Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Luton Town Ladies

Sunday 5th February

ERWFL Premier Division

It is becoming an intense battle at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division with just 4 points separating the top 6, all with ambitions to win the title an achieve promotion to the FAWNL. Today’s it’s a clash of the top two with leaders Luton Town Ladies away to Hertfordshire rivals Stevenage FC Women.

  Luton Town Ladies now back on top after setting the pace early on, the chasing pack gaining ground Stevenage FC Women briefly on top themselves just 2 points back in 2nd. Behind them all on 18 points newly promoted sides AFC Sudbury Women & Needham Market Women along with Haringey Borough Women and Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies.

  Stevenage FC Women looking to bounce back to the FAWNL at the 1st attempt suffering relegation last season ending a 6 year stay in the FAWNL, recoding a 6th placed finish along the way. Achieving promotion to the FAWNL though no easy task as today’s opponents Luton Town Ladies will testify. The ERWFL Premier Division featuring some strong sides very competitive with just the title winners going up. Stevenage though are well placed to mount a title challenge assembling a strong squad, briefly taking over the lead a fortnight a go a 1-0 loss in a controversial game at Haringey Borough Women last Sunday seeing them drop back to 2nd. Amy Makewell leading goal scorer with 11 goals from 10 appearances, Becky Shepard and Emily Schofield with 6 and 5 respectfully. Have played 3 games more than Luton so a positive result is vital to stop them pulling away.

  Luton Town Ladies themselves a long established side in the FAWNL their run in the 4th tier coming to an end 3 season’s ago. The Covid pandemic disruption no doubt hindering their attempts to get back to the FAWNL are no back in strength ready to make a solid promotion push. Got off to a flying start with a 100%, 8 game winning streak seeing them pull away from the chasing pack. Were dragged back into the mix by the sad withdrawal of Harlow Town Ladies due to the pitch issues at the Harlow Arena, those points 6 in total wiped off saw those behind right back in it. A draw with King’s Lynn Town Ladies their only points dropped so far returned to the top with a 3-0 home win against Royston Town Ladies last Sunday. Jess Mckay and Lil Sanders are both on 11 goals from 13 appearances each with Leyah Maddix netting 8 from 13 played. Nikki Baker stepping down as first team manager, Rob Burton taking on the role this season with Myles Maddix as head coach.

The County Ground, Letchworth the venue for today’s game, situated by the Hertfordshire FA’s offices the artificial pitch and stadium seeing a number of improvements in recent seasons with an updated bar and cafe area behind the main stand serving hot and old drinks. The main stand covered offering plenty of seating with terraced stands behind one goal and the opposite side of the pitch, where I headed to today to have the low sun at my back, albeit putting me in the shade in what was otherwise a pleasant, mild and still day with no wind or rain forecast excellent playing conditions.

Stevenage FC Women

 Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Tea Oldroyd, Lucy Webster (C), Anna Re, Nicole Farmer, Vicky Neal, Holly Greenwood, Hannah Bodily, Erin Price, Jodie Bellinger, Kelsey Millen & Emily Schofield. Subs – Katie White, Shianne Swarres, Becky Shephard, Amy Gooderham & Amy Makewell.

Luton Town Ladies

 Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Angelika Kopec, Maria Taylor, Hannah Major, Tanya Blacksley, Elly Wade, Kiera Palmiero, Jess McKay (C), Fi Constable, Andie Dickens, Lil Sanders & Leyah Maddix. Subs – Hannah Payne, Shanice Lewis, Shakeela Hussain, Adi Milton & Lilac Wilson.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   Both sides naming 5 on the bench with plenty of attacking options to bring on, Luton to get the match underway wearing orange shirts and socks with navy coloured shorts. Stevenage lined up opposite wearing red top coloured shirts fading to black about the middle, red shorts with white socks.

The ball played back to captain Jess McKay in the centre of midfield she clips a diagonal pass long out to the right as Andie Dickens breaks up the line, Anna Re dealing with the threat at left back for Stevenage. Play paused with an injury on the far side of the pitch, Stevenage’s Emily Schofield having taken a knock before the dig outs the trainer called on, Schofield accessed and waved back on as play resumes. Lil Sanders showing good pace in attack linking up well with Dickens on the right in the early exchanges as Luton press the ball and get it moving quickly.

Stevenage captain Lucy Webster at right back has a decent throw on her as she looks to get Kelsey Millen away up the flank, McKay tracking back to lunge in with the challenge take the ball away from the attacker. From the resulting throw higher up the pitch Webster gets the return pass down the line and wraps her foot around the ball to send a dangerous cross into the six yard box, long Jodie Bellinger latches onto her inside the area but can’t smuggle her shot past goalkeeper, Angelika Kopec as she stoops to grab up the ball.

Stevenage’s Jodie Bellinger

A competitive midfield battle going on Luton moving in quickly to close Stevenage down on the ball, Erin Price however managing to evade a tackle stretching forwards to lift her pass long out to Millen breaking on the right wing in behind, Tanya Blacksley comes out from the centre to charge down her cross. Millen finding space on the right a good outlet for Stevenage as they continue to be harried on the ball in the centre of the park, bringing the ball inside links up with Price the midfielder unable to thread the ball behind an organised Luton back line.

Luton’s Tanya Blacksley

Two sides looking to get at each other no one afforded much time on the ball, neither wanting it looking to get the ball moving, Stevenage caught out with a high line as Kiera Palmiero sends the ball forwards for Sanders racing clear out wide left her ball driven into the box from the angle racing through the six yard box Leyah Maddix getting it under control left side turning back inside unleashing a low drive towards goal, a Stevenage defender blocking it with goalkeeper Tea Oldroyd down having it covered behind.

Stevenage’s Hannah Bodily with Luton’s Leyah Maddix

Luton with good pace up top Maddix getting onto the ball central carrying it forwards, sending it through for Sanders clear of the defence, Oldroyd aware of the threat quickly out of her area to kick the ball clear, Fi Constable closing down well to take on possession left side bringing it down for the shot, swerving in towards goal, the curl may well have seen it race narrowly wide of the top corner, however Oldroyd has gotten back into position and leaping up snatches the ball down safely. Luton getting on top in midfield putting the Stevenage defence under pressure with Constable wriggling free on the left wing driving into the corner her cross into the box headed away by Vicky Neal, coming back to Constable, winning a corner kick. Players up from the back the far post attack as the inswinging delivery comes in however a push is spotted by the referee Stevenage have the free kick.

Luton’s Fi Constable

McKay is dominating the midfield for Luton in the opening 15 minutes with the ball at her feet powers her way forwards evading two tackles before releasing a long pass out to the right, a little too much on it for Maddix to chase down. Millen out on the right remains the best outlet for Stevenage to counter as Price picks her out with the past in behind whips a great ball into the box bouncing through the six yard box to the far post Schofield after it held off by a defender the attacker can’t get enough on the ball to send it past the keeper as Kopec comes to claim.

Luton captain, Jess McKay

Neal with a timely interception at the back cutting out the attempted through ball for Sanders as she attempts to spin in behind. A strong pressing game from Luton getting into Stevenage forcing errors inviting mistakes while getting the ball moving quickly when they have possession. Sanders is down for Luton on halfway looks to have picked up a knock, needs to come off the visitors making a change sending on Shanice Lewis to join Maddix in attack. The game being played at a high tempo while having a cagey edge to it.

Stevenage’s Vicky Neal

Luton with a free-kick inside the Stevenage half right of the centre circle players coming forwards from the back as the ball is flighted in to the near post attacked Elly Wade very nearly connecting with the header, wouldn’t have counted however as the offside flag is up against her. Luton showing good energy frustrating Stevenage who want to press themselves but have the middle so congested it’s had to pick a pass. Hannah Major doing well at the back for Luton on the right as Stevenage look to get forwards with Schofield and Bellinger combining.

Emily Schofield

Constable attacking on the left for Luton cutting back inside across the top of the box 20 yards out fires it across to the right side, Re turning to charge down Dickens as she lines up a shot. Kopel’s turn to come rushing out of her area to clear as Re clearing the ball from the back almost sends Bellinger through to attack the area. Stevenage need someone to get thing’s going give the hosts some thrust and that person is the captain herself as brings the ball under control halfway on the right she shifts infield going to a powerful run forcing her way all the way into the box left of the D, before being chopped down by Major. Penalty!

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

Major is shown a yellow card. Bellinger the player placing the ball on the spot to take the set piece for Stevenage. Her strike send it low to close to the keeper, Kopec going the right way down to her left to get her body behind the ball and save turning it away to the left, scrambling across goal between the keeper and her defence prevent any follow up getting through the ball cleared long.

Angelika Kopec saving the penalty

Lewis coming forwards with the ball for Luton heading central has Sanders up in support, the move breaking down as she fouls Neal off the ball. Dickens a threat on the right for Luton going on before sending a cross from the touchline deep into the box, Webster heading it clear for Stevenage at the far post. Half a hour played and Stevenage make their first change in midfield bringing off Greenwood and sending on Shianne Swarres. Straight into the action in to win the ball on the left linking up with Bellinger the ball crossed into the Luton area cleared by Maria Taylor. Stevenage press the ball in the final third coming to Swarres 20 yards out clips a high ball up into the box has Kopec back pedalling back on her line the ball drops onto the crossbar and over.

 Webster getting forwards on the right tracking inside sees a deflected shot claimed by the keeper. From Oldroyd’s goal kick Swarres on halfway heads the ball on for Millen her touch up top taking her away to the right away from her marker moving into the right channel opts for the early shot 20 yards out rising but never troubling the keeper. Swarres’ introduction having an immediate impact. Stevenage getting after the ball better taking the game to their opponents. Swarres winning control of the ball on halfway threading a pass into Schofield left channel knocking in on heads for the box has her heels clipped right on the edge by Major, risky when already on a yellow. Stevenage have a set-piece in a dangerous position left corner outside the box players forwards as Swarres stands over it.  Strikes it well angling in towards goal past Kopec smashes down off the cross bar then scrambled clear by the Luton defence. Stevenage ending the first half strong Swarres from another set-piece from distance to the right smashing it low past the far post.

Stevenage (& Women’s Football East sponsored player) Shianne Swarres

  Sanders ready to return to the field for Luton coming back on for Lewis. Wade defending well top of the area on Schofield as the Stevenage attacker looks to bring the ball on from the left. Maddix pulled down on the right Luton with the free kick 30 yards out the strong ball in no one can reach it as it whistles in past the far post. Maddix bringing the ball on well through the middle for Luton lifting it out to the right wing for Dickens her cross dipped in near post held well by Oldroyd getting down to catch. 

 Kopec out smartly to the left corner of her area to get hold of the ball as Millen looks to break as a good diagonal pass is released from Price in the middle. The first half draws to a close with the goals still intact… just!

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 0-0 Luton Town Ladies

  Goalless at the break, Stevenage with the better chances striking the woodwork twice and seeing a penalty saved. That said for much of the first half Luton were the better side starting the game well closing the ball done, competitive in the middle showing good energy though out. Frustrating Stevenage moving the ball about looking to carve out an opening. The middle of the park often congested, Webster looking to get her side going with a thrusting run that led to the penalty ultimately saved by Kopec. A change on the half hour seeing the introduction of Swarres and Stevenage getting hold of the ball in the middle and applying some pressure of their own ending the first period strong while Luton look a threat on the counter with pace up top. Well poised for the 2nd half.

  Both sides unchanged at the start of the 2nd half, Luton out early ready to go as Stevenage get the 2nd half underway. The ball sent on the diagonal out to the right, dealt with comfortably by Taylor for Luton. Webster getting forwards well on the left for Stevenage at start of the 2nd half tracking inside picking out Swarres central 30 yards out she sends it on for Millen attacking right wing her cross whipped into the box cleared by Blacksley. Stevenage press the ball in the final third successfully appealing for a hand ball and getting the free-kick in a threatening position 25 yards out to the right of the D. Players forwards as Farmer stands over it, catches it well floating it in towards goal loops down onto the cross bar the woodwork coming to Luton’s rescue again.

Nicole Farmer

   The free-kick count beginning to add up Stevenage with another from deep flicked on outside the box cut out well by Blacksley at the back for Luton. Re with an ambitious attempt from half way that sails over. Luton have the ball in the middle Maddix surging on has Constable to the left sends the ball on in turn threaded into the box for Sanders pulling off her marker left of goal Oldroyd rushing out to close her down goes to ground at her feet the striker taking the ball around her and shooting, the ball cleared off the line by Neal for Stevenage! 

Luton’s Lil Sanders

  GOAL! Looking threatening at the start of the 2nd half Luton expose Stevenage on the right to open the scoring. The midfield pass finding Dickens bursting away on the right wing heading for the by-line before sending a superb cross in along the face of goal to be met by Maddix at the far post to turn back across the keeper and in 0-1.

Leyah Maddix with the goal for Luton

  Luton make an immediate change after scoring breaking on Lilac Wilson for Major with Palmiero going to right back. Almost straight away an opportunity to extend the lead and McKay’s pin point pass from midfield finds Sanders pulling off into the channel right of goal into the box, setting up a 1 v 1 versus the keeper, Oldroyd back in her six yard box poised, as Sanders goes to strike it across her into the bottom corner, Oldroyd down smartly low getting a touch to deflect it wide beyond her far post for a corner kick. Oldroyd coming to claim as it is flashing in near side.

   Wade in hard on Bellinger catching her on the toes a painful one a free-kick out wide Webster to launch it into the box headed clear by the Luton defence. Dickens with the neat flick on as the ball is fed into her knocked on for Sanders the bounce however favouring Re allowing the full back to nick it away with her boot outside the D. Dickens with a 25 yard strike that swerves wide of the right post. Stevenage make a double change in the 57th minute bringing off Bellinger and Schofield with Becky Shephard and Amy Gooderham joining the attack. 

Luton’s Andie Dickens

  Webster strong going forwards on for Price the midfielder making ground evading two tackles before laying the ball off for Gooderham out wide left the substitute winning a throw then a corner. On the left a high looping ball dropping into a crowded six yard box, an infringement spotted Luton have possession. McKay is hauled down as she bursts forwards with the ball a free-kick top of the circle players up from the back the ball dropped into the box, Wade attacking it getting a glancing header sending it wide of the left post.

   Another shirt pull spotted, this time on Webster some 30 yards out players up into the box spots Gooderham totally unmarked free left sends her the pass shifting inside Gooderham attempted cross/shot flashes behind the goal. Luton with another change bringing off Dickens for Adi Milton. Is a competitive tussle between two committed sides. Millen appeared to have brought down Sanders, however it’s the Luton player that recieves the booking. The free kick right of the circle played early long to the far post with Gooderham closing in the ball too close to the keeper however Kopec claiming it. 

Luton goalkeeper, Angelika Kopec

   Luton attack on the right Sanders with McKay in support the ball taken to the by-line the cross lifted in taken by Oldroyd. Luton defending their box as Stevenage press, Milton unlucky to have a handball adjudged against her another set-piece for Stevenage in a threatening position 20 out left of the D. Before it’s taken Luton making a change bringing off Maddix with Lewis going back on. 

  GOAL! Webster over the set-piece a two player wall giving her a good sight on goal, strikes it high looping up towards the far post has Kopec worried the keeper throwing herself across her goal can’t reach it as it drops under the cross bar and goes in off the upright for the equaliser 1-1.

  20 minutes left to play Stevenage getting back on level terms the woodwork on their side at last as Webster sends the free-kick home. Katie White introduced for Stevenage out on the right replacing Millen. Swarres holds of Milton as the Luton player attempts to get forwards her attempted shot from 30 plus yards out falling wide. A robust challenge on Re sees another decision going against Luton whose frustration is beginning to show. McKay with a fantastic turn in the middle to release the ball forwards Sanders looking to deceive Neal drawing her one way then turning inside, Neal experienced however getting her left heel up to stop the ball in it’s tracks kill off the attack. 

Adi Milton

  Swarres not afraid to have a go from distance with a vicious strike fired over from 25 yards out. Luton making a change bringing off Taylor for  ex-Stevenage player Shakeela Hussain. Bodily with a rare surge forwards on the ball  threatening as she links up with Price who finds Swarres to the right back inside Bodily is fouled outside the box by Wade. Webster over the set-piece a little further out than her goal, sweeps the ball in to be attacked far post Price the closest to it but no contact out for a goal kick. 

Hannah Bodily

  Webster with good defensive work having already gone to ground trying to deal with the initial threat posed by Sanders right of the D, sweeps the ball away before the attacker can reclaim it. Luton get a free-kick inside the Stevenage half Wade up from the back getting onto the end of it inside the box heading over. Luton bring Dickens back on for Luton replacing Sanders with 10 minutes left on the clock. Both sides still after one another the energy levels haven’t dropped the fouls adding up Stevenage using the width more with Gooderham on the left and White on the right. Bodily the latest player substituted with striker Amy Makewell coming on.

Luton’s Elly Wade

  White fouled out wide on the right Stevenage with another free-kick look a threat from a dead ball situation. Swarres to deliver the ball knocked down across the six yard box skips up to White at the near post lifts her hurried shot over the bar. Stevenage applying all the pressure now late in the game attacking on the right Makewell taking the ball off White on the right shifting inside to angle a cross into Gooderham inside the box at the far post, stooping to head the ball doesn’t get a firm enough touch to take it past Kopec the keeper claiming solidly. 

Shanice Lewis

  Lewis carrying the ball on for Luton left side sending a cross in towards the top of the area cut out by Neal. Stevenage are straight on the counter attack, Prices pass cut out by Wade at the back for Luton. Dickens with the ball on the right combining well with Hussain the cross into the box easy for the keeper. Gooderham driving on with the ball on the left Wade coming back to challenge on the by-line Gooderham winning a corner off the defender. Lifted in near post Kopec up well to knock it down and clear. The game moving into stoppage time Price with a diagonal ball out to the left looking for Shephard a corner won.

Erin Price with Jess McKay

  GOAL! One last chance for Stevenage to send players forwards into the box, one of those Neal hasn’t come forwards for a corner all 2nd half but then they have all been from the left this one is on the right. Shephard with a superb kick to angle the ball in across the face of goal with pace, players racing into meet it one of those Neal nails the header to bury the ball into the back of the net to win the game for Stevenage and races over to Shephard in celebration 2-1. 

Vicky Neal (6) scoring the winning goal

Little time left on the clock for Luton to get a goal back a sucker punch right at the end of the game, Stevenage scoring from another set-piece. The clock ticking down game management now from Stevenage win a free-kick run the ball into the corner.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 2-1 Luton Town Ladies

 The final whistle blows and Stevenage come back from a goal down to win it at the death to claim the 3 points and return to the top of the ERWFL Premier Division. Strong and a threat from set-pieces all game the tally adding up as the game progressed. Luton starting the game the better winning the ball well and keeping Stevenage quiet, the game changing with a thrusting run from Stevenage’s captain and the resulting penalty, saved but it gave Stevenage the kick they needed then Swarres’ introduction brought a more competitive edge to the midfield. Goalless at the break Luton were to make a fast start to the 2nd half scoring early and with 2 good chances to add goals. Webster was to strike home the equaliser with 20 minutes left Stevenage coming back strong taking the game to Luton, almost held on but the set-pieces kept being given away with the winner coming from a corner at the death. A thrilling game at the top of the ERWFL.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Was a great game a good contest between two committed sides and several performances of note to mention. Firstly for Luton. Elly Wade was strong at the back with a number of important tackles and looked a danger from a set-piece. In the middle captain Jess McKay was strong, ran the show in the early stages with good tacking movement and passing. Andie Dickens was also excellent out on the right a threat going forwards creating opportunities in the final 3rd. For Stevenage, Vicky Neal had a strong game at the back reading the game well especially when her side was under pressure, popping up to score the winning goal. Shianne Swarres’ introduction changed the game for Stevenage making them more competitive in the middle and adding and edge to their attack. The award winner however was chosen before the final whistle and an in agreement with the match day award, goes to Stevenage captain Lucy Webster. Had a fantastic game at the back. When the game needed something extra she provided it giving her side the lift they needed got forwards well and scored the equalising goal.

  Another excellent contest from the top of the ERWFL Premier Division. Expect little else these days is a great league to watch and highly underrated. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups today much appreciated onto the next one.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Bungay Town Ladies v UEA FC Women

Sunday 29th Jan

Norfolk Women’s League Cup

 Much improved weather this weekend and a host of exciting matches to choose from. Today’s football coming from the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s League Cup a tasty looking line up with a trip to Maltings Meadow to watch Bungay Town Ladies v UEA FC Women.

A strong quarter final line-up in this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Cup won last season in a penalty shootout with Fakenham Town Ladies coming out on top to beat Mulbarton Belles Ladies. Neither side in this season’s competition with Fakenham stepping up a level to play regional level football. Mulbarton one of the favourite’s knocked out by UEA  FC Women in the previous round. All 8 sides left will fancy their chances of reaching this season’s final.

Bungay Town Ladies have plenty of league matches left to play like Mulbarton only 5 played to date their last league match back in November, seeing them lay 8th with 2 wins and 3 losses will be hoping to build on their recent cup form to push on when the league campaign finally resumes. A long established side within the NWGFL enjoying strong support from their respective men’s club have come through turbulent off the field beginning the new campaign under a new management team headed up by Darren Renwick.

 While Bungay’s league programme might have stalled, have found form in the cup competitions reaching the last 4 of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup with wins over Halesworth Town Women and Ipswich Vale Exiles Ladies. Will face Suffolk Premier Division leaders. Brettvale Ladies in the semi-finals. Also reaching the last 8 of the League Cup beating North Walsham Town Ladies 3-0 at home in the previous round with Maddie Flatman, Lauren Goulder and Lauren Purling al on the score sheet. Selina Rowland often prolific in an attacking midfield role leading goal scorer with 5 to date. Met UEA FC Women on the opening day of the season away from home losing 3-2.

UEA FC Women (or at least a previous version of the side) was one of the main reason’s the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and then Women’s Football East evolved the way it did. Incidentally was also a league cup quarter final back in 2014 UEA hosting Fakenham coming out on top in a thrilling 4-3 encounter that made me realise I got as much excitement form watching a game at county level as I did the WSL, covered plenty of county league games since.

This UEA FC Women (University of East Anglia) team is into it’s 2nd season and proving to be a strong outfit. Winning promotion from Division Two in their debut season finishing 2nd behind Caister FC Ladies. Have hit the ground running in Division One win 3 straight wins to start the campaign, just the one defeat from 6 played so far. Freya Fuller with playing experience for Billericay and Norwich leading goal scorer with 11 from 6 appearances. Into the last 8 of the League Cup with a 7-0 away win against FC Viking & Valkyries FC Women in the 1st Round, going on to record a memorable result away to one of the cup favourites in the 2nd Round beating Mulbarton 2-1 courtesy of goals from Ella Burnley and Rachael Lawrence. 

Maltings Meadow the venue for today’s tie, has been a while since I last visited, pre Covid for sure but it remains a hive off activity very much a community feel about the place, several youth matches taking place on the grass pitches surrounding the man pitch. Over looked by the changing rooms and clubhouse. The grass pitch having suffered like so many others with the recent bad weather, a little soft under foot likely to cut up. Offers decent width, a small covered seated stand to one side fenced all round. Pretty gloomy and over cast prior to kick-off with a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch. 

Bungay Town Ladies

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Amber Leeks, Porcha Renwick, Ruby Roos, Ciera Flatt, Sofia Serghiou, Charnelle Riggall (C), Selina Rowland, Lauren Purling, Phoebe Wakefield, Lucy Wood & Lauren Goulder. Subs – Erin Galer.

UEA FC Women

 UEA FC Women starting XI – Anoushka Williamson, Katie Lee, Olivia Seeley, Maddison Goodenough, Darcey Coombs, Lucy Gooding (C), Prini Woods, Hannah Thompson, Mia Everitt, Cass Piejko & Ella Burnley. Subs – Lily Brewer, Emily Wilson & Amber Long. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Charnelle Riggall of Bungay and UEA’s Lucy Gooding before kick-off

  Bungay come into the game struggling for numbers with a few out trough injury and unavailability. Signing Ruby Roos on the day to give them more than the bare 11. UEA fresh from fielding two teams in midweek BUC’s fixtures naming 3 on the bench. Bungay also known as the ‘Black Dogs’ to get the tie underway wearing sky blue shirts, black shorts and socks. UEA lined up opposite wearing an all dark blue kit with yellow trim on the shirts.

The ball going all the way back to goalkeeper Amber Leeks, she sends the ball long out to the right for Phoebe Wakefield to attack, the threat dealt with by UEA full back Olivia Seeley put out for a throw in. UEA looking to get the ball moving across the pitch early on moving it from one full back to the other Katie Lee at right back bringing the ball forwards on for Cass Piejko down the flank, Porsha Renwick stepping in to tackle for Bungay prevent the cross. Piejko in possession again on the right putting the ball inside for captain Lucy Gooding her attempted through ball having a little too much on it for attacker Ella Burnley to run onto inside the box, goal kick.

Bungay’s Porsha Renwick

UEA keeping the ball moving it swiftly in midfield Gooding back to Hannah Thompson looks to send it on up top for Burnley to attack, Sofia Serghiou in close to defend for Bungay top of the D.

GOAL! UEA capitalising on their positive start getting forwards to score an early goal. The ball at the feet of Prini Woods on halfway passes it into Thompson out on the right, lifts the ball on up towards the top of the area right of the D, Burnley pulling off the defence, with a controlled header to knock the ball up and away from her marker to the right of goal catching it sweetly on the volley as it falls to rifle it home past the keeper to score 0-1.

Ella Burnley opens the scoring for UEA

An early blow for Bungay falling behind within the opening 5 minutes, have a free-kick over half way. The ball sent up towards the area UEA’s defence heading clear. Piejko looking to get forwards with the ball clattered into play brought back for the free-kick. Darcey Coombs over it the defender getting a bit of wind assist as she strikes the ball long past the far post. Bungay are a little static allowing UEA to find their passes Piejko getting away on the right driving for the corner Renwick gets back at her well to challenge win her side the throw in.

