The Tuesday Round-Up – Edition Thirty One

from Sun 17th April

Welcome to Edition Thirty One of The Tuesday Round-Up and a busy one it is once again with the better weather trying but not really succeeding in getting here. This weekend saw several thing’s decided across the East of England, no less than 3 more league titles were decided bringing the total to 5 as we move into the last weekend of April. Not only league titles but cup finals were contested too, in Norfolk and Bedfordshire, County Cup winners, whilst the ERWFL Division One Cup semi-final line-up was confirmed. More sides playing out their league fixtures across the region as their season draws to a close. Not quite so many games to cover but still plenty to round-up so let’s get started.

FAWPL Southern Division

In the FAWPL Southern Division the chasing pack could only watch last weekend as leaders Brighton & Hove Albion WFC beat Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 1-0 away from home to win the league their games in hand no longer counting as they can’t be caught. Now it’s a case of jockeying for final position in the table. West Ham United Ladies have played their fixtures out too, but elsewhere it was a full program of fixtures across the division.

 In 2nd place Charlton Athletic Women were at home to relegated Plymouth Argyle Ladies this Sunday. Had played on Thursday night going all the way with Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, 90 minutes plus extra time before suffering the agony of a penalty shootout defeat. Rested a few players on the bench for this Sunday’s match, Charlton eventually broke Plymouth down half an hour into the 1st half, Jenny Newman scoring the goal to give them the advantage going into the dressing room. Charley Clifford doubled the advantage 10 minutes into the 2nd half. 2nd half substitute, Summer Taylor pulled it back to 2-1 for Plymouth with 20 minutes but any hopes of a comeback were dashed as Charlton hit back with 2 goals in 2 minutes, Gemma Shepherd on 72 minutes then substitute Kit Graham added their 4th on 74 minutes. Nikita Whinnett also starting on the bench coming on 2nd half scored a 5th goal inside the closing 10 minutes to secure a 5-1 win the 3 point haul meaning Charlton Athletic Women have guaranteed a top 4 finish with 2 matches left to play.

 Moving back up to 3rd spot in the table and with a game in hand on Charlton Athletic Women are Cardiff City Ladies. A home match this Sunday against Queens Park Rangers Ladies who are fielding a much changed starting XI having lost players to FAWSL 2 sides at the end of their season. Were on the back foot early on Cori Williams on target to give Cardiff City Ladies the lead in the opening 5 minutes. Kerry Bartlett made it 2-0 6 minutes later before Queens Park Rangers pulled in goal back on 25 minutes Mariko Eagles netting the goal. Cardiff City Ladies restored their 2 goal cushion going into half-time 3-1 up with Bartlett scoring her 2nd of the game with 7 minutes of the 1st half left. Took full control of the game early in the 2nd half Abbie Britton scoring inside the opening 2 minutes Bartlett completing her hat-trick 2 minutes later. Kelly Aldridge found the back of the net midway through the 2nd half to make it 6 to Cardiff City Ladies with Bartlett getting a 4th goal to her name with 10 minutes left to win 7-1. 2 points behind Charlton with a game in hand they are the two sides contesting the runners-up spot.

No cup final fatigue for Tottenham Hotspur Ladies the difference between winning and losing as they emerged victorious from Thursday’s Ryman Women’s Cup Final penalty shoot-out to lift the cup as Champions the 1st of 3 cups they hope to win at the end of the season. One last league game left away to then 3rd placed Coventry United Ladies. 6th place already confirmed in the table have won as many as they have lost this season with just the one draw. Tipped the balance in favour of the wins column at the end. Were behind at the break however Coventry United Ladies leading through a Alison Hall goal on 15 minutes. That was the scoreline going into the final 10 minutes of the game. Rosie Kmita the 2 goal hero coming off the bench to win the game, introduced on the 60th minute, she put Tottenham Hotspur Ladies back on level terms with 10 minutes left on the clock, setting up happy celebrations at the end of the game scoring with 2 minutes left to see Tottenham end their league campaign with a win.

