Category Archives: Women’s FA Cup

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

Sunday 3rd November

Women’s FA Cup

Into the 1st Round Proper of this season’s Women’s FA Cup the tier 3 sides entering the competition as the road to Wembley hots up. A trip to St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus stadium also home to Cambridge United WFC  as they host fellow FAWNL South East Division One side, Norwich City Women.

The prize fund to with today’s winners receiving £6000 a huge sum to any club competing at this stage of the cup. A run to the 3rd Round Proper and the prize for the winners jumps to £35000! A massive incentive with clubs aiming to make history along the way.

Todays opponents, well known to one another now the longest established sides competing in the 4th tier in the South East of the country stretching way back to the old Combination league days before the 3rd and 4th tiers of the women’s football pyramid became the FAWNL (FA Women’s National League) we know today. Both too growing stronger ties with their respective men’s clubs as they look to find the extra edge to push for the title and promotion to the league above. Today though it’s all about the cup.

FAWNL South East Division One couldn’t be any tighter, Cambridge United WFC may lay 9th in the table but the gap to themselves and top of the table Actonians Ladies is just 7 points! No one breaking clear looks to be highly competitive this season. Last time I saw Cambridge in action they were on the wrong end of a tough loss to London Bees in the league. Two successive cup ties to follow needed a positive bounce back. A tough home draw in the Women’s FA Cup 3rd Round Qualifying against Real Bedford, but having drawn 0-0 with them in the league produced the goods to win 3-1 t0 advance to the 1st Round Proper. 

 Backed that up with another cup victory in the FAWNL Plate a 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic Women Academy to reach the last 8 of the competition, having reached the final the season before. Injuries were a problem last season despite that cup run and unfortunately they have affected the squad again this season with new signing defender Ellie Finneran hurt in pre-season yet to play as she returns to fitness. While midfielders, Sammy Edgar and Alysha Stojko-Down are currently side lined along with defender Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris. Sarah Wiltshire though is back in the squad after having her 3rd child and suffering a broken arm in pre-season. Bella Simmons scoring the goals in her absence top scorer so far with 9 from 9.

  Norwich City Women coming into today’s game off the back of 4 successive draws in the league. Frustrating following a run of 4 straight wins at the start of the season. Experienced women’s coach Andy Cook coming in to manage the side having enjoyed success with Newcastle United Women previously, looking to find the extra edge to push Norwich over the line to win promotion to tier 3 for the first time in their history. Despite the draws remain unbeaten 2nd in the table and like Cambridge are into the last 8 of the League Plate following a 2-0 home win against league rivals Actonians Ladies.

  A comfortable 5-0 too in 3rd Round Qualifying of the Women’s FA Cup against ERWFL Premier Division side, Needham Market Women. Have their share of injury problems too. Losing talisman, Ellie Smith in injury in that match has been highly influential for Norwich since joining the club and out for an extended period will be missed. One player soon to make her return from a long term injury however is club captain, Megan Todd, named on the bench for today’s match. Shannon Shaw stepping in to provide the goals in Smith’s absence in the past couple of matches netting a winning brace against Actonians and a hat-trick in Norwich’s 3-3 draw away to London Bees last time out.   

  St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s FA Cup tie. Situated in the midst of a rapidly growing residential area on the outskirts of the town which is only growing. The grass pitched stadium with a 3G facility behind. Viewing on all sides a main covered seated stand with terracing behind both goals. The clubhouse and bar open beside the main stand. The weather mild and cloudy but no rain forecast.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Sophie Shults, Kelsey Smith, Emma Wallis, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Eva Hubbard (C), Serena Cobb, Rosy Wodhams, Charlotte Gillies, Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Lauren Webb, Gisela Otten, Mollie Coupar, Ella Marden & Marta Rodriguez.

Cambridge United WFC

 Norwich City Women starting XI – Sarah Quantrill (C), Ellie Bishop, Tamsin Medd-Gill, Ceri Flye, Hope Strauss, Eloise Morran, Isabelle Moore, Millie Daviss, Holly Kennard, Natasha Snelling & Shannon Shaw. Subs – Amber Locker, Megan Todd, Katie Knights, Lara Densley, Freya Symonds & Sienna Booty.

Norwich City Women

Captain’s Sarah Quantrill and Eva Hubbard with today’s match officials

Norwich have new signing Ellie Bishop lining up in their defence, dual signed from Watford FC Women. Sophie Shults in goal for Cambridge having joined from Ashford over the summer coming into goal with Lauren Webb picking up an injury, Webb back on the bench today. Goalkeeper, Sarah Quantrill captaining Norwich, Eva Hubbard, Cambridge’s new captain this season having joined in the summer. It’s Norwich to kick-off the first half wearing light pastel green shirts and socks with green shorts. Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Isabelle Moore driving forwards with the ball for Norwich, tackled by Cambridge’s Rosy Wodhams the ball out to the left played forwards by Ellie Bishop up the line, Norwich looking to get players on quickly, Kelsey Smith defending to see the ball out for a throw in. 

Isabelle Moore bringing the ball forwards for Norwich

  Norwich looking to get on the front foot right from the off take the game to their opponents, Hope Strauss from the back sending the ball up top into Natasha Snelling. Abbie Jackson with her defending to win the ball at the back for Cambridge under challenge losing her boot in the process. Bishop on the left up to Holly Kennard powers forwards, Smith in to close her down for Cambridge launching it up the line for Bella Simmons on the right wing, Norwich quick to close her down turn play around. 

Cambridge’s Abbie Jackson challenging Norwich’s Natasha Snelling for the ball

 The early tempo frantic, Cambridge reacting well, realising they need to match Norwich for intensity look to get after the ball chase players down, won back on the middle the cross field ball finding Sarah Wiltshire pulling away on the right flank, taking the ball on down the line cuts a cross back into the near post, cut out by Strauss, the ball back out wide with Wiltshire she fires it back in towards the defender knocking it off Strauss behind for a corner kick. 

 The corner swept into the near post knocked up and falls down into the mix in the centre of the six yard box, players going for the ball, a hand ball spotted by the referee, Norwich getting the decision. Play intense Norwich with a determined mindset to get the ball forwards, Cambridge responding well, Wodhams moving in to close Ceri Flye down as the defender looks for a forwards pass, nicking the ball off her running in behind lays the diagonal ball into the box with Wiltshire pulling away to the right post, Strauss going with her to cut the pass out clear the ball away to the left.

  Cambridge up high on the left Wallis getting up the pitch to support Charlotte Gillies fouled outside the box, players up from the back as Wiltshire lines up the set-piece swung in central attacked knocked down to the far post and turned behind for a corner kick. Played in long from the right dropping far post Norwich hook the ball clear. Norwich threaten to it Cambridge on the break, Shaw after the ball, Sophie Shults though well out of her area from the corner in a good starting position to react and reach the ball first to kick it clear of the Norwich attacker.

A pause in play as Simmons collects a painfully blow from the ball into her face as the midfield battle continues to be intense. Millie Daviss on the right for Norwich providing some good runs for the defence to send the ball forwards taking the ball on down the wing sends a cross into the near post, Jackson there to head clear for Cambridge. Eloise Morran playing the ball into Moore to race on with the ball through the middle for Norwich, threads a pass in behind to the right with Daviss beating the offside trap to steal into the area, Shults rushing out to close her down doing enough as Daviss snatches her attempt wide of the near post.

Isabelle Moore holding off Cambridge’s Emma Wallis

 No let up in the tempo, Tamsin Medd-Gill fouled by Cambridge captain, Eva Hubbard, 30 yard out to the right, Snelling to loft the set-piece in towards the far post, defended turned out to the left, 15 minutes played the game a little testy a few free-kicks given away as both sets of players snap at the ball, Cambridge giving away a free-kick wide on the left, Norwich sending players up from the back.

 GOAL! Bishop the player fouled to take the set-piece for Norwich, curls the ball into the box, a lovely height, it’s Flye rising highest in the middle to get her head on the ball and drill the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner, 0-1.

Ceri Flye heading Norwich into the lead

Ceri Flye win Norwich’s goal

  Cambridge behind look to get on the attack from the restart the ball with Gillies coming through the middle sends the pass forwards out to Simmons wide on the right, held up by Bishop lays it back down the line for Smith who clips the ball high into the near post area, Strauss back peddling for Norwich getting under the flight of the ball her head it out for a throw in. 

  Daviss strong as she brings the ball on down Norwich’s right winning a throw in the corner, dropped into Shaw edge of the area turns to hook the ball on into the box dropping beyond the far post, Smith getting it away before Kennard can latch onto it. The ball put forwards into Gillies central powers on towards the Norwich box before laying the ball out to Wiltshire on her right her cross swept into the box, Wodhams bursting forwards making a run towards the penalty spot, Strauss with a vital interception.

Norwich defender, Hope Strauss

  The game end to end at times, Cambridge over load on the left as Norwich clear the ball threaten to break outnumber their opponents, the final pass not quite happening as Smith regains possession for the hosts. Daviss brought down on the right wide on halfway, Strauss over the Norwich free-kick, clipped high into the box, Wallis heads clear for Cambridge. Daviss causing Cambridge some concern on the left drawing her marker in and rolling in behind whipping a pacy cross into the since yard box, very nearly and own goal as it strikes Lauren Rouse looping up off the defender dropping near post, Moore looking to leap get her head on the ball turn it down into the back of the net Shults aware of her angles allowing it to bounce wide of the post.

  An entertaining contest highly charged both sides not sitting on the ball, Daviss moving on down the right laying the ball back up the line for Snelling to smash a high ball long into the far post, players rushing in looking to attack it Smith going with them getting their first for Cambridge turning the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner curled into the near post high from the left, Shults jumping to punch the ball getting fouled in the process the call late however as the keeper gets a hands out to block Morran’s close range strike as she attacks the loose ball. 

Cambridge goalkeeper, Sophie Shults

  Norwich pushing players on Bishop and Medd-Gill providing support getting on well as the visitors send the ball forwards, Moore into Shaw, looks to play in Snelling right of the D, Jackson closing in to prevent the turn stab the ball away for Wallis to clear. Wiltshire central for Cambridge holding up the ball allowing Wodhams to run forwards take the ball on past her before threading it into Simmons attacking the box right of the D, pulls further wide to create a shooting chance her attempt rising Quantrill across her line well to get behind the ball to make the save.

Norwich on the ball Morran through the middle lifting it into Snelling right of the D 20 yards out up to head the ball twisting in the air to turn it across the area into the path of Kennard, her first touch however a little too strong allowing Shults to chance to step forwards and snatch the ball into her gloves. Wiltshire seeing a Hubbard ball into her feet back to goal turns well to feed the pass on for Simmons to attack wide on the right, Bishop getting across the path of the ball to see it safely back to her keeper to clear. 

Cambridge captain, Eva Hubbard

  Wodhams making several good runs through the middle to link up with Wiltshire through the middle for Cambridge, keeping the Norwich defence alert Strauss and Bishop cutting out a couple of dangerous through balls. Bishop on turn linking up with Kennard and Shaw on the left Norwich winning a corner kick, lifting into the penalty spot, Jackson winning the header for Cambridge to clear.

Shaw combining on the right with Daviss off of a Norwich throw, angling a dipping ball into the near post, Shults getting down to catch the ball into her body beating Snelling to the ball. Daviss taking the ball on down Norwich’s right player racing forwards to get into the box Daviss’ cross flashed across the six yard box, Moore steaming in far post can’t quite take it in her stride the ball turned wide of the upright.

Millie Daviss

  Wallis going past Gillies on the left on the overlap for Cambridge playing the ball inside for Wodhams, Morran getting the foot in to win the tackle deny the hosts an attacking opportunity. Moving into injury time at the end of a fast paced first half the ball fed on for Shaw outside the box to the left of the Cambridge area takes on the strike from distance the shot flashed over the crossbar. 

Norwich attacker, Shannon Shaw

Wallis picking up a yellow card after a coming together with Daviss on the right, the pair enjoying a good battle in the first half. Snelling with another good knock down to the far post, Bishop pushing up looking to keep the ball alive for Norwich, Rouse can see it safely out of play for Cambridge.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

 and breathe! That was an action packed high tempo first half. Highly entertaining between two strong sides. Norwich setting the pace right from the start looking to get on the front foot straight away. Cambridge had no choice had to match them and rose to the challenge well. Both sides looking to get the ball moving Norwich pushing players on creating the better chances but both defences putting in a shift winning the ball with some vital tackling. Enjoyable to watch although spare a thought for my hand writing it’s terrible at the best of times end to end more than one diagram has had to replace a passage of play. Norwich edging it with the opening goal after 15 minutes Ceri Flye getting up to head home a superb delivery from an Ellie Bishop free-kick. Cambridge responding well creating chances themselves makes for a intriguing 2nd half.

  No changes for either side at the break as Cambridge get the 2nd period underway the hosts looking to make a fast start to the 2nd half themselves Wodhams racing out to the right as the ball is played forwards, Bishop defending for Norwich. the ball out for a throw. 

Cambridge’s Rosy Wodhams with Norwich’s Ellie Bishop

 Cambridge pressing early on Hubbard playing the ball into Wiltshire 25 yards out right channel sends it out to the left for Gillies, closed down by Medd-Gill plays it back up the line to Wallis to cross into the box, Strauss winning the header for the visitors. Wodhams pulling right for Cambridge fouled by Bishop. Hubbard on the free-kick out wide clipped into the box, players rushing in to attack but to close to the keeper, Quantrill grabbing hold of the ball.

Holly Kennard

  Kennard turning on the ball as it is played into her as she comes inside from the left looks to feed it through to Snelling up top, Jackson getting in the challenge to regain possession for Cambridge. Norwich winning a throw high on the left the ball with Kennard crossed into the near post, Shults claiming for Cambridge. Remains lively little time on the ball in the middle Morran shifts well to feed it through to Shaw up top plays it across the D into Snelling right side, Wallis getting across her to shield the ball back to her keeper.

Norwich midfielder, Eloise Morran

  Wodhams with a strong run on the ball through the middle for Cambridge played forwards into Wiltshire back to goal 25 yards out lays the ball out to Simmons on the right before spinning to run into the box, Simmons looking to pick her out with the return pass, Flye getting back on Wiltshire to stretching into the tackle timing it perfectly to win the ball. Wodhams falling as she goes to strike the ball from 25 yards out sees it drop early giving Quantrill a straight forward catch.

  Red card! Norwich pressing the attack on the right getting players on up into the box the cross lofted up to the near post, Shults going going for it not getting a clean punch the ball knocked down into the middle the keeper out of position the shot struck on the half volley angling in on target, Rouse back on the line has her arms up to protect her chest the ball striking her full on the referee pointing to the spot Penalty and shows Rouse a straight red card for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. Tough on Rouse not sure she could gotten her arm out of the way in time but Cambridge are down to 10 with Norwich having an opportunity to double their lead from the spot.

 Strauss to take Norwich’s penalty, Shults facing goes to place it to the right of goal, Shults going the right way diving across her goal to save the penalty to push it away for a corner on the right.

Sophie Shults saving Hope Strauss’ penalty

 Cambridge defending the resulting corner down to 10 with 35 minutes left to play needing a goal to get back into the tie. Straight to penalties should the sides be level after the 90. Cambridge sowing their intent needing a goal keep their attackers on place going to three at the back looking to press on Wodhams pulling out to the left seeing the ball into her feet spinning off her marker to run in behind to sweep a cross into the near post, Wiltshire racing in to attack, Quantrill vastly experienced aware of the threat to the ball first to claim the catch.

  Wodhams getting about the park fouled outside the box to the left of the area, the free-kick fired in towards goal, Quantrill missing her punch the ball however racing wide of the far post. Cambridge fired up after being reduced to 10 energy as they press through the middle Cobb with Hubbard fed forwards evading the Norwich defence Wiltshire alert peeling onto the ball inside the box taking it away to the right before shooting on the angle, Quantrill right behind the ball to make the save.

Cambridge striker, Sarah Wiltshire

  Gillies taking the ball on left for Cambridge laying it inside for Wiltshire left of the D, Strauss in to close her down, the loose ball rolling back to Cobb who shoots over from distance. The hosts determined with a player short Wodhams right inside for Wiltshire 25 yards out pushed over by Morran the Norwich midfielder, yellow carded. Wiltshire on the set-piece 25 yards out put in high drops kindly for the keeper to claim.

  Great tempo Cambridge responding well to falling a player behind asking the questions, Norwich in need of a 2nd goal to kill them off attack down the right Daviss swinging a cross into the near post attacked by Shaw turn her header over the bar. Norwich making a double change with 67 minutes played bringing off Moore and Shaw on come Lara Densley and Freya Symonds. Cambridge making a change too bringing on Mollie Coupar to replace Gillies on the left of attack. 

  Snelling pulling away with the ball to the right sending a cross/shot on the angle wide of the far post for Norwich. A hotly contested game a few tackles pushing the limit both sides committed Cambridge’s 10 asking Norwich a few questions. Jackson and Snelling have enjoyed a good battle all game the Norwich striker getting the edge on her counterpart this time to release Daviss on the right her cross turned behind by Wallis for a corner kick. Played in long across goal, Cambridge clear beyond the far post.

  Symonds taking the ball on for Norwich on the right her cross deflected behind by Wallis. Put in long once again but Norwich keep it alive on the left put bac in central the shot from distance taking a deflection turned behind for another corner on the right. Strauss up at the near post to head the corner delivery down into the six yard box the shot from close range blocked on the line and launched clear.

  Symonds out to the left for Norwich whipping a cross into the top of the Cambridge box, looking for Snelling right of the D, Shults out smartly to the top of her area with the blocking clearance. The game stretched a goal for Norwich almost certain to secure the win, Cambridge keeping players up looking for a chance to equalise, Kennard stealing in on the ball left whipping a cross into the Cambridge area, Wallis intercepting for Cambridge.

Ellie Bishop winning the ball for Norwich

  Cambridge counter Wodhams given the ball inside the circle driving forwards a marauding run eating up the ground 25 yards out slips the ball through for Wiltshire holding her run right channel takes the ball on shifting inside to shoot a low dive from outside the box Quantrill diving full stretch to her left across her goal saving pushing the ball wide of the post for a corner kick. 

Rosy Wodhams surging forwards for Cambridge

 

  The corner curled into the box, Symonds central up well to defend head the ball clear for the visiting side. Norwich needing to work hard at the back spring the counter attack Flye bringing the ball on with a brilliant ball forwards for Densley attacking through the middle racing into the box shoots early as the keeper come to close her down, the ball flashing past Shults who may have got the faintest of touches, but also agonisingly for Densley wide of the right post. Norwich claiming the corner, dismayed when a goal kick is awarded instead.

  Norwich looking for the 2nd goal know they need to sap Cambridge’s spirit, Symonds strong on the right taking the ball on her shot from the angle striking the cross bar on its way over. Siena Booty coming no for Norwich as the game moves into the 81st minute, on to replace Strauss. The game stretched both sides intent on scoring. Cambridge bring of Cobb, send on Marta Rodriguez. 

 The clock ticking down the game remains wide open Snelling looking to run the ball into the corner as the game moves into injury time. Norwich making another change and it sees Megan Todd making her return to the pitch the fans welcoming her on as she replaces Snelling.

Megan Todd making a welcome return to the pitch for Norwich

Players pulling up with cramp have given it their all both sides, one last push for Cambridge to find a goal to potentially send the tie into a penalty shootout. Simmons getting hold of the ball for Cambridge surging down the right winning her side a corner kick.

Bella Simmons on the attack for Cambridge

 Everybody bar the keeper up into the box for Cambridge as Wiltshire swings the corner from the right in towards the near post headed down into the six yard box a snap shot is blocked on the line Norwich scrambling the ball clear, Shults getting hold of it for Cambridge inside the Norwich half firing the ball back into the mix the pass threaded through sees Wallis pulling free to attack at the right post close in Quantrill throwing herself in to block Wallis strikes the ball on the half volley firing it under the keeper but agonisingly the ball strikes the side netting the wrong side of the post as the final whistle blows! Norwich win to advance in the Women’s FA Cup.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

  Damn that was exciting a thrilling game, Cambridge mere inches away at the death from forcing the tie into a penalty shootout. Norwich’s players letting out a roar of celebration were made to work hard for that win and nothing pleases a defence more that a hard fought 1-0 win. A game played at a high tempo through out Norwich setting that pace and Cambridge up for it to match their opponents little time allowed on the ball end to end at times. Amazing really that one goal settled it but after 4 consecutive draws in the league Norwich worked hard at the back for the win. A 2nd goal would have knocked the stuffing out of Cambridge but having fallen down to 10 players the hosts were arguably the better side for a spell just couldn’t find a goal. Took risks at the back needing to push players on and Norwich had chances themselves to put the tie beyond doubt but today was a day where defenders earnt their crust. A fantastic game credit to both sides.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. How do I pick one…um? It’s a tough one no doubt but I do have a clear winner although their are several contenders… on both sides. Let’s mention a few although both sides put in a strong team performance. First up for Cambridge, Abbie Jackson was superb at the back making several important tackles. Likewise Kelsey Smith and Emma Wallis. Sophie Shults with some stops, including the penalty save. Rosy Wodhams with some powerful runs from midfield linked up well with the attackers particularly Sarah Wiltshire who found some great positions up top. For Norwich, Millie Daviss was a threat out on the right provided a good outlet for the ball put in some useful crosses. Eloise Morran got about the pitch both to support the attack and help out in defence. Norwich’s defensive line strong Hope Strauss with reading the game well getting back and making some crucial interceptions and tackles. Likewise felloe centre back Ceri Flye used the ball well from the back and scored the winning goal. Edging it today though is the cross provider for that goal Ellie Bishop a superb delivery from the free-kick. Worked hard though out winning the ball and covering the ground to win the ball and help ensure Norwich kept the clean sheet.

 That was a thrilling cup tie, great entertainment for those in attendance. Cambridge and Norwich have developed a good rivalry over the seasons and gave it a good go this afternoon. Norwich edging it in the finish, advancing to the 2nd round of the Women’s FA Cup. Cambridge so close, a great effort will be disappointed but should use that to fuel them going forwards. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups. Yes I might know who everyone it by now but it helps to be sure. Good to, too catch up with a few footballing friends it’s a great community.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Needham Market Women v Histon Ladies

Sunday 22nd September

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying

In a change to the advertised game had a good plan B 11 minutes down the road having travelled down to Suffolk this Sunday to watch a game from this weekends Women’s FC Cup fixtures headed to Bloomfield’s, home of Needham Market Women to watch them take on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying. 

 A record number of entrants to this season’s competition, with a whopping 136 ties happening this weekend across the country. The prize fund seeing a huge increase too with today’s winners receiving £3,000. A significant amount for any grass roots club. The FA Cup holding a special place for many bringing home the true magic of the cup.

Needham Market Women enjoying a rapid rise though the leagues since their inception becoming one of the leading female clubs in Suffolk. Rising up to the ERWFL Premier Division, tier 5 of the woman’s football pyramid. A strong female section within the club, Needham Market have assembled a strong squad trying to compete at that level, finishing 3rd in their debut season. Now entering their 3rd season in the Premier Division have seen a few key players move on with some joining Suffolk rivals, AFC Sudbury Women. Nevertheless retain a strong core of experienced players and have brought in a host of young talent to bolster both their squads.

14 players in all coming to the club with 6 featuring today. Ash Newley comes into the club having previously been at Sudbury. Cate Jackson joins having top scored for Lawford Ladies last campaign. Becca Stephenson a promising young talent thrown into the deep end for Cambridge City Women in the FAWNL, responded superbly to the challenge, regularly impressing despite the clubs struggles. All three starting today with Chelsea Brett, Alyssa Barrett and Millie Baggott also new to the club starting on the bench. Has been a difficult start to the new season as they set up with a new look side with just one win from their opening 4 league matches.

Histon Ladies like Needham Market with a Development side playing in the county league below, the Cambridgeshire side into their 2nd season since returning to the ERWFL. Have made a strong start to the campaign unbeaten after 4 matches to lay 3rd in the Division One North table, with 3 wins and a draw. A victory too in the 1st Qualifying Round of the Women’s FA Cup winning 6-2 away to Thetford Town Ladies. Scoring 18 goals in their opening 5 matches come into today’s tie in confident form. 

Histon have brought in a number of new faces to join the squad over the summer as they look to push on challenge at the top of the league, amongst those American, Claire Krueger. Belle Howard joins having been with Cambridge City. Jess McCrae playing for Bowers & Pitsea at youth level. With a quartet joining from Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup winners, Eaton Socon Ladies. Goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson, attacker Shannah Anico, midfielder Gemma Cooksley and wide player Mollie Childerley. Sophie Hopkin the leading goal scorer with 8 to her name at this early stage of the season.

 Bloomfield’s the venue to today’s Women’s FA Cup tie, the stadium boasting two pitches, the main grass pitch, along side the 3G facility where the women play. In between, The Hub café situated upstairs above the changing rooms with balconies on both sides over looking both pitches. Serving hot and cold food and drink. A threat of thunderstorms in the area clearing over night to leave a bright and sunny afternoon as we approach late September, a little cloud around but otherwise ideal conditions.  

Needham Market Women starting XI – Danielle Clarke, Ash Newly, Niamh Thomas, Laura Bloomfield, Sheryce Slater, Lois Balfour (C), Chloe Brame, Lucy Loomes, Cate Jackson, Becca Stephenson & Annie Posnett. Subs – Chelsea Brett, Charlotte McGrath, Alyssia Barrett, Olivia Dunne & Millie Baggott. 

Needham Market Women

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Abi Laughlin, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Claire Krueger, Molly Banks, Jess McCrae, Rachel Pearce, Freya Goddard, Kirsty Geal & Sophie Hopkin. Subs – Shannah Anico, Belle Howard & Katie Levitt. 

 

Histon Ladies

It’s Histon wearing their all blue away kit to get the FA Cup tie underway, kicking off the first half, with Needham Market lined up opposite in their home colours red shirts and socks with black coloured shorts. Jess McCrae playing the ball back to her defence the ball clipped long out to the left wing by Claire Krueger with Kirsty Geal on the move down the wing, Ash Newley heading the ball clear for Needham Market at the back.

Jess McCrae gets the game underway for Histon

Newley then getting up the right on the ball for Needham Market looking to play a give and go with Cate Jackson up on the right wing, the ball knocked on into the box for Jackson to chase, Krueger coming across to defend for Histon shielding the ball out for a goal kick. Histon attack down the right the ball swept on for Rachel Pearce getting forwards to whip a cross into the area from deep, caught safely by Needham Market goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke.

Cate Jackson for Needham Market with Histon’s Mollie Childerley

Both sides showing attacking intent from the off, Laura Bloomfield allowed to carry the ball out from the back for Needham Market attempting to thread a pass through the right channel into the box for Jackson to attack, Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson out smartly to the top of her area to claim the ball. Jackson lively out on the right for Histon knocking the ball forwards before hooking a cross into the middle, looping over Becca Stephenson bursting in through the middle, Abi Laughlin getting it away for Histon.

Chloe Brame regaining possession for Needham Market gets the ball on for Lucy Loomes to pass into Annie Posnett, looking to attack top of the D, Krueger sliding a foot out to halt the attackers progress. Newly up to support Jackson on Needham Market’s right the winger turning infield is pushed over giving the hosts a free-kick in an inviting position right corner of the area 25 yards out. Captain, Lois Balfour to play the ball into the area, flighting in towards the far post, Krueger up highest heading the ball behind for a corner kick.

Histon defender, Claire Krueger

Histon build on the right McCrae linking up with Pearce receiving the ball 25 yards lout looks to drive forwards get into the box, Sheryce Slater in to defence for Needham Market the ball out for a throw in. Needham Market get the ball forwards, the midfield pressing well in the final third looknig to squeeze Histon on the ball.

GOAL! That press brings a goal attacking to top of the area the ball pressed the defence rushed into a hasty clearance the ball deflected runs out to the left straight to Loomes outside the area, latches onto the ball and puts her foot through it driving her shot in at the near pass giving the diving keeper no chance 1-0. 

Lucy Loomes opening the scoring for Needham Market

Needham Market with the lead inside the opening 8 minutes. Histon suffering an early blow attack from the restart the ball out to Geal on their left, wins a corner kick. Swung in high towards the far post, dealt with by Slater for Needham Market. The hosts threaten a rapid counter attack, Geal does superbly in defence to prevent attack. McCrae seeing the ball into her feet as she finds herself in the left spins in behind Newly looking to race on towards the Needham market box, Slater has other ideas as she comes across to put in a strong sliding tackle to turn the ball out for a throw.

Sheryce Slater moving in to tackle Jess McCrae

Both sides looking to exploit the flanks as they turn play around, Molly Banks on the ball for Histon central plays a great diagonal pass on down the left for Geal to attack, getting hold of the ball and carrying it to the by-line Geal fires the cross in towards the near post, Slater tracking back cutting it out for Needham Market. Histon pushing forwards, McCrae with Banks out to Pearce n the right fed into the top of the area for Sophie Hopkin in attack, right of the D, back heels the ball on for Freya Goddard central, she controls and lays the ball on into the area for Hopkin making the near post run, Clarke rushing out makes the blocking save at the strikers feet

Histon’s Rachel Pearce

Balfour with Brame central the ball fired forwards for Posnett, intercepted by Krueger, lifts the ball out to the left for Geal to bring down and race on towards the Needham Market area, shooting on the angle from outside the box, her effort saved comfortably by Clarke.

GOAL! A couple of promising attacks from Histon yet the find themselves falling further behind as Needham Market press the final third getting bodies up to support the attack, the ball fed out to Stephenson left inside the area one on one with the keeper before rasping a shot past her into the top corner 2-0.

Becca Stephenson fires home Needham Market’s 2nd goal

Needham Market pressing the advantage the ball from Loomes into Posnett driving into the left channel unleashes a powerful strike, Robinson getting down behind the ball to beat the near post strike away across her goal.

GOAL! Brame doing well in the middle for Needham Market winning the ball high up the pitch bringing it on looks to combine with Loomes as the pair drive on up the pitch exchanging passes the Histon defence moves to intervene a sliced clearance spinning out to the left latched onto by Stephenson top of the area and smashes her shot in under the crossbar 3-0.

A quickfire brace for Becca Stephenson

Needham Market racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes. Histon on the back foot get the ball out to the right McCrae with Pearce inside for Hopkin sees her shot charged down as Needham market struggle to clear the ball. Posnett taking the ball out to the right for Needham Market 25 yards out lays it infield for Jackson who clips a cross in towards Stephenson running in at the far post, Laughlin going with her for Histon does well to control the ball down off her chest for her keeper to claim.

Abi Laughlin

Their full backs pushed up Needham Market are leaving space in behind on the flanks, Geal in particular looking to exploit the opportunity racing into the area with the ball down to the by-line flashes a cross in along the face of goal, McCrae running in far post can’t quite reach it, Thomas clearing for Needham Market, won back by Pearce swung back inside towards Hopkin inside the D looks to meet the ball on the volley, fires over.

Needham market’s Niamh Thomas

Freya Goddard getting up to press Bloomfield at the back steals the ball nipping past her, doesn’t get far with Slater coming round on the cover. Mollie Childerley winning the ball from Jackson on her left sends it forwards for Geal racing on down the wing, whips her cross into the six yard box, cut out by Slater. Newley bringing the ball into the middle for Needham Market chips the pass on for Stephenson racing in left side lunging at the ball inside the box her attempt is narrowly wide brushing off the post.

Loomes fouled on halfway, players going up into the box as the ball in floated into the area, cleared by Histon captain, Laura Leyland comes to Jackson out on the right, exchanges passes with Newley before racing down the line to win a corner kick. Swung into the box from the right Histon see it clear.

GOAL! Needham Market extend their lead from a wonderfully hit strike. The ball fired up the middle towards Loomes, tangling with a defender coming to clear emerges on her feet with the ball at her feet 25 plus yards up and time to line up her shot, struck beautifully rifles the ball past the keeper into the top corner to make it 4-0.

Lucy Loomes lining up her strike to claim her brace

A further set-back for Histon they mount an attack form the restart Pearce on the right forwards for McCrae down the right, lays it inside for Hopkin making a run into the box, Clarke reads it though and is quickly out to close the angle and grab hold of the ball.

GOAL! Needham Market ruthless going forwards overwhelm the middle the ball fed into Stephenson out on the left outside the area seeing the ball into her feet turns to attack, holding off her marker before turning to send her strike across the keeper and into the bottom corner to claim her first hat-trick for Needham Market 5-0.

A first half hat-trick for Needham Market’s Becca Stephenson

Needham Market fully in control of the tie with just half an hour played and in doing so double their goals scored tally from their opening 5 matches. Histon shell shocked battle to regain possession high up the pitch Goddard in well to nick the ball unleashing a shot from 30 yards out isn’t too far wide of the left upright.

GOAL! Histon build an attack on the left the diagonal ball fired in towards the top of the area over Hopkin in the middle runs into to McCrae at the far post brings the ball under control and shifts inside to open up the angle to strike the ball and sends her shot past the keeper pull a goal back for the visitors 5-1.

Jess McCrae pulling a goal back for Histon

Jackson flicks the ball off her boot taking it inside for Needham market from the right, space opening up in front of her to strike the ball lets fly, doesn’t get enough purchase on the ball seeing Robinson save comfortably for Histon. Loomes on a hat-trick too for Needham Market linking up with Brame through the middle strikes the ball over from 30 yards out.

Needham Market midfielder, Chloe Brame

Needham Market just that little bit sharper to the ball, using their first tough well to get lay moving forwards looking to get on the front foot 5 goals giving them some much needed confidence. Childerley forced into conceding a corner as she deals with a surging run forwards from Newley on the right. Swept into the six yard box, Krueger up to head the ball away to the left. Stephenson looking to play the ball back into the box, Geal on the penalty spot clearing out to the left the ball not away Slater is taken out with the follow through as the ball is finally launched up field.

A pause in play however Slater is okay to play on. Needham Market win the ball back on the middle Balfour up to Posnett she controls and lays it back for Brame bombing forwards attempts to put Jackson away into the right channel, Robinson out smartly to meet the path of the ball collect top of her area. Robinson with a brave save as she comes to close down Posnett as the Needham Market attacker is put through left of goal, the pair coming together the ball spilt, however, Childerley is on hand to clear for the visitors.

  Half-time Needham Market Women 5-1 Histon Ladies

  A strong first half from Needham Market racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes, pressing the ball high and getting the rewards. The positive opening giving them some much needed confidence going on to add a further two goals to hold a commanding lead at the break. Histon firmly on the back foot, the early goals a blow have kept going looking to create openings up the other end and eventually made one count pulling a goal back, know they have alot of work to do to get themselves back into the tie, need goals however Needham Market can sit back in they choose and wait for the right opportunity to go forwards add to their advantage.

No changes for either side at the break. Needham Market to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back to Bloomfield in defence she goes long looking for Jackson bursting on up the right, plays the pass inside for Loomes, Krueger in to tackle her for Histon clears the ball up the pitch.

Needham Market defender, Laura Bloomfield

Banks coming over to the right with the ball feeds it up the line looking for Pearce as she breaks forwards behind Thomas, Slater comes across to deal with the threat, shielding the ball from Pearce out for a goal kick. Promising build up play from Histon as they come right with the ball McCrae with Banks into Pearce who chips the ball in towards the top of the box for Hopkin, Clarke out smartly to get hold of the ball. A change early in the 2nd half for Histon with Hopkin coming off up top and Shannah Anico coming on.

Histon midfielder, Molly Banks

GOAL! Histon looking for a positive start to the 2nd half lose possession on the left the ball played up to Posnett in the right channel she takes the ball on with purpose before feeding it into Stephenson pulling off the defence right of the D, a good ball into her feet Stephenson composed with her finish to slot the ball under the advancing keeper into the back of the net to score her 4th of the match 6-1

Becca Stephenson firing home her 4th & Needham Market’s 5th early in the 2nd half

Histon firmly on the back foot look to regroup, Goddard out to Banks for McCrae on the right, forwards for Pearce beats her marker before firing a cross into the area the ball intercepted by Bloomfield. Another change for Histon as they bring on Katie Levitt for Goddard, with the substitute going out to the right, Pearce moving to the left. Levitt given the ball puts it into the box for McCrae as she makes a move to the by-line on the right her cross chipped into the near post caught well by Clarke as she drops forwards onto the ball.

Posnett turns on the ball and hits a strike from 25 yards out inside the right channel sees her attempt fly over the crossbar. McCrae getting hold of the ball for Histon in the final third looks to fight her way forwards into the box, Needham Market struggling to get the ball away, escapes through to the left side with Geal latching onto the ball shooting from the angle, blasting her effort wide at the near post.

Annie Posnett driving forwards for Needham Market

Laughlin bringing the ball on for Histon from the right looking for a forward pass, Anico calling as she makes a run off her marker to move right across the D, Laughlin lays the ball on, Clarke though has seen the threat and is out rapidly to deal with it. Needham Market press the ball high Jackson inside for Stephenson central plays it on to the right for Posnett breaking into the area, blasts her strike wide of the near post.

Goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke

Banks with a dipping strike from distance for Histon in a central position, Clarke right behind it falls forwards to grab the ball into her body. A quick counter from Needham Market the ball played through for Jackson breaking away behind, Robinson out of her area stooping to head the ball clear, Jackson’s momentum seeing her crash into the prone goalkeeper, no malice, play stopped immediately Robinson assessed a pause in play but thankfully is alright to play on.

A nasty collision for Keeley Robinson coming to clear the ball, thankfully back up on her feet ready to play on

Leyland getting hold of the ball at the back for Histon sets Levitt away on the right, no offside flag she is in the clear on the wing surging on a players rush into the box from both sides the cross swung in, it’s Thomas who gets the touch to take the ball behind for a corner. Curled into the near side from the left by Histon, it’s Thomas again who deals with the threat for Needham Market.

Balfour goes down in some discomfort on halfway as she goes to win the ball, Brame taking it on finds McGrath to her right her cross from deep, claimed by Robinson as Posnett steals into the six yard box. Balfour looks to have turned her ankle a long pause while she is treated but walks over to the side lines waiting to be called back on. While she was receiving treatment Needham Market made a change bringing off Stephenson sending on Olivia Dunne. Histon too with a change Belle Howard on to replace Pearce.

Histon get on the attack, temporarily with the player advantage Levitt on the attack up the right crossed into the area for McCrae near side strokes her half volley over the crossbar. Histon have Howard on the ball left side plays it down the line for Anico to put a cross into the box, McCrae in to attack near side, tackled by Bloomfield the ball cleared out to the top of the area met by Banks 25 yards out smashes her strike up over the bar.

Shannah Anico looking to get onto the ball

 Histon counter up the right Anico pulling left taking Slater with her, puts the ball inside for McCrae, spins looking for the return pass played down the channel, Slater holds her ground well catching the attacker offside. Needham Market continue to push their full backs on, Slater doing alot of covering across the back line as Histon look to turn play around, coming across to deal with Levitt as the substitute carries the ball on down the right wing. Slater given the armband as Balfour heads off the field, Charlotte McGrath coming on into the middle.

Sheryce Slater

  Needham Market get a free-kick on halfway, Slater over it launching the ball in towards the top of the area, Krueger under it to head clear for the visitors.  Anico lively up top for Histon since coming on steals in behind the centre backs as Histon press down the right the ball looking to attack the ball at the near post snatches at her chance sending the ball wide of the near post. 

Belle Howard holding of Charlotte McGrath

 Jackson getting hold of the ball out on the right for Needham Market striking the ball on the angle from all of 30 yards her effort racing narrowly wide of the far post. Loomes coming off for the hosts with Millie Baggott coming on. 

  GOAL! Histon pull a goal back, one Clarke will want to forget in a hurry, the visitors feeding the ball on for Anico up top central driving into the box Slater on her shoulder the pair closing in on goal, Anico stabs the ball forwards, straight at Clarke but to her dismay the ball escapes through her fingers between her legs and rolls on over the line 6-2.

Shannah Anico pulls a goal back for Histon her first for her new club

  The game opening up with players tiring Needham Market guilty of a few sloppy passes as Histon look to get the ball forwards try to find another opening. The hosts struggling to get the ball clear with Anico in to press lays it back for McCrae 20 yards out to lash a shot over the bar. A free-kick for Histon top of the centre circle inside the Needham Market half, Leyland over it plays the ball in to the penalty spot, dipping late in front of Clarke the keeper adjusting smartly to get behind the ball, pops out of her gloves to her right, Anico throwing a leg at the ball, Clarke reacts well to snatch the ball down and pull into her body. 

Olivia Dunne looking to spin in behind

  Brame up to Dunne left of the D puts the pass across the area for Baggott who in turn lays it on to the right for Jackson to attack down the line, Childerley charging her cross down for Histon. Needham Market winning a corner on the left off a throw in, Posnett short to Jackson the return back back into Posnett as she drags the ball between her feet looking to drive into the box Leyland getting in to close her down put in the blocking tackle.

  The hosts press forward keeping Histon pinned back inside their box, McGrath on for Baggott her shot charged down by Krueger. Krueger defending again as Posnett looks to spin in behind her marker off a throw on the left. Childerley gives away a foul on the right as Jackson looks to get inside from the wing. An inviting angle out wide the set-piece flashed in with pace, missed by Robinson as she tries to come through bodies, the ball cleared off the line by Childerley.

Histon’s Kirsty Geal

  Histon break the ball up to Geal on the left as the visitors pour players on through the middle the cross swung into the area, Howard looking to bring it down central, drags her shot wide. Geal in to attack on the left once again taking the ball to the by-line lifting her cross in to the near post, Clarke down to claim the ball confidently with Anico closing in. Into the dying seconds Needham Market counter attack the ball fired through to Dunne in attack, 25 yards out to the left of the D, her shot tame through to the keeper.

Full time Needham Market Women 6-2 Histon Ladies

  Needham Market with the 6-2 victory advance in the Women’s FA Cup. A confidence boosting win. The damage done in the opening 15 minutes as they raced into a 3 goal lead always had their opponents on the back foot after that, got forwards well sharper with the first touch. Loomes with a wonder strike getting her 2nd of the game and Stephenson with a 1st half hat-trick saw them in control of the tie despite Histon pulling a goal back through McCrae. Histon fought well in the 2nd half looking for a reply, the game open chances for both sides. Needham Market with an early strike to open up a 6-1 lead. Anico coming on looking lively pulling it back to 6-2 late on. The tier 6 sides cup run over, will look to return to winning ways in the league capitalise on their good start to the season. Needham Market in turn hoping this result will kick-start their own league campaign.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. A couple of strong contenders. Some performances of note to mention first. For Histon, Kirsty Geal looked to provide an outlet on the left throughout the game getting forwards well. Jess McCrae linking up play well getting into some great attacking positions, Rachel Pearce too on the right getting hold of the ball looking to set up attacks. Shannah Anico sharp up top coming off the bench making so good runs. For Needham Market, Sheryce Slater was solid at the back reading the game well getting across to nullify threats, and clear the ball. Chloe Brame winning the ball high kept Needham market on the front foot throughout the game. Cate Jackson a strong outlet on the right, whether taking the ball down the line or cutting inside. Lucy Loomes got forwards well opening the scoring and firing in a wonderful 2nd. The award goes to Becca Stephenson finding the back of the net for 4 goals including a 1st half hat-trick. Tenacious on the ball looking to take players on, coming in from the left side of attack took the game to Histon.

 A late call after the original game was called off late, was nevertheless great to catch up with both sides early in the season. My thanks to both for the help with the team details. Once I’ve got that info I’m set for the game. Looking forward to the draw for the next round of the cup.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Aylsham FC Women v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Sunday 1st September

 Women’s FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying

The road to Wembley begins this Sunday with this season’s Women’s FA Cup getting underway with a whopping 145 ties in 1st Round Qualifying. For many sides making their debut in the competition, it’s to one of those I head today to Youngs Park to watch Aylsham FC Women as they take on Cambridgeshire side, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds.

The first competitive game of the season for both with their respective county leagues getting underway next Sunday. A prestigious competition that has seen the prize money increase over the past couple of season’s, the winner today receiving £1800, with a run in the competition helping to make a significant impact on a grassroot clubs finances.

Aylsham FC Women winning promotion to Norfolk Women’s Division One last season after winning the Division Two title in their debut season. Consolidated their place in Norfolk’s top flight in what was an injury hit season where the club struggled for players early on. Grew stronger as the season progressed eventually finishing in 5th place. Preparing for the new season have seen a few experienced players leaving but in turn have clawed that experience back with an influx of new players most notably from Fakenham Town Ladies who spent the previous two season’s in the ERWFL. Twins, Sophie and Vicky Lubbock, dual signed with Fakenham last season commit to Aylsham this campaign as does Olivia Baker, joined by attackers, Rochelle and Shelley Woods and defenders, Jemma Riches and Sophie Buckley. Other new additions include young players, Jess Greengrass and Elisha Nobbs. Kiara Wright comes to the club via Horsford. Young goalkeeper Mya Parker joins from King’s Lynn.

A new era for Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds under a new coach with Shane Lebbon returning to the game after a two year break. Vastly experienced in women’s football having been at Newmarket Town Women for a long spell, specializing in the development of young players and bringing them on into the 1st team set up. Joined Fulbourn towards the end of last season, helping the previous coaching set-up as Fulbourn finished runners-up in both the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership and League Cup.

Fulbourn boast a formidable attack with, Ebony Crook, Marie Stubbings and Eleanor Woodley firing in 80 goals between them last season. Woodley with 41 of those. All 3 amongst those retained by the club this season. An experienced squad will be amongst the sides competing for the league this time around. Have see a few players depart but retain a strong core whilst adding a few new additions, defender Alex Milner having previously been with Newmarket. Grace Muffett returns to the game after spell at university has again experience playing for Newmarket. Megan Chandler too has played for Newmarket plus spells at Norwich and Cambridge. Emily Facerova the newest addition to the squad, a young player stepping up to women’s football.

  Youngs Park the venue for today’s Women’s FA Cup tie the new facility home to all of Aylsham adult and youth teams, boasting a new 3G pitch beyond the main pitch itself the grass looking a picture one of the best in the county. Standing viewing all round beside the large clubhouse, the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drinks with a barbeque going outside. The ground a hive of activity the woman’s game the showpiece event of the day. Glorious sunshine at the start of September, hot and still, best enjoy it while it lasts, will put the fitness levels under test both sides getting their season underway.

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mya Parker, Cayla Brown, Elisha Nobbs, Sophie Buckley, Jordan Arnoup (C), Jess Greengrass, Shelley Woods, Vicki Lubbock, Olivia Baker, Christina Papadopoulou & Sophie Lubbock. Subs – Chelsea Crowley, Ellie Snowling & Kiara Wright.

Aylsham FC Women

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Rachel Fallow, Amy Smith, Alex Milner, Jessica Adams, Jess Anderson, Daniella Quinn, Hollie Turner, Eve Seyf, Marie Stubbings (C), Ebony Crook & Eleanor Woodley. Subs – Megan Chandler, Grace Muffett & Emily Facerova.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Captains’ Marie Stubbings and Jordan Arnoup with today’s match officials

It’s Aylsham to get this afternoon’s Women’s FC Cup tie underway with the kick off 1st half wearing orange coloured shirts with royal blue short and socks. With Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing sky blue coloured shirts with claret sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. Played back into the middle the ball fed out to the left channel dealt with by Jess Adams for Fulbourn. Won back by Aylsham as they press the ball played across to the right with Christina Papadopoulou bursting in behind the defence, Fulbourn goalkeeper, Rachel Fallow out smartly to the top of her box to see the ball roll safely into her gloves.

  Aylsham starting brightly on the front foot winning the ball high forcing a throw on the right, Alex Milner clearing for Fulbourn, Shelley Woods winning the ball back for Aylsham in the middle lifted on for Sophie Lubbock up top back to goal, hooks it over to the right side with Papadopoulou breaking in behind once more, Fallow has to get on the move reaching it just in time to kick clear. The ball away to the right for a throw high up the pitch, Aylsham work the ball on down the line Papadopoulou putting a cross into the area, Farrow claiming it safely inside her six yard box.

  Fulbourn build on the left Daniella Quinn out to Ebony Crook has captain Marie Stubbings bursting on with her played inside the ball laid forwards into a central position for Eve Seyf to attack, Aylsham goalkeeper, Mya Parker thinks about coming for the ball, hesitates as Seyf latches onto it and quickly back pedals into her area as Seyf takes the ball away to the right across the D before attempting to play her shot back across the keeper into the far corner, Parker though right behind her effort to collect the ball up into her gloves. 

Eve Seyf lining up a shot for Fulbourn

  Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup with a fantastic ball from the back to take out the Fulbourn defence sees Papadopoulou race in behind from the right channel, attacking the area, Anderson recovers brilliantly for Fulbourn getting back at the attacker, sliding in to charge her down as she goes to pull the trigger the ball angling behind off the defender for a corner kick. The corner floated in near side, Vicki Lubbock getting up well to turn the ball on into the mix falling to Woods top of the six yard box on the volley her effort is blocked at close range, Fulbourn clearing.

  Papadopoulou lively in attack for Aylsham in the opening exchanges making a number of penetrating runs, up top with Sophie Lubbock as Olivia Baker sends the ball on Lubbock cushioning it down for Papadopoulou to the left of the D, knocks it into the box, Adams getting across her the defender shielding the ball as Fallow comes to gather. Hollie Turner clipping the ball forwards for Fulbourn as they push forwards looking for Seyf making a move towards the right of the D, Parker is out quickly to snatch up the ball at the top of her area. 

  Fulbourn attacking down the right, Eleanor Woodley challenged by Sophie Buckley the ball out for a throw in, Cushioned down off the wing by Stubbings, looks to spin in behind, Woods lunging in gets her foot on the ball to send it away for another throw. Fulbourn pressing the cross fired in along the top of the area Turner, diverting it forwards into the path of Crook right of the D, sends her strike angling across goal, cut out by Cayla Brown at the far post, cleared.

Aylsham’s Cayla Brown

   Fulbourn having rode out the early assault by Aylsham have settled into the game competing for the ball Quinn in to win it back in the final third as Aylsham look to play it out from the back. Stubbings combining with Quinn through the middle, driving on, Vicki Lubbock stepping in to make the tackle for Aylsham. Competitive Quinn and Woods fighting for the ball Woods sends it up field Baker advanced on the left clipping it in behind, Papadopoulou looks to have strayed offside as she bursts in behind but no flag races clear striking early from 25 yards out sending her attempt over. 

Olivia Baker

  An intriguing tie unfolding Fulbourn coming back into the game well getting players forwards Quinn breaking up play keeping the momentum with her side, Elisha Nobbs losing the ball down at the back fired up to Woods along side Vicki Lubbock in the middle clips it on for Papadopoulou running in behind the Fulbourn defence, Milner goes with her though the full back timing her tackle well inside the D. 

  Crook getting hold of the ball central for Fulbourn has Woodley pulling away ahead of her right side of the D looks to pick her out a vital interception from Nobbs to deny the Cambridgeshire side a shooting chance. Quinn stealing in on the ball presses forwards Woodley out to the left sees the pass into her feet, angles a cross into the box, cleared by Arnoup at the back for Aylsham

Fulbourn midfielder, Daniella Quinn

  Woodley over on the right for Fulbourn as Seyf over on that sight gets the ball under control driving on finds Woodley ahead of her, screws her cross back in towards Stubbings running in towards goal right of the D, taking the ball on into the box, fires her shot across goal wide of the far post. Aylsham under pressure at the back Woodley into the area right side placing it into Stubbings top of the area, lays it out wide to Seyf to flash a cross in from the right wing, Crook racing in central on Nobbs can’t get a telling touch six yards out. Nobbs down injured after the attack, the referee calling a drinks break. Is very hot out there.

  Nobbs is back to her feet after lengthy treatment allowed back on, Stubbings off a throw in on the right lays it into Woodley driving in towards the top of the area right side, Parker rushing out getting her gloves on the ball before Woodley can pounce. Vicki Lubbock giving away a set-piece on halfway the ball played down the line a cross fired low into the near post, Parker positioned well dropping forwards onto the ball.

Aylsham’s Christina Papadopoulou

  Aylsham attack through the middle Papadopoulou carrying the ball on forwards into Baker to the left 20 yards out hooks it inside with Vicki Lubbock advancing right channel looking to bring it down in her stride, Milner putting in the challenge as she arrives in the box to sent clear. Fulbourn launching a fast paced counter on the left Woodley with Stubbings and Crook the ball sent on up towards Seyf in a central position 25 yards out, turns to attack, Buckley getting across her to hold her off allow Parker to come for the ball.

  Aylsham get bodies forwards from midfield to join the attack, Woods going along with Vicki Lubbock put into Papadopoulou drifting out to the left sends it back inside for Lubbock before turning into the box looking for the return ball, Lubbock playing it into her feet six yards out on the angle goes to shoot, Fallow coming to close her down having well with her legs.

Fulbourn goalkeeper, Rachel Fallow.

  Nobbs is down again, struggling with her earlier knock, can’t continue as is helped to the side-lines by her teammates. Aylsham forced into a change bringing Kiara Wright on. Remains a lively contest both side putting a lot of effort in despite the heat. The ball fired up to Sophie Lubbock up top for Aylsham 20 yards out sees one then 2 efforts blocks before laying the ball to her right with her twin sister racing forwards, Vicki met with a clumsy blocking tackle goes over inside the box, half hearted appeals but nothing doing as Fulbourn get the ball away to safety.

Sophie Lubbock

  Fulbourn get up the other end Seyf winning a throw on the right high level with the penalty box played inside to Stubbings top of the area right side, Parker racing out to close her down sliding in, Stubbings almost succeeds in taking the ball wide of the grounded keeper, however Parker dives at full stretch to snatch the ball away from Stubbings boot. 

 A fascinating game two sides giving it their all, evenly matched Fulbourn getting forwards well looking to find an opening, need to remain wary up the other end as Aylsham release the ball up to their attacking players Baker to the left clipping it across the top of the area for Sophie Lubbock on the right, runs straight into Milner. Parker in the right place to save as Seyf sees the ball into her feet central off a throw from the right, her low strike straight at the keeper.

  Aylsham on the move left side Woods getting on with the ball with Papadopoulou out wide the ball fired into the D for Sophie Lubbock moves to her right looking for an opening her shot blocked by Anderson comes straight back to Lubbock pulls the trigger a 2nd time, Woods in the way this time striking her inside the box and away for a goal kick. Sophie Lubbock getting onto the end of a ball hooked clear from the back turns to shoot all of 30 yards out put straight at Fallow in the Fulbourn goal.

  GOAL! – Quinn up with the attack putting the ball to the left Crook on for Stubbings down the line squares a cross into the box, intercepted by Arnoup back out to the left side, Stubbings with another opportunity to fire in the cross, this time finds Woodley central drifting in unmarked, one on one with the keeper, picks her spot to drill the ball low past Parker before she can react 0-1.

Eleanor Woodley with the opening goal for Fulbourn

  Fulbourn with the lead the deadlock broken in the 38th minute. Farrow kicking the ball out of her hands helped on through the middle, comes through to Seyf in attack up top through the middle looks to control and turn top of the D, Greengrass putting in the tackle the ball running behind wide for a corner kick. Swung in near side Aylsham clear. Smith advancing up the field on the right for Fulbourn finishing the first half strong, plays a one two with Woodley who races down the line before angling a cross along the face of goal the ball cleared by Greengrass at the far post with Crook closing in. 

Parker fouled as she gets up to try and catch a high ball flung into the box from Fulbourn’s right. Papadopoulou gathering the ball into her feet looks to get on the move down the right, Crook tracking back to challenge for Fulbourn. Aylsham press forwards the ball lifted into Baker inside the box right of goal knocks it down for Papadopoulou on the move right side, cuts her cross back for Vicki Lubbock running in 25 yards out smashes her shot wide beyond the far post.

  End to end and Fulbourn turn play around Turner on for Quinn up on the right with Seyf and Woodley moving into the corner her cross intercepted turned wide for a throw, into Woodley 25 yards out fires it in central for Seyf to hit the shot, angled in on goal comes at Parker with pace but right behind it gets her gloves behind the ball palming it down then claiming. 

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 0-1 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 A thoroughly entertaining 1st half between to competitive evenly matched sides. A bright start from Aylsham getting on the front foot pushing on took Fulbourn a little time to settle figure things out but once they did the game became much more even the visitors getting forwards well, breaking up a number of Aylsham attacks, the hosts carrying a threat in behind forcing a save from the keeper. Fulbourn creating opportunities of their own taking a one on one with the keeper to open the scoring late in the first half. Both sides putting alot of effort into the game will be interesting to see if they can keep it up. Fulbourn with the slender lead will be looking to extend the advantage 2nd half, Aylsham needing to find a goal, if it’s all square after 90 minutes the game goes straight to penalties. 

 Aylsham with an enforced change in the first half making another at the start of the 2nd half, having lost one defender, lose another with Buckley coming off, Ellie Snowling entering the game. A positional change with Woods usually an attack minded player joining Arnoup at centre back. Fulbourn unchanged getting the 2nd half underway the ball back into Stubbings in midfield played across the back line before being played forwards into Woodley looks for Crook on the left, Brown seeing it out for a throw for Aylsham.

   Woodley pressing the ball on the left steals on on Brown to run past the full back, Brown back to her feet to get after Woodley and tackle to play the ball out for a throw. Fulbourn on the attack early on 2nd half pressing the ball high, out to Seyf wide right angles her diagonal ball inside into Woodley top of the D, turns to take the shot, Arnoup close in to put in the block. 

Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup winning the ball

 Fulbourn winning a corner on the right side, the ball curled in near post high over Turner comes to Woodley catching the attacker off guard six yards out gets her head to the ball looping up in towards goal, Parker though sees it all the way claims unchallenged.

 Fulbourn turning the screw Seyf on the right winning her side a corner kick, the ball swung in near side Parker up well to take it into her gloves. Parker busy at the start of the 2nd half Crook firing the ball on from the right for Woodley steal off the defence into attack the box, Parker out sliding in doesn’t quite get there but throwing herself across the attackers run does enough to see Woodley fire her shot wide of the right post however it comes at a cost, Parker down hurt.

 Play stopped a long pause drinks taken, some concern a change of goalkeeper considered, Arnoup the option to don the gloves has been an emergency goalie in the past. Time taken however and Parker is slowly back up on her feet and able to continue. Play resumes Vicki Lubbock up to Snowling on the left a forceful run sends the pass infield for Wright, held up by Anderson, looks to take it right before lifting a high ball into the box, caught high back on her line by Fallow at her near post. 

Fulbourn defender, Jess Anderson

 Anderson strong at the back for Fulbourn brings the ball out of defence sending it forwards for Crook running on down the left side whips a cross in behind the defence Seyf just a fraction away from making contact 20 yards out, the flag though is raised against her, close. A good contest as Baker hooks the ball on from the middle up to Wright who drags the ball to the right looking to get down the line, Anderson racing across to snuff out the chance sending the ball away for a throw.

  Aylsham coming back into the game having soaked up some pressure from Fulbourn at the start of the 2nd half, Snowling and Vicki Lubbock looking to link up on the left side, Adams sliding in to halt proceedings for Fulbourn. The game stretched now with Fulbourn turning defence into attack well Quinn up to Woodley central lays it to Seyf to the right looking for the return ball as she races on into the box gets it, chasing it down Vicki Lubbock tracking back the pair come together Woodley’s heels clipped the visitors want the foul instead get a corner as the ball is deflected behind. Swung into the box Turner meeting it 10 yards out drills her headed effort over the cross bar.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

  Anderson surges away on the left getting forwards pressures Brown in possession forcing the error, taking the ball on in behind to cross into the area out to the right for Crook inside the box attempts to play it back across goal as Anderson steals in far post turns her first time attempt over! Fulbourn pushing hard for a 2nd goal Quinn with Stubbings into Crook right side 30 yard out pulls the trigger her strike angling wide past the far post. 

Eve Seyf with Kiara Wright

 Wright fouled by Stubbings on the right on halfway, Arnoup ever dangerous on a set-piece to take angling a diagonal ball up towards Sophie Lubbock inside the D, knocks it down into the path of Baker 30 yards out takes on the shot her effort bouncing up sharply in front of the keeper, but Fallow unfazed to claim. 

Shelley Woods winning the ball for Aylsham

 Fulbourn break away the ball floated on down the left Woodley on the move no flag running in behind to curl a cross in across the top of the area to Crook on the opposite side on the run as she strikes the ball, wasn’t settled as the ball left her foot, the shot taken by Parker positioned well on her penalty spot. Wright and Milner enjoying a good tussle on the right of Aylsham’s attack the attacker slipping inside to send a cross into the box too close to Farrow covering her near post. 

Vicki Lubbock

Aylsham with a third change bringing of Baker, replacing her with Chelsea Crowley. Papadopoulou’s chances limited so far in the 2nd half, links up with Wright on the right to get away to send a cross into the Fulbourn box, intercepted by Quinn. Aylsham keep the momentum Papadopoulou knocking the ball on central for Vicki Lubbock outside the box can’t quite take it in her stride, Papadopoulou running onto the loose ball 20 out pulls her shot wide.

Ellie Snowling

  Fulbourn lively on the counter attack Stubbins breaking on with the ball laid forwards into Woodley, Woods sticking a foot out to stab the ball away for a throw. Fulbourn from the throw press the attack Stubbings controlling to send the ball down the line for Woodley cutting the cross back to Seyf arriving top of the area, turns inside to shoot, her effort lacking pace Parker can snatch it up cleanly into her gloves. Fulbourn storming on with the ball Stubbings on for Woodley through the middle looks to drive into the box, Woods struggling to catch her brings her down with a cynical foul outside the D, a free kick to Fulbourn, Arnoup was around on the cover preventing it from being a straight red card, yellow shown. Crook on the set-piece s annoyed with herself as she flashes her strike over the bar.

Ebony Crook

  The visitors pressing for a goal, Crook breaking on up the right the cross-field ball into her path bursts into the box, Greengrass in to pressure the shot as Crook lets fly fires the shot wide at the near post. A single goal between the sides Aylsham under the cosh at the back as Fulbourn push players on release the ball through the middle into Vicki Lubbock 25 yards out to the left of the D, pulls the trigger a powerful hit taking a wicked deflection of a defender lopping up in front of Fallow, Papadopoulou running in on the keeper on the follow up getting something on the ball but can only turn in frustration and the ball spins wide of goal. 

  Players getting tired out their the heat sapping, Sophie Lubbock has fresher legs to her left as she sends Snowling away down the left, Smith closing her down to put the ball out for a throw. Woodley on for Crook plays the ball over the top looking for Seyf in behind, the attacker hesitates for a moment expecting a flag, gives Parker the vital second she needs to race out of her area to put in the blocking clearance, however the flag is up. A double change for Fulbourn, Quinn and Seyf coming off to be replaced by Chandler and Muffett.

 Aylsham warded a free-kick on halfway. the clock ticking down as Aylsham search for an equaliser, Arnoup has a crack on goal, skipping through on target Fallow is forced into the save diving to her right full stretch to push the ball wide out of her box. Stubbings is finding the energy to keep up the attack running away with the ball on the left flashes a cross into the six yard box, Parker down low to knock the ball away from danger ahead of Woodley. 

  GOAL! 10 minutes of regular play left Aylsham find Wright central controls to lay the ball on for Vicki Lubbock 20 out left of the D, drives forwards evading a wild challenge to run on into the box and slot the ball past the advancing keeper to level the match 1-1.

Vicki Lubbock celebrates with her teammates

  Game on with less than 10 minutes to play Aylsham back in the tie. Players pulling up on both side with fatigue. A break in play a chance for both to regroup for the closing stages. Aylsham with their tails up attack through the middle Papadopoulou with Vicki Lubbock has Woods making a run to the left finds her the ball slid into the box, cut out and cleared by Anderson for Fulbourn. 

Alex Milner with Chelsea Crowley

  The visitors set Crook away on the right forwards for Woodley into Chandler out on the wing, Crowley slides in to put the ball out for a throw in. This time the in swinging corner flung over Turner at the near post doesn’t catch Woodley unawares, meets it six yards out with a bullet header flashed straight at the keeper, parker reacting instinctively batting the ball up into the air and plucking it down safely into her chest.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Mya Parker.

  Milner with a rare foray forwards for Fulbourn on the left swings a cross into the box looking for Woodley central, Parker has read the game well throughout there to claim the cross. Into the last five minutes Fulbourn finding the energy to launch a swift attack the ball clipped on by Stubbings to Woodley bursting through the defence, Greengrass finds the legs to get back on her pressure the attacker into the early strike from 25 yards out lacks the power to trouble Parker.

 The game stretched in the closing stages Aylsham tired pushed up trying to keep momentum in the Fulbourn half a risk but a goal now for either side surely wins the tie. Fulbourn dangerous on the counter Stubbings away with Woodley through the middle the latter sending Stubbings into the box right side, Woods going with her with a well timed tackle inside the box to turn the ball of Stubbings for a goal kick. Players down have given it their all, Milner struggling for Fulbourn nevertheless digs deep to deny Wright a crossing opportunity late on. 

 Woodley left side bringing the ball under control from a throw turning inside to lift a diagonal ball into the top of the area for Crook right of goal meeting it on the half volley sends her effort over the bar. Vicki Lubbock with a tired challenge to bring Woodley down central 30 yards out with the game deep into injury time. One last chance for Fulbourn outside the D, Crook with the deception to play the ball low out to the right for Woodley to attack inside the box on the angle smashes the shot in at the near post, Parker with the acrobatic save throwing herself to the left to glove the ball wide off the post… the final whistle comes straight after he tie going to a penalty shootout!

Full time Aylsham FC Women 1-1 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 A thrilling game Fulbourn nearly winning it with the final kick of the ball. Created a host o chances 2nd half but couldn’t take one to extend their lead, needed a little more composure in front of goal but credit to Aylsham had to dig deep 2nd period deal with players in unfamiliar positions getting forwards got an opportunity to score and took it well holding on to send the game into a penalty shootout. In a contest that could have gone either way. 

Penalties

  Don’t like penalties as you know but the game has to be settled on the day, 5 each then if still level goes to sudden death.

  Aylsham up first, and it’s their captain placing the ball on the spot, Arnoup hitting the ball hard and low to her left, Fallow guessing the right way diving down to make the save deflect the ball up over the bar! 0-0

Rachel Fallow saves the opening penalty

 Crook walking up to the spot to take Fulbourn’s first penalty, a powerful hit angling arrow like to the right corner of the goal Parker going the right way has no chance 0-1.

  Vicki Lubbock to take Aylsham’s 2nd spot kick, no mistake blasts it down the middle to level things up 1-1.

  Woodley to take Fulbourn’s 2nd spot kick fires it in hard and low to the right, Parker throws herself across her goal to save getting her gloves behind the ball 1-1.

  Woods coming up to take Aylsham’s 3rd spot kick with an opportunity to fire her side into the lead, coolly taken to send the keeper the wrong way and score. 2-1.

  Turner to takes Fulbourn’s 3rd spot kick. struck to the right of goal, Parker agile moves crab like across her goal to get behind the shot and make the save. 2-1.

Mya Parker saving twice in the shootout.

  Sophie Lubbock up next for Aylsham, runs up a powerful hit angling to the left of goal at a saveable height Fallow dives gets her fingertips to the ball but the pace beats her to see Aylsham go 3-1 up.

  Chandler up next for Fulbourn has to score to keep her side in the shootout blasts her penalty into the top corner, well struck. 3-2.

  Papadopoulou walking up to take Aylsham’s 5th penalty scores and she sends her side into the next round of the Women’s FA Cup, runs in strikes the ball the keeper goes the right way but can’t get there the ball smashing down over the line off the crossbar to secure the win 4-2.

Aylsham celebrate as they advance to the next round of the Women’s FA Cup

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A clear winner this time around. Nevertheless several performances to mention. A thrilling cup tie both sides gave it their all and could have gone either way. Firstly for Fulbourn a tough call to single anyone out was a great team effort once they got into the game. The attackers all playing their part making some great runs and constant outlets for the ball. Marie Stubbings got about the park winning the ball setting her team forwards. Jess Anderson with a number of vital tackles at the back winning her fair share of challenges. Daniella Quinn strong in the middle too particularly first half getting forwards to break up Aylsham’s play kept the momentum with her side. For Aylsham, Christina Papadopoulou asked Fulbourn plenty of questions with some great attacking runs, Vicki Lubbock strong in the middle getting forwards to support the attack to her chance well. The award though goes to young goalkeeper, Mya Parker, a fantastic competitive debut for Aylsham her positional play was fantastic throughout, read the game well and made a number of vital saves, most notably in the final seconds and two in the shootout.

  Aylsham will face Essex side Stanway Pegasus Women  in 2nd Round Qualifying after they scored a 94th minute winner to beat Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 3-2. A cracking cup tie more often than not there is a tie that calls to me in the draw and this was it a great contest between the sides a proper cup tie and both can be proud of their performance their opening game of the season sets them up nicely for the league campaign ahead. Could have gone either way. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details, good to catch up with a few familiar faces and look forward to the next round.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Real Bedford Ladies v Billericay Town Women

Sunday 12th November

FA Women’s Cup

 An exciting Sunday of women’s football with this season’s FA Women’s Cup entering the 1st Round Proper, several exciting ties across the East to p[ick from and a few sides making history reaching this stage of the competition for the first time too. A trip to Bedfordshire today for Women’s Football East with Real Bedford Ladies leading the ERWFL Premier Division taking on FAWNL Southern Premier Division side, Billericay Town Women.

  The FA Women’s Cup receiving a boost in midweek with the announcement that the prize money is to increase again, however this news is tempered with this increase not being evenly distributed across the competition but for those reaching the 3rd Round Proper and beyond, this not going down well with grassroots clubs and rightly so. The extra money offered should have been better distributed.

  Nevertheless today’s winning side will receive £6,000 which remains a huge financial sum to clubs playing a this level. 

  Real Bedford Ladies born at the end of last season with the women’s side known as Bedford Ladies previously, moving next door basically with the two clubs next to each other. The transition beginning last season with the women’s teams moving to McMullen Park, merging to become part of The Pirate’s family. A new beginning for the club retaining their ERWFL Premier Division status, have brought in ex Harlow Town Ladies and Enfield Town Ladies manager Dean Parrett to head up the new side and has been busy in the transfer market bringing in a host of new signings which has seen the club win all 9 of their opening league matches to date taking them 8 points clear of the chasing pack.

  Goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson arriving from Cambridge City Women announced as the clubs first new signing was soon followed by fellow City players, defender Amy Reed and young striking talent, Sophie Billing. Midfielder, Izzy Crooks also joining along with attacker Francesca Partridge who was with Cambridge United WC Last campaign. Gemma Croucher has lots of ERWFL Premier Division experience having played for Royston Town Women. Defenders Kalyen Gerkey who was with Billericay last season and Kaydee King both added huge experience with Erin Price the latest player to join the side can perform equally well in midfield or the heart of the defence. Those additions added to a strong core of players looking to push up the ERWFL table and return to the FAWNL. Natasha Fensome a living legend for Bedford often amongst the goals and is doing so once again netting 15 already this term with Partridge and Croucher also into double figures. Strong in the ERWFL, Fensome was on target for a hat-trick in the previous round of the FA Women’s Cup as Real Bedford ran out 9-2 winners away to Hackney Women.

  Billericay Town Women too also busy in the transfer market as they look to build on a strong debut season in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division which saw them finish 6th in the table in their 1st season playing in the 3rd tier. Manager James Gibson bringing in attacker Maddie Biggs from Ipswich Town Women. Also joining from Ipswich defender Oliva Smith. Midfielder and ex-England youth international, Alex Hennessey added to the squad along with ex-Crawley Wasps captain Selin Buyukgiray. Leanne Bell joins from Portsmouth FC Women. Goalkeepers Hope Smith previously with London City Lionesses and Katie O’Hanlon dual signed from West ham. Guyanese international Otesha Charles. Defender Ellie Finneran and Amber Gaylor returning to the club has lots of experience in the FA Women’s Championship having played for London Bees, Millwall Lionesses and Crystal Palace. While Amelie Johnson steps up from the Reserves squad. Biggs hitting the ground running at her new club netting 10 so far this season, Billericay currently 9th in the table a little frustrated with some of the results so far entering the FA Women’s Cup will be looking for a decent un in the competition.

  McMillen Park the venue for today’s cup tie, the clubhouse and bar serving hot food and drinks leading into the stadium itself. The grass pitch with a small covered seated stand on one side opposite the dugouts with viewing all round. A damp day but still, very over cast and gloomy with the threat of a shower or two during the match.

Real Bedford Ladies

  Real Bedford Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson, Amy Reed, Lisa Milliken, Gemma Franklin, Amber Smith, Chloe Martin, Zara Carroll (C), Erin Price, Gemma Croucher, Francesca Partridge & Natasha Fensome. Subs – Neve Mayes, Becky Charter, Izzy Crooks, Kaylen Gerkey & Sophie Billing.

Billericay Town Women

  Billericay Town Women starting XI – Hope Smith, Scarlett Williams, Lucy Jones (C), Olivia Smith, Karesha Iton, Che Thomas, Leanne Bell, Amber Gaylor, Soraya Walsh, Ruby Sealey & Maddie Biggs. Subs – Alex baker, Karissa Doo, Otesha Charles, Charlotte O’Shea, Janaye Beaufort, Elise Jennings & Amelie Johnson.

 A moment of silence held before the game on this Remembrance Sunday to reflect on those who gave their lives during the World Wars and other conflicts around the world, Lest We Forget.

The clubs respecting a minutes silence before the match

  It’s Billericay to get this Women’s FA Cup tie underway kicking off the 1st half wearing blue coloured shirts and socks with navy coloured shorts, Bedford lined up opposite wearing orange shirts with black shoulder, black shorts and black socks. The ball rolled back to Olivia Smith in defence puts it out to the right side for Scarlett Williams to launch up the wing, the ball defended knocked back into the middle…

  GOAL! Billericay quick close the ball down regain possession clipped up into the right channel for Maddie Biggs bursting in behind the defence, goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson rushing out to close the angle down block Biggs as she attempts to put the ball past her, the attacker getting beyond the keeper to snap at the loose ball fire it in towards goal, met by Ruby Sealey at the near post who turns it home to see the visitors take the lead inside the opening minute. 0-1.

Ruby Sealey turning the ball home to give Billericay the early lead

  Far from the start Bedford wanted playing against a side 2 league higher, the hosts looking to get forwards straight from the restart out to Chloe Martin on the left sends in forwards down the line for Natasha Fensome to attack, Hope Smith though out quickly to the top of her area to slide in claim the ball. Bedford’s Erin Price and Billericay’s Amber Gaylor enjoying a good tussle in midfield, the Bedford player coming out on top to send a great ball out into the right wing for Amber Smith to chase down into the corner, whipping a dangerous ball across the top of the six yard box, Olivia Smith hacking it clear for Billericay. 

Bedford’s Erin Price battling for possession with Billericay’s Amber Gaylor

  Biggs is send tumbling as she takes control of the ball in the left channel turning to attack, the free-kick 25 yards out to the left of the D, Che Thomas over the set-piece, gets it round the wall on target but not troubling Hudson as she makes a comfortable catch.

  Releasing the ball quickly Bedford get on the attack the ball lifted on for Fensome inside the D rising to nod the ball down for Gemma Croucher inside the area right of the D, closed down quickly as she looks to get a shot away, Billericay captain, Lucy Jones stabbing the ball away to safety. Amber Smith running away with the ball into space on Bedford’s right into the corner before laying her cross back across the top of the area, the ball struck goal wards, Olivia Smith in the way to make the block deflected beyond her with the pace taken out of it for Hope Smith to claim even as Bedford appeal for handball, nothing doing.

Billericay defender, Olivia Smith

  Billericay getting the ball across the pitch well, lively in attack, Williams driving on the left winning a throw high the ball controlled played into the middle for Leanne Bell who switches play to the right with Karesha Iton hugging the touchline whips a high cross in towards goal, Hudson up high at her near post to claim it. A lively opening to the game Billericay looking to get after the Bedford defence find gaps in behind, the hosts countering well the tempo high. 

  GOAL! Billericay capitalising on their positive start as they race into a 2 goal lead, attacking on the right, Lisa Milliken tackling to halt Iton’s progress, the ball coming back to Gaylor free 25 yards out she plays a fantastic diagonal ball into Sealey left of the D, her touch bringing her inside one on one with the keeper and composed sends the ball wide of Hudson into the bottom corner for her 2nd of the game 0-2. 

Ruby Sealey firing Billericay into a 2-0 lead

 Billericay 2 goals to the good inside the opening 10 minutes, Bedford on the back foot needing a response, pushing up onto the Billericay defence, Francesca Partridge stealing the ball at the back attempts to lay it into the path of Fensome ahead of her, a timely foot sending the ball clear for a throw on the left. Bedford pressing high the ball crossed into the area from the left into Partridge is quickly closed down the ball ball cleared out of the area straight to Amber Smith 25 yards out central strikes the ball her shot angling wide of the right post. 

Real Bedford’s Amber Smith.

  Jones bringing the ball out from the back on the left for Billericay plays the pass long for Biggs spinning in behind  heading for the box, Hudson racing out to close her down sliding in at her feet, Biggs putting the ball under her but behind for a goal kick. Price has her hands full in midfield with Gaylor and Bell getting after the ball taking it forwards for Billericay. Threaded on for Sealey to take on to the by-line right side of the area hooks a cross in looping across the face of goal, just over Soraya Walsh rising at the far post before Bedford clear. 

Erin Price

  Bedford up on the right with Amber Smith linking up with Croucher winning the throw, Croucher with a superb take down from the throw sending a looping ball inside to Partridge inside the area left of goal, lets out a frustrated cry as she drags her shot wide across goal, Hope Smith dropping onto it. 

Francesca Partridge

  Bedford winning a free-kick inside the Billericay half 35 yards out, captain Zara Carroll strong on her set-piece deliveries over it curling an inviting ball in to be attacked, defended drops to Croucher top of the D to strike on the half volley connects well but can only place it straight into the goalkeeper’s mid-riff, Hope Smith holding onto the ball.

Real Bedford’s Gemma Croucher

 Bedford looking to get after Billericay press the ball, Croucher in particular snapping after the ball looking to get it on for Fensome to attack the area. Amber Smith having space to run into at times on the right for Bedford whipping a cross in near side, Jones under it heading the ball up beyond her across her six yard box, won’t quite fall for Martin at the far post before Olivia Smith can get it clear.

  A free-kick won for Billericay right side 35 yards out, Gaylor running in to strike the ball hit well angling in threatening to drop under the crossbar, Hudson with a brilliant save getting her glove on the ball to tip it over for a corner kick. The resulting corner flashed in across the face of goal, missing everybody. Iton taking the ball on right wing powering forwards striking it as she cuts infield, taking a nick off a defender seeing it race behind for a corner kick. Swung in from the left Hudson getting a glove on it to turn the ball away to the right, Billericay looking to keep the pressure on knocked inside, Price putting in the tackle to she the threat cleared for Bedford.

Real Bedford captain, Zara Carroll

   Croucher taking the ball on from Martin on the left 30 yards out slipping as she goes to strike the ball, making it an easy save for Hope Smith in the Billericay goal. Amber Smith up field pressing Jones at the back the left back forced into playing a rushed back pass to her keeper, Hope Smith in trouble as Fensome rushes in to close the ball down, trying to dig it out from under her feet, Fensome charging her down the ball landing in the side netting.

Natasha Fensome closing down goalkeeper Hope Smith

  Committing players forwards, Bedford hit Billericay on the counter with Gemma Franklin getting the ball on for Price who sends it forwards into Partridge in attack, Olivia Smith with a vital interception for the visitors. A pause in play with Walsh down needing treatment for Billericay, can’t continue, the visitors making their first change of the match bringing on Charlotte O’Shea.

