Sunday 21st Sept

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying

As we enter autumn the women’s football season is finally in full swing with action right across the board, including 128 ties in this season’s Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying. It is to one of these contests I head this afternoon with Norfolk Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies hosting ERWFL Division One South side, Wormley Rovers Ladies.

 A prestigious competition with a rich history, the prize fund increasing in recent seasons to better match the growth of the women’s game in the country, although still short of what their male counterparts can earn, £3000 going to the winning side today with the losers taking away £750. Teams from step 7 right up to the WSL itself competing in the competition with the teams from tier 5 entering at this stage.

 Costessey Sports Ladies playing in just their 2nd Women’s FA Cup campaign, making it to 2nd Round Qualifying in their debut campaign last season knocked out by ERWFL Premier Division side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Beat an Essex side at home in 1st Round Qualifying coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller, 4-3 over Premier Division side, Brightlingsea Regent Ladies. Drawn at home once again in 2nd Round Qualifying, taking on ERWFL opposition with Hertfordshire side, Wormley Rovers Ladies.

 Looking to build on a strong finish to last season’s campaign which saw them clinch 4th spot in Norfolk Women’s Division One losing just the one game to eventually champions, Bungay Town Ladies in final 10 games. Building a squad on a strong foundation of youthful talent bringing in useful experience to add to the ranks. Alisha Juby returning to the club after two seasons away, Holly Williams joins having played for both King’s Lynn and Fakenham Town. Phoebe Pierpoint coming to the club from Needham Market. Kyara Everett, joins from Blofield U16s, winning the golden boot for 3 successive seasons prior. Chloe Moulton another recruit from Blofield & Norwich Academy. Jenny Moore the most recent signing stepping up into adult football. Starting the season strong with a 12-0 opening day win over newly promoted FC Viking & Valkyries followed by FA cup success and another 12 goal haul against Division Three side Long Stratton in the League Cup 1st Round. Thea Hackney leading scorer so far with 5 goals.

 Wormley Rovers Ladies burst onto the scene in 2022, and have enjoyed a successful start to life in women’s football, winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division in their debut season, promoted to the ERWFL, joining Division One South enjoyed further success winning the League Plate Final that year. Finishing 6th last season, had a decent run in the Women’s FA Cup eventually going out on penalties to then ERWFL Premier Division side, Cambridge City Ladies.

  A club with a strong youth setup with teams competing at all levels from U9’s through to U18’s have also formed a new women’s Development side this season playing in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two. Have brought in several experienced players to the squad while also promoting youth, Phoebe Ware, Ruby Ball and Jess Cooper all stepping up this season. Goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien recruited too having previously played for London Bees and Stevenage FC Women. Scoring plenty of goals too at the start of this campaign 30 so far from their opening 6 matches in all competitions, an unbeaten run of 5 games ended with a 7-3 loss at home to Colchester United Women last time out currently 3rd in the Division One South table. Won 11-0 against Lawford Ladies to reach 2nd Round Qualifying. Holly Fox top scorer so far netting 8 goals, With Summer Small scoring 7 and Ruby Hawksworth netting 5 times.

 The FDC in Bowthorpe the venue for today’s FA Cup game, one of a number of Football Development Centre scattered around Norfolk, boasting a clubhouse with bar, and café serving hot and cold drinks. A number of practice/training 3G pitches leading to the main pitch itself a large 3G pitch with a small seated stand and standing viewing in 3 sides. Has the facilities to host high profile games and cup finals. Today the 1st official day of autumn, the temperature dropping quite a bit, however there’s still some power in the sun shining down, notice the chill when the clouds cover it though. High above one goal might pose a few issues as the game progresses.

Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Kelly Fox, Paige Barnard (C), Alyssia Baldock, Layla Watts, Hannah Campbell, Abbi Nobbs, Holly Williams, Chelsea Brister, Alisha Juby, Thea hackney & Grace Wall. Subs – Cyan Fullbrook, Olivia Smith, Abbie Tate, Sydnie Brown, Phoebe Pierpoint, Kyara Everett & Chloe Moulton.

Wormley Rovers Ladies starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Malia Taylor, Gracie Manning, Aimee Burling, Leah Dunnage, Ciara Purdue (C), Emily Schofield, Summer Small, Ruby Hawksworth, Savannah Japal & Holly Fox.