Another side ending their league campaign with a win in the FAWPL Southern Division are Lewes Ladies, who climb to the highest they’ve been in the table all season 7th. At home playing the side immediately above them C&K Basildon Ladies. A good start from Lewes saw them take the lead on 16 minutes Danielle Lane putting the ball into the back of the net. Were pegged back 15 minutes later Zoe Rushen scoring for C&K Basildon Ladies that was the score at the break, 2nd half the visitors were down to 10 early on Charlotte Long losing control of her emotions and getting her marching orders. Lewes Ladies capitalised and retook the lead Natasha Wells with the goal that turned out to be the winner on 63 minutes. Finish with 2 successive league wins level on points now with C&K Basildon Ladies who have one game left can finish no lower than 8th.

 Portsmouth FC Ladies were at home to relegated Forest Green Rovers Ladies at the weekend. In 5th place playing their penultimate match of the season in the FAWPL Southern Division. were in full control of the match getting 3 goals inside the opening 25 minutes, Emma Sherwood with the 1st inside the opening 5 minutes Sarah Kempson and Gemma Hillier scored on 23 and 25 minutes respectfully that being the final score. News after the game that manager Perry Northeast has decided to step down from the role after 3 successful years in charge at the end of the season.

FAWPL South East Division One

   Joining the FAWPL Southern Division next season will be Crystal Palace Ladies as they clinched the title in the FAWPL South East Division One this season thanks to a win and a defeat for their closest rivals Gillingham FC Ladies. Leading the way unbeaten all season Crystal Palace Ladies travelled to 2nd placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies on Sunday with an 8 point lead and game in hand. Crystal Palace Ladies were defending an unbeaten league record a strong 1st half performance saw them take a 3 nil lead into half-time. Leanne Bell opening the scoring inside the 1st 15 minutes a double from Gemma Bryan midway through the half putting them 3-0 up. Milton Keynes Dons Ladies had a glimmer of a fightback early in the 2nd half Heather McDonnell scoring inside 48 minutes, but that was a good as it got Crystal Palace Ladies defending their lead adding a 4th goal in injury time Rochelle Shakes getting her name on the scoresheet, the result from Gillingham coming in to see them celebrate promotion can’t be caught with 3 matches left to play. 

Gillingham FC Ladies have always been playing catch up all season getting behind in their league fixtures due to cup runs and postponements meant they had a chance to catch Crystal Palace Ladies if they were to ever lose a game, that promotion push has faulted of late and was ended on Sunday by visitors Cambridge United WFC who are looking to finish what has been a very good 2nd half to the season on a high. In 5th had held Gillingham at home to a 1-1 during the unbeaten 8 match run that had ignited their season coming off the back of a 11-0 away win against bottom side Bedford Ladies came to Chatham Town FC  full of confidence. Monique Christian was making her full debut for Cambridge’s 1st team this Sunday having had an impressive season with their Reserves was the hero winning the game for the visitors scoring from a Laura Mills corner early on the 2nd half to see the 3 points won and with one match left to play away to Champions Crystal Palace Ladies are guaranteed a top half finish.

Elsewhere in FAWPL South East Division One, Ipswich Town Ladies continue their good form in 2016 opening up a 4 point gap in 6th place with a home win against Enfield Town Ladies on Sunday. Goals from Roxanne Small, Zoe Cossey and captain Amanda Crump saw them to a 3-1 victory. Sheryce Slater with the goal for Enfield Town Ladies. The game between Norwich City Ladies and Old Actonians Ladies was postponed due to a water logged pitch at Plantation Park.

Congratulations to Crystal Palace Ladies on winning the league title.

Eastern Regional Leagues

Stevenage Ladies climb back to the top of the ERWFL Premier Division as they look to secure promotion to the FAWPL move a point clear of Billericay Town Ladies with a game extra to play. A tough away trip this Sunday away to 3rd placed AFC Sudbury Ladies who are ejoying a good debut season in the ERWFL Premier Division. A tough battle Sophie Jeffrey getting on the scoresheet for Sudbury they lost with Stevenage Ladies scoring to win 2-1, Donnna McGuigan and Nicole Perschky hitting the goals to take them above Billericay Town Ladies. One more win from their final two fixtures both at home against the bottom two sides Great Wakering Ladies and Great Shelford Ladies will see the title won.