Gemma Franklin

 Biggs spinning on the ball 25 yards out releasing Sealey into the area, her first touch a little heavy allows Hudson to dive forwards to get hold of it. Bedford counter quickly the ball into Fensome pulling right hooks the ball in central dropping inside the D for Croucher to latch onto her snap shot fired in low, Hope Smith saving getting down low to her left. Billericay remain sharp showing good movement across the pitch Gaylor strong making several positive runs. Williams tackling Fensome to win the ball inside the area as Partridge looks to play her in.

  Jones allowed to travel with the ball into midfield sends the pass on for Biggs to take down and turn right of the area driving forwards, Milliken lunging in to knock the ball out of her path can only play it straight to Sealey who checks inside before curling a shot straight into Hudson back on her line. Bedford pressing late in the first half winning a throw high on the left, Fensome taking it on into the area flashing a cross into the six yard box, Billericay clearing the danger.

Billericay Town Women’s captain, Lucy Jones

Half-time Real Bedford Ladies 0-2 Billericay Town Women

  The perfect start for Billericay racing into the lead inside the opening minute of the game. Far from the start Bedford would have wanted against higher league opposition. Building on a positive start moving the ball well the visitors soon adding to their lead and have continued to look a threat going forwards since. Bedford looking for a response getting forwards well enough but not quite finding the cutting edge to break open the Billericay defence, still at 2-0 the tie remains in the balance, the old clique the next goal counts you think it has to go to Bedford or it’s game over.

 Neither side making a change at the break, just the 3 subs allowed in the FA Cup with a 4th permitted if the tie goes to extra-time. Billericay bringing on O’Shea for the injured Walsh in the first period with Bedford out early to get the 2nd half underway. A few spots of rain in the air, the umbrella needed, thankfully no wind so I can tuck it inside my coat keeping the hands free for the notepad and camera. Billericay after the ball forcing Bedford to go all the way back to their keeper. Won back in the middle Thomas on for Biggs out to O’Shea on the right her cross lifted into the six yard box cleared by Reed. 

Real Bedford’s Amy Reed

 Croucher pulled down as she drives on with the ball for Bedford winning the free-kick, players forwards into the area as Carroll lifts it in towards the far post, Fensome leaping but can’t get any control on her header the ball dropping wide of the post. Reed cutting the ball out a Jones looks to pick out Sealey from range.

  Billericay push up on the Bedford area Thomas with Bell outside the D inside for Biggs, Martin defending for the hosts. Billericay strong at the start of the 2nd half looking for the 3rd goal to make the game more comfortable, Franklin out to tackle Sealey left side of the area as the attacker gathers the ball on the left powers her way forwards the ball behind for a corner kick. Swung in deep from the left defended knocked out to Iton outside the area, hook her shot wide of the mark.

Real Bedford’s Chloe Martin with Billericay’s Charlotte O’Shea

  Jones having to come across make the tackle to deny Croucher a run into the visitors area as she skips in behind central the ball out for a corner on the left. A dangerous in swinging delivery through the six yard box a collision beyond the far post seeing Iton down in need of treatment, another pause in play but is up and able to continue.

   Bell breaking in the middle for Billericay sending the ball on for Thomas racing clear on the right whips a cross low into the six yard box Milliken racing back turning it behind for the corner kick. Billericay looking a threat on set-pieces the delivery in towards the penalty spot, Carroll up well for Bedford to head clear, drops straight to Gaylor outside the area right corner, has a strike on goal flashes her shot over the bar.

Billericay midfielder, Leanne Bell

  Croucher picking up a knock for Bedford. Williams doing the defending for Billericay inside the D as Partridge seeing the ball into her feet attempts to turn into the area. O’Shea wins Billericay a corner on the left as she runs on down the line with Reed knocking the ball off the defender. Lifted in central, Bell rising to meet it knocking the ball down back towards the left post, Hudson diving down to grab hold of the ball.

  A double switch for Bedford with Partridge and Carroll coming off, new signing Becky Charter and Kaylen Gerkey coming on, the defender wearing a protective mask. Croucher knocking the ball down into Fensome’s path left of the area snatches at the shot pulling the ball horribly wide. Billericay breaking on the left Gaylor up with Sealey the ball crossed into the area behind both Biggs and Thomas knocked back out to Bell, 25 yards out smashes her shot in racing wide of the left post. 

  Thomas with a shot on the charge as she attacks on the right 25 yards out takes a deflection of Gerkey to see the visitors win another corner, pressure building from the set-pieces fired out to the top of the area falls for Gaylor, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to shoot before being closed down, the ball with Olivia Smith though on the left she does well to win her side another corner. Hudson out to get something on it the ball flashed out to the right Iton looking to keep it in play winning Billericay another corner.

  GOAL! The threat has been building rom Billericay on their corners and the delivery is perfect from Jones fired into the six yard box, Gaylor up to meet it at the far post nodding the ball down past the keeper into the back of the net 0-3. 

Amber Gaylor heading Billericay into a 3 goal lead

 Billericay now firmly in control of the game capitalising on a strong 2nd half to extend their lead in the 70th minute. Quickly regain possession from the restart Bell out to Sealey on the left powers her way down the wing cutting into the box closed down by Franklin, the clearance straight into Gaylor left corner of the area on the angle strikes the ball wide across goal. Another switch for Billericay sees Otesha Charles coming no to replace Iton. 

 The visitors coming on through the middle, Bell for Sealey into Biggs right of the D lays it across to Gaylor on the left taking it inside the area hits the low shot, Hudson with the save diving to her left to push the ball away. Billericay looking strong as the game moves into the final 15 minutes, Bedford tiring, appeals for handball as Bell drives into the box shoulder to shoulder with Gerkey the ball off the defender, cleared. 

Natasha Fensome

  Price into Fensome left 20 of the D, 20 yards out turns twisting left and right looking to squeeze into the box, Olivia Smith lunging in to make the tackle. Croucher spinning in the right channel to pick out Charter wide on the wing her cross lifted into the top of the area cleared by Jones. Gerkey at the back lines up the long pass looking for Fensome making a run across the D up top, Olivia Smith getting there to head clear for Billericay. 

 Both sides making a change with Janaye Beaufort coming on for Billericay replacing Sealey. Neve Mayes coming on for Bedford in place of Croucher. Franklin across to cut out the pass as Thomas looks to pick out O’Shea out on the right channel. Price up with Fensome outside the area on the left the ball struck wide past the far post. 

  Martin getting on with the ball on the left for Bedford her cross flashed across the six yard box gathered by Charter on the right, drives inside, winning a corner off, Charles. Put in high to the near pot Billericay up to defend the ball. Bedford trying to get a goal pressing on the right Charter lifting in into the near pot, Fensome trying to adjust can’ quite get her head on it.

 GOAL! Billericay push forwards getting players up and around the area into the final minute of regular play Thomas laying it inside for Biggs outside the D, puts her foot through the ball rifling the shot past Hudson to score 0-4.

Maddie Biggs congratulated by her teammates after firing in Billericay’s 4th goal

  A 4th goal conceded as the game moves into stoppage time Bedford tired but still pushing on looking to get a reply the risk they get picked off at the other end, Gerkey with a vital interception lunging a leg out to stop the ball a Gaylor on the drive attempts to play Bell in on the right. Bell on the move with the ball right on for O’Shea looking to power her way on into the box Franklin giving chase diving in from behind in the box, risky but does well to get the ball take it away from the attacker.

  GOAL! The game stretched in the closing stages Bedford willing to push on looking to take something from the game are hit on the turn around the ball up into the box cleared back out into the path of Gaylor to meet it sweetly from all of 30 yards out to bury it into the back of the net to score her 2nd and Billericay’s 5th of the game 0-5.

Amber Gaylor with a 5th goal for Billericay in the closing seconds of the game

Full time Real Bedford Ladies 0-5 Billericay Town Women

  Two late goals perhaps harsh on Bedford but seal the dominance Billericay had, during the game, in control of proceedings pretty much from the off scoring inside the opening minute adding a 2nd 9 minutes later. Giving their lower league opponents a mountain to climb. Bedford with a strong start to their season not deterred as they looked for the reply creating half chances but not finding the clinical ball to unlock the Billericay defence. Still at 2-0 the game was still there for the taking the next goal crucial and Billericay wanted it starting the 2nd half strongly pressing on, Gaylor and Bell driving on from the midfield to support the attack, the pressure building from their corners eventually paying off in the 70th minute with Gaylor heading home the 3rd. Biggs and Gaylor with her 2nd at the death securing a comfortable win. A disappointing loss for Bedford but they can look forwards with positivity have made a fantastic start to the season nonetheless.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, often a tough one but on occasion there is a stand out performer and today is such an occasion. A few performances of note to mention first however. For Bedford, Gemma Croucher was excellent, getting about the pitch to press the ball force errors and bring her fellow attackers into play. Erin Price battled valiantly in midfield to try and get hold of the ball while Natasha Fensome tried to find the openings in the Billericay defence to get her through on goal. For Billericay, Olivia Smith was strong in the heart of the Billericay defence winning the ball and making a number of interceptions. Leanne Bell was a driving force in the middle of the park winning the ball and driving forwards to bolster the attack. The award though goes to Amber Gaylor was immense in the middle throughout getting in her tackles winning the ball and getting into some great positions to receive the ball heading home the 3rd goal and rifling home the 5th.

  A great atmosphere at McMullen Park, the club certainly embracing their women’s team great to catch up with both sides, many changes for both but looking good. My thanks to everyone for their help today and looking forward to the draw for the next round.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Hertford Town Women

Sunday 22nd October

FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Qualifying

 A place in the 1st Round Proper of this season’s FA Women’s Cup up for grabs this Sunday with 88 ties being played across England. A trip to the Daly Group Stadium featuring on Women’s Football East as Fakenham Town Ladies host Hertford Town Women both looking to made history in reaching the 1st Round Proper for the 1st time. 

  With the added incentive of £4,000 worth of prize money going to the winning side a huge amount for any grassroots club. The prize fund increasing (although still no where close to the men’s prize fund) giving the FA Women’s Cup more prestige seeing a record number of entrants. 

 Today’s tie between two sides competing in tier 6 of the women’s football pyramid. Albeit in separate leagues with tier 6 of the ERWFL divided into a Division One North and South. The ERWFL reaching it’s full compliment of 36 clubs across 3 divisions this season, has since been reduced by 3 due to teams struggling for various reasons often recruitment which continues to highlight how fragile the game remain despite rapid growth in recent seasons.

 Fakenham Town Ladies making the step up into regional football last season off the back of winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup the year before. A big step up and despite initially struggling for results the squad grew into the league and finished strongly setting the base for the coming season. Division One North swelling to 12 sides (now reduced to 10) including 3 more from Norfolk, Fakenham started well with a home win over Bedfordshire side Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses, two defeats were to follow however, the club responding well to the early setbacks to take 7 points from their last 3 games to climb up to 3rd in the table. 

 Chloe Gravett top scorer so far netting 12 goals in 7 appearances. Have bolstered the squad with the return of some former players, Imogen Dilling back after a year away with, Kayleigh Robb and Jade Doy also returning. Defender, Sophie Buckley back this season after joining for a spell late last campaign. Sadie Anderson joins, from Scotland whilst studying in Norfolk. With Holly Walker the newest addition joining from Wroxham Women. Under new management this season with Kris Healy and Reserve team player Matty Wheeler in charge. Recieved a bye in the 1st Qualifying Round before knocking out ERWFL Premier Division side King’s Lynn Town Ladies at The Walks in the previous round winning 5-2 with Chloe Gravett scoring 4 goals.

  Hertford Town Women were only formed last season, entering the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division were amongst the title contenders all the way through to the very last game of the season that against title rivals Wormley Rovers Ladies in a winner takes all game. Sadly were to miss out losing the game 4-3 to finish runners-up, making up for that loss by winning the Chris Renshaw trophy. Applied to join the ERWFL and successful in their bid joining Division One South. 

Making a promising start to playing at regional level with 3 wins and a draw from their opening 5 matches to sit 2nd in the ERWFL Division One South table. A young side newly formed have set up a partnership with Hartham United Ladies which will see a number of players dual signed including the likes of experienced striker Nicole Emmings and defender Kat Calvert. Georgia Elmer-Roads and Kaylie Clark leading the goal scoring charts with 4 goals apiece. A goal each for Georgia Elmer-Roads and Charlie Mills seeing Hertford beat Beds & Herts Premier Division side Stotfold Women in 1st Round Qualifying setting up a trip to Essex to play Harlow based side, Frontiers Ladies. Hertford coming out on top in a 10 goal thriller winning 6-4 with Kaylie Clark on target for a hat-trick.

The venue for today’s game the Daly Group Stadium (formerly Clipbush Park) home of Fakenham Town FC. Storm Babet bringing heavy rainfall to much of the country over the past 48 hours, the pitch though coping well soaking up the moisture looking in great condition. A large pitch offering plenty of width with a seated stand opposite the dugouts and clubhouse serving hot and cold drink and food. The calm after the storm, pleasant and mild, settled the sun low behind one end of the ground.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Georgina Pooley, Ruby Curtis, Jemma Riches (C), Sophie Buckley, Sian Sands, Rochelle Woods, Kirstie Rusted, Imogen Dilling, Shelley Woods & Chloe Gravett. Subs – Maddie Smith, Olivia Baker, Vicky Lubbock, Sophie Lubbock & Holly Walker.

Hertford Town Women

 Hertford Town Women starting XI – Emma Gore, Leah Crocket, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads, Brodie McKie, Summer Young (C), Ellie Curtis, Kiera Groves, Georgia Elmer-Roads, Tazmin Symonds Bishop, Kaylie Clark & Charlie Mills. Subs – Katie Marshall, Ella Cripps & Ellie Young.

No roll on roll off substitutes in the FA Women’s Cup just 3 substitutes allowed with the tie being settled from the penalty spot if all square after 90 minutes. A switch of ends at kick-off with Fakenham attacking with the sun at there backs, wearing amber coloured shirts, black shorts and socks. Hertford to get the first half underway taking the kick-off wearing blue coloured shirts with white sleeves, blue shorts and socks. The ball played back to Brodie McKie in defence launched forwards up to attacker, Charlie Mills battling to win the ball getting it forwards to Georgia Elmer-Roads breaking in behind left wing, goes too soon the flag up against her.

  Fakenham look to bring the ball out of defence on their left Georgina Pooley getting on with the ball pushed inside into the middle, Keira Groves lunging in to tackle winning possession back for Hertford. Pushed out to the right with Tazmin Symonds Bishop breaking down the wing her early cross swung into the area headed clear by Fakenham’s Sophie Buckley. 

Fakenham’s Sophie Buckley

   The visitors winning a free-kick on the right, the ball floated in towards the top of the area defended by Fakenham’s Sian Sands the ball knocked down for Buckley to kick clear. Fakenham giving away free-kicks early in the match inviting pressure as Ellie Curtis places the ball down to take top of the centre circle, the ball looping into the six yard box, goalkeeper Tilly Betts getting a glove on the ball to punch it away behind to her right for a corner kick. The ball fired in low cleared at the near post. 

  Fakenham a little nervy at the start build on the right, Kirstie Rusted bursting forwards lifting the ball on for Chloe Gravett in attack, Leah Crocket coming across to challenge clear the ball out for a throw in. Hertford lively at the start of the game getting forwards and spreading the ball across the pitch, fed into the left channel for Mills to chase, Ruby Curtis coming across her shielding the ball out of play for a Fakenham goal kick. 

Fakenham’s Ruby Curtis

  Fakenham come left Rusted sending the ball into Shelley Woods coming inside form the right, looks for Gravett breaking into the D, Crocket again getting a foot in to take the ball away from the Fakenham attacker the ball out for a throw. The ball over on the left as Hertford get players forwards, space opening up on the right for Crocket to move into see the cross field past put into her path drives on before crossing, Buckley winning the interception heading the threat clear for the hosts. 

 The free-kick count mounting Hertford winning another inside the Fakenham half, Curtis sending it up in towards the six yard box, Betts comfortable as she takes the catch down into her body. Pooley bringing the ball into space on the left for Fakenham firing the pass forwards into Shelley Woods 20 yards out left of the D, gets it out from under her feet forwards into Gravett coming across her path top of the area, driving for goal taking on McKie, the defender cramped for room to turn and challenge doing well to flick a boot out, the ball taking the smallest of deflections to see it run on for onrushing goalkeeper, Emma Gore to snatch up into her gloves. 

Shelley Woods bringing the ball on for Fakenham

 Hertford winning another set-piece on half-way to the left the ball played on up the channel, Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches stabbing a foot out to knock the ball out of Mills’ path as she bursts forwards to attack it. A competitive cup tie both sides getting after the ball, Groves busy in the middle of the park for Hertford looking to put Crocket away to attack on the right, Pooley stepping in to challenge for Fakenham coming away with the ball on the left surging forwards turning for the area, runs into McKie as the defender stands her ground. 

Fakenham’s Georgina Pooley

  Hertford getting bodies around the ball central the through ball out to the right releasing Symonds Bishop down the line turning inside top of the area, has Clark waiting to receive right of the D, the ball into her as Mills overlaps to burst into the area the ball put into her feet her shot on the angle charged down, the ball gathered in the middle by Curtis whose shot from distance drops wide of the left post. Hertford captain, Summer Young intercepting the ball at the back as Buckley sends it long from the back looking for Gravett

Hertford captain, Summer Young

 GOAL! 25 yards out Gravett snaps back at Young to nick the ball play it forwards into Shelley Woods breaking in behind the defence left of the D to put herself one on one with the keeper, opening up her body to send the ball wide of the keeper before she can close her down to score 1-0.

Shelley Woods netting the opener for Fakenham

   Fakenham taking the lead just past the opening 15 minutes, the goal bringing some confidence as the hosts get hold of the ball in the middle, Rochelle Woods with a strong run with the ball, laid off to Rusted on the right, looks for Gravett, Young winning the ball back for Hertford. The visitors awarded a free-kick wide on the left, Clark to play the ball in towards goal, Betts again with an assured take catching the ball as she drops forwards. 

 Imogen Dilling putting the ball on for Shelley Woods coming in of the right channel threaded into the area for Gravett, McKie coming across the attacker to shield the ball as Gore comes to claim it. Mills darting about up top for Hertford making some teasing runs keeping the Fakenham defence on their toes Riches and Buckley halting her progress. The ball given away on the right as Hertford press the ball Symonds Bishop on the move passing inside to Mills right of the D, Riches quickly across to dive in with an outstretched leg to send the ball away from a throw.

 

  Penalty! The ball put in across the top of the area from the throw on the right sees Clark looking to turn get inside to shoot, Curtis bringing her down, referee Tom Miles pointing to the spot. Curtis shown the yellow card. Now my camera’s batteries chose this exact moment to die so I didn’t clock who took the penalty, nevertheless the ball is struck hard and rising, Betts going the right way is beaten but the ball cannons back off the crossbar, down into the area, Fakenham’s defence scrambling it clear the opportunity to level gone. 

 Ellie Curtis for Hertford with another attempt from range held by Betts back on her line. Hertford finding joy out wide, Georgia Elmer-Roads lining up a shot from the left on the angle driven in low to the near post, Betts right behind it. Fakenham getting themselves a free-kick wide on the right a chance for players to come up from the back, lifted into the area, Riches attacking it adjudged to have committed the foul. 

Georgia Elmer-Roads

  Groves getting stuck in in the middle for Hertford playing the ball out to Symonds Bishop on the right, powers forwards, Pooley getting back on her to tackle put the ball out of play for Fakenham. Shelley Woods finding useful pockets of space in the channels for Fakenham constantly looking to lay the ball into Gravett as she moves across the Hertford back line, McKie getting her head on the ball to clear. Young at the back sending a great pass forwards to see Mills race in between the Fakenham centre backs, 30 yards out, Betts though is alert to the threat and comes racing out of her box to get to the ball first kick clear.

Rochelle Woods

  Pooley bringing the ball on left for Fakenham  inside for Shelley Woods, 30 out rolls in inside for Rochelle Woods who sees Pooley continuing her run into the box hooks the ball forwards, McKie tracking across lunging in to get her foot on the ball knock it behind for the corner kick. The ball fired in near post cleared for a throw in.

  Fakenham building some pressure out on the right players forwards into the area lifted into the box, Shelley Woods looking to latch onto it get ahead of the defence under challenge lifts the ball over the keeper to score, won’t count however with the referee spotting a pull of the shirt.

  Clark moving across the path of Symonds Bishop on the right as the winner drives forwards with the ball, Clark taking the ball right of goal seeing her cross cut out, getting the rebound back attempts to pick out Symonds Bishop at the by line however the winger has strayed offside. Ellie Curtis sent tumbling for Hertford the visitors with another free-kick inside the Fakenham half central, Clark lines up a strike the shot swerving away from the top left corner. 

Ellie Curtis

  Hertford continue to press for an equaliser Groves getting the ball out to the left, Georgia Elmer-Roads inside for Clark moving into the area, Betts comes rushing out to close her down diving at her feet the ball knocked past her heading for the by-line Elmer-Roads after it from the acutest of angles gets a shot away the ball coming back off the base of the post. 

Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

  End to end no sooner has Betts been called into action one end, Gore has to come rushing out to dive in save at the feet of Gravett as she looks to steal into the box from the right channel the keeper snatching hold of the ball quickly up to get her side on the move. 

Hertford goalkeeper, Emma Gore out quickly to deny Chloe Gravett.

  Betts down low to save at her near post as Georgia Elmer-Roads sends another angled shot in low towards goal. McKie doing well inside the box to defend against Gravett as Rusted attacking from the right hooks a high ball into the area. A busy end to the first half Hertford with a throw high on their right put across the top of the area into Mills slots the ball forwards for Clark to attack, Betts down smartly to save well at her feet. 

  Young stretching out a leg to cut the ball out as Shelley Woods attempts to put Gravett through into the box. Fakenham pushing up on the right, Gravett off a throw powering her way into the area, attempting to lay it back up towards the top of the area for Rochelle Woods, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads defending for Hertford. 

Half-time Fakenham Town Women 1-0 Hertford Town Women

  An entertaining 1st half, the teams go off with Fakenham holding the advantage, Shelley Woods 16th minute goal separating the sides. A bright start from Hertford have looked lively getting the ball about the pitch creating a few half chances. Fakenham a little nervous at the start settling into the game the goal seeing them press better get after the Hertford defence, giving away a penalty Hertford failing to capitalise both keepers called into action. The tie very much on a knife edge going into the 2nd half. 

  Hertford making a double substitution at the start of the 2nd half brining on Ellie Young and Ella Cripps for, Curtis and Crocket. Fakenham unchanged to get the 2nd half underway played back to the defence, Hertford pour forwards in an attempt to close the ball down the ball hastily cleared for a throw on the right. A strong start from Hertford winning the ball out on the left Clark inside for Mills out to Ellie Youngs attacking on the right side whips an early ball into the area headed away by Riches.

Ellie Young attacking for Hertford Town Women

  GOAL! Hertford get back on level terms with barely a minute of the 2nd half played, attacking on the right Ellie Young making an immediate impact laying the ball on for Mills wide of the area tracks inside towards the six yard box before laying the ball back towards the top of the area a host of blue shirts queuing up to strike it, Young with the strike smashing the ball into the roof of the net to equalise 1-1. 

Hertford celebrate levelling the scores

Pooley closing down Clark as the Hertford striker brings the ball out to the right, deflected inside, Mills chasing after it into the D, Sands hooking clear. Hertford pressing well at the start of the 2nd half looking to push Fakenham back. A competitive game in the middle of the park, tackles flying in, Sands being cautioned by the referee. 

  Mills out to the right taking the ball on from Ellie Young checks inside playing in into Clark right of the D, Sands tracking back for Fakenham doing the defensive work regaining possession for the hosts. Fakenham attempting to regain the momentum finding Rusted out on the right, Gravett over to support, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads forced to play the ball out for a throw.

Fakenham midfielder, Sian Sands

  Mills right sees her progress stopped by Pooley the ball out for a throw level with the top of the area played inside into Clark sees it down of her chest and turns into the shot striking the ball wide of the near post. Gravett hauled down as she breaks forwards from the left, no advantage play brought back for the set-piece the strike from distance fired over the crossbar. 

   Georgia Elmer-Roads coming out to the left has Cripps racing on ahead of her the ball fed into her run of for Clark who sends a dangerous ball into the area behind the defence, Buckley getting her toe on the ball to turn it behind for the corner kick. Swung in low to the near post cut out, Rusted rushing out to charge down a shot from outside the box the ball cleared upfield. Gravett pulling free on the right to chase the ball down into the area, Cripps chasing back stays on her well to lung in cut out her cross send it behind for the corner kick. The corner from the right, met by Groves coming out to clear, falls to a Fakenham player the shot struck from range angling wide of the far post. 

Hertford’s Kiera Groves

  Midway through the 2nd half the game delicately poised Hertford with a strong opening pushing players on stretching Fakenham the hosts defence coping well, Gravett and Woods looking to pull into the channels create an opening at the other end. Fakenham attacking on the left players attracted to the ball, the cross lifted into the box from deep, Rusted closing in on the keeper six yards out getting her head under the ball attempting to put it wide of Gore places it wide of the left post.

Fakenham’s Kirstie Rusted

  The fouls mounting up for Sands as she goes into the book for Fakenham, the free-kick wide on the right 35 yards out, floated into the area Betts comes out well to claim the ball. Hertford committing players forwards get caught with a high line as Shelley Woods nips in on the ball and attempts to thread Gravett through into the box, is a vital touch from Kayleigh Elmer-Roads to cut the ball out or Gravett was in with a one one with the keeper.

Kayleigh Elmer-Roads

  A double change for Fakenham with Pooley and Rochelle Woods coming off, Holly Walker and Vicky Lubbock. A change of shirt for Clark just to confuse things now wearing no 4. Kayleigh Elmer-Roads breaks away on the left in behind racing to the by-line as Riches comes out to close her down, completely misses her cross, but still manages to win her side a corner knocking the ball behind of the defender. Fired in near post defended knocked out to Ellie Young left corner fires a vicious ball back into the six yard box, cleared by Walker for Fakenham in front of her goal comes straight to McKie top of the box, shoots her shot rising clips the top of the crossbar on it’s way over.

  Both sides showing intent going for the winner Hertford committing players forwards, Fakenham looking to get the ball back into their attackers remains competitive in the middle of the park. The hosts with a free-kick out on the left taken quickly fired in across the goal, Rusted closing in far post can’t get a telling touch. Rusted’s last action of the game then as she is taken off replaced by Sophie Lubbock with a little over 10 minutes left on the clock. 

 Gravett working hard up top for Fakenham running into the channels taking the ball on from Dilling running into the corner her cross swung in behind the goal. Fakenham pressing high Sophie Lubbock seeing her shot charged down, Hertford attacking on the counter. Mills taking the ball right her cross cut out by Buckley, comes back to Mills lifted into Symonds Bishop at the near post Betts diving in front of her doing enough to knock it against the attacker out of play for the goal kick. 