UEA FC Women’s Cass Piejko

Selina Rowland picking the ball up deep for Bungay driving forwards moving left cuts the ball back on the diagonal looking for Wakefield, Coombs with a timely interception at the back for UEA. Roos playing at right back for Bungay has a good throw on her as use tool to have as it will often draw more opposition players in towards the ball. Woods on for Gooding out to Burnley peeling away into the left channel looking to get into the box, Ciera Flatt back at her doing enough to halt the attack see off the danger.

Ruby Roos tackling UEA’s Ella Burnley

Burnley keeping the Bungay defence occupied moving across the back line sees the ball into her feet well right of the D, Piejko providing the run from the right the ball laid into her path struck on the angle, Leeks in the Bungay goal down sharply inside her six yard box to make the save. Bungay losing possession in the final 3rd out on the right Burnley stealing it powering into the box, getting away from tackle shifting right to strike the ball in low towards goal, put straight at the keeper, Leeks saving comfortably.

Bungay attacker, Lauren Goulder

   Little opportunity for Bungay’s attackers to test the UEA defence so far, Lauren Goulder having come into midfield for the ball turns and puts her foot through the ball all of 35 yards out, left of the goal, gets plenty of power races wide of the right post. The sun poking through now some blue sky doing absolutely nothing to improve the temperature mind. Bungay are giving UEA time on the ball allowing them to get forwards inviting pressure without applying any themselves. Rowland attempting to change things getting onto the ball and pushing forwards linking up with Goulder in attack the diagonal ball to the right has a little too much on it for Wakefield.

UEA FC Women’s Olivia Seeley

   UEA play the ball across the back from Seeley to Lee on the right coming on with the ball lifting the pass up top for Burnley turns into the shot 20 yards out her shot blocked by Serghiou, the rebound skipping up for Piejko to the right of the D to strike on the half volley leaning back does catch it as cleanly as liked the ball looping up brushing the side netting as it falls. The visitors winning the ball in midfield Woods into Thompson into Mia Everitt on the left takes the ball on down the flank, Roos tackling slowing Everitt’s advance 20 yards out sends the ball in across the top of the area, Burnley meeting it on the half volley struck in low skipping up in front of the keeper Leeks with an excellent save dropping low to her right to knock the ball behind for a corner kick. 

UEA’s Mia Everitt

  The corner played in from the left, met by Roos before the near post her header putting the ball back towards the UEA corner taker, crossed back in, Darcey Coombs coming onto it near post tuning inside the six yard box lifting her shot over from close range. Woods able to travel with the ball in midfield picking out Burnley in attack as the striker pulls away to the left, looking to get around Roos into the box, isn’t the cleanest of challenges but nevertheless gets the job done halting the attack.

  GOAL! Short lived as UEA continue press the advantage able to come on with the ball through the middle Bungay sitting off played on into Piejko moving inside from the right has Gooding up with her shifts the ball into her feet UEA’s captain realising the ball forwards before she is caught brought down with a late tackle, referee Ryan Starkey playing a good advantage as the ball runs through into the box for Burnley getting across her defender to put her foot through the ball slot it past the keeper before Leeks can react 0-2.

Captain Lucy Gooding releasing the ball forwards prior to being tackled

Two goals for Ella Burnley

   A strong opening 20 minutes from taking a 2 goal lead. A pause in play however as Gooding is still down from the tackle, after on field treatment she is up and hobbling can’t continue is brought off her replacement Amber Long a straight swap in the middle. The break in play an opportunity for Bungay to regroup, Rowland forwards from the restart looking to be aggressive on the ball brought down by Lee. Woods the next UEA player to up end Rowland as the midfielder looks to be pro active on the ball combine with Lauren Purling going forwards. 

Selina Rowland looking to take the game to UEA

  Certainly a more competitive Bungay side now looking to match UEA across the middle get into them. The fence could do with anther rail at the bottom to stop the ball sneaking out under it and players having to hurdle over it… plus myself having to collect it. Goodenough bringing the ball out from the back for UEA well, Purling tracking back to put the tackle in for Bungay, then Renwick comes to close down Long as the substitute breaks forwards from the middle for the visiting side. Piejko wide right whipping a dipping cross in towards the near post Serghiou lunging in to cut it out behind for a corner, Renwick coming on left side up to Goulder looking for Wood making a run up the left flank, Lee stretching out cut the pass out.

Bungay’s Sofia Serghiou

  Different game no since the loss of Gooding in midfield with Bungay regrouping becoming more competitive. Purling carrying the ball forwards from halfway for Bungay to the left has support with Wakefield play a one two before Purling lifts it into the channel for Wakefield to attack, Goodenough getting back at her to take the ball off her feet away to the right Wakefield closing in on the by-line sends her cross behind. 

Darcey Coombs and Lauren Goulder challenging for the ball

  Burnley continues to pull off the defence ready to run in behind waiting for the pass from midfield, almost picked out to the left, Flatt reading it well to get her foot it tackle take the ball from the striker Roos round on the cover to clear. Bungay with a free-kick won wide on the right Flatt on the ball as players go forwards into the box lifted in towards a crowded far post area Rowland up well inside the six yard box heading the ball down straight at the keeper, Anoushka Williamson with an instinctive save can’t hold onto the ball loose is grounded in the ensuing scramble the ball stolen away cleared. Williamson down needing treatment, is okay to play on.

Maddison Goodenough coming forwards from the back for UEA

   Bungay’s best chance of the game giving them the belief they aren’t out of this tie captain Charnelle Riggall passing into Rowland picks out Purling right inside the box goes to shot across the keeper find the bottom corner Williamson down smartly to smother the ball. Burnley beating the offside trap to run clear on the box to the right of goal shoots low, Leeks down well to block it the ball not claimed Burnley attempting to reach it challenged the ball swerving away for a corner. 

Bungay’s Phoebe Wakefield

  Late in the first half Woods with space finding Piejko out wide right, Riggall coming back to help defend winning the ball back for Bungay. Goodenough still up the pitch from an earlier set piece looking to get control of the ball wide left, Roos adjusting well the lung in win the ball back as the visitors look to mount a late charge. UEA with a free kick wide on the left flighted in towards the far post, bouncing not attacked Leeks able to take without challenge.

Half-time Bungay Town Ladies 0-2 UEA FC Women

  A strong start to the game from UEA, allowed time on the ball looking to move it crisply across the pitch exploit the flanks, Burnley a good foil up top moving about into the channels bringing the ball down superbly for the opening goal inside five minutes. Bungay static at times allowing their opponents to have the ball a 2nd goal coming on 20 minutes. That also seeing a pause in play with the withdrawal of Gooding from the UEA midfield. Bungay much more competitive after that matching UEA in the middle looking to get forwards better with a strong chance to pull one back before the break. UEA still very much a threat in attack with Burnley looking to find openings. Both keepers called into action. 2-0 often a tricky score line with the next goal having a meaningful effect either way.

  UEA to get the 2nd period underway neither side making a change. Bungay move in quickly t get after the ball won by Rowland in the middle turns to attack forwards into Goulder left inside the box crossed into the six yard box cut out Coombs turned behind for a corner. Floated into the near post UEA comfortable in defending it. Certainly a more aggressive encounter now a few pushes and shoulder barges the soft pitch favouring the sliding tackle, the mud stains building. Rowland wearing most of it. 

UEA’s Hannah Thompson with Bungay’s Ciera Flatt

  Bungay winning a free-kick on the flank deep put in to the top of the D by Flatt, Purling twisting her neck to try and get some power in her header, glances it on safely through for Williamson to catch high. The battle of the 8’s in the middle sees Rowland fouling Long UEA winning the set-piece players up to the top of the area a flare up between Burnley and Flatt a bit of pushing quick brought under control by Ryan Starkey both players with a talking to and a card shown. Lee to put the ball into the area Bungay heading it away safely. 

Selina Rowland

  UEA making a change out on the left bringing off Everitt with Lily Brewer coming on. Lee fouled as she travels forwards on the left. Over the set-piece herself lifted into the far post attacked the ball knocked down into the keeper Leeks down getting something on it the ball loose inside the box struck goalwards cleared off the line to the right and launched clear for a corner. UEA keeping the pressure on the ball sent into the box headed on by Coombs beyond the far post the resulting strike smashed over. 

  Very much a committed contest now several robust challenges more clumsy than malicious has the potential to flare up but the captains are keeping an eye on things. Rowland combining with Riggall as Bungay make progress into the final 3rd the cross in claimed by the keeper. Coombs cutting the pass out at the back as Rowland attempts to put the ball into Purling’s path. Purling getting forwards well for Bungay looking to get on pulling left Lee tackling to stop her getting in behind to cross.

Captain Charnelle Riggall bringing the ball on for Bungay

   Bungay putting pressure on the ball in the final 3rd Purling coming in from the left firing it across the D to Riggall forwards on the right, shifting the ball closed down can’t find room for a shot deflected up central Rowland latching onto it to break clear of the defence blasts a shot in Williamson with a smart instinctive save to deny her, Rowland adjudged to have handled the ball as she looks to get it back under control. 

UEA’s Katie Lee

  UEA with a rapid counter attack forwards into Burnley on the attack right channel Flatt getting back at her to win the ball back. A third change for UEA with Emily Wilson coming on for Woods in midfield midway through the 2nd half. Thompson getting onto the ball in midfield finding room now to attack forwards for Burnley right channel pulling away from the defence to shoot on the angle in low batted away well by Leeks getting to the floor sharply. 

  Riggall moving forwards on the ball laying it on for Purling linking with Goulder up top, Goodenough moving in to break up the attack. Renwick onto Woods on the left flank for Bungay on the attack finds Rowland in the middle, challenged by Goodenough. Bungay press well keeping numbers up in the final 3rd the ball coming to Purling 20 out her strike straight at the keeper. UEA can afford to sit back a little with a 2 goal lead to defend wait to hit Bungay on the counter.

Bungay’s Lauren Purling

 Rowland working well in the midfield on to Goulder in attacker finds Wood out wide has support from Purling on the over lap her cross in cut out by Wilson at the near post. Riggall pulling wide right floating a diagonal ball in close to UEA’s near post turned narrowly wide by the defence for a corner. The strong challenges remain a feature of the game Burnley tackling Flatt then Goodenough feeling one as she and Rowland lung for the ball. Thompson taking out Purling top of the circle giving Bungay a free-kick with less than 15 minutes left to play. The ball flighted in to the top of the area UEA clear threaten to counter, Wakefield back to cover defending on the right.

Bungay’s Lucy Wood

  A corner for Bungay on the right half cleared, Riggall collects puts it back to Flatt to strike a shot from 25 yards out right of the D sent wide. Piejko out wide right with a clever flick to take the ball inside wrong foot her marker, Flatt quick to react at the back able to cover the ground get to the ball before Piejko can steer it on into the box. A foul on Purling brought down on half way players up as Flatt launches it forwards, Purling’s deft flick on into the box not quite finding Goulder to the right of goal as Goodenough clears. 

 Riggall with a strike from distance sent over as the clock runs down. Bungay pressing for a goal UEA content to sit soak up the pressure. A clearance lifted up to Thompson in midfield opts to have a crack at goal from distance on target bouncing up sharply inside the six yard before Leeks but back on her line she has the room to adjust and claim. The final whistle blows and UEA celebrate as they book their place in the last 4 of the league cup.

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 0-2 UEA FC Women

  The opening 20 minutes proving decisive in the match a strong opening from UEA getting on the attack moving the ball well opening the scoring inside 5 minutes going on to make it 2 before Bungay finally got going have been static, were much improved getting after their opponents coming close to pulling a goal back. A tasty affair with some robust tackling a committed contest. Bungay pushing all 2nd half to find a goal taking a few risks at the back. UEA soaking things up well comfortable defending a 2 goal lead ready to counter try and score the 3rd to put the tie beyond doubt. UEA will be joined in the last 4 by Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women who came through extra time to beat Long Stratton 5-2. Thetford Town Ladies who won 2-1 against Sprowston FC Women and Caister FC Ladies who won 5-0 away to Division Two side Blofield United Ladies.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Is once again another tough one with 3 players vying for the award. Several performances of note to mention first. For Bungay Selina Rowland was strong on the middle battling for the ball taking it on and looking for goal scoring opportunities, as was Lauren Purling getting forwards making herself available for the ball. For UEA it was a strong team performance particularly through the spine of the side the midfield competitive Prini Woods passing well, Hannah Thompson covering the ground win the ball back get it moving forwards. At the back Maddison Goodenough put in a number of challenges and interceptions with great positioning throughout and narrowly misses out. With her goals proving the difference in the tie today’s award goes to Ella Burnley took the first goal superbly. With the nature of the game and Bungay sitting back was often left alone up top but showed great movement and running off the ball to find pockets of space between the midfield and defence always an option for the forward pass.

  Great to return to Maltings Meadow see both sides in action a competitive cup tie played in reasonably good spirits. Pleasure to meet the management teams off both sides and for the clubs help with the team details as always much appreciated. look forward to the semi-final draw.  

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Long Stratton Women v Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

Sunday 22nd January

Norfolk Women’s County Cup sponsored by Harrod Sport

 A later than arranged kick-off time for today’s featured match on Women’s Football East with today’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup 3rd Round tie between Long Stratton Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women moved to Easton College’s 3G pitch due to the pitches at Manor Road being frozen.

 Another weekend seeing numerous games called off across the East and beyond due to the cold weather, the fixtures beginning to pile up for some teams. Both of today’s opponents keen to get today’s match on (already postponed from last weekend) with the pair also scheduled to meet in the quarter finals of the League Cup next weekend.

 A place in the last eight of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup up for grabs with the seeded teams, Norwich City Women, Wroxham Women and King’s Lynn Town Ladies entering the competition. The draw having already taken place seeing Long Stratton or Dussindale & Hellesdon avoiding one of the seeded teams a huge opportunity present itself to reach the last 4 of the competition.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women the form team in Norfolk Women’s Division One leading the table by 8 points losing just one of their 9 games played to date. A strong looking squad scoring plenty of goals, Shanice Sutton leading the way in the goal scoring charts for Dussindale & Hellesdon netting 19 goals to date from 8 matches played. A bye in the first round of the County Cup won away from home 5-0 to Division Town newcomers Aylsham FC Women to book their spot in the 3rd Round. Have played Long Stratton twice in the league already this season, with Long Stratton imposing their only league defeat 4-2 at home back at the start of October. Dussindale & Hellesdon winning the reverse fixture 6-2 at the end of the same month.

Set to face Dussindale & Hellesdon at home in consecutive ties in both the County and League Cup, Long Stratton know they have a tough task if they wish to progress, but in recent season’s under their new management team have built a squad that has become competitive in Norfolk Division One and looking to mix it up with the sides competing at the top end of the table. Currently 5th whilst only 3 points behind 2nd placed Thetford Town Ladies, Long Stratton received a huge injury blow losing captain and prolific goal scorer, Samantha Walker to a nasty elbow injury that has kept her on the side-lines for some time. Strike partner Luci Middleton joining Long Stratton after coming out of retirement last season doing well to fill the void up top scoring 20 goals to date from 8 played this term. New additions to the squad in recent weeks, with Summer Copland joining from Wroxham along with Grace Murphy and Lucy Eagle both dual signed with Woodbridge. Long Stratton receiving a bye in both the previous rounds of the competition this their 1st competitive action since the 4th December.

The venue for the re arranged kick-off Easton College’s 3G pitch, has been a while since I’ve seen a woman’s football match here again in the county cup was blowing a typhoon that day as Norwich racked up a 20 plus score over an earlier incantation of Mulbarton Belles (different animal these days). Weather’s still rubbish, thankfully dry but bitterly cold minus barely above freezing. The pitch fenced but open to the elements quite short a viewing area on one side for spectators.

Long Stratton Women

Long Stratton Women starting XI – Jody Todd, Emily Ransome-Farmer, Summer Whiting, Megan Vincent, Alice Flatt, Milly Cawcutt, Kate Ransome-Farmer (C), Megan Bird, Emma Allsopp, Mary-Anne Hoy & Luci Middleton. Subs – Summer Copland, Megan O’Connor, Mia Wilkinson, Lucy Eagle & Sam Walker.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Rachel Bussey, Sieska Humphries, Bethan Taylor, Calista Tink (C), Hannah Coombe, Georgina Belton, Abby Hutchin, Karolina Kowalczyk, Victoria Leyer & Shanice Sutton. Subs – Chelsea Brister, Kirstie Rusted & Betty Booker.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  The players gathering on the centre circle before kick-off as the clubs that were able to this weekend across the county share in a ‘clap for Amber’ in remembrance of Horsford FC U9s player Amber Sheehy who sadly lost her battle with cancer last week.

Players for both sides sharing in the ‘Clap for Amber’ in remembrance of Horsford FC U9s player Amber Sheehy

Sam Walker named on the bench for Long Stratton ready to make her return with new signings, Lucy Eagle and Summer Copland also named amongst the subs. The sun low in the sky as captain’s Kate Ransome-Farmer for Long Stratton and Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Calista Tink shake hands before the match. Long Stratton wearing red shirts with black shorts and red socks to kick-off the game Dussindale & Hellesdon in an all sky blue kit.

The ball played back to the defence, Dussindale & Hellesdon rush in to close down the ball press Long Stratton outside their box, won back fed into Shanice Sutton pulling off into the right channel, Summer Whiting defending for Long Stratton the ball out for a throw in. Dussindale & Hellesdon making a fast start as Sieska Humphries bringing the ball on from left back sends it down the wing for Karolina Kowalczyk, Emily Ransome-Farmer getting back at her to challenge for the ball for Long Stratton the ball cleared into midfield coming straight back dropping to Sutton who slices a 25 yards first time effort wide of the top corner.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Sieska Humphries

Abby Hutchin pulling away right for Dussindale & Hellesdon as they mount a rapid attack on for Sutton her quick diagonal ball in the box sees Long Stratton goalkeeper Jody Todd rush out and get down quickly to get hold of the ball before Victoria can get onto the end of it. Dussindale & Hellesdon pressing the ball inside the Long Stratton half forcing rushed passes intercepting misplaced balls a strike from distance picking Todd out back on her goal line

The ball hotly contested in the middle both sides snapping at each other Hannah Coombe for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting it into Georgina Belton to play forwards, Sutton involve as it runs on through to Kowalczyk top of the D, going with the outside of her right boot, her attempted shot dropping wide of the near post. With ten players back behind the ball, Luci Middleton up top is the outlet for Long Stratton captain Kate Ransome-Farmer playing a good pass forwards sees the attack with a chance to break clear of the defence 30 yards out to the left of the area, Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper Tyla Cole committing herself early to come racing out to the top of her area to close the angle, Middleton opting for the early strike sending the ball past the keeper, missing the target beyond.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Karolina Kowalcyzk

A throw won high on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon worked well inside played across the top of the Long Stratton area comes to Sutton drags her shot wide from 20 yards out. Long Stratton are pegged back inside their half cautious about giving Dussindale & Hellesdon any space in behind, means Middleton up top is often isolated, getting the ball into her a challenge not to mention getting support up with her. A fierce battle for the ball going on in the middle. Belton bringing the ball on throw the centre for Dussindale & Hellesdon feeding a great ball through to Kowalcyzk out on the left, drags it on looking to get on down the line, Emily Ransom-Farmer quick to regain the ground get back on the winger to make the tackle.

Abby Hutchin and Kate Ransome-Farmer

GOAL! Just past the 10 minute mark and the dead lock is broken, Dussindale & Hellesdon capitalising on their good start to take the lead, the attack beginning with Humphries sending Kowalcyzk away on the left, the ball played inside in Leyer worked across the top of the area, Long Stratton don’t clear as the ball comes to Belton right of the D some 25 yards out, puts her foot through the ball a powerful hit sent across the keeper to dip into the bottom corner 0-1.

Georgina Belton (2nd right) opens the scoring for Dussindale & Hellesdon (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Long Stratton look to get on the attack from the restart with Kate Ransome-Farmer busy in the middle of the park winning the ball driving into her opponents half and playing a diagonal ball out to the right for Mary-Ann Hoy to give chase, Humphries going with her defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon to play the ball out for a throw in. The goal conceded seeing long Stratton becoming more pro active going after the ball Megan Bird linking up with Emma Allsopp as they attempt to get the ball into Middleton up top closely marked by Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Bethan Taylor.

Long Stratton’s Emma Allsopp

Kate Ransome-Farmer winning the ball for Long Stratton on for Middleton in attack, looks to drive forwards, tackled 25 yards out, Ransome-Farmer continuing her run picking up the loose ball surging for the box left of the D, is evenly stopped by Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Rachel Bussey. With the game becoming more open it opens up the counter attack for Dussindale & Hellesdon as Sutton getting hold of the ball on halfway comes forwards threading her pass into the box for Leyer breaking inside right to the six yard box pulls the trigger, Todd with a superb save at her near post down to deflect the ball wide across her goal for a corner kick.

Milly Cawcutt taking a blow in the back down in need of treatment for Long Stratton both sides taking the opportunity to head to their bench for further instruction. Cawcutt up holding her back is replaced as Long Stratton make a change bringing on Lucy Eagle for her debut. Into the action straight away on the right looking to get up with Middleton the ball fed into her feet, Middleton central turned into traffic tackled by Taylor, Kate Ransome-Farmer up with play however snatching hold of the loose ball rushing forwards is tackled by Dussindale & Hellesdon captain Calista Tink.

Long Stratton’s new signing Lucy Eagle (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Coombs into Hutchin on for Leyer looks to send Kowalcyzk in behind on the left, Emily Ransome-Farmer stretching into the tackle to deny her getting into the box. Eagle looking to get up and support Middleton in attack for Long Stratton put the defence under a little bit of pressure. The pair combining as Middleton plays the pass on for Eagle attacking right her high ball clipped into box claimed cleanly by Cole. Up the other end Sutton with a sharp turn and hit 20 yards out right of the D off a Hutchin pass has Todd scrambling across her goal but runs narrowly wide.

  Kate Ransome-Farmer winning the tackles for Long Stratton the ball played up to Middleton a heavy touch sees the ball given away and Dussindale & Hellesdon get straight on the counter the ball brought on by Hutchin on for Leyer, Alice Flatt winning it at the back for Long Stratton. Hutchin and Ransome Farmer enjoying a good contest in the middle of the park battling for the ball looking to get forwards with it. 

  Eagle coming right on for Middleton to take on pushing for the right corner of the area, Humphries sliding in to try and stop the cross, Middleton gets the ball in across the six yard box cleared out of the ground by Taylor. A throw high on the right for Long Stratton worked well by Eagle and Kate Ransome-Farmer the cross into the area headed away by Tink for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Belton coming right with the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon her cross into the top of the Long Stratton area intercepted by Flatt.

Long Stratton defender Alice Flatt

   Eagle coming forwards through the middle linking with Middleton getting the return pass to carry the ball on right channel, under pressure from Humphries shoots early the ball swerving away from goal. The introduction of Eagle has added more bite to Long Stratton in the attacking third leading to a more open game, the defence staying deep to prevent getting turned Summer Copland joining the action for Long Stratton replacing Allsopp. Humphries up on the left to support Kowalcyzk out wide the ball worked between them moving inside, Bird coming back to regain possession for Long Stratton. 

Long Stratton’s Megan Bird

   Middleton seeing the ball into her feet well, laying it off for Eagle to take it n right channel her cross fizzed across the top of the area cleared by Tink. Eagle a good outlet for Long Stratton high on the right her cross dropped long through the six yard box, Hoy missing her volley at the far post. Flatt defends well at the back for Long Stratton as Kowalcyzk attempts to get onto the end of a superbly cushioned down touch from Sutton. Sutton looking to run onto a Leyer ball put on for her into the box, Megan Vincent composed to get across the attacker to shield the ball back to her keeper.

  Todd with another top draw save at the near post to deny Sutton on the angle from close range as she strikes it on the volley, albeit the flag raised Todd had to react and reacted excellently to throw herself up to tip the ball away.

Long Stratton goalkeeper, Jody Todd

The 1st half drawing to a close is bitterly cold out there not ideal conditions for having the ball blasted into at close range as Emily Ransome-Farmer will testify.

Half-time Long Stratton Women 0-1 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

   Georgina Belton’s 11th minute strike the difference between the sides going into the half-time interval. Dussindale & Hellesdon with the better start getting after the ball, Long Stratton sitting deep not willing to concede any space in behind were under pressure early on with just Luci Middleton up top the only passing option easily marshalled by the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence the goal changing the pattern of the game Long Stratton opening up looking to take the game to Dussindale & Hellesdon with the introduction of Lucy Eagle adding another thrust to their attack the game becoming more open. Dussindale & Hellesdon still creating the better chances forcing a couple for good saves from goalkeeper Jody Todd. The temperature rapidly dropping it remains all to play for going into the 2nd half. 

Changes for both sides at the break with Long Stratton bringing  Megan O’Connor for Hoy. Dussindale & Hellesdon bringing on Chelsea Brister replacing Kowalcyzk on the left. Dussindale & Hellesdon to get the 2nd half underway defending a 1 goal lead. Looking to get on the front foot Sutton with an early speculative effort dropping wide from long range.

  Todd holing onto another vicious strike sent in from range, then Sutton drags a shot wide from 25 yards out to the right of goal as the pass is rolled into her Hutchin after a bursting run from the middle. Dussindale & Hellesdon pushing Long Stratton back early on in the 2nd period preventing them from getting out of their half. 

  GOAL! Again that fast start brings Dussindale & Hellesdon a goal as Hutchin picks the ball up in the 50th minute and pushes forwards into the right channel before whipping a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, Todd diving forwards attempting to push it away doesn’t get it clear as Leyer running in on the follow up at the far post, puts her foot through the ball to send it home 0-2. 