  In the other match played in the ERWFL Premier Division it was a clash of the bottom two in the league with Great Wakering Rovers finding some late season form winning comfortably away from home at Great Shelford Ladies to move above them to climb off the foot of the table where they have been all season. a 5-0 win courtesy of goals from Georgia Holdaway, Garielle Bailey, Helen Clifford, Rhianne Cunningham and Rebecca Dalgarno means tey have now won 3 of their last 4 league matches.

  Writtle Ladies having reached the final of the Essex Women’s County Cup Final last Sunday were in cup action again this Sunday in the quarter finals of the ERWFL Division One Cup. At home to fellow ERWFL Division One East side Silver End United Ladies. Sophie Vale was the 3 gaol hero her hat-trick seeing Writtle into the semi-finals scoring once in the 1st half, twice in the 2nd, Rebecca Hollocks pulling one back for Silver End United. Writtle Ladies will now play away at Offley & Stopsley Ladies in the semi-final next weekend. Hoddesdon Owls Ladies v Colney Heath Ladies is the other semi-final.

We have another league champion, Royston Town Ladies taking the crown in ERWFL Division One West to be promoted to the Premier Division. Were just a point away going into the weekends fixtures whatever the opposition did. Got the win taking all 3 points playing away at bottom side Colney Heath Ladies. Had to come back from conceding in the opening minutes Adrienne Milton chipping the keeper to give Colney Heath Ladies the lead. Royston Town Ladies soon get themselves back on level terms the go on to take a 2-1 lead scoring as Colney Heath Ladies lose their keeper Sasha Tucker to an injury, a collision that leaves her with a fractured eye socket Women’s Football East wishes her a speedy recovery. Lucy Hancock takes over between the sticks. Royston Town Ladies add another goal just after the break and a 4th with 2 minutes left to play, Samantha Tinsley with a hat-trick plus a goal from Danielle Lewis seeing them win and celebrate becoming league champions.

Congratulations to Royston Town Ladies on winning the league title.

Norfolk

In Norfolk it was the Final of the Women’s County Cup played at The FDC, Thorpe United Ladies were in their 3rd successive County Cup Final had lost the last two last years to a penalty shootout against Acle United Ladies. Was an all Norfolk Women’s Division One Final this time around with Thorpe United Ladies taking on Aylsham FC Ladies in their 1st Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final appearance. 

Was the featured game on this Sunday’s match report on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and the entire report can be found scrolling down this website. An entertaining final Aylsham FC Ladies started strong pushing Thorpe United Ladies back, creating goal scoring chances but it was Thorpe who would go on to take the lead winning a free kick wide left, Sharnie Boast over the ball sends a great delivery into the box that goalkeeper Ania Vanston can only parry down into her six yard box, Thorpe have runners following up the free kick and one of those Hayley Kindred is on hand to turn the ball into the back of the net. One the stroke of half-time Thorpe go 2-0 Charlotte Groves winning the ball and playing it early towards the box for captain Rebekah Lake to turn home over the advancing keeper from the edge of the box. Aylsham FC Ladies pressed hard to get back into the final but couldn’t score as Thorpe United Ladies went on to finally get their hands on the Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

 Congratulations to Thorpe United Ladies winning the Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

 More congratulations to hand out on Norfolk too as this is where we have our 3rd league title winner this Sunday as Kirkley & Pakefield FC  Ladies celebrate being crowned champions of Norfolk Women’s Division Two. Unbeaten this season move above North Walsham Angels Ladies who have played out their league games to take top spot unbeaten in 13 league matches with one left to play. Were away to 4th placed Red Rose Ladies on Sunday. Were in control of the game leading 4-1 at half-time before going on to score 2 more 2nd half to win 6-1, 4 goals coming from striker Selina Rowland with Jody Wells and Nikki Wigg also on target a consolation goal for Red Rose Ladies scored by Sophie Lubbock in the 1st half, have 2 matches left need to win both if they want a 3rd place finish. 

