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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

  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.

  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.

  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. 

  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.

 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.

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.

  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. 

  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. 

  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.

  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.

  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!

  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 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