Sunday 18th August

FAWNL South East Division One

  And just like that the new football season is here! Feels like that nut in truth I have enjoyed a good break away from the game over the close season. Needed it as I celebrated covering women’s football across the East for a decade. Has been alot of changes in that time, while quite a bit remains the same. The game continues to grow and with the new season beginning across tiers 3-6, national and regional level looks to be the most competitive it has ever been. Looking forward to the season ahead.

Beginning the football coverage with a game from FAWNL South East Division One, a trip to St Neots Town FC home of Cambridge United WFC as they take on Actonians Ladies in their opening match of the season. Representing tier 4 in the women’s football pyramid, South East Division One looks to be very strong this season. Norwich City Women finishing runners-up last season behind AFC Wimbledon Women are the favourites to clinch the title this time around. Who will be the other challenges remains to be seen, Worthing FC Women pushing the top two last campaign now moved across to South West Division One. Chatham Town Women relegated last season will be looking to bounce straight back, while London Bees have rebuild with a new squad following their relegation from tier 3. Real Bedford Ladies and Dulwich Hamlet Women the promoted sides, know little about the latter, however the former are ambitious with a new coach and new squad set to compete at a higher level. Others will fancy their chances and certainly today’s opponents are capable of competing amongst the clubs in the top half of the table.

Cambridge United WFC  have been a stalwart in South East Division One all through the FAWNL years and the Combination league before. Finishing 7th last season, a little disappointed with that finish nevertheless enjoyed a successful season the high being reaching the League Plate Final, and that despite suffering an injury hit campaign missing key players throughout the season. Into the new season Cambridge will use that cup run to galvanise the squad as they look to build on that run. A few players departing with a new crop of players joining the side.

  Welcomed back striker, Sarah Wiltshire towards the back end of the season after missing much of the season pregnant with her 3rd child. A prolific goal scorer leading Cambridge’s attack. Amongst those joining Cambridge this season, Eva Hubbard with rivals Cambridge City, after spells with Needham Market and Ipswich Town is a versatile player, experienced an a natural leader. Also coming in from Cambridge City, midfielder Rosy Wodhams another strong addition who has featured in a few Women’s Football East – Player of the Match summaries in the past. Defender, Ellie Finneran joins the club from London Seaward as does full back Kelsey Smith. Goalkeeper, Sophie Shults added from Ashford Town providing strong competition and cover that position. Emma Wallis another defensive addition joining from Middlesbrough. 

 Actonians Ladies like Cambridge have been a competitive force in South East Division One for a while now, often finishing in the top half of the table, punching above their weight at times capable of causing an upset. Have a strong set-up from youth level through to first team with a women’s Reserves and Development side competing too. Finishing in the top half of the table last campaign clinching 6th spot. 

 Actonians Ladies begin the new season under a new head coach with a host of new faces joining the club. Oliver Yazdi leading the 1st team coaching team this season has alot of experience coaching girls and women’s football leading into his new role at Actonians. Takes on a squad that sees 10 new signings tis season. Added to the attacking line up are strikers, Dior Knorr and Abigail Igbavboa. Defender, Olianna Bishop. Prudie Todd Warmoth can operate in both defence and midfield. New to the midfield are Hana Lalani, Dulcie Gray and Megan Page. Khyri Mackenzie, Merle Redhead Ling and Amanda Reimer complete the new additions.

 Cambridge United WFC winning all three encounters between the sides last season 2-1 twice at home in the league and away in the cup. With a 5-1 victory at Actonians in the reverse league encounter. St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the home for Cambridge United WFC these days. Situated in an ever growing residential are on the outskirts of the town. A grass pitched main facility with a 3G pitch beyond. The pitch in great shape as it always is. Offering good width the main stand housing the changing rooms and bar on one side with small covered terracing behind each goal with viewing all round. A bright sunny day with no rain forecast early twenties a good day to start the new season.

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Lauren Rouse, Gisela Otten, Emma Wallis, Kelsey Smith, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Sammy Edgar, Rosy Wodhams, Eva Hubbard (C), Alysha Stojko-Down & Bella Simmons. Subs :- Abbie Jackson, Charlotte Gillies, Marta Rodriguez & Holly Plummer.