Victoria Leyer for Dussindale & Hellesdon (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

 Long Stratton responding with another change bringing off Whiting with Mia Wilkinson slotting in at left back. Copland coming forwards with the ball for Long Stratton moving left sending the pass on for O’Connor holds it up in the corner rolling it back into Copland to turn inside move a towards the D laying it off for Eagle before turning into the area, Eagle’s cushioned lay off looking to pick her out inside the six yard box, Tink getting her foot through the ball first to clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon captain, Calista Tink

  A throw in the corner on the left for Long Stratton Wilkinson and O’Connor between them working a cross into the Dussindale & Hellesdon area half cleared a shot smashed back in from around the D fired wide. Sutton coming into the middle for the ball turns well to lay it on for Leyer who in turn looks to open her body to thread the ball through to put Brister in behind the Long Stratton defence holding their line well to catch her offside. 

 O’Connor adding some pace to Long Stratton’s attack on the left pushes on into the box, Bussey holding her up as Cole gets down to lay claim to the ball. Belton with a good run with the ball on into Leyer attempts to play it into the path of Hutchin as she breaks forwards, a timely interception from Flatt for Long Stratton. Tink coming out to meet O’Connor and clear the ball as Eagle attempts to play her on down the left channel. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon centre back Bethan Taylor (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Cole dives down to her left to save as Copland unleashes a 20 yard strike from the top of the D after Eagle rushes in to win the ball high up the pitch. Straight up the other end another yet another top draw save from Todd in the Long Stratton goal as Hutchin powers forwards with the ball into the box left side pulling the trigger from close range Todd down to save with her legs to deflect the ball away, Belton onto the cleared ball to strike over from distance. Long Stratton making another change which sees captain Sam Walker return to the pitch after a 4 month injury layoff with just over an hour played replacing Bird.

Sam Walker pictured with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Bethan Taylor back after a 4 month injury lay off for Long Stratton

 Middleton moving into the right channel threatening with the ball but Cole moving out to the edge of her area quickly gets down to make the save. Walker out on the right strong on the ball pushing down the line Humphries on her shoulder keeping her from turning inside her cross going behind for a goal kick. Sutton winning the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon out on the right, struck infield Leyer getting it down to strike from distance puts it straight at Todd the keeper with a comfortable take. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Abby Hutchin

  A collision between Todd and Sutton as the keeper goes to clear the ball from where I was which was a good way away looked as if Todd caught Sutton on her follow through unavoidable but Sutton isn’t happy needs to be calmed down and even then not before a yellow card is issued. Dussindale & Hellesdon are getting players forwards well around the Long Stratton penalty box a strike from distance I didn’t see who flashing in to strike the top of the crossbar and go out for a goal kick. 

  Betty Booker coming on for Dussindale & Hellesdon with 15 minutes of regular time left replacing Coombes. Although it has been a competitive game free-kicks have been few and far between, Dussindale & Hellesdon getting one in a dangerous position some 25 yards out left of the D as Belton is brought down after a strong run on the ball. Stays down struggling with cramp a lot of effort gone into the midfield battle. Brister on the set-piece going for goal goes for it sent over the bar. Long Stratton are beginning to tire dropping off the ball Dussindale & Hellesdon getting players forwards winning more of the ball.

Victoria Leyer with Alice Flatt (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Todd is keeping the score line down for Long Stratton as she pulls off another quality save with Leyer on the drive with the ball shooting across the keeper from 25 yards out, Todd throwing herself down to send the ball behind for a corner on he right. An opportunity to take it short with Bussey moving into space, are almost caught out as O’Connor latches onto the ball and threatens to break Hutchin getting across to tackle. Dussindale & Hellesdon pushing up winning a corner on the left.

  An inswinging delivery is cleared behind for a 2nd corner at the near post. Again whipped in low to the near post is blocked on the post by the defender covering out deflected out into the crowded penalty box Long Stratton’s defence make two more vital blocks before a third strike is turned over the bar. Another free-kick won in a dangerous position outside the D for Dussindale & Hellesdon again it’s Brister on it. Struck well low with pace avoiding the wall Todd scrambling across her goal can’t reach it the ball cannoning off the base of the post deflected wide across the face of goal.

  Walker on the right winning Long Stratton a corner put in near side not taken cleanly back to the taker for a 2nd crossing attempt turned behind at the near post for a goal kick. Dussindale & Hellesdon making a change late on bringing on Kirstie Rusted for Sutton. Copland bringing the ball on for Long Stratton left on for O’Connor wide held up Wilkinson getting up in support looks to travel infield, tackled by Bussey. Kowalcyzk also back into the action smashing a strike over from 25 yards out following a lay off from Leyer up top.

  Walker and O’Connor looking to get on the offensive late on for Long Stratton with the former sending in a cross along the top of the area for O’Connor stretching the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence, Tink doing well timing her sliding tackle to win the ball back. Allsopp back on the pitch late on for Middleton. Hutchin still with energy to burn as she carries the ball on from the middle before blasting a shot over the cross bar from 25 yards. 

 GOAL! The game moving into the final minute Dussindale & Hellesdon picking holes in the tiring Long Stratton defence as Rusted puts the ball on into the box for Brister attacking the six yard box Todd closing her down Brister striking the ball under her from six yards to add a 3rd goal 0-3.

Chelsea Brister (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

   That virtually the last action of the game as the final whistle blowing soon after the restart.

Full time Long Stratton Women 0-3 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

 In the end a convincing win for Dussindale & Hellesdon winning by 3 goals to nil. The goal at the death perhaps a little harsh on Long Stratton, but nevertheless a deserved result Dussindale & Hellesdon starting the game well on the attack to open the scoring in the 11th minute, repeating the feat early in the 2nd half to take a 2 goal lead to control the tie. Long Stratton working hard keeping a solid back line for much of the game competing without threatening to tear open their opponents defence, six weeks without a game taking it’s toll in the finish their new signings looking good and a much welcome sight to see Sam Walker back out on the pitch. Dussindale & Hellesdon good for their win a strong all round performance will face either Division One strugglers Stalham Town Ladies or Division Two leaders KLSC Women away from home in the quarter finals with at least 2 NWGFL sides gaurenteed to reach the county cup semi-finals. 

Women’s Football East -Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match was a competitive tie with several players putting themselves forwards for consideration. For Long Stratton Jody Todd pulled off a number of top draw saves to keep the score line down and keep her side it the game for as long as possible. Lucy Eagle really added a new dimension to the side and looks to be a great addition to the squad. Kate Ransome-Farmer was excellent in the middle of the park battling for the ball and looking to get forwards. An strong all round team performance from Dussindale & Hellesdon although one player has edged herself ahead of the rest. Bethan Taylor and Calista Tink were solid in the centre of the defence, nothing got through. In midfield Georgina Belton made a number of tackles and played some excellent passes. The award though goes to Abby Hutchin was a competitive tussle in the middle and more often than not came away with the ball at her feet to take the game to Long Stratton and link with the attack.

  Fair play to both sides for getting the game on with a change of venue when all bar one other game fell by the wayside in the county again. A chilly game at Easton College’s 3G but great to see a competitive tie, my thanks to both sides for their help with the line ups good to see both in action. Thanks too to Scott Grearhardy for the extra pictures. They meet again to do it all again in the League Cup next weekend.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

 Sunday 8th January

FAWNL South East Division One

 Wishing you all a Happy New Year! A huge personal milestone to kick-off 2023 with this report being the 500th! Come along way from what was initially just a go at trying something new as I looked to continue my coverage of woman’s football following the folding of my WSL team Lincoln Ladies. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog eventually growing into Women’s Football East as I felt all of the teams across all leagues in the region deserved and needed more coverage. Hopefully have played a part in that and there’s plenty more games let to cover.

Today’s game comes from FAWNL South East Division One a trip to St Neots Town FC to watch Cambridge United WFC take on newly promoted Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women.

Both sides with a comfortable firs half of the season placed in mid-table looking to push on up the table in 2023. The 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid getting ever stronger, but with the sad demise of Wymondham Town Ladies leaving the league a side down it highlights how fragile that growth remains and the hard work clubs have to do to play at this level.

Cambridge United WFC now a long established club at this level growing strong links now with their respective men’s side with 4 games to be played at The Abbey Stadium throughout this season. A stark assessment of the squad taking place at the end of last season seeing some players moving on Cambridge United have steadily been recruiting looking for the right players to build the side going forwards with Sarah Wiltshire the stellar sighing during the summer has weighed in with 15 goals so far top scorer from 11 appearances. Francesca Partridge another new addition to the attack scoring 6 to date. 

  Defender Abbie Jackson coming in from Ipswich Town Women before Christmas, Cambridge have continue to recruit building a large squad with Sydnie Naylor joining having had playing experience with Arsenal and Notts Forest. Another 2 new addition announced before today’s match too with defender Mayzee Seymour coming in from Harlow and Bella Simmons re-joining the club after spells away with Royston Town Women and rivals Cambridge City Ladies. 11 points from 8 played will be aiming to push into the top 5.

  Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women are newly promoted to the FAWNL for the first time in their history having won the London and South East Regional Premier Division like the ERWFL an extremely tough league to get out of. That said Ashford made it look easy last season winning all but 2 of their 20 league games and those ending in a draw. Have several familiar names in the side with experience at this level having played for Denham United Ladies, most notably Alissa Down who captains the side. Ashley Cheatley top scorer for the Middlesex side so far this season netting 13 goals from 12 appearances with Alissa Down on 7 from 12 played. Collecting 10 points from their opening 8 matches are well clear of the bottom two just a point behind today’s opponents and well placed to challenge for the top 5 themselves. The points shared between the sides when Cambridge United visited Ashford at the beginning of the season the game ending 3-3.

 St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s league encounter the grass pitch looking in great condition with a 4G pitch situated behind the main stadium. Viewing all round with covered terraces both ends and a seated stand housing the changing rooms and clubhouse beneath. The wind fairly blustery prior to kick-off dull and overcast a strong down pour coming minutes before kick-off retreated to the stands to take my notes, as it was the rain would stop the instant the players walked out onto the pitch taking the windy weather with it. The sun even poking through for a moment.

Cambridge United WFC  starting XI – Lauren Webb, Abbi Griffin, Abi Davies, Abbie Jackson, Rachel Kosky, Gisela Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Sydnie Naylor, Ella Marden, Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Alysha Stojko-Down, Francesca Partridge, Libby Fraser & Mayzee Seymour.

Cambridge United WFC

Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women starting XI – Sophie Shults, Ellen Clarabut, Jade Johnson, Hannah Duncan, Laura Huse, Aimee Durn, Alissa Down (C), Kayleigh Currivan, Millie Constantine, Elizabeth O’Callaghan & Ashley Cheatley. Subs – Eman Kassem & Ellie Luscombe.

Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

  Bella Simmons is in the starting line-up for Cambridge today with the other new signing Mayzee Seymour on the bench, Abbi Griffin a late change to the starting line-up coming in for Carrie Bennett at left back. Ashford travelling up from Middlesex with 5 players unavailable naming just the 2 on their bench. Having left the pitch after the warm-up to some pretty unsavoury weather the players return to bright sunshine prompting a change of ends with Ashford switching ends to put the sun in Cambridge’s faces in the first half (not that it was going to last long) Cambridge to get the game underway wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Ashford also known as The Tangerines in their away kit to day a very nice looking all purple affair. 

 The ball played back to the defend, Ashford rush forwards to close down pressure the ball centre backs Rachel Kosky and Abbie Jackson manoeuvring the ball out for Cambridge into midfielder Sammy Edgar who sends it long to the right for Ella Marden, Ellen Clarabut heading it away for Ashford. The visitors bring the ball on up their left the diagonal ball into the box intercepted by Cambridge’s Jackson cleared away to the right. The recent rain making the pitch slick the ball skipping on players sliding in. Ashford presenting a solid back line with the midfield close not allowing Cambridge any space to exploit through the middle.

Cambridge United WFC defender, Abbie Jackson

   Cambridge look to get the ball out wide Abi Davies passing it on for Marden on the right wing presses forwards breaking into the area holding off her challenger closing in on the near post pulls the trigger, Ashford goalkeeper Sophie Shults down smartly to save push the ball wide across her six yard box, Bella Simmons retrieving the ball beyond the far post turns back inside see’s her shot blocked by centre back Laura Huse the rebound straight to Sarah Wiltshire her first time shot similarly blocked by Hannah Duncan. 

  Coming on with the ball through the middle Ashford captain Alissa Down opens up her body attempting to thread the ball through to Ashley Cheatley in attack, Jackson with a timely interception for Cambridge. Ashford sitting back a little allowing Cambridge time on the ball at the back a clever pass from Davies brought down well by Wiltshire in attack  she flicks it over the top on the right for Marden to attack can’t quite get to it before the ball runs out of play. 

Cambridge’s Sarah Wiltshire

  Marden with a strike from 25 yards out coming in from the right wing fired straight at the Ashford keeper. Shults untroubled. Sydnie Naylor looking sharp on the ball in the middle for Cambridge moving left to combine with Simmons, the forwards pass, cut out for Ashford’s Huse. The defender hurt is down needing treatment after assessment is allowed back on. Cambridge applying some pressure now as Naylor comes on with the ball well plays it on for Wiltshire 20 yards out left of the D is forced out wide the keeper initially coming towards her back peddling as Wiltshire wriggles free of her marker to play the ball back across the top of the box for Naylor positioned inside her strike rising Shults is back in position to catch it cleanly.

Cambridge’s Sydnie Naylor up against Ashford captain Alissa Down

  No advantage for Ashford as referee Richard Fullicks brings play back for the set-piece a free kick some 35 yards out, Down on the ball plays a teasing ball in across the far post, no one there to attack it. Cambridge get caught on possession as they play it between themselves at the back Kayleigh Currivan stealing it then threading a pass into Millie Constantine pulling away right of the D to shoot, Lauren Webb shuffling across her goal though has it covered seeing it safely wide of her right post.

   Jackson finds Simmons out wide on the left on half way, turns pulling neatly away from her marker on the ball to run in behind and send the low pass into Wiltshire central, carries the ball wide left into the area before cutting back inside to scoop a lobbed shot up over the keeper, the ball landing on the roof of the net. Ashford are a little slow to close Cambridge down as the defenders look to get the ball into the midfield with Edgar, Naylor and captain Gisela Otten attempting to speed things up get the ball into Wiltshire to run at the visitors defence. 

Cambridge’s Bella Simmons

  A late flag see’s Simmons waved offside, as Wiltshire lifts the ball in to the middle from the right wing, Shults rushing out to save bravely at her feet unaware of the raised flag. The goalkeeper down for a moment able to play on. Jade Johnson bringing the ball on for Ashford on the right passing it forwards for Constantine the ball cut out by Griffin for Cambridge. Constantine getting involved in the action in a central position with a clever turn on the ball 25 yards out looking to find Elizabeth O’Callaghan in the box as she breaks inside from the left, Kosky with a fine headed clearance for the hosts.

Ashford’s Millie Constantine

   The game settling down Ashford’s attackers looking to press Cambridge’s defenders as they linger on the ball at the back now force an error win a free-kick just outside the box to the left of the D. Down is something of a dead ball specialist over the free-kick a packed penalty box ahead of her strikes the ball well low and hard through bodies Webb would have seen it late but close to her adjusts quickly to get down to make the save with 20 minutes gone.

Down’s free-kick saved by Lauren Webb

  GOAL! Having had a free-kick moments before Cambridge have players up as they get the ball out to Simmons on the left inside the area has support with Wiltshire plays the ball back into her the Cambridge number 7 taking the ball across the top of the area looking for an opening, well tracked instead sees Otten free to attack the ball central lays it into her path, Cambridge’s captain running in to strike the ball 20 yards out rising with a bit of swerve Shults may well have got the faintest of touches as she throws herself up at it the ball cannoning down into the six yard box off the crossbar, players rushing for it, Naylor first to arrive smashing the ball into the back of the net to score 1-0.

Sydnie Naylor opens the scoring for Cambridge

  Ashford looking for a quick response from the restart as Cheatley gets on the move with the ball through the middle attempting to release Constantine into the box from the right side the pass a little to heavy Webb able to claim. Ashford battling for possession in the middle Aimee Durn breaking clear 25 yards out, Jackson reading her intent rushing out to charge her strike down the ball deflected up into the air over Jackson into the box, scrambled away at the far post for a corner kick. Down to take an inswinging delivery to the far post Duncan under it sends her header up over the crossbar. 

Ashford defender, Hannah Duncan

 

  The Cambridge goal livening Ashford up as they look to better compete for the ball Naylor escaping with it to the left for Cambridge sends it on for Wiltshire pulling into the channel turning inside with the ball pulling the trigger from 20 out can only pick out Shults in the Ashford goal. More good footwork from Constantine as she comes away with the ball in the middle support from Durn the ball lifted into the box as Cheatley bursts forwards can’t quite take it before it runs out of play. Marden moving inside from the right feeding the ball across the area 20 yards out for Wiltshire her effort sliced runs narrowly wide of the far post. 

  Ashford win a corner on the left players coming up from the back with 15 minutes left in the first period, Down with another inswinging delivery beyond the far post turned back across goal inside the six yard box attacked, Kosky throwing her body up to block the ball deflected away for another corner.

 GOAL! Ashford have looked a threat from set-pieces and from the 2nd corner they score another potent delivery from Down this time her inswinging ball in low at the near post wrong foots Webb, the Cambridge goalkeeper unable to adjust as she struggles to keep it from crossing the line, Ashford equalise the players rushing to Down to celebrate 1-1.

Alissa Down with Bella Simmons

  Cheatley with a strike from outside the box for Ashford left of the D swerves wide of the far post. Durn seeing the ball into her feet central goes on for Ashford not closed down pulls the trigger her strike from distance racing wide of the far post. The visitors on the front foot in the latter stages of the 1st half. Getting a little ragged in the middle a few late challenges coming in. Otten with the ball for Cambridge into Naylor going forwards with Wiltshire plays it out to Simmons wide left into the area attempts to get a shot away off the outside of her right boot, the ball cut out by the back tracking Huse behind for a corner kick. 

Ashford attacker, Ashley Cheatley

 Ashford with plenty back for the corner clear as the ball is played in to the top of the area. Edgar with a great times pass forwards for Cambridge to Wiltshire in attack carrying it forwards Huse gets on her shoulder to defend see the ball back to her keeper. Johnson needed in defence too to deal with the threat of Wiltshire as the Cambridge striker evades a tackle on the top of the area comes left. 

 Ashford with a free-kick wide on the right as Otten pulls down Cheatley. Down to play it in a dangerous cross in through the six yard box, met by Huse at the far post headed home however it won’t count as the offside flag is raised against her a close call. Another free-kick for Ashford this one 30 yards out to the left, Down goes for it this time her shot rising over the bar. Into stoppage time Cambridge on the attack the ball into Wiltshire 20 out finds Simmons wide left to the by-line cuts it back up to Edgar to play across the area into Marden right corner, Down back to put in the tackle before she can get a shot away.

Ashford midfielder, Aimee Durn

  Edgar with a crisp pass into Wiltshire racing forwards in attack her touch sending the ball out to the left, tempting Shults to come for it, Wiltshire winning the race however, the goalkeeper caught out of position as players rush back to defend the goal the angle against Wiltshire shifts it between her feet to create a better one, not much to aim at Shults back to cover her near post Wiltshire looks to place it no power the goalkeeper can claim it.   

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

 An intriguing first half, a bright start from Cambridge allowed the ball, a cautious start from Ashford allowing their opponents to come on kept a solid shape  slow to close Cambridge breaking the dead lock in the 20th minute taking the lead woke Ashford up as they looked strong in reply getting set-pieces to trouble the hosts finding the equaliser from one. Both creating other opportunities Cambridge closest to getting a 2nd level at the break set up perfectly for the 2nd half.

  The weather remains settled the suns brief appearance over the clouds returning. Ashford to get the 2nd half underway neither side with a change. Down with the ball her pass forwards into Cheatley is tackled by Edgar. Ashford get the ball into Cheatley as she breaks into the box on the right, Jackson defending the ball off Cheatley for a goalkick. 

  Marden with the ball at her feet on the right for Cambridge turns infield 25 out lifts a diagonal ball into the area is over Wiltshire falls to Simmons breaking in behind at the far post the flag up denying her a shot. Durn is brought down 25 yards out giving the visitors another free-kick to the right of the D. Down’s shot striking the Cambridge wall deflected up and behind for a corner on the left. The delivery swung in across goal, Jackson up decisively at the far post to head the ball clear for Cambridge. 

Abbie Jackson heading clear for Cambridge

  Ashford making a lively start to the 2nd half a more open game. Naylor controlling the ball well moves wide picking out Simmons on the left flank can’t find Wiltshire with her lay off. Naylor with a good win taking the ball high on the right forwards for Wiltshire wide of the area the angle acute can only send her shot across the face of goal. Ashford with a throw on the right Cambridge looking to defend it, won by Otten her well struck clearance catching teammate Davies on the side of the head knocking her to the ground. Play stopped, Davies needing a few moments to get her bearing is made of tough stuff however and able to play on.

Gisela Otten about to knock out her own teammate

  Both sides looking to get the ball moving faster in the final 3rd Wiltshire moving about the defence coming right has Simmons over on that side with her as she sends the ball on Simmons in a race to the box with Duncan the central defender doing enough to get a touch on the ball take it away from the attacker allowing her keeper to claim. Wiltshire does well to spin off the defence break into the area left of the D, swings her foot through the ball looks certain to score, not sure if Shults got a touch on the ball as she throws herself down, the ball runs wide however and a goal kick is given. 

 Cambridge turning the screw as they look to retake the lead the Ashford defence starting to tire. Cheatley in attack however retaining a good turn of pace breaking towards the box forcing a block from both Jackson and Kosky before the ball is cleared to safety. Naylor into Simmons left plays in on for Wiltshire a fraction ahead of the defence, shoots from the left of the D her effort brushing the side netting. Cambridge making the first change of the game bringing off Naylor in midfield, replacing her with Alysha Stojko-Down.

Cambridge’s Ella Marden

Stojko-Down straight into the action with a diagonal ball for Marden to chest down bringing her inside 20 yards out then strikes the ball on the volley goalwards attempting to chip the keeper a fine attempt but an equally good pluck down from Shults. Marden with the ball out on the right squaring it into the six yard box for Wiltshire won’t sit for the attacker as both Huse and Duncan get a blocking tackle in to deny a clear shot. Shults down needing treatment in the Ashford goal, the bench calling the rest of the players over for instruction with 20 minutes left to play.

Ashford defender, Laura Huse

  Both full backs are tiring for Ashford, Johnson stretching to make the challenge, does well to deflect the ball off Simmons for a goalkick as she attempts to break on the left. Cambridge with the momentum getting the ball into her attackers, Currivan with Down winning it back on for Constantine up with Durn and O’Callaghan on the right the shot struck from outside the box over. The visitors regrouping to battle for possession higher up the pitch Down out to Johnson on the right Down breaking forwards right of the area Johnson picking her out with the pass cuts back inside to shoot, her strike knocking another Cambridge defender to the ground, but again up and okay.

Ashford’s Jade Johnson

  Marden has picked up an injury for Cambridge needs to come off Francesca Partridge on to join the Cambridge attack. Cambridge win a free-kick out wide on the right inside the Ashford half an opportunity for players to come forwards from the back Wiltshire to play it in superb flighted towards the far post Kosky bursting from the pack up to head it, a glancing header sent wide wouldn’t have known it but her fellow centre back Jackson beyond would have had the better chance. 

 

  Another chance for Cambridge moments later as the hosts feed the ball through the middle into Simmons in attack going forwards rides a challenge to get into the area before pulling the trigger Shults down smartly making an excellent save to turn the ball wide of her left post for a corner kick. 

 GOAL! Cambridge with plenty up for the corner looking to press the advantage, the ball fired into the area Ashford get it clear out to Cheatley holding position halfway left side sees the ball into her feet and turns the counter is on as she races forwards Cambridge’s defenders frantically racing back as Cheatley turns inside getting past one inside to send the ball out to O’Callaghan right in the clear, Webb makes the call to come out to the top of her area and try and close the attacker down can’t get down in time as O’Callaghan slots the ball under her to send it through into the open goal beyond 1-2.

Elizabeth O’Callaghan firing Ashford into the lead

  15 minutes left to play and Ashford having been under some pressure from Cambridge find themselves in front with a superb break from a corner. Cambridge get after the ball from the restart looking for a quick reply, Wiltshire winning a corner on the right. Played into the area headed out to the left retrieved by Simmons her strike back in blocked at the near post. Simmons over on the right now sending the pass inside for Wiltshire 25 yards out moves across the area looking to curl a left for shot into the top corner sails wide of the post. 

  Huse with an interception at the back for Ashford as Davies attempts to play a diagonal pass into Partridge. Simmons inside form the right with the turn on the ball top of the box to clip a cross into Wiltshire attacking the six yard box the flag raised even before Wiltshire buries her header into the back of the net, no goal. Davies breaking up the pitch on the right for Cambridge sending a dangerous cross into the six yard box, Johnson rising at the far post to head clear for Ashford. Duncan in to close Wiltshire down as she attempts to get onto a Davies pass. 

Ashford with their first change late in the game Constantine comes off with Ellie Luscombe coming on. A much needed injection of pace Luscombe after the ball inside to Durn tackled by Otten into Stojko-Down on for Simmons right her cross cut out by Huse inside the six yard box. Cheatley alert to any chance Ashford have to counter, finding the ball at her feet 30 yards out moves inside before shooting putting the ball straight at Webb.

 Simmons winning Cambridge a late corner on the right before it’s taken a change for Ashford, Clarabut struggling needs to come off on comes Eman Kassem. The corner into the mix the header powers over the crossbar. Ashford working hard to defend their own goal alert whenever a counter in on to relieve the pressure breaking forwards Down into Cheatley across the top of the area her shot drilled wide. Davies coming off for Cambridge with Seymour on for her debut at right back. Down shown a yellow card for Ashford late in the game.