Hertford’s Ella Cripps with Fakenham’s Chloe Gravett

  End to end late in proceedings both sides seeking what could prove to be the winning goal with penalties looming. Groves taking the ball forwards pushed on into Mills, she finds her run halted by Riches inside the D. Kayleigh Elmer-Roads picking up a yellow card as she up ends Sophie Lubbock. The set-piece right of the centre circle lifted in towards the right post, Gore coming across her goal jumping to catch the ball.

  Mills tracking in from the right seeing her strike deflected safely through to the keeper. Katie Marshall coming on for Hertford replacing Georgia Elmer-Roads. Gore down sharply to smother the ball as Fakenham lift it in from the left. Betts with a fantastic piece of goalkeeping as she comes racing out to meet Clark top of the area as she latches onto a through ball from midfield, the keeper down low on her knees getting a hand on the ball as Clark looks to go around her, Riches around on the cover clearing the ball. 

Fakenham goalkeeper, Tilly Betts

  Fakenham break up the other end the ball out to Gravett on the left 25 yards out with the turn and hit smashing a shot over the bar. The 90 minutes are up the game moving into stoppage time no sign that either side is settling for penalties Hertford press the ball, Sophie Lubbock though latching onto a misplaced pass 25 yards out drives for the area, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads getting across to dive in win the tackle. 

  Fakenham shooting from range a high ball in towards goal from the left threatening to dip under, Gore’s bar but she is tall, standing above her teammates isn’t caught off guard plucking the ball down from the air into the ground for the defence to clear.

  GOAL! Hertford clear the ball forwards through the middle Clark racing onto it 35 yards out doesn’t hesitate lines up the shot putting her foot through the ball, striking it over the keeper to land in the goal beyond and runs away to her bench to celebrate 1-2.

Kaylie Clark firing Hertford into the lead in the 93rd minute

  Hertford coming back from a goal down at the break to take the lead in the 93rd minute! Virtually no time left for Fakenham to respond a hammer blow the hosts press forwards looking to score. Hertford drop back to defend a little scrappy Clark picking up a yellow card. A free-kick wide on the left taken quickly in low cut out top of the area. Gravett inside to Vicky Lubbock on for Shelley Woods, cut out by McKie as she surges into the D the ball cleared the final whistle blows and Hertford win it at the death making history to reach the first round proper of the FA Women’s Cup. 

Full time Fakenham Town Women 1-2 Hertford Town Women

  A fantastic cup tie that looked to be heading to penalties until Kaylie Clark struck from range to find the winning goal for the visitors. A strong 2nd half from Hertford started quickly making changes paying off straight away with the equalising goal on 46 minutes. Further chances created after that, Betts with some great goalkeeping to frustrate them. Both sides looking for a goal to make it 2-1 after that. A great watch from a neutrals perspective could have gone either way, Fakenham will be bitterly disappointed had no time to reply. Hertford into the first round proper draw will be eager to see who they draw out of the hat.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Often a tough call and although there were a few contenders from both sides, one player had edged it in my mind before the final whistle. For Fakenham, Tilly Betts was superb in goal, controlled and making some vital stops, will be disappointed to concede so late on. Jemma Riches and Sophie Buckley with some strong tackling at the back making a number of interceptions. Shelley Woods in attack making some useful runs into the channels, with Chloe Gravett working hard up top trying to create an opening. For Hertford, Brodie KcKie had a superb game in defence making a number of tackles. Keira Groves all over the place in midfield fighting to win the ball setting up numerous attacks. Ellie Young making a real impact from the bench. Kayleigh Elmer-Roads with several vital tackles at the back too. Had already clinched the award before scoring the 93rd minute winner, Kaylie Clark was excellent in attack making some brilliant runs into the channels and across the defence, linking up well with Mills and Symonds Bishop in particular.

An entertaining cup tie, from the sides 3rd and 2nd in their leagues respectfully going into the game promised to be a good game and certainly delivered. My thanks to both sides from their help with the team details, like Hertford will be looking forwards to the upcoming draw for the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Sunday 1st October

FA Women’s Cup

Promises to be another weekend of exciting cup action in this season’s FA Women’s Cup, a whooping 128 ties being played this Sunday as the competition reaches 2nd Round Qualifying. A Norfolk derby match for Women’s Football East with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies hosting Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women both newly promoted to the ERWFL.

  The prestige of the FA Women’s Cup, at last offering the financial reward with the winners of today’s game pocketing £3,000. Valuable funds to any grassroots club and a positive cup run offers a great incentive. 

Both of today’s side stepping up to the ERWFL this season ready to test themselves at regional level. Both strong in Norfolk Women’s Division one for the past few season’s some questioning why they hadn’t gone up sooner, but it’s a lot more complex than that. Moving into regional football the club as a whole has to be prepared, from facilities, coaches, sponsorship and also have a team that wants to travel further afield to play their football. Along with Thetford Town Ladies, both Mulbarton and Dussindale & Hellesdon joining a 12 strong Division One North, joining Fakenham Town Ladies who took the step last season and after a tough start adapted to the league well. 

  Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies (called Belles previously) enjoying a rapid growth since joining the Mulbarton family, an already strong and tight knit squad winning Division One 2 season’s in a row, along with reaching the County Cup final twice, have since formed a Development side, also promoted to Division One this season and a 7 aside squad also winning titles.

  Have again added to their squads as they look push on. Welcome back midfielder Atlanta Griffith after a year away. Goalkeeper Jody Todd joining from Long Stratton Women as does striker Sam Walker, captaining Long Stratton previously. a prolific scorer who ever she’s played for. Also joining from Long Stratton are defenders, Emily and Katie Ransome-Farmer. Leah Brown and Poppy Loveland both join from Caister FC Ladies. Megan Spurrell with valuable experience at tier 6, with the winger having played for Fakenham Town Ladies. Emily Escreet coming to the club from Thetford Town Ladies. Beth Edwards another new signing joining the club while on placement form Loughborough University along with, Rachel Jermy. Captain Rebekah Lake one of the best strikers in Norfolk over many season’s hitting the ground running in the ERWFL scoring 5 goals so far in 3 matches a brace on the opening day a 4-3 home win against Yaxley Phoenix Ladies. Receiving a bye in 1st Round Qualifying due to their opponents withdrawing.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women , like Mulbarton with a strong, tightly knit squad that have progressed through the youth levels into women’s football with Sprowston, before breaking away to join Dussindale & Hellesdon and push on as a club, finishing runners-up in Division One in consecutive season’s while winning both the League Plate and Cup in that period. A big decision to make the step up into regional football have worked hard behind the scenes to make the transition. Has paid off too as the club has made a flying start to life in tier 6, a strong win on the opening day are unbeaten after 4 games with 3 wins and a draw.

  Retaining much of the squad from last season have made a few new additions to the side, bringing in, Rosie George and Breana Rudd both having played for Norwich, at Wroxham in the ERWFL Premier Division last season. Mia Wilkinson and Ella Swift also joining this season with Jessica Barnes the newest addition to the squad the 16-year-old defender making her debut last weekend. Victoria Leyer amongst the goals throughout the clubs history and has hit the ground running in tier 6 scoring 7 goals in 5 appearances scoring a brace on the opening day along with Abby Hutchin in a 5-0 win at home to Biggleswade United Women. Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women beating Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 3-1 away from home in the previous round. 

Mulberry Park the venue for today’s game the clubhouse and bar open beside the carpark leading out to the pitch itself, a large grass playing area with a small stand and tea hut on one side, standing viewing all round. Another mild day as October begins if somewhat overcast the cloud hanging on stubbornly will clear by kick off with no chance of rain. The game going straight to penalties if no winner determined after 90 minutes, substitutes limited to just 3 in the competition, with sides in the early rounds of the cup used to roll on roll off substitutes. 

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Jody Todd, Rachel Jermy, Mel Belsey, Lucy Lincoln, Meg Belsey, Alice Smith, Laura Hedtke, Ellie Hunter, Sophie Jermy, Sam Walker & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Cara Anderson, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Laura Bumstead, Leah Brown, Poppy Loveland, Atlanta Griffith & Molly Ryan.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Amee Kennett, Siesha Humphries, Calista Tink (C), Jessica Barnes, Chloe Shipman Abby Hutchin, Rosie George, Kari Kowalczyk, Victoria Leyer & Tallulah Bell. Subs – Ella Swift, Rachel Bussey, Chelsea Brister, Lyla Studd & Shanice Sutton. 

It’s the hosts Mulbarton to get the cup tie underway with kick-off in the first half wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. Dussindale & Hellesdon lined up opposite wearing an all sky blue kit. The ball rolled back into Laura Hedtke in midfield sends a diagonal out to the right for Ellie Hunter to attack, Jessica Barnes moving out of the centre of defence to head the ball out of play for the visitors. 

  Sam Walker getting hold of the ball for Mulbarton driving through the middle before laying it out to Hunter bursting away down the right, sends it on into the box for captain Rebekah Lake moving into the right channel, Siesha Humphries closing her down the ball coming of the defender as it goes out for a corner kick. The delivery in near side headed on across the six yard post cleared at the far post the ball launched forwards as Dussindale & Hellesdon counter the ball played long up the right for striker Tallulah Bell to chase, pace Meg Belsey covering the ground to get across to dive in send the ball behind for a corner kick. 

Ellie Hunter tackling for Mulbarton

 GOAL! Players coming up from the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon lining up at the top of the area as the ball comes in captain, Calista Tink making a run towards the near post not tracked as the ball is put on a plate for her to drill her header into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1.

Captain, Calista Tink opens the scoring for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

  Mulbarton conceding within the opening 3 minutes look to get on the attack form the restart, Hedtke with Alice Smith in the middle the ball threaded through the middle for Lake in attack to run onto, Tink lunging in with a timely tackle to stab the foot out of Lake’s path inside the D, away to the right for Humphries to clear. 

Mulbarton midfielder, Alice Smith

  A lively opening, Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to get after Mulbarton in possession winning a free-kick out wide on the right, floated up into the area, Meg Belsey under it to head clear, Smith playing it out to the right, Leyer snapping at the ball regaining possession for Dussindale & Hellesdon has her shirt tugged by Belsey as she threatens to break in behind. Kari Kowalczyk over the set-piece some 30 yards out to the left of the D, looks to curl the ball in towards the top corner, not a bad attempt but goalkeeper, Jody Todd can see it drop wide of the post. 

  Dussindale & Hellesdon straight in to press the Mulbarton defence off their goal kick, forcing another corner on the right, players forwards once again Tink running into the box unchecked coming towards the ball near side, striking a half volley wide of the upright. Rachel Jermy winning the ball back on the left for Mulbarton hands it onto Walker left side who carries it forwards well before releasing Lake with an over the top pass that the striker collects on the volley looking to clip the ball high in towards goal to drop over the keeper, instead Tyla Cole sees the ball land on the roof of her net. 

Abby Hutchin tackling Mulbarton’s Laura Hedtke

  Getting up well on the right Mel Belsey clips a high diagonal ball into the Dussindale & Hellesdon box looking to wrong foot the keeper, Cole back on her line though can see the ball drop safely into her gloves. Smith winning the ball well in the middle for Mulbarton taking it on with support from Hunter on her right giving her the ball, Lake providing a run into the right channel ahead of her, takes the ball wide looknig to check back inside and cross, Barnes closing her down blocking the ball.

  GOAL! Regaining possession at the back Dussindale & Hellesdon play a great ball forwards through the middle for Bell to run onto breaking in between the Mulbarton centre backs closing into the box moving right, Todd coming to close her down blocks as the two come together the ball striking Bell as she goes to ground upending Todd in the process the ball trickling beyond the pair to cross the goal line see the visitors double their lead 0-2. 

Tallulah Bell scoring Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 2nd goal

  Mulbarton frustrated some sloppy play leading to a 2nd goal being conceded in the 23rd minute, Dussindale & Hellesdon getting after the ball causing the hosts a few issues. Mel Belsey sliding in to tackles Layer as she gets hold of the ball on the left linking up with George. Mulbarton guilty of giving the ball away Dussindale & Hellesdon confident in their play. Leyer challenging Smith for possession of the ball 25 yards out having a pop from distance the ball driven wide of the left post. 

Mulbarton’s Mel Belsey

George and Leyer again building an attack on the right the latter rolling it infield for Abby Hutchin to take on powers her way through the middle into the D, doesn’t get the connection on the shot she was looking for the final ball tame into the six yard box gathered by Todd. Hutchin carrying the ball on well for Dussindale & Hellesdon moving left played up to to George 20 yards out seeing the ball into her body looks to lift it into Bell pushing up right of the D, Lucy Lincoln making the interception getting the ball away with a firm header.

Mulbarton defender, Lucy Lincoln

  Lake isolated at times in attack as Dussindale & Hellesdon forced Walker and Sophie Jermy to come back into the middle to defend. Kowalczyk bringing the ball on left comes infield lining up a cross/shot sees her attempt blocked by the Mulbarton defence. Kowalczyk with the ball again on the left up to the by-line held up by Mel Belsey, manages to get a cross away spins behind for the goal kick. 

  George goes down having picked up a knock for Dussindale & Hellesdon a chance for manager Martin Francis to get his side over to the dugout for some instructions calm them down. George okay to play on as play resumes Mulbarton with a spell of concerted pressure on the right forcing a corner kick. Players up from the back lifted in central Lincoln up well of drive a header down towards goal the ball blocked in the six yard box coming back out to the top of the area left of goal, Rachel Jermy with the strike, hit straight at the keeper Cole saves.

Mulbarton’s Sophie Jermy

   Hunter on the left now for Mulbarton, Jermy over the the right. Humphries defending taking a knock as Walker drives into the area. The hosts with a throw high on the right dropped into Hedtke looks to drive inside, no way through. Humphries down needing treatment. Smith tackling well to win the ball for Mulbarton sends it out to Walker on the right forwards into Lake, Barnes across to clear for a throw in. Lake spinning off her marker off the throw played into Sophie Jermy top of the area, she is tackled by Chloe Shipman the ball cleared up to Bell, Meg Belsey preventing the attacker spinning in behind.

Chloe Shipman

  Leyer brings down Hedtke on halfway the set-piece launched up towards the top of the area headed clear by Barnes. Leyer strong on the ball powering her way on through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon plays the ball on for George in attack, tackled by Rachel Jermy at the back the ball cleared up to Hunter wide on the left, Amee Kennett defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon as the winger looks to drop her shoulder spin in behind her the ball cleared for a throw. 

  Penalty! Attacking to the right deep off a throw in Lake turns into the box is brought down referee Craig Guy pointing to the spot, penalty! An opportunity for Mulbarton to pull a goal back before the break. Sophie Jermy to take placing the ball on the spot steps back and strikes the ball in towards goal, central rising Cole making a fantastic save gloving the ball up and away to the right. 

Tyla Coles saves the penalty for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

  The 1st half moving into stoppage time Kowalczyk bringing the ball on up the left rolling it inside for Leyer who in turn sends it up to Hutchin in the right channel, quick play Hutchin plays the ball across the D looking for Kowalczyk drifting inside, getting hold of the ball, meg Belsey is quickly in to close her down the ball deflected out to Leyer 25 yards out shifts the ball onto her right boot looking to curl a shot into the top corner, drifts wide.

Victoria Leyer after the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon

   Hutchin coming on with the ball purposeful through the middle, letting fly from all of 35 yards a high looping ball, threatens to have Todd in trouble in the Mulbarton goal as she steps back onto her line, thankful to see the ball land on the roof of the net. Leyer strong after the ball in the middle won spread out to Hutchin advancing to the right sent of for George outside the box right of the D, turns, Meg Belsey there to put in the tackle for Mulbarton. 

Abby Hutchin

 Rachel Jermy intercepting at full back on the left heading the ball away as Leyer looks to send Bell in behind on the wing. Lake deep attacking on the left sees her cross charged down going away for a corner kick. Lifted in to the top of the area George heading clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Mulbarton quick to regain possession on the left lifting the ball into the box, Cole with a firm shout coming to claim the ball.

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 0-2 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

  Dussindale & Hellesdon leading 2-0 at the break with both teams staying out on the pitch during the half-time interval. The visitors good for their lead too, getting off to a strong start with an early goal. Closing the ball down well in the middle and forcing Mulbarton into some unforced errors. Defending well at the back getting out quickly turning play around adding a 2nd goal. a penalty save from Tyla Cole ensuring the half-time advantage. Still 2-0 is often a tricky score to defend and is always the case the next goal is crucial. Mulbarton with a few thing’s to iron out if they are to get back into the time haven’t been at it Dussindale & Hellesdon’s play frustrating the hosts still along way to go however. 

 

  Both sides making changes at the break, Humphries injured sees a change at the back with Ella Swift coming on for Dussindale & Hellesdon goes in at right back with Kennett switching over to the left. A double change for Mulbarton with Leah Brown and Poppy Loveland coming on replacing Mel Belsey and Hedtke. It’s Dussindale & Hellesdon to get the 2nd half underway, the ball played out to the right, Brown with an early bit of defending for Mulbarton clearing the ball. 

  Hutchin with Shipman in the middle for the visitors bringing the ball on lifted forwards with Kowalczyk breaking on the left, goes a little too soon flagged offside. Smith leaning into the pass lifting a superb ball up to Lake in attack, running through to attack the box, Barnes has the pace to catch her and win the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Mulbarton looking to start the 2nd half strong pushing up on the right winning a throw knocked inside Barnes closing in to clear for the visitors.

  Leyer releasing the ball forwards for Bell bursting away into the right channel, Lincoln backing up times her tackle well as she striker looks to try and take her on. Mulbarton looking to press the ball risk over committing getting caught on the counter the pass finding Bell on the right dives inside into the area getting a low strike away on the angle, Todd down sharply making a fine stop with her foot to deflect the ball away. 

 Brown getting up well with the ball on Mulbarton’s left getting in behind, Shipman tracking back doing the defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Mulbarton winning a free-kick on the edge of the area close to the by-line left of goal as Walker his held back by Swift as she looks to get into the box. 

Sam Walker attacking for Mulbarton

 GOAL! Poppy Loveland over the set-piece a superb ball in across the face of goal rising, Cole flashing out a glove turning the ball up and down into the six yard box, players snapping after the loose ball is rifled into the back of the net a venomous header from Lake as the hosts pull a goal back early in the 2nd period. 1-2 game on.

Captain, Rebekah Lake pulling a goal back for Mulbarton

  The goal giving Mulbarton a much needed shot of confidence they move in quickly to close the ball down in midfield winning a free-kick on halfway. Lincoln to send the ball out up into the area cleared out to the left, Barnes and Walker looking to combine get the ball back into the box, Tink clears for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

 GOAL! Mulbarton pushing numbers up on the right the cross lifted into the area, Tink stretching to get her head on the ball knocks it down into the area falls straight to Walker 10 yards out before the near post drills a low strike in towards goal, Cole diving but can’t get to the ball as in creeps in inside the post 2-2! Was game on a couple of minutes ago it certainly is now. 

Sam Walker running away in celebration after firing Mulbarton back onto level terms

 The match turned on it’s head in a space of a couple of minutes Dussindale & Hellesdon suddenly on the back foot, come forwards with George and Kowalczyk looking to combine on the left, the Mulbarton defence closing the ball down.

 GOAL! Mulbarton with a deadly spell completely turning the game around coming back from 2 down to take the lead! Breaking up the Dussindale & Hellesdon attack the ball is launched forwards up into the right channel for Lake to do what she does best chase it down and surge into the area right of goal, Cole rushing out to close the angle, Lake sends the shot past her to roll on into the back of the empty net 3-2! 

Rebekah Lake fires Mulbarton into the lead

  A clinical 5 minute burst from Mulbarton see them come back form 2 nil down to lead 3-2. Dussindale & Hellesdon responding with a change bringing on Chelsea Brister in attack for Kowalczyk. Assistant coach, Doug Francis booked for Mulbarton having voiced his opinion too strongly for the officials opinion (can’t help feel that will only fire up Mulbarton) Hutchin travelling with the ball on the left tacking inside before striking over from 25 yards.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon’s turn to regroup finding themselves on the back foot Mulbarton with a throw on the right across the top of the area into Lake looks to hit it on the turn, Tink close in getting a foot up to block the ball. Tink in again to defend at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon as Walker, lake and Sophie Jermy link up well bringing the ball on left side. The substitutes making a real impact for Mulbarton, Loveland and Brown the latter looking to get after the ball high up the pitch take it on up the line.

Mulbarton’s Leah Brown

  Brown lifting the ball up towards Lake outside the box left of goal bringing the ball down off her chest to turn and strike on the volley smashes her shot over the bar. Brown lively getting away on the left whipping a dangerous ball into the six yard box, won and cleared by Kennett at the far post. Loveland taking the ball forwards for Mulbarton into the right channel upended by Leyer right on the edge of the area, presenting the hosts with a free-kick. Loveland the one to lift the ball towards goal, dealt with by Tink for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Mulbarton’s Poppy Loveland

  Mulbarton pushing on well up the flanks taking the game to Dussindale & Hellesdon Lake right sending a cross into the area cut out by Kennett ,cleared out into the middle, the ball won back by Smith fired out to left for Brown advancing with Loveland the cross swept into the area cut out by Tink. Mulbarton turning the screw Brown linking up well with Loveland who shoots from distance, blocked by Tink. Swift with a fantastic tackle to win the ball from Brown on the edge of the area as she twists and turns on the ball coming in from the left. Swift busy on the right defending with Walker coming across looking to get hold of the ball the full back regaining possession. 

Ella Swift tackling Mulbarton’s Sam Walker

 A lot of effort put into the game, George down again struggling with a knock coming off with Shanice Sutton coming on to join the Dussindale & Hellesdon attack. Atlanta Griffith coming on for Mulbarton to replace Hunter in midfield. The clock ticking down Griffith getting forwards laying the ball back into the advancing Loveland to have a strike from distance her shot straight at the keeper. 

  Dussindale & Hellesdon digging deep working hard to get back into the match players going down with cramp. Griffith picking up a heavy knock as she goes in to win the ball, down for a moment but okay to play on. Shipman bringing the ball on right side with Leyer and Bell in support, Bell taking it to the touch line whipping a looping ball into the six yard box over everyone, cleared upfield comes to Brown on the left, Swift closing her down well to prevent the break. 

Jessica Barnes tackling Mulbarton’s Rebekah Lake

  Barnes with a well times tackle to stop Lake’s progress through the middle the ball running back to Griffith to strike on the move from distance loops up into the goalkeeper’s gloves. 

Atlanta Griffith

Dussindale & Hellesdon with a free-kick on half way the ball floated up towards the box headed clear by Smith. Players down with cramp as the clock runs down Dussindale & Hellesdon with one last push winning possession back in the middle…

 GOAL! the ball fired up to the attackers, Sutton top of the D hooking it on out to the left to drop into the path of the advancing Leyer as she carries it forwards into the box running down on goal, blasts the ball past Todd before she can react to level the scores 3-3!

Victoria Leyer celebrating with Shanice Sutton after she puts Dussindale & Hellesdon back on level terms late in the game

  Mulbarton building through the middle Loveland with Griffith making a strong run ahead of her looking to play it through into the area for Lake stealing in behind the defence, Cole out to get hold of the ball first. Leyer bringing the ball down into her body from the left 20 yards out looks to turn connect on the half-volley plants the ball straight at the keeper. 

 Rachel Jermy on the left cutting out Sutton’s pass as she attempts to put Bell in behind. Griffith driving forwards with the ball 20 yards out left of the D rams a shot wide of the near post. Both sides scrapping till the end the game into stoppage time penalties looming. Griffith clipping a diagonal pass out to the right for Lake, knocking it forwards Kennett in to block her angled shot the ball deflected behind for a corner. A chance for Mulbarton to push players up, the ball into the box won by Barnes knocked across the area to the far post cleared by Bell. The final whistle blows the game to be settled from the spot.

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 3-3 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

  A magnificent comeback from Mulbarton in the 2nd half with a clinical 5 minute burst to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2. Had Dussindale & Hellesdon on the back foot for a good spell the visitor’s digging deep however getting the ball up top and seeing Leyer run into the box to level the scores. Onto penalties a harsh way to settle a fantastic cup.

Penalties

 Dussindale & Hellesdon up to take the first penalty Shanice Sutton advancing from the centre circle a composed finish struck hard rising to the right of goal 1-0.

  Sophie Jermy up first for Mulbarton, having seen a penalty saved in the first half sends her strike low and fast into the left corner giving Cole no chance 1-1.

Chelsea Brister up 2nd for Dussindale & Hellesdon, opts for power placing the ball the same side as Sutton’s strike 2-1.

 Atlanta Griffith to take Mulbarton’s 2nd penalty, doesn’t really do subtle, the ball smashed home with power to the goalkeeper’s left 2-2.

  Victoria Leyer up next for Dussindale & Hellesdon a powerful strike high into the left corner 3-2.

  Alice Smith coming forwards to take Mulbarton’s 3rd penalty hit the keeper’s left Cole going the right way the shot struck with too much accuracy and power settles in the bottom corner 3-3.

  Calista Tink up next for Dussindale & Hellesdon shoots for the bottom left corner drilled hard Todd getting the merest of touches as she dives but not enough 4-3.

 Poppy Loveland to take Mulbarton’s 4th spot kick a confident finish hit low and fast into the bottom corner no mistake 4-4.

  Tallulah Bell taking the 5th penalty for Dussindale & Hellesdon, strikes the ball through the middle, rising Todd can’t adjust quick enough brushes her fingertip as it nestles in the back of the net 5-4.

  Sam Walker up to take the spot kick for Mulbarton has to score to send the shootout into sudden death, cool as you like struck high into the back of the goal. 5-5.

  The shootout entering sudden death either side miss and it game over, unless they both miss and we keep going…

 16-year-old Jessica Barnes stepping up for Dussindale & Hellesdon a cool finish sent low into the bottom corner 6-5.

  Leah Brown coming forwards to take Mulbarton’s 6th penalty, strikes the ball in towards goal central, agony as she sees Cole save gloving the ball up into the air and away to see her side through to the next round of the cup 6-5.

Dussindale & Hellesdon win the penalty shootout

 Dussindale & Hellesdon win the penalty shootout 6-5 to advance in this season’s cup enjoyed so great encounters with Mulbarton in recent season’s and this match was no exception a great cup tie, cruel that it had to be settled the way it was a tremendous comeback in the 2nd half from Mulbarton but Dussindale & Hellesdon battle back to get back onto level terms. 

 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football east – Player of the Match. What a game an exciting watch and a huge effort put in by both sides with several contenders hard to single one out, although I did have a clear favourite leaving the ground. A few performances of note to mention firstly for Mulbarton, Alice Smith with a solid display in the middle of the park winning the ball getting it forwards into the attacking players. Sam Walker was busy in attack and coming back for the ball getting into some great positions. The 2nd half substitutes making a real impact, Poppy Loveland getting hold of the ball and Leah Brown with her tenacity in chasing down the ball and breaking forwards on the left sent the tone leading to the comeback. For Dussindale & Hellesdon, both Calista Tink and Jessica Barnes were strong in the centre of defence winning the ball and closing down. Abby Hutchin with several powerful runs on the ball. Today’s award though goes to Victoria Leyer, she’s won the award before but that is usually for her goal scoring feats and yes she did score a great goal, however it was ore for her display in the middle closing down the ball, winning tackles and frustrating her opponents making some excellent runs too.

  Another great game to watch at Mulberry Park a proper cup tie entertaining between two committed sides, my thanks to both for their help with the team details. look forward to the draw for the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Women’s Cup.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Long Stratton Women v Brantham Athletic Ladies

Sunday 10th September

FA Women’s Cup

The football season gets into full swing this Sunday with the county leagues getting their season’s underway as well as the FA Women’s Cup where there is once again a record number of entrants with a whopping 103 ties in the 1st Round Qualifying draw with £1,800 going to the winning sides. Off to Manor Road today to watch Long Stratton Women v Brantham Athletic Ladies.

 The FA Women’s Cup now offering better prize money to go with the prestigious of the competition an opportunity for clubs to earn some decent and much needed money with a fortuitous run the road to Wembley begins today!

  Long Stratton Women having become an established side in Norfolk Women’s Division One over the past couple off season pushing on looking to challenge for honours, that said has been something of and overhaul coming into the new season with the club losing manager Adam Race to ERWFL Premier Division One side along with a number of experienced players. Have brought in Paul Simmons and Simon Charlton to co-manage the side and the duo have brought in a a number of new faces, for other sides and promoted within with the club benefitting from it’s youth set-up and wildcats programme. 

  Most notably in goal, far from the easiest of positions to fill within the women’s game have done fantastically to bring in Cyan Fullbrook who has season’s of experience playing at a higher level with Wroxham Women. Defender Jade Copeman joins having been with Blofield United Ladies last season. Elisha Bower and Lucy Robbens too bring a host of experience into the side joining from Beccles. While Madeleine Hopkins, Jess, Liv Charlton, Caitlin Skipper. Esme Goodall and Grace Wall set up from the U16s along with Emily Read and Lucy Tull who have been with the club since the Wildcats. 

 This time last season Brantham Athletic Ladies faced an uncertain future long established in the county league in Suffolk, were struggling for numbers and in doing so form languishing at the foot of the table brought in new coaching staff to help turn thing’s around and haven’t looked back since going on to reach the League Cup final, have grown in the close season with an influx of new players and additional coaching staff setting up a new Development side in the Suffolk Women’s Championship.

  The 1st team competing in the Suffolk Women’s Premiership have brought in several players with a great deal of experience from the former Brettvale side including defender, Kirby Seward, Claire Turnbull, Rachel White and Tarnya McKew. Goalkeeper Daisie-Mae Gibbs joins from Needham Market. Striker M’Leah Wright also new to the squad with merlin Watson returning to the club. Like Long Stratton this the clubs first competitive match of the season. 

 Manor Road the venue for this afternoon’s game the community playing field featuring a new clubhouse with numerous grass pitches a playground and skate park too. A blisteringly hot afternoon as the mini heatwave at the start of September continues promising hot playing conditions with the temperature 30 degrees break to take on fluids a must especially with two sides used to playing with roll on roll off substitutes the FA Cup different just the 3 substitutes permitted. Fitness and stamina sure to be tested.

Long Stratton Women

Long Stratton Women starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Karmen Harvey, Summer Whiting, Esme Goodall, Jade Copeman, Megan Vincent (C), Elisha Bower, Caitlin Skipper, Elsie Downer, Lucy Robbens & Grace Wall. Subs – Emily Coe, Kate Simmons, Scarlett Royden & Liv Charlton.

Brantham Athletic Ladies

 Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Daisie-Mae Gibbs, Aimee Berry, Shannan Hill, Kirby Seward, Merlin Watson, Lucy Dunnett (C), Laura Tuley, Rachel White, Chloe Wilson, Sophie Crabtree & M’Leah Wright. Subs – Bethany Ryan, Claire Turnbull, Shannon Giles, Rebecca Prime & Jess Ryan.

Not much shade on offer at Manor Road shouldn’t complain the crap weather will be here soon enough. Referee Francesca Catchpole a top quality striker in her own right leading the two sides out for today’s cup tie. Megan Vincent, Long Stratton’s new captain. Lucy Dunnett captaining Brantham. Brantham wearing and all navy strip to get the game underway kicking off the first half with Long Stratton opposite wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball played back to Lucy Dunnett in midfield put out to Merlin Watson on the move up the right forwards Elisha Bower stepping out to cut the ball out for Long Stratton.

Brantham Athletic Ladies captain, Lucy Dunnett

Back with Dunnett in the middle puts the clipped pass on for Sophie Crabtree making a run into the right channel, Esme Goodall getting in the challenge to prevent the attacker stealing into the box, the ball cleared for a Brantham throw high on the right. Long Stratton heading the ball clear inside the box get on the attack the ball lifted forwards into Caitlin Skipper on the move wide right taking the ball on with pace, Kirby Seward comes across to slide in with the tackle send the ball out of play.

Hot out there but both sides willing to take each other on close down the ball, Merlin Watson lunging in with the tackle winning the ball a Megan Vincent looks to put Grace Wall away into the left channel for Long Stratton. Brantham get the ball down exchanging passes well outside the Long Stratton area, Dunnett finding Tuley right of the D some 25 yards out shapes to shoot drags the effort wide past the far post. Shannan Hill and Seward making several winning tackles at the back as Long Stratton look to tee up their pace players in attack, Seward stepping in to halt Skipper as she plough forwards.

Brantham’s Shannan Hill

Chloe Wilson tracking inside with the ball on the left for Brantham striking a shot over the bar from all of 30 yards. Long Stratton get the ball on through the middle lifted up to Wall breaking in behind the Brantham back line, Hill doing well staying on her shoulder to win the ball confidently tackling inside the box.

Long Stratton striker, Grace Wall

Pushing up Brantham risk getting opened up at the back as long Stratton bring the ball left the diagonal pass inside the clearance missed by Seward the ball travelling on to the right Long Stratton break with two spare, Aimee Berry getting a foot to take the ball away from Elsie Downer, allowing her defence time to recover. M’Leah Wright taking the ball on from the left cutting inside outpacing the defence shoots from the top of the area the ball rising held comfortably by Cyan Fullbrook in the Long Stratton goal.

Downer showing good pace on the right driving forwards down the line for Long Stratton gets a cross into the box well under challenge, Daisie-Mae Gibbs rising to claim the ball for Brantham.

GOAL!  12 minutes on the clock and the deadlock is broken as Dunnett getting hold of the ball in the middle lines up a shot from 30 yards out a thunderbolt rising central Fullbrook with a athletic leap throwing an arm up to try and stop it gets the merest of touches enough to turn the shot up to smash down off the crossbar, the ball smashed home as Wright runs through on the follow up to score from close range 0-1.

M’Leah Wright opens the scoring for Brantham

Long Stratton bring the ball on down the left Robbens out to Wall wins a throw in the ball launched into the area headed clear by Hill for Brantham. The Brantham backline high at times allowing the midfield to press, using their experience to intercept the ball, White playing the ball inside into Crabtree, Goodall with a well timed tackle against her right of the D as she looks to skip on into the box.

Long Stratton coming into their own as the first half enters the midway point Vincent and Bower closing the ball down in the middle looking for Skipper, Downer and Wall making runs ahead of them. Seward putting the ball on into Dunnett, Brantham’s captain looks to release Tuley to her right, Karmen Harvey stretching a leg out to win the ball back for Long Stratton.

Watson takes a high ball down superbly in the middle putting the pass into Dunnett who in turn sets Crabtree away to attack on the right racing into the box, Goodall getting back on her wins Brantham a corner kick. Players up from the back the ball played into the six yard box knocked down and wide past the far post. Summer Whiting doing the defending at the back for Long Stratton as Crabtree attacking through the right channel looks to tee up Wilson on the left.

Seward giving herself a vital half a yard on Wall in the Long Stratton attack as Robbens sends the ball on through the middle defender and striker racing towards the box Seward stretching to shield the ball seeing it safely back to her keeper. A drinks break called with players struggling in the heat, Long Stratton making a change bringing off Harvey with Emily Coe on at left back. Long Stratton press the ball from the restart getting forwards on the left with Wall, Robbens and Downer combining the latter storming into the area Hill going with her tackling to put the ball out off Downer for a goal kick.

Long Stratton captain Megan Vincent with Brantham’s Chloe Wilson

Brantham get straight up the other end to win themselves a corner on the left swept into the six yard box met by Seward at the far post knocked wide. A pause in play a Hill goes down needing treatment players taking on additional fluids is very hot out there. Hill okay to play on. Wilson cutting in from the left lines up a shot blocked by Long Stratton’s Jade Copeman, then Goodall heads the ball clear as Wilson attempts to lift the ball back into the box. Bower busy in the middle for Long Stratton getting after the ball.

White taking the ball inside from the left picks out Fullbrook with her strike on goal. Dunnett placing the pass into Tuley as Brantham build well through the middle Tuley opening up her body attempting to place the ball into Wright’s path as she bursts into the box left of the D, racing after the ball can’t quite keep it in play. Skipper bundled over by White as she drives forwards for Long Stratton the hosts winning a free-kick some 30 yards out, Bower over it floats a shot in towards goal, not troubling Gibbs claiming it low back on her line.

Brantham goalkeeper Daisie-Mae Gibbs

Skipper winning the ball wide for Long Stratton sending the pass inside for Robbens to line up a shot her effort lacking to pace to trouble Gibbs. Brantham hit Long Stratton on the counter Watson left inside for Dunnett on for Wright in attack Copeman throwing herself into the tackle just about getting a toe on the ball taking it wide to the left with Wilson breaking into the box from the left fires over as Fullbrook comes racing out to close her down.

Watson struggling for Brantham sees another long pause as she gets the necessary treatment. Wall pulling out to the right for Long Stratton in attack but Hill stays on her well to get the challenge in prevent the ball finding it’s way into the box.

Long Stratton finding some momentum late in the first half as Brantham tail away slightly pressing forwards win a free-kick out wide on the right the ball played across the top of the area by Bower, Robbens meeting it sees her shot charged down by Dunnett, the Brantham captain again in the way as Skipper strikes the rebound. Long Stratton pressing the Brantham back line forcing errors. Hill strong in the Brantham backline winning her tackles.

Long Stratton’s Elsie Downer

The visitors a threat on the counter turn play around quickly the threaded pass into the box finding Wright stealing in behind the defence right of goal, Fullbrook out to close her down with a brilliant blocking save as she slides in. Wright then looking to put the ball on for Wilson pulling left for Brantham her cross cut out by Long Stratton’s Goodall. The host quick to counter putting the ball long on the left for Downer racing on with the ball, Hill and Watson closing her down to defend for Brantham.

Play end to end all of a sudden with Dunnett putting the ball on for Tuley for Brantham right channel finds Crabtree breaking into the area her shot brushing the side netting. Heat taking it’s toll on a few players putting in a hard shift closing down the ball, the half stretching on with a number of breaks but precaution shown at all times by the officials. Watson busy on the left with Wall and Downer switching sides, Brantham bring Berry across to the right as Watson prepares to come back on on the left.

Kirby Seward winning the ball before Grace Wall can pounce for Long Stratton

Seward throwing herself into the tackle as she comes across to stop the marauding run of Skipper on the right the ball out for a throw. Off the throw Robbens finds Wall right of the D her low shot forcing Gibbs into a low save turns the ball wide of the right post for a corner kick.

GOAL! Whiting to put the ball into the box from the corner in towards the near post attacked six yards out by Downer turned onto the post before the rebound is fired past the keeper into the back of the net Long Stratton equalising late in the first half 1-1.

Elsie Downer at the near post firing home the equaliser for Long Stratton

Long Stratton with their tails up as the first half draws to a close Brantham on the back foot as Robbens looks to send the ball on for Skipper breaking on into the left channel, Hill intercepting for Brantham.

Half-time Long Stratton Women 1-1 Brantham Athletic Ladies

 The score all square at the break as Long Stratton battle back to find an equalising goal late in the first half. Both sides putting a lot of effort into the half despite the heat. Brantham pressing the ball in the middle with a high back line at time making a positive start taking the lead inside the opening 12 minutes, creating a couple more chances Cyan Fullbrook the busier of the two goalkeepers. Long Stratton with youth and pace in their attack looking a threat out wide and breaking into the channels capitalising a Brantham tailed off towards the end of the half. Still very much all to play for going into the 2nd half.

Brantham making a couple of changes at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Bethany and Jess Ryan on their left replacing Watson and White. Long Stratton unchanged as the hosts get the 2nd half underway. Brantham snapping in to win the ball in midfield the visitors mount the first attack bursting away down the right with Bethany Ryan on the ball her cross squared high into the box plucked down into her gloves safely by Fullbrook.

 Coe lunging in with the challenge to win the ball from Bethany Ryan as she is fed the ball out on the right by Dunnett. Long Stratton pressing bodies on at the start of the 2nd half, Hill defending as Robbens looks to track inside from the right, Dunnett links up with Crabtree and Tuley in attack as Brantham build on the left the cross squared into the top of the Long Stratton area won by Vincent and cleared. Jess Ryan bringing the ball on right side for Brantham plays it on for Bethany Ryan twists and turns on the ball looking to find her way into the box, Coe snapping at her heels going to ground just about getting in the tackle to deflect the ball off Ryan into her keepers gloves.

  A competitive tussle brewing between Skipper and Berry as the winger looks to get in behind the full back on Long Stratton’s right. Long Stratton win a free kick in a dangerous area 25 yards out left of the D as Wall is brought down looking to take the ball on from Robbens. Bower over the set-piece floats a shot over the Brantham goal. Brantham drop off allowing Bower time on the ball in midfield lines up a shot from distance, can only pick out Gibbs in goal. 

  Long Stratton looking to get the ball forwards find their way pass the Brantham defence, the visitors looking to launch the counter attack, Dunnett looking to pick the pass whenever she gets onto the ball finds Bethany Ryan on the right the pass inside for Tuley, taking the ball in Vincent in to close her down for Long Stratton. Goodall then getting the tackle in outside her area as Wright and Tuley look to link up in attack. Tuley covering the ground sending a strike over from 25 yards out.

Long Stratton captain, Megan Vincent

  A corner for Long Stratton out on the left cleared at the near post by Seward for Brantham who is then fouled by Bower.

  GOAL! Having struggled to find any rhythm at the start of the 2nd half Brantham hit Long Stratton with a sucker punch to retake the lead, Dunnett sending a great ball in over the defence that sees Wright run through into the box the flag stays down closing on the keeper places the ball wide of Fullbrook to score 1-2.

 The goal injecting a much needed boost into the Brantham players as they come on with purpose, Dunnett laying a diagonal pass into Crabtree bursting forwards on the left, Whiting intercepting the ball for Long Stratton. Tuley putting her shot wide as she lets fly from 25 yards out to the right of goal. Another pause for drinks as Long Stratton look to regroup. It’s Brantham though who have the momentum, Bethany Ryan out wide right surges infield before striking the ball low on the angle, Fullbrook has her near post covered.

Long Stratton goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook

  Brantham with a free-kick left on halfway Dunnett chipping the ball in over the back line Tuley stealing in behind clear onto the ball into the box Fullbrook rushing out to close her down with an excellent blocking save. Long Stratton’s turn to counter the ball lifted into Skipper right racing on with the ball fired inside towards Wall central can’t quite take it on the turn as Hill clears. Seward bringing the ball on for Brantham sends the ball over the top for Wright to attack, Fullbrook out to claim it keeping her eye on the ball catching safely and holding onto it as Wright crashes into her. Both up okay. 

  GOAL! Long Stratton equalise, strong from Wall at the top of the area as Whiting finds her out on the right with a superb diagonal pass the striker turning into the box driving into the six yard box right of goal holding off her challenger to knock the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner, 2-2.

Grace Wall battling her way to goal to equalise for Long Stratton

Grace Wall congratulated by her teammates after making it 2-2

  The contest between Berry and Skipper hotting up  the pair going shoulder to shoulder as Skipper drives on with the ball, Berry incensed as she is adjudged to foul the Long Stratton winger presenting the hosts with free-kick wide outside the area. Bower sweeping the ball in across the face of goal Wall getting up well, can only get a glancing header the ball carrying on out to the left sent forwards as Brantham break, through into the box for Wright to chase.

Brantham’s Sophie Crabtree

 Crabtree with the ball driving to the by-line on the left looking to get past Whiting checks back inside to flash a cross into the far post Wright inside the six yard box looking to attack it Coe going to ground getting enough of the ball to deny the snap shot before Wright does connect Fullbrook throwing an arm up to tip the ball over from close range. 

Brantham fullback Aimee Berry

 Both sides working hard despite the heat to get hold of the ball a competitive cup tie finely balanced as Brantham win another free-kick on half-way, Dunnett to deliver a high ball into the area the header won by Copeman clearing for Long Stratton the hosts break Skipper through the middle on for Wall top of the area, Seward getting back at her to defend. Players tiring have been out there for nearly 2 hours now due to the various breaks for drinks and injuries still 10 minutes left to play.

Tuley shooting wide inside the box for Brantham as she in played though to the left of goal, Fullbrook doing well as she comes out towards her to narrow the angle the ball played wide of the far post. Long Stratton making a change bringing off Skipper with Kate Simmons coming on. Dunnett lining up a shot from 35 yards straight at the keeper. The visitors winning a throw high in the right corner the ball knocked into the box close to the near post Wright attacking it Fullbrook down well to save pushes the ball straight into the on coming Tuley no time to adjust prods the ball wide.

  GOAL! Brantham restore their lead late in the game as they bring the ball on through the middle the Long Stratton defence backing up as Dunnett plays the ball out to Crabtree on the left, 20 out curls a cross into the box with both Wright and Tuley getting in behind the ball drops for Tuley who makes no mistake sending the ball back across the keeper into the bottom corner 2-3.

Laura Tuley celebrates after putting Brantham back into the lead

  Brantham confident as they pour forwards Dunnett with time on the ball to pick a pass finding Crabtree out left running into the box, Goodall across to defend putting the ball out for a corner kick. Brantham making a change before it’s taken bringing off Wilson on comes Turnbull. The corner angled into the box met on the volley by Crabtree 12 yards out crashed wide. The game entering the final 5 minutes Long Stratton with their 3rd change bringing off Downer, on comes Liv Charlton. 

 Brantham using their experience now running the ball into the corner Tuley holding players off eating up valuable time, Long Stratton trying to get hold of it, Bethany Ryan stealing it back to shoot on the angle the ball into the keeper. Crabtree coming left for Brantham laying the ball back into the middle for Dunnett to strike goal wards from 30 yards out, Fullbrook sees it all the way. 

Lucy Dunnett winning the header for Brantham

  A lot of tired legs out there a welcome breeze blowing across the pitch Brantham finishing strong winning a corner on the left fired in towards the top of the area, Dunnett with a miscued shot deflected through to put Wright clear on goal, however the flag goes up against her.

 Brantham break up a Long Stratton attack the ball cleared out to the left Whiting looking to see it run out of play as Crabtree closes her down the attacker stealing the ball on the line to turn inside run into the box and shoot, Fullbrook with a superb save leaping up to tip the ball up onto the bar and over. The resulting corner on the right the last action of the game as the ball falls to Bethany Ryan inside the box her strike blocked and cleared. 

Full time Long Stratton Women 2-3 Brantham Athletic Ladies

  Brantham scoring the winning goal inside the final 10 minutes to settle a tremendous cup tie, with both sides putting in a great effort in very hot conditions. Brantham starting well going in front inside the opening 12 minutes created some good chances, Long Stratton fighting back towards the end of the first half to get themselves back on level terms set up an intriguing 2nd half. The hosts making a positive start to the 2nd period Brantham guilty of tailing off a little but still remained a threat going forwards retaking the lead a Wright broke clear on goal to score her 2nd of the game but again Long Stratton fought back a strong run from Wall seeing them equalise for the 2nd time in the game. Fullbrook pulling off some fine saves along the way, Tuley though having missed a few opportunities got in behind the defence to score the winning goal late in the game. A home tie against another Norfolk Women’s Division One side awaits with Sprowston FC Women their opponents.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A fine effort from both sides in very hot conditions to produce a great cup tie and both look in good shape going into the new season. Hard to single out a single player and their were several performances to note firstly for Long Stratton, Esme Goodall with some vital defending at the back. Elisha Bower strong in the middle looking to win the ball, Caitlin Skipper pacy on the ball looking to take her opponents on. Goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook outstanding on her Long Stratton debut pulling off a number of top quality saves. For Brantham both Kirby Seward and Shannan Hill were strong at the back winning the ball back, reading the game well. Sophie Crabtree out wide in attack with some great running throughout the match getting into some good positions. Pipping everyone though the award goes to midfielder Laura Tuley covered a lot of ground in the middle getting into some great positions to carve out opportunities in front of goal and ultimately score the winning goal. 

 An entertaining cup tie between two sides only beginning their season a great effort from both in very hot conditions Long Stratton pushing Brantham all the way levelling up the scores twice before Tuley’s winning goal. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details today and good luck for the campaign ahead.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Enfield Town Ladies

Sunday 23rd October

Women’s FA Cup

Back to the Women’s FA Cup this Sunday with a massive 88 ties scheduled across the country in 3rd Round Qualifying with the FAWNL Division One clubs entering the competition all vying for a place in the 1st Round Proper with the increased prize fund seeing the winning sides also recieving £4,000.

Today’s action comes from Trafford Park, my 2nd trip to Wroxham this weekend with Wroxham Women taking no Enfield Town Ladies.

Wroxham currently 5th in the ERWFL Premier Division, amongst the chasing pack looking to put pressure on leaders Luton Town Ladies. A mixed bag of results in the league having won 3 an lost 3, similar form for several clubs in what is shaping up to be another competitive season. Joe Simpson previously head coach at King’s Lynn in charge of Wroxham Women now has brought in several new recruits from his former club and ex-Norwich city youth players to build up the squad further adding Ellie Overton another from Norwich along with midfielder Jennifer Codman and vastly experienced a prolific striker, Hannah Waters who were part of the Wymondham Town Ladies side (now sadly withdrawn) that won the league and cup double (treble if you count the county cup) in the ERWFL last season.

Hannah Waters hitting the ground running at her new club joining Holly Connell as top goal scorer netting 5 goals. 3 of those goals coming in the last round of the Women’s FA Cup were Wroxham secured a 4-1 win away to Essex side Lawford Ladies. Captain Jess Horn who herself has 4 for the season the other goal scorer. Two more ex-Wymondham players joining up with Wroxham with defender Lauren Kett and attacker Hayley Kindred coming in to strengthen the squad further.

Enfield Town Ladies were for a long time an established side in the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid. Coming to an end last season as they were relegated from FAWNL South East Division One in a season where 4 sides would ultimately go down. Unfortunate not to hold onto their status drop back down into regional football in the London and South East Premier Division, where they face a challenge to bounce back at the first attempt. A strong player pathway within the club with girls sides from U10 up with 3 women’s sides.

Dean Perrett who saw Harlow Town Ladies promoted from the ERWFL to the FAWNL the season before last coming in as first team manager for the new season as the club looks to try and bounce back at the 1st attempt. Never an easy task with just one side promoted from the 12 strong London and South East Regional Premier Division. Like the ERWFL is a competitive league with several strong sides. Enfield’s start to the season similar to Wroxham’s with 3 wins and 3 losses so far from 6 played. Karesha Iton leading goal scorer so far with 6 goals with Katie O’Leary on 5. A home win awarded to Enfield in the previous round over Edgwere & Kingsbury.

Trafford Park the venue for today’s match, has been lovely weather in October so far, today the exception with heavy rain forecast sweeping up from the south west. Enfield travelling up to Norfolk with rain accompanying them the whole way and with games getting called off elsewhere wondered if it would be a wasted journey. However the rain was light in Wroxham leading up to kick off the pitch with a bit slope unlikely to be affected. The rain starting to fall heavier with both teams out warming up retreated to the bar for a cup of tea. A wide grass pitch the clubhouse one side a small terraced stand behind one goal and a larger seated stand over on the far side this is where I headed for the game as a pose to my usual spot in anticipation of getting soaked. Indeed the heavens were to open up moments before the match was due to kick off the teams walking out to a deluge. 

Wroxham Women

Wroxham Women starting XI – Megan Lightfoot, Breanna Rudd, Lucy Bradford, Jess Horn (C), Lauren Kett, Zara O’Neill, Jennifer Codman, Becky Russell, Keela Olive, Lauren Bullard & Hannah Waters. Subs – Holly Walker, Holly Connell, Lucy Eagle, Lara Dengley, Summer Copland, Tiffany Forshaw & Hayley Kindred.

Enfield Town Ladies

 Enfield Town Ladies starting XI – Grace Taylor, Sheryce Slater, Danielle Smith, Beth Powell (C), Brionne Fowle Etta Sam, Olivia Syson, Etta Sam, Amy Nash, Leah Littlechild, Katie O’Leary & Karesha Iton. Subs – Maisie Wyer, Rebecca Evans & Lauren Cann.

A heavy downpour to start the game

Another advantage of taking advantage of the stand is the press box, has a table to set my notepad on which seeing as I’d managed to forget my usual notepad had to resort to my larger A4 fixtures & results pad. But at least I had an alternative. Lauren Kett in the starting line up today for Wroxham along with fellow ex-Wymondham teammates Jennifer Codman and Hannah Waters with Hayley Kindred on the bench. It’s Wroxham to get the tie underway kicking off 1st half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks with Enfield lined up opposite in an all sky blue kit. Played back into midfield Enfield quick to move in close the ball down, Becky Russell getting it out long into the left channel for Hannah Waters to go after, full back Sheryce Slater getting across her to see the ball back to goalkeeper Grace Taylor who promptly launches the back over the stand and out of the ground.

Enfield’s Sheryce Slater with Wroxham’s Keela Olive

Enfield rushing in to press the ball in the early exchanges is all a bit fragmented the ball regularly out of play for a throw in. Etta Sam taking on possession 30 yards out running for the Wroxham area right of the D closed down looking for Katie O’Leary ahead of her as she is blocked off, wants a foul but instead Wroxham have a free-kick with O’Leary straying offside. Olivia Syson bringing the ball on for Enfield centrally looks to thread it through into the box for Karesha Iton pulling in behind from the left, Megan Lightfoot in the Wroxham goal rushing forwards able to claim it first. 