 Both sides used to roll on roll off substitutes, the Women’s FA Cup rules seeing a fixed number of subs allowed, increased to 5 with sides able to name 7 on the bench, which Costessey have, Wormley with a late call off naming 6 on the bench from the squad travelling up to Norfolk. 

 Referee Elise Carroll Mileham leading the sides out onto the pitch. Paige Barnard captaining Costessey, Ciara Purdue wearing the armband for Wormley. It’s the visitors to kick-off the first half attacking into the sun, wearing light blue coloured shirts and socks with navy shorts. Costessey lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and red socks. The ball played back into midfield is lifted long into the right channel for Ruby Hawksworth to attack, Layla Watts dealing with the threat at full back for Costessey the hosts looking to get forwards cross the pitch into Grace Wall plays it up the right channel with Holly Williams providing the run, driving forwards is held up lays it back into Chelsea Brister coming across to support her angled cross dropped into the six yard box, Aimee Burling under it to head clear for Wormley.

 A bright start from both sides, Costessey up against higher league opposition not looknig to sit back, press the ball high, back and forth around the Wormley penalty area, Emily Schofield getting hold of the ball bringing it out for the visitors feeding the pass into the left wing for Savannah Japal to chase down, seeps a cross-field ball out to the right side, looking for Hawksworth, Abbi Nobbs getting her leg out to intercept for Costessey.

 Thea Hackney breaking in behind the Wormley defence looking to close goalkeeper Mia O’Brien down as she rushes out to the top of her area to clear the ball, rushed into her clearance goes away for a throw in the right. Costessey lively, Hackney, Williams and Alisha Juby up top all rushing in to try and close the ball down. Hannah Campbell taking the ball out to the left for Costessey linking up with Hackney the ball rolled into captain, Paige Barnard 25 yards out central she attempts to thread the pass on into the box for Hackney to run onto but it’s a little too strong, O’Brien can see it wide for the goal kick.

  Hackney played onto the ball on the right, Wormley seeing her as a threat quick to get numbers around her, captain Ciara Purdue cutting the inside pass out, the visitors quick to launch a counter attack the ball fed on up their right, Hawksworth up with Holly Fox in attack, the ball racing on into the box, Watts gets across the attacker well to shield the ball back to goalkeeper, Kelly Fox.

 Brister moving the ball into the middle, launching it into the right channel for Williams to attack, knocking the ball forwards looking to get in behind full back Gracie Manning the defender recovers quickly to get a foot in steal the ball away from the attacker. Costessey pushed up in defence at times see a ball lifted in behind for Japal to attack left side, Fox is quickly out of her area to win the race put her foot through the ball. 

 Wormley advance down the right winning a throw in the corner, turning it into a corner kick. Swung in tight to the near post, Costessey with bodies in the way to block, the ball deflected to the top of the area, Japal latching onto it blasts the ball back in towards goal, is blocked inside the six yard box, Costessey scrambling it away. Wormley having dealt with some strong pressing from Costessey early on starting to find their own rhythm.

 Campbell sending the ball on for Watts pushing on up the left looknig to link up with Hackney the ball helped on Malia Taylor lunging in to send the ball out for a throw defending for Wormley. The hosts getting players up into the final third Campbell right side linking up with Hackney and Juby, the ball crossed into the area, Leah Dunnage clearing for the visitors. Wormley launch a counter trying to catch Costessey’s defence pressed high, Japal sending it on through the middle inside for Holly Fox 30 yards out, Kelly Fox again rushing out of her box to try and close her down, can’t get there as Holly Fox releases the ball sending it past her towards the empty net, not alot of pace on the ball but no one has a chance of reaching it as they look back relieved to see it roll wide of the left upright.

  An energetic opening 15 minutes, both sides up for the tie. Wormley with another chance moments later as Summer Small is put through on goal inside the box right side, Fox saving with her legs from close range, the ball still alive top of the area, Purdue putting her foot through the ball, blocked turned behind for a corner kick on the right. Japal looking to hook it on across goal as it comes into be before the near post, Holly Fox in on the keeper, looking to nod the ball down over the line Costessey blocking hacked clear to the right, Wormley sending an angled shot back into the near post, Fox down sharply to save it.

  Purdue winning the ball well for Wormley in the middle combining passes with Schofield the ball rolled out to Hawksworth on the right Watts closing her down the ball out for a throw in taken quickly played on for Holly Fox making a right channel attack into the area, Nobbs coming to close her down seeing the ball safely into her keeper. 