 Actonians Ladies starting XI – Elisa Dogor, Prudie Todd Warmoth, Amber Dredge, Mara Bramwell (C), Jennie Brereton, Naomi Graham, Hana Lalani, Amina Hanif, Merle Redhead Ling, Dior Knorr & Abigail Igbavboa. Subs :- Olianna Bishop, Megan Page, Khyri Mackenzie, Dulcie Gray & Keishia-Farah Luboya.

  A blow for Cambridge in there final pre-season game last weekend with Sarah Wiltshire breaking her arm seeing her out of action for a little while. Four of Cambridge’s new signings debuting in the starting line-up, defenders Kelsey Smith and Emma Wallis with Rosy Wodhams in the midfield alongside new captain Eva Hubbard. Five of Actonians new faces in their starting line-up, Prudie Todd Warmoth, Merle Redhead Ling, Hana Lalani, Dior Knorr and Abigail Igbavboa. Along with Olianna Bishop, Megan Page, Dulcie Gray and Khyri Mackenzie on the subs bench. 

  It’s Cambridge to get the new campaign under way kicking off the 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Actonians line-up opposite wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle clipped long out to the right wing with Kelsey Smith looknig to get up the line, Prudie Todd Warmoth covering that side at the back for Actonians defending to see the ball out of play for a throw in. From the resulting throw Cambridge gain a free-kick presenting them with an early opportunity to get players up into their opponents box, the ball swept in with pace at a decent high, Mara Bramwell captaining Actonians the centre back meeting the ball with a firm headed clearance.

  Actonians look to counter with pace midfielder Amina Hanif bringing the ball into her feet looking up to play the ball over the Cambridge defence with Merle Redhead Ling providing a left channel run in behind, Cambridge goalkeeper Lauren Webb positioned at the top of her area out to the ball quickly to deal with the threat. Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris providing the width for Cambridge on the left looking to get up the pitch with pace run onto any long pass out of the defence, Jennie Brereton coming across to close her down winning the ball back for the visitors.

  Cambridge with a positive start looking to move the ball forwards quickly use the flanks keep Actonians pinned back. Eva Hubbard onto the ball in the middle for Cambridge has Rosy Wodhams to her right picks her out with the pass Wodhams in turn sending it out to the wing with Wallis bombing on sends a looping ball into the Actonians box dropping far post six yards out Alysha Stojko-Down attacking it, Brereton gets across her to make the challenge deny her the shot. 

 Gisela Otten with the ball under her control at the back for Cambridge plays a delightful long pass up the left flank for Cheal-Ferris to run onto to taking it on whips a cross into the six yard box, Actonians goalkeeper, Elisa Dogor getting her gloves behind it on the bounce, snatches it up in the nick of time with Stojko-Down stealing in. A competitive collective of players operating in the midfield, little quarter given, Amina Hanif bringing Wodhams down 30 yards out as she looks to get away with the ball on the right.

  Abigail Igbavboa and Dior Knorr look to combine in attack on the left side for Actonians the former sending the ball on for Knorr, Lauren Rouse getting in the headed clearance before the attacker can take the ball in behind her into the box. Dogor coming out to the left of her area to deal with the ball is closed down by Bella Simmons charging the ball down steals it away from the keeper playing in across the top of the area looking for Stojko-Down, can’t get it out from under her feet as Dogor recover diving in front of her to lay claim to the ball.

   Sammy regaining the ball in the middle for Cambridge on for Hubbard into Simmons has Stojko-Down moving right receiving the pass, Hanif getting a leg out to win the ball back for Actonians 20 yards out. A lively opening 15 minutes, Kelsey Smith’s turn to play the pass up the line for Cheal-Ferris left side, Brereton again across to support, Redhead Ling in defence. Naomi Graham battling for possession in midfield looking to hold of Edgar, ends up fouling the Cambridge midfielder 30 plus yards out in a central position, Stojko-Down has a crack at goal lifts her shot over the crossbar.

  Actonians defending their box pushed back inviting Cambridge on still look a threat on the counter attack and are ready to pounce at any opportunity, Knorr coming to the left to receive the ball from Amber Dredge turns, fouled by Wallis winning a free-kick out wide, the delivery fired in with pace towards the near post through everyone, Webb though is right behind it takes the ball into her midriff as she falls forwards. Cambridge’s turn to break with pace the ball played out to Smith left side sends a fantastic ball into the left channel for Simmons to take into her path running into the area strikes the shot on the angle across the face of the Actonians goal wide at the far post.

  Igbavboa receiving the ball from Lalani in the middle attacks on the right strong on the ball turns inside to play the ball into the mix top of the Cambridge area, half cleared comes onto Graham 25 yards out strikes the ball her effort blocked. Hanif sending the ball out to the left for Actonians, Dredge on for Knorr the cross lifted into the box, Redhead Ling on the penalty spot, Smith in front of her winning the ball heading behind for Cambridge to concede the corner. On the left taken short as Hanif comes towards the taker payed back up the line for the cross to come in from deep, Webb taking it cleanly at the near post.

  Tempers flaring a decision going against Actonians, Dredge show a yellow card and sent to the sin bin for apparently throwing the ball away. The visitors to play the next 10 minutes with a player disadvantage. Knorr strong with the ball for Actonians turns well in attack looking to get in behind the defence, Otten recovering well diving in to win the ball with a well timed tackle. 25 minutes played a drinks break called.

  Cambridge struggling to make their player advantage count as Actonians get everyone behind the ball, Edgar upended top of the central circle winning the hosts a free-kick. Played into the box, finds its way through to the keeper. Hubbard with the ball central plays it on for Stojko-Down right channel has Wodhams advancing past her on the overlaps rolls the ball into her her strike from outside the box charged down the deflection taking it behind for a Cambridge corner. 

 Cheal-Ferris to curl the ball in from the right dropping beyond the far post Simmons stooping to attack it with her head drives the ball down into the ground at the post, Dogor across her line to knock the ball away for a corner on the left. Again the delivery is long beyond the far post attacked by two Cambridge players, a clash of heads as the ball is cleared outside the box, Wodhams looking to latch onto the shot, Hanif out quickly to making the blocking tackle before play is stopped to access the injured players.

 Cambridge pressing looking for a goal getting on with the ball, Actonians marshalling their box well, remains a tussle in the middle, Edgar carded for a foul on Lalani. The game a little scrappy as Actonians defend looking to get Dredge back on the pitch with her 10 minutes up. Cambridge seeing the ball into Simmons off a throw high on the left looks to take take the cross down beyond the far post and take the shot on the turn from the angle places the ball wide as she sends the shot across the goal.

  Cheal-Ferris seeing a shot blocked from 30 yards out as she receives the past in a central position from the right. The hosts looking the most likely to open the scoring Igbavboa and Knorr though patient up top ready to attack should the opportunity arise for the visitors. A flowing move from Cambridge through the middle Hubbard up to Stojko-Down has Simmons out to the right lays the ball into her Simmons in turn looking to play the return ball into Stojko-Down as she runs into the D, Brereton lunging in to make the challenge before a shot can be unleashed.

  Cambridge winning another set-piece out wide on the left Hubbard to play the ball into the box and a good pace and height towards the far post Wodhams getting up well to header the ball back towards goal turned behind a corner signalled. Bramwell defending the corner for Actonians look to counter Lalani with Hanif, can’t quite get the ball into Igbavboa. The game moving into stoppage time at the end of the 1st half.

 GOAL! Cambridge pressing for a goal at the end of the half Actonians hit their opponents on the counter, Knorr looking a threat he ball played into her in the middle takes it down of her chest well knocking it on and bursting into space on the right acing in behind heading for the box, Webb coming out to close her down one and one with the keeper, Knorr with a composed strike sending the shot past the diving keeper, and on into the goal beyond, letting out a roar in celebration as she opens her account for Actonians putting them into the lead! 0-1.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Actonians Ladies

  That the final action of the first half, Actonians jubilant as they head into the changing rooms in the lead the goal coming on the stroke of half-time. Have looked dangerous on the counter throughout many of their attacks coming from such moves as they defended deep inviting Cambridge on at times. The hosts arguably creating the better chances with out being clinical, but that’s football for you. Actonians have worked hard at the back and in the middle to break up Cambridge’s attacks the hosts using the width looking to get players on through the middle a positive first half without the reward. Actonians with a vital lead with something hold onto 2nd half and with that advantage can use their counter attacks wisely.