   Wroxham bring the ball on through the middle with pace Russell travelling the pass forwards helped on to Keela Olive 20 yards out left of D, goes to shoot her low effort running wide of the left post. Taylor sold a little short on the back pass inside her area has Waters racing in to try and charge her down as she goes to put her foot through the ball, deflects off the Wroxham attacker behind for a goalkick. Zara O’Neill with the ball in midfield for Wroxham comes on right side support from Lauren Bullard and Lucy Bradford out wide the cross flashed in to the top of the area cut out by Enfield’s Brionne Fowle play brought back though with a Wroxham foul spotted in the build up.

Enfield’s Brionne Fowle

 A slick playing surface now with the heavy rain falling O’Neill on for Russell through the middle for Wroxham clipped forwards to Waters pulling left, lays it back up the line for Breanna Rudd, her crossfield pass intercepted by Syson played into Nash who picks out Sam as the visitors storm forwards, Sam on the right putting it into the area for Iton wide of goal, Kett comes sliding in with a committed challenge to win the ball. Iton looking to get across the Wroxham back line force an opening looking to get into the area take a shot attacking right her cross cut out cleared Wroxham look to get on the counter the ball on the left Waters the target, Sam tracking back getting hold of the ball and winning the foul as her shirt is pulled trying to bring the ball forwards.

Wroxham defender, Lauren Kett

  Wroxham winning a corner on the right, played in near post Kett the target in low gets it back to the corner taker, flashed back in towards goal on the angle Taylor at full stretch diving forwards to push the ball out of her box, Wroxham sending a shot back in the ball blocked. Russell coming forwards for Wroxham with Waters pulling wide left recieving the ball plays it back inside for Russell to shoot 20 yards out her strike blocked then, Syson comes sliding in win the ball deny her a 2nd opportunity. 

Wroxham’s Becky Russell with Enfield’s Leah Littlechild

   Iton needing the trainer on, a pause in play allowed back on as a drop ball resumes play, Enfield getting forwards on the left Leah Littlechild with Nash on through the middle with Iton ahead of them the cross fired into the area intercepted by Wroxham captain Jess Horn. The wet grass is great for sliding tackles and both sides have players that are enjoying them. Enfield though win a free-kick out wide on the left. A good delivery played into the box, Fowle getting her head on it, can’t direct her header on target wide for a goal kick. 

   Enfield putting pressure on the Wroxham defence getting players up and around the 18 yard box, a pass through into Iton’s feet inside the area, turns to shoot, Kett throwing herself across her to charge down the ball, frantically Wroxham look to get the loose ball away right of the D Enfield play it back into the area, blocked once again before a shot is put in on goal low from 20 yards, Lightfoot right behind it to gather safely. 

Kett putting in some bold but will timed sliding challenges for Wroxham, denying Sam as the Enfield midfielder looks to jink her way into the area. 20 minutes on the clock Enfield gathering momentum getting players forwards well intercepting a good share of passes as Wroxham look to get the ball into midfield. Nash bursting into the left channel slowed down by Bradford, the ball running loose to the by-line Nash racing onto it to fire a cross into the six yard box cleared by Horn. The ball cleared long to the right Waters going after it feeding the pass inside for Olive to strike wide from 20 yards.

Enfield’s Amy Nash

  GOAL! Enfield coming on with the ball Nash moving forwards left channel has Iton ahead of her rolls the ball forwards, Iton getting hold of it to shoot from the angle sending a chipped shot from 25 yards over the keeper into the back corner of the net 0-1.

Karesha Iton with the strike to fire Enfield into the lead

  The visitors on the front foot taking the game to Wroxham, Iton on the right off a throw in turning inside driving a cross/shot into the centre of the six yard box the defence blocking in front of the keeper, O’Leary first to the loose ball looking to force her way into the box her run blocked off. Penned back Wroxham look to clear the ball long for Waters, Bullard up with her through the middle Waters infield ball looking for her 20 yards out is just behind Bullard allowing Enfield captain Beth Powell the opportunity to clear. 

Wroxham striker, Hannah Waters

 Rudd into space on the left for Wroxham plays the infield pass into Codman 30 yards out, lining up a shot Fowle reacts well to rush in to put the block in. Wroxham encouraged come forwards apply a bit of pressure of their own out on the right the cross inside to Olive 20 yards out her low strike in gathered by Taylor. The ball moved quickly upfield into Iton out on the right turns inside shaping to curl a shot in towards goal her effort block the Enfield bench going up to appeal they think with a hand but nothing doing.

Wroxham’s Breanna Rudd

   Wroxham give the ball away carelessly in midfield, Sam latching onto it breaking forwards looking to capitalise, her shirt pulled gets the free-kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out. O’Leary over it. Goes for goal getting the ball up and over the wall dropping Lightfoot back on her line palming the ball down to save and smothering it at her near post before Iton can pounce on the follow up. The rain having slowed to a drizzle stopping completely.

  Wroxham getting up on the right Bullard to the by-line cutting the ball back to the top of the area for Olive to hit right of the D, Taylor throwing herself cross to make the save the ball away for a corner on the right. Once again Kett the target before the near post in low looking to turn and put it across goal to be attacked Slater gets her head on the cross the turn it behind for a 2nd corner. In near side again Enfield are awarded to free-kick this time around. 

Wroxham’s Keela Olive

  Enfield are the livelier side winning the ball more often than not in midfield and looking to get forwards Sam and O’Leary looking to combine on the right, Rudd sliding in on O’Leary to put the ball out for a throw. Horn clearing the ball for a corner inside her box to the left as Nash looks to play O’Leary in. The corner dealt with Wroxham look to counter get players forwards rapidly Olive up to Waters who tracks from the left into the box looking looking to lay it off for Bullard moving across her, Powell in to defend on Bullard then Fowle sliding deny Waters from shooting the ball deflected back to the keeper to clear. 

In stark contrast to the heavy rain at the start of the game the 1st half draws to a close with the pitch bathed in bright sunlight. Kett with another strong challenge to deny Iton up the other end. Sam comes on with Nash right channel plays it inside looking for Iton making a run inside the box, intercepted by Kett. Enfield finishing the half strong Syson with the ball in the middle out wide to Iton hugging the right wing her cross fired into the area cut out by Horn, Enfield quick to regain possession back with Syson into O’Leary out to Iton wide right her cross put in claimed into her mid-riff by Lightfoot. Looks to get the throw out quickly get Wroxham on the move.

Enfield’s Etta Sam

  The ball is lost a misplaced pass on the left seeing Iton steal in behind the defence to charge into the area, Kett the last defender getting a cross to try and put in a last gasp block Iton evades her challenge to move on towards goal, Lightfoot closing her down staying big making the blocking save as Iton pulls the trigger.

Wroxham goalkeeper, Megan Lightfoot

 A frustrating half for Wroxham passes not finding their mark Enfield winning a good portion of interceptions in the middle turning play around quickly meaning the ball not up with the hosts attackers as much as they would like. Enfield have a player down late in the first half Fowle looks to have picked up an injury and can’t continue on in her place Maisie Wyer. 

 

 Wroxham come left late in the half Olive on for Waters looks to set up he return pass, Syson though coming back to defend for Enfield. Russell moving to the right for Wroxham getting on with the ball before delivering a cross into the area cleared by Powell.   

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-1 Enfield Town Ladies

  The 1st half ending in bright sunshine it’s Enfield who head into the changing rooms the happiest leading the game by a single goal at the break. Not much between the side at the start Enfield looking the stronger as the half wore on getting players up the pitch and winning the ball back high up to turn play around. Creating a number of chances some heroic blocks and challenges denying them a further goal. A well struck shot from Karesha Iton 20 minutes in the difference. Wroxham struggling to get the ball up to their attackers at times have had a few opportunities and with just a single goal in it far from out of the tie.

  Appear to be no changes 2nd half. The FA Women’s Cup only allowing 3 substitutes in regular play. The sun disappearing as clouds roll back in for the 2nd half dry nonetheless the teams out before the officials keen to get going again. Enfield with the kick off 2nd half the ball into midfield played out to the left for Littlechild, Horn stepping in to head the ball away for Wroxham. The hosts looking to put some pressure on at the start of the 2nd half Bullard bringing the ball on looking to put Waters through on halfway with the Enfield defence pushed up get their line right to catch Waters offside.

   Enfield get on the counter attack the ball clipped out to Sam on the right wide her cross lifted into the box, intercepted by Codman tracking back from midfield the ball crashed behind for a corner kick. The delivery put into O’Leary just inside the box central, puts her foot through the ball looking for the opposite side runs wide of the post.

 Horn plays the ball long to Bullard on the right looks to play a give and go with Russell in the middle, Smith getting across to Bullard to cut out the return ball. The ball coming inside to Olive off the resulting throw left of the D her strike riding Taylor well positioned behind it all the way. Slater coming on with the ball well from the back for Enfield sends it on into the eft channel for O’Leary running in behind between full back ad centre back that side turns inside into the box top corner looks to shoot her curling ball presented straight to the keeper.

Wroxham’s Jennifer Codman

  Enfield making a good start to the 2nd half, Littlechild coming forwards well on the left into space to receive the ball with O’Leary, Syson and Iton all providing good support. Olive booked for a foul wide on the right for Enfield. Is the play to head clear as the ball is lifted in near post area. Wyer regaining possession the pass out to Littlechild on the left her shot wide of the near post for a goal kick. 

Wroxham captain Jess Horn

   Sam wide on the right for Enfield crossing into the box Horn with great defensive work to take the ball off the head of Littlechild attacking the near post. The hosts making a change on the hour with Codman the player coming off on comes Lara Dengley. Horn at the back for Wroxham up to Bullard goes wide with her pass to Bradford up on the right wing, puts it into the box for Dengley closing in on the by-line right of goal her cross played in claimed by Taylor. 

  O’Leary giving away a free-kick out wide on the right. Wroxham bringing players up Russell over it is a teasing ball lifted into the area put across the penalty spot Kett running clear of her marker across it getting a touch deflecting the ball goalwards a good chance by frustratingly straight at the keeper. Taylor safely claiming it.

Lauren Kett with a chance to equalise for Wroxham

  Close to scoring at one end Wroxham are in danger of conceding up the other as Taylor puts her foot through the ball sending it long up field bouncing through the middle, Horn under pressure from Iton trying to shield the ball for her advancing keeper to come claim, defender and goalkeeper coming together as the ball pops loose to the right, Iton can’t reach it as Kett comes hurtling back to smash the ball away for a corner kick. Horn needing a spot of treatment looks uncomfortable as play resumes. Enfield with bodies in the box for the corner from the right goes long half cleared by Bradford at the far post O’Leary steals in on the ball top of the area tries to lay it into the feet of Syson right of goal she stabs a shot in low hasn’t the power to trouble Lightfoot. 

 GOAL! Enfield double their lead midway through the 2nd half Slater playing the ball long from the back into Littlechild attacking on the left gets forwards playing a squared ball into the box for O’Leary who lifts a cross into the six yard box for Iton who swivels superbly off her marker to bury her shot into the top corner of the net 0-2. 

Karesha Iton doubles Enfield’s lead

  A further blow for Wroxham after conceding a 2nd goal as they lose their captain to injury Horn having picked up a knock coming off along with Olive as they make a double change bringing on Holly Connell and Hayley Kindred. Littlechild latching onto a poor ball put back into the box for O’Leary. Dengley getting ack at her to defend for Wroxham. 

  Russell looking to carry the ball forwards for Wroxham attacking left rides a strong challenge the advantage played as Bullard takes it on inside the box looks to put it back to Russell inside the D cut out, Dengley onto the loose ball 20 yards out her shot low not troubling Taylor who has been solid all game. The visitors making a change as the game moves into the final 15 minutes Sam coming off for Lauren Cann. 

  Taylor with the save of the match albeit off her own miscue as the Enfield goalkeeper presents the ball straight to Waters off a back pass from Slater. Waters shifting across the D wrapping her foot around the ball hit with venom rising, Taylor back peddling throwing herself out to her left to save pushing the ball out to the right corner of the area put back across the area for O’Neill to lift a shot up towards goal. Taylor taking the catch high above her head. 

Enfield goalkeeper, Grace Taylor

  Littlechild winning a corner for Enfield on the left played in near post O’Leary with the header on, Cann unable to get a touch far post. Littlechild full of energy late in the game has Syson up with her on the left rolls the ball on, Connell tracking back with Syson getting a foot in to prod the ball behind for a corner. Taken short before being played in across the six yard box, O’Leary attempting the header far post wide. Enfield with a strong 2nd half performance coming on well Syson sending a shot over from 20 yards out. 

Karesha Iton with Wroxham’s Zara O’Neill

  Powell sliding in to take the ball away from Waters as she breaks into the box from the right, Waters accidentally standing on the defenders leg as she makes the challenge leaving Powell in some discomfort but okay to continue. Wroxham haven’t given up keep looking to get players on with the clock ticking down looking for a goal Connell right off a crossfield pas from O’Neill getting the the by-line before crossing. As has been the case so often can only pick out Taylor in the Enfield goal. 

  Iton doing most of her attacking through the middle 2nd half picking up the ball and driving at the Wroxham defence jinking left then right before unleashing a shot 25 yards out. Lightfoot right behind the ball to make the save. O’Leary recieving the ball top of the area left side from a diagonal pass looking to find the top corner with her strike lets out a cry of frustration instead as she only picks out the keeper. The game moving into stoppage time Enfield with their 3rd change Nash coming off for Rebecca Evans. The visitors hit Wroxham on the break Littlechild bursting down the left flashing a cross into the six yard box Syson there central up trying to meet the header can’t quite get there.

 GOAL! A 3rd goal coming in stoppage time the icing on the cake for Enfield as Evans wins the ball back in midfield plays it on for Syson right channel 25 yards out shifts the ball onto her left foot and strikes her shot in over the keeper at the near post 0-3.

Enfield’s Olivia Syson

  Enfield finishing the game strongly getting players on Cann with the ball moving inside from the right to line up a shot driven in low Lightfoot down to stop it the ball squirming out of her grasp dribbles slowly wide of her near post for a corner kick. A shot from the set-piece resulting in a goal kick. 

Full time Wroxham Women 0-3 Enfield Town Ladies

  Enfield win the game 3-0 to advance to the first round proper of the Women’s FA Cup. A strong 2nd half performance to build on the narrow lead they had secured at half-time. That goal coming from Karesha Iton, she went on to score a superb 2nd midway through the 2nd half, moment after Wroxham had had their best chance of the game to level the scores. Wroxham frustrated were never out of the tie the 3rd goal coming late in stoppage time had opportunities to score just couldn’t take one Grace Taylor proving a strong final hurdle to clear for Enfield. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Left the game thinking I knew who I’d pick but like to go through the notes just to confirm. Several performances to mention first though. For Wroxham, Lauren Kett had a brilliant debut with some excellent last ditch and well time tackles plus carrying a threat when coming forwards. Likewise Jess Horn make some vital challenges and interceptions. Becky Russell looking to get the game going for the hosts with some strong runs from midfield. A solid team performance from Enfield working hard to win the ball take the game to their opponents. Olivia Syson strong in the middle getting forwards with the ball feeding it into the attacking players scoring an excellent goal. The two from Karesha Iton weren’t bad either. Strong on the ball moving about the back line to get into good positions. Leah Littlechild with a strong game on the left particularly 2nd half getting forwards. The award though goes to Enfield’s goalkeeper, Grace Taylor. Was a colossus throughout the game frustrating Wroxham all game with some excellent positioning and quality saves to ensure a clean sheet.

  An enjoyable cup tie despite the weather, but then that only added to the drama. A bigger notepad means I write more and I write enough notes as it is so mustn’t leave it at home again. Good to see Enfield again interested in seeing how they ae getting on now they’ve drifted away from the leagues covered by Women’s Football East hope to see them back soon and am keen to see how they do this season. My thanks to both sides for their help and hospitality today. Looking forward to the draw for the 1st Round Proper.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Beccles Town Ladies

Sunday 2nd October

FA Women’s Cup

A massive 182 ties taking place this Sunday in 2nd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup. Keeping it local this weekend with a trip to The Daly Group Stadium, with Fakenham Town Ladies hosting Beccles Town Ladies.

This season’s FA Women’s Cup seeing a significant increase in the prize money clubs can earn increasing the incentive to want to do well in what is already a prodigious competition. An opportunity for a club to add some much needed funds to the pot with today’s winners recieving £3,000 the losers taking away £750. Potentially  game changing sum for a club at grassroots level. With progress to 3rd Round Qualifying seeing the FAWNL Division One clubs entering the cup.

 Fakenham Town Ladies off the back of a strong campaign last season winning the league cup taking the opportunity to set up into the regional set up above joining ERWFL Division One North. 8 sides in the league with alot more travelling involved often a test for a county league side moving up with trips as far away as Biggleswade and St Ives amongst others. An opportunity for the club to grow test itself at a higher level and develop. A tough start to the league with 4 straight defeats but the club is confident thing’s after improving game on game as the squad looks to find their feet in the 6th tier. The FA Cup serving too as a distraction from the league as the club looks for it’s first win of the season.

Beccles Town Ladies entering the new season with renewed confidence for a positive campaign. Building a squad to compete in Norfolk Women’s Division One after finding thing’s tough in recent seasons with long term injuries and player movement stretching the squad. Bringing experience players in to join the team last season, kicked off their season a little later than Fakenham with 2 league games played so far. Beccles have lost both, unlucky not to take their chances against newly promoted Caister FC Ladies on the opening day, and missing out against one of the league favourites Dussindale & Hellesdon Women last weekend. Drawn against Fakenham in 2nd Round Qualifying, conceded late on away to Fakenham to lose 3-2 in the league towards the end of last season, fancy their chances of causing an upset this afternoon.

Both sides used to roll on roll off substitutes, the FA Cup different with just the 3 substitutes allowed to be made, extra time and penalties to be played if required.

  Clipbush Park now known as The Daly Group Stadium on the outskirts of Fakenham. The main stadium with two  more full sized grass pitches beside. Busy with other matches taking place the women’s game on the main pitch. Is a large grass pitch which will test any sides fitness space to exploit out wide. The bar leading into the stadium open serving hot and cold drinks. Fantastic weather to start October, a bright and sunny day with a few clouds blotting out the sun, dry and still. 

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Ciah-Lilly Rudkin, Hayley Marjoram, Maddie Smith, Jemma Riches (C), Gina Pooley, Sian Sands, Nicole Costin, Shelley Woods, Holly Davies, Chloe Gravett & Rochelle Woods. Subs – Olivia Baker, Amie Hutchinson, Jodie Wright & Emily Fusco.

Beccles Town Ladies

 Beccles Town Ladies starting XI – Megan Gowing, Georgia Tiffin, Kelly Collins, Charlotte Power, Poppy Wilson, Abigail Bell, Elisha Bower, Bethan Owen, Mia Wilson, Lola Barber-King (C) & Lucy Robbens Subs – Lily Bulloch, Grace Storey & Megan Sergeant.

It’s the hosts Fakenham to kick-off the tie, wearing amber coloured shirts, with black shorts and socks with Beccles lined up opposite wearing, white shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and yellow and black striped socks. The ball played back towards the defence Beccles rush in to close the ball down, Fakenham getting the pass out to Holly Davies wide on the right, looking to shift the ball inside is challenged by Beccles, Charlotte Power. The ball being hounded down in the middle as both sides go in on each other forcing rushed passes, Fakenham releasing the ball forwards into the right channel as Chloe Gravett peels free into space driving forwards into the box shaping to pull the trigger, Beccles Poppy Wilson getting back across her to slide in block the shot deflect it behind for a corner.

Beccles Poppy Wilson

The corner delivered in towards the top of the box met well by a Fakenham head looking to turn the ball on across the goal, falls wide of the far post. Gravett finding a pocket of space to steal into on the right as Nicole Costin wins the ball in the middle knocked forwards into her Gravett moves wider, her attempted cross blocked turned behind for another Fakenham corner. Cleared beyond the far post as it goes long across the six yard box. Fakenham making a bright start looking to take the game to Beccles Shelley Woods tackling the ball played out to Davies wide right, squared back into towards the top of the area, Power winning the ball ahead of Fakenham’s Rochelle Woods.

Holly Davies coming forwards for Fakenham

Beccles look to get forwards on the left Lucy Robbens bringing the ball on, with support Bethan Owen and attacker and captain Lola Barber-King pressing the Fakenham defence the ball played all the way out to the right, Hayley Marjoram clearing for Fakenham come straight back as Beccles put it forwards for Barber-King pulling into the right channel and good turn and strike from 20 yards out on the angle driven over the crossbar.

Beccles captain, Lola Barber-King

Gina Pooley bringing the ball on left side for Fakenham moving inside to play it into Rochelle Woods outside the D, she helps it on out to Davies forwards on the right , shifts towards the area, her ball knocked on cleared by Power. A busy start to the game with both sides creating opportunities. Gravett a threat for Fakenham pulling to the right in attack the midfield snapping in to win the ball looking to find her with the pass, Kelly Collins intercepting well for Beccles.

Seeing the ball into her feet central 25 yards out Rochelle Woods passes it forwards into the path of Gravett moving right, pace with the ball, turns inside running into the box, Power stepping in to make the challenge, Gravett brought down the referee pointing to the spot, PENALTY!

GOAL! A chance for Fakenham to open the scoring 10 minutes into the tie. Gravett the player over the ball struck low to her left, Beccles goalkeeper Megan Gowing going the right way getting down well to get behind the ball make the save she ball knocked up into the six yard box however Gravett is the sharpest to react getting her foot up to smash the rebound home 1-0.

Chloe Gravett centre celebrates after putting Fakenham into the lead

Beccles get players on from the restart looking to find Owen out on the left, and Mia Wilson over on the right. Owen winning a throw high on the left Fakenham are comfortable in defence. Beccles quick to come back at them snapping in to win the ball in the middle, Elisha Bower on for Robbens the ball sent on for Barber-King getting away in the left channel a powerful run into the box, Fakenham’s captain Jemma Riches recovering well getting back at her blocking Barber-Kin’s shot an the angle turning it behind for a corner kick.

Owen to play the ball into the six yard box a firm header to clear back with Owen on the left, Riches rushing out to close her down charging down the cross the ball out for a throw in.

Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

  GOAL! The throw on the left level with the top of the area dropped into Bower the midfield clever letting the ball run across her body to strike on the turn the spin on the half volley sending the ball looping up over goalkeeper Ciah-Lilly Rudkin to drop into the goal beyond 1-1. A good response from Beccles equalising just 4 minutes after conceding the opening goal.

Elisha Bower scores the equalising goal for Beccles

  A competitive tussle in the middle crowded at times a few free-kicks being given away one going Beccles way inside the Fakenham to the left of the circle, Bower to play the ball in to the top of the area Fakenham clear but straight away another free-kick is given away by the hosts in a similar spot to the first. Bower getting it through into the box this time bouncing doesn’t trouble Rudkin. 

GOAL! Beccles having upped their tempo to better close down Fakenham capitalise as they go on to take the lead, the ball won by Collins on halfway left side the defender charging forwards before laying it on for Owen moving into the corner, carries the ball inside into the six yard box wide of goal opens up her body to strike the ball across the keeper coming to her near post the ball curling inside to strike the inside of the far post and drop into the goal 1-2.

Bethan Owen puts Beccles into the lead

  Beccles turning the game on it’s head coming back from a goal down to lead on 20 minutes. A dent to Fakenham’s confidence they look to get forwards from the restart Davies found on the right clipping a high ball into the box, claimed well by Gowing. Costin bringing the ball out left linking up with Davies and Gravett the later moving to the by-line sending her cross into the side netting. Is an entertaining contest both sides competing for the ball putting alot into it. Beccles with the lead growing into the match, Georgia Tiffin stopping Pooley’s attack on the left Beccles counter Bower up with Mia Wilson on the right the early cross headed clear by Riches top of her area. 

Beccles, Kelly Collins

  Abigail Bell on for Bower she attempts to play the ball over the top for Barber-King to chase too much on it Rudkin taking the catch cleanly. A strike from distance wide on the left from Fakenham racing wide across goal taking a nick on the way through a corner given. The ball into the mix inside the six yard box headed clear to the top of the area picked up by Rochelle Woods takes a step forwards preparing to strike the ball goalwards from 20 yards out, is put narrowly over the Beccles crossbar. Play brought back for the free-kick though within Woods having been caught late. Is down for a moment but gets up to take the set-piece struck under the jumping wall pulled wide of goal.

  The ball carried forwards on the right wing by Mia Wilson for Beccles her cross lifted in towards the near post drops over Barber-King cleared by Maddie Smith for Fakenham beyond. Marjoram getting back at Mia Wilson to slide in to take the ball off her for a throw in as the Beccles wide player looks to get on again. Is an even contest with half an hour played still competitive, both Sands for Fakenham and Bower for Beccles on the wrong end of a robust tackle. Space opens up on the right for Fakenham with Gravett playing in Shelley Woods has Davies breaking into the box wide right looks to lay the ball into her run, Gowing out sharply to grab the ball before Davies can reach it. 

   Fakenham come close to equalising from a throw high on the right the ball crossed into Rochelle Woods at the near post inside the six yard box turned goalwards, Gowing with a brilliant save getting down smartly to block then scrambling up to get her glove around the ball pull it into her body. Beccles launching a counter attack Bower on for Barber-King spun out to the right for Mia Wilson, her attempted return sliced behind by Smith for a corner. Lifted into the near post area congested, Rudkin  in amongst it to get her fist on the ball to punch it away.

Beccles goalkeeper, Megan Gowing

 Fakenham’s turn to get the ball on the move Shelley Woods into Rochelle Woods 30 out she lays it on for Gravett racing away right channel 20 yards out strikes the shot on the angle the ball rising just over the bar. Robbins coming on linking up with Owen on the left winning a throw, the ball put into Barber-King top corner outside the area a good touch seeing her get away from her marker shift in field to take on the shot angle in can only pick out Rudkin.

  Gravett getting the ball into her feet central threading the pass in behind for Woods to attack the area, Gowing with a good start position quick to rush out of her box to kick the ball away before it can be exploited. Smith with a taking too from the referee after she fouls Owen 30 odd yards out to the left Bower on the resulting free-kick, placed on target but as easy claim for Rudkin. 3 minutes left to play in the first half remains a good contest a cup tie for sure Beccles putting alot in close Fakenham down, Barber-King pulled up of offside as she tries to take advantage of Fakenham’s high defensive line. 

   Shelley Woods sending the ball forwards into the right corner for Davies to chase, Collins going with her throwing herself into the challenge to get the ball out for a corner kick. The delivery put long across goal knocked back into the crowded six yard box the ball scrambled away by Power for Beccles. The visitors getting away on the left Owen. Dropped into the six yard box Fakenham half clear Robbens after it near side to turn and stab her attempt wide form 10 yards out. The last action of an all action 1st half as the whistle blows.

Beccles, Lucy Robbens

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-2 Beccles Town Ladies

  An entertaining 1st half with plenty of action both sides putting alot into the game, Fakenham starting well creating opportunities and finding the opening goal inside 10 minutes from the penalty spot. Beccles with a goo response finding the equaliser just 4 minutes later building on that momentum to go on to take the lead. Fakenham’s confidence dented the game become a more even affair both sides strong in the middle after the ball play turned around, Gowing with a superb save to ensure Beccles went in at half-time leading 2-1. The game still very much in the balance you sense there are further goals in it could be a case who runs out of steam first Beccles in particular doing alot of work to close down the ball got them the lead can they hold on.

 

  Both sides out of the changing rooms early eager to get going again, have to wait however as the officials are having the allotted time, neither side making a change the sun is dropping lower in the sky Beccles facing it 2nd half, clouds still around shielding it. Beccles getting the 2nd half underway the ball played back then out to Tiffin at right back looks to push it on Fakenham rushing in to close the ball down.

 Fakenham starting strong coming at Beccles, Gravett escaping on the right a burst of pace to take the ball on sifting into the box her low cross targeting Rochelle Woods, the ball blocked Woods hurt in the challenge needing treatment but okay. Fakenham have a corner on the right put in near post Beccles comfortably defend. Bell playing the ball out to Barber-King puling left striking a shot on the angle from 25 yards out, Rudkin saving dropping forwards onto the ball.

Fakenham goalkeeper, Ciah-Lilly Rudkin

  Costin fighting for the ball in the middle getting it out to Davies away on the left coming inside opts to shoot from distance Gowing having the angle covered. Costin on for Shelley Woods moving forwards on Fakenham’s left linking up with Pooley before crossing from the by-line an inviting ball across the face of goal Davies can’t quite get on the end of it far post. The hosts looking to get at Beccles higher up the pitch the visitors not getting the ball into their attackers as easily. Owen doing well to regain possession in the middle managing to release Mia Wilson on the right opts for the early strike off target. 

Fakenham’s Maddie Smith

  Gravett with Davies attacking right for Fakenham a low shot on the angle basted wide at the near post taking a nick off a Beccles defender a corner given. The set-piece put in near side dropping beyond into the mix, Bell rushing off the back post to put in a brave block getting hurt in the process the ball not cleared still alive outside the box inside the D struck wide of the left post. Bell needing to be checked over but is okay to continue. 

Beccles, Abigail Bell putting in a brave blocking challenge inside the box

  An hour played Fakenham with the momentum, Costin winning more of the ball in the centre Shelley Woods getting forwards more to support the attack. Gravett picking up the ball right channel on the move top of the box shoots, Gowing with a good save blocking with her gloves to turn the ball wide for a corner. The hosts over commit going forwards Beccles winning the ball be get in the counter left the ball clipped long for Barber-King, Marjoram with a vital interception to cut the ball out play it safely back to her goalkeeper. Shelley Woods on the attack driving on with the ball battling forwards as Beccles close her down en masse is brought down Fakenham awarded the foul 30 yards out to the left of the goal.

Fakenham defender, Hayley Marjoram

Shelley Woods bursting forwards for Fakenham before being fouled

  GOAL! A pause before the free-kick is taken with Davies down needing attention. Costin placing the ball down for the free-kick. The clouds suddenly parting hands up to shade eyes as she moves back for her run up. Is a superb strike lifting the ball up over the wall with good pace on it to arrow in towards goal dipping late to beat Gowing who had the sun to contend with as it drops under the crossbar to nestle in the back of the net. Costin wheeling away in celebration having drawn Fakenham back level with 25 minutes left to play 2-2.

Nicole Costin’s free -kick on it’s way into the back of the net

Nicole Costin

  Straight away Fakenham make a change bringing off Rochelle Woods and sending on Olivia Baker. Beccles making a switch too with Barber-King off, Lily Bulloch coming on. Bower going out to the left playing a good cross forwards to pick out Robbins in the middle but had strayed offside. Owen taking a painful knock for Beccles play paused while she receives treatment up on her feet able to play on. The game getting a little scrappy players tiring, Davies breaking clear out on the right side angling a cross in to the near post players rushing in to attack, Gowing though claiming untroubled. Fakenham make a 2nd change bring off Marjoram at the back for Amie Hutchinson. 

  Fakenham are turning to screw finding room for players to run into Pooley closing in throwing herself forwards can’t quite get to the ball as it is flashed in across goal. Shelley Woods getting more involved in the final 3rd in the 2nd half causing problems for Beccles gets forwards as Baker combines with Davies on the right the ball squared into her 20 yards out right of the D, struck on the volley lands on the roof of the net. 

 

  Baker on the ball coming right with Davies back to Costin her deep cross claimed high by Gowing. Robbins getting onto the ball charging forwards moving to the right, Hutchinson getting across to put in the tackle, then again as Mia Wilson looks to latch onto the loose ball. Robbins last action in the game as she is subbed for Grace Storey. Tiffin intercepting at the back for Beccles as Woods looks to find Gravett up top. The game moving into the final quarter hour Davies finding room on the right, Collins getting into her to make the tackle, the loose ball picked up by Costin 30 yards out struck goalwards, a decent hit but straight at Gowing who gloves it down to claim comfortably. 

 Beccles send the ball on for Storey to chase right side in a race to get to the ball ahead of Rudkin rushing out to the throws herself forwards attempting to dive on the ball getting it just ahead of Storey the assist flags the ball handled outside the area Beccles awarded the free-kick Rudkin shown a yellow card.  Bower to take played into the box a firm header cleared by Smith in front of goal. Fakenham’s Gravett turning inside as she takes the ball down off a throw in from the left, Poppy Wilson nipping back at her with the well timed tackle to halt her attack. 

  GOAL! The momentum has been with Fakenham all through the 2nd half and with the clock running down they retake the lead attacking down the right Baker on with Davies the ball played inside to Gravett inside the top of the area dragging the ball on turns onto it to smash her strike hard into the back of the net 3-2!

Chloe Gravett firing Fakenham into the lead in the 2nd half

  Fakenham coming back from 2-1 down to lead 3-2 with 7 minutes of regular time left to play. Hutchinson winning the ball at the back coming on left side on for Pooley Tiffin into her to put the ball out for a throw. The throw level with the top of the area helped on into Woods inside the D she turns to strike the ball charged down by Power, Sands latching onto the rebound striking the spinning ball wide of the left post from 20 yards. 

Beccles Charlotte Power, with Fakenham’s Olivia Baker

  Beccles are tired Mia Wilson has the ball on the right hooting from distance her effort claimed by Rudkin. Woods taking the ball on for Fakenham who have a 2nd wind having fought back to lead, good ball control out on the by-line, Poppy Wilson managing to adjust to get the tackle in before she can get into the area. 

 

    Baker coming on through the middle plays it into Gravett inside the box looks to shift then shoot Poppy Wilson lunging in to block. Woods on the rebound outside the box her strike also blocked by Wilson turned out to the right the 3rd shot held by Gowing. The Beccles keeper once again out of her area winning the race to clear the ball in the nick of time as Gravett is played through central. 

  Woods attacking on the left moving to the by-line sending a teasing ball across the six yard box, Davies on the half volley beyond the fat post pulled back across goal retrieve by Woods left side goes for goal herself despite the tight angle Gowing taking it. Fakenham are finishing strong on the attack ignoring the calls to run the ball into the corner stoppage time being played getting players forwards Gravett spinning the ball out to Davies on the right lifting her cross high is taken above her head by Gowing. Costin bringing the ball on lifted out to Pooley left side, Tiffin stretching to cut it out. The ball staying in the Beccles half as Fakenham have the energy to get numbers forwards. 

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 3-2 Beccles Town Ladies

  Fakenham turn the tie around in the 2nd half to win the game 3-2 to advance to the next round of the FA Women’s Cup. Were the stronger side in the 2nd half taking the game to Beccles limiting their opponents chances in the 2n period creating chances scoring the equaliser midway through the half then going on to find the winner with 7 minutes left to play. Used the width well with Shelley Woods coming on more from the middle to link up with the attack. A great cup tie with Beccles playing their part Fakenham making the better start taking the lead from the penalty spot in the 10th minute but Beccles came back well to find an equalising goal 4 minutes later then quickly take the lead themselves competing well to lead at the break. Put alot into the first half and tiredness would come into play. Fakenham strong from the off in the 2nd half never losing the momentum.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. An entertaining cup tie with a few contenders. A few performances to mention. For Beccles, Bethan Owen had a strong game getting forwards on the left causing Fakenham a few issues contested the ball well. Poppy Wilson making some vital tackles and blocks at the back, whilst Megan Gowing produced a couple of wonderful saves to keep her side in contention right till the end. For Fakenham Shelley Woods came into her own 2nd half taking on a more attacking role coming on from the middle with some good movement and touches creating chances. Nicole Costin was strong in the middle battling for the ball with a good range of passing to get players on the move a well struck free-kick. Today’s award though goes to striker, Chloe Gravett scoring both the opening and the winning goal. Was a threat throughout finding space to run into in the first half reading the game well, a good turn of pace on the ball with some useful touches to get herself and others into good positions.

  An enjoyable game at The Daly Group Stadium a much needed first win of the season for Fakenham, while Beccles look in good shape for the season ahead. Look forwards to the draw for 3rd Round Qualifying. As per usual my thanks to both sides for their assistance with the teams and other info much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – East Bergholt United Ladies v Brettvale Women

Sunday 18th September

FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Qualifying

A trip to Suffolk this Sunday for a game from the opening fixtures of this season’s FA Women’s Cup, East Bergholt United Ladies taking on local rivals Brettvale Women in 1st Round Qualifying.

 The start of the competition delayed by a weekend due to fixtures being suspended as a mark of respect after the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II at 96 years of age Britain’s longest reigning monarch and the only one most of us have ever known a grandmother to us all her loss deeply felt. Serving with dignity and devotion a minutes silence will prelude today’s match as with every other across the land.

 The FA Women’s Cup recieving a significant boost in prize money this season adding a huge incentive to the 438 clubs entering and a run in the cup will be a huge boost to a grassroots clubs coffers with today’s winners receiving £1,800 a jump of £1,400 from the previous season with the losing side receiving £450.  Still a long way from the men’s competition but nevertheless a huge incentive for clubs to want to win through to the next round. Not only that the the competition itself still holds great respect for clubs and is recognised around the world not only England and one of the premier cup competitions. The first  step to Wembley.

Tier 6 side East Bergholt United Ladies enjoying a good start to the season starting their league campaign in ERWFL Division One South with 2 wins from 3 to lay 3rd in the very early league table. Fair to say the club has found life tough in the ERWFL since promotion from the Suffolk Women’s County League in 2019. The Covid hit season’s playing there part have struggled for numbers at times in a strong catchment area for players, but have always been a club with a strong youth policy keen to test themselves at a higher level are starting to reap the rewards. Jordan Giddings coming in as 1st team manager,  thing’s looking positive with a good sized squad at their disposal are looking to push on this season with a run in the FA Women’s Cup an added bonus.

For Brettvale Women this is their first competitive game of the season with their county league season yet to get underway. Defending champions in the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division will be strong favourites to retain that title have a very experienced squad. Just 7 teams in the Premier Division with only 6 in the Championship below with 3 late withdrawals recruitment of players does appear to be an issue within the county with Suffolk a long way behind the rest of the counties in the East in terms of women’s sides. An issue certainly, however Essex suffered a similar situation a few seasons back and has come back stronger than ever. Not the bounce from the Euro’s that might have been expected but hopefully that growth will come. In the meantime Brettvale have become an established force within the county in a short space of time now starting a new U13s side as they themselves look to the future.

Gandish Road Playing Field the venue for today’s game the community sports facility offering number of grass pitches, and cricket square. A open space is somewhat exposed to the elements a strong breeze blowing across the pitch from end to end prior to kick-off, a few dark clouds around but no rain forecast. Hot drinks available from the clubhouse. Arrived a bit later due to the A14 being closed but set up in time for kick-off having had a chance to meet both teams.  

East Bergholt United Ladies

 East Bergholt United Ladies starting XI – Zoe Adams, Shannon Cameron, Jess Clarke, Ella  Karkoska, Harriet Meers, Megan Partridge (C), Millie Wilding, Stacey Desborough, Jess Quinsee, Jade Horne & Vic Hall. Subs – Nicole Leppard, Katie Bruce, & Charlie Roach-Smith.

Brettvale Women

 Brettvale Ladies starting XI – Faye Lunn, Chloe Stopher, Coral Young, Kirby King, Rachel White, Robyn McEvoy, Amy Parton, Claire Turnbull (C), Amie Chippendale, Laura Tuley & Tarnya McKew. Subs – Kat Parnell, Leila Poulter, Georgia Lindon, Kristie Turner & Danni Lynch.

A minutes silence held before kick-off in respect and remembrance of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Our longest reigning Monarch may she rest in peace.

  It’s the hosts East Bergholt to get the 1st half underway, wearing green coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks with Brettvale lined up opposite wearing blue shirts fading to sky blue, blue shirts with sky blue trim and sky blue socks. The wind has really picked up in the minutes leading up to kick-off with the sky darkening as strong as it blows from one goal to the other, favouring Brettvale as the ball is played back to East Bergholt captain, Megan Partridge in midfield is brought down as she plays the ball an early free-kick for the hosts played out to left back Jess Clark goes forwards playing a one two with Jess Quinsee out with Kirby King comes across to close Clark down send the ball out for a throw in.

 GOAL! A frantic start to the game the ball played on East Bergholt looking to press loose possession, Brettvale turning play around the pass sent out to Amie Chippendale wide right she in turn releasing it forwards quickly over the top with Coral Young peeling in behind on the wing getting hold of the ball as she runs into the box wide on the by-line digs a cross out slicing the ball high over the keepers head at the near post the ball dropping beyond a combination of wind and the spin on the ball seeing it rise up to cross the line drop into the goal 0-1.

  A goal inside the opening 2 minutes for the visitors. East Bergholt looking out of sorts in the early exchanges sloppy on the ball giving away a corner. Played into captain Claire Turnbull top of the area leaning back as she attempts the shot, the ball cleared, Brettvale snapping in to prevent a break get the ball turned around out to Chippendale wide right finds the corner taker Tarnya McKew out wide top of the area her cross into the area wide at the far post.

Brettvale’s Amie Chippendale

  Players closing each other down in the middle, time on the ball at a premium, Partridge breaking forwards gets clear of the centre backs the ball lifted on through the middle into her feet she bears down on the top of the area, goalkeeper, Faye Lunn already there staying big arms out makes a strong blocking save as Partridge strikes the ball, the rebound falling to Jade Horne to the right her 1st time effort on target but lacking the pace to beat Lunn having gotten back into her six yard box to catch the ball. 

  Is an open game as East Bergholt look to get forwards Brettvale are quick to get on the counter McKew up top looking to be the target player, a corner won on the right. Flighted into the middle of the box, Chippendale rising unopposed to head the ball in towards goal, dropping, East Bergholt goalkeeper, Zoe Adams with a sharp save beating the ball away to her right, her defence scrambling it clear at the far post. 

Amie Chippendale heading the ball towards goal

  Brettvale working hard to press the ball are forcing mistakes from East Bergholt as they look to get on the attack Amy Parton finds McKew up top, another corner won on the right the delivery defended at the near post. The wind affecting the flight of the ball at times better left on the ground the pitch is fairly hard which too is affecting the bounce making control tricky Turnbull fouled a free-kick for Brettvale 30 plus yards out to the right of goal. Chippendale’s shot sent in on target not troubling Adams. Partridge going forwards linking up with Millie Wilding the ball forwards into Vic Hall in attack, King getting the foot in to take the ball away from her, on the counter, McKew pulled up for offside as she pulls of the shoulder of the centre back too soon. 

 

East Bergholt’s Vic Hall

Brettvale’s Chloe Stopher

  Play largely in the East Bergholt half as the visitors win back the ball frustration for the hosts who have not settled into any rhythm. Robyn McEvoy on the ball for Brettvale 30 yards out with a speculative attempt on goal wind assisted dips late almost catching Adams out is saved by the cross bar as the ball cannons off it away to the left. Stacey Desborough turning in the middle attempts to play the ball on for Horne on the right wing, Rachel White stretching into the challenge to put the ball away for a throw.

Brettvale’s Rachel White

  Conditions making the ball lively wrong footing players as they look to get it under control both sides affected. 20 minutes played Brettvale get on down the left Laura Tuley winning a corner. An inswinging delivery near post, Adams getting her fists to it to punch the ball away. Tuley left of goal hooking her shot over the bar. Players drawn to the right of the pitch as Horne presses on with the ball whipping a cross into the D, Chippendale tracking back cutting it out for Brettvale. 

  The visitors on the attack left side Tuley’s early cross into Chippendale 20 yards out right of the D, headed down into the area for McKew left, looking to get onto it get a shot away, Harriet Meers with her for East Bergholt, great defending from the centre back strong to hold off the attacker seeing the ball out of play well.  A bit more urgency creeping into East Bergholt’s game as they look to get the ball on up the pitch quicker, King and White both intercepting the final ball inside their area. The risk they get hit on the counter, but so far Meers and fellow centre back Ella Karkoska are holding a good line catching McKew offside again. 

East Bergholt’s Jess Clark

  A few knocks being taken out there the pitch is unforgiving a hard landing guaranteed. Clarke moving into space on the left sets her sights from all of 35 yards out a viciously hit ball, Lunn scrambling across her goal, is safe as it races wide of the left upright. McEvoy on for Chippendale right side closing in on the top of the area turn inside, Karkoska across to block her cross, Chippendale with a 2nd bite plays the ball low into the six yard box gathered by the keeper. 

East Bergholt captain, Megan Partridge on the attack

  Half an hour played East Bergholt getting the ball forwards, Brettvale defending deeper making it hard to get in behind the right pass could open then up as Partridge brings the ball on, Quinsee and Wilding up with her, the ball into Hall looking to turn, King getting a foot in to take the ball off her feet. McKew is pulled up for a handball inside the D as she looks to get the better of the East Bergholt centrebacks as Chippendale flicks the ball on. Partridge making some strong runs on the ball from midfield, taking the ball out to the left has Clark up in support plays the pass into her the full back putting it inside for Wilding left of the D, turning attempts to drive into the area, King closing her down forcing her wide before clearing.

Brettvale’s Kirby King

  The open nature of the game see’s one East Bergholt attack quickly turning into a counter for Brettvale, Karkoska is exposed at the back with McKew putting her under pressure to get the bouncing ball dealt with, cool with it does well to play it to safety. McKew is putting in alot of running up top for Brettvale pulling into the channels always ready to receive the ball, her cross from the right, deflected behind by Meers for a corner.

 East Bergholt with another killer pass through the middle setting there attacker through on goal, Lunn as she has all game out to the top of her area spreading her limbs as she makes the blocking save the ball spinning out to the right struck 1st time frustration as it spins away from the open goal wide. East Bergholt applying the pressure late the the 1st half winning their fair share of the 50/50 balls looking to get it moving forwards. Young with an attempt from distance keeping the hosts on their toes as it drops over the bar. 

Half-time East Bergholt United Ladies 0-1 Brettvale Women

1-0 the advantage for Brettvale at the break. Coral Young’s cross spinning over the line in the 2nd minute the difference between the sides, Both goalkeepers called into action to make saves to keep the ball out. Brettvale starting the better getting after East Bergholt to press the ball take the game to them for large portions. The hosts looking unsettled taking a while to find their stride, looked better moving the ball quicker ending the half strongly. The conditions not helping with ball control with neither side getting it down and controlling proceedings has led to an open contest, certainly a derby feel to it and with a single goal in it still all to play for.

  Looks like both sides are still the same at the start of the 2nd half, both used to roll on roll off substitutes the FA Women’s Cup with three substitutes meaning changes have to be more calculated. Brettvale too playing their first competitive match will they begin to tire as the 2nd half wears on. The windy conditions in theory favouring East Bergholt 2nd half if they can find a way to exploit them, Brettvale defending deeper trying not to let anything in behind. It’s Brettvale to get the 2nd half underway. Played back into McEvoy in midfield out to the right, the ball lost out of play.

Brettvale attacker, Tarnya McKew

  McKew looking to get hold of the ball turn in behind as it comes to her left channel, Karkoska forcing her wide as Cameron gets back to help her out regain possession for East Bergholt. Coming right the hosts win a corner kick. The ball fizzed in near post is missed by Lunn as she goes to punch, drops for Desborough in the six yard box is quickly closed down, as she goes to strike the ball, hurt in the exchange as Lunn gets her gloves firmly around the ball. Desborough staying down needs treatment is slow to get to her feet but okay to continue. 

 East Bergholt’s Partridge finding room in the middle plays a great pass forwards for Horne releasing the attacker outside the D in behind turns on the ball, Lunn with a starting position often at the top of her area moves up sharply outside to get her foot through the ball to clear out for a throw right. Brettvale winning a free-kick wide left inside the East Bergholt half, McEvoy to play it in a teasing ball into the box bouncing in front of the keeper, Adams taking it cleanly despite runners going for it. Desborough is struggling from her earlier fall and needs to come of East Bergholt making the change bringing on Katie Bruce. Have been a few strong challenges put in from both sides all good natured so far but totting up the referee having a word with Partridge as Chippendale is brought down,

Brettvale goalkeeper, Faye Lunn

  Play is stretched the game open one end to the other a cup tie, East Bergholt coming left Bruce crossing the ball intercepted in the middle by McEvoy cleared up field helped on for McKew to attack right channel, Adams out of her area to clear. Cameron playing a long ball up the right finding Horne out right outside the box sends in a low shot on the angle, Lunn getting down on her line to smother the ball. Moments later Horne is again played in on the right of the D pulling of the last defender to shoot, her strike driven wide of the right post. 

East Bergholt’s Katie Bruce with Brettvale captain, Claire Turnbull

  East Bergholt starting to see more of the ball, Brettvale beginning to tire McKew with the rallying cry continues to get about the pitch in the final 3rd. East Bergholt with a 2nd change, Nicole Leppard coming on in attack for Hall. McKew is caught offside yet again more valuable seconds used up. The game remains open Brettvale knowing they can’t sit back and let East Bergholt come at them need a 2nd goal as much as their opponents need to equalise. Cameron cutting the ball out denying Tuley down the line as McEvoy looks to play her in. 

  Partridge seeing the ball into her feet well 25 yards out central for East Bergholt sliding it into Wilding  right of the D, her 1st time effort blocked by Young going away for a corner. Put into the area from the right a hand ball spotted by referee, Thomas Ling the free-kick going to Brettvale. Wilding battling for the ball central with Quinsee played up top for Leppard to go after, Lunn out to clear put right a corner won. Played in centrally, Karkoska rising gets her head on it but can’t direct on target back to the corner taker closing inside flashes her cross wide across the face of goal.

  Turnbull with a late challenge on Cameron, East Bergholt with the free-kick out wide right. Clark on it, an acute angle but nevertheless goes for goal curling the ball in with a left foot strike over Lunn as she goes for it near post drops onto the cross bar spinning away to the left where Brettvale give away another set-piece. Partridge on this one fired in waist height to the near post, Lunn across taking the ball into her midriff. A change for Brettvale Stopher coming off to be replaced by Kat Parnell.

East Bergholt’s Millie Wilding

  East Bergholt getting players on Cameron and Clark looking to press on from full back to bolster the attack with the clock running down. Tuley does well to regain possession on the left for Brettvale sending the ball on up top for McKew to chase down, Karkoska doing well to win the ball as she get’s round on the cover to clear. Brettvale are tiring a few knocks being picked up, working hard to chase the ball. McEvoy coming across to support Turnbull. Tuley off for the visitors with Georgia Lindon coming on as they look to push on for the final 10 minutes of regular play. 

 Meers with a vital header to win the ball at the back for East Bergholt as Chippendale looks to capitalise in the middle off McKew’s knock on. Soon after McKew herself fires a shot over from the top of the area as East Bergholt fail to clear. Getting a bit feisty late on, McEvoy shown a yellow card. Parnell bursting forwards strong on the ball winning a throw in high. Played into McKew, Karkoska in close stretching to get a foot on the ball as she attempts to hold it up. The hosts attacking left, Wilding and Quinsee looking to combine exchanging passes as they close in on the box, Brettvale closing in to scramble it away.

East Bergholt’s Harriet Meers

  Clark picking up a yellow card for East Bergholt. East Bergholt pressing forwards on the right a cross from the corner, drops to Quinsee clear at the far post six yards out, is this the moment the equaliser is found, NO as the header is agonisingly placed wide of the far post.

  Brettvale are battling hard late on looking to hold onto their narrow lead, Parnell has picked up a knock and struggling has to come off, on in her place going into the back line is Danni Lynch. Lynch able to bring the ball on from the back left side played inside to Chippendale who turning attempts to play it into the feet of McKew pulling into the area from the right, Karkoska going with her shielding the ball well to see it back to her keeper.

  Into stoppage time, Turnbull is down struggling with cramp in her calf, running it off not the most pleasant thing to do but there’s a game to see out. King has been solid at the back throughout for Brettvale and does well as she goes with Wilding as Partridge puts her in through the middle to defend for the visitors who celebrate as the final whistle blows and it’s Brettvale who progress in this season’s FA Women’s Cup. 

East Bergholt’s Nicole Leppard tackled by Brettvale goal scorer, Coral Young

Full time East Bergholt United Ladies 0-1 Brettvale Women

  A trip to Norfolk for Brettvale in 2nd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup to play Division One side, Sprowston FC Women on Sunday 2nd October. Coral Young’s 2nd minute goal proving the difference between the sides in the finish. Brettvale holding on to their advantage to win through to the next round. Were pushed hard by East Bergholt in the 2nd half who came close to finding the equalising goal the woodwork struck just wasn’t to be their day. Brettvale working hard until the final whistle to hold on for the win looking for a much needed 2nd goal themselves. The time open to the end. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. This is another tough one to call some strong contenders out their and a few performances of note to mention. Firstly for East Bergholt, Megan Partridge with some great tackling and midfield runs looking to create openings for her side. Centre backs Harriet Meers and Ella Karkoska with some vital tackles at the back to ensure the game was never settled. For Brettvale, Amie Chippendale was strong out on the right winning the ball and getting forwards to support McKew in attack. Tarnya McKew herself was fantastic leading the line, a constant outlet for any forward pass showing good movement across the final 3rd and creating opportunities throughout the game. Is narrowly pipped to today’s award by defender Kirby King was brilliant at the back rarely out of position getting in to win the ball as East Bergholt tried all they could to find a way through the middle full of running around on the cover well as play was stretched late on.

  Another enjoyable game from Suffolk, didn’t think there would be much between the sides and that would result in a proper cup tie wasn’t disappointed. Good to catch up with a few familiar faces and my thanks to both sides for their assistance today.

by Darren Gilham