A free-kick to Cambridge left side flighted into the near post area, Shults up amongst bodies getting her fist n the ball knocked down the keeper is grounded as Cambridge attempt to get a shot in along the ground Shults able to snatch it into her midriff. 

 Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-2 Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

  A battling performance from Ashford sees them come away with the 3 points and their first win of 2023. The result seeing Ashford climb 3 places to move up to 5th in the FAWNL South East Division One table. Level at the break Cambridge looked to be turning the screw 2nd half getting forwards well creating chances coming close to taking the lead themselves before being hit with a sucker punch a break form their own corner, taken well by Ashford to take the lead themselves with 15 minutes left to play. On another day might well have been 2-1 the other way but that’s football you take your chances Ashford working hard throughout had to dig in as a team at times and their defence was superb. Cambridge will be disappointed had the chances to win the game themselves just weren’t taken on the day.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of 2023. It’s not often they’re easy and today is not exception some fine performances all round. Firstly for Cambridge, Sarah Wiltshire did everything she could to get a goal with some great runs and movement on and off the ball. Bella Simmons was impressive on her return to Cambridge United lively on the flank looking to combine with Wiltshire create chances. So too Sydnie Naylor in midfield good control and movement throughout. Ashford with a hard working team performance had to dig in at the back at times. Alissa Down dangerous on the ball be it in play or dead. Sophie Shults strong in goal with a couple of crucial saves, the centre backs superb too. Hannah Duncan with several strong challenges and well timed interceptions is just edged out by fellow defender, Laura Huse, again work hard throughout tacking and winning the ball when called upon.

 That’s it then the 500th match report written and as exciting as the first. Been doing it for a while now and it’s knowing that every game is different that makes it so special after all I only write the words it’s the players who make the content. 500 down and plenty more to come still lots of teams I want to see in action. Another enjoyable game good to get the new year started my thanks to both teams for their help today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Haringey Borough Women

Sunday 27th November

ERWFL Premier Division

This Sunday’s football action comes from the ERWFL Premier Division as Stevenage FC Women currently 2nd in the table take on 3rd placed Haringey Borough Women. 

The pair level on 13 points each leading a pack of sides chasing Luton Town Ladies leading the way with a strong 8 point lead having won all 7 of their Premier Division games to date. Luton’s game away to Royston called off today due to a water logged pitch a chance for both sides to close the gap at the top.

Stevenage FC Women looking to bounce back to the FAWNL at he first attempt having suffered relegation last season in a campaign that saw 4 sides go down as the league looked to adjust numbers following the pandemic hit season’s. A tough ask with only one side the ERWFL Premier Division winners themselves gaurenteed promotion. Have retained much off the squad from last season having recruited heavily during that campaign have one of the largest squads in the ERWFL with 27 of those featuring so far this season.

A few new faces coming in most recently full back Anna Re who was with Cambridge United WFC last season with Hannah Bodily joining up with side on the bench for today’s game the midfielder having plenty of experience in the FAWNL with Cambridge City Ladies. Making a winning start to the new season followed by a defeat and draw. Finding their feet in the league have recorded 3 wins on the spin to propel them up the table into 2nd spot. Amy Makewell and Becky Shephard the joint top scorers with 5 goals a piece so far.

 Haringey Borough Women have tasted life in the FAWNL  themselves having won the ERWFL Premier Division, having assembled a strong squad, went on to struggle as players moved on and and having returned to the ERWFL have been at the wrong end of the table for a few season’s. A new look side improving towards the backend of last season have hit the ground running scoring plenty of goals along the way too. Shakira Roberts top scorer with 11 goals from 8 appearances with captain Victoria Campbell and midfielder Kylie Manktelow both scoring 5 each.

  Haringey Borough featuring in some high scoring matches in the Premier Division winning 4 of their 7 matches played with a draw and two defeats. Their 4 wins all coming courtesy of 4 or more goals scored a 4-3 and 5-2 win respectfully to start the season a loss and draw following before they smashed 8 goals into the back of the net away to Wroxham, a 4-3 win at home to Bedford putting them into 3rd level on points with today’s opponents.

   The County Ground in Letchworth the venue for today’s match home to Stevenage FC Women the 3G pitch a good size offering lots of width the ground undergoing so improvements in recent seasons, the clubhouse/cafe area behind the main stand serving hot food and drinks. The main seated stand overlooking one side of the pitch with covered standing on the opposite side and behind the goals. A dull over cast day with grey clouds all around a few spots of rain in the air but none forecast for the game. 

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Celine Ray, Lucy Webster (C), Anna Re, Vicky Neal, Nicole Farmer, Erin Price, Jodie Southby, Hannah Nebbitt, Jodie Bellinger, Becky Shephard & Amy Makewell. Subs – Emily Schofield, Kelsey Millen, Susan Uwaifo & Hannah Bodily.

Haringey Borough Women

 Haringey Borough Women starting XI – Maisie Swann, Chloe Ions, Sarah McDermott, Megan Peters, Louise Askey, Emily Packard, Amber Leighton, Kylie Manktelow, Rimini Lowe, Victoria Campbell (C) & Shakira Roberts. Subs – Alena Hubbard & Naomi Rawdling.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Haringey naming just the two on their substitutes bench with Stevenage having 4 available to bring on including ew signing Hannah Bodily. It’s Stevenage to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing red and black shirts with red shorts and white socks. Haringey in their change strip off green shirts and socks with black shorts. The hosts looking to play the ball down the right early on for Jodie Bellinger to attack, full back Chloe Ions getting to the ball first to clear out for a throw for Haringey. 

  Defending the ball into the box from the right Haringey clear the ball upfield up to striker Shakira Roberts looking to head the ball on give chase, goalkeeper Celine Ray gets hold of it for Stevenage. Worked rapidly out to the left captain Lucy Webster put for for Hannah Nebbitt on the left wing too much on the pass Nebbitt can’t keep it in play. Early pressing from Stevenage getting players up around the Haringey area, Bellinger crossing from the right into Makewell, held up by Haringey’s Megan Peters before the visitors clear.

Haringey’s Sarah McDermott with Stevenage striker Amy Makewell

  Nebbitt getting on down the left delivering a cross into the six yard box comfortably claimed by goalkeeper Maisie Swann. Both sides going in to close the ball down setting a good tempo to the match, Louise Askey in on Bellinger to win the ball left side cleared up the wing for Roberts to attack, pace to burn drives on her cross cut out by Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer. Anna Re coming on with the ball from right back plays a great diagonal pass forwards into the box with Makewell pulling off the defence near post the ball dropping can’t quite take it in her stride to turn goalwards runs out of play.

  Haringey get hold of the ball in the middle Emily Piccard clipping it out to captain Victoria Campbell right side all of 30 yards out nevertheless tries an ambitious attempt hoping to catch the goalkeeper off guard in the opening minutes her lobbed effort dropping over. Certainly a committed contest Haringey going in to close the ball down looking to unsettle Stevenage, the visitors winning a free-kick on the left wide floated into the top of the area headed clear out to the left for a throw. Roberts with the ball out wide left squaring the cross into Campbell inside the area right of the D, Neal stabbing a foot in to initially take the ball off the attacker, Campbell getting it back evading the challenge of another defender to get forwards stabbing a shot wide of the left post. 

  GOAL! Haringey’s pressing sees a mistake from Stevenage in the middle the ball passed on for Roberts on the left, her pace seeing her out run the defence before striking the ball low and hard on the angle across the keeper and into the bottom corner 0-1. Haringey ahead in the 11th minute.

Haringey captain Victoria Campbell open the scoring

  Lucy Webster has a good long throw on her and Stevenage are looking to exploit it to get players turned in behind the defence cause Haringey some issues, one such move seeing Makewell after a miscued header to attack the box left corner, Peters going with her close in getting across the attacker before producing a well executed tackle to see the ball clear. 

  GOAL! Attempting to get something going at one end Stevenage quickly find themselves two goals down as Haringey compete for the ball in the final 3rd Kylie Manktelow forwards with Roberts left of the D 25 yards out the midfielder seeing her strike blocked the ball spinning away to the left flank, Roberts after it getting hold of the ball before turning a cross in towards the top of the area Campbell getting on the end of it to chip a shot over the keeper to make it 0-2.

Shakira Roberts doubling Haringey’s lead

  Ray hurt the Stevenage goalkeeper recieving some treatment on the pitch is okay to continue. The host 2 nil down inside the opening 15 minutes. Roberts pace proving a handful keeping the Stevenage defence busy, Neal tackling giving away a free-kick. Re looking to inject some urgency into the Stevenage attack as she brings the ball out from the back coming inside looking for Makewell, closely marked by Peters. Erin Price sending a diagonal ball on for Bellinger right side, Askey in to defend for Haringey. 

   Stevenage win a corner out on the right a chance to send players up into the box apply some pressure to the Haringey defence, the delivery comes in turned out to the left for a throw to Stevenage. Webster attempting the long one into the area the clearance from Peters headed back to her hits the cross on the half volley turned behind for a goalkick. Bellinger getting on with the ball right cuts inside 25 yards out cuts it back into Jodie Southby top of the area right of the D, sent on for Makewell ahead of her on the angle pulls the trigger, her strike flashed wide across goal out past the far post. 

 The Haringey defence putting in some great tackles to deny Stevenage the opportunities to get the ball into the area, McDermott at right back enjoying a good contest with Nebbitt. On the opposite flank Bellinger and Re combine playing a one two before Bellinger wraps her foot around the ball to cross into the six yard box claimed by Swann, Makewell obstructing the goalkeeper as she looks to kick the ball picks up the first yellow card of the game. Bellinger seeing a good share of the ball on the right for Stevenage a high cross put in towards goal, has Swann back peddling the goalkeeper doing well to pluck the ball down from over her head as it threatens to drop under the crossbar is quick to set up a counter attack the ball up to Roberts her pace seeing her win a throw in high up the pitch. 

  Nebbitt on the move down the left flank with the ball knocked inside for Makewell who sends the return ball on for Nebbitt to attack down to the by-line, McDermott recovering well for Haringey to get back at her tackle and see the ball rebound off the attacker for a goalkick. Midway through the 1st half shaping up to be a lively contest. Haringey battling for the ball, energy in the middle first to the ball. Roberts pulling right with a strike from distance running wide of Ray’s far post.

   Amber Leighton with Pickard winning the ball in the middle for Haringey put forwards into Campbell right channel attempts to pick out Roberts pulling away left, Re stretching to incept taking the ball out of Roberts path the striker racing after it into the box, Farmer though reading the threat for Stevenage as the centre back gets across to lunge in with the challenge take the ball from Roberts. 

Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer

 A corner won on the left for Stevenage players up the ball curled into the six yard box headed away by Peters, the visitors attempting to break, Shephard winning the ball well for Stevenage looking to lift it back into the area, too close to the keeper Swann can come get her gloves around the ball. Stevenage winning a free-kick in a dangerous position 30 yards out to the right of the box, players forwards as Nebbitt plays the ball in across the penalty spot, Shephard rising to meet it with the header sees her effort crash up off the bar and out for a goal kick.

   Ions coming forwards on the left fouled by Re, Haringey winning the free kick. A change for Stevenage before it is taken Emily Schofield coming on on the left in place of Nebbitt. The free-kick fired in across the face of goal, Ray under pressure seeing it pop out of her gloves but is quick to recover drop on the loose ball. 

  Stevenage advance though the middle Price on for Southby opens up her body to send a goo ball forwards into Makewell pulling away right channel into the area striking the ball on the angle, Swann down low making a superb save to turn the ball wide across her goal out for a corner kick. Played in across the six yard box over the tall Price drops for Neal sent back out to the taker on the left bundled out for a 2nd corner. 

GOAL! The delivery long from the corner into a crowded back post area inside the six yard box, the ball knocked up not clear attacked by Southby at close range to squeeze her header by the keeper inside the post 1-2 a goal back for Stevenage with less than 10 minutes left in the first half. 

  Haringey get the ball forwards on the right long for Rimini Lowe to attack gets down into the corner forcing a corner kick as her attempted cross is turned behind. The ball in cleared by Neal Stevenage looking to get Schofield on the over left side, tackled by McDermott. Peters stopping Makewell from turning as she sees the ball into her feet top of the D. Good battles all over the pitch. The clock ticking down at the end of the first half, Schofield with the ball driving down the left wing getting deep before being brought down presenting Stevenage with another set-piece in a dangerous area.

Stevenage’s Emily Schofield

GOAL! Shephard placing the ball down to deliver the free-kick wide of the six yard box fires in a very good ball met by Neal towards the far post drives her header down into the ground back across the keeper into the back of the net to level the scores 2-2. Stevenage right back in it scoring from 2 set-piece. 

Vicky Neal levelling the scores for Stevenage late in the half

  Haringey with Manktelow on the ball on for Roberts pulling away right, Neal getting out to close her down send the ball out for a throw in. Stevenage look to counter attack with Southby on the ball central looks to lift it on for Bellinger playing through the middle, just a little too strong, however the flag would have gone up had Bellinger done so having strayed offside. One last attack in the half for Haringey with the pacy Roberts away on the left crossing into Campbell left of the D moves across it before attempting the shot her strike blocked, Lowe after the rebound some 25 yards out right of goal lift her shot wide of the right post.

 

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 2-2 Haringey Borough Women

  A lively first 45 minutes a committed contest between the side very entertaining some good battles developing out on the field. Haringey with the early strike to take the lead then quickly following it up with a 2nd capitalising a mistake in midfield from the hosts. Somewhat unsettled Stevenage who nevertheless were getting players forwards creating a few chances. Haringey with some good defending pressing the ball well undone in the finish from two set-pieces as Stevenage came back to level the scores late in the half, to set up what promises to be a great 2nd half.

  No changes for either side a the start of the 2nd half getting gloomy out there the floodlights coming on. Haringey to get the 2nd half underway put back into midfield out to Ions coming on left side lifts it forwards ray can come gather for Stevenage the goalkeeper sending it long for Bellinger on the right, Peters though can see it safely back to her goalkeeper. Price getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Stevenage driving on before sending it out to Bellinger right side, her attack halted by a raised flag. 

Stevenage’s Jodie Bellinger

  Roberts left channel seeing the ball into her feet turning 30 yards out and driving for the Stevenage area into the box shifts inside to evade a challenge unleashing a shot angling into the bottom corner, Ray with a spectacular save throwing herself down to her left getting her glove behind the ball to deflect it wide for a corner kick. 

Celine Ray with an excellent save for Stevenage

  The corner in from the left cleared Stevenage looking to hit Haringey on the break forwards for Makewell helped on for Bellinger, right, Peters back at her the centre back challenging the ball pushed wide. A lively start to the 2nd half from Stevenage looking to get after Haringey, risk the long clearance up to Roberts, Ray launching the ball out of the ground over the mainstand. Southby winning Stevenage a throw high on the right that brings a corner kick players come forwards the delivery from Shephard flashed in across the face of goal attacked central no contact before dropping to Makewell free at the back stick volleys her effort over from close range. 

GOAL! Stevenage knocking on the door when out of nothing Haringey retake the lead. Manktelow with the ball at her feet some 40 yards out right of the centre circle scoring one hell of a goal, striking the ball from distance is rifled into the back of the net past the diving Ray 2-3.

Kylie Manktelow with a rocket from distance to restore Haringey’s lead

  The goal giving Haringey a much needed boost with almost 15 minutes of the 2nd half played coming on with the ball Pickard to Roberts left side the attacker bursts forwards cutting inside towards the D, the Stevenage defence back peddling, Campbell and Manktelow both making great runs into the area, leaves Roberts caught in two minds whether to shot or lay the ball on, ends up doing neither her forward ball way wards out past the right post for a goalkick.

  Haringey make their first change bring off Piccard for Naomi Rawdling. Ray with another superb save for Stevenage as she drops low to her right to deny Campbell as the Haringey captain steals in behind the defence inside the box off a right sided cross from Lowe. The resulting corner played in from the right dropping central both Campbell and Peters going for it neither getting a shot away the ball cleared back out to the right Lowe’s cross in claimed by Ray. 

Haringey’s Chloe Ions

 Stevenage getting a little frustrated mounting an attack on the right Re getting forwards to combine with Bellinger cutting inside Bellinger’s cross is deflected behind by the outstretched leg of Askey. The ball fired into the middle, is headed into the back of an empty net however it won’t count as referee Chris Geelan had already blown his whistle. Haringey launch the ball forwards Campbell with the flick on to put Roberts away left channel, Neal tracking her run into the top of the area, Roberts looking to skip inside, Neal not having any of it reading the move getting her heel up to deflect it away for a corner. 

  Haringey tiring a little slower to the ball in the middle as Stevenage look to push forwards Price out to Re on for Bellinger, Ion across to tackle for the visitors. Haringey attack right Lowe coming on with the ball delivering a dangerous ball into the six yard box, Ray stretching as she goes up for the ball getting her gloves to it proves to be a touch as it takes the ball off the head of Roberts stealing in unmarked behind her, Manktelow volleying over from close range beyond her.

GOAL! Disaster! One moment keeping the opposition from scoring Ray is caught on the ball inside her box confusion between her and Neal sees Roberts racing in to steal the ball nip past them and slot the ball into the empty net to score her 2nd of the game and extend Haringey’s lead 2-4. 

Shakira Roberts pouncing to extend Haringey’s lead

 Haringey with a 2nd change Alena Hubbard coming on for McDermott joining the attack, Roberts going into the right back position. Ions comes on left side for Haringey plays it forwards for Hubbard on the move down the wing her cross in cut out by Neal inside the box. Stevenage make another change bringing off Southby, on in her place Kelsey Millen. Campbell with an ambitious attempt on the half volley over 30 yards out sent over. Stevenage frustrated having conceded twice Haringey putting them under pressure Ions brought down outside the box awarded the free-kick the ball crossed into the area. Neal up to defend a controlled header down for her keeper to gather.

  Campbell closing the ball down unleashing an effort on goal form 30 yards drilled wide of the mark. Stevenage with another change an attacker for a defender with 15 minutes to go Susan Uwaifo on for Re. A clearance form Farmer launched up into the box puts Swann under pressure to claim as she is closed down by Uwaifo, not taken cleanly is able to get a 2nd bite on the ground to snatch the ball into her body. Hubbard adding fresh legs to the Haringey attack on the left cutting inside is tackled by Neal.

Stevenage midfielder Erin Price

 Uwaifo adding some strength to the Stevenage attack as she gathers the ball into her body off Bellinger right side and looks to drive into the box, Askey going with her sliding in with a good tackle to win her side a goal kick. Webster cuts out a ball from Manktelow as she cuts inside from the left. Stevenage making a fourth change as they take off Bellinger bring on new signing Hannah Bodily. Campbell pulling right side beating the offside trap 25 yards out sees the keeper off her line attempts to lob her but sends her effort wide, pulling up in the box with cramp. 

  Neal involved in a good contest with Hubbard with the hosts sacrificing a defender as they search for a goal to get themselves back into the game with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. Stevenage attack left Uwaifo cuts the ball into the centre for Makewell who in turn helps it out to Millen in space out on the right drives forwards her cross driven into the box cut out by Askey turned behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! Set-pieces have been key to Stevenage and they make one count again as Shephard fires in a great ball across the face of goal from the right not picked up by the Haringey defence, comes to Neal unopposed at the back post as she rises to drive her header into the back of the net, quick to retrieve it again get the game restarted 3-4.

Vicky Neal with the headed goal for Stevenage

  The hosts determined coming on with the ball Millen on the right inside to Uwaifo in the box, tackled well by Peters. The game getting a little physical free-kicks being given away players tiring. A shot sliced over from distance as Schofield on the attack right squares the ball inside to Makewell. Haringey making a switch, Piccard coming back on for Hubbard seeing Roberts restored to the attack. 

Haringey goalkeeper Maisie Swann

  Swann with a brilliant save with her legs down at her near post to stop the effort from Makewell  driven in low on the angle from inside the box on the right. Stevenage pressing hard late in the game. 

GOAL! Stevenage with a free-kick on the right over the half way line Farmer to play it forwards up toward the top of the area Peters sticking a leg out attempting to cut it out for Haringey comes off the defender running on in behind out wide left of goal inside the box Shephard racing clear at the far post to strike it on the angle past the keeper into the bottom corner to equalise in the 89th minute! 4-4!

Becky Shephard with a late leveller for Stevenage

 For the 2nd time in the game Stevenage come back from a 2 goal deficit, is there enough time left in stoppages to find a winner from either side. Askey is booked as she bundled Uwaifo down. The free kick wide right played into the box by Farmer dropping far post is claimed by Swann. Haringey in turn win a free kick over half way on the right wide the ball played in towards the area headed clear by Farmer for Stevenage. 

Stevenage captain Lucy Webster tackling Haringey captain Victoria Campbell

Manktelow attempts another long range strike this time safely gloved down and caught by Ray. Roberts with the ball on the attack right side for Haringey tackled by Farmer, then adjudged to have fouled Farmer as she attempts to regain possession. One las push from Stevenage Millen out on the right crossing inside to Uwaifo to of the area takes the ball into the D looking for room to unleash a shot gets it away, Campbell back there to lung in block turn it behind for a corner. Stevenage get the ball into the mix central everyone back to defend for Haringey scramble the ball away the final whistle blows the points shared.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 4-4 Haringey Borough Women

Another cracking game from the ERWFL Premier Division, the points shared between Stevenage and Haringey. The visitors getting into a 2 goal lead in both halves only to be pegged back by Stevenage. Haringey battling well in a committed contest pressing the ball forcing errors capitalising to open the scoring first half quickly getting into a 2 goal lead. Set-piece’s proving key for Stevenage as they came back late on with headers from Jodie Southby and Vicky Neal to level it at the break. Stevenage looking to get on the front foot early in the 2nd half had Celine Ray to thank for an excellent save to keep it level before a long range rocket from Kylie Manktelow restored Haringey’s lead. A mistake at the back seeing the visitors go 4-2 up. Stevenage kept pressing their changes playing their part fresh legs winning more set-pieces Neal with a bullet header from a corner with less than 20 to play putting the hosts back in the game, another free-kick in the 89th minute seeing Becky Shephard steal through to make it 4-4. A point a-piece sees both drop a place as the other 3G hosts AFC Sudbury Women and Needham Market Women both won at home to move above them into 2nd and 3rd, remains tight in the top half Luton still the side to be caught.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and boy is this a tough on probably the hardest I’ve had to choose mainly because I name one clear winner and the contenders field is a very strong one from both sides. A great contest with several performances of note. Jodie Bellinger was a constant threat out on the right for Stevenage backed up well by Anna Re getting into some great positions with some dangerous balls into the box. Shakira Roberts pace and direct running gave Stevenage real problems took her goals well. Both goal keepers pulled off some fantastic saves, Maisie Swann for Haringey and Celine Ray for Stevenage without her intervention Stevenage could have been dead and buried. Odd as it sounds however in a 4-4 the award today goes to a defender, just a case of picked one above the others some fantastic tackling and blocks from Haringey’s Megan Peters and Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer. Louise Askey was excellent at the back for Haringey made a number of critical challenges inside the box, it’s the goal that matter in the end and 2 for Vicky Neal sees her named Player of the Match. Was a great performance at the back winning the ball her two pinpoint headers setting up Stevenage’s fightback in both halves. Ultimately both sides will fell disappointment with the result Haringey for not holding out for the win and conceding from 4 set-pieces. Stevenage with the goals they conceded to put them on the back foot, still dug deep to fight back both halves.

 Another great encounter from the ERWFL never fails to disappoint is an underrated league with some very talented players on display. Great to return to the County Ground my thanks to both sides for the team details today. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Needham Market Women v AFC Sudbury Women

Sunday 20th November

Suffolk Women’s County Cup

Back to Suffolk this Sunday to watch a game from the 2nd Round of the County Cup competition, a repeat of last season’s final no less with Needham Market Women draw at home to face AFC Sudbury Women.

  The two sides the strong favourites to win the competition again this season. AFC Sudbury Women coming out on top to beat Needham Market Women 3-1 in that final played at Colchester United FC goals from Evie Creaton, Jess Allen and Alex Penny to lift the trophy after a decade of dominance by Ipswich Town Women (now no longer competing in the competition)

  The two clubs following a similar path as they have become two of the leading sides for women’s football in Suffolk. With academies and pathways for female players, with top quality 3G facilities. Likewise both promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division having become Division One North and South Champions respectfully last season. Both going strong in the 5th tier too with AFC Sudbury Women 4th and Needham Market Women 5th with identical records having won 4 and lost 2 in a close battle at the top of the table all looking to close down Luton Town Ladies.

Needham Market Women having risen quickly up to the 5th tier in their relatively short history having reached the final of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup on 3 occasions would love to go all the way in the competition. Growing year on year have added quality and experience to their side in bringing in a number of ex-Ipswich players including Eva Hubbard this season who has hit the ground running the defender netting 6 goals so far. So too has Molly Hall another ex-Ipswich player. Lois Balfour with Needham Market from the beginning leading the way in the goal scoring charts with 8 goals too date. Have recently added another player with huge experience in Amber Cantwell playing the the ERWFL and FAWNL with Cambridge United WFC. On Friday Needham Market Women enjoying a memorable and fantastic day out playing at Wembley Stadium in the BT Sport Pub Cup Final representing the The Three Tuns.

AFC Sudbury Women forming stronger ties with AFC Sudbury over recent season’s slowly rebuilding bringing in a host of young players into their academy set-up cumulating in the club returning the ERWFL Premier Division. Enjoying a triple winning season last time out not only winning the Division One South title but also the League Plate along with the County Cup. Are a side with plenty of goals in them, last season’s top scorer Jess Allen moving on to play in the US, Alex Penny is currently top scorer with 9 goals closely followed by Evie Creaton with 8 while Holly Kennard has 6.

Broomfields the venue for today’s cup tie, The Hub cafe and bar situated on the 2nd floor of the new building situated between the main grass patch and 3G pitch with a balcony overlooking the pitches. The changing room housed on the first floor a small seated stand with viewing for spectators  along one side. The rain blowing through during the morning leaving it dry for this afternoon’s cup tie, the sun low potentially an issue setting behind one goal a 2:30 kick off the floodlights will be needed come the 2nd half.