  The players out for the 2nd half, neither making any changes as Actonians get the 2nd 45 underway. Hanif sending the ball up to Igbavboa in attack, Hubbard in to win the ball back for Cambridge. On for Wodhams the midfielder fouled as she looks to take the ball forwards. Hanif winning the ball back for Actonians plays a diagonal ball from deep on the left into the area, Rouse heading the ball back into the middle or Cambridge, Igbavboa looking to run onto the ball, shoot, Wodhams diving in to make a good blocking tackle. 

  Cambridge moving the ball into the right channel, Simmons pulling away getting onto the ball sweeping a cross in towards the top of the area. Cheal-Ferris looking to see it down of her chest at the far post, slips as she goes to take the shot, Actonians scrambling the ball away. Todd Warmoth holding Simmons up in the right corner as Wallis plays the ball on down the flank for Cambridge, Bramwell coming across to help her teammate out. 

 

 Wodhams in to win the ball high for Cambridge sends the pass into Simmons right takes on the early cross blocked inside the box, Cambridge appealing for a handball, nothing doing. Remains as competitive in the middle as ever Igbavboa back to defend fouling Wodhams top of the circle. The free-kick clipped up into the area Cheal-Ferris up on the six yard line to head the ball up over the advancing keeper, towards goal however, Bramwell is back on the cover to head the ball off the line. 

 Actonians with an attack Redhead Ling released out on the right powering forwards cuts the ball back inside for Hanif to strike on the angle, blasts her strike into the side netting. Cambridge continue to press the attack passes forwards rushed at times Actonians solid in defence deep not allowing any gaps in behind. The visitors clear the ball at the back Graham up to Redhead Ling on the right driving forwards is on her own does well to win her side a corner. Lifted into the near side Hanif gets up well to head the ball turning it down into the mix, blocked Actonians turn to appeal and this time the referee points to the spot for a handball despite Cambridge’s protests.

Lalani placing the ball on the spot for Actonians an opportunity to double their advantage takes the run up and sends the spot kick up over the cross bar much to her dismay.

  The game more scrappy in the 2nd half, Cambridge with a desire to get the ball forwards quickly, Actonians determined to stop it at every opportunity, Hanif covering alot of ground across the park getting after the ball the most likely to free up her attackers. Cambridge making a change bringing off Otten at the back bringing on Marta Rodriguez to join the attack, the switch seeing Cambridge go to a back 4. Simmons putting the ball on for Wodhams as she breaks forwards into the right channel her cross into the area taking a deflection of Graham to see it safely claimed by Dogor in goal beyond. 

  Hanif winning the ball in the middle for Actonians as usual looking to release the attackers, Knorr central just straying offside as she breaks in behind. Knorr seeing the ball into her feet back to goal right channel has Redhead Ling moving up the wing the ball rolled into her her cross blocked by Smith for Cambridge. Lively as Edgar puts the ball into Stojko-Down 25 yards out hooks it on looking for Simmons, Brereton getting her head on the ball to clear Actonians with the counter attack Redhead Ling racing away with the ball on the right sweeping a cross into the near post claimed high by Webb.

  Actonians break up another Cambridge attack turn play around Hanif with a great diagonal ball into Knorr bursting away on the right channel running towards the top of the area, clear Webb comes rushing out to meet her sliding in at her feet to make the save turn the ball away for a corner kick.

  Comes to nothing as a 2nd drinks break is called. Hot out there and both sides are working hard Actonians resilient in defence frustrating their opponents. Play resumes Cambridge getting the ball on the left on for Rodriguez has Wodhams breaking on to get into the box ahead of her the ball lifted forwards, Bramwell getting to it first to head clear for Actonians. Gaps at the back with Cambridge pushing on Knorr looking to exploit it as the ball runs into her path driving on down the right Webb comes rushing out once again can’t get there the ball played across the area, Lalani closing in at the far post, Rouse manages to find the extra yard to dive in take the ball away from her.

  Wodhams taking the ball on right for Cambridge on for Simmons the cross into the area won by Bramwell. Cambridge with a throw on the left knocked on into the D falling to Wodhams goes to strike the ball inside the D, Todd Warmoth charging it down for Actonians. Cambridge pushing hard for an equaliser, Edgar in the middle with a neat past into Wallis on the right 30 out takes on the shot a low drive, Dogor on her line right behind it to make the stop.

  Actonians with a double change bringing on Olianna Bishop and Khyri Mackenzie for their debuts off come Todd Warmoth and Igbavboa. The substitutes linking up straight away Bishop forwards for Mackenzie the latter strong on the ball holding off a challenge sending the cross-field ball into Knorr right side, Webb seeing the threat out sharply to the edge of her area to slide in lay claim to the ball.

  Knorr receiving the ball from Hanif on the attack left channel surging into the box, closing in on the near post Webb stands up to her making the blocking save. Actonians remain compact difficult to break down Bramwell leading the defence well deep but winning crosses. Hubbard fires over from all of 25 yards out for Cambridge as she links up with Edgar through the middle. The game moving into the final 10 minutes. Edgar out to Wallis advancing on the right, turns inside her marker to deliver the cross into the area, Bramwell winning the header for Actonians.

  Cambridge pressing hard Bishop tackling Simmons on the right conceding the throw. Simmons 25 yards out seeing the ball into her feet strikes it on the turn the low effort put straight at the keeper. Knorr strong with the ball at her feet powering on down the right fires a vicious cross into the Cambridge six yard box, Wallis with the last ditch tackle to prevent the ball being turned into the back of the net. 

 The clock ticking down Cambridge bringing the ball on Simmons central out to Wodhams moving right down the line plays it back up to Wallis to play into the top of the area Stojko-Down meeting it her looping header dropping wide taking a deflection the corner awarded. Frantic defending in the box as the ball comes in Bramwell with 3 blocks in quick succession twice with her head as Cambridge look to turn the ball home inside the six yard box, then blocks with her feet as Hubbard gets a shot away from the penalty spot turned out to the left post off the keeper for another corner. 

 Cambridge sending on Charlotte Gillies to join the attack in the closing stages Wallis with a slight knock coming off. Actonians determined with the ball looking to run it into the corner. Tired legs out there as Cambridge get the ball back up the right for Gillies plays it across the top of the area looking for Rodriguez on the opposite side, Redhead Ling finding the energy to get past the attacker to get hold of the ball inside the box. Actonians fighting till the end get their campaign off to a winning start, Knorr’s finish late in the first half the difference.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Actonians Ladies

  Actonians with a determined and resilient performance at the back seeing them win the 3 points to get their season up and running. Kept it compact throughout soaking up alot of pressure breaking away to score the all important winner in the first half, that gave them vital confidence and belief to go onto defend their goal in the 2nd period and hopefully take another chance if it fell their way. A competitive tussle throughout Cambridge with a positive start taking the game to Actonians using the pitch well getting players forwards came up against a opponent prepared to drop deep not relinquish any space in behind. For all there attacks never had clinical edge to unlock the door, Actonians mostly attacking on the counter taking the chance when they had it.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season and as is often the case is another tough call. I certainly had a contender in mind leaving the ground and haven’t changed my mind despite a couple of other players putting themselves in contention as the notes from the report unfolded (I write too many notes I know, but it’s the players fault they create the drama, and it’s great drama!) A few performances to mention firstly for Cambridge a strong debut for Rosy Wodhams in the middle of the park winning the ball and looking to make attacking runs. Bella Simmons in attack coming for the ball created an number of opportunities. Gisela Otten, Emma Wallis and Lauren Rouse all making vital tackles at the back. Actonians with a goal and a clean sheet put in a strong defensive performance kept it compact at the back with good back up from their midfield. Mara Bramwell strong in defence winning the ball throughout. Dior Knorr in attack took her goal well patient up top making some dangerous runs on the counter. Today’s award goes to midfielder, Amina Hanif covered alot of ground getting about the pitch to win and close the ball down and more often than not it was her vision and passes that led to Actonians launching their counter attacks with such venom.

 Great to be back and a fantastic game from the FAWNL to start the season promises to be a great campaign ahead. More teams to see in action than there are weekends to cover them. Doesn’t matter how many off these reports I write I still get nervous but once the notes start flowing it all falls into place. My thanks to both clubs for the help with the team details today as ever much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham