Sunday 25th October

Women’s FA Cup

 Heading down to Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch a game from the 1st Round Proper of this season’s Women’s FA Cup. Crewe Alexandra Women making the 155 mile trip to play Royston Town Women in an all Regional premier Division clash.

 The regional sides battling through the qualifying rounds to reach the 1st Round Proper of the competition, with the potential to make history and earn valuable prize money for their respective clubs. 48 ties across the country. The prize money jumping up to £7,000 for the winners of todays match with the losing side collecting £2,500.

 Royston Town Women with fond memories of last season’s Women’s FA Cup with historic run in the competition reaching the 3rd Round Proper, eventually losing out to Championship side Southampton FC Women. Confident of making similar progress this season. Have started the season well, 2nd in the ERWFL Premier Division having trimmed down the squad, losing some experienced players but retaining a strong core whilst bringing in new faces to freshen things up. Izzy Teague the current top scorer with 6 goals from 11 games with Frankie Pim claiming 4 goals in her 7 appearances to date. 

 Teague scoring for Royston in their 2-0 home win against fellow Premier Division side, Atletico London Women in 2nd Round Qualifying, Ailsa Heal also on target with the other. Drawn at home again in the 3rd Qualifying Round taking on Chesham United Women playing in the Southern Regional Premier Division. Frankie Pim firing Royston to the the lead on 17 mins before the visitors came back to lead 2-1 at the break. So it remained going into the last 5 minutes of the game Royston equalizing through Izzy Teague. 2-2 heading into stoppage time the hosts finding the winning goal with Hannah Bodily getting the touch to see Royston into the 1st Round Proper with a 3-2.

The Women’s FA Cup giving me the opportunity to see teams from further afield with Crewe Alexandra Women the visitors to Garden Walk this afternoon making the long trip across the country to Hertfordshire. Playing in the North West Women’s Regional Premier Division currently 9th in the table. An all tier 5 tie Crewe Alexandra Women regularly featuring in the 1st Round Proper of the Women’s FA Cup but haven’t progressed beyond that round for over 20 years. Lola Taylor the current top scorer with 5 goals to her name with Rhianna Tomlinson and Emilia Edwards both on 4 each.

  Late goals from Rhianna Tomlinson and Emma Arrowsmith saw Crewe over come tier 6 side Atherton Laburnum Rovers Ladies 2-1 in 2nd Round Qualifying of this season’s Women’s FA Cup. At home in 3rd Round Qualifying taking on Droitwich Spa Women was a goal fest with the sides sharing 11 goals between them,, Crewe with the lions share in the finish, with Lola Taylor netting a hat-trick, along with a brace for Kyia Lancaster, plus a goal apiece for Emilia Edwards and Rhianna Tomlinson to clinch a 7-4 victory to send them through to the 1st Round Proper.

 Storm Boelo blowing in across much of the UK on Saturday bringing heavy rain and windy conditions following on from Storm Austin affecting the south of the country the day before. Still very blustery coming into Sunday but the rain disappearing allowing some much needed dry out before this afternoon’s fixtures, the game at Garden Walk unaffected. Still very windy with a chill in the air but otherwise bright and sunny, the wind no doubt having an impact of playing conditions. The pitch at Royston sloping from one goal mouth to the other. A good side the stadium surrounded by housing, the bar and clubhouse open along with the food truck serving hot food and drinks, a club that very much gets behind it’s woman’s team.

Royston Town Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Dilly Haslehurst, Annie Georgiou, Amy Houghton (C), Kiaya Payne, Hannah Bodily, Phoebe Newman, Izzy Teague, Ailsa Heal, Amelie Sarll. Subs – Amy Martin, Katie Boyle, Chase Bembridge, Ailish Straver, Emma Slater, Annabel Hacker & Jordanne Sillitoe.

Crewe Alexandra Women starting XI – Emma Whitehouse, Emma Arrowsmith, Caitlin Campbell, Shanice Finbow, Emma Heath, Jessica Sheridan (C), Sophie Taylor, Lola Taylor, Rhianna Tomlinson, Emilia Edwards & Kyia Lancaster. Subs – Mia Hurst, Sophie Stockton, Iris Bray & Frankie Treanor.

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes then the tie will be settled by penalties.

  Royton busy in the transfer market in recent weeks adding to their squad bringing in Amelie Sarll from MK Dons Women and Annabel Hacker from Cambridge United WFC both on dual registration. Jordan Sillitoe also back at Royston after a brief spell with Sudbury, Chase Bembridge the latest addition to the squad joins from Chesham United Women. Sarll starting for Royston with Hacker, Sillitoe and Bembridge on the bench. Up to 7 substitutes can be named on the bench with clubs allowed to use 5 in the competition. The visitors with the kick-off 1st half attacking down the slope, Crewe wearing red coloured shirts with navy trim, white shorts and red socks. Royston lined up opposite wearing white shirts and socks with black shorts.

 A false start as referee, Elora Hardstaff gets the game under way the Crewe attackers bursting forwards too soon the ball brought back to the centre circle, the visitors with the same attacking intent sending the ball out into the left channel, the wind getting behind the ball Royston defender Dilly Haslehurst can let it run out behind for the goal kick. The ball squeezed in the middle as both sides move in quickly to close it down, Hannah Bodily for Royston getting it forwards into attacker Frankie Pim, Shanice Finbow closing her down hooking it clear for Crewe. 

 Ailsa Heal getting the ball into her feet out on the right for the hosts pushing up the wing drills a low cross into the near post, Emma Arrowsmith tracking back for Crewe cutting the ball out. Crewe looking to get the ball out onto the flanks, Rhianna Tomlinson knocking it on, Haslehurst just getting their ahead of Emilia Edwards to intercept at the back. The visitors with possession high on the left the pass inside to Edwards corner of the box, pulls the trigger 20 yards out, goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves can see the ball race wide of the far post. The ball from Phoebe Newman for Royston central into Pim outside the box right side of the D looks to burst into the box, Finbow getting the tackle in to take the ball off her feet away for a throw on the right.

  Heal with a long throw in her arsenal dropping a teasing delivery into the box right of goal, turned behind for the 1st corner of the game. Annie Georgiou to take curls the in-swinging corner into the side netting. The game a little scrappy as both side look to play with a high intensity early on closing each other down, the windy conditions playing their part. Crewe looking to set up defensively conceding ground allowing Royston to press up another ball played through the middle sees Crewe goalkeeper, Emma Whitehouse racing out to the top of her area to make a good high claim with Pim looking to run in behind her defence.

Heal looking to use the wind to enhance her long throw in’s as Haslehurst feeds her the ball up the right, Sarll looking to get it down into her feet corner of the area, turns into traffic, dis-possessed by Arrowsmith. Tomlinson sending the ball out into the right wing, Heath looking to get on the move is hauled over by Payne winning Crewe a free-kick. Deep on the wing, Crewe nevertheless bring players up from the back, looked a tall side as I saw them walk out of the tunnel onto the pitch before kick-off and with the wind any ball into the box carries an added threat. Heath to play it in doesn’t get hold of it, intercepted by Georgiou top of the D for Royston.

Kyia Lancaster gets forwards on the left for Crewe played on by Tomlinson, pushing up the line, Haslehurst with the challenge seeing the ball out of play. Georgiou onto a lose Crew ball plays it on for Izzy Teague on the left wing, getting the ball into her feet turns inside getting into the box getting a half yard free to unleash a shot, arrowing towards the top corner, Whitehouse diving a full stretch getting a hand to the ball to turn it wide behind for the corner kick.

Royston playing the corner short into Heal right side top of the area sees her strike charged down deflected behind for another corner. This delivery curled in towards the near post with pace striking the base of the upright, rebounding back out to the right, flashed back in near side, Finbow getting it away to safety for the visitors. Royston winning the ball at the back look to counter on their left Pim linking up with Sarll and Teague, Sophie Taylor getting the tackle in for Crewe to halt the momentum.

 Royston quick to in the ball back snapping in, Newman into Bodily the midfielder lining up a shot from distance, the effort blocked top of the D, Pim latching onto the loose ball shifts it to her right pulling the trigger, another vital block the ball deflected behind to the right of goal for the corner kick. The box packed, Royston looking to curl the ball in close to goal, find the side netting. Crewe giving away a few free-kicks, with the windy conditions both sides looking to take advantage push players up drop the ball into the box, Finbow getting it clear for the visitors. 