Congratulations to Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies on your title success.

 In Norfolk Women’s Division Three both Harleston Ladies and Gorleston FC Ladies are promoted to Division Two all that remains is to decide who wins the title. Gorleston FC Ladies have games in hand and have now moved to the top of the table maintaining a 100% win record away to Dereham Town Ladies. A hat-trick from Kayleigh Byrne with a goal a piece for Leanne Muffett, Molly Sims and Bethany Turner seeing the 3 points secured with a comfortable 6-0 win one more win from their final 3 fixtures will see the league title won.

Suffolk

Entering the home straight in the race for the title in the Suffolk Women’s Division and it has been a competitive season despite their being just 7 sides contesting league. East Bergholt United have led the way for a good part of the season with 4 sides chasing the closest Brantham Athletic Ladies moving clear at the top last weekend beating East Bergholt 2-1 at home have a 4 point lead at the top now winning 3-1 away to Witnesham Wasps Ladies whom they beat in the Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final at the start of April. Isabel Leming had given Witnesham Wasps the lead at half-time, Brantham Athletic came back in the 2nd half scoring 3 goals, 2 from Kirsten Hutchings and a goal from Rebecca Prime, have one league match left to play but a league and cup double may be out of their hands.

East Bergholt United have led the league for so long have lost momentum late on suffering a 2nd successive defeat away to Bacton United Ladies playing their final league match of the season. A hot and cold side Bacton United Ladies finish with a win securing 5th place. 2 goals from Samantha Walker plus one each for Lois Balfour and Eleanor Catchpole seeing the 3 points won despite a goal in each half for East Bergholt’s Jessica Oxlade.

Copleston Ladies have been playing catch up with their fixtures all season languishing back in 5th spot for much of the season have plenty of games in hand getting them in finally are now up to 2nd in the table moving above East Bergholt United winning 4-0 at home against bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies with 4 different goalscorers, Megan Stock, Roxanne Middle, Jade Horne and Shannon Giles to earn another 3 points haul, are now 4 points behind leaders Brantham Athletic with 3 games left to play have a massive game away to Witnesham Wasps Ladies this coming Sunday with 2 more games against the bottom sides to come win all 3 and the title will be theres. 

Cambridgeshire

 The Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership title battle was totally upended by Huntingdon Town Ladies difficult and late season decision to fold meant Cambridge United WFC Reserves going back to the top of the table 5 points clear but they have just the one league game to play and can be caught by both 2nd placed ICA Sports Ladies and 3rd placed Cambridge City Ladies who still haven’t reached double figures in their league games played were frustrated yet again as they saw another league game postponed at the weekend. One game was played in the Premiership and ICA Sports Ladies close the gap on the leaders back to 2 points with 2 games in hand with a big win at home to bottom side Fulbourn Bluebirds. Tash Applegate smashing home 4 goals with Louise Barbour adding 3 goals herself to see them win 7-0.

   In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North leaders Bourne Ladies were in ruthless form away to bottom side Tydd St Mary Ladies racking up a 14-0 win, Tracey Duxbury-Mead bagging 5 of the goals, Kimberley Fairweather wasn’t far behind scoring 4 goals. Toni McHamilton scored a brace with Rosanna Baker, Helen Barker and Stephanie Starr also getting on the scoresheet. The result keeping them 4 points ahead of 2nd placed March Town United Ladies who were on the road too at the weekend playing Swineshead Institute Ladies goals from Kayleigh Churchyard and Shannon Kelly enough to edge the victory 2-1 with Eleanor Spendlow finding the back of the net for the home side. In the other fixture in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North, Wisbech Town Ladies got over their Cup Final defeat to Cambridge United WFC Reserves last week in the Junior Invitation Cup to beat Downham Town Ladies 5-0 away from home to climb back up to 3rd place in the league table. 

Park Ladies old onto the lead in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South opening up a 5 point gap as 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies saw their match away to Cambridge Rangers postponed on Sunday. Park Ladies were on home turf taking on mid-table Riverside Rovers Ladies Reserves. Amy Newell scored a brace in the match win an unfortunate own goal handing Park a 3-1 victory. 3 games left to play win them all and the league title is theirs, play 3rd placed Milton Ladies who have games in hand on both the top two a match that could go a long way to deciding thing’s

Milton Ladies were away to Isleham United Ladies at the weekend, Vicky Beeton and Olivia Caffarelli netting a goal each for the home side, Milton Ladies responded with 3 goals to win the match take the points, goals from Danielle Briggs, Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks and Lauren Threadgold seeing the 3 points won have a busy run in 5 games left to play 2 of those against the leading pair need a win from both if they want a chance to win the league title.

Essex

In the Essex Women’s Premier Division a surprise late season defeat at home for leaders Chelmsford City Ladies in their final league match of the season at home to Lawford Ladies could see them lose out on the league title going down 1-3. A blow to end the season as they have been leading all the way but it gives a chance for 2nd place Hullbridge Sports Ladies to pip them to the league title should have already played out their fixtures but last weekends game at Hutton Ladies Reserves was called off, due to be played this coming Sunday a point will be enough as Hullbridge Sports Ladies have the superior goal difference however they will be going for the win.

  Elsewhere in the Essex Women’s Premiership, Runwell Hospital Ladies are up to 4th in the table late on as they beat bottom side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies 3-2 at home, move above Eastern Avenue who were held to a 2-2 draw away to Hutton Reserves Ladies a handful of games left to play. 

  The fixture list is longer in Essex Women’s Division One with 10 teams in the league will go on into May. Leaders Harlow Ladies continue their unstoppable form 14 games played 14 won now the latest a huge 16-2 win at home to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies Reserves. Eliza Weeks opening the scoring Tia Dye making it 2-0. Sarah Walker is the Harlow Town Ladies goalkeeper just thought I’d give her a mention as she doesn’t tend to have alot to do but at 2-0 she saves a penalty to keep the lead intact. Harlow go one to score through Theresa Addison who completes a 1st half hat-trick with Nene McInerney and Phillipa Stephens also scoring making to 7 at half-time Angela Addison gets in on the goals 2nd half scoring a hat-trick herself. McInerney adding another goal to her tally before Abbie Bensted wades in with 4 goals herself Dye adding a 16th goal late on in a 16-2 demolition. 

16-2 is a big win, try 41-0 that’s how many Alresford Colne Rangers put past bottom side Waltham Forest Ladies at the weekend have been on the back of some heavy defeats all season a -174 goal difference I  fear every week they will just pack it up and go but they keep going and I admire their spirit. Alresford stay 4th have slim hopes of chasing down a promotion spot. In the other match in Essex Division One, 2nd bottom Valley Green suffered a 3-1 home defeat to 3rd bottom Southend Town Ladies.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Congratulations are to be handed out once more in this Edition of The Tuesday Round-Up to Luton Town Ladies winners of the 2015/16 Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup Final, the FAWPL side riding high in the South East Division One taking in Offley & Stopsley Ladies in their 2nd successive final at AFC Kempston Rovers FC this Sunday. A 3 league difference Luton Town Ladies got off to a great start Shannon Pratt opening the scoring inside the 1st 5 minutes Jessica McKay added a 2nd goal 10 minutes later. Joanne Rutherford scoring a brace on 23 and 31 minutes respectfully to make it 4-0 to Luton Town at half-time. Natasha Fensome scored her 1st goal of the final for Luton Town 2 minutes into the 2nd half added her 2nd on 61 minutes, Mckay making it 7-0 heading home on 75 minutes, a late consolation goal for Offley & Stopsley Ladies, Holly Flynn with their goal in the final minute, Fensome went on to score her hat-trick deep into injury tie to see Luton Town Ladies win 8-1 and lift the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup.

 Congratulations to Luton Town Ladies on winning the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup.

In Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Hertford Town Ladies climb to the top of the league level on points on 31 with 2nd placed Harvesters FC and 3rd placed Sherrardswood Ladies. Move top courtesy of a narrow 3-2 home win over Bishops Stortford Ladies on Sunday. Becky Shephard, Kerry Oldham and Laveena Betts all on target to see the 3 points won despite 2 2nd half goals from Bishops Stortford’s Ina Pearson and Hannah Mead. Top of the table with 2 games in hand on 2nd placed Harvesters FC, Sherrardswood have played out there league fixtures.

  In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two it has been close at the top all season, leaders Sharnbrook WFC have secured a top two finish to bounce back to Division One at the 1st attempt a 4-0 home win over Watton Ladies seeing them over the line Charlotte Mullins with a hat-trick plus a goal from Claire Smith in the final minute seeing them celebrate a return to the top league in Beds & Herts. A 3 way battle to see who joins them Hitching Town Ladies hold onto 2nd spot with a 3-2 win at home against bottom side Evergreen Eagles. Two goals for Nadia Childs and one from Rebecca Day seeing the points won despite Evergreen Eagles finding the back of the net with goals from Nic Horley and Yasemin Zerzavaci. 

It was a clash between 3rd and 4th in the other game in Beds & Herts Division Two with Garston Ladies FC 96 having climbed above Houghton Athletic Ladies last weekend travelling to play them this Sunday a big win for Houghton Athletic Ladies edging another 3-2 scoreline, Ciara Craig, Emma Hawkes and Becky Sullivan each on target for Houghton Athletic, Garston Ladies FC 96 scoring through Leah Crockett and Holly Jury. A huge game for Garston Ladies FC 96 & Hitchin Town Ladies at the weekend playing each other whilst Houghton Athletic have a double header against AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies. Win both games and they will join Sharnbrook WFC in Beds & Herts Division One. 

  In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, leaders Evergreen Ladies retain a 3 point lead over 2nd placed Hitchin Belles at the top winning away at Crawley Green Ladies at the weekend after a goalless 1st half Crawley Green took the lead Jessica McNamara scoring inside the opening 5 minutes of the 1st half. Evergreen came back Natalie Maher getting the levelling goal 10 minutes later adding a 2nd to give them the lead with 20 minutes left to play. The 3 points were assured 5 minutes from time with Emily Jones on target to see Evergreen Ladies win 3-1.

  A top of the table clash for Hitchin Belles in 2nd playing 3rd placed Icknield Ladies and a result that really benefits Evergreen Ladies to with Hitchin Belles beating them 3-2 at home. A brace from Emily Field plus a goal from Shannon Page giving them the 3 points despite goals from Jackie Sheridan and Lauren Duffy for Icknield Ladies who remain 3rd now with the gap to Evergreen Ladies 6 points, both having 3 matches left to play. Hitchin Belles in 2nd are 3 points behind Evergreen Ladies but have 5 matches left to play.

  Bedwell Rangers excellent form continues at the end of the season now unbeaten in 5 league matches with 4 straight wins the latest an away win at Kings Langley Ladies. a 9 minute 1st half hat-trick from Jessica Sullivan doing the damage scoring on 12, 15 & 21 minutes Sarah King making it 4-0 with 5 minutes of the 1st half left. Kings Langley pulled a goal back late in the 2nd half Kimberley Nield on target, but with 2 matches left to play Bedwell Rangers are comfortable in mid-table.  

  A bad day at the office for 2nd bottom side Hatfield Town Ladies playing their penultimate league match of the season were soundly beaten by 4th placed Bedmond Ladies. Molly Peters helping herself to not 1 hat-trick but 3 as she smashed home 9 goals. Leanne Barnes, Abbie Harrison and Sarah King completing her’s from the penalty spot all grabbed hat-trick too. Suneesha Bheekhee and Vicky Tanner also getting a goal each in a 20-1 win. Lorna Wormald with the single consolation goal for Hatfield Town Ladies.

  A busy edition of The Tuesday Round-Up 5 lot of congratulations to hand out and 5 leagues are now settled no doubt a few more thing’s will be decided by the time Edition Thirty-Two comes around next week a handful of matches in midweek as well as we head into the final weekend in April teams playing out their league campaigns The Tuesday Round-Up will be winding down too but it won’t miss a thing in the run in so until next week thanks for reading.