Needham Market Women

Needham Market Women starting XI – Daisie Gibbs, Eva Hubbard, Jodie Sharp, Lindsey Cooper, Eloise Ward, Mia Etheridge, Paige Wakefield, Amber Cantwell, Jo Brawn, Ellie Rossiter & Lois Balfour (C). Subs – Charlotte McGrath, Ele Catchpole, Lina Nagib, Molly Hall & Niamh Thomas.

 AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Jodie Donley, Ronni Harrison (C), Teigan McHale, Ali Lambe, Kate Edwards, Emily Smith, Alex Penny, Holly Kennard, Leonie Bezant & Evie Creaton. Subs – Amber Provan, Phoebe Guiver, Kaylee Dodds, Sophie Jeffery & Tye Smith.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

With a game at Wembley on Friday manager Warren Lewis-Claxon making changes including a 1st start for new signing Amber Cantwell. Both sides with 5 substitutes to call upon during the game. Needham Market to kick off the first half wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. Sudbury lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue colure shorts. The visitors looking to press the ball right form the off forcing Needham Market to play the ball back into their defence out to right back Jodie Sharp sends a diagonal ball up to striker and captain Lois Balfour seeing it into her feet well turns to release Jo Brawn breaking forwards on the left, Jodie Donley closing in to challenge for Sudbury the ball out for a throw in.

Leonie Bezant attacking for Sudbury

Sudbury get the ball forwards with pace on the right played inside for attacker Evie Creaton right of the D, Needham Market goalkeeper Daisie Gibbs rushing out to close her down Creaton nudging the ball forwards getting it behind the keeper as she goes to ground, her defence though can see the ball run wide of the right post for a goalkick. Sudbury with a lively start to the game getting on with the ball win a corner on the right, swung in Needham Market defending before the near post. A foul given away in the middle a chance for Sudbury to get players up around the top of the area as defender Ali Lambe looks to play the set-piece in. The home defence heading clear.

   Competitive in the middle of the park as both sides go in on the ball Sudbury breaking left as captain Ronni Harrison sends it forwards for Holly Kennard, Gibbs coming out of her goal can see it safely out for a goalkick. A few tackles flying in the referee letting the game flow early on Needham Market attack right Eva Hubbard up for Brawn the diagonal pass up to Ellie Rossiter making an attacking move through the middle intercepted well by Harrison. 

Sudbury captain, Ronni Harrison

  Sharp getting up around the D taking aim as the ball is deflected into her 20 yards out, Millie Carter in the Sudbury goal seeing the shot safely taken into her body. Amber Cantwell getting onto the ball left channel driving into the area Donley tackling the ball out for a throw in. Sudbury pressing the ball high won back into the final 3rd Creaton with a shot struck into the side netting a deflection a corner given, played in near side comfortably cleared by Needham Market. 

Amber Cantwell getting forwards for Needham Market

  Balfour dropping into midfield to receive the ball into her feet aiming to release it over the top quickly to set either Rossiter or Brawn away the latter the intended target this time, through to attack the box, bar a well timed interception from Lambe at the back for Sudbury. With both sides squeezing up at times is leaving players exposed at the back, Sudbury quick to get the ball forwards, up to Holly Kennard left with Leonie Bezant inside looking to exchange passes get in behind the defence Sharp and Eloise Ward hold their line bravely to catch Kennard offside. 

Sudbury’s Holly Kennard with Needham Market’s Jodie Sharp

  Both Alex Penny on the right and Kennard on the left have pace to take the ball on past their full backs if they get the opportunity good battles for both with Penny up against Hubbard for Needham Market, Kennard up against Sharp. A clever touch seeing Kennard evade Sharp to run on down the line flashes a cross into the box looking for Creaton in the middle of goal. Ward cutting the ball out and clearing for Needham Market. It’s not a tight game by any stretch both sides going for it play one end to the other, Needham Market clearing Mia Etheridge up into Balfour played out to Rossiter right turns infield her strike from range blocked by Harrison the ball deflected across the top of the area, Donley putting in the block as Brawn strikes the ball. 

  Gibbs taking a catch high as Penny sends a cross in from deep on the right for Sudbury. Up the other end Carter comes racing out of her box to clear, as Rossiter looks to get after another Balfour flick on only this time the offside flag is raised against her. Balfour is shoved over in the middle presenting Needham Market with a free-kick. Played up to the top of the area cleared out to the left Lambe gives away a silly free-kick in a dangerous position out wide. Well struck the ball races in missing everyone to run wide of the far post.

Needham Market captain, Lois Balfour

   Carter with a great ball forwards from the back that sees Penny on the attack right wing for Sudbury, taking on the early strike on the angle, flashed in across the six yard box wide of Gibbs’ far post. Sudbury pressing the advantage right side Creaton moving out to receive the ball laid into Bezant 20 yards out right of the D, puts her foot through the ball angling in, Gibbs diving beaten the ball cannoning off the post before being cleared.

  GOAL! 20 minutes gone and the deadlock is broken by a truly wonderful strike, got to see this one go in from behind and it looked a goal even before being struck. Sudbury attacking right side a rapid counter the pitch opening up the crossfield pass flighted into Kennard some 25 plus yards out left of the D, a fantastic 1st touch to get the ball down and turn to strike on the half volley perfectly hit the top corner there to be found, makes no mistake the curling into the back of the net 0-1.

Holly Kennard with a superb strike to open the scoring for Sudbury

  Needham Market a little frustrated a couple of naughty tackles flying in need to settle down. Carter rushing out of her area comes together with the advancing Rossiter, the ball loose Rossiter unable to get to it before the Sudbury defence recovers to clear. Kate Edwards looking to dig the pass out wide for Penny on the left pulls up straight away feeling pain in her ankle. A lengthy pause in play whilst she is assessed not risked Sudbury bringing off the midfielder, Phoebe Guiver coming on. Is an entertaining contest the game open Sudbury looking to get the ball to Kennard and Penny on the flanks, Needham Market more effective bringing the ball on through the middle with Rossiter and Brawn getting the furthest forwards. 

 

  GOAL! Needham Market get themselves back on level terms in the 29th minute winning a free-kick on the left Sharp hooks it up the line for Rossiter racing in behind getting hold of the ball to fire a cross into the six yard box Balfour beating the keeper to it turning her shot goalwards, Teigan McHale stabbing a foot out of the goal line to send it clear to the left straight at Brawn however the Needham Market attacker blasting her shot home 1-1. 

Jo Brawn levelling the scores for Needham Market

  Is a contest between Kennard and Sharp on the flank the Sudbury winner looking to exploit her pace get behind Sharp who is vastly experienced isn’t making it easy, Kennard getting half a yard running into trouble as Ward coming to assist Sharp gets her challenge in. Sudbury appealing (well their fans at least) as Kennard’s cross is intercepted inside the box appears to strike an arm the referee waving the protests away play carrying on. Brawn advancing up the left for Needham Market with the diagonal ball into the top of the area for Rossiter, Harrison doing well up against her, then makes another good tackle as Balfour attempts to latch onto the loose ball.

  GOAL! Sudbury get themselves back into the lead attacking with purpose down the right Penny forwards the ball crossed into the area, Creaton inside the six yard box central looking to see the ball across her sent it into the far corner doesn’t get the touch she intending however wrong foots the keeper as Gibbs dives to her left, the ball skipping up into the air Creaton stooping into the header to drive the ball in back across the goal 1-2. 

Evie Creaton restoring Sudbury’s lead

  The clock ticking own in the first half Needham Market looking to get on the attack Rossiter getting in behind on the right to the by-line flashing a cross into the six yard box intercepted by Lambe. 

  GOAL! Needham Market coming straight back to level the scores for a 2nd time as Cantwell gives chase to a ball on the right whipping a cross in from the by-line into the six yard box missed by Carter, but not by Brawn racing in close at the far post to smash home her 2nd of the game 2-2. 

 Needham Market pushing up looking to finish the first half strong the ball up into Balfour inside the area right of goal off a throw in, a strong challenge by Lambe winning the ball. Balfour picking up a knock. the ball cleared.

 GOAL! Into stoppage time Creaton looking to pressure Ward on the ball at the ball top of her area as she looks to shield the ball back to her keeper, gets her foot on the ball to play her shot wide of the advancing keeper and into the bottom corner 2-3. 

Evie Creaton with her 2nd of the match to put Sudbury back into the lead

  Cantwell advancing on the left combining with Balfour in attack aiming to drive for the box, Smith going with her for Sudbury putting in the tackle. Smith fouled shortly afterwards by Wakefield who picks up a yellow card in the dying seconds of the first half.  

Half-time Needham Market Women 2-3 AFC Sudbury Women

  A highly entertaining first half sees Sudbury taking the lead in stoppage time having been twice pegged back by Needham Market. Certainly a competitive game and a surprisingly open one too with both sides looking to take the game to the other commit players forwards risk exposure at the back at times. Good battles all over the pitch competitive in the middle, Paige Wakefield with Mai Etheridge winning the ball well for the hosts Cantwell looking to drive on with the ball. The visitors looking to use Penny and Kennard on the flanks their pace often stretching the pitch. Has led to 5 goals being scored can’t see that being the end of it. 

   The floodlights on beginning to take effect at the start of the 2nd half appears to be no changes. Sudbury to get the the 2nd period underway straight to penalties if level on the 90. A scrappy start to the 2nd period as both sides rush to close the ball down Smith releasing Kennard on the left her deep cross finding Penny on the opposite side outside the box, Hubbard defending for Needham Market. 

Sudbury’s Alex penny with Needham’s Eva Hubbard

  Cantwell is brought down by Smith as she looks to carry the ball out from the back, Sudbury though quick to regain possession off the set-piece the ball played up to Creaton inside the area, Cooper with a well timed tackle for Needham Market. A competitive start to the 2nd half Needham Market looking to get after their opponents. 

  GOAL! The perfect start to the 2nd half as Needham Market come straight back to level the game for the 3rd time in the match and with a wonderful strike too. The hosts attacking down the left Brawn with Hubbard the ball crossed in along the top of the Needham Market area is cleared back out into the midfield. Wakefield gathering the ball some 35 yards out puts her laces through it , arrowing in towards goal, Carter dives to her left but can get no where near it as the shot is buried 3-3.

Paige Wakefield’s thunderbolt making it 3-3

  Needham Market making a change straight after the goal bringing on Molly Hall in attack to replace Balfour. The hosts with their tails up the challenges still flying in in the middle of the park Smith bringing down Wakefield and Etheridge. The former over the set-piece to the left of goal midway inside the half, Wakefield taking on the shot the ball curling wide of the far post. Sudbury making a change bringing off Donley for Sophie Jeffrey who slots in at left ack Harrison moving to the right of defence. 

  Free-kicks continue to be given away at regular intervals, Needham Market with one wide right sent players up into the box, flung in near side, Carter is cleaned out as she goes up for it by an onrushing attacking. Play stopped straight away, Carter down and looking in trouble. Another long pause in play as she is assessed possible alternatives discussed with no recognised goalkeeper on the bench. Looks to be Carter’s elbow is given time to be checked over feels okay to play on the game resumes. 

  Wakefield strong in the middle winning the ball knocking it on for Hall in attack who flicks it wide to Brawn on the left 25 yards out, aims to open up her body curl a shot in towards the top corner, doesn’t get the necessary height on it an easy take for Carter. Needham Market putting alot into the game at the beginning of the 2nd half winning the ball better preventing Sudbury from finding their wide players. Brawn winning a corer on the left, played deep back to Wakefield central outside the box the ball struck hard racing wide of the left post. 

Sudbury defender, Teigan McHale

  McHale getting hold of the ball at the back for Sudbury cleared on for Kennard skipping away left side going forwards sweeping a crossfield ball into Penny up on the right slightly behind her Penny after it to strike on the turn 25 yards out can only place her effort into the goalkeepers gloves. Hubbard getting forwards to support Brawn, Penny tracking back with her opens up her knee as she goes to block the ball going down in distress looks in trouble again play is paused players from both sides concerned as the trainer is quickly on. Doesn’t look good a long delay the stretcher brought on, Penny needs to come off, never a nice sight to see and can only wish her well and that it’s not too serious. Kaylee Dodds the player sent on.

  Play eventually resuming. Lina Nagib on to for Needham Market on the left replacing Brawn. Sharp putting the ball into the box for Needham Market looking for Nagib, McHale defending for Sudbury the ball deflected away Cantwell latching onto it looking to drive into the box Dodds coming round to defend for the visitors. 

Needham defender Lindsey Cooper

  Rossiter coming on with the ball attacking for Needham Market on the right, Jeffery getting across her to defend for Sudbury. The ball is like a hot potato pinging around in the middle of the park knocked forwards by Guiver, intercepted by Cooper, Hubbard takes it on for the host  driving forwards on the left going on after playing a one two with Nagib her cross deflected behind for a corner kick. In from the left at an inviting height Hall jumping near post can’t quite connect the ball half cleared outside the area struck ack in with place deflected away for a corner on the right.

  GOAL! The pressure building from Needham Market the corner played long to the far post cleared, Sudbury looking to clear their area the ball put up to the left won back by Sharp, knocked forwards Hall with a good flick on to send the ball into the path of Rossiter running on right side, strikes the shot on the angle from the top corner of the area lashing the ball in across the keeper to find the bottom corner and put Needham Market into the lead for the 1st time in the game 4-3. 

Ellie Rossiter firing Needham Market into the lead

  Sudbury a little subdued have been a little flat since losing Penny to injury now find themselves behind in the cup time. Needham Market finding renewed energy as Hubbard gets forwards linking up well with Nagib on the left. Smith lifting the ball on for Kennard on the left, Sharp with a timely header to intercept. Cooper clearing the ball out of the ground as Creaton combines well with Dodds as the pair attack right. Cantwell pressing forwards with the ball releasing it forwards for Nagib her cross field ball aiming for Rossiter breaking right, Jeffery getting her leg out to intercept well for Sudbury. 

  Still 20 minutes left to play with all the stoppages have no doubt interrupted the rhythm especially for Sudbury. Hall with a turn and hit 25 yards out straight at the keeper. A corner for the hosts on the right defended by McHale at the near post cleared back to the taker the shot blasted back in wide at the near post. Gibbs comes rushing out of her box as Creaton gives chase to the ball colliding with the striker, her defence back on the cover before Creaton can capitalise. 

  Hall on for Rossiter on the right, Lambe across with the tackle bringing Rossiter down the hosts complain but again their protests are waved away. Creaton bringing the ball down turning to drive for the area tackled by Ward. Dodds attacking right is brought down giving Sudbury a free-kick 25 yards out. Bezant over the ball curled in Gibbs has it covered looks over dips late though to drop onto the cross bar and out of play. Sudbury finding their feet gaining some momentum coming forwards better Bezant with Creaton through the middle the striker chopped down left of the D by Ward, the visitors appealing the free-kick awarded, Ward in trouble, defenders looked to be round on the cover though as a yellow card is brandished. Jeffery on the set-piece sends her shot over.

  Sudbury coming back strong Needham market possibly feeling the affects of two games in 3 days. Wakefield winning the ball well in the middle however helping to take the pressure off on for Hubbard bombing on left side winning a throw high up the pitch. 10 minutes left Sudbury bring on Tye Smith to replace Guiver in the middle. Etheridge attempting a shot from distance not troubling the keeper. 

 Bezant carrying the ball on through the middle for Sudbury up to Dodds on the right, cuts inside Hubbard sticking out a foot to take the ball away from her. The hosts with a rapid counter the ball clipped out wide to Rossiter on the right opts for the early shot angling in low, Carter has her near post covered down to make the save. 

  Ward defends well on Tye Smith as the midfielder drives on with the ball for Sudbury. Kennard breaking clear in behind on the left shooting from an acute angle the ball racing wide across the face of the Needham Market goal. Needham Market come left the ball into Hall the striker lifting it up the left flank for Nagib to take on holds up edge of the area laid back to Hall some 25 yards out shapes to shoot curling her strike over the crossbar.

  Cantwell bundled over not for the first time in the game left of the circle the free-kick flighted in towards the top of the area Hall pulling clear with the header, goes too early the flag up against her. Nagib draws the foul off Bezant to eat up valuable time less than 5 minutes left to play, holding onto a narrow lead. That said the free-kick top of the centre circle Wakefield takes on the shot the ball struck well drops over the bar. 

 Needham Market press forwards Hall to Nagib inside the box left, tackled by Harrison, Etheridge winning the ball back inside to Cantwell  then Wakefield drives forwards stopped by McHale. Sudbury counter Bezant taking the ball on through the middle tackled by Ward. 

  GOAL! Hall seals the victory for Needham Market in the dying seconds the hosts with one last effort to press the ball inside the Sudbury half comes into the strikers feet some 40 yards out to the left of the D, gets her foot through the ball to send the lob over the keeper to score 5-3!

Molly Hall’s late strike secures the win for Needham Market

  Barely time left for Needham Market to make a double substitution before the final whistle blows and the hosts celebrate.

Full time Needham Market Women 5-3 AFC Sudbury Women

  A highly entertaining cup tie, a final in itself payed between to committed side alot of effort put in. Needham Market turning it around in the 2nd half with 3 superb strikes to seal the win having been trailing 3-2 at the break. Sudbury getting off to a positive start getting joy on the flanks with the pace of Penny and Kennard. Kennard with a fantastic strike of her own to open the scoring. Needham Market competing for the ball especially in the middle of the park soon coming back to level through Brawn. Sudbury nudging into the lead again with Creaton on target the lead again short lived as Brawn pounced for her 2nd of the game. Creaton restoring Sudbury’s lead in the closing stages of the 1st half. Needham Market making a determined start to the 2nd half a thunderbolt from Wakefield getting it back to 3-3. Injuries taking their toll having already lost Edwards in the 1st half and then a concern for goalkeeper Carter, Sudbury saw Penny stretched off. Needham Market on top at that point capitalising a Rossiter fired the hosts into the lead. The game could have gone either way as Sudbury fought back Hall with another superbly hit ball from distance securing the win for Needham Market 5-3.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Again it’s a tough one a few contenders but one I feel edges it. A few performances of note to mention firstly for Sudbury, Holly Kennard was a constant threat on the left flank with some good runs turn of pace and an excellent strike to open the scoring. Evie Creaton too up top getting into some good positions taking the game to the Needham Market defence scoring twice. For Needham Market, Eva Hubbard was strong at left back dealing with Penny’s pace on that flank limiting her chances. Lindsey Cooper solid in the back line with a number of well timed tackles and interceptions. Elli Rossiter out on the right full of running all game a ready option throughout putting Needham Market into the lead. Amber Cantwell making some great runs with the ball from midfield looking to link with the attack. The award though goes to another midfielder Paige Wakefield. Solid through out strong in the tackle getting about to win the ball back a strike of the highest quality the icing on the cake.

  Enjoyed my trip to Bloomfields a thoroughly entertaining cup tie could have gone either way and was as competitive as expected. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today as always much appreciated. Hoping the injuries to Kate Edwards and Alex Penny are not too severe wishing both players all the best for a speedy recovery.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Cambridge City Ladies

Sunday 6th November

FAWNL Plate 

 Beginning November with a trip to St Neots Town FC to watch Cambridgeshire rivals, Cambridge United WFC and Cambridge City Ladies as they meet in the 1st Round of this season’s FAWNL League Plate competition.

With both sides making an early exit from this season’s FA Women’s Cup the FAWNL Plate competition represents another great opportunity for a cup run. A Determining Round played between all the sides in the 6 FAWNL Divisions with the winners going on to contest the League Cup the rest entering the League Plate Competition. Cambridge United WFC and Cambridge City Ladies drawn together in the 1st Round. Both playing in FAWNL South East Division One brings another Cambridgeshire derby match to contest.

  Cambridge United WFC win the upper hand so far in the derbies this season with a 2-0 away to City back in August bringing them their 1st 3 point haul of the season with new signing Sarah Wiltshire netting both goals. Currently 6th in the South East Division One table. The new season beginning with the women’s side forming closer ties with Cambridge United FC a women’s board created along with a stronger youth pathway to develop players for the 1st team. The squad with a few new faces this season, with Francesca Partridge (sponsored by Women’s Football East) coming in along side Sarah Wiltshire has 3 goals so far this season with Wiltshire on 5. Midfielder Sammy Edgar also joining from Royston Town Women with a few stepping up from the Development squad. Defender Abbie Jackson the most recent signing joining from Ipswich Town Women.

  Cambridge City Ladies already have a strong youth set-up, very much the foundations on which the club was built the women’s side rising rapidly through the women’s football pyramid to eventually join United in the 4th tier. That status under threat towards the end of last season but a strong performance and win at St Neots against United going a long way to securing their status in the FAWNL for a 4th successive season. The management team seeing an overhaul over the summer with Rob Coles coming in as manager with 1st team coach Darren Fairbrass. A few players moving on have once again been able to bring players up through the pathway also running a Reserves and Development side. Have struggled to get points on the board this season, with just the one league win that coming way back on the opening day at home to QPR. A late goal seeing them exit the FA Women’s Cup last Sunday. Grace Stanley always prolific in front of goal leading the goal scoring charts with 6 to her name.

  That cup game seeing this tie delayed by a week, originally scheduled to be played at The Abbey Stadium the tie reverting back to Cambridge United WFC’s regular home at St Neots Town FC. The Premier Plus Stadium situated in an ever growing housing development leading into St Neots. Really wasn’t sure if the game was going to be on at all heavy rain sweeping up from the South hitting the East overnight seeing a good portion of games called off and leaving Norfolk in heavy rain that brought traffic to a standstill on the A14 was not optimistic, however reaching Cambridge itself the rain clear and blue sky could be seen in the direction I was heading. St Neots not seeing as much rainfall the grass pitch looking immaculate. Rain likely before kick-off. Viewing around with covered terracing behind each goal and a covered mainstand. The bar open serving hot a cold drink. Serving a hot chocolate with whipped cream and marsh mellows that was proving very popular.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Abi Davies, Carrie Bennett, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Gisela Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Alysha Stojko-Down, Ella Marden, Francesca Partridge & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Abbi Griffin, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Grace Waygood, Albany Hodgson & Libby Fraser.

Cambridge City Ladies

 Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson, Ellen Marson, Jess Fitzpatrick, Amy Reed, Bronwyn Mulheron, Ellie Cullum, Fran Steele, Paige Gardiner, Becca Stephenson, Bella Simmons & Grace Stanley. Subs – Karly Tolentino, Lauren Tomlinson & Shannon Shaw.

  With the rain beginning to fall I took the decision to abandon my usual viewing area by the dugouts and retreat into the stands, which is sometimes a gamble in itself at St Neots as the rain can blow in anyway. Thankfully not this time, the teams coming out on to the pitch. United wearing amber coloured shirts with black short and socks with City wearing white shirts and black shorts with black and white hooped socks. It’s the visitors to get the cup tie underway City kicking off the 1st half the ball played out to right back Ellen Marson lifted back into the middle won by United centre back Lauren Rouse the ball lifted out to Francesca Partridge on the left of attack, Marson in to win the ball.

Cambridge City Ladies, Ellen Marson

  GOAL! United with the ball at the back Rouse on for Abi Davies coming on right side plays the ball central, the pass forwards then clipped on through the middle dropping between City’s centre backs 20 yards out, Sarah Wiltshire nipping in beating the offside trap to latch onto the ball and takes on the early shot catching to ball perfect to send on arrowing over the keeper into the back of the net 1-0. 

Sarah Wiltshire with the early goal for Cambridge United WFC

 The perfect start for the hosts opening the scoring inside the opening couple of minutes. The ball being closed down in the middle United’s midfielders, Alysha Stojko-Down, Sammy Edgar and captain Gisela Otten all pressing. Stojko-Down advancing with Ella Marden on the right exchanging passes Stojko-Down playing it back to Otten who sends it on for Marden bursting on down the flank turning inside 25 yards out her diagonal ball fire towards the City box cut out by centre back Bronwyn Mulheron.

Cambridge United WFC’s Ella Marden

  Fran Steele on the ball for City central forwards into attacker Grace Stanley she lifts the ball out to the right into the path of Becca Stephenson racing on, sees her side win a corner kick. Played long goes over everyone inside the six yard box no one at the far post as United clear. United lively looking to get the ball into Wiltshire ready to pull off the City defence get in behind one pass seeing her almost through, City captain and goalkeeper Sarah Hudson rapidly off her line to slide in get her gloves in the ball a fraction ahead of the United attacker. 

Becca Stephenson on the ball for Cambridge City Ladies

  Marson with the ball on the right for City sends the pass long up the line for Stephenson to chase the winger latching onto it getting down the line before smashing a shot in towards goal. United goalkeeper, Lauren Webb with a smart save getting down to block the ball with her body, isn’t cleared though deflected past her running towards goal, Abbie Jackson racing back to clear the ball off the line. United get away on the right Ella Marden taking the ball on checks inside before trying her luck from distance her effort looping over. 

Cambridge United WFC goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

  City hold their line well to catch Wilshire offside as the ball is won back in the middle. Steele looks to find Stephenson on the right with a diagonal pass, intercepted by United full back Carrie Bennett. The rain beginning to fall heavily now with 15 minutes on the clock. Stephenson looking a threat on the right for City as they come forwards winning a free-kick 30 yards out. The ball struck in low cleared by United’s defence. Some committed tackles in the middle, Ellie Cullum feeling the full force of one for City. 

United’s Abi Davies with City’s Bella Simmons

 Wiltshire bringing the ball on through the middle for United sends it out to Partridge on the left continuing her run forwards into the box. Partridge holding it up as Stojko-Down advances the pass inside the midfielder playing it into Wiltshire heavily marked looked to lay it back to Stojko-Down, Cullum challenging to win the ball back for the visitors. Steele with the ball in the middle out to Stephenson on the right attacking fires a cross along the top of the United area looking for Stanley, Rouse sticking out a leg to cut the ball out clear for United. 

  United coming on well with the ball Otten from the back on for Wiltshire who releases Marden on the right to take the ball on before delivering a long diagonal cross into the box aiming for Partridge getting in at the far post rising can’t quite get her head to the ball as it runs out of play. 

  GOAL! Edgar winning the ball for United coming on left side playing it on for Wilshire pulling wide tracking inside top of the area curls in a cross to the far post looking for Partridge, Amy Reed getting to it first for City her clearance to the top of the area dropping straight to Wiltshire her run taking her into the area she hits it 1st time sending a looping shot over the keeper into the top corner to double United’s lead 2-0.

A 2nd superb strike from Sarah Wiltshire

  Midway through the 2nd half United with a 2 goal lead coming on well, Partridge on the left winning a corner. The delivery in near side turned behind for a 2nd corner. The 2nd corner a dangerous in swinger evading everyone at the near post is headed clear off the line not sure the defender knew too much about it but a great reaction nonetheless. Bella Simmons wriggling clear with the ball on the left into the corner sending a cross into the six yard box comfortably claimed by Webb.

   Mulheron sliding in to win the ball against Edgar as she looks to link up with Wiltshire in attack. City on the counter attack the ball played low through to Stanley pulling away right of the D looking to turn and shoot, Webb alert rushing out to close the angle making the blocking save batting the away to her right before being cleared for a corner kick. 

  An intriguing tie United with the better chances seeing more of the ball, City though with glimpses that they can pull a goal back. Marden attacking on the right with the ball for United, putting it back inside for Otten as she gets up in support opens up her body to lay the pass forwards aiming for Wiltshire inside the box, cut out well be Mulheron turned out to the left Edgar running onto the ball 25 yards out sends her strike over.

Cambridge United WFC midfielder, Sammy Edgar

  The rain beginning to ease up, as City bring the ball on Gardiner on for Stanley, Jackson intercepting for United. Gardiner coming left on for Simmons is held up by Davies with Marden getting bac to help City forced to play the ball all the way back to their defence. Stephenson the most likely outlet for City with some strong running on the right flank played in her cross into the box over Simmons who has come into a central position. Stephenson in again moment later as City hit United with a rapid counter attack on the angle sends her shot into the side netting. 

Cambridge City Ladies, Paige Gardiner

  Simmons turning on the ball left side finds Stanley coming into the left channel, Jackson going with her the defence pushing the striker wide Stanley nevertheless getting a shot away dragged behind. United over commit in attack as the game suddenly opens up Steele getting the ball out to Simmons on the left drives inside towards the box, Rouse standing her up charging down the ball. Stephenson bringing City a corner out on the right. An in swinger into the near post Webb up amongst the crowd to get her fists to the ball beat it down and away. 

  Wiltshire carrying the ball on shifting it to Partridge 25 yards out on the left, Reed into her can’t get the ball around the defender. Otten with a good challenge lays the ball on for Wiltshire who releases a strike from distance, on target held comfortably by Hudson. City breaking with pace the ball long for Stephenson right her cross into the ox running out to Simmons closing in left Webb running across wanting to see it run out of play taking no chances drops down to get her gloves firmly around the ball. The clock running down the skies decidedly gloomy several people are retreating to the bar to get their hands on a hot chocolate with whipped cream and marsh mellows.

  The 1st half moving into stoppage time Wiltshire is brought down by Gardiner some 30 plus yards out centrally. Wiltshire herself over the set-piece the shot taken on. Hudson behind it all the way. United ending the half strong with Partridge bringing the ball on left side, has Wiltshire ahead of her sends the pass on Wiltshire in the corner turning into the box to fire a cross into Marden at the far post inside the six yard box locked in a tussle with the defence as they scramble to hit the ball caught between feet skips up for Otten I think getting u in support to smash a shot goalwards, Hudson throwing herself  down t make the blocking save at close range the deflected ball coming back to Stojko-Down ten yards out to strike rising her shot cannons down off the cross bar!

Alysha Stojko-Down

  A late free-kick for United 25 yards out to the right of the D, Wiltshire curling a shot wide. City with a free kick of their own in the dying seconds top of the centre circle. Steele nevertheless taking on the shot hit well but over.

  Half-time Cambridge United WFC 2-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  United going into the break leading the tie 2-0. Sarah Wiltshire with an early opportunity put through on goal shooting early to send the ball past the keeper. Wiltshire then doubling the lead midway through the 1st half curling a great shot into the top corner. United with by far the better chances almost getting at 3rd at the end of the half Stojko-Down hitting the bar. The hosts strong in the middle pressing the ball well getting forwards. City with their chances however, getting into good positions Webb making a couple of crucial stops to ensure the hosts goal remains intact. 2-0 the lead more often than not the next goal proves crucial City far from out of it will want to have more of the ball in the final 3rd 2nd half while limited United’s chances at the other end.

  With the rain having passed and the forecast predicting none for a bit retreated from the stands to move back to my usual vantage point over on the far side of the pitch, especially with the Sun making an appearance now low in the sky straight into the stand, at my back now may well pose a few issues for United now defending that end of the pitch. City making a change at the start of the 2nd half Karly Tolentino coming on in attack replacing Ellie Cullum. United to get the 2nd half underway the ball out to the left City pressing quick to regain possession fired into Tolentino pulling away right of the D, Jackson nipping in to clear for United.

  City pressing players up in attack at the start of the 2nd half look to have 4 up as they move in to close the ball down, crossed in from the right into Simmons can’t dig the ball out of her feet before being closed down. United clear the ball forwards to Marden breaking away on the right taking the ball on lays the cross back into the top of the area for Wiltshire, Mulheron moving in to close her down, Wiltshire drags her shot wide of the left post. 

Cambridge City defender, Bronwyn Mulheron

  City looking to take the game to United early on find an early goal at the start of the 2nd half the ball fed through into Tolentino right of the D clear to shoot, Webb rushes out to the top of her area getting down sharply throwing out an arm to her right to glove Tolentino’s shot away to the left. Marden picking up a yellow card as she pulls Fitzpatrick’s shirt as the full back looks to get up the pitch with the ball. City putting United under a bit of pressure at the start of the 2nd half looking to get into them higher up the pitch. 

  Wiltshire with great movement throughout the 1st half coming deep for the ball is brought down on halfway. Stojko-Down coming on with the ball though the middle into Wiltshire coming inside with Partridge to curl a shot in from distance, Hudson throwing herself across her goal making a superb save to glove the ball away for a corner kick. The set-piece played in near side headed clear. Reed close in on Wiltshire preventing the attacker pulling off her with the ball. Stanley with a lay off for Gardiner to strike 20 yards out her effort blocked. 

Cambridge United WFC defender, Lauren Rouse

  City looking to build on their strong start to the 2nd half making a double change bringing off Gardiner and Simmons sending on Shannon Shaw and Lauren Tomlinson. Becca Stephenson moving into a central position. Tomlinson on the left is clipped as she looks to get the ball moving no advantage play brought back for the free-kick. Tomlinson over it wide strikes a ball into the area goes through everyone catching Webb out as the keeper throws herself across her goal had the far post covered the ball bouncing wide. 

Lauren Tomlinson with United’s Ella Marden

Cambridge City Ladies Lauren Tomlinson

  Marden is onside on the right taking the ball down the wing turns inside towards the box running into Fitzpatrick the ball running on into the area, Wiltshire eased aside by Mulheron sent tumbling as the defender clears United appealing nothing doing. United make their first change of the game seeing a switch of personnel with Partridge coming off for Abbi Griffin who drops in at right back with Davies pushed on, Marden going out to the left. The ball played over the top for Wiltshire can’t bring the ball down into her stride as she enters the box.

 GOAL! United on the attack left side winning a corner, players coming up the delivery lifted in towards the near post Hudson up well amongst bodies to beat the ball away back out out t the left where it his picked up by corner taker Wiltshire, plays rush out of the box looking to close her down the shot flashed in low to the near post Hudson down sharply to save gloving the ball up across goal and straight into Otten who has remained up unopposed, the ball deflected off the United captain into the back of the net 3-0.

Captain Gisela Otten scores Cambridge United WFC’s 3rd goal

  20 minutes gone in the 2nd half United extending their lead City get on the attack win a free-kick out on the right wide players up into the box, the delivery put in near side, Stanley up with Mulheron the header turned goalwards coming at Webb quickly the United goalkeeper with another fine save flashing out an arm to deflect the ball away to the left a shot smashed back in coming back off the bar.

Cambridge United WFC’s Abbi Griffin

  The game opening up City committing players on exposing gaps on their flanks can’t be helped as they look for a goal, United looking to take advantage. Tomlinson battling for possession on the left Steele across in support, on for Stephenson, Rouse defending. Steele getting hold of the ball for City lifting a pass on for Shaw pulling into the right channel, just too much on the ball. Jackson winning the ball at the back for United bringing it on over halfway before being brought down. 

Cambridge United WFC defender, Abbie Jackson

  Davies advanced for United with the ball travelling into the area lacking support as Tomlinson gets back on her a good tussle between the pair Tomlinson seeing the ball away for a throw.  City attack right the cross inside Tolentino with the header on across to the left Stephenson onto the ball Griffin and Rouse defending for United. Steele hauls down Wiltshire 25 yards out in a central position the free-kick given United making a change before it is taken Davies coming off for Libby Fraser. Wiltshire on the set-piece goes for goal the ball bouncing harmlessly through to Hudson. 

Cambridge City Ladies midfielder Fran Steele

  A free-kick to City in the middle Steele short to Reed gets the return ball uses it well clipping a good diagonal ball into Stanley 25 yards out left of the D turns into the shot getting her foot over the ball to sent it in towards goal, Webb moving rapidly across her goal with another excellent save to get down to tip the ball wide for a corner. The game moving into the final 5 minutes of regular play. Rouse fouling Stephenson high up the pitch on the left, play brought back with no advantage for Tomlinson as she goes after the loose ball. Taken left of the centre circle lifted in towards the near post attacked by Mulheron, Her header on target, Webb throwing herself up making another great save to tip the ball over the crossbar. The resulting corner curled into the side netting.

Becca Stephenson

  The clock ticking down United make a triple switch bringing of Edgar, Otten and Rouse sending on Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Grace Waygood and Albany Hodgson all three defenders United aiming to keep the clean sheet intact. Steele lifting the ball on through the middle looking for Tolentino, Jackson cutting the pass out for United. 

Cambridge United WFC’s Libby Fraser

  GOAL! Into stoppage time United with the ball Hodgson on for Fraser to bring on right has Wiltshire out wide playing the ball to her Wiltshire sending it back inside to Fraser 30 plus yards out sees an opening pulls the trigger catches the ball well hit hard into towards goal looping up and over Hudson as she throws herself out to try and save it the ball finding the top corner for Fraser to open her season’s account with a superb strike at the death 4-0.

Libby Fraser celebrating after the final whistle

Full time Cambridge United WFC 4-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  Full time and it’s United celebrating scoring 4 goals and a clean sheet against their Cambridge rivals as they advance in the FAWNL League Plate. Making a superb start to the game with Wiltshire scoring a well taken early opener adding another superb strike midway through the 1st half. Further chances created closing the ball down well in midfield. City’s chances limited in the 1st half nevertheless forced Webb into making a couple of saves. A change for City at he start of the 2nd half as they looked to make a fast start pull a goal back applying some pressure making further changes were frustrated as United went on to add a 3rd midway through the 2nd half. The game opening up United lively throughout, City continued to be frustrated had chances were thwarted by Webb in the United goal with a number of quality saves before Libby Fraser put the icing on the cake with a superb strike for the hosts 4th goal late in stoppage time.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, tough in some regards but easy in others. Performances of note to mention firstly for Cambridge City. Becca Stephenson carried a real threat on the right in the first half a constant outlet with some strong running. Fran Steele working hard in midfield throughout battling for the ball with a great range of passing. Lauren Tomlinson adding some passion to the game coming on 2nd half. United with a solid all round team performance the centre backs reading the game well. The midfield strong Sammy Edgar, and Alysha Stojko-Down particularly captain Gisela Otten. Sarah Wiltshire up top leading the attack with great movement making herself available getting into great positions with two well taken goals. Today’s award though goes to Cambridge United goalkeeper Lauren Webb was a strong performance in front of goal, thwarting City on a number of occasions pulling off some excellent saves to ensure the clean sheet.

Another intriguing Cambridgeshire derby, a healthy rivalry between the sides played largely in good spirits glad it beat the weather Good to catch up with a few familiar faces today my thanks to both sides for the team details, always appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report KLSC FC Women v Sprowston FC Women

Sunday 30th October

NWGFL League Cup

With a busy weekend ahead only a game close to home would do this weekend and luckily there are plenty to be found with a trip up the A47 to King’s Lynn this Sunday to watch some action from the 1st Round of the Norfolk Women’s League Cup with Division Two leaders, KLSC FC Women taking on Division One side, Sprowston FC Women.

Today’s 1st Round League Cup tie delayed by a week due to Sprowston FC Women’s involvement in this season Women’s FA Cup. The NWGFL (Norfolk Women’s & Girl’s Football League) having two senior cup competitions with the sides knocked out in the early rounds of the League Cup going onto contest for the League Plate.

Today’s clash featuring two sides with the potential to go all the way in the competition. KLSC FC Women (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) entering their 2nd season. Have started the season brilliantly in NWGFL Division Two, leading the way with 5 wins from 5 to stand 5 points clear at the top of the fledgling table looking to push on from their 3rd place finish in their debut season. The club formed by ex-Lynn Ladies players, Lisa Wilson and Louise Coggles giving King’s Lynn a 2nd women’s football club within the town benefitting West Norfolk which still remains light on numbers of women’s sides within the county. A change of management at the start of the new season with Ellie Bennington stepping up from a coaching role last season to manage the side.

Striker Josie Turner highly prolific in front of goal for Lynn Ladies in their early years before their merger with King’s Lynn Town FC returning to the new KLSC FC Women set-up finishing top scorer netting 21 goals last season, has hit the ground running this season too netting 11 goals so far in the 5 league wins with Ellie Panks on 5 goals and Chloe Edwards on 4 respectfully in a total of 29 goals scored by KLSC FC Women so far this season. Firmly amongst the favourites for the Division Two title, they will face a strong challenge from newly formed Aylsham FC Women also making a 100% winning start along side Gorleston FC Ladies with another newcomer Blofield United Ladies currently 2nd also making an unbeaten start. Attention now though turning away from the league as KLSC get their cup campaign started.

Very much a revamped squad for Sprowston FC Women this season with 11 new faces within their 18 strong squad going into the 2022/23 campaign having seen several players move on with others going to university. Having become an established side within the NWGFL over recent seasons with a strong youth section, the rebuild squad once again laying it’s foundation in young players, new captain an goalkeeper Ellie Hambrook playing for Norwich previously along with midfielder Mollie O’Callaghan who made a name for herself in the county playing for Wymondham Town Ladies before moving to Norwich. Wymondham Town Ladies very sadly no more with Sprowston snapping up two of their promising recruits to add to their squad attacking players, Lyla Studd and Nyah White.

A loss and a win so far in Division One a run all the way to 3rd Round Qualifying in the Women’s FA Cup albeit with a bye in the previous two rounds with teams pulling out a heavy loss away to ERWFL Premier Division side Royston Town Women ending their FA Cup campaign, nevertheless with the improved prize money on offer this season the club has earned a tidy amount that will go along way to cover running costs for the season ahead.

KLSC FC Women playing their home matches at he King’s Way Playing Fields on Edward Benefer Way to the north of King’s Lynn. A familiar venue although I haven’t been hear for a few seasons the grass pitches well used by the local sides in the area. The furthest pitch from the changing rooms in use today a stiff wind blowing across the open field making it impossible to run out the tape to cordon off the playing area a rope called for instead. The clocks going back this weekend the leaves starting to fall now dotting the pitch, still mild for the time of year the wind though adding some bite, the earlier rain blowing through should be dry for the match.

KLSC FC Women

 KLSC FC Women starting XI – Selina Raines, Caitlin Jacob, Rhiann Ellis, Courtney Burch-Bailey, Millie Bareford, Kesley Ramm, Taeya Mayes, Josie Turner (C), Chloe Edwards, Trinity Tokaji & Ellie Panks. Subs – Viktorija Burkauskaite & Lucy Clarke.

Sprowston FC Women

 Sprowston FC Women starting XI – Ellie Hambrook (C), Bailey Curtis, Courtney Leggett, Madison Lee, Lois Irving, Olivia Leggett, Lilly-Ann Winney, Rosie Milligan, Nyah White, Lois Wright & Anais Winney. Sub – Charlotte Wickenden.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   Both sides light on substitutes going into the game with only 2 for KLSC and 1 on the bench for Sprowston. KLSC also searching for a new goalkeeper having lost theirs to King’s Lynn Town Ladies recently, Selina Raines donning the gloves for today’s game. It’s Sprowston to get the cup tie underway kicking off the first half wearing orange shirts and socks with black shorts, with KLSC lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical stripped shirts, red shorts and red and black hooped socks. The ball played short midfield, KLSC  immediately close it down forcing it back to the defence, Madison Lee sending a long clearance up the right wing for Nyah White to chase down, Caitlin Jacobs getting in to make the challenge for KLSC the ball out for a throw high up the pitch. 

  From the resulting throw in Sprowston get the ball down to whip a low cross in towards the near post missed by the KLSC defender going to clear runs on to striker Anais Winney, not expecting the ball to come to her tries to dig a shot out from under her feet, Selina Raines making the save at close range gathering the ball. 

  GOAL! The perfect start for the visitors as they get themselves into the lead inside the opening two minutes Olivia Leggett battling for the ball in the middle taking it forwards before lifting it on into the path of Anais Winney pulling off the defence right of the D closing in on the area before sending a shot arrowing in across the keeper 0-1.

Anais Winney on target for the opening goal inside 2 minutes for Sprowston

  KLSC  look to get on the attack as they regain possession at the back the ball sent long out to the right for Trinity Tokaji running onto space on the wing taking the ball on Sprowston centre back Lois Irving going with her, timing her tackle to take the ball off Tokaji’s boot before she can work room for a shot. Josie Turner getting hold of the ball in midfield pulling right and unleashing a shot from distance, 30 yards out the shot held by Sprowston goalkeeper and captain, Ellie Hambrook.

Sprowston’s Lois Irving up against KLSC’s Trinity Tokaji

  Irving getting her foot up well to intercept the ball at the back for Sprowston put on through the middle with Turner on the move looking to run in behind. White bringing the ball on up the right side for Sprowston firing a vicious cross in on the angle, intercepted by KLSC’s Rhiann Ellis cleared across her goal out to the right, Rosie Milligan up with Lois Wright on the left side retrieving the ball turning inside to attack the goal, her shot fired in at the near post straight at Raines.

   Sprowston lively at the start the early goal rocking KLSC a little, the visitors getting players forwards well up and around the final 3rd. Millie Bareford on the ball for KLSC playing the diagonal pass out to Chloe Edwards on the left flank. Looking to travel with the ball her progress halted by Sprowston’s Bailey Curtis. With Sprowston pushing up at times their is the opportunity to get the ball in behind, KLSC though struggling to time the pass more often than not running on out of the attacking players reach, the offside flag catching KLSC out too. 

 Lilly-Ann Winney, wearing different coloured boots to her twin sister Anais or I’d be hard pressed to tell them apart, like the Lubbock twins who play for Fakenham carrying the ball on through the middle drifting right sending the clipped pass on for White hurtling up the wing, her cross driven in behind the KLSC goal. Sprowston pressing the KLSC back line forcing errors leading to a corner kick on the right. An inswinging delivery curls over the crossbar and out for a goalkick. 

Sprowston’s Lilly-Ann Winney

  KLSC giving away a few free-kicks Irving over one wide on the right on the half way line plenty forwards for Sprowston, the ball won by Bareford top of the area. KLSC looking to release Tokaji running on down the right, Irving clearing for a throw. High up the pitch put into the mix top of the Sprowston area, players nipping at the ball on both sides KLSC applying a little pressure the ball not falling kindly as Sprowston scramble it away. Sprowston attacking on the right White skipping inside knocking the ball into the area, cleared drops to Lilly-Ann Winney right of the D 20 out scoops her shot wide of the right post. 

  Turner with the ball centrally for KLSC looks to release Tokaji out on the right flank, getting hold of the ball release it quickly into the middle, intercepted by Lee, the defender giving away a corner. Players up into the box the delivery dropping invitingly into the six yard box, Sprowston, get it clear put long the break on as the visitors attack right, Jacob doing well for KLSC getting across to put in the tackle stop the attack.

KLSC’s Caitlin Jacob

  Sprowston make a change bringing off Milligan, with Charlotte Wickenden abandoning line running duties to enter the playing field. Hambrook quickly out of her area to come clear the threat as Taeya Mayes plays a great long ball on for Ellie Panks to chase through the middle. Panks moving out to the left to support Edwards as she carries the ball on for KLSC, Curtis moving out to hold the pair up the ball played back into midfield for Mayes, tries her luck from distance not quite connecting with the whole of the ball her low strike running safely through for Hambrook to gather. 

Ellie Panks attacking for KLSC

 

 KLSC have struggled to find their rhythm in the game so far Ramm on the ball central looking to get thing’s going playing a great ball forwards into the path of Panks running into the left channel, the attacker driving on into the box, Curtis and Lee closing her down the KLSC forward winning her side a corner kick. KLSC making a change before the corner is taken it’s Panks coming off to be replaced by Viktorija Burkauskaite. The delivery whipped in towards the near post cleared by Curtis for Sprowston falling 20 yards out to Mayes to strike on the half volley, frustrated as she can only pick out the keeper, Hambrook holding onto the shot.

KLSC captain, Josie Turner getting the ball forwards

  Irving taking on the set-pieces for Sprowston as the foul count grows, players up around the top of the area for the visitors, it’s Ramm however who lays claim to the ball for KLSC carrying out out from the back moving to the left playing it forwards for Turner looking to get on with Tokaji, Irving getting across to defend for Sprowston the ball out for a throw. KLSC getting into the game better now attacking coming right the ball inside with Ramm 20 yards out goes for goal her angled shot in held by Hambrook.

KLSC’s Kelsey Ramm

  GOAL! However just as KLSC are starting to carry a threat in attack Sprowston break away to score a 2nd on the half hour with the ball fed on through the middle for Anais Winney pulling out to the left driving into the box under pressure from the KLSC defence gets her shot away firing the ball wide across goal. White stealing in unmarked at the far post to turn the ball home from close range to score her first goal for Sprowston 0-2.

Nyah White doubles Sprowston’s lead

  Sprowston after the ball as the game restarts Olivia Leggett winning it putting the pass forwards turned out to the right for White who fizzes a ball in across the top of the area not dealt with by KLSC, Lilly-Ann Winney with the 1st time hit sending the ball looping up towards goal, comfortably caught by Raines. Turner operating through the middle further forwards for KLSC now recieves the ball into her feet her touch taking her right opts for the early strike on the spin 30 yards out her effort running wide past the far post. 

  White making some powerful runs on the right wing for Sprowston driving up the line getting in behind turning inside into the box leaning back as she pulls the trigger, Raines down at her near post has the angle covered. Frustrations boiling over Sprowston unhappy with a decision letting the referee know their views. Not having it a heated exchange between Olive Leggett and the official follows. Sprowston on the end of a few robust challenges. The 2nd goal giving Sprowston a renewed burst of confidence as they get players on well. 

  Turner lunging in with a strong tackle on Lilly-Ann Winney that leaves the midfielder floored needing treatment again players react the situation calmed down. The referee having a strong word with Turner as Winney recieves treatment. A lengthy pause play resuming with a free-kick to Sprowston wide left Courtney Leggett playing the ball up the line the visitors getting a corner kick. A teasing delivery played through the six yard box met at the far post the header turned wide. 

  Ramm drives forwards with the ball at her feet for KLSC left side lacks support as Curtis comes out to meet her the Sprowston defender tackling well to regain the ball. Sprowston continue to show their frustration with the referee as they are awarded another freekick on halfway. Irving over it to put a long ball in towards the top of the area, won well by Ramm looks to release it early for Tokaji racing away central, Hambrook though quickly out of her area to deal with the threat for Sprowston. 

  Into stoppage time at the end of the first half, Sprowston attacking through the middle Olivia Leggett with the pass to release Anais Winney up top charging for the box, Burkauskaite chasing back with the attacker lunging in to win the ball, times her tackle well taking the ball away from Winney before she can pull the trigger. A throw out on the left high up the pitch put on across the top of the area KLSC don’t get it away as Olivia Leggett snaps in to win the ball prodded out to Wright left of the D, skips into the area before getting her boot under the ball to scoop a shot in towards goal, Raines right behind getting her gloves firmly around the ball.

Sprowston’s Lois Wright

  Burkauskaite with another last ditch tackle inside the area timed perfectly to deny Anais Winney another attempt on goal, as the forwards pass is lifted into box Winney looking to run onto it and shoot central, has a vicious spin on it however the bounce taking it away from the striker to the right of goal, giving Burkauskaite the vital second she needs as she lunges in a full stretch to take the ball away from Winney behind for a corner kick. Dropped into the six yard box Courtney Burch-Bailey gets it clear for KLSC.

  Seconds left to play KLSC get the ball on rapidly through the middle with Turner looking to attack it driving at the ball, Hambrook rushing out to meet her top of the area does enough to stop Turner stealing in past her the ball loose though top of the box, Courtney Leggett and Tokaji throwing out a boot in an attempt to win it, Tokaji getting the telling touch sending the ball on past the keeper towards the goal, Curtis though is round on the cover to protect her goalkeeper intercepting the ball and clearing it forwards the rapid counter on as Wickenden finds White on the right flank driving on shoots on the angle straight at Raines covering her near post.

A late chance for KLSC

Half-time KLSC FC Women 0-2 Sprowston FC Women

  A 2-0 lead for Sprowston at the break. The changing rooms a good distance away from the pitch the teams staying out on the field to receive instructions for the 2nd half. A perfect start for the visitors taking the lead inside the opening 2 minutes. On the front foot for a large portion of the 1st half taking the game to KLSC. The hosts rocked by the early goal in comparison taking a while to get into the game then just as they were looking to apply some pressure of their own got hit with a 2nd goal. Free-kicks given away much to Sprowston’s frustration they have looked a threat going forwards. KLSC’s best chance coming at the end of the half a goal pulled back then giving them confidence going into the 2nd half. 2-0 often a tricky score-line KLSC certainly not out of the tie but need to find a goal to put Sprowston under pressure.

Changes for both sides at the break, Lucy Clarke coming on for KLSC replacing Edwards on the left. Milligan back on for Sprowston with Wickenden off with KLSC getting the 2nd half underway with the sun breaking through the clouds at last, doing nothing to cull the bite of the wind however. The ball played bac into the defence Jacob looking to get on left side is tackled by Lilly-Ann Winney. Bareford battling on with the ball central for KLSC is fouled 35 yards out to the left of the D. A free-kick early in the 2nd half for the hosts. Mayes over it has shown she’s got a decent strike on her 1st half lines up a shot fired in aiming for the far post Hambrook moving across her goal, can let it go, out wide beyond the upright. 

 Curtis in to defend against Turner inside the six yard box as a cross is fired in across goal the ball out for a corner kick. Left side Turner to send a low ball in across the six yard box, cleared back to the corner taker Turner shifting the ball inside before curling her shrike over the crossbar. Mayes down having taken a knock for KLSC out on the right in attack a pause in play but is up and able to play on. Milligan seeing the ball into her feet well spinning it on into the path of White moving forwards right side looking to get into the box, Burkauskaite coming to close her down winning the ball back for KLSC.

KLSC’s Viktorija Burkauskaite

  GOAL! Sprowston get players forwards attacking left side moving on towards the top of the area Wright up with Anais Winney and Milligan the cross inside to Milligan inside the box left of the D, gets her foot under the ball to lift her shot up to sail over the keeper and into the back of the net to extend Sprowston’s lead 0-3.

Rosie Milligan putting Sprowston into a 3 goal lead

  As with the first half it’s the perfect beginning to the 2nd for Sprowston as they score a goal early to move 3 goals clear. The visitors getting the ball back straight from the restart looking to attack as White is picked out on the right charging on players rushing in towards goal as she fires her cross in racing through the six yard box no one can get a touch. Turner looking to make herself available for the ball in attack is picked out by Bareford moving right, turns inside well driving for the Sprowston area getting a shot away from 20 yards out the ball racing wide of the near post. 

KLSC’s Millie Bareford

  Raines releasing the ball rom her gloves a fantastic ball forwards has Turner attacking it bouncing not dealt with by the Sprowston defence knocked out to Tokaji right side does well to win a corner. Turner to take it an inswinging ball drops onto the crossbar and out for a goalkick. Sprowston making a change White coming off for a rest, Wickenden back on with an hour played. Burch-Bailey making a vital challenge inside the box left of goal on Wright as the left sided attacker looks to battle her way through on goal a corner conceded. Wright to send the corner in a great ball into the six yard box Olivia Leggett rising to meet it heading the ball wide past the far post.

Sprowston midfielder, Olivia Leggett

  Sprowston getting forwards well Wickenden up with Anais Winney as they combine top of the rea before Winney bursts in behind right of goal to send a shot in across the face of goal, intercepted well by Burch-Bailey. Cleared out to the top of the area, Sprowston with bodies up to pressure the ball, a shot from distance with venom, Burch-Bailey blocking it feeling the full force needing a moment to recover. 

KLSC defender, Courtney Burch-Bailey

  Courtney Leggett over a free-kick out wide right for Sprowston, players coming forwards cueing up top of the area the delivery swept in, Ellis heading clear drops down to Olivia Leggett 20 yards out central, strikes a shot goalwards her effort flies over the crossbar. KLSC making a change with Edwards returning to the pitch replacing Tokaji on the right. Wright is fed in left side her cross driven into the top of the area Anais Winney squeezing a shot away as players rush in on the ball, Raines with a superb save as she drops sharply to her right to get down to glove the away to the left.

  Sprowston keeping the attacking pressure on the ball fired into the area own into the six yard box, Anais Winney then Olivia Leggett attacking it unable to get a shot away as the ball is half cleared by KLSC falling to Lee outside the box her strike flashed over the bar. Bareford on the ball central for KLSC onto Turner played out to Edwards on the right as she takes the ball forwards up the line before delivering a cross through the six yard box met by Clarke at the far post looks to turn the ball goalwards, puts it straight into Hambrook moving well across her goal to close the angle.

  Bareford busy in the middle for KLSC battling on the ball to get forwards coming out left lifts it onto Clarke top of the area left of the D, shifting the ball onto her left foot, sends a rising ball in towards goal, Hambrook across to her near post taking the ball comfortably above her head. KLSC finding some signs of encouragement. Sprowston though remain lively getting players forwards a free-kick won central Irving playing it long for Milligan pulling left blasts her shot into the side netting. Anais Winney coming off for Sprowston with White back on. 

  Burkauskaite defending on Wright for KLSC to concede a throw in the corner as White attempts the diagonal pass from the right. Clarke seeing the ball into her feet for KLSC on the left has Turner making a run ahead of her into the channel, attempting the forwards pass, Lee is quickly in to make the tackle for Sprowston stop Turner breaking in behind. Turner doing all she can to find a opening up top for KLSC pulls into the box off a throw high up the pitch on the left, a powerful strike, held well by Hambrook at her near post.

Josie Turner

  Milligan getting the ball down onto her feet 25 yards out driving a shot narrowly over the KLSC crossbar. Milligan finding space in the middle to get the ball into her feet and look to create an opening going forwards for the visitors spins away to release a pass forwards into Lilly-Ann Winney breaking into the area, Burch-Bailey back at her well for KLSC to dive in take the ball away for a corner. The game entering the final 15 minutes. A player down on the right for KLSC, Ramm having taken a knock can’t continue helped off the pitch Tokaji comes back on. 

  White with a burst of speed on the right flashing a cross into the KLSC six yard box, Milligan closing in can’t get the touch to turn it home. Curtis doing well at the back for Sprowston winning the challenge as Turner looks to knock the ball on into the area. 

  GOAL!  *correction* Out of no where KLSC pull a goal initially thought it was Mayes with the shot and got conformation from the crowd hence I gave it to the wrong person. KSLC are up and around the Sprowston box pressing the ball when it comes to Turner who strikes it well from distance to send the ball rifling in low past a static Hambrook inside her left post a goal back for KLSC, 1-3.

 GOAL! A goal back for KLSC with the clock ticking down at the end of the 2nd half, Sprowston with the perfect reply as they get the ball forwards straight from the restart into White catching the defence off guard to race into the box left of goal, Raines racing out to close the angle, White releasing her shot early to send it past the advancing keeper and into the goal beyond to restore the 3 goal cushion 1-4.

Nyah White straight from the restart restoring Sprowston’s 3 goal lead

  Less than 5 minutes of regular time left to play Anais Winney back on for Sprowston, Wright off. Burkauskaite defending for the hosts as White drives into the box from the left. Olivia Leggett from 25 yards putting a shot straight at the keeper. Wright back on for Wickenden as Lilly-Ann Winney curls a shot in from outside the box held by the keeper. Sprowston regularly rotating their attacking players as the tie moves into stoppage time. Olivia Leggett clipping a long pass out to Wright attacking wide right, she sends a shot rising over the KLSC crossbar. A  coming together between Burch-Bailey and White leading to the visitors being awarded a corner in stoppage time. 

  GOAL! The tie won Sprowston nevertheless bring plenty off players up into the area to attack the ball as the corner is played in by Olivia Leggett, A teasing ball in across the penalty spot the ball attacked the header turned goalwards looping over the keeper to find the top corner, sadly for KLSC an own goal with Sprowston going 1-5 ahead at the death.

Full time KLSC FC Women 1-5 Sprowston FC Women

  The game ends a 5-1 victory for Sprowston FC Women to see them into the 2nd Round of the NWGFL League Cup. Their new look side showing plenty of potential with a confident display to win comfortably against the Division Two leaders. Scoring an early goal setting them on their way adding a 2nd on the half hour mark to lead 2-0 at the break looked strong for their lead and capitalised with an early goal 2nd half to go 3 ahead. KLSC has their chances and would certainly have posed a threat had they pulled a goal back a good chance late in the 1st half worked hard, Sprowston carrying a strong attacking threat KLSC nevertheless found a goal to get something out of the tie only to concede straight away an own goal at the death probably undoubtedly harsh.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. It’s a tough one no doubt was a strong team performance from Sprowston. A few performances to mention though, firstly for KLSC FC Women. captain, Josie Turner always carried a threat looking to make something happened whether trying to get others on the ball or leading the attack. Courtney Burch-Bailey with some strong tackling at the back along with Viktorija Burkauskaite. For Sprowston, Lois Irving is the experience head in the defence and marshalled thing’s at the back well with some good positioning. Bailey Curtis too was excellent with some great challenges. Olivia Leggett strong in the middle of the park with Rosie Milligan showing some great movement and control of the ball. Today’s award goes to Nyah White was a threat on the right in attack straight from the whistle and got forwards with purpose scoring twice.

  An enjoyable return to The King’s Way Playing Fields, great to catch up with both sides who produced another great showpiece for the NWGFL good luck to both in the competitions going forwards and thank you for the team details as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Enfield Town Ladies

Sunday 23rd October

Women’s FA Cup

Back to the Women’s FA Cup this Sunday with a massive 88 ties scheduled across the country in 3rd Round Qualifying with the FAWNL Division One clubs entering the competition all vying for a place in the 1st Round Proper with the increased prize fund seeing the winning sides also recieving £4,000.

Today’s action comes from Trafford Park, my 2nd trip to Wroxham this weekend with Wroxham Women taking no Enfield Town Ladies.

Wroxham currently 5th in the ERWFL Premier Division, amongst the chasing pack looking to put pressure on leaders Luton Town Ladies. A mixed bag of results in the league having won 3 an lost 3, similar form for several clubs in what is shaping up to be another competitive season. Joe Simpson previously head coach at King’s Lynn in charge of Wroxham Women now has brought in several new recruits from his former club and ex-Norwich city youth players to build up the squad further adding Ellie Overton another from Norwich along with midfielder Jennifer Codman and vastly experienced a prolific striker, Hannah Waters who were part of the Wymondham Town Ladies side (now sadly withdrawn) that won the league and cup double (treble if you count the county cup) in the ERWFL last season.

Hannah Waters hitting the ground running at her new club joining Holly Connell as top goal scorer netting 5 goals. 3 of those goals coming in the last round of the Women’s FA Cup were Wroxham secured a 4-1 win away to Essex side Lawford Ladies. Captain Jess Horn who herself has 4 for the season the other goal scorer. Two more ex-Wymondham players joining up with Wroxham with defender Lauren Kett and attacker Hayley Kindred coming in to strengthen the squad further.

Enfield Town Ladies were for a long time an established side in the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid. Coming to an end last season as they were relegated from FAWNL South East Division One in a season where 4 sides would ultimately go down. Unfortunate not to hold onto their status drop back down into regional football in the London and South East Premier Division, where they face a challenge to bounce back at the first attempt. A strong player pathway within the club with girls sides from U10 up with 3 women’s sides.

Dean Perrett who saw Harlow Town Ladies promoted from the ERWFL to the FAWNL the season before last coming in as first team manager for the new season as the club looks to try and bounce back at the 1st attempt. Never an easy task with just one side promoted from the 12 strong London and South East Regional Premier Division. Like the ERWFL is a competitive league with several strong sides. Enfield’s start to the season similar to Wroxham’s with 3 wins and 3 losses so far from 6 played. Karesha Iton leading goal scorer so far with 6 goals with Katie O’Leary on 5. A home win awarded to Enfield in the previous round over Edgwere & Kingsbury.

Trafford Park the venue for today’s match, has been lovely weather in October so far, today the exception with heavy rain forecast sweeping up from the south west. Enfield travelling up to Norfolk with rain accompanying them the whole way and with games getting called off elsewhere wondered if it would be a wasted journey. However the rain was light in Wroxham leading up to kick off the pitch with a bit slope unlikely to be affected. The rain starting to fall heavier with both teams out warming up retreated to the bar for a cup of tea. A wide grass pitch the clubhouse one side a small terraced stand behind one goal and a larger seated stand over on the far side this is where I headed for the game as a pose to my usual spot in anticipation of getting soaked. Indeed the heavens were to open up moments before the match was due to kick off the teams walking out to a deluge. 

Wroxham Women

Wroxham Women starting XI – Megan Lightfoot, Breanna Rudd, Lucy Bradford, Jess Horn (C), Lauren Kett, Zara O’Neill, Jennifer Codman, Becky Russell, Keela Olive, Lauren Bullard & Hannah Waters. Subs – Holly Walker, Holly Connell, Lucy Eagle, Lara Dengley, Summer Copland, Tiffany Forshaw & Hayley Kindred.

Enfield Town Ladies

 Enfield Town Ladies starting XI – Grace Taylor, Sheryce Slater, Danielle Smith, Beth Powell (C), Brionne Fowle Etta Sam, Olivia Syson, Etta Sam, Amy Nash, Leah Littlechild, Katie O’Leary & Karesha Iton. Subs – Maisie Wyer, Rebecca Evans & Lauren Cann.

A heavy downpour to start the game

Another advantage of taking advantage of the stand is the press box, has a table to set my notepad on which seeing as I’d managed to forget my usual notepad had to resort to my larger A4 fixtures & results pad. But at least I had an alternative. Lauren Kett in the starting line up today for Wroxham along with fellow ex-Wymondham teammates Jennifer Codman and Hannah Waters with Hayley Kindred on the bench. It’s Wroxham to get the tie underway kicking off 1st half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks with Enfield lined up opposite in an all sky blue kit. Played back into midfield Enfield quick to move in close the ball down, Becky Russell getting it out long into the left channel for Hannah Waters to go after, full back Sheryce Slater getting across her to see the ball back to goalkeeper Grace Taylor who promptly launches the back over the stand and out of the ground.

Enfield’s Sheryce Slater with Wroxham’s Keela Olive

Enfield rushing in to press the ball in the early exchanges is all a bit fragmented the ball regularly out of play for a throw in. Etta Sam taking on possession 30 yards out running for the Wroxham area right of the D closed down looking for Katie O’Leary ahead of her as she is blocked off, wants a foul but instead Wroxham have a free-kick with O’Leary straying offside. Olivia Syson bringing the ball on for Enfield centrally looks to thread it through into the box for Karesha Iton pulling in behind from the left, Megan Lightfoot in the Wroxham goal rushing forwards able to claim it first. 

   Wroxham bring the ball on through the middle with pace Russell travelling the pass forwards helped on to Keela Olive 20 yards out left of D, goes to shoot her low effort running wide of the left post. Taylor sold a little short on the back pass inside her area has Waters racing in to try and charge her down as she goes to put her foot through the ball, deflects off the Wroxham attacker behind for a goalkick. Zara O’Neill with the ball in midfield for Wroxham comes on right side support from Lauren Bullard and Lucy Bradford out wide the cross flashed in to the top of the area cut out by Enfield’s Brionne Fowle play brought back though with a Wroxham foul spotted in the build up.

Enfield’s Brionne Fowle

 A slick playing surface now with the heavy rain falling O’Neill on for Russell through the middle for Wroxham clipped forwards to Waters pulling left, lays it back up the line for Breanna Rudd, her crossfield pass intercepted by Syson played into Nash who picks out Sam as the visitors storm forwards, Sam on the right putting it into the area for Iton wide of goal, Kett comes sliding in with a committed challenge to win the ball. Iton looking to get across the Wroxham back line force an opening looking to get into the area take a shot attacking right her cross cut out cleared Wroxham look to get on the counter the ball on the left Waters the target, Sam tracking back getting hold of the ball and winning the foul as her shirt is pulled trying to bring the ball forwards.

Wroxham defender, Lauren Kett

  Wroxham winning a corner on the right, played in near post Kett the target in low gets it back to the corner taker, flashed back in towards goal on the angle Taylor at full stretch diving forwards to push the ball out of her box, Wroxham sending a shot back in the ball blocked. Russell coming forwards for Wroxham with Waters pulling wide left recieving the ball plays it back inside for Russell to shoot 20 yards out her strike blocked then, Syson comes sliding in win the ball deny her a 2nd opportunity. 

Wroxham’s Becky Russell with Enfield’s Leah Littlechild

   Iton needing the trainer on, a pause in play allowed back on as a drop ball resumes play, Enfield getting forwards on the left Leah Littlechild with Nash on through the middle with Iton ahead of them the cross fired into the area intercepted by Wroxham captain Jess Horn. The wet grass is great for sliding tackles and both sides have players that are enjoying them. Enfield though win a free-kick out wide on the left. A good delivery played into the box, Fowle getting her head on it, can’t direct her header on target wide for a goal kick. 

   Enfield putting pressure on the Wroxham defence getting players up and around the 18 yard box, a pass through into Iton’s feet inside the area, turns to shoot, Kett throwing herself across her to charge down the ball, frantically Wroxham look to get the loose ball away right of the D Enfield play it back into the area, blocked once again before a shot is put in on goal low from 20 yards, Lightfoot right behind it to gather safely. 

Kett putting in some bold but will timed sliding challenges for Wroxham, denying Sam as the Enfield midfielder looks to jink her way into the area. 20 minutes on the clock Enfield gathering momentum getting players forwards well intercepting a good share of passes as Wroxham look to get the ball into midfield. Nash bursting into the left channel slowed down by Bradford, the ball running loose to the by-line Nash racing onto it to fire a cross into the six yard box cleared by Horn. The ball cleared long to the right Waters going after it feeding the pass inside for Olive to strike wide from 20 yards.

Enfield’s Amy Nash

  GOAL! Enfield coming on with the ball Nash moving forwards left channel has Iton ahead of her rolls the ball forwards, Iton getting hold of it to shoot from the angle sending a chipped shot from 25 yards over the keeper into the back corner of the net 0-1.

Karesha Iton with the strike to fire Enfield into the lead

  The visitors on the front foot taking the game to Wroxham, Iton on the right off a throw in turning inside driving a cross/shot into the centre of the six yard box the defence blocking in front of the keeper, O’Leary first to the loose ball looking to force her way into the box her run blocked off. Penned back Wroxham look to clear the ball long for Waters, Bullard up with her through the middle Waters infield ball looking for her 20 yards out is just behind Bullard allowing Enfield captain Beth Powell the opportunity to clear. 

Wroxham striker, Hannah Waters

 Rudd into space on the left for Wroxham plays the infield pass into Codman 30 yards out, lining up a shot Fowle reacts well to rush in to put the block in. Wroxham encouraged come forwards apply a bit of pressure of their own out on the right the cross inside to Olive 20 yards out her low strike in gathered by Taylor. The ball moved quickly upfield into Iton out on the right turns inside shaping to curl a shot in towards goal her effort block the Enfield bench going up to appeal they think with a hand but nothing doing.

Wroxham’s Breanna Rudd

   Wroxham give the ball away carelessly in midfield, Sam latching onto it breaking forwards looking to capitalise, her shirt pulled gets the free-kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out. O’Leary over it. Goes for goal getting the ball up and over the wall dropping Lightfoot back on her line palming the ball down to save and smothering it at her near post before Iton can pounce on the follow up. The rain having slowed to a drizzle stopping completely.

  Wroxham getting up on the right Bullard to the by-line cutting the ball back to the top of the area for Olive to hit right of the D, Taylor throwing herself cross to make the save the ball away for a corner on the right. Once again Kett the target before the near post in low looking to turn and put it across goal to be attacked Slater gets her head on the cross the turn it behind for a 2nd corner. In near side again Enfield are awarded to free-kick this time around. 

Wroxham’s Keela Olive

  Enfield are the livelier side winning the ball more often than not in midfield and looking to get forwards Sam and O’Leary looking to combine on the right, Rudd sliding in on O’Leary to put the ball out for a throw. Horn clearing the ball for a corner inside her box to the left as Nash looks to play O’Leary in. The corner dealt with Wroxham look to counter get players forwards rapidly Olive up to Waters who tracks from the left into the box looking looking to lay it off for Bullard moving across her, Powell in to defend on Bullard then Fowle sliding deny Waters from shooting the ball deflected back to the keeper to clear. 

In stark contrast to the heavy rain at the start of the game the 1st half draws to a close with the pitch bathed in bright sunlight. Kett with another strong challenge to deny Iton up the other end. Sam comes on with Nash right channel plays it inside looking for Iton making a run inside the box, intercepted by Kett. Enfield finishing the half strong Syson with the ball in the middle out wide to Iton hugging the right wing her cross fired into the area cut out by Horn, Enfield quick to regain possession back with Syson into O’Leary out to Iton wide right her cross put in claimed into her mid-riff by Lightfoot. Looks to get the throw out quickly get Wroxham on the move.

Enfield’s Etta Sam

  The ball is lost a misplaced pass on the left seeing Iton steal in behind the defence to charge into the area, Kett the last defender getting a cross to try and put in a last gasp block Iton evades her challenge to move on towards goal, Lightfoot closing her down staying big making the blocking save as Iton pulls the trigger.

Wroxham goalkeeper, Megan Lightfoot

 A frustrating half for Wroxham passes not finding their mark Enfield winning a good portion of interceptions in the middle turning play around quickly meaning the ball not up with the hosts attackers as much as they would like. Enfield have a player down late in the first half Fowle looks to have picked up an injury and can’t continue on in her place Maisie Wyer. 

 

 Wroxham come left late in the half Olive on for Waters looks to set up he return pass, Syson though coming back to defend for Enfield. Russell moving to the right for Wroxham getting on with the ball before delivering a cross into the area cleared by Powell.   

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-1 Enfield Town Ladies

  The 1st half ending in bright sunshine it’s Enfield who head into the changing rooms the happiest leading the game by a single goal at the break. Not much between the side at the start Enfield looking the stronger as the half wore on getting players up the pitch and winning the ball back high up to turn play around. Creating a number of chances some heroic blocks and challenges denying them a further goal. A well struck shot from Karesha Iton 20 minutes in the difference. Wroxham struggling to get the ball up to their attackers at times have had a few opportunities and with just a single goal in it far from out of the tie.

  Appear to be no changes 2nd half. The FA Women’s Cup only allowing 3 substitutes in regular play. The sun disappearing as clouds roll back in for the 2nd half dry nonetheless the teams out before the officials keen to get going again. Enfield with the kick off 2nd half the ball into midfield played out to the left for Littlechild, Horn stepping in to head the ball away for Wroxham. The hosts looking to put some pressure on at the start of the 2nd half Bullard bringing the ball on looking to put Waters through on halfway with the Enfield defence pushed up get their line right to catch Waters offside.

   Enfield get on the counter attack the ball clipped out to Sam on the right wide her cross lifted into the box, intercepted by Codman tracking back from midfield the ball crashed behind for a corner kick. The delivery put into O’Leary just inside the box central, puts her foot through the ball looking for the opposite side runs wide of the post.

 Horn plays the ball long to Bullard on the right looks to play a give and go with Russell in the middle, Smith getting across to Bullard to cut out the return ball. The ball coming inside to Olive off the resulting throw left of the D her strike riding Taylor well positioned behind it all the way. Slater coming on with the ball well from the back for Enfield sends it on into the eft channel for O’Leary running in behind between full back ad centre back that side turns inside into the box top corner looks to shoot her curling ball presented straight to the keeper.

Wroxham’s Jennifer Codman

  Enfield making a good start to the 2nd half, Littlechild coming forwards well on the left into space to receive the ball with O’Leary, Syson and Iton all providing good support. Olive booked for a foul wide on the right for Enfield. Is the play to head clear as the ball is lifted in near post area. Wyer regaining possession the pass out to Littlechild on the left her shot wide of the near post for a goal kick. 

Wroxham captain Jess Horn

   Sam wide on the right for Enfield crossing into the box Horn with great defensive work to take the ball off the head of Littlechild attacking the near post. The hosts making a change on the hour with Codman the player coming off on comes Lara Dengley. Horn at the back for Wroxham up to Bullard goes wide with her pass to Bradford up on the right wing, puts it into the box for Dengley closing in on the by-line right of goal her cross played in claimed by Taylor. 

  O’Leary giving away a free-kick out wide on the right. Wroxham bringing players up Russell over it is a teasing ball lifted into the area put across the penalty spot Kett running clear of her marker across it getting a touch deflecting the ball goalwards a good chance by frustratingly straight at the keeper. Taylor safely claiming it.

Lauren Kett with a chance to equalise for Wroxham

  Close to scoring at one end Wroxham are in danger of conceding up the other as Taylor puts her foot through the ball sending it long up field bouncing through the middle, Horn under pressure from Iton trying to shield the ball for her advancing keeper to come claim, defender and goalkeeper coming together as the ball pops loose to the right, Iton can’t reach it as Kett comes hurtling back to smash the ball away for a corner kick. Horn needing a spot of treatment looks uncomfortable as play resumes. Enfield with bodies in the box for the corner from the right goes long half cleared by Bradford at the far post O’Leary steals in on the ball top of the area tries to lay it into the feet of Syson right of goal she stabs a shot in low hasn’t the power to trouble Lightfoot. 

 GOAL! Enfield double their lead midway through the 2nd half Slater playing the ball long from the back into Littlechild attacking on the left gets forwards playing a squared ball into the box for O’Leary who lifts a cross into the six yard box for Iton who swivels superbly off her marker to bury her shot into the top corner of the net 0-2. 

Karesha Iton doubles Enfield’s lead

  A further blow for Wroxham after conceding a 2nd goal as they lose their captain to injury Horn having picked up a knock coming off along with Olive as they make a double change bringing on Holly Connell and Hayley Kindred. Littlechild latching onto a poor ball put back into the box for O’Leary. Dengley getting ack at her to defend for Wroxham. 

  Russell looking to carry the ball forwards for Wroxham attacking left rides a strong challenge the advantage played as Bullard takes it on inside the box looks to put it back to Russell inside the D cut out, Dengley onto the loose ball 20 yards out her shot low not troubling Taylor who has been solid all game. The visitors making a change as the game moves into the final 15 minutes Sam coming off for Lauren Cann. 

  Taylor with the save of the match albeit off her own miscue as the Enfield goalkeeper presents the ball straight to Waters off a back pass from Slater. Waters shifting across the D wrapping her foot around the ball hit with venom rising, Taylor back peddling throwing herself out to her left to save pushing the ball out to the right corner of the area put back across the area for O’Neill to lift a shot up towards goal. Taylor taking the catch high above her head. 

Enfield goalkeeper, Grace Taylor

  Littlechild winning a corner for Enfield on the left played in near post O’Leary with the header on, Cann unable to get a touch far post. Littlechild full of energy late in the game has Syson up with her on the left rolls the ball on, Connell tracking back with Syson getting a foot in to prod the ball behind for a corner. Taken short before being played in across the six yard box, O’Leary attempting the header far post wide. Enfield with a strong 2nd half performance coming on well Syson sending a shot over from 20 yards out. 

Karesha Iton with Wroxham’s Zara O’Neill

  Powell sliding in to take the ball away from Waters as she breaks into the box from the right, Waters accidentally standing on the defenders leg as she makes the challenge leaving Powell in some discomfort but okay to continue. Wroxham haven’t given up keep looking to get players on with the clock ticking down looking for a goal Connell right off a crossfield pas from O’Neill getting the the by-line before crossing. As has been the case so often can only pick out Taylor in the Enfield goal. 

  Iton doing most of her attacking through the middle 2nd half picking up the ball and driving at the Wroxham defence jinking left then right before unleashing a shot 25 yards out. Lightfoot right behind the ball to make the save. O’Leary recieving the ball top of the area left side from a diagonal pass looking to find the top corner with her strike lets out a cry of frustration instead as she only picks out the keeper. The game moving into stoppage time Enfield with their 3rd change Nash coming off for Rebecca Evans. The visitors hit Wroxham on the break Littlechild bursting down the left flashing a cross into the six yard box Syson there central up trying to meet the header can’t quite get there.

 GOAL! A 3rd goal coming in stoppage time the icing on the cake for Enfield as Evans wins the ball back in midfield plays it on for Syson right channel 25 yards out shifts the ball onto her left foot and strikes her shot in over the keeper at the near post 0-3.

Enfield’s Olivia Syson

  Enfield finishing the game strongly getting players on Cann with the ball moving inside from the right to line up a shot driven in low Lightfoot down to stop it the ball squirming out of her grasp dribbles slowly wide of her near post for a corner kick. A shot from the set-piece resulting in a goal kick. 

Full time Wroxham Women 0-3 Enfield Town Ladies

  Enfield win the game 3-0 to advance to the first round proper of the Women’s FA Cup. A strong 2nd half performance to build on the narrow lead they had secured at half-time. That goal coming from Karesha Iton, she went on to score a superb 2nd midway through the 2nd half, moment after Wroxham had had their best chance of the game to level the scores. Wroxham frustrated were never out of the tie the 3rd goal coming late in stoppage time had opportunities to score just couldn’t take one Grace Taylor proving a strong final hurdle to clear for Enfield. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Left the game thinking I knew who I’d pick but like to go through the notes just to confirm. Several performances to mention first though. For Wroxham, Lauren Kett had a brilliant debut with some excellent last ditch and well time tackles plus carrying a threat when coming forwards. Likewise Jess Horn make some vital challenges and interceptions. Becky Russell looking to get the game going for the hosts with some strong runs from midfield. A solid team performance from Enfield working hard to win the ball take the game to their opponents. Olivia Syson strong in the middle getting forwards with the ball feeding it into the attacking players scoring an excellent goal. The two from Karesha Iton weren’t bad either. Strong on the ball moving about the back line to get into good positions. Leah Littlechild with a strong game on the left particularly 2nd half getting forwards. The award though goes to Enfield’s goalkeeper, Grace Taylor. Was a colossus throughout the game frustrating Wroxham all game with some excellent positioning and quality saves to ensure a clean sheet.

  An enjoyable cup tie despite the weather, but then that only added to the drama. A bigger notepad means I write more and I write enough notes as it is so mustn’t leave it at home again. Good to see Enfield again interested in seeing how they ae getting on now they’ve drifted away from the leagues covered by Women’s Football East hope to see them back soon and am keen to see how they do this season. My thanks to both sides for their help and hospitality today. Looking forward to the draw for the 1st Round Proper.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Bedford Ladies v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Sunday 16th October

ERWFL Premier Division

Football action from the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday with a trip down into Bedfordshire to watch Bedford Ladies take on Essex side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies.

 Representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England the ERWFL Premier Division consists of 12 sides, looks once again to be a strong league. Luton Town Ladies currently out on front recording 5 straight wins at the start of the season the ultimate prize for all winning the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL.

  Bedford Ladies themselves have tasted life in the FAWNL a two season stay before dropping back down into the ERWFL, one of the leading women’s and girls clubs in Bedfordshire with 17 different sides across various age groups currently. Luton often their rivals, between them have dominated the County Cup in recent seasons, Bedford firmly with the upper hand currently successfully retaining the trophy against newcomers Biggleswade United last season. Currently in the process of finding a new manager with Simon Henry stepping down from the role, John Frost currently in charge as interim manager.

 Natasha Fensome a prolific goal scorer for Bedford over the season’s a very strong campaign last time out netting 30 of the 52 goals Bedford scored during the 2021/22 season with the club finishing in 6th spot. Is amongst the goals again this season with 3 so far, but not alone as top scorer with Zara Carroll and Aliya Bhatti also scoring 3 goals. Currently 10th in the Premier Division table with just the one win from the 4 league matches played. That on the opening day away to Harlow Town Ladies with Aliya Bhatti scoring both goals in a 2-0 win. Victory today getting Bedford back into the close tussle in the middle of the table.

 Heading that pack at the moment are Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, the Essex side currently in 5th spot on 6 points with 2 wins from their 5 league matches played so far. A change of management too for Bowers & Pitsea with vastly experienced coach Nikola Strizovic coming very early in the summer. Bringing in a number of new faces to the squad that has become an established side in the 5th tier since the women’s set-up became involved with Bowers & Pitsea. Maddie Thomas, Kesley Smith and Jodie Osborne all with Hashtag United Women previously joining the side. Goalkeeper, Margot Farnes coming to the club from West Ham United Women’s Academy set-up. Defender Mollie DeBell adding experience to the back line, Jessica Strizovic returning to football after a spell away most recently with Crystal Palace. Mia Lempiere moving up to the 1st team squad from the Reserves side. With the most recent signing being Millie Isherwood who won the FA Girl’s Youth Cup with Chelsea U16s last season.

 Have a reserves, U18s side and U16s side with players looking to progress throughout within the club. Goalkeeper Hannah Stone an example of that on the bench to day from the u18s squad. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies getting off to a flying start in the league with an 8-1 opening day home win over Colney Heath Ladies. Results very much up and down since a narrow home loss to AFC Sudbury followed by a good 4-2 away win at Wroxham, losing twice more in the league to Stevenage and Royston, beating Stevenage at home the following week 3-2 in the FA Cup. Will need to find more consistency if they wish to push for the top of the league. Several new players to bed in Maddie Thomas hitting the ground running with 4 goals leading the goals charts early on.

 McMillen Park the venue for today’s game situated right next door to Bedford Town FC where Bedford Ladies were playing last season. Real Bedford FC’s ground situated just off the A421 leading into Bedford easy to find. The clubhouse and changing rooms leading into the the ground itself serving hot and cold drinks. A small seated stand with a further covered viewing area beside. Standing available all around the large grass pitch. Trees  protecting the stadium from the busy road beyond. Staying warm and pleasant as we move into the middle of October, bright and sunny, dry with no chance of rain perfect playing conditions.

Bedford Ladies

Bedford Ladies starting XI – Erica Turner, Carol Cripps, Chloe Esposito, Gemma Franklin (C), Jasmine Ajayi, Zara Carroll, Ella Meadowcroft, Alyssa Revis, Destiny Pap, Natasha Fensome & Aliya Bhatti. Subs – Priya Bhatti, Ocean Gregory, Lauren Coppin & Katie Hunter. 

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Margot Farnes, Holly Moore, Kelsey Smith, Mollie DeBell, Danielle Styles, Natalie Strange (C), Kirstie Jackson, Maddie Thomas, Sarah Wilson, Millie Isherwood & Whitney Locke. Subs – Hannah Stone, Courtney Fraser, Georgia Fraser, Phoebe Keyes & Katie Whitehead.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Natalie Strange and Gemma Franklin with today’s match officials

  It’s the hosts Bedford to get the match underway kicking off first half wearing blue shirts with black vertical stripes, blue shorts and socks with Bowers& Pitsea lined up opposite wearing red shirts with white across the chest and down the sides and the end of the shirt sleeves, red shorts and socks. The ball played back to Zara Carroll in middle her crossfield pass picking out Destiny Pap on the left looks to go on tackled by Bowers &Pitsea’s Kelsey Smith the ball sent onto Sarah Wilson on the right the visitors getting on the attack the pass inside for captain Natalie Strange clipped onto Millie Isherwood tracking into the top of the box from the left, Bedford’s Chloe Esposito getting in close to make the challenge regain the ball.

   Bowers & Pitsea making a fast start to the game taking the game to Bedford hustling the ball inside their opponents half fed on for Isherwood she sends it on into Whitney Locke inside the D, Bedford captain, Gemma Franklin holding the striker up the ball not cleared lifted out to the left Isherwood flagged offside. 

Carol Cripps in to win the ball back for Bedford

  GOAL! The visitors strong in the opening 3 minutes the ball won in the final 3rd played forwards to Wilson attacking on the right Chloe Cripps going with her for Bedford gets in front of the winger to play the ball back to goalkeeper Erica Turner to kick clear. Her ball falling straight to Maddie Thomas unmarked 20 yards out right of the D, controls and smashes a shot into the middle of the net 0-1.

Maddie Thomas with the opening goal for Bowers & Pitsea

   Bedford losing the ball straight from the restart as Kirstie Jackson plays the pass forwards to Wilson breaking on the right her cross taking a nick off Franklin to go behind for a corner kick. An inswinging delivery an easy claim above her head by Turner. Bowers & Pitsea after the ball are soon on the attack coming right Wilson has Thomas moving on into the corner the ball played into her, her cross turned behind for another corner. Smith with a good inswinging ball, Turner getting up to get something on the ball with Thomas coming in on her looking to connect with the header, the ball cleared.

  Mollie DeBell winning the ball on halfway for Bowers & Pitsea out to Wilson on the right surging on winning a corner, Swung into the six yard box headed clear at the near post. Bowers & Pitsea forcing errors from Bedford  won 20 yards out Franklin charging down a shot the ball loose inside the D, Thomas getting hold of it dragging her low shot wide of the left post. Bedford very much on the back foot in the opening 10 minutes finding it tough to get anything up to their attacking players Bowers & Pitsea turning play around far too easily. The hosts get some joy on the right Alyssa Revis coming forwards looking for Natasha Fensome up top the pass put back to Carroll in midfield has a powerful shot on her lines up a strike from all of 35 yards out right of the D struck well bounces through the area not troubling the keeper wide of the far post. 

  Wilson has picked up a knock for Bowers & Pitsea the trainer on can’t continue the visitors making an early change Wilson off with Katie Whitehead the player coming on taking Wilson position on the right. A throw high on the right contested the rebound skipping down the line straight to Thomas free to turn and run down the line before sending a cross racing along the top of the 6 yard box, Esposito getting to it before Isherwood can pounce. The clearance falling straight to Whitehead top of the area right side the Bowers & Pitsea substitute lifting her effort over the bar. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Katie Whitehead

  Franklin winning the ball at the back for Bedford plays it out from defence travelling into midfield sending the pass on for Jasmine Ajayi who in turn plays it on for Fensome moving left of the D with Ella Meadowcroft, a burst of pace seeing Fensome escape to the by-line wrapping her foot around the ball to send a vicious cross past the Bowers & Pitsea goal over goalkeeper Margot Farnes, Aliya Bhatti attacking the ball at the far post her header over. Bedford beginning to up their tempo get players forwards.

  GOAL! Just as Bedford start to get players forwards higher up the pitch they get themselves back level the ball won back high on the right driven low into the box finding Fensome stealing in unchecked left of the penalty spot to fires in a low strike, Farnes down sharply can only brush it with her fingertips as the ball nestles in the back of the net 1-1. 

Natasha Fensome levelling the scores for Bedford

 Bedford on the attack the ball played out to Pap on the left wide sends it inside for Fensome up top left of the D, getting a quick strike away pulls the ball wide of the near post. Thomas with Whitehead attacking on the right for Bowers & Pitsea, in behind the Bedford defence Thomas looking to turn and cross, Carroll tracking back for Bedford closing in to block the ball. A throw in the corner on the right deflected behind for a corner to Bowers & Pitsea. Played long across the six yard box retrieved out wide left the cross back in intercepted by Franklin, her clearance coming straight to DeBell inside the D squares it to Thomas to the right her angled strike charged down behind for a corner on the right,

  GOAL! The corner balls from Smith on the right have been a threat so far and as she plays in another inswinging ball into the box, Isherwood steals in unmarked centrally to get her head onto the ball nod it down into the goal to restore the visitors lead 1-2.

Millie Isherwood heading home Bowers & Pitsea’s 2nd goal

  Turner coming out well to the right corner of her area needing to get to the ball slide in to claim at the feet of Whitehead as Thomas plays her in behind with a well timed pass from the middle. 

  GOAL! A quickfire double from Bowers & Pitsea as Locke nips in to rob the defence 20 yards out and break into the area moving forwards plays her shot across the advancing keeper to score 1-3. 

Whitney Locke stealing the ball to break into the box and score Bowers & Pitsea’s 3rd goal

  GOAL! Bedford their own worst enemy as they are caught in possession at the back with Isherwood nipping in to take hold of the ball 25 yards out putting the ball on a plate for Thomas breaking in behind to the right of the D, into the box the keeper coming to meet her Thomas waits till she’s committed to play the ball around her to the right the angle closing as se wraps her foot around the ball to score her 2nd of the game 1-4. 

Maddie Thomas celebrating after putting Bowers & Pitsea into a 4-1 lead

  Midway through the first half Bowers & Pitsea capitalising on mistakes at the back from Bedford to score 3 quick goals to race into a strong lead. Bedford with the ball in midfield played up to Fensome 25 yards out turns to nudge the ball forwards out to the right Revis getting the hosts a corner kick Drops into the box, no one able to attack it before Bowers & Pitsea scramble it away. Franklin onto the ball top of the her strike charged down then cleared.

  Revis coming on with the ball right lay it back into the middle for Carroll who hits it long for Fensome looking to get into the box left of goal, getting it on the by-line wrapping her foot around the cross, the ball claimed well by Farnes. Bedford looking to take the game to Bowers & Pitsea more now with Revis attacking right laid back to Carroll winds up another long range strike miscued though is deflected out favourably for Pap getting on into the box her cross flashed across the face of goal.

  Ajayi on for Bhatti coming left with support from Pap wide taking the ball on delivering a dangerous cross in towards goal over the keeper, headed clear at the far post by Bowers & Pitsea left back Holly Moore. Danielle Styles in the middle of defence for Bowers & Pitsea defending on Fensome top of the area as Meadowcroft plays the ball on. The visitors are quickly on the counter the ball fed on by Strange through the middle with Locke looking to break in behind, Franklin lunging in to try and get the ball just about gets enough on it to take it away from Locke allow Turner to clear. 

  Carroll comes to her captain’s rescue moments later as Franklin slips going to attack the ball from a Bowers & Pitsea throw on the right, Locke immediately after it, Carroll round on the cover getting across her to see the ball back to her keeper. Cortney Fraser coming on for Bowers & Pitsea replacing Isherwood. Fensome seeing the ball into her feet right of the area with a turn and hit striking the ball over for Bedford. Thomas coming on through the middle with the ball for Bowers & Pitsea laying it on for Fraser attacking left side, Esposito coming out to close her down tackling for Bedford. 

Bedford defender Chloe Esposito

  The clock running down the the first half the game a little stretched with Bedford looking to get another goal late on Bowers & Pitsea counter Whitehead carrying the ball on right side 20 yards out sending a cross in towards the far post, both Locke and Fraser attacking it neither can get a touch before the ball runs out of play. Pap up on the left winning Bedford a throw the ball brought down controlled the cross swung into the area headed clear by Styles. Bowers & Pitsea attack on the right side Thomas playing the ball on for Whitehead her cross fired into the top of the six yard box cut out by Franklin, Thomas hustling to regain possession inside the box right side turns to shoot drags her shot wide across past the far post.

Aliya Bhatti going forwards for Bedford

  Bowers & Pitsea finishing the half the stronger Whitehead bursting on down the right wing sending her cross long past the far post, Fraser looking to bring it down under control rushed into her shot lifts the ball over the bar. Bedford with one last attack in the first half the ball on by Carroll into Fensome right outside the area combining with Bhatti and Revis the ball played into the area left side finding Pap clear top of the six yard box left of goal lifts her shot over.

Half-time Bedford Ladies 1-4 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

 Mistakes at the back costing Bedford dear in the first half as their opponents capitalised to take a strong 4-1 lead into the break. Bowers & Pitsea making a brilliant start getting after the ball inside the opposition half scoring the opening goal inside 3 minutes looking to build on it creating chances. Bedford on the back foot digging in clawing at back to 1-1 were then underdone by mistakes forced by Bowers & Pitsea to concede 3 quickfire goals. Found a goo response with a couple of half chances as they got to see more of the ball Bowers & Pitsea though remained a threat able to sit back and pick their moments to attack. A mountain to climb if Bedford are to get back into the game 2nd half. Bowers & Pitsea playing a game on Friday evening although not all of today’s squad were involved will tiredness be a factor 2nd half. 

  Changes for Bedford at the start of the 2nd half with Cripps and Meadowcroft the players off, Priya Bhatti and Lauren Coppin the players on Pap dropping into the back 3. Bowers & Pitsea to get the 2nd half underway. The ball played out to the right dealt with by Pap, the visitors pressing the ball in the middle Jackson on for Thomas out to the right the diagonal ball into towards the top of the area cut out by Franklin for Bedford. 

Lauren Coppin on for Bedford in the 2nd half

 Bedford looking to make a stronger start to the 2nd half as Carroll brings the ball on played out to the left for Coppin, Smith defending for Bowers & Pitsea. Bedford snapping in to win the ball back Ajayi to Carroll attempting the through ball for Fensome in behind, Styles across her run shielding the ball back to her keeper. Aliya Bhatti passes the ball out to Revis wide on the right does well to dig a cross out into the area cleared by Styles a throw won high up the pitch Bedford lose possession Bowers & Pitsea launching a rapid counter attack Whitehead through the middle to Thomas wide right laid back inside for the advancing Strange she sends it out with to Smith her cross/shot from deep claimed by the keeper.

   Bowers & Pitsea with the ball through the middle up to Thomas out to Smith advancing on the right forwards for Whitehead, Priya Bhatti getting across to make the tackle for Bedford. The hosts get the ball forwards on the right a throw won Priya Bhatti on for Aliya Bhatti moving down the line firing a cross into the box, Fensome taking a swing it it not connecting as it runs across her. Moore defending for Bowers & Pitsea as Bedford come forwards Aliya Bhatti sending the ball on for Revis, Moore coming to close her down top of the area. Fensome dropping into the middle her lay off into Carroll 30 yards out puts her foot through the ball her strike over the bar. Bedford encouraged by their start to the 2nd half.

  GOAL! With the hour mark fast approaching as Bowers & Pitsea break way to further extend their lead getting the ball forwards on the right stretching the Bedford defence Thomas sending a cross angling in across goal past the keeper with Courtney Fraser running in far post to turn the ball in from close range at the far post 1-5.

  A hammer blow for Bedford they pick themselves up go again winning a throw inside the Bowers & Pitsea half on the right, Ajayi with a clever touch and turn to send a cross angling it to the far post, Coppin closing in can’t reach it before Farnes can lay claim to the ball. Bedford get players forwards Revis to Fensome into Priya and Aliya Bhatti top of the area inside put back inside cleared by a defender on the ground, looked like a hand might have been involved but no one appeals the ball coming to Revis right off goal scoops her shot over.

   Turner out well to the right of her box again to slide in a claim the ball at the feet of Whitehead as Locke attempts to feed the ball from Thomas on centrally.

  GOAL! Out of no where Bedford pull a goal back. I say out of no where, it’s always possible whenever Carroll gets onto the ball from distance and is allowed to strike it a good distance out 40 or so yards connects with it well lifting the ball in towards goal dropping Farnes back peddling in trouble can’t get anything on it as it sails over her into the back of the net 2-5.

Zara Carroll with a 40 yard strike pulling a goal back for Bedford

  Georgia Fraser coming onto the pitch for Bowers & Pitsea on the right side. Ajayi with a well played diagonal ball into the box for Revis right side into Aliya Bhatti central her shot dragged across the six yard box retrieved by Fensome on the left on the by-line squeezes a cross back across the face of goal the ball headed clear by Styles. Bedford making a change with Revis coming off on the right Katie Hunter coming on. The game opening up as players begin to tire Georgia Fraser sending a shot over the bar from wide on the right. Another change for Bedford with Aliya Bhatti off in attack Ocean Gregory coming on.

Turner reacting quickly again to rush out to the top of her area as Locke steals in past Franklin to break into the box claims at her feet. Fensome catches DeBell a little flat footed outside the box nicking the ball attempting a quick shot with the outside of her boot held by Farnes. Fensome racing in to put pressure on Farnes as she is sold sort on a back pass sliding in the ball deflected behind off target. Esposito with a fantastic piece of defending at the back for Bedford the last player has to win the ball as Locke escapes in behind right channel, racing for the box Esposito stabbing a leg out to take the ball away from the attacker before she can shoot.

Chloe Esposito with he tackle to deny Locke a shot on goal

   Bowers & Pitsea winning a corner out on the right taken shot played inside to Locke hits it on the turn from outside the area angled in held into her midriff by Turner. Locke’s last action of the game as she comes off to be replaced by Isherwood returning to the game for the final 15 minutes or so. A more even 2nd half Bowers & Pitsea with a healthy lead to defend able to pick their moments to get players forwards. Another blow for Bedford with Esposito down looks to have rolled her ankle needs to come off Cripps sent back on.

 Bedford attacking a shot wide a deflection seeing a corner awarded, swung in near post Moore getting her head on it miscued played across goal to drop wide far side a 2nd corner awarded. Again form the right, another good delivery fired into centrally Carroll attacking it with her head, roars in frustration as her effort goes over the bar with a little over 5 minutes of regular time left on the clock.

Bedford’s Jasmine Ajayi

   Bedford pushing on looking for a goal late in the game Fensome has put in a shift up top getting onto the ball left channel plays in into the box to the right looking for Gregory, Moore defending for Bowers & Pitsea cleared out to the left the cross then intercepted by DeBell. Ajayi with a strike from distance drops wide of the right post. Bowers & Pitsea bring players on through the middle Thomas lifting it into the Isherwood 25 yards out to the left of the D attempts to lob the keeper with Turner off her line, not enough on it however with the keeper about to scramble backwards to catch the ball safely.

Bedford’s Ocean Gregory

   Isherwood with a strike on the turn as the ball flashes into her from the right outside the area struck over the bar. Franklin with a last ditch block with Isherwood playing the ball on. Bedford bring the ball on late in the game Fensome moving right with Hunter ahead of her looking to get into the box, the pass put on, Moore getting on Hunter’s shoulder to time her tackle send the ball away for a corner. Taken short up the line the cross sent in missed as it is attacked far post. Thomas with a shot from distance in the closing seconds for Bowers & Pitsea crashing into the side netting.

Danielle Styles winning the ball at the back for Bowers & Pitsea

Full time Bedford Ladies 1-5 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  Bowers & Pitsea Ladies travel back to Essex with their 3rd win of the season in the back to maintain the pressure on the top 4 sides. A strong performance starting the game well straight on the front foot scoring a goal inside 3 minutes. Looking to get hold of the ball inside the Bedford half and attack as a result had Bedford on the back foot early on the hosts doing well to get it back to 1-1 but mistakes at the bac were to cost them dear as they went on to concede 3 quick goals. Bowers & Pitsea creating further opportunities, Bedford rallying towards the end of the first half with a mountain to climb 2nd half. Making a good start looked better getting players on to support Fensome in attack but were hit with a 5th goal from their opponents. Again responded well a long distance strike from Carroll to pull it back to 5-2. The game more even 2nd half with opportunities for both sides but in the end Bedford will rue the errors they made.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – player of the Match. Isn’t always the case that I leave the ground being fairly confident with who that is going to be but despite a late challenge am sticking to my decision. A few performances of note first though, for Bedford Natasha Fensome worked tirelessly up top to find space and get onto the ball bring others into play scoring one while creating a number of other opportunities. At the back Gemma Franklin made a number of vital tackles and blocks as did Chloe Esposito. A strong team performance from Bowers & Pitsea. Millie Isherwood with some clever runs and movement out on the left in attack. Holly Moore at the back with some great defensive work, while Danielle Styles was superb in the centre of defence. Today’s award though goes to Maddie Thomas had a fantastic game taking the ball on and setting the tempo early on with some powerful runs from midfield linking up the attack and scoring a brace.

  Always enjoy a game from the ERWFL Premier Division is a competitive league and rarely disappoints. Good to catch up with both sides, my thanks to both for the team details as is always the case much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham