Sunday 3rd November

Women’s FA Cup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

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

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

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

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

by Darren Gilham