 Crewe winning a set-piece deep on the right, looking to push players up from the back into the area, the ball flighted in Tomlinson the target, Bodily up with her for Royston winning the header. Heath getting on up the right wing for Crewe on the overlap looking to take the ball into the box, Georgiou racing back with her for Royston getting her tackle right to get her foot on the ball to bring it away from danger.

 Edwards seeing a diagonal pass from Heath on the right into her feet top of the D 25 yards out, bringing it inside looking to line up the strike, Bodily closing her down charging her effort down, Haslehurst getting forwards on Royston’s right side feeding the ball central into Bodily, lines up another blast from range the ball blocked by the Crewe defence. Tomlinson knocking the ball down lifts it forwards looking for Lola Taylor as she makes the right channel run, Payne with the interception for Royston.

  Georgiou up on the left for Royston sends a diagonal ball up to Pim in attack, looking to take players on, Caitlin Campbell closing her down turning the ball out to the left for a throw in the corner. Crewe awarded the free-kick on half-way again players come forwards the ball sent out to the wing for captain Jessica Sheridan to chase down, Georgiou can get across the ball to see it safely behind for the goal kick. Royston keeping the ball moving, Crewe needing to be alert around their box as Teague and Pim both look to force their way through into the box get a sight on goal. Sophie Taylor into Sheridan on for Lola Taylor breaking right, Payne closing her down shielding the ball out of play.

 Half an hour played a fairly even contest, Royston lively looking to gain ground, Crewe having to concede territory drop players back, limiting their attacks, a game of few clear cut chances with half and hour played. Heal high on the right with another long throw for Royston defended knocked out towards the left, Georgiou inside in space taking on the strike the ball on target but Whitehouse right behind it too save low for Crewe. Teague given the ball out on the left for Royston, twists and turns fighting to get inside unleashing a shot from 25 yards out put straight at the keep at a comfortable height.

  Teague played in on the left side cutting inside her strike taking a deflection turned behind for the corner kick. Dropped into the near post defended back out to the corner taker the ball crossed in again cleared by Finbow. Royston asking a few questions as the first half draws to a close. Crewe winning the ball at the back get it on up to Tomlinson lobs it on into Edwards in attack outside the box can’t get it down under control before being closed down by Royston’s Houghton. 

Pressure from Royston as they get players on in the final 3rd Pim putting it on into the box for Teague bearing down on the six yard box, Campbell on her shoulder, Whitehouse coming out to make the blocking save between defender and goalkeeper the ball turned behind for the corner kick. The delivery long across goal defended well at the far post. Heal and Teague switching flanks for Royston. Sophia Taylor moving out to the left for Crewe in attack trying to get inside Haslehurst. The ball stabbed clear regained in the middle by the visitors the ball sent up into the opposition box Lola Taylor making the run trying to get on the end of it lobs the ball over Reeves before the goalkeeper can get to the ball, her attempt smashing down off the crossbar

 Crewe attacking as the first half moves into stoppage time, Edwards linking up with Heath the ball forwards into Lola Taylor, Bodily snapping in with the tackle the ball half cleared a shot struck from range to the left, Reeves behind it all the way in the Royston goal. The hosts winning a throw high on the right in the dying moments of the half dropped into bodily corner of the area her shot fired in striking the upright. The last kick of the half.

Half-time Royston Town Women 0-0 Crewe Alexandra Women

 The first half ending in stalemate, the two sides heading back to the changing rooms having both truck the woodwork late on. The wind playing it’s part out there for sure. Crewe set up defensively soaking up a bit of pressure Royston coming on the ball won in the middle attacking the flanks, Teague turning inside forcing Whitehouse into a top draw save. The visitors defending leaving one up winning the ball in the box putting in the blocks. Looks to be shaping up to a game with few goals in it.

 The sides out for the 2nd period, the wind gusty at times, no changes from either side with Royston kicking off attacking down the slope the ball played long out to the left, defended by Sheridan for Crewe. Royston pushing up early closing the ball down swinging a diagonal ball into the area from the right, seen out for the goal kick. Newman snapping in to win the ball in the final 3rd out to Heal on the right, Arrowsmith putting it out for the throw. Heal dropping a long throw into the near post seen out for a corner kick. Played short between Georgiou and Sarll, the cross whipped in long over everyone attacking it at the far post.

  Arrowsmith winning the ball well at the back for Crewe up against the on rushing Pim as the attacker looks to get onto the end of a long ball forwards. Lola Taylor isolated up top nevertheless covering the ground looking to get onto the ball as her side battle to regain possession at the back, played in central looks to make a driving run into the right channel, Georgiou lunging in to deny her the ball. A little scrappy at times as both sides continue to snap at the ball. Heal having a go from distance out on the right sending her effort over.

 Heal linking up with Sarll on Royston’s right the pass on for Pim in attack, Finbow going with her getting the challenge in before she can work herself free to shoot. Finbow dropping off whenever Crewe are able to push out from the back give herself room to deal with the counter from Royston. Heal tracking inside with the ball at her feet closed down by Sheridan the hosts getting hold of the ball looking to pressure the Crewe defence around their box. 

 Another long throw from Heal on the right causing chaos inside the six yard box as it drops down amongst bodies, legs everywhere the ball blocked before being scrambled outside Georgiou onto it 25 yards out to the left of the D, goes to shot her attempt blocked the referee seeing a hand involved awarding the free-kick. The set-piece from Bodily drilled in racing wide of the far post. Royston press Pim out to Heal right side, Arrowsmith into tackle the ball out for the throw, long into the box Edwards clearing it away to the left for the corner kick.

 Houghton fouling Lola Taylor as the Crewe attacker looks to drive with the ball on half-way. Royston making the 1st change of the game with 57 minutes played, bringing of Teague, Emma Slater absent at the start of the season back for the hosts, top scorer last season. Lola Taylor often isolated ready too receive the ball as the visitors win it back on half-way helped on into her feet as she drives into the box forced right getting her shot away on the angle, Reeves getting down behind it to save for Royston. 

 Royston pressing hard looking to break the deadlock getting a throw in the corner on the right, Crewe with plenty back in the box to defend put back out to heal on the right lifts her cross in towards the far side turned away to the top of the area left side, the snap shot comes racing back in low in danger of creeping in inside the post, Whitehouse throwing herself down to her right making the save to ensure the ball runs out the wrong side of the upright conceding the corner. Plenty back for Crewe to defend tuned away at the top of the area.

 Royston asking the questions, Sarll over to the left firing a cross into the area, Slater racing in on the penalty spot twisting her body to nod the ball down back towards Pim positioned top of the area, but won’t fall kindly to her feet before she’s closed down, the ball loose Newman latching onto it 20 yards out, taking on the strike, her effort brushing the roof of the net on it’s way over. Bodily to Heal on the right her cross dropped into the six yard box, Slater’s shot blocked before another attempt at the ball at the far post is deflected over for the corner kick. Royston making a 2nd change with Jordan Sillitoe coming on to replace Sarll.

 25 minutes played in the 2nd half as the corner comes in from the left defended at the near post, back out to the left. Crewe make their 1st change, up top in attack bringing off Lola Taylor sending on Iris Bray. Crewe having soaked up alot of pressure in defence holding players back pushing Edwards, Lancaster and Tomlinson further up to try and get some much needed momentum up the other end. Tomlinson carrying the ball away to the left bundled over winning the free-kick.

GOAL! Arrowsmith over it deep on the left inside the Royston half, players forwards to attack it, fired into the box, Tomlinson near side flicking it on towards the far post Edwards rushing in to attack it smashing the ball in across the keeper to score! Immediately jumped up by her joyous teammates in celebration 0-1!

 A goal against the run of play but Crewe have taken their chance have the lead in the 68th minute, can see straight away the goal has given them a much needed boost of confidence and energy as they redouble their efforts to get after the ball, a blow for Royston, Heath closing down Heal as she brings the ball on left side sending it out for the throw. The delivery from the long throw falling to Slater stooping in to meet it with her head near side firing the ball onto the post!

 Slater busy in attack looking for the ball for Royston seeing it into her feet 20 yards out central turns to shoot firing the ball wide of the right post. Sheridan back in her box defending for Crewe as Royston push for an immediate response. Bodily sending a ball into Pim central top of the area lets it run under her foot onto Slater, turning to shot 10 yards out the ball flashed wide of the right post. Slater pro-active onto the pass from Newman driving into the box wide right closing in on the by-line her cross cut back into the six yard box, claimed well by Whitehouse getting down to catch it.

 Heal with another long throw in the right corner, bounces up at the near post, Whitehouse behind it snatching it cleanly into her gloves. Pim seeing the ball into her feet back to goal turning it on to the right with Haslehurst advancing into space corner of the area lifts her cross/shot onto the roof of the net. Royston making a 3rd change with Payne giving way, Annabel Hacker coming on. Slater bursting into the six yard box wide right of goal her cross cut out by Finbow for Crewe.

 Crewe digging in as the game moves into the 80th minute determined in defence, Pim fouled as she looks to drive with the ball, the referee showing a yellow card. The free-kick down the line Pim after it into the box right of goal sends the ball looping up in towards goal, claimed by Whitehouse. Newman on for Slater her pass into Pim driving into the box, shoots Whitehouse getting down sharply behind it to block and down to grab up the loose ball before Pim can pounce on the follow up.

  Houghton picking up a yellow card as she pulls down, Lancaster on halfway. The clock ticking down Royston pushing for a goal, a throw on the right leading to a corner. Fired into a crowded six yard box, Crewe defend the ball back out wide, sent back in under the bar Whitehouse under pressure dealing with it the ball away before the whistle blows for  foul on the keeper. Sillitoe coming inside from the left shooting from the angle 25 yards out her shot held by Whitehouse back on her line. 

Winning a free-kick on halfway Royston send everyone forwards as the ball is played into Georgiou to the left lifts the ball up into the area, Campbell defending for Crewe getting the ball clear. Hacker taking the ball on into the box right side to the by-line cutting her cross back in central into the six yard box, Sillitoe throwing herself at it can only turn the ball on wide past the far post. Deep into injury time when 3 minutes are signalled Crewe with everyone back determined to keep the clean sheet. Houghton up with the ball lifting in it in one goal, Whitehouse punching it away to the left. 

 Royston winning a corner fighting for a goal in the dying moments of the game fired in towards goal the post hit again the ball behind for a corner on the left. Fired into the near post helped on into the mix inside the six yard box, somehow turned over the bar. One final corner from the right Crewe battling get it clear before being hooked over the bar. The camera trained on Crewe’s captain, Sheridan as the final whistle blows the visitors holding on for the win to reach the 2nd Round Proper of the Women’s FA Cup for the 1st time in over 20 years.

Full time Royston Town Women 0-1 Crewe Alexandra Women

  Crewe getting the result scoring the only goal of the game in the 2nd half to win the game and move onto the 2nd Round Proper of the Women’s FA Cup. Took their chance when it came as they fought at the back to keep a relentless Royston from scoring. Backs to the wall at time but everyone did their job, leaving one up top for much of the half inviting pressure, Whitehouse with another vital save the woodwork coming to their rescue too. Royston will certainly feel aggrieved by the result had by far more chances but didn’t make one count in the finish despite all their attacking play. A long trip home for Crewe but will certainly be a happy one.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, two contrasting performances played in difficult conditions, a competitive tie performances of note from both sides. Firstly for Royston, Annie Georgiou played well on the left defending and getting on to support the attack. Izzy Teague lively especially first half taking players on looking to get into the box very unlucky not to be on the score sheet. Hannah Bodily winning the ball well in the middle keeping Royston on the front foot. Emma Slater coming on 2nd half adding to the attacking threat. A battling display in defence for Crewe working hard in the final 3rd to keep Royston at bay. Shanice Finbow winning her fair share of the ball, dealing with alot of balls put into the box from wide. Emma Arrowsmith with some vital challenges too. Emilia Edwards getting back to help in defence, getting forwards to score the wining goal. Lola Taylor often on her own up top putting in a shift, defended as a team the award going to goalkeeper, Emma Whitehouse under pressure with her defence pushed back on her at times dealt with the ball making a crucial save in both halves to ensure the clean sheet help her team progress in the competition.

  An enjoyable trip back to Garden Walk, not the result Royston wanted and will be wondering how they didn’t score the winner themselves. Crewe fought hard as a team to defend looked like a single goal would be enough to clinch the win and they took their chance. Will be eager to see who they get drawn against in the 2nd Round Proper. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line-ups today.

by Darren Gilham