup Final to contest. Were at home this Sunday playing Chigwell Ladies. Racked up another double figure scoreline Nene McInerney scoring a hat-trick, Abbie Bensted, Tia Dye and Catherine Kelly all scoring 2 each, Kelly’s both from the penalty spot. Victoria Hill and Phillippa Stephens also scoring. Despite the heavy defeat Chigwell Ladies have secured 3rd place in the Essex Women’s Division One table.
That defeat for Chigwell Ladies sees 2nd placed Chelmsford City Ladies secure promotion to the Essex Women’s Premier Division were at home at the weekend playing 4th placed Alredford Colne Rangers, Charlotte Barnard, Nicola Hatfield and Tyler Christou all scored a goal but they had to settle for a share of the points as they were held 3-3.
A narrow win for 5th placed Wickford Town Ladies in Essex Women’s Division One sees them up to 4th in the table. Away to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies Reserves won the game 4-3 with goals from Autumn Ranger, Claire Campbell and a brace scored by Harley Brueton.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Hertford Town Ladies move 3 points clear at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three with 2 games left to play. Away to bottom side Flitwick Ladies on Sunday, Wendy Rankin and Dee Gilbert gave them a 2-0 lead before Carly Snell was red carded on 35 minutes didn’t slow Hertford Town down as with 10 they added another 3 goals Bilge Taspinar scoring then Kerry Oldham adding a brace late on to win 5-1. Play 2nd placed Harvesters FC Ladies in midweek a positive result will see them win the league their 2nd league title in 2 seasons since being formed.
Sandy Ladies pulled themselves out of the bottom 2 in Beds & Herts Division One in midweek putting Toddington Rovers Ladies back into the relegation places as they travelled to Letchworth Garden City Eagles in their final league game. Tayla Murray was on target for 5 goals for Letchworth, with Alyce Williams netting a brace goals too for Emily Jamieson and Samantha Edgar as they won 9-1 to to end in 5th on 23 points, can be caught by Garston Ladies but only if they play their remaining league games didn’t at the weekend seeing Bishops Stortford Ladies get the 3 points to see them finish in 4th place.
Just the one game left in Beds & Herts Division Two and leaders Sharnbrook WFC only needed to avoid a 14-0 defeat to see the title won playing Garston Ladies FC 96 whose own title hopes had faded late on in the season. Chantelle Harris scored twice for Sharnbrook in the 1st half adding 2 more goals in the 2nd half, Claire Smith and Charlotte Mullins also getting goals as they ran out 6-2 winners to bounce back to the 1st Division at the 1st attempt. Lauren Berryman and Cassandra Chase with the goals for Garston Ladies FC 96 who finish in 4th place.
Congratulations to Sharnbrook WFC in winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two title.
In Beds & Herts Division Three, Hitchin Belles claimed the title in midweek following an 8-1 win at Panshanger Ladies. Earning promotion in their 1st season together in women’s football. Finished their league campaign at home against Bedwell Rangers FC, a hat-trick by Shannon Page, plus 2 goals by Emily Field and 1 from Charlotte Peters saw them end with a 6-1 win, Jessica Sullivan with the consolation goal from Bedwell Rangers FC who finish their 1st season in the league in 7th place.
Also promoted out of Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two are Evergreen Ladies finishing as runners up in the league, were taking on 3rd placed Icknield Ladies away from home in their final league game of the season. Rebecca Freeman, Emily Jones and Natalie Maher all scored for Evergreen in a 3-1 win. Mandy Cain-Murnane scored the goal for Icknield Ladies who are currently 3rd in their 1st season as a club.
Bedmond Ladies in 4th place in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, could yet pip Icknield Ladies to 3rd spot close the gap to 2 points with one game left to play. Were at home for the last time this season playing Kings Langley Ladies. Molly Peters hit a hat-trick with Dawn Kingsley also on target in a 4-0 win. Playing it midweek everything league wise will be wrapped up in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire before the weekend.
That concludes Edition Thirty Three of The Tuesday Round-Up the next one is going to be considerably smaller with the fixtures coming to an end. Still several thing’s to be decided and their will be more congratulations to hand out to league title winners next time around. Thanks for reading.
Welcome to Edition Fifteen of The Tuesday Round-Up the last one of 2015. A shorter one too with several leagues wrapping up for the year last weekend just the 21 fixtures to report on this time around. A few surprise results amongst them too as teams look to end 2015 on a high, set themselves up for the New Year.
FAWPL Southern Division
Let’s start with the FAWPL Southern Division and an interesting little stat, last Sunday there were 4 matches played in the league all 4 seeing the home side win, all the winning sides scoring 3 goals. This Sunday there were also 4 fixtures played and once again all 4 home sides won again this time all of them scoring 4 goals!
Last Sunday Brighton & Hove Albion WFC extended their lead at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division to 6 points winning 3-0 at home to Plymouth Argyle Ladies whilst both 2nd placed Charlton Athletic Women and 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies saw their fixtures postponed. Charlton and Cardiff were due to face each other this Sunday but for the 2nd Sunday in a row they saw their game postponed. Brighton & Hove Albion WFC now have a huge 9 point lead at the top of the table going into the New Year as they won 3 more points beating Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 4-1. Charlotte Gurr netted twice in the 1st half to give Brighton the advantage at the break, Jay Blackie made it 3 from a corner midway through the 2nd half. Ronnell Humes pulled a goal back for Tottenham with 4 minutes left on the clock, however they conceded one more in injury time striker Lisa Fulgence continuing her recovery from a long term injury coming off the bench to score the 4th goal.
With Charlton and Cardiff not playing their fixture this Sunday, 4th placed defending champions Portsmouth FC Ladies had the opportunity to move up a place into 3rd as they travelled to C&K Basildon Ladies. This match was the featured game on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this weekend too and turned out to be a real thriller with 7 goals scored. The newly promoted side taking an early lead as Amy Nash got onto the end of cross from Kerry Stimson to open the scoring. Portsmouth got themselves back on level terms on 40 minutes then had the lead a minute later Ini Umatong scoring both goals. No sooner had they gotten the lead they conceded again Karissa Rodney breaking in behind the defence to lob goalkeeper Courtney Trodd to make it 2-2 at half-time. C&K Basildon retook the lead in the 2nd half as Amy Nash was brought down inside the box, Zoe Rushen stepping up to send the penalty into the back of the net. Portsmouth came back again Lucy Quinn on the right corner outside the box trying her luck sending a looping shot over debutant keeper Molly Povey to dip under the crossbar to make it 3-3. Time for one more goal Karissa Rodney getting in behind again to send her shot under the advancing Trodd to win the game 4-3 and consolidate 7th spot in the table. For all of the match action click on the link below to take you to the report on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog.
Coventry United Ladies stay in contention in 5th place closing the gap on Portsmouth FC Ladies to 2 points following a 4-0 home win over 2nd bottom side Forest Green Rovers Ladies all of their goals coming in the 2nd half, Marie Gauntlett breaking the deadlock on 50 minutes before Chritina Torkildsen, Helen Dermody and Nikki Miles added to the score sheet.
West Ham United Ladies also ended the year with a home win, Romina Pinna scoring 3 times in the 1st half, 2 twice for West Ham United and an OG to give them a 2-1 lead over bottom side Plymouth Argyle Ladies at the break. Wasn’t till the last 10 minutes before West Ham United extended their lead Pinna scoring her 3rd the Italian getting her 1st hat-trick in England in the process. Phoebe Baker pulled Plymouth Argyle back to 3-2, 2 minutes later but West Ham United responded straight away Shirvae Edwards bagging a goal to make it 4-2.
FAWPL League Cup 2nd Round
Finally the FAWPL League Cup between Old Actonians Ladies and Swindon Town Ladies got played following 2 postponements and a meeting between the 2 sides in the FA Women’s Cup in between. Swindon Town Ladies won that match 1-0. Won again this Sunday to set up an away trip to FAWPL Northern Division leaders Nottingham Forest Ladies in the quarter finals. Won the match 5-2, 5 different goal scorers, Beth Westlake opening proceedings, Sally Butterfield and Serena Smith adding a goal each before half-time with Ellie Maynard and Chyna Collings both scoring in the 2nd half.
FAWPL League Plate 2nd Round
Another game that had seen 3 postponements before this Sunday was in the FAWPL League Cup 2nd Round with Enfield Town Ladies taking on Denham United Ladies. An all FAWPL South East Division One tie a single goal was to settle the match. Elizabeth Kent scoring it to send Enfield Town Ladies through to the quarter finals where they will play Loughborough Foxes away on 31st January.
FAWPL South East Division One
One match took place in the FAWPL South East Division One this Sunday with Luton Town Ladies hosting Norwich City Ladies. Reclaimed 2nd spot in the table moving above Milton Keynes Dons Ladies after a 3-2 win, the goal scored by Zara Carroll, Natasha Fensome and Jessica McKay. Paige Shorten and Chelsea Garrett scoring the Norwich City goals.
Eastern Regional Leagues
No matches taking place in the ERWFL Premier Division this weekend. One league below in the ERWFL Division One East leaders Writtle Ladies go into 2016 leading the way 6 points clear at the top with their 100% league win record intact. 8 wins out of 8 and scored 8 goals this Sunday to winning big away to fellow Essex side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies. Sophie Vale scoring 4 of their goals, with Abigail Fry, Leanne Stubbings, Georgina Tricker and Charlotte Walker all scoring goals. Patrizia Leo and Taylor Parrish getting goals for Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies the final score 8-2 to Writtle Ladies.
The ERWFL Division One West continues to surprise with the results it throws up 2 matches taking place this Sunday both the sides at the bottom of the table at home, Hoddesdon Owls and Colney Heath Ladies both winning 2-1. Was the 1st win in the league this season too for Colney Heath Ladies taking on 2nd placed Offley & Stopsley Ladies. Colney Heath took the lead Kelly Sheridan scoring the goal. Offley & Stopley got it back to 1-1 before Kelly Hancock on the follow up from a free-kick putting the ball into the back of the net the winning goal to give Colney Heath their 1st 3 points of the season. Wasn’t enough to lift them off the bottom as Hoddesdon Owls also picked up a welcome 3 points at home recording their 2nd league win of the season beating Sawbridgeworth Town WFC 2-1.
Suffolk
Witnesham Wasps Ladies are showing good form going into 2016 having won a place in the Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final, they beat the league leaders East Bergholt United Ladies this Sunday to lift themselves up into 3rd spot going into 2016. Emma Long scoring a brace in a 2-0 to take the 3 points.
Cambridgeshire
In Cambridgeshire there were 3 fixtures played this Sunday all in the Women’s Premiership. It was a clash between the only 2 unbeaten sides in the league a local derby too as leaders Cambridge United WFC Reserves hosted Cambridge City Ladies. The home side scored through Hayley Turner and Ebony-Jade Rule the recent signing scoring her 1st goal for the club since moving from Fulbourn Bluebirds. It wasn’t enough however as Cambridge City Ladies hit back scoring 3 times, 2 from captain Grace Stanley and 1 by Bronte Rapley to leave them as the only unbeaten side the win lifting them up into 2nd in the table ending 2015 a point behind Cambridge United WFC Reserves with 2 games in hand.
Consolidating 4th spot in the table and level on points with Cambridge City Ladies and Cambridge University Women in 2nd and 3rd all on 14 points are ICA Sports Ladies the new side winning big on Sunday a 5-1 away win against Huntingdon Town Ladies who are still without a win this season. Tash Applegate continuing her fine scoring form getting 2 more goals this Sunday for ICA Sports Ladies with Claire Knibbs, Roni Tetti and Louise Burgess also scoring goals. Claire Radford with the consolation goal for Huntingdon Town Ladies.
A much needed win in the league for Netherton United Ladies this Sunday too after suffering 3 straight defeats in the league get the 3 points to end 2015 with a win away to 2nd bottom Fulbourn Bluebirds. Yasmin Green scored twice with a goal each for Alice MacNicol and Annie Posnett as they won the match 4-2 to get their league campaign back on track. Is shaping up to be a competitive race for the top in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership all to play for in 2016.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Nobody likes leading the Beds & Herts Women’s Division One for long the lead has changed several times in 2015 and is as competitive as any league out their. Harvesters FC move back to the top on goal difference over Hertford Town Ladies. Were away to bottom side Sandy Ladies who had just the single point on the board at the start of play, still in search of that much needed 1st win of the season they took an early lead Amber Williams putting them ahead in the opening minute. Were so close to getting the 3 points but with just 5 minutes left on the clock Shivani Bedi scored for Harvesters FC to see the points shared.
In the other match played in Beds & Herts Division One, Bishops Stortford Ladies climb from 5th into 3rd moving above their weekends opponents Sherrardswood Ladies in the process on their travels Bishops Stortford won the game 2-1 with goals from Yasmin Smith and Elle Georgiou. Manjinder Atwal on the score sheet for Sherrardswood Ladies.
In Beds & Herts Division Two leaders Houghton Athletic Ladies weren’t in action, giving 2nd placed Sharnbrook WFC the chance to close the 5 point gap in 2nd the unbeaten side travelling to Hitchin Town Ladies. Ellie Fursland on 11 minutes and Kayleigh Saunders scoring on 17 minutes gave Hitchin Town Ladies an early lead. Sharnbrook WFC pulled a goal back on 70 minutes through Claire Smith but it wasn’t enough as Hitchin Town Ladies ended their unbeaten record moving up into 4th place in the table.
Worse for Sharnbrook WFC as they drop down to 3rd spot in the table following their defeat as Woburn Lionesses move above them following a 5-1 win at home against bottom side Evergreen Eagles. Jay Birse and Georgia Herrington both scoring 2 goals with the 5th scored by Catriona Roxburgh. Watton Ladies also move up the table into 5th above their weekends opponents Garston Ladies FC 96 after a 5-2 win away from home to end 2015.
One match in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three sees Icknield Ladies end the year 3 points clear at the top of the table in what is shaping up to be another hotly contested league. Were at home and it isn’t the 1st time this season both Jodie and Zoe Molloy have gotten on the scoresheet, with Cyeanna Eaton also scoring in a 3-0 win over Bedwell Rangers.
One last match to bring you from the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup 2nd Round another postponed fixture needing to be played between Division Three title chasers Evergreen Ladies and Crawley Green Ladies the visitors advancing through to the next round following a narrow 2-1 win Samantha Joiner and Jessica McNamara with the goals for Crawley Green. Samantha Jakson scoring for Evergreen Ladies.
That’s it then the last Edition of The Tuesday Round-Up for 2015 completed, will be plenty more to come in 2016. League’s shaping up nicely going to be some hotly contested games to look forwards too in the New Year along with the cup competitions as they enter the quarter final stage and beyond not too many clear runners for silverware anywhere across the East, exciting to see how it all unfolds. Hope we don’t lose any more sides in the 2016 with Barking Ladies, Leverstock Green Ladies, Firside Athletic, Deeping Diamonds Ladies, Ipswich Valley Rangers and Takeley WFC dropping out of the leagues, will see a few of them return in some form or another in the future though and look forwards to that too.
2015 has been a blast loved covering the action seeing how the leagues unfold. Thanks for reading and your support for Women’s Football East wishing you a Very Happy Christmas and all the best for your football and beyond in 2016.
Into December, The Tuesday Round-Up has reached Edition Twelve of the season, in the next few paragraphs, (well more than a few) we’ll round up all of the weekends action across the East from the final Sunday in November. The weather once again playing it’s part putting pay to a few fixtures with one more getting abandoned during play as conditions worsened, a windy day across the region, certainly affected the play at the match I travelled along to watch.
A mixture of league and cup football across the region, from the FAWPL League Cup and Plate 2nd round, ERWFL League Cup 3rd round whilst in Norfolk it was catch up in the League Cup with all but 1 fixture getting beaten by the weather last time out. Cup football from Essex and Cambridgeshire too. For those in league action there was a chance to move up the table move above their rivals that weren’t in league action. Plenty to bring you so let’s plunge into the action.
FAWPL Southern Division
New leaders at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division going into December as Charlton Athletic Women lift themselves from 3rd to 1st. Had moved to within a point of 2nd placed Cardiff City Ladies and 2 behind leaders Brighton following a 2-1 win against Queens Park Rangers Ladies the weekend before, not with Cardiff not playing this Sunday and Brighton involved in the FAWPL League Cup, Charlton took full advantage their opponents once again Queens Park Rangers the away fixture this time around, the same result for Charlton a 2-1 win, Amy Howlett giving the visitors the lead after just 4 minutes, Kit Graham made it 2 on 22. Emma Whitter pulled a goal back for Queens Park Rangers with 10 minutes left to play, Charlton held on for the win the 3 points lifting them to the top of the table.
In the other FAWPL Southern Division league match taking place this Sunday it was a long trip to the South West for West Ham United Ladies as they took on the divisions bottom side Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Came home with the 3 points, Aysha Bentick scoring 2 goals on her debut for West Ham United. Left it late though her 2nd goal coming deep in injury time, giving West Ham United the 3 points to lift them away from the 3 sides below them at the bottom of the table.
FAWPL League Cup
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC having just regained the lead at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division, couldn’t worry about Charlton Athletic Women taking over top spot, they were in action in the 2nd Round of the FAWPL League Cup vying for a place in the quarter finals, were at home to FAWPL South West Division One side, Chichester City Ladies. Was a convincing win against their lower league opponents winning the match 6-0, Charley Boswell opening the scoring in the 1st half with Charlotte Gurr and Kate Natkiel both scoring a goal each to make it 3-0 at the break, Both Gurr and Natkiel scored again 2nd half with substitute Amy Taylor also bagging herself a goal.
In the other FAWPL League Cup tie featuring sides playing in the East, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies scored 5 goals for the 2nd cup match in a row following on from their 5-3 midweek away win against Gillingham FC Ladies in the Ryman Women’s Cup quarter finals. Were on the road again this Sunday, playing fellow FAWPL Southern Division side C&K Basildon Ladies. Katie O’Leary opened the scoring for Tottenham but they were soon pegged back to 1-1 Nicola Dunsdon scoring for Basildon. Wendy Martin put Tottenham ahead again with O’Leary scoring 2 more to complete her hat-trick before Basildon pulled one back through Karissa Rodney. Lucy Loomes netted for her 2nd successive match since joining Tottenham to make it 5-2 as they booked their place in the quarter finals. The match between Old Actonians Ladies and Swindon Town Ladies was postponed.
FAWPL League Plate
The 2nd round of the FAWPL League Plate this weekend too. Gillingham FC Ladies lost out to Tottenham Hotspur Ladies in midweek losing 5-3 in an exciting match. Were on the road down to the south coast to play Lewes Ladies and came out on top of another 5-3 scoreline this time around to reach the quarter finals of the competition. Paige Baker Carroll giving Gillingham the lead, then Katie Hardaker scoring her 1st goal for the club putting them 2 up, Lewes Ladies, Kirstie Spice pulled a goal back 10 minutes before half-time. Lewes scored again in the 2nd half the goal from Natasha Wells ending 2-2 after normal play the game went into extra-time, Baker Carroll on target again to give Gillingham the lead, was short lived as Danielle Lane make it 3-3, Another 1st time scorer for Gillingham, Georgia Reece gave them the lead again then Baker-Carroll was put through on goal to complete her hat-trick and see Gillingham through with a 5-3 result.
Norwich City Ladies from the FAWPL South East Division One welcomed their counterparts from the South West Division One to Plantation Park for a 12pm kick off, the visitors proving clinical in front of goal winning the tie 7-2, Marcia Garcia scoring 4 of their goals, with 2 more scored by Leanne Lapham, 1 scored by Victoria Foxwell. Natasha Snelling with a goal in either half for Norwich. FAWPL South East Division One leaders went out of the league plate beaten at home by higher division opponents Coventry United Ladies, Libby Piggott scoring in the 1st 10 minutes with Helen Dermody adding a 2nd goal in the 2nd half to win the match 2-0. Another postponement saw the game between Denham United Ladies and Enfield Town Ladies called off.
FAWPL South East Division One
With Crystal Palace Ladies and Gillingham FC Ladies in cup action this Sunday and Luton Town Ladies not playing, Milton Keynes Dons Ladies had an opportunity to push up the table, move above Gillingham into 3rd spot now a point behind Luton Town in 2nd following a 3-1 home win against bottom side Bedford Ladies, Leah Cudone scoring twice, with Sophie Watson also on target. Rebecca Vass with the strike for Bedford Ladies.
Cambridge United WFC’s red hot streak of form continues are unbeaten now in 6, racking up another 3 points this Sunday in convincing fashion, on the road playing Ipswich Town Ladies, have a high calibre striker in their ranks Welsh international Sarah Wiltshire, got herself on the score sheet 3 times netting her 1st hat-trick for the club, Laura Mills added 2 more goals to the tally, Faith Hewitt also on target with Liz Pamplin coming off the bench to get herself a goal in a 7-1 win, Aimee Harrison scoring Ipswich Town’s goal. The win puts Cambridge United right on the tail of the leading pack although they have played more matches than any other side in the division.
Eastern Regional Leagues
Just the one match taking place in the ERWFL Premier Division this weekend with other sides involved in the League Cup. 3rd placed, AFC Sudbury were at home playing AFC Dunstable Ladies and closed the gap on 2nd placed Billericay Town Ladies to 4 points with 2 games in hand following a 1-0 win, Charlotte Churchman scoring the winning goal.
Just the one match took place in the ERWFL Division One East, a Suffolk derby with Long Melford Ladies hosting Bury Town Ladies. Long Melford climb off the bottom of the table earning their 2nd point of the season in a 1-1 draw, Megan Partridge scoring their goal.
Just the one match took place in the ERWFL Division One west also, but this was because the other 2 fell victim to the weather, water logged pitches both. Leaders Hutton Ladies were at home playing 2nd bottom Hoddesdon Owls and for the 2nd successive week drew this time 0-0 the result moving them 4 points clear at the top.
Everyone else in the ERWFL it was the League Cup, haven’t gotten this page up on the website yet because I wasn’t sure of the formatting of the competition this season, or whether there was going to be a Plate competition as well. Will update soon as the League Cup enters the 3rd Round sides vying for a place in the quarter finals. 4 ties were taking place this Sunday all of them being played in Essex with 6 of the 8 sides from the county. Was an all Essex clash at The Len Forge Centre with Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies hosting Division One East joint leaders Silver End United, it was the lower division side who advance, winning the game 2-1. Lynsey Bowman and Rebecca Hollocks on target. Chelcee Grimes with Brentwood Town’s goal.
As Silver End United Ladies progress in the competition their rivals for the title in ERWFL Division One joint leaders Writtle Ladies bow out, were unbeaten with a 100% record before today’s match, so too though were their opponents leaders of the Premier Division, Stevenage Ladies. The higher league side from Hertfordshire coming away with the win Hannah Marshall and Donna McGuigan with 2 goals each and a goal from Nicole Perschky sealing a 5-1 win. Abigail Fry scoring for Writtle. Another ERWFL Division One East side bowing out of the competition to higher league opposition are Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies as they were beaten at home 3-0 by Haringey Borough Women, Zhane Amoaten scoring all 3 goals.
Another all Essex and all Premier Division tie was between Billericay Town Ladies and Colchester Town Ladies and something of a surprise result as Colchester Town advance to the quarter finals beating the team riding high in 2nd spot in the Premier Division 2-0 on their own patch. Paige Wakefield and Georgia Box on target.
Norfolk
Was a wash out in the Norfolk Women’s League Cup 2nd Round last weekend with only one tie surviving the weather and that one being played in Suffolk. Two more didn’t make it this weekend and will try again next, however 5 ties did manage to take place and their were plenty of goals scored amongst them. 15-0 to Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies at home the Division Two high flyers taking on Division One bottom side Mulbarton Belles who were short handed on the field with just 10. Selina Rowland scored 5 of the goals for Kirkley & Pakefield, Jody Wells and Nikki Wigg got 4 goals each with Gemma Farman and Sophie Martin also getting on the score sheet.
Division Two v Division One too as Red Rose Ladies hosted Thorpe United Ladies, 10 goals scored in this match, Thorpe United helping themselves to twice as many as Red Rose however as they went on to win 7-3. Kimberly Broom scoring 4 times and a hat-trick from Rebekah Lake for Thorpe United. Stacey High and Stacey and Vicky Lubbock with the 3 goals for Red Rose. 9 goals scored in the match between Division Three side Cromer Town Ladies and Division One title contenders Aylsham FC Ladies, all 9 of the goals going the way of higher division side, reversed the fixture switched to Aylsham, Keira Squires scoring a hat-trick was out done by Abbie Charlton who netted 4 goals, with one each for Alicia Lacey and Sarah Thompson.
Back up to 10 goals scored in the next time, although 8 of these were scored by Division One side Lynn Ladies as they travelled to play Division Two side Sprowston Ladies, Josie Turner and Shelley Woods scoring a hat-trick with the other 2 goals coming from Lisa Wilson to see Lynn Ladies into the next round. One more 2nd round tie to bring you from the League Cup just the 6 goals in this one, an all Division Two clash with Bungay Town Ladies Reserves hosting Bohemians Ladies. Nicola Hazell scored a hat-trick with a goal a piece for Paige Baker and Lauren Purling as they won the match 5-1 to advance to the next round.
Was one league match taking place this weekend, a local derby in Division Three, with Toftwood Ladies taking on Dereham Town Ladies both with a bit of form going into the match walking distance from each other. The match finished all square 2-2 a pint a piece, lifted Dereham Town off the bottom whilst Toftwood stay 3rd. Lydia Hooper and Katie Hart with Toftwood’s goals.
Suffolk
The featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday comes from the Suffolk Women’s Division. A top of the table clash with 3rd placed Copleston Ladies hosting leaders Brantham Athletic Ladies. Not many teams in the Division just 7, but these 2 will be amongst those contesting for honours at the top. The venue Copleston High School in Ipswich, was a windy blustery afternoon would affect the football played by both sides. The visitors took the lead halfway through the 1st half with Brantham’s Kirsten Hutchings fouled as she broke inside the box by Copleston keeper Daisy Hodgson, Lucy Dunnett the Brantham captain stepped up and buried the penalty. Copleston fought back got into the match. Jade Horne smashing the ball into the back of the net from a corner to level the scores at the break. Brantham had the ever increasing wind at their back 2nd half and it was Dunnett who scored the winner the ball at her feet in front of the centre circle took on the strike sending the ball flying over Hodgson and into the back of the net 2-1 the final score. For all of the match action click on the link below to take you to the full report.
Keeping pace with Brantham Athletic at the top of the table are East Bergholt United Ladies level on points both now on 15 with 5 wins and 1 defeat. Were at home to Bacton United Ladies. A single strike from Jessica Oxlade enough to give East Bergholt the 3 points. In the other match in the Suffolk Women’s Division it was a battle of the bottom sides both new to the league this season Ipswich Phoenix Ladies and Leiston St Margarets Ladies both with out a single point on the board before today, it’s Leiston St Margarets who were celebrating Sunday evening winning the game 3-0 the away victory giving them their ever league points.
Cambridgeshire
The quarter finals of the Women’s League Cup taking place this weekend gave Cambridge University Women an opportunity to climb above Cambridge United WFC Reserves at the top of the Women’s Premiership. The 2nd placed side were at home playing ICA Sports Ladies. Were held to a 4-4 draw, Amanda Wainwright scoring a hat-trick with one more from Hayley Stewart, the point sees them move level on points with Cambridge at the top. The point for ICA Sports sees them back up into 3rd spot 2 goals each for Claire Knibbs and Rhian Leonard.
Holders Huntingdon Town Ladies had already booked their place in the semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup last weekend, this weekend they are joined by Cambridge United WFC Reserves and Fulbourn Bluebirds. The latter were at home to fellow Premiership side Newmarket Town Ladies won the match 3-1 to advance to the semi-finals Krissie Taylor scoring twice. Cambridge United WFC Reserves were at home playing Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies, Monique Christian, Sarah Mosley and Gemma Clark scoring in a 3-2 win. The last quarter final between Bar Hill Ladies and Cambridge City Ladies was called off.
In the Women’s Championship North, Wisbech St Marys Ladies move back to the top of the table following a 5-1 away victory against Hungate Rovers Ladies. A hat-trick from Toni Lewis backed up with a brace from Jeorgia Carr moving them above Bourne Ladies on goal difference at the top. Chantelle Abraham with the goal for Hungate Rovers. Another climber in the division is Swineshead Institute Ladies moving up from 7th to 4th spot following a 3-0 win at Stamford Ladies who themselves drop down to 7th. Leah Ardrow, Megan Ganderson and Chloe Gray with the goals.
In the Women’s Championship South, St Ives Town Ladies pulled clear at the top of the table after the match between 2nd and 3rd placed Park Ladies and Milton Ladies was abandoned due to the weather conditions. St Ives Town were hosting 2nd bottom Little Paxton Ladies still in search of their 1st league points of the season, are still searching after St Ives Town beat them 6-1, Georgia Rebane hitting the back of the goal 4 times with a goal each for Molly Berryman and Georgia Stancombe. Riverside Rovers Reserves consolidate 4th spot are looking at the teams above now following a 4-1 home win against Comberton Ladies, Roneta Maroosafte scoring 2, Diana Olahova and Jessica Hill also getting themselves a goal. In the final match in the division bottom side Cambridge rangers were at home scored 4 goals but still didn’t get anything from the game as they lost 6-4 to Isleham United Ladies, Shona Kelly and Laura Todd both netting a brace for the visitors Vicky Beeton and Michelle Pearson with their other strikes.
Essex
In Essex both 2nd and 3rd placed Hullbridge Sports Ladies and Eastern Avenue, close the gap on Premier Division leaders Chelmsford City Ladies following victories this weekend. Hullbridge Sports Ladies were at home to Runwell Hospital Ladies a convincing win beating their rivals 5-0, Danni Dorrington scoring 2, with a goal each from, Broghan Kelly, Drew Allen and Christina Fragnito. Eastern Avenue were on the road away to Lawford Ladies won the match 3-1, Courtney Lowther on target twice with the other goal scored by Katie Peers to keep them level on points with Hullbridge Sports.
In Division One, Chelmsford City Reserves close the gap to leaders Harlow Ladies to 5 points in 2nd place following an 8-0 away win against Southend Town Ladies, Tara Britton scoring 5 times, Tyler Christou scored a brace with the other goal scored by Shannon Tranter her 1st goal for the club. Alredford Colne Rangers move up from 4th into 3rd after beating Hullbridge Sports Ladies Reserves 3-1 at home.
Elsewhere in Essex it was the 1st Round of the Women’s League Cup, 2 ties the 1st a real mismatch with Premier Division leaders Chelmsford City Ladies away to Waltham Forest Ladies bottom of Division One. A big win for Chelmsford City 26-0, Lisa Overall, Ashleigh Harding and Shannon Hughes the pick of the goal scorers with 4 a piece. An all Division One meeting in the other tie Wickford Town Ladies away to Valley Green, went 1-0 down before salvaging it late on to win 2-1 in the dying moments of the match.
A little more cup action to bring you and another cup competition I need to swot up on as Division One leaders Harlow Ladies were in action in the Tiptree & District Charity Cup a quarter final match against Premier Division side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. Harlow Ladies advance in the competition winning the match 3-0 the goal scored by Victoria Hill and 2 from Nene McInerney. As and when I find out more about this competition will be sure to update the website.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Was the 2nd Round of the Women’s League Cup in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire too this Sunday 4 ties to bring you, several goals to bring you too. Starting with an 8 goal encounter between Sharnbrook WFC and Hertford Town Ladies. It was the away side who came away with the win to advance to the next round beating Sharnbrook 5-3. No banana skin for Division One side Letchworth Garden City Eagles as they welcomed Division Two leaders Houghton Athletic Ladies to their home ground, Emily Jamieson, Alyce Williams and Jade Finch scoring the goals to see them progress winning 3-1, Houghton Athletic’s goal from Charlotte Fossey.
Division Three high flyers Hitchin Belles were at home to fellow Division Three side Bedwell Rangers, Emily Field, Shannon Page and Charlotte Peters were all on target for Hitchin Belles an own goal sealing a 4-1 win. Bedwell Rangers scoring through Hannah Manton. In the other 2nd round tie it went all the way to penalties between Woburn Lionesses and Watton Ladies the all Division Two clash ending 3-3 after extra time. Watton Ladies went on to win the penalty shootout 5-4.
A few league matches took place in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire also one in each division. A big one for Harvesters FC in Division One too as they move back to the top of the table taking on another potential title candidate Bishops Stortford Ladies at home. Won the match 2-1 Ellie Lovelock and Hannah Kelly with the 1st half strikes, enough to claim the 3 points. Elle Georgiou on target for Bishops Stortford Ladies.
In Division Two, Hitchin Town Ladies move up to 4th spot in the table following a 4-1 home win against bottom side Royston Town Ladies Reserves, Emma Chaffey with a hat-trick along with a goal from Bethany Page. Amy Semple with the Royston Town goal.
Battle of the bottom clubs in Division Three with new side Shefford Town and Campton Ladies still looking for their 1st point of the season travelling to fellow newbies Hatfield Town Ladies, who had gathered just the singe lead point themselves to date. The shares were spoiled both sides getting a point, Shefford Town and Campton getting that 0 out of the final column.
Although I didn’t say it for every single side in this edition of The Tuesday Round-Up I’m sure the weather affected alot of matches one way of another if the wind in Suffolk was anything to go by. Still the weather usually has plenty to say this time of year, roll on April.. or May. As usual the league tables and results pages have been updated, little bit to do in the cup competitions page will be on it later in the week. Thanks for reading Edition Twelve of The Tuesday Round-Up, next ones Thirteen, I won’t skip it, back again next week.
Welcome to Edition Eleven of The Tuesday Round-Up. Well into the season and it had to happen sooner or later the weather was going to start playing havoc with the weekend fixture list with nearly half of the scheduled matches across the East getting postponed. With a few of those being cup matches to it will see the fixture lists getting readjusted as cup fixtures take priority over league matches. More than half the fixtures did survive the weather and where they did there was plenty of action and drama as leagues really start to take shape as we head deep into November. In one league alone there are now 4 sides ties on the same points at the top of the table, but you’ll have to wait till the very end of The Tuesday Round-Up to find out who. Into the weekends action.
FAWPL Southern Division
Leaders Cardiff City Ladies weren’t in action this Sunday due to international call ups, this gave the side they had replaced at the top Brighton & Hove Albion WFC a chance to reclaim the lead themselves at home against West Ham United Ladies. A single goal was enough for them to claim the points and return to the top of the table with Jay Blackie scoring in the 74th minute.
It was a special day for 3rd placed Charlton Athletic WFC as they were playing this Sunday’s FAWPL Southern Division fixture against Queens Park Rangers Ladies at The Valley. Having not been in league action since the 1st weekend in November were after the 3 points to close the gap between themselves and Brighton and Cardiff at the top. Kit Graham opened the scoring for the home side 3 minutes before half time, then 3 minutes into the 2nd half Charley Clifford doubled their advantage. Queen Park Rangers pulled one back with 15 minutes to played Danielle Puddefoot curling a free kick into the back of the net to set up a tense finish, Charlton held on however to win the match and take the 3 points now just a point of 2nd placed Cardiff, 2 behind leaders Brighton.
Coventry United Ladies climb up into 4th place in the table following a 4-0 away win at Lewes Ladies at the weekend. Ashleigh Neville scoring on 11 minutes for the visitors, Natasha Lynch scoring on 36 to give Coventry United Ladies a 2-0 half-time lead. Helen Dermody was on target 12 minutes into the 2nd half with Lynch adding her 2nd and Coventry’s 4th goal 10 minutes from time, still have games in hand on all the sides above them. In the other match in the FAWPL Southern Division Portsmouth Ladies travelled to Cheshunt to face Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, returned to the south coast with all 3 points winning the game 4-0 with a brace each by Ini Umotong and Lucy Quinn, Portsmouth goalkeeper Courtney Trodd also saving a penalty during the match.
FAWPL South East Division One
All 12 sides in the FAWPL South East Division One were scheduled to be in action this Sunday however the inclement weather put pay to 3 of the 6 matches, one of those featuring runaway leaders Crystal Palace Ladies. Meant 2nd placed Luton Town Ladies had a chance to close the gap at the top, were at home to 4th placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies who were in need of the 3 points themselves if they wanted to close the gap on the teams above them. Natasha Fensome finding the back of the net for Luton Town Ladies, it wasn’t enough however with Leah Cudone and Samantha Gillings scoring for Milton Keynes Dons Ladies to secure a 2-1 win close the gap to Luton to 4 points, have 2 games in hand on the 2nd placed side.
3 points won on Sunday see Denham United Ladies moving in the right direction up the table into 7th spot with others not in action. Were on the road taking on bottom side Bedford Ladies. Natalie Murray scoring 2 with Clarice Gould and Holleigh Marsh also netting goals.
It is from the FAWPL South East Division One where the featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from this weekend with 3rd placed Gillingham FC Ladies who had only played 1 league match since the end of September travelling up the region to take on the in form team in the league Cambridge United WFC who had recovered from a poor start to claim 10 points from their last 4 league matches were on a run of 3 straight wins. Gillingham have seen plenty of football in that time competing in several cup competitions now they were in search of the points to close the gap on the leading pair. Was one of the best matches I have seen in the division this season and a great advert for the league. Sarah Wiltshire gave Cambridge United WFC the lead at the break lobbing the ball over the on rushing Gillingham goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill. A competitive contest both sides working really hard Gillingham pressed hard looking for an equalising goal in the 2nd half an eventually it came Paige Baker-Carroll bundling the ball over the line following a great run in space on the right from Kallie Balfour. For all of the match action click on the link below to take you to the SWF Blog.
Stevenage Ladies are starting to open up a gap at the top of the ERWFL Premier League whilst maintaining their 100% winning start to the season now 8 wins in a row in the league the lastest coming this Sunday on the road a 3-0 at Haringey Borough Women the goals scored by Alex North, Hannah Marshall and Nicole Perschky.
A special mention for Georgia Box who was making her 200th appearance for Colchester Town Ladies this Sunday and her side helped her celebrate it with a win beating Brentwood Town Ladies at home to climb above them into 5th spot the goals from Paige Wakefield and Kerry Stimson.
In the other match taking place in the Premier Division, AFC Dunstable are also celebrating as they climb off the bottom of the table climbing above this weekends opponents Great Shelford Ladies beating them at home 3-1, Amber Person and Charlotte South getting the goals. Sophie Lanham with the goal for Great Shelford.
In the ERWFL Division One East, leaders Writtle Ladies and 2nd placed Silver End United Ladies are neck and neck at the top of the table both with a 100% winning start 6 wins out of 6 and both recording 3-1 home wins this Sunday. Writtle were taking on bottom side Long Melford Ladies. Abigail Fry, Amy Simmons and Sophie Vale with their 3 goals. Sherral Williamson scoring for Long Melford. 2nd bottom West Billericay Ladies were the visiting team facing Silver End United Ladies this Sunday, Lynsey Cowell opening the scoring on 3 minutes with Rebecca Hollocks adding a 2nd goal before half time, Lynsey Bowman with the 3rd in the 2nd half.
Ipwsich Wanderers Ladies move up to 3rd place in the table following a 3-2 win against Suffolk rivals Bury Town Ladies. It was the visitors who opened the scoring Helen Cryer from the penalty spot, Ispwich Wanderers equalised. Nadine Basson who has been out of the game for a long time with a serious knee injury made a welcome return to the pitch coming off the bench to make her debut for Bury Town Ladies scoring a goal to celebrate too, wasn’t enough for the visitors as Ipswich Wanderers went on to win the match 3-2 their goal scored by Kristie Turner, Tarnya McKew and Leanne Parker.
In ERWFL Division One West, Hutton Ladies stay top following a 1-1 draw away to Colney Heath Ladies. The bottom side in the division finally getting a point on the board this just their 3rd league game since the season started back in September, Annie Hickey scoring their goal. Royston Town Ladies had lost 3 league matches straight in the league finally got back to winning ways beating early pace setters Stevenage Ladies Reserves 3-0 at home to climb above them into 3rd place.
Norfolk
Going to be a brief summary of the women’s football in Norfolk this weekend, was hit particularly hard by the weather and postponements all round. The 2nd round of the League Cup was scheduled to take place in the end just the 1 fixture survived the weather an all Division One encounter with Brandon Town Ladies hosting Fakenham Town Ladies. The home side going 4-0 up with goals from Chloe Slater, Hazel Shephard and 2 from Tiffany Forshaw. Fakenham came back 2nd half with Nina Batchlor, Rochelle Woods and Natalie Wright scoring, the final score 4-3 to Brandon Town Ladies who advance to the quarter finals the other ties rescheduled to take place this coming Sunday.
Suffolk
Equally brief in Suffolk, however their were just 2 fixtures taking place as it was the semi final stage of the their League Cup competition. In the 1st semi final Brantham Athletic Ladies were at home to Bacton United Ladies. Brantham book their place in the final following a 5-2 win Lucy Dunnett and Danielle Harvey with 2 goals a piece with Charlotte Partridge also finding the back of the net.
The other semi final ended in a bit of a farce, Copleston Ladies were at home to Witnesham Wasps Ladies, Amelia Deuchars and Jade Horne scoring for Copleston, Isabel Leming and Emma Long finding the goal for Witnesham Wasps 2-2 after extra time. Penalty shoot-out right? Wrong! The referee and league chairman abandoned the game due to lack of light. A 2pm kick off for this game it has since been rescheduled to be played again on the 6th December with a 1:30pm start.
Cambridgeshire
Another county hit hard with postponed fixtures was Cambridgeshire, no fixtures in the Premiership it was the 1st round of the Cambridgeshire County Cup with 5 ties due to be played the game between Fulbourn Bluebirds and Newmarket Town Ladies was postponed will be rescheduled for this coming Sunday. Bar Hill Ladies were awarded a home win against Cambridge Rangers to progress. Another Premiership side through to the next round after beating lower league opposition are ICA Sports Ladies defeating Championship North side Wisbech St Marys Ladies by 4 goals to 2 way from home. Lorna Hart with a brace the other goalscorers Tash Applegate and Louise Burgess. Jeorgia Carr with both goals for Wisbech St Marys. An all Championship tie saw Wisbech Town Ladies from the North division at home to Milton Ladies playing in the South division, and it’s Milton who advance in the competition winning the tie 3-1.
It was a 9 goal thriller between Park Ladies and Huntingdon Town Ladies. Different competition mind a quarter final clash in the League Cup. In the end Huntingdon Town the current holders of the cup won out over their lower league opponents progressing with a 5-4 victory, Claire Radford netting twice with the other 3 goals scored by Emma Clarke, Natasha Houchen and Laura Spaxman. Park Ladies goals were scored by Kirstie Smith, Amy Newell and 2 from Sherrie-Louise Martin.
Essex
In Essex their were 2 County Cup 2nd Round fixtures taking place this Sunday following the previous weekends postponements. Was an all ERWFL Premier Division encounter with Billericay Town Ladies at home to Gt Wakering Rovers Ladies, Frances Murphy and Lucy Wyatt scoring in a 2-1 win to see Billericay Town Ladies into the quarter finals. Alos into the quarter finals are Collier Row Tigers after a 3-1 at home against Walden Ladies.
There was just the one league fixture in Essex Women’s Premier Division, but Eastern Avenue took full advantage of it winning at home against Runwell Hospital Ladies to climb into 3rd spot in the table winning the match 3-1, Mollie Rose scoring 2 with Beatriz Cordoso also scoring.
In Division One there were just the 2 fixtures taking place, runaway leaders Harlow Town Ladies were away to bottom side Waltham Forest Ladies so no surprise they made it 10 wins out of 10 to keep their 100% start. Are scoring goals for fun against everyone in the league to date and recorded their biggest result 21-0 in the league so far this Sunday. Face a sterner test at home to FAWPL Southern Divison side Charlton Athletic tonight in the Ryman Women’s Cup. Do fear for Waltham Forest Ladies a new side to the league this season been a tough start but pleasing to here from Harlow Town Ladies that the side was in good spirits will hopefully see a positive result in the near future. In the other match in Division One Wickford Town Ladies were on the road playing Southend Town Ladies, returned to 3rd place in the table after a 5-1 win.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Everyone continues to jockey for position at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Sherrardswood Ladies hold on to top spot for the 2 consecutive week following a 3-3 draw away to Bishops Stortford Ladies. Jessica Mace giving the home side a slender advantage at the break, Laure Marris pulling the scores level 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Bishops Storford went 3-1 up Inka Pearson scoring both goals, into the last 10 minutes and the visitors struck back 1st through Laura Cousins then with 3 minutes left on the clock Abby Cardall scored to make it 3-3 to share the points.
Hertford Town Ladies move up into 2nd spot in the league table a point behind Sherrardswood following a 6-2 home win against bottom side Toddington Rovers Ladies. A brace from both Lisa Kline and Becky Shephard with Donna Watts also scoring and own goal completing the final score. Toddington Rovers Ladies goals scored by Victoria Reid and Megan Palmer from the penalty spot. Missed the chance to go top themselves last weekend, this weekend Letchworth Garden City Eagles get the win to lift themselves up the table into 3rd spot following an away win at Flitwick Ladies. Alex Bush, Samantha Edgar, Tayla Murray and 2 from Emily Jamieson scoring the goals in a 5-1 win.
Just the one league fixture taking place in Division Two this Sunday with Garston Ladies FC 96 at home to 2nd bottom Evergreen Eagles. Close the gap on 2nd place Sharnbrook WFC to a single point winning the game 7-0 with a hat-trick each for Lauren Berryman and Natalie Powell, Lilly Clark also bagging herself a goal.
As far as title battle go it doesn’t get any closer than the top of the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three right now with 4 sides all level on 18 points at the top after this Sunday’s results. 2nd place Hitchin Belles weren’t in action might have expected leaders Crawley Green Ladies to extend their lead at the top after all they had a 100% win rate at the start of the season 6 wins out of 6, instead they saw their 1st defeat of the season going down 4-2 away to 4th placed Icknield Ladies who join the leading pack on 18 points . Zoe Molloy and Sophia Pidgeon with 2 goals each to seal the win. Nina Service and Jessica McNamara with a goal each for Crawley Green Ladies.
Is still 6 wins out of 6 at the start of the season for Evergreen Ladies who keep up the pace in 3rd position gave their goal difference a boost too this Sunday beating 2nd bottom Hatfield Town Ladies 13-0 at home. Samantha Jackson with 5 of the Evergreen Ladies goals, Rebecca Freeman helping herself to 4 more with a brace each for Natalie Maher and Ruth Morris. Lost out in their local derby last weekend, however this weekend Panshanger Ladies were back at home on the Moneyhole Playing Fields and got the 3 points over Bedwell Rangers to move above them in the table back into the top half, won the match 3-0 the goals not coming till the 2nd half Ellie Burke scoring from the penalty spot in the 65th minute, with Shannon Twigg doubling their lead with 10 minutes left Georgia Harvey putting the result beyond doubt in injury time scoring the 3rd.
On more game to bring you, Welwyn Garden City Ladies won the local derby against Panshanger Ladies last Sunday to record their 1st win of the season, couldn’t build on it however as they lost at home to Kings Langley Ladies who win just their 2nd league match of the season the final score 5-2 their goals from Amy Earthrowl, Amber Harris, Rachael Lee and 2 scored by Kimberly Nield. Claire Cranfield and Jenna Wynne scored the goals for Welwyn Garden City.
That’s it another edition of The Tuesday Round-Up complete, afraid postponements will be the feature of the day over the next few months but that’s the nature of the game. League well an truly taking shape going to be some intense battles over the coming months which will be more interesting than the weather to be sure. Results and League Tables updated throughout the site as usual. Fixture lists will be updated too in due course can’t get too far ahead this time of year so be sure to come back and check on a regular basis. Until next week thanks for reading.
The match action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this weekend features the match between Cambridge United WFC & Gillingham FC Ladies in the FAWPL South East Division One. Cambridge United WFC are the in form team in the division going into the match with 10 points gathered from their last 4 league matches winning the last 3 in a row. Come up against 3rd placed Gillingham FC Ladies who are looking for the league points themselves to close the gap on Luton Town Ladies and leaders Crystal Palace Ladies, have played plenty of cup matches of late this though is only their 2nd league game since the end of September. Played at Mildenhall Town FC turned out to be a great advert for football in the division click on the link below to take you to the match report.
FA Women’s Cup action this Sunday on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog from 3rd Round Qualifying. A host of cracking looking ties to choose from too. Saw Norfolk Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies in the previous round away to Moulton Ladies ran out 0-3 winners to set up a home draw against Cambridge United WFC who play 4 leagues above them in the FAWPL South East Division One. Wymondham have started the season brightly would they carry that form on and cause a giant killing in the process click on the link below to find out.