 Dunnage winning the header at the back clearing for Wormley as Barnard plays a looping ball into the top of the area. Wormley awarded a free-kick out on the right on halfway the ball played up towards the top of the D, Purdue under it knocking it down to the right, a strike blasted in from distance, Fox down quickly to save to her right. Wall bringing the ball on for Costessey right side plays it up the line for Juby to attack, Manning staying on her, Juby wrestles possession back laying the ball back down the line for Williams who clips a fantastic cross in towards the far post, Dunnage with eyes on it all the way heading it clear for Wormley.

  The ball rarely still, Campbell influencing play taking the ball left combining with Juby and Hackney to cross coming back in across the top of the D, Purdue missing her clearance the ball popping up for Barnard to strike from 25 yards out, sends her strike over the bar. 

 Barnard snapping in to win the ball back in the middle of the park for Costessey trying to turn the Wormley defence around sends a diagonal ball out to the left with Hackney racing in behind, the flag going up immediately, neither she nor O’Brien see it as Hackney shoots, O’Brien dropping down beating the ball away. Play stopped then, brought back for the free-kick.

Williams taking the ball on from Campbell attacking on Costessey’s right, plays it on for Juby ahead of her, the cross delivered into the Wormley area cut out by Dunnage. Hawksworth and Japal switching flanks for Wormley, Schofield looking for Holly Fox moving left, Wall sticking out a leg cutting the pass out. An intriguing contest, feel Wormley might catch Costessey out as they press high, but the hosts are effective pressing the ball pushing the Wormley defence back, Burling and Dunnage reading the game well in the centre of defence though. 

  Williams racing onto the ball, quick to deliver a cross into the area, Dunnage under it for Wormley. Williams taking the ball on from Juby right side has Barnard running past her looking for the ball up the line, Purdue has gone with her however, tracking back well to put in the tackle deny the crossing opportunity. 

 Wormley up on the right forcing a corner kick, the ball swung in across the six yard box, Juby doing the defending for Costessey. The hosts working the ball up the right winning a throw Hackney coming across to the right seeing the ball down off her chest pushed into Juby to strike from the angle corner of the area the ball curled in towards goal, O’Brien behind it all the way to save for Wormley.

 Hawksworth brings the ball on down the left for Wormley, Wall lunging in halts her advance, Japal coming back at Wall to squeeze the ball past her, her cross intercepted by Baldock inside the Costessey area. Wormley playing the ball across the pitch into Japal on the right her cut back in towards the right of the D, met by Purdue looking to hit it first time, slices the ball wide of the near post. 

 Schofield with the ball right side angling it into the area for Holly Fox attacking near post, keeper Fox closing her down quickly to beat the ball away. Costessey break getting the ball into Hackney high on the right her cross swept into the six yard box, Juby closing in at the far post looking to throw her self at it, an awkward height can’t adjust her body to get significant contact. 

 Hackney getting onto the ball from Brister driving forwards into the area left of goal closed down sends it back out towards Brister to strike from 20 yards, blasted into the box Taylor getting something on it deflecting it up and on for O’Brien to catch cleanly. Costessey making a change, Williams coming off, Olivia Smith coming on sees a tactical switch with Smith going into the back line, Nobbs moving into the middle.

  Hawksworth looking to chase the ball down on the left for Wormley as it is played on by Schofield, Wall defending well getting across the winger to see the ball out for a goal kick. Wormley awarded a free-kick on the right as watts fouled Japal. Schofield over the ball 25 yards out her strike hitting the wall. But as Costessey look to clear their lines they give away another free-kick in a more central position. Again the wall does it’s job.

 Hackney with the ball high on the left angling a shot in across the keeper, O’Brien getting something on it sending the ball on across goal, Barnard rushing in at the far post can’t quite reach the ball as it runs out for a corner kick. The corner swept in across goal attacked by Brister at the far post knocked down Hackney has a swing at it, Wormley hooking the ball clear behind to the right for another corner. This delivery played into the top of the area coming to Nobbs in a central position drags her shot wide of the left post.

 Holly Fox stealing in behind the Costessey defence right of goal, shooting early to send the ball on the angle over the advancing keeper, her strike hitting the far post. Baldock defending on Holly Fox moments later as she looks to get onto a Small pass into the box right of goal, the offside flag is raised however. Manning bringing the ball out from the back for Wormley into midfield into Schofield helps it on for Japal bursting down the right she wraps her foot around the ball angling the cross-field ball into Hawksworth on the left, Wall quick to close her down for Costessey.

