Sunday 10th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

Plenty of exciting fixtures  being played as the football season reaches it’s climax with league titles being decided and cup final spots being secured. A semi-final game from the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup the featured game on Women’s Football East as Division One leaders Netherton United Ladies host Division Three leaders, Peterborough United Foundation Women.

  Both sides with 100% records in their respective leagues and closing in on the title. In Netherton United Ladies case a successful defence of the league title they won for the 1st time last season, back then the Premiership now Division One. Have a stronger squad this season adding a Development side. Have won all 12 of their league matches so far this season scoring 97 goals along the way. Top scorer, Yasmin Green has an impressive 50 goals for the season from just 20 appearances, whilst strike partner Emily Johnson has 38 goals so far from 21 games.

  Peterborough United Foundation Women are a new side joining the Cambridgeshire Women’s league this season with the senior women’s side moving up to the FAWNL. The Posh Foundation helping to grow football in the community in Peterborough which as I’ve eluded to before his a hotbed for football talent within the region taking on the running of the new women’s side.  Joining Division Three in Cambridgeshire  a young side have been strong right from the start topping the table winning all 15 league games played so far and like Netherton in Division One closing in on 100 goals scored with 5 players into double figures for the season, Callie Tancred leading the way with 28 goals from 13 whilst Keira Swanson has 14 goals. Andreira Olivia has 12 with Kacey Sharman and Olivia Mae Jacobs on 11 and 10 respectfully.

Dominating their leagues both Netherton and Peterborough United Foundation were drawn together in the group stages of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup. 6 groups featuring 4 or 5 sides across all 3 division’s playing each side once, the top 8 sides progressing to the quarter final knock out stage. Playing in Group E, along side Riverside Ladies of Division Two and Deeping United Ladies of Division Three. It was the be the game between the pair with Peterborough having home advantage that was going to decide who topped the group. Was a close game with Circe Rodgers and Keira Swanson scoring for Peterborough, however it was Netherton who edged it winning 3-2 with a brace from Megan Stickland plus one from Yasmin Green.

Netherton away to Cambridge University in the quarter finals, winning the game 2-0 courtesy  of an Emily Johnson brace. Peterborough drawn away to Cardea FC Ladies 2nd in Division One. The visitors too strong on the game recording a comfortable 7-2 win to progress and set up a semi-final clash with their group E rivals Netherton. 

The Grange the venue for today’s League Cup semi-final. A 3G pitch alongside several grass pitches serving the local community. The kitchen open serving hot food and drink, took full advantage with a bacon cheeseburger, undoubtedly one of the best around if you’re ever out that way. A great day for football too weather wise warm and pleasant with a little cloud cover but otherwise bright and sunny. The Cambridgeshire FA having a referee exchange program this time of year a successful trip in 2019, welcome back officials from Norway with 3 officiating today’s game, referee Marie Dahle assisted by Magnus Aaslaund and Magnus Halse.

 Netherton United Ladies starting XI – Amy Stanyon, Naomi Dauncey, Dita Upesjure, Jess Didio, Jordan Sampson, Ellie Hannon, Jess Perrin, Katie Barber, Megan Stickland, Yasmin Green & Emily Johnson. Subs – Jenna Nairn, Zoe Shepherd, Mollie Marshall, Reanne Mullin & Leah Palmer.

 Peterborough United Foundation Women starting XI – Shelley Broadway, Millie Pellow, Shephania Chaudhuri, Circe Rodgers, Jess Broadway, Emily Ingle (C), Andreira Oliveira, Zoe Devonport, Callie Tancred, Piper O’Neill & Keira Swanson. Subs – Polly Pellow.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Just the one substitute available for Peterborough this afternoon and without a regular goalkeeper, it’s midfielder, Shelley Broadway donning the gloves.  It’s the visitors Peterborough to kick the game off 1st half wearing blue coloured shirts with white sleeves, white shorts and blue socks with Netherton lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks. The ball put back to the defence Peterborough immediately press Keira Swanson up top the ball deflected out to full back Dita Upesjure to lift into midfield the ball fed out to Emily Johnson racing into space on the right channel pace into the area, Jess Broadway going with her defending for Peterborough conceding an early corner. 

The ball sent in low from the right attacked at the near post, Peterborough clear with Andreira Oliveira carrying the ball out of the area before lifting it up to Swanson in attack, Upesjure defending at the back for Netherton. The hosts showing attacking intent driving on through the middle Emily Johnson picking up the ball sending it on to Yasmin Green to her right closing in on the box, Shelley Broadway comes racing out of her box to get her foot on the ball first a rushed clearance chopped out to the right wing gathered by Netherton’s Katie Barber she looks to take advantage of the keeper being off her line sends a high ball in towards goal from the angle the ball dropping wide of the far post.

  Ellie Hannon taking the ball on through the middle for Netherton lifting it forwards for Johnson peeling into the right channel, a little too much on it Broadway can see it run safely out of play. A strong start from the hosts Johnson and Green picking up the ball driving at the defence with Barber and captain Megan Stickland providing width right and left. Hannon out to Barber on the move right side up the line flashes a cross in behind goal from an acute angle. Hannon breaking down a Peterborough goalkick well on for Johnson inside the D plays a one two with Jess Perrin getting forwards to support before turning 25 yards out and shooting her effort tame through to the keeper.

   Peterborough’s front three looking to press the Netherton defence whenever play is turned around Callie Tancred left into Piper O’Neill her ball out to Swanson right catching her offside. Perrin central on for Barber on the move right side her cross fired in near side Green with the shot Jess Broadway close in blocking the ball deflected wide lifted back in claimed by Shelley Broadway. Green put on the clear as she peels away left comes on towards to top of the box one on one with the keeper her initial effort blocked then the ball pressured as she places it wide of the target. 

 GOAL! Somewhat agianst the run of play Peterborough break with a well worked attack to open the scoring captain Emily Ingle playing the ball out to Tancred on the left, players drawn across as she gets help from O’Neill who sends the ball out to Swanson clear on the right channel 20 yards out angles her shot back in over the keeper to find the back of the net 0-1. A well taken goal inside the opening 10 minutes.

  Johnson gathering the ball into her feet on halfway looks to send Barber away on the right wing, the pass intercepted well by Peterborough full back Millie Pellow. Barber lively out on the right for Netherton getting forwards at every opportunity her cross bouncing into the box, caught by Broadway. Peterborough battling for possession on the left winning a free-kick inside the Netherton half players up from the back, the delivery into the box knocked out to the right Swanson interested, Upesjure lunging in to defend for Netherton giving away a corner kick. Taken short before being driven into the area, headed clear.

  Stickland is pulls clear on the left crossing Shephania Chaudhuri  getting back to lunge forwards to block her cross for Peterborough. Netherton bring the ball through the middle with Perrin onto Johnson inside the D, back to goal shifts it out to her left into Green right of goal 10 yards out smashes a shot goalwards, Broadway with a great save getting her fingertips to the rising ball turning it wide for a corner kick. 

  The ball from the left fed in near side defend by Inge on the post who goes down with a head injury play stopped so she can receive treatment. Netherton continue to look strong in attack, the ball with Johnson on the right travels with it a strong run to the by-line turning into the box, her shirt tugged she stays on her feet before eventually being tripped nevertheless getting a shot away an scoring from inside the six yard box, however the whistle had already blown for the penalty before the shot and a penalty is given.   

 GOAL! Netherton equalise from the spot with 20 minutes played. Green placing the ball on the spot with a composed finish placing her strike low to the keepers right into the bottom corner 1-1.

  Peterborough attack from the restart growing in confidence their front 3 pressing Netherton’s backline as Oliveira wins the ball well in the middle. A high line at times Swanson is finding space on the right to steal into as O’Neill and Tancred link up well on the left side. Perrin in midfield lifting a long diagonal pass out to the left for Stickland to chase down in the corner checks back inside to square a cross into Green inside the box left of goal slides it on to Johnson right side six out her scuffed shot saved by Broadway’s legs before the keeper gathers the loose ball.

  Netherton caught dwelling on the ball at the back left side Tancred on for O’Neill her shot on the angle 25 yards out lacking power gathered easily by Netherton goalkeeper, Amy Stanyon. Johnson with a powerful run on the ball right side drills a cross into Green central, can’t get it under control before Broadway gets her gloves on it. Swanson frustrated on the right as she’s caught by the offside flag as O’Neill picks her out. Hannon down having collected a ball in the face. Play paused.

  Netherton press the ball into Stickland through to Barber on the right pushing for the box, tackled by Jess Broadway. Peterborough come right Zoe Devonport on for Tancred over on the right forwards for O’Neill right corner of the area getting a shot away, low hasn’t the pace to trouble Stanyon back on her line. Both sides making a change, Mollie Marshall coming on for Netherton replacing Barber on the right. Polly Pellow coming on for Peterborough replacing Jess Broadway.

 GOAL! No sooner have the changes been made then Peterborough go on to retake the lead, and another great finish from Swanson as she breaks on halfway in behind with the ball driving for the area left of the D, catching the ball with the outside of her boot from 20 yards out to send it up over the advancing keeper to nestle in the net beyond 1-2.

 Peterborough close the ball down well in the centre Devonport into Ingle who looks to lift it over the top for Tancred getting in behind on the left, Stanyon out well to catch the ball. Netherton a little careless at the ball dwelling on the ball as Peterborough’s attackers are quick to close it down. Perrin getting forwards on the left side forcing a throw in. Recieving it into her feet top  of the area turns and strikes an angled shot into the box, her effort blocked before Circe Rodgers clears upfield. 

 GOAL! Peterborough break from the back with a pacey attack to extend their lead with 36 minutes played, Oliveira carrying it out of the area sending it forwards for Tancred right is quick to offload it into Swanson central who on turn feeds sends it into O’Neill’s path as she gets clear left of the D, a case of staying composed then picking her spot and places it low to the keepers left to score 1-3.

  Netherton make a 2nd change Jenna Nairn coming on in the middle for Hannon. Attacking on the right appeal for a foul as Johnson is brought down running with the ball, nothing doing as Rodgers clears. The visitors move the ball right winning a throw put back into the middle lifted up to O’Neill who deftly helps it on to Swanson to her right shooting from outside the area in over the keeper, is denied a1st half hat-trick by the offside flag. 

 Nairn gathering the ball in the middle moves right passing to Marshall, she shifts the ball well between her feet holding it up as Nairn comes to support angling a cross into the area Stickland central in front of goal stooping to head the ball close to the keeper can’t get it round Broadway as she blocks and then claims it. Swanson a nuisance in attack for Peterborough charging down the keeper as she comes to kick clear top of the area the ball deflected to the right of the D Swanson looks to chase turn and shoot find the empty net cutting across the ball it curls wide of the far post.

  The clock ticking down in the 1st half Perrin to Nairn on for Marshall right looks to thread it in behind for Johnson racing forwards, intercepted by Rodgers who clears upfield. 

Half-time Netherton United Ladies 1-3 Peterborough United Foundation Women

  Peterborough with the lead at the break staying out on the field as Netherton head into the changing rooms. A strong start from the hosts Netherton looking to take the game to their opponents, however it was Peterborough pressing the ball high who found themselves taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Netherton kept coming on with the ball, guilty at times of trying to walk the ball into the back of the net it was a powerful run from striker Johnson that led to them winning a penalty and Green equalising from the spot. Peterborough continuing to battle for the ball pressuring the Netherton backline forcing errors getting themselves back in front and going on to hold a 3-1 advantage at the break. An intriguing game on another day Netherton themselves could have been leading by that same score-line have work to do if they want to get back into the tie.

Jess Broadway back on at the start of the 2nd half for Peterborough as the visitors get the 2nd 45 underway the tie going straight to penalties if the scores are level at full time. Played back to Ingle in the middle clips it forwards for Swanson and O’Neill in attack pressure as they play a one two Swanson into the box left of goal shots across the keeper Stanyon getting something on it comes back off the right post and scrambled behind for a corner as O’Neill goes for it. The delivery lifted into the penalty spot from the right headed clear by Perrin. 

 GOAL! A chance for Peterborough to extend their lead at one end early in the 2nd half Netherton break left Johnson forcing a corner kick. Players come up into the box the ball curled in over everyone near side falls to Johnson free at back stick to turn the ball over the line to pull it back to 2-3.

  A goal for Netherton 2 minutes after the restart, looking to take the game on with Nairn through the middle off a throw in putting a high ball into the area, Rodgers defending for Peterborough falls to Stickland on the left side fires a goal bound effort back in low held by Shelley Broadway back on her line. Marshall down with a knock for Netherton as Peterborough look to break through Swanson in attack, Didio tackling at the back for Netherton. Play stopped so Marshall can receive treatment. Naomi Dauncey on the ball right for Netherton has Perrin providing a passing option ahead of her pulling wide screws a cross in towards goal, claimed high by Broadway. 

  Nairn getting hold of the ball taking it forwards for Netherton finding Dauncey out on the right in behind her cross clipped in near post claimed by Broadway again. Oliveira taking the ball on through the centre for Peterborough lifted out to O’Neill left side crossing early looking for Swanson making a far post run, it’s Didio who instead wins the ball heading clear for Netherton. The game is open Netherton going for it pushing on in attack risking getting hit on the counter with O’Neill and Swanson ready to break in behind whenever the ball is lost. Jess Broadway charging out for the box with the ball at her feet with a good run before sending it on for Swanson, the flag halting her run.

  O’Neill with a left footed shot pulled wide of the post as she collects top of the area left of the D as Ingle plays the ball forwards. Netherton with a change Marshall who ha taken a knock earlier off with Barber back on. Perrin and Nairn strong in the middle for Netherton winning the ball keeping it in the final 3rd looking to set up Johnson and Green who will drive at the defence given any opportunity. Rodgers then Chaudhuri both making last ditch tackles to deny a shooting opportunity. Polly Pellow back on for Zoe Devonport for Peterborough.

   Tancred over on the right for Peterborough spinning off her marker to get a cross into the area cut out by Sampson. Almost a mix up at the back from Peterborough inside the box as Broadway comes to catch a high ball put into the box from a Netherton free-kick only to have a defender come in front of her to clear it away to the right. The Peterborough defence soaking up alot of pressure 2nd half as Netherton press well. Green winning a free-kick 30 yards out right of the box. Nairn over it her effort dropping wide of the far post.

  Swanson a willing runner up top for Peterborough as Oliveira plays it on through to the box defenders chasing checks back left of the D looking for options is closed down Sampson and Dauncey seeing the ball out left before being cleared. For all Netherton’s pressure you still have the feel this tie could go either way, it’s a case of Peterborough taking their chance if they get it. Nairn has made a huge difference since coming on getting hold of the ball into the box Johnson after it as Broadway comes to claim, all happening bundled over appeals for hand ball with the ball in the ground nothing doing. Johnson carrying the ball inside from the left fizzes it across the top of the area can’t quite pick out Barber on the right side as she runs forwards.

 GOAL! Netherton’s pressure in the final 3rd tells as they get themselves back on level terms midway through the 2nd half. Attacking on the left the ball fed into Green 25 yards out top of the D holding it up well back to goal lays it off to Nairn coming on to put her foot through the ball and send a swerving shot in past the keeper to score 3-3.

  Almost as soon as they get themselves back on level terms Netherton are guilty of a sloppy pass at the back that is latched upon by O’Neill some 20 yards out right of the D, strikes her shot over the crossbar. Netherton with Stickland on the left with Johnson the ball into Barber positioned top of the D, her shot off target going wide is collected by Broadway. Peterborough’s keeper beating a shot down angled in from distance on the left from Netherton. Johnson tripped in the middle presenting Netherton with a free-kick in a dangerous position. Nairn with a vicious shot on her which Ingle feels to her cost as the ball strikes her in the Peterborough wall. 

  Swanson with an effort on goal from all of 30 yards out on the right as she pressures the Netherton defence, in low Stanton saving with her feet deflecting it wide for a corner. Fired into the far post defended headed wide for a throw. Green taking the ball on through the middle fed out to Barber on the wing right side to the by- line her cross in low just about taken by Broadway.  The game stretched at times Netherton continue to press the ball defended Jess Broadway up to Swanson battling for possession gets it on to O’Neill beating the offside trap right channel 25 yards out shoots angled in low Stanyon saves down behind the ball. 

  Rodgers with a strong challenge on deny Green inside the box as she carries the ball on well through the middle off Nairn a corner conceded on the right. An inviting delivery in just evading everyone attacking it inside the six yard box. Both sides looking to score Peterborough under pressure looking a little nervous at the back. Barber wide to the right the cross fired in from the by-line Johnson attacking it as the keeper looks to gather sends the ball wide. Ingle needing to come off for treatment for Peterborough, Devonport back on. 

Stickland with a shot in low from the left held by the keeper. Peterborough with a counter attack Devonport in the middle pulling up as she plays it on for Oliveira breaking forwards too much on it the keeper gathering. A quick switch for Peterborough with Ingle back on for Devonport. The clock ticking down as both sides look for the winning goal. Perrin with Nairn linking through the middle driving on, Rodgers tackling. Upesjure getting forwards on the left winning the ball high striking a shot in from distance fired wide across the box. At times you think Netherton are being a little to intrigant in their attacking play looking to carry the ball on into the box allowing the tackle to come in. Keeping the pressure on well.

  Johnson drives a cross along the top of the area, won by Jess Broadway who brings it out of defence powering forwards looking for O’Neill ahead of her on the right is slowed down Dauncey sliding in to win the ball. Netherton with the ball back Barber to Johnson right to the b-by-line back for Barber who finds Green to cross in saved by Broadway in goal. Peterborough get up the pitch on the right Swanson with O’Neill off a throw in put back to Pellow to strike from distance the ball deflected over.

  Pellow in to defend well at the other end moments later as Johnson breaks forwards into the box Pellow lunging in with the challenge to take the ball away for a corner. Curled in the corner goes long beyond the far post. The game moving into stoppage time, penalties looming Netherton finishing strong Perrin out to the right, Millie Pellow defending the ball cleared up to O’Neill on the left checks inside to cross looking for Swanson at the far post, her shot charged down.

 GOAL! Into the 4th minute of stoppage time Netherton with one last push the ball played out to the right into Nairn, from the tightest on angles sending the ball in towards the near post close on goal, thought it was an own goal at first as a Peterborough defender closing in tries and head clear only succeeds it turning the ball into her own net but the ball was over the line  as Netherton converge on Nairn to celebrate what surely is the winning goal at the death! 4-3.

Full time Netherton United Ladies 4-3 Peterborough United Foundation Women

  No time left for Peterborough to get another opportunity to attack, heartbreak for the visitors at the finish as they concede in stoppage time to lose 4-3. A brilliant fightback from Netherton to get themselves back on level terms and clinch a last gasp winner. Turning around a 3-1 deficit at the break. A strong 2nd half performance taking the game to Peterborough giving their defence little rest, winning the midfield battle. That said you always felt Peterborough if they got an opportunity could take it and the game was open throughout the tie Netherton getting a deserved equaliser chances came for both penalties moments away Nairn’s cross dangerous bringing the deciding goal in stoppage time. Netherton into the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup final where they will face either Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds or Leverington Sports Ladies on Sunday 8th May. A valiant effort from Peterborough a fantastic achievement to reach a league cup semi-final in your debut season on top of what surely will be a maiden league title. The league and cup double a real possibility for Netherton.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match.  A few performances of note to mention. Firstly for Peterborough, Andreira Oliveira won a lot of the ball in midfield especially first half. Keira Swanson up top lively a constant threat with her movement and scored two well taken goals. For Netherton both Emily Johnson and Yasmin Green took the game to Peterborough throughout with strong running on the ball creating numerous chances both scoring. Jess Perrin strong for Netherton in midfield through the 90 minutes covering alot of ground battling for possession and getting forwards to support the attack. The award though goes to Jenna Nairn  made a real difference coming on, strong in the middle for Netherton getting hold of the ball driving and driving on keeping the opposition defence under pressure scoring the levelling goal before finding the winner in stoppage time.

May well not have been my first choice of game for the weekend but it was an excellent plan B. A great watch as a neutral travelling from Norfolk. Peterborough unlucky in the finish battling throughout were in the tie right to the end a blow to concede so late. Netherton fighting back with a strong 2nd half performance to clinch their place in the final. An entertaining tie, my thanks to both teams for the help with the team details good to chat to both before kick-off.

by Darren Gilham