 Purdue bringing the ball down off of a throw on the left shooting from the angle 25 yards out her attempt straight at the Costessey keeper. Manning defending on Hackney inside the box right side as Costessey play the ball up to her the ball coming to Barnard high on the right puts the cross into the box cut out by Burling falls to Juby outside the area her lob back in over the bar. 

Half-time Costessey Sports Ladies 0-0 Wormley Rovers Ladies

 A lively first half ends with the sides heading back to the changing rooms all square, both goals intact. Good chances for both sides to score, set up nicely for the 2nd half. A bright start from Costessey didn’t look to sit back invite pressure from their higher league opponents, instead looked to apply pressure themselves get players up into the final 3rd. Wormley coming back at them looking for the passes to get in behind and create opportunities, defences on both sides with a number of vital tackles to keep it all square.

 No changes at the break from either side, Smith coming on in the first half to replace Williams for Costessey as the hosts attacking into the sun get the 2nd half underway. The ball sent long into the channel for Hackney, Taylor defending for the visitors. Wormley looking sharp at the start of the 2nd half as Schofield finds Japal in space on the right whips a dangerous ball into the area, cut out by Wall turned behind for a corner kick.

The corner played in from the right cut out by Nobbs at the near post. Comes back out to the right lifted back into the mix, Holly Fox looking to get over the ball knocks it down, is blocked deflected away for another corner.

 

GOAL! The delivery from the corner angled in deep to the top of the area, Holly Fox meeting it unmarked to turn the ball goal-wards from her header, angling it towards the far post past the keeper, strikes the inside of the post to bounce back in across the goal 0-1. Wormley into the lead 2 minutes into the 2nd half.

 A blow for Costessey early in the 2nd half press on the right Brister into Juby the ball into her run sends a cross angling in across goal, Hackney closing in centrally, O’Brien across her getting to the ball first scooping it up into her gloves. Dunnage defending for Wormley stepping out of the back line to intercept the ball as Wall looks to float an angled delivery into the top of the D. 

 Holly Fox coming across to the left for Wormley linking up with Hawksworth exchanging passes the latter stealing into the area, Brister getting in a timely tackle putting her foot in to push the ball on for her keeper to clear. Costessey on the ball Campbell bringing it on down the left inside to Juby on for Hackney, held up by Taylor, Campbell getting it back delivering a cross into the far post, Brister forwards looking to get it under control closed down by Dunnage. Comes back to Hackney outside the area central pulls her shot wide low past the right post.

 Dunnage working hard in defence reading the game hooking the ball away to safety as Juby lifts her pass into the area. Hawksworth gets away with the ball at her feet on the left for Wormley rolled on into the area for Holly Fox, Smith gets her body in the way to defend shield the ball back to her keeper. Purdue charging on with the ball for the visitors looking to play it on for Hawksworth on the left, Wall winning it back well for Costessey. 

 

 GOAL! Wormley pushing getting after the ball high up the pitch Purdue proactive chasing the ball down comes out to the left played inside the box into Holly Fox closing down on the near post shoots under challenge, Kelly Fox getting something on it as she goes to ground making the blocking save, the ball deflected straight back at Fox rebound off the attacker to strike the base of the post, the ball coming back out to the left still with Wormley, Costessey switching off momentarily as the ball is played back into the area straight to an unmarked Small just inside to wrap her foot around the ball and blast it home to double the lead 0-2.

 Wormley doubling their advantage in the 56th minute, to get control of the contest. Costessey making a change bringing of Watts and sending on Sydnie Brown a straight swap at full back. Juby also being replaced with Abbie Tate coming on to join the attack. Small having just scored for Wormley is taken off moments after being flagged offside, the visitors sending on Rebecca Evans. Campbell firing the ball into the left flank for Brown to attack, the substitute with pace to burn racing after the ball, Japal going with her holding up Brown on the by-line conceding a corner kick.

  The corner curled in across goal met by the rising Hackney at the far post knocked down back across goal blocked on the line, comes out to Tate outside the D, central stretching as she shoots her effort wide past the right post. The game looking a bit stretched now Japal looking to get onto the end of an Evans pass out to the right, Brown back at her to defend for Costessey. 

 Costessey making another switch bringing off Campbell, sending on Phoebe Pierpoint. Wormley winning a corner on the right taken short into Purdue to sweep a cross into the far post, two attackers leaping for it neither can get a touch. Costessey’s turn to win themselves a corner out on the right another vicious delivery in across the face of goal, Pierpoint knocking it down towards goal at close range the ball once again blocked on the line, comes out towards the penalty spot flashed back in wide of the left post for a goal kick. 

 Holly Fox running through onto an over the top past, left of the area looks to try and lob the advancing keeper, the ball dropping wide past the far post. Rachel Daltrey coming on to join the defence for Wormley with Japal coming off. Pierpoint sending the ball on down the left wing for Brown to chase, Taylor coming back at her to challenge the ball off her for a corner kick. Curled in long past the far post no one getting a touch.

 Barnard taking the ball on from Brister on the right firing the ball into Hackney central 25 yards out, sends the ball in on goal looking to get it up over the keeper, but not enough on it to trouble O’Brien. Wall is down for Costessey having injured her foot, needs to come off, Chloe Moulton coming on. Holly Fox coming off too for Wormley with Lily Hanlon coming on to join the action with less then 10 minutes left to play.

  Wormley managing the game well dropping back keeping it tight through the middle. Burling and Dunnage well protected by Schofield, Evans and Purdue in front of them. Purdue advancing with the ball threaded on for Hanlon, Fox out rapidly to the top of her area to close her down.

  Wormley looking to take the ball into the corners see out the game, winning a throw high on the right, Evans turns on the ball to send a cross into the area, caught cleanly by Fox. Costessey get on the counter attack the ball lifted out to the right and early cross angled in across the six yard box to the far post Pierpoint closing in on goal sends the ball past the keeper and the left post. 

  Into the final 5 minutes, players tiring on both sides, Tate taking the ball into her feet from the left turns towards the area driving forwards stopped by Burling, the ball nicked back even as Wormley attempt to counter, Hackney top of the D pulling her shot wide of the right post. Burling across to defend kicking the ball away for a throw as Brown looks to burst clear on Costessey’s left. Dropped into Hackney turns to play the ball into Nobbs outside the box central, sends a looping shot in on goal dipping on O’Brien the keeper beating it down, Moulton racing onto the loose ball to blast home right of goal but as she turns she can see the linesman with his flag raised, offside.

  Tate charging the ball down outside the Wormley area deflects into Pierpoint 20 yards out right of goal sends it in on the keeper, bounces up off the turf grabbed by O’Brien. The clock ticking down Wormley break up the left winning a corner, look to play it close keep possession, Hanlon holding it up is chopped down from behind, the final whistle blows up, and Hanlon receives treatment even as Wormley celebrate the win advancing to the next round of the FC Cup.  

Full time Costessey Sports Ladies 0-2 Wormley Rovers Ladies

An entertaining cup tie in the finish, Costessey giving it their all, Wormley respecting their opponents doing their research. The game goalless at half-time both sides with good chances to score, Costessey taking the game to Wormley putting the back line under some pressure. Wormley just with that little bit extra experience coming out strong at the start of the 2nd half getting an early goal to settle things down and catching Costessey cold to add a 2nd get control of the tie. Costessey never gave up tried to find a reply get themselves back into the tie but Wormley could get players back behind the ball pick their moments to go forwards.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  These things are rarely easy but time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, honestly to single out a single individual from either side is tough today both put in a good shift. Some great performances out there, firstly for Costessey, Grace Wall played well at right back, won the ball well and offered some good passes going forwards. Goalkeeper, Kelly Fox covered her box well alert to the threat as her defence pushed up. Hannah Campbell with some great runs and passing in midfield. Paige Barnard solid linked up with the attackers well. Thea Hackney a threat throughout and rightly singled out by Wormley as the one to watch. For Wormley, Holly Fox was lively in attack made some great runs creating chances for herself and others. Savannah Japal got up well on the flanks ready to receive the ball and link up with her fellow attackers, Emily Schofield and Ciara Purdue strong in the middle getting after the ball making some positive runs and joining the attack. Aimee Burling winning several balls in defence, the award though goes to her fellow centre back Leah Dunnage read the game well throughout won her headers, closed down and stood out in a sometimes congested box. 

 An enjoyable first trip to The FDC of the season, an intriguing cup time well contested. Good to catch up with Wormley, will be hoping for a favourable draw in 3rd Round Qualifying, making a good start to their league campaign too. Early days in Norfolk Division One but it’s clear to see the progress Costessey have made since joining the league, played well against a higher league opponent, and look to have a good squad to compete at the top end of the league this season. My thanks to both sides for all their help today as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham