Match Report – March Town United Ladies v Wisbech Town Ladies

A look at a new league this weekend on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog covered on Women’s Football East, the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South a trip to the GER Sportsground to watch unbeaten league leaders march Town United Ladies play a local derby match against 3rd placed and in form Wisbech Town Ladies.

Match Report – March Town United Ladies v Wisbech Town Ladies

The Supporting Women’s Football Blog has covered plenty of teams a different leagues across the country in the past 3 and half years, today it was time to take a look at a new league not covered before which is surprising with it being so close to home, the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North to watch the league leaders unbeaten March Town United Ladies take on 3rd place and in form Wisbech Town Ladies.

There are two Championship leagues in Cambridgeshire the North and the South that feed into the Premiership above. The Championship North is not only made up with sides in the northern part of Cambridgeshire but also sides in southern Lincolnshire such as Swineshead Institute Ladies and Boston United Ladies. Is a competitive league with the sides below March Town United Ladies all taking points off each other with just 5 points between 2nd and 7th.

March Town United Ladies are into their 4th season as a team have played in both the North and the South Leagues did see them play a long time ago getting on for 3 seasons now when they were in the South League away to Cambridge Rangers back in the early days of the SWF Blog when I didn’t cover a match as extensively as I do now. Have grown as a side. Finishing 2nd in the Championship North last season are going strong this season leading the table for most of the season 7 straight wins at in the league before they were held to a 1-1 at home to Wisbech St Mary Ladies last weekend. Lead the Championship table by 4 points. Another local derby match today at home as they host Wisbech Town Ladies.

Wisbech Town Ladies come into today’s match in great form having won 4 successive games in league and cup. 9 points from that ru taking them all the way up from 7th into 3rd. Have also reached the semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitiation Cup for the 2nd successive season having reached the final last time around. Today they travel with just the bare 11 however having several players unavailable fo various reasons.

The venue for today’s game the GER Sportsground, home of March Town FC known as The Hares. An old ground that boasts the 2nd oldest wooden stand in the country. Painted blue the main stand is set a little back from the pitch however this is because the ground also hosted cricket cycling and greyhound racing up until 1960. The ground has a new clubhouse that houses a bar and kitchen along with the changing rooms. Tea and coffee also available. The pitch itself is a good size pretty firm the clocks went forwards this weekend everyone lost an hour in bed but at last it looked like spring was here bright and sunny nice to see able to take the coat off for the 1st time this year.

March Town United Ladies starting XI – Tori Sharpe, Sydney Davies, Claire Newton, Emma Searle, Kayleigh Churchyard, Jade Pointer (C), Georgia Brown, Adele Munday, Shannon Kelly, Emma Frost & Livvi Hodges
subs – Ella Nutter, Sue Bedwell-Byatt, Laura Coe, Gemma Ramsey & Paige Bedwell-Mann

Wisbech Town Ladies starting XI – Abbi Venni, Amy Hepting, Chloe Minall, Kaylie Swinden, Emily Stephenson (C), Polly Norman, Rachael Simpson, Shushannah Feast, Annie Rooks, Zoe Tyhurst & Sophie Gutteridge.
subs –

(roll on roll off substitutes)

A switch of ends before kick-off Wisbech opting to have the sun a their backs 1st half. It’s March to get the game underway wearing yellow shirts with a black band across the top and shoulders, black shorts and socks. Wisbech lined up opposite wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. The visitors press the ball early keeping March pinned back in their own half striker Sophie Gutteridge, Wisbech’s top scorer so far this season with 20 goals closing down the defence getting her side a throw on the right the ball is crossed along the face of the area, with Gutteridge running onto it left of the D gets a shot away but never in control of the ball it rolls wide of the far post.

Wisbech Town Ladies striker
Sophie Gutteridge has scored 20
goals so far this season

A good start from Wisbech, won’t let March get out of their half winning a throw in on the left the ball is given to Annie Rooks good hold up play before twisting away from her marker playing the ball in across the face of the area with Shushannah Feast in a central position the bounce of the ball doesn’t favour a left foot volley adjusting to strike with her right foot the shot is pulled wide of the far post.

Getting the ball played into her feet on the right for March, Adele Munday drives forwards down the line, Wisbech left back, Chloe Minall gets across her tackling to put the ball out for the throw. Another attack for March the ball played long through the middle, Livvi Hodges with 3 goals in her last 3 league games is after it, Wisbech captain Emily Stephenson gets back with her to throw a leg out and put the ball out for another throw. March work the ball into midfielder Georgia Brown left side comes in field looks for the long diagonal ball in towards the box aiming for Hodges far post the ball is just over her head, beyond her Munday latches onto the ball but is halted by the offside flag.

A good tackle from March’s Emma Searle at the back to thwart Wisbech’s Gutteridge as she threatens to run clear through the middle, the ball out for a throw taken quickly March counter the ball into captain Jade Pointer into midfield plays it on over halfway into space left side with Emma Frost beating the offside trap and running clear heads for the Wisbech box 25 yards out with Stephenson closing the ground lets fly with a shot a swerving ball, goalkeeper Abbie Venni, celebrating her 18th birthday in the week, having initially started to go one way adjusts her body well to stop the ball slipping past her deflects it away for the corner kick.

An ever present this season, March Town United Ladies, Emma Searle

Played in from the left side whipped in with vicious pace the corner kick flies over Venni is heading straight into the net is blocked on the line by Wisbech midfielder Rachael Simpson chesting the ball down before clearing, March go up claiming it had crossed the line the appeals are waved away play goes on, I’m on the halfway line got a picture but no goal line technology in this league.

Wisbech Town Ladies, Rachael Simpson stops March’s corner kick going over the line

Both sides are using the width of the pitch, Hodges with space to run into on the right is closed down by Minall can’t squeeze her cross into the area, up the other end Feast with a surging run on the left with the ball fires a vicious cross into the box looking for Rooks running in, Searle gets their 1st slices her clearance high into the air. A good contest developing in the middle of the pitch plenty of energy from both sides.

GOAL! The deadlock is broken midway through the 1st half Wisbech are awarded a free kick inside the March half left side a good way from goal close to 40 yards Stephenson goes across to take it as players go forwards line up across the top of the March area. Is a sweet strike by Stephenson as soon as it is flight you can tell it’s a great ball plenty of pace the ball flies towards goal a difficult one for keeper Tori Sharpe with runners closing on her the ball flies over her dipping late under the bar to make it 0-1.

Wisbech Town Ladies captain, Emily Stephenson
opens the scoring with a superb free-kick

The ball is closed down inside the Wisbech half pinging around between feet eventually falls to March’s Shannon Kelly 35 yards out connects with the ball on the half volley sending a looping shot in towards goal Venni has time to set herself catch the ball inside her six yard box. March make a change Ella Nutter recently signed from St Ives Rangers Ladies coming on for Frost up front. Simpson has gotten forwards for Wisbech the ball is played into her at the top of the area back to goal she rolls it into Zoe Tyhurst moving central looks to bring the ball under control shift it inside to shot is closed down by March’s Claire Newton the chance gone.

Hodges is played through on goal by Nutter as March break with purpose taking the ball right clear of the Wisbech defence Hodges pulls the trigger from 20 yards blasts her shot wide of goal. Nutter getting forwards herself on the left is brought down by Wisbech’s Amy Hepting. Searle over the free-kick looks to play the ball in towards the near post runners breaking from the top of the box Venni is distracted sees the ball safely into her gloves. Venni is quickly out of her box soon after to clear the danger as a favourable deflection at the beck sees Nutter race in behind the Wisbech defence can’t reach the ball before the goalkeeper does.

March Town United Ladies, Jade Pointer with Wisbech’s Rachael Simpson

March make a 2nd change with Churchyard coming off at left back for Paige Bedwell-Mann a former Wisbech Town player. Brown with a powerful midfield run takes the ball on for March rolling it into the path of Hodges ahead of her, Minall gets on her shoulder prevents the striker getting a shot away as they enter the box marshalling the ball into Venni’s gloves as she comes sliding in to gather. The Wisbech defence giving very little away at the back, Brown finding room to get forwards for March lays the pass out to Nutter drifting into space wide left, Hepting gets back on her to close her down, Nutter keeps possession shifts the ball half a yard room to play the ball int Kelly breaking into a central position, Kaylie Swinden gets across her sees the ball back into her keeper.

Wisbech Town Ladies,
Chloe Minall

Into the closing minutes of the 1st half March pushing players on the ball from Pointer finds Brown taking it on has Hodges in front of her looking to get into the box on the right side picking her out with the through ball plays it across to Nutter on the penalty spot, shifts the ball between her feet to avoid the sliding challenge before sending the ball in towards goal, lacking pace the low shot is straight at Venni and gathered cleanly.

A 1st half injury time corner for March taken on the right the ball played in towards the top of the area, is won by Wisbech the counter attack on the ball launched up field for Gutteridge to go after, Bedwell-Mann is the last defender has to win the ball and does very well under pressure to nullify the danger. March with one last attack in the 1st half the ball rolled into Nutter looks to send Hodges through on goal, again it’s Stephenson who gets across to win the ball before the attacker can get in a one on one situation with the goalkeeper.

Half-time March Town United Ladies 0-1 Wisbech Town Ladies

A 1-0 lead for Wisbech at half-time in a hotly contested derby without the niggle and arguing off the ball. Played at a good tempo few clear cut chances a great delivery from a set-piece the difference between the sides. Wisbech with a good 1st half have done well to limit the threat from march’s attacks their defenders quickly moving in to close down the threat haven’t let very little get in behind. March’s defence too to their credit have prevented Wisbech getting into too many shooting positions albeit defending a deeper line restricting the space in wide areas. An intriguing 1st half a narrow lead all to play for 2nd half.

Wisbech to get the 2nd half underway, Newton at the back wins the ball for March as it is played forwards sends her clearance back up through the middle, Hodges latching onto the ball 30 yards out has Nutter on the move to her left slides the ball into her run, taking the ball into the area the shot comes in low towards the near post, Venni going to ground makes the save.

Wisbech Town Ladies, Polly Norman with March’s Shannon Kelly

Norman plays the ball into Feast on the left a clever turn gets the attacker in behind the March defence taking the ball down the wing squares the cross in towards the penalty spot Searle wins the cross getting the ball out of the area for March. Attacking the home side win a corner kick the 1st effort played in from the right is defended at the near post a 2nd corner awarded this one is played deeper in towards the top of the area the knock down out of the box is met by Nutter on the half volley 20 yards out her shot looping up into the air, Venni back on her goal-line sees the ball land on the roof of the net.

Annie Rooks on the ball for Wisbech Town Ladies

Bringing the ball forwards on the left Bedwell-Mann fizzes a ball in towards goal from 25 yards out straight at Venni the ball momentarily pops out of the goalkeepers gloves, she reacts quickly to pull the ball into her body as Hodges coming in throws a leg at the ball. The game continues to be end to end both sides attacking, Tyhurst away into the left channel, sends a long cross into the area, is dealt with by Bedwell-Mann, counter attacking the ball played into Pointer is helped forwards Hodges gives chase can’t reach it before Stephenson can come across and clear the ball for a throw.

Gutteridge is put through up top for Wisbech gets ahead of Newton as they close in on the box right side of goal, Gutteridge shoots her low strike saved by Sharpe getting down at her near post. Another counter attack from March, Brown through for Hodges in the middle bearing down on the box, Stephenson across to close her down even as Venni comes off her line Hodges squeezes the ball past both her attempt running wide of goal. Feast has the ball 30 yards out from goal opening up her body strikes it goalwards is straight at Sharpe who takes the ball cleanly into her body.

Shushannah Feast attacking for Wisbech Town Ladies

A double change for March, Frost returning to the action replacing Hodges, Gemma Ramsey comes on in midfield for Pointer. Kelly pushed further forwards now gets onto the ball shoulder to shoulder with Stephenson into the box closing down on the keeper all 3 go to ground in an attempt to win the ball, Kelly sends the ball on Venni makes the save the save blocking the ball it rolls loose across the six yard box, no other March players in the area the Wisbech defence can clear it.

Mid-way through the 2nd half Bedwell-Mann switches over to right back as Davies comes off with Churchyard coming back on for March. Winning a free-kick inside the centre circle March send players forwards a good ball played in by Searle drops into the area with Nutter timing her break perfectly on the end of it left of goal shoots early a low drive in towards the near post, Venni is down smartly to make the save.

March Town United Ladies, Ella Nutter

A chance for Wisbech to send players forwards as they are awarded a free-kick wide on the right inside their opponents half the ball played in by Stephenson his headed on into the area by Simpson, Gutteridge is clear on the end of it slots the ball past the keeper, however the celebrations are cut short by the offside flag. More changes for March, Ramsey and Nutter off, Hodges returning with Sue Bedwell-Byatt another ex-Wisbech player also coming on.

Rooks bringing the ball on through the middle sends the ball into Gutteridge’s feet inside the D back to goal turns and shoots marked closely the ball is blocked, comes back to Gutteridge on her left gets a 2nd shot away this one off target rolls wide of the post. Pointer is back on the field for March as Wisbech successfully defend a corner kick. Munday brings the ball on through the middle of the park for March looks to send Hodges through in behind, Venni reacts quickly on the move early slides into claim the ball at the top of her area before Hodges can take it round her.

GOAL! A little over 10 minutes left on the clock and March get themselves back on level terms pushing players on in search of the equaliser it’d Brown breaking from midfield who latches onto a lay off on the left side space before lets fly from the top of the area the ball flies over Venni smashes down off the crossbar into the six yard box, Brown following up reaches it 1st stabbing the ball past the keeper who throws her leg at the ball but doesn’t reach it as it nestles in the back of the net 1-1.

Midfielder Georgia Brown scores the equaliser
for March Town United Ladies

Laura Coe comes off the bench for March to replace Bedwell-Byatt as the game moves into the last 10 minutes. Munday strong on the ball through the middle sends the pass on for Coe ahead of her the 16 year old playing her 1st season of women’s football heads for the box, Swinden coming across forces her left into Hepting who tackles and wins the ball. March able to rotate their subs are seeing more of the ball in the latter stages of the match, still it’s the Wisbech defence quickest to the final ball as they have been all game. Pointer is down struggling with an injury in the middle for March. Stephenson takes the opportunity to rally her side. Pointer can’t continue and his helped off the pitch.

On the attack as the game moves into injury time Frost is put through left side shooting from outside the box her effort is held by Venni. March push bodies on in search of a late winner, Munday rolling it through for Hodges top of the area, Venni comes rushing out to close her down and prevent the shot.

Full time March Town United Ladies 1-1 Wisbech Town Ladies

1-1 the final score the points shared, March remain unbeaten in the league with a 2nd half equaliser from Georgia Brown to extend their lead to 5 points at the top. An unstoppable 1st half free-kick from Emily Stephenson seeing Wisbech go in front defended well all game giving very little opportunity for March’s attackers take home a share of the points which is enough to lift them into 2nd spot over Ketton Ladies on goal difference

SWF Blog – Player of the Match

Today’s SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to Wisbech Town Ladies captain, Emily Stephenson. With a excellent free-kick to open the scoring, nothing was getting past her at the back today a solid defensive display from the whole defence.

My thanks to March Town United for their hospitality today and to both sides for their superb team-sheets today very much appreciated a nice touch to have a little info about each player. Best of luck to both for the rest of the season.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 19/03/17

The Round-Up

Beds & Herts – Sunday 19th March

Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup

This Sunday saw the semi-finals of the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup being held and saw two contrasting ties played. In the all Division One tie Bishops Stortford Ladies were hosting Houghton Athletic Ladies the two sides going all the way goalless after the 90 minutes the game headed into extra-time and was just 5 minutes away from penalties when the stale-mate was broken Shakeela Hussian finding the back of the net to send Houghton Athletic Ladies into the final of the league Cup for the 1st time.

A 7 goal thriller in contrast in the other League Cup semi-final with Hitchin Town Ladies from Division One hosting Division Two leaders, Watton Ladies both looking to reach the League Cup for the 1st time. Watton Ladies in good form going for promotion took the lead in the semi-final, Hitchin Town coming back to level before half-time. In the 2nd half Watton scored twice to go 3-1 up Hitchin Town pulling it back to 2-3 before conceding a 4th goal. Pulling it back to 3-4, Watton Ladies held on for the win to reach the League Cup Final.

The League Cup Final between Houghton Athletic Ladies and Watton Ladies is scheduled to be played Sunday 7th May at AFC Kempston Rovers, best of luck to both sides.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

St Albans Ladies continue to lead Beds & Herts Women’s Division One ahead of 2nd placed Sandy Ladies on goal difference with a 4-0 home win against Letchworth Garden City Eagles on Sunday. Sophie Monahan took her goals tally to the season to 9 from 12 appearances with a brace in the game. with Sophie Lawrence and Holly Rossington both scoring their 2nd goal of the season. One league game left for St Albans away to Hitchin Town on the 23rd April those below them all have games in hand how crucial a game it will be will become apparent in the coming weeks.

Sandy Ladies put a dent in Garston Ladies own title hopes as they beat the 4th placed side at home this Sunday to keep neck on neck with St Albans Ladies at the top of Division One. Amber Williams bagged herself a brace to move into double figure for goals scored this season from 13 appearances. Chloe Reeves also scoring in the game to take her onto 9 for the season. 3-1 the winning score for Sandy, Jane Hales on target for Garston Ladies.

3rd placed Sherrardswood Ladies keep pace with the leading pair winning away from home to keep the gap to 3 points have games in hand on both those above. Were away at the weekend playing Sharnbrook WFC, 2 early goals in the game Francesca Novelli putting Sherrardswood 1-0 up in the 3rd minute. Sian Cunningham scoring for Sharnbrook just 2 minutes later to make it 1-1 where the scores remained until half-time. Sherrardswood scoring the winning goal mid-way through the 2nd half awarded a penalty, Laurie Marris stepping up to take the spot kick and putting the ball into the back of the net for her 15th goal of the season.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

Hitchin Belles were playing their final league game of the season at home against Flitwick Ladies on Sunday who had dropped down the table after leading the way early on with just 2 points from their last 5 league games. A good run of form had seen Hitchin Belles go top of the Division Two table for a spell too. Ended their league campaign with a defeat however as Flitwick won the match 2-0 with both goals scored by Faye Moxon the win lifting Flitwick up to 3rd in the Division Two table.

Both the bottom sides continue to pick up points towards the later end of the season, bottom side Evergreen Ladies close the gap on Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues to just a point with a good win away from home against Royston Town Ladies Reserves. The final score 2-0 to the visitors

Woburn Wavendon Lionesses Clarets were at home n Sunday taking on Garston Ladies FC 96 who are often involved in a high scoring game. In 5th place Garston had a game in hand on leaders Watton with a 6 point gap to close. Captain, Jade Roberts scored twice for Garston in the game with Holly Jury also scoring to make it 3 wasn’t enough in the end to take all 3 points as unbeaten in the league in 3 games picking up 7 points from 9 scored 3 aswell to earn a share of the points with Charlotte Demmon scoring in the 1st half and Lauren Revell scoring twice at either end of the 2nd half.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three 2nd placed Evergreen Eagles were away to Shefford Town & Campton Ladies on Sunday close the gap to league leaders Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues to 3 points courtesy of a 3-0 victory Samantha Takis moving onto 12 goals from 10 appearances with a brace with Samantha Feeney also getting on the scoresheet.

A 3rd successive league win propels Wheathamstead Ladies up into 3rd place in the table and having won 7-0 at home last Sunday against Potters Bar United Ladies they repeat the feat again this Sunday away to Crawley Green Ladies. Sophia Pidgeon moving into double figures scoring a hat-trick. Libby Quinn netting herself a brace as well as Sabrina Monastero, one of her 2 goals coming from the penalty spot.

The Round-Up – Essex 19/03/17

The Round-Up

Essex – Sunday 19th March

Essex Women’s Premier Division

It has all bunched up behind leaders Harlow Town Ladies in the Essex Women’s Premier Division with the 2nd and 3rd placed sides defeated at the weekend the results seeing the sides 2nd to 4th now all level on 31 points. Lawford Ladies were playing away on Sunday against Eastern Avenue a single goal scored by Liane Prior seeing Eastern Avenue win the 3 points and move back up to 5th in the Premier Division table.

Runwell Sports Ladies were away from home at the weekend 4th in the table playing 3rd placed Chelmsford City Ladies 3 points a ahead of them. Chelmsford City took the lead in the game with Mia Brisley putting them 1-0 up. Runwell Sports Ladies came back however scoring twice through Rachel Selfe and Sophie Olley to win the game 2-1 the win lifting Runwell Sports into 3 spot in the Premier Division table.

9th placed Chigwell Ladies picked up a good 3 points winning at home on Sunday to pull them further away from the bottom sides in the Premier Division as they beat 7th placed Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies 2-1.

Also a good result for Hutton Ladies Reserves at the bottom of the table as they beat fellow strugglers Walden Ladies see them switch places at the bottom. At home Hayley Critchell was on target with 2 goals, with Ebony Moore also getting a goal along with and own goal to see the 3 points won with a 4-0 victory.

Essex Women’s League Cup

One more tie to be played in the Essex Women’s League Cup quarter finals. An all Division One tie the top 2 in the league meeting for the 1st time this season with league leaders Corringham Cosmos travelling to Frontiers Ladies who were fresh from winning the Essex Women’s Trophy Final last weekend. Frontiers took the lead in the 20th minute, Kelly Holsworth with her 15th goal of the season scoring from a free-kick. Corringham came back to level 5 minutes before half-time scoring from the penalty spot. Another match having to cope with windy conditions Corringham took the lead in the 2nd half awarded a 2nd penalty and putting it away to make it 2-1 added another goal from a corner to win the match 3-1 and reached the semi-finals where they will be away to Chigwell Ladies. Lawford Ladies will be at home to Collier Row Tigers in the other semi-final both scheduled to be played Sunday 9th April.

Essex Women’s Division One

In Essex Women’s Division One there were two league games played at the weekend. Collier Row Athletic are up to 3rd place in the table moving up 2 places from 5th after winning 2-0 at home against Wickford Town Ladies Reserves.

Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves in 7th close the gap to the mid-table sides with a 4-1 win away to Benfleet Villa Ladies this Sunday. Kayla-Marie Everett netting a brace in the game, Emma Sharpe and Fern Elder also finding the back of the net.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 19/03/17

The Round-Up

Cambridgeshire – Sunday 19th March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup

This weekend also saw the Women’s County Cup competition reach the semi-finals stage in Cambridgeshire too. Current holders Cambridge United WFC are determined to keep there iron grip on the cup as they took on familiar foes in a familiar setting in there semi-final away to Histon Ladies (formerly Great Shelford Ladies) who now play at the Glassworld Stadium where previous Invitation Cup Finals have been played. Cambridge United took the lead in the 11th minute striker Sarah Wiltshire curling home a free-kick, starting the game as she looks to return to match fitness after so recently giving birth. 1-0 was the lead for Cambridge at the break.

2nd half the visitors had control of the game scoring 2 goals within the 1st 5 minutes of the restart, Wiltshire making it 2-0 in the 48th minute then captain Laura Bright added their 3rd from a corner 2 minutes later. Nicole Perschky made it 4-0 in the 62nd minute, the best saved till the last as midfielder Dawn Mallett scored a superb goal flicking the ball on twice before volleying it over the keeper to score with 2 minutes of the 90 left. Well worth a watch take yourself over to Cambridge United’s twitter feed (@CambridgeUtdWFC) to see for yourself. The 5-0 victory seeing Cambridge United WFC into yet another Invitation Cup Final.

It will be an all Cambridge Invitation Cup Final this time around as ERWFL Division One leaders, Cambridge City Ladies booked their final spot winning at home against Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side St Ives Town Ladies on Sunday however they did so with a nervous finish after getting themselves into a commanding 4-0 lead with goals from Charlotte Gillies, Sarah Mosley, Carla Penny and Bella Simmons. The home side were then reduced to 10 players as goalkeeper Tafadzwa Mhunduru was shown a red card. St Ives Town came back into the game goals from Hannah Seymour-Shove, Amy Seymour-Shove and Jorgie Hall getting the score back to 4-3, St Ives Town struck the crossbar too but it was Cambridge City who held on to win it and reach the Invitation Cup Final, date and venue to be announced.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

One game in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this weekend with 2nd placed Netherton United Ladies hosting Peterborough rivals ICA Sports Ladies. A strong wind was a predominate feature for alot of the games in the region this Sunday I’ve observed through social media at The Grange it was no different goalless at the break Netherton United went on to take the lead 8 minutes into the 2nd half Sasha Haw scoring with what would prove to be the winning goal. The 3 points seeing Netherton United close the gap on league leader Newmarket Town Ladies to 3 points. You can read Netherton United’s report from the game by clicking on the link below.

Netherton United Ladies 1-0 ICA Sports Ladies

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

March Town Ladies leading the Cambridgeshire Championship North dropped league points for the 1st time this season although they still remain unbeaten as they were held to a 1-1 draw by visitors Wisbech St Mary Ladies on Sunday. Livvi Hodges netting the goal for March Town after Carlie Knight had given Wisbech St Mary the lead in the 1st half.

That result sees 2nd placed Ketton Ladies close the gap on March Town United Ladies to 4 points as they won away from home beating bottom side Thurlby Tigers 6-1 on Sunday.

Three successive league wins have propelled Wisbech Town Ladies up the Championship North table into 3rd place after beating Boston United Ladies at home this Sunday had to do it the hard way however after going a goal down Victoria Bradford scoring for Boston United. Wisbech Town coming back to win the match 2-1 with goals from Sophie Gutteridge and Emily Stephenson.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South league leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development are now just 1 win away from securing the title after they racked up a huge win at home on Sunday against bottom side Orton Rangers Ladies. A hat-trick for both Ellie Geoghan and Tegan Wyman. Erin Walusimbi, Megan Tonks and Rachel Littlewood all scored 2 goals each with a goal each for both Erin Fox and Amy Ozakpinar competing a 14-0 win.

Plenty of goals too in the match between 2nd placed Milton Ladies and 3rd placed Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves. Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks was back amongst the goals for Milton scoring 4 times in the match played at Newmarket with Sam Cousins also getting a goal. However 5 goals wasn’t enough to get all 3 points as Newmarket Town Reserves responded in kind scoring 5 themselves to see the points shared. Elicia Cooper with a brace along with goals from Joeli Kirby, Hollie Turner and Siobhan White.

In the other game played in the Championship South this weekend, Fulbourn Bluebirds at home collected all 3 points against Isleham United Ladies. Katy Luddy scoring a brace in the game, Amy-Louise Chapman also found the back of the net along with an own goal in a 4-0 win seeing them close the gap on 4th placed Isleham United to 3 points.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 19/03/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 19th March

Norfolk Women’s County Cup

This Sunday saw the semi-finals of this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup being played. Acle United Ladies winners of the competition 2 seasons ago were at home taking on Wymondham Town Ladies who had never reached the County Cup Final before. 2 of 3 sides who play their football outside the County leagues a division between them Acle United looking to mount a title push in the ERWFL Premier Division, Wymondham newly promoted to ERWFL Division One sitting in 3rd spot.

Wymondham started the brighter getting forwards creating chances, Acle getting into their stride a competitive battle the two sides evenly matched it was Acle United who broke the deadlock scoring with 4 minutes of the 1st half remaining the ball played into Megan Todd at the top of the area a good 1st touch to turn and send the ball inside the post to see Acle lead 1-0 at half-time.

The wind had been steadily increasing during the 1st half Wymondham started the 2nd half strongly pushing Acle back as they searched for an equaliser. Laura Nicholls having only just been introduced to to the action by Wymondham making it 1-1 in the 70th minute getting onto the end of a ball from Chelsea Clarke another 2nd half substitute to score. Into the last 15 minutes and Wymondham go on to take the lead Nicholls provider this time laying the ball off to the on rushing Amber Cantwell (pictured) who strikes a screamer into the back of the goal from 35 yards. Leading 2-1 Wymondham go on to score 2 quick-fire goals in the 90th minute both from free-kicks but contrast totally. The 1st awarded in a dangerous position outside the area as Cantwell is brought down, she takes it looping the ball up over the Acle wall the ball dropping under the bar to make it 3-1. Soon after Wymondham have another free-kick this one on halfway Bethany Fretwell decides she going to have a shot at goal the wind blowing that direction the ball sails over the keeper into the back of the net to make it 4-1. Alot of stoppage time played Acle pull a goal back Kate Pasque heading the ball home from a Jody Wells corner. Winning 4-2 Wymondham celebrate as they reach their 1st ever County Cup Final.

The match was covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and you can find the whole report further down the page or by clicking on the link below.

Acle United Ladies 2-4 Wymondham Town Ladies

Wymondham Town Ladies opponents in this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final will be the current holders, Thorpe United Ladies, were at home playing fellow Norfolk Women’s Division One side Aylsham FC Ladies who they beat in the final of the County Cup last season to lift the trophy. A comfortable result in the end Thorpe United reaching the final with a 5-0 victory. The County Cup Final is scheduled to be played Friday 28th April with a 7:30pm at the FDC in Bowthorpe.

Norfolk Women’s Division One

With Thorpe United Ladies involved in the County Cup semi-final it gave King’s Lynn Town Ladies the opportunity to return to the top of Division One as they hosted the leagues bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies at home this Sunday. Any thoughts they might be all out of goals after winning 31-0 last Sunday in the Ladies League Plate quarter finals were soon dispelled as they took a 4-0 lead into the changing room at half-time and went on to score the same 2nd half to win 8-0. Captain Shelley Woods adding 2 more goals to her season’s tally. Josie Turner also hit a brace with Becky Russell, Natalie Bunton and Millie Wilson all getting a goal each and own goal also scored. The win putting King’s Lynn Town back on top of the table.

North Walsham Angels Ladies also move up a place in the Norfolk Women’s Division One table going above Bungay Town Ladies into 3rd position winning away from home on Sunday were away to Fakenham Town Ladies 2nd bottom in the table. If one Middleton sister doesn’t score the other will or more often than not this season they will both be on the scoresheet, Both Luci and Hope scoring 2 goals each as North Walsham Angels Ladies ran out 4-0 winners.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

10 win fro 10 now for Norfolk Women’s Division Two leaders, Gorleston FC Ladies. Away from home at the weekend playing 3rd placed side Sprowston Ladies. Bethany Turner, Hannah Croft Molly Sims and Kayleigh Byrne all scoring in the game as Gorleston got the 3 points to keep their 100% league record in tact with a 4-1 win. Victoria Leyer getting the goal for Sprowston.

The defeat sees Sprowston drop to 4th place in Division Two as they are over taken by Stalham Town Ladies. Were at home playing Briston Wanderers Ladies who travelled with only the 10 players available despite that the took the lead in the game twice before eventually losing 3-2, Stacey High and Vicki Lubbock with the goals for Briston. Millie Cursons scored twice for Stalham Town with Stephanie Brighty also getting her name on the scoresheet to take Stalham Town into 3rd.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

One match played in Norfolk Women’s Division Three on Sunday with Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves 4th in the table hosting 5th placed Freethorpe Ladies. A 6-1 win seeing Wymondham Town move above Tavern Ladies into 3rd place. Are 3 points behind leaders East Coast Ladies with 2 games in hand have to play Tavern Ladies twice before the end of the season who also have games in hand on the leaders, East Coast Ladies wouldn’t mind if they drew both.

The Round-Up – Suffolk 19/03/17

The Round-Up

Suffolk Women’s Division – Sunday 19th March

3 games played in the Suffolk Women’s Division this Sunday with league leaders Ipswich Town Ladies extending their unbeaten run at the top of the table to 11 games were away at the weekend playing Copleston Ladies. A battling performance from the home side Ipswich Town scoring twice in the game to take the 3 points with a 2-0 win, Sian Cottrell opening the scoring with her 13th of the season. Jennifer Purbrook with her 3rd of the season making it 2-0 to see Ipswich Town keep their 6 point lead at the top with 3 league games left to play.

Moving 3 points clear in 2nd spot in the Suffolk Women’s Division table are Walsham Le Willows Ladies after they recorded a comfortable win at home against bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies on Sunday a 5 week lay-off since their last league match Ipswich Phoenix soon found themselves on the back foot Walsham Le Willows eventually racking up a double figure score to win the match Emma Boreham top scoring with 4 goals in the game. Gemma Carter hit a hat-trick. Lisa Pratt also scoring a brace in the game with a goal each for Claire Ellis and Kirsty Pollard final score 11-0.

3 points on the road in the other game in the Suffolk Women’s Division this Sunday with Bacton United Ladies 5th in the table beating 7th placed Leiston St Margarets Ladies 2-0, Rachel Linsdell and Francesca Rainbird scoring the goals.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 19/03/17

The Round-Up

ERWFL – Sunday 19th March

ERWFL Premier Division

Bedford Ladies remain 3 points clear at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division as they won away from home in their penultimate league match of the season. Away from home at the Len Forge Centre in Essex playing 7th placed Brentwood Town Ladies. Leah Cowan scored her 15th goal of the season for Brentwood however Bedford took all 3 points winning 2-1 in the finish with Natasha Fensome and Charlene Moreton scoring their goals. One league game left and it’s HUGE this coming Sunday at home to 2nd placed Haringey Borough Women.

It was 2nd versus 3rd as this Sunday as Haringey Borough Women travelled to Creasey Park to play AFC Dunstable Ladies. Haringey drew 5-5 with Writtle Ladies last Sunday were looking for the win this time around to keep the gap to Bedford at the top to 3 points. AFC Dunstable have had an excellent league campaign themselves were still in contention for the title themselves providing they could take maximum points from their final two league games and close down a superior goal difference. Those hopes were ended however as despite a 1st half goal from Samaira Khan on the half hour mark that saw the sides level at 1-1 at the break Haringey struck twice in the 2nd half to win the game 3-1 their goals scored by Klesha Darroux along with a brace for Julia Carruthers taking her goals tally for the season to 14. Haringey move onto 36 points 3 behind Bedford but with 2 games in hand. Play Bedford this Sunday will go ahead of them on goal difference should they win end Bedford’s own title hopes. A 3rd side still remains in the Premier Division title mix Acle United Ladies down in 5th have 6 league games left to play should they win them all they themselves could pip Haringey to the title and to add to the excitement both Acle and Haringey as due to meet in their final league games of the season.

A narrow 3-2 defeat at home to Bedford last Sunday ended AFC Sudbury Ladies own slim hopes of chasing down the title. The Suffolk side recovered from that disappointment this Sunday return home from Essex with all 3 points in the bag. Were playing Billericay Town Ladies. Megan Partridge scoring the only goal of the game to see AFC Sudbury to the victory.

For the 3rd successive league game Writtle Ladies had to settle for a point and not from the lack of scoring goals, it’s just that their opponents have matched them. 3-3 away to Billericay Town Ladies, then 5-5 away to Haringey Borough Women last time out Writtle in 7th were on the road again this weekend travelling to Hertfordshire to play 8th placed Royston Town Ladies. Again it was a high scoring draw with both sides scoring 3 to share the points. Emma Ridings hitting to into the back of the net for Writtle her 1st goals for the club this season, with Sophie Vale also on target with her 18th goal of the campaign. Two goals for Sammy Tinsley (pictured) took her goals tally to 33 for the season for Royston Town with Grace Leslie scoring too to see the points shared.

ERWFL Division One

A big win on Sunday at home for 2nd placed Colney Heath Ladies, moving back level on 36 points with leaders Cambridge City Ladies who were in County Cup action this weekend. Were hosting 4th placed Offley & Stopsley Women a single goal enough to see all 3 points won. No surprise to see the goalscorer was Holly Sheridan, enjoying a good season in front of goal hitting her 22nd goal of the season to win the game for Colney Heath. Cambridge City Ladies have plenty of games in hand at the top, several scenarios can play out but simply if Colney Heath Ladies win both their remaining league games they will secure 2nd spot at least in the ERWFL Division One table. They’re two remaining games against Stevenage Ladies Reserves.

Stevenage Ladies Reserves climb 2 places up the ERWFL Division One table after winning at home at the weekend up from 6th to 4th spot and with 4 games left against the top 3 sides will have a huge influence on final standings could yet have played themselves into the promotion picture. At home were playing Ipswich Wanderers Ladies this Sunday won the match 4-0 with 4 different goalscorers. Leah Littlechild, Steffany Cowell, Sherrie Evans and Hannah Marshall all on target.

A strong end to the season from Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies winning their 3rd successive league game at home hosting bottom side Hoddesdon Town Ladies. 2 goals each for Danielle Styles and Georgia Fraser plus a goal for Sophie Dowman seeing the Essex side to a 5-0 win in 8th with 2 matches left Little Thurrock could yet move up a couple more places before the end of the season.

The Round-Up – FAWPL 19/03/17

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 19th March

FA Women’s Cup

5th Round Proper weekend in the FA Women’s Cup where the sides from FAWSL 1 enter the competition, just 2 sides from outside the FAWSL had reached this stage of the FA Women’s Cup one of those being FAWPL Southern Division leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies. Were drawn away to Arsenal Ladies from FAWSL 1 a North London derby. Were defending a long unbeaten record having not been defeated yet this season. That unfortunately came to a crashing end as Tottenham were heavily beaten by their FAWSL 1 opponents. Danielle van de Donk scoring a hat-trick in the game Dan Carter scoring a brace their was also a goal fro Beth mead on her debut, with captain Kim Little also finding the back of the net. Chloe Kelly, Katie McCabe and Dominique Janssen all getting in the scoresheet in a crushing 10-0 win. The unbeaten run over Tottenham have plenty to play for still this season will pick themselves up and go again.

FAWPL Southern Division

Two games played in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday with none of the top for title hopefuls in action it was 5th v 6th as Crystal Palace travelled to Canvey Island FC to play C&K Basildon Ladies. Gemma Bryan put Crystal Palace into the lead in the 17th minute of the 1st half. C&K Basildon got themselves back on level terms 2 minutes before half-time, Angela Addison with the goal. Crystal Palace restored their lead 5 minutes into the 2nd half Bryan scoring her 2nd of the game. For a 2nd time in the match however C&K Basildon would come back to level and it was Addison with her 2nd of the match scoring in the 73rd minute to make it 2-2 the finals score the 2 sides sharing the points.

In the other game in the Southern Division, bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies made the trip down to the south coast to play Lewes Ladies in 7th the sides contesting a goalless 1st half. For the 2nd successive Sunday Lewes won by a single goal coming inside the last 15 minutes of the game Kelly Newton putting the ball into the back of the net to see the 3 points won.

FAWPL South East Division One

No stopping Gillingham FC Ladies as they go 5 points clear at the top of the FAWPL South East Division One winning comfortably away from home this Sunday. Playing Enfield Town Ladies, new signing Rosie Kmita opened the scoring for the visitors as the 1st half closed in on the half hour mark. Felicity Gibbons doubling the lead 6 minutes later. The lead was 4-0 at half-time with striker Charlotte Gurr netting a brace in 1st half stoppage time. Gibbons scored her 2nd of the game early in the 2nd half. Kellie Balfour was introduced from the bench in the 63rd minute scored 2 goals herself in the 78th and 86th minute to see Gillingham extend their unbeaten league game to 15 with a 7-0 win. Crystal Palace Ladies went unbeaten in the league last season on their way to the title, Gillingham look odds on to do the same.

AFC Wimbledon Ladies missed out on the opportunity to go above Milton Keynes Dons Ladies into 2nd spot in the FAWPL South East Division One table after they were beaten away from home against Actonians Ladies. Hannah Olofsson giving the home side a 1-0 lead at half-time scoring in the 16 minute. Went on to win the game 2-0 with Alessandra Barreca scoring from the penalty spot. The win moving Actonians Ladies above Luton Town Ladies into 5th position.

A hat-trick from Jenny Banfield helped Denham United Ladies win all 3 points at home to Lowestoft Town Ladies on Sunday. Natalie Murray and Aimee Durn also bagging a goal each in a 5-0 win.

Ipswich Town Ladies were in danger of getting pulled into the scrap at the bottom as they travelled to Hertfordshire to play Stevenage Ladies immediately below them looking to close the gap. The visitors took the lead in the game but Stevenage hit back with an immediate response, Rosy Woodhams making it 1-1. Bolu Fisher scored to make it 2-1 to Stevenage however they could hold on as Ipswich came back to make it 2-2 before going on to score again to lead 3-2 and take the points home with them pull away from the 3 sides at the bottom looking to avoid relegation. A brace from Hollie Clement and a goal from captain Aimee Harrison for Ipswich Town.

Bottom side Norwich City Ladies suffered a huge blow in their fight to avoid the drop after their match at home against Luton Town Ladies was abandoned on Sunday after their captain, Kate Parsons suffered a nasty looking injury, an ambulance called to the ground. Thankfully no broken bones however she is likely to be out for a while wishing Kate all the best for a speedy recovery.

Match Report – Acle United Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

The latest match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup. With Acle United Ladies winners of the competition 2 season’s ago hosting Wymondham Town Ladies who were looking to reach the final for the 1st time.

Match Report – Acle United Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

County Cup semi-finals day in Norfolk this Sunday and the Supporting Women’s Football Blog was there to watch the game between Acle United Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies.

Both sides doing well in their respective leagues, 2 of the 3 sides in Norfolk who play their football outside of the County league set-up. Acle United Ladies well placed to mount a challenge for the title in the ERWFL Premier Division going into the latter end of the season. Won the Norfolk Women’s County Cup two season’s ago have beaten Norfolk Women’s Division One sides, North Walsham Angels Ladies in the 2nd Round 4-3 and King’s Lynn Town Ladies 5-3 in the quarter-finals to reach the semi-finals of this years competition.

Wymondham Town Ladies play a league below in the ERWFL Division One having been promoted as Norfolk Division One Champions last season. Doing well in their debut season playing at regional level in 3rd place in the table and have reached the semi-finals of the league cup. Awarded an away win in the 2nd Round of the County Cup beat Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies 7-1 at home to reach the last 4 of the competition. Are looking to make their 1st ever final appearance in the County Cup.

Seen Acle United Ladies at home several times, however this is just the 2nd time I’ve seen them play in their regular home venue at Bridgewell Lane in Acle due to weather issues. Is part of a multi-sports complex and recreation ground home of Acle United FC too. Tennis courts, bowling club and skateboard park. Headed the the large clubhouse and bar overlooking the main pitch. Had threatened to be wet and windy this afternoon and although the wind would pick up later in the game it was actually bright and sunny as the two sides walked out onto the pitch.

Acle United Ladies starting XI – Joanne Hooper, Anna Larkins, Luka Goodfield, Megan Cletheroe, Leah McGuire, Kate Pasque, Chloe Shields, Amber Rowland, Lauren Bullard, Megan Todd & Rebecca Burton (C).
subs – Jade Copeman, Jody Wells & Bryony Knights

Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Leah Newcombe, Brooke Cheal-Ferris, Bethany Fretwell, Lily Ray, Rachel Cossey (C), Amber Cantwell, Kayleigh Holloway, Gemma Sanders, Alice Collins & Laura Wiseman.
subs – Laura Nicholls, Chelsea Clarke & Laura Hamilton-Rout.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Wymondham wearing red shirts with black trim, red shorts and red and white hooped sock to kick off the semi-final game with Acle lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts with black and white hooped socks. The ball is out wide early on Wymondham looking to attack down the left Kayleigh Holloway looking to take the ball on is tackled by Anna Larkins at right back for Acle, the ball played forwards up to captain Rebecca Burton is knocked out wide to Megan Todd on the right pushes inside looking to get into the Wymondham area, Brooke Cheal-Ferris makes the challenge wins the ball.

Kayleigh Holloway looking to attack for Wymondham Town Ladies

Progress on the right for Wymondham the ball played forwards down the channel Gemma Sanders going after it get’s in behind the Acle defence lunging for the ball sends it in towards the middle of the six yard box with striker Laura Wiseman well placed to meet it, Larkins gets across in front of her to knock the ball wide of goal and behind for the corner kick. A good inswinging ball from the right side Acle goalkeeper, Joanne Hooper punches the ball away from under her crossbar, defender Leah McGuire clears the ball from the area.

Acle’s Kate Pasque tackles Wymondham’s Laura Wiseman

Amber Cantwell on the ball in the middle of the park for Wymondham drives forwards is fouled 35 yards from goal, picks herself up to take the free-kick players forwards from the back flights the delivery towards the far post area six yards out Bethany Fretwell goes for the header can’t get anything on the ball as it drifts out of play. A good start from Wymondham, Holloway looks to get away on the right, Kate Pasque tracks her from midfield for Acle stops the early cross, Holloway’s 2nd attempt floors defender Megan Cletheroe the ball catching her in the face, play is stopped so she can receive treatment is alright to continue.

Amber Rowland plays the ball out to Lauren Bullard on the move wide left for Acle covers alot of ground before cutting inside rolling the ball into Pasque 35 yards out lines up a shot sends her effort over the crossbar. Bringing the ball on up the left for Wymondham, Holloway looks for the give and go with Wiseman coming across to receive the ball, Wiseman attempts to send the return ball into Holloway as she goes beyond the full back, Larkins reading the move intercepts and plays it up the line to Todd a powerful runner on the ball goes in field heading to the box left of the D checks back and shoots the ball straight at Wymondham goalkeeper, Ashleigh O’Callaghan who catches cleanly.

Acle United Ladies, Anna Larkins

Todd finds herself in a central position as Acle break up a Wymondham attack the ball played into her by Rowland she brings it on before firing it into Burton inside the D, back to goal she turns well looking to shoot the Wymondham defence close her down quickly the ball put behind for a corner kick on the left. Is a relatively open game both sides looking to attack with purpose whenever they have the ball Wiseman moving wide right to receive the ball plays it on for Sanders moving ahead of her her ball into the area going long towards the far post Holloway goes after it looks to cut back inside is dispossessed Acle look to counter attack Burton gets the ball on for Todd who takes it on into the right corner before crossing the ball back into Burton at the top of the area the striker dink the ball over the Wymondham defence, goalkeeper O’Callaghan calls for it spills the ball is Pasque bares down on her, but manages to turn and get her body between the Acle player and ball claim at the 2nd attempt.

Good hold up play from Alice Collins up front for Wymondham right side as she looks to get Sanders in on the ball the winger clipped and brought down as she looks to take the ball on. Cantwell on the ball wide right lofts the ball in towards the near post Hooper isn’t challenged as she claims the ball well. Chloe Shields goes on a forwards run with the ball for Acle through the middle moving left then right into the box sending the ball on with Todd clear to her left O’Callaghan comes sliding out to get the ball as Todd throws herself forwards trying to get to it 1st knocks the ball on into the keeper and behind for the corner. Is a vicious deliver from the left flashing through the six yard box no one can connect however.

Shields gives away a free-kick inside the Acle half right of the centre circle Cantwell has Cheal-Ferris free to her left rolls the ball into her takes on the shot from distance, Hooper can see the ball wide of her left post. Few strong challenges coming in but the players are getting on with it. Todd is late on Cantwell as she attacks down the left the free-kick conceded it’s Cantwell to take. The ball is played in towards the far post area six yards out both Wymondham’s Fretwell and Acle’s Pasque go up to head the ball neither getting a firm connection it drops to Wymondham’s captain Rachel Cossey gets her header on target places the ball straight into the gloves of Hooper.

Acle United Ladies, Amber Rowland with Wymondham’s Amber Cantwell

Rowland fighting for the ball in the middle wins it and plays the ball on for Bullard on the left drives forwards Wymondham right back Lily Ray goes with her close marking prevents the cross being made. A good contest all over the pitch the sides closely matched with 5 minutes of the 1st half left to play.

GOAL! Acle break the deadlock in the County Cup semi-final a goal from back to front as Hooper kicks the ball forwards sending it up towards Bullard on the left near half way controls well bringing it on comes inside passing the ball into Todd inside the D central a fantastic 1st touch to take the ball on evade her marker behind her back to goal turns left and shoots, O’Callaghan has no time to react the ball flying past her inside the post Todd scores to give Acle the lead 1-0.

Megan Todd on the ball for Acle scores the opening goal of the match

Ray has taken a knock for Wymondham and needs to come off, Chelsea Clarke comes on a switch of personnel Sanders drops to right back as Holloway switches wings, Clarke over to the left side. Larkins challenges for the ball inside the Wymondham half sends the ball in towards the top of the area with Burton coming in stretches for the ball trying to bring it down under her control, doesn’t and Bullard coming in beyond her may have been better placed, hurt as she falls Burton needs treatment but is okay to play on.

Into injury time in the 1st half Acle finish strongly Rowland playing the ball on for Burton through the middle slides it through into the area with Todd breaking in behind, O’Callaghan out of her six yard box quickly slides in to claim the ball. Pasque is fouled as she looks to power her way forwards. Rowland on the set-piece plays in up towards the top of the area Shields attacks the ball gets her header on target a good distance from goal O’Callaghan has time to get across behind the ball and save.

Half-time Acle United Ladies 1-0 Wymondham Town Ladies

A competitive semi-final in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup but expected it would be, two sides determined to reach the final. Wymondham started the game well and had the bulk of the early attacks. A fierce battle in midfield wide both sides have wanted to use their wide players but on the whole the full-backs have kept them quiet. As Acle grew into the game and Todd started to drift into more central areas the home side started to create a few opportunities of their own. Todd scoring the goal to give Acle the advantage going into the changing rooms at the break.

It’s Acle to kick-off the 2nd half the sun has disappeared behind dark clouds the wind starting to pick up a little. A fast tempo to the start of the 2nd half an early free-kick for Wymondham, inside the Acle half the ball played into the area by Cantwell is claimed by Hooper. Up the other end Burton is knocked to the ground as the ball cleared by the Wymondham defence in the area catches her in the face. A pause for treatment Acle’s captain is okay to continue. Rowland presses the ball in the middle, on for Pasque out to Bullard wide left looks to pick out Burton making a move to get into the box she is closed down quickly the ball cleared for a throw.

A throw in on the left inside the Wymondham half Goodfield plays the ball into Burton returning it to Goodfield the full back plays the ball up the channel with Bullard looking to get on the end of it inside the box, O’Callaghan is quickly out to the edge of her area to slide in a claim the ball. Wymondham get players forwards win a corner on the left a high ball in towards the top of the area is too high for Collins as she jumps for it over her there a cries for hand ball inside the box off Bullard as the ball comes into her bouncing in front of her she clears it the referee isn’t interested.

Acle’s, Todd leaps as Wymondham’s Cantwell closes her down to win the ball

The visitors are doing well at the start of the 2nd half Cantwell going forwards receives the ball from Wiseman holding it up back to goal outside the area, played out wide left for Holloway the winger goes forwards squaring a cross into the area headed behind for a corner. Todd defends the 1st corner for Acle a 2nd corner given away the ball is played up to the top of the area Fretwell gets her head to the ball puts her header over the bar.

Cheal-Ferris has the opportunity to bring the ball forwards over the half way line for Wymondham left side is brought down the free-kick given away Cantwell is a long way from goal sends the ball in bouncing into the area, controlled by Clarke gets a shot away angling near post lacks pace Hooper is able to get down and make the save. Wymondham are pushing Acle deeper as the dark clouds return and the wind starts to pick up blowing from one goal to the other the direction the visitors are attacking.

Building a attack Acle win a free-kick as Burton is caught in the face. a central position 35 yards out it’s Burton who takes the set-piece lifting the ball up into the area Todd is in behind gets her head to the ball too early however the flag is up for offside. Wymondham make their 1st change of the game bringing on Laura Nicholls for Collins with 68 minutes played. A knock for Larkins see her come off Jody Wells coming on going up front with Shields dropping deeper and McGuire moving across to full back.

GOAL! Wymondham have been threatening to score an equaliser and get it in the 70th minute the attack building down the right with pace as Holloway brings the ball on squares the cross along the face of the area into Clarke far side fires in a diagonal ball towards the near post players from both sides dive in to win the ball it’s substitute Nichols who gets on the end of Clarke’s ball and turns it into the back of the net 1-1.

Sanders is taken out by McGuire as she looks to drive forwards through the middle the free-kick given away 25 yards out in range for a shot Cantwell left of the D goes for the strike sends the ball wide of goal. Pasque comes forwards with the ball for Acle has Cletheroe to her right getting forwards sends the pass out to her, crosses early a high ball looping towards the near post the swirling wind sees Todd misjudge her attempted header doesn’t make clean contact with the ball falls into the box Wymondham are quickly on it to launch clear.

Rowland is eased off the ball by Cossey seeing Acle have a free-kick 25 yards out in a good position. Wells to take goes for goal places her attempt over the crossbar. Wymondham go forwards the ball from Cantwell into Sanders plays the ball on for Wiseman has Nichols free to her right before she can pass the ball Cletheroe throws a leg out to tackle and win the ball.

GOAL! Wymondham take the lead as Cantwell scores a 35 yard screamer to make it 2-1 as the game closes in on the final 10 minutes receives the lay off from Nichols 25 yards from goal in a central area as the ball is rolled into her Cantwell meets the ball on the run sending her strike looping in towards the top corner dipping to sail under the bar.

Wymondham bring on Laura Hamilton-Rout as they look to hold onto their lead with 10 minutes of normal time left on the clock. Larkins back on for Acle, Shields gets forwards as Todd attacks on the right plays the ball into her feet outside the area goes for goals sends the ball wide across goal. Wymondham very nearly give a penalty away as Todd attacking down the left comes inside drives for the box, Sanders slides in gets the ball as Todd goes over her, the referee awarded the free-kick right on the edge of the area left of the D. Burton on the free-kick gets it up and in towards the goal, O’Callaghan is right behind it tips the ball over the bar. The corner taken from the left is fired into the area at a good pace, Sanders wins the header as it comes to her inside the six yard box.

Up the other end a double save from Hooper as Wymondham bring the ball down the left Clarke sending a long ball in towards Nichols coming in far post 3 yards out looks to try and place the ball across Hooper, getting a glove to the ball the goalkeeper pushes it away from goal but straight into the path of the onrushing Wiseman lunges for the ball Hooper is down quickly to make the save.

GOAL! A yellow card for Rowland as she brings down Cantwell in a dangerous area outside the box. Cantwell picks herself up and is ready to take it Hooper is setting her wall. A goal scoring opportunity have the camera pointed and ready. The referee’s whistle appears to blow a split 2nd after Cantwell strikes the ball either way the ball clears the wall and looping up flies in under the bar to give Cantwell her 2nd of the match and see Wymondham into a 3-1 in the 90th minute.

Amber Cantwell sends in her free-kick to make it 3-1 to Wymondham

GOAL! A moment later and Wymondham extend the lead have a free-kick on half-way haven’t got the camera pointed ready for this one as Fretwell stands over the ball but I should have no-one expects her to shoot the wind is in her favour the ball is sent long with plenty of pace behind it sails over Hooper and into the back of the net making it 4-1 Fretwell is buried under her joyous team mates as they know they have reached their 1st ever County Cup Final.

Bethany Fretwell mobbed by her team mates after scoring from the halfway line

Wymondham Town Ladies
Bethany Fretwell

Frustration gets the better of Rowland a rash challenge she has already been booked and a 2nd yellow from the referee sees her sent off. Plenty of stoppage time to be played Acle continue to press forwards looking to pull a goal back. Have a corner on the right goes long to Burton far post fires the ball back into the middle Todd goes for it but is closed down quickly a 2nd corner conceded on the left this time.

GOAL! Plenty of players in the box for both sides as Wells sending in an excellent delivery comes in towards Pasque central inside the six yard box twists her body the send her header flying past O’Callaghan into the back of the net 4-2.

Into the 8th minute of stoppage time Wymondham press forwards for one last attack the lay off running back to Hamilton-Rout 30 yards out meets the ball on the half-volley her shot racing wide of the post. That’s the last action of the game and Wymondham celebrate as they reach the County Cup Final.

Full time Acle United Ladies 2-4 Wymondham Town Ladies

A good 2nd half performance from Wymondham coming back from 1-0 at half-time to win the match 4-2 plenty of late drama 2 free-kicks in the 90th minute sealing the win. Overall 2 evenly matches sides the wind stronger in the 2nd half proving both a problem and an advantage. Wymondham Town Ladies opponents in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final will be the current holders Thorpe United Ladies after they beat Aylsham FC Ladies whom they played in last season’s final 5-0. The final scheduled to be played Friday 28th April with a 7:30pm KO.

SWF Blog – Player of the Match

Today’s SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to Wymondham’s Amber Cantwell a strong contender before she scored 2 goals in the last 15 minutes of the final a, competitive on the ball in the middle and a threat going forwards as well as from set-pieces.

Wymondham Town Ladies, Amber Cantwell

My thanks to both clubs for their help with the sides today always a pleasure to see both play. Congratulation to Wymondham Town Ladies on reaching their 1st ever Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog will be there.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 12/03/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 12th March

Norfolk Ladies League Cup

Semi-finals day this Sunday in this season’s Norfolk Ladies League Cup competition. Four sides hoping to reach the final on come the end of April, sadly for one side they were forced to concede their match falling foul to a league rule that meant a side could only field players that had played in 5 league matches prior to the semi-final, Brandon Town Ladies didn’t have enough available to meet that criteria conceding the tie in mid-week which saw opponents Bungay Town Ladies awarded the win and passage to the League Cup Final. In good form would have rather played the game but a in a Final and will fancy their chances of lifting the trophy.

Their opponents in the League Cup Final will be Thorpe United Ladies leading Norfolk Women’s Division One were at home taking on runaway Division Town leaders, Gorleston FC Ladies. A close contest this one a singe goal settling the game Thorpe’s captain, Rebekah Lake scoring in the 1st half to see her side into the Final and a potential treble with a semi-final in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup to come this Sunday.

Norfolk Ladies League Plate

The NWGFL launched the League Plate competition last season, now it was at the quarter final stage this time around. 4 games that saw plenty of goals scored and if you’re a Cromer Town ladies supporter you may want to look away now.

As far apart in league placing as you could get in Norfolk, Kings Lynn Town Ladies having been knocked out of the League Cup early were drawn at home against Cromer Town Ladies in the quarter finals of the League Plate. Going for the title in Division One their opponents were bottom of Division Three without a point. A mismatch to be sure and it proved so with King’s Lynn Town racking up 31 goals in the game to reach the semi-finals, captain Shelley Woods top scoring with 12 goals! The other goal scorers were Josie Turner (6) Becky Russell (4), Christina Vivas (3) Natalie Bunton (2) Elle Bocking (2) Louise Coggles and Lisa Wilson.

Some controversy after the game with the game drawing attention from the likes of Jacqui Oatley, some saying it was unfair to score so many against a side. Those who know the league know how much of a gap there was between the sides, King’s Lynn score goals against the best opposition are ambitious favourites to reach their 1st final. I’ll just say this plenty of cup ties this season have been awarded to a side with the opposition unable to play. Cromer Town Ladies travelled to King’s Lynn and played the game so fair play to them no doubt a defeat like that will hurt but I applaud the effort and know from doing Women’s Football East that one day the results will come.

Sprowston Ladies from Division Two are also into the League Plate last 4 after they beat Division One side Fakenham Town Ladies at home on Sunday led 1-0 at the break, enough to edge them to victory with both sides finding the back of the net for a goal each in the 2nd half, Abby Hutchin and Calista Tink scoring the goals for Sprowston.

Elsewhere it was an all Division Two League Plate quarter final tie between Briston Wanderers Ladies at home taking on Bohemians Ladies. Briston Wanderers (in another guise) reached the Plate Final last season and are into the semi-finals again after they edged Bohemians with a 3-2 win leading 2-1 before going on to win it 3-2 in the 2nd half. Vicki Lubbock, Stacey High and Ellen Hutton with the goals for Briston Wanderers. Nicole Sheldrake with a goal in each half for Bohemians.

In the last League Plate quarter final it was an all Division Three, Dereham derby too as in form Toftwood United Ladies hosted Tavern Ladies. A close game the side drawing 1-1 at half time Katie Hart scoring the goal for Toftwood, Rianna Scott putting the ball into the back of the net for Tavern Ladies they went on to score the winning goal beating Toftwood 2-1 to reach the last 4.

The draw for the Norfolk Ladies League Plate semi-finals was live on Twitter this Tuesday and after a slight hiccup they look like this;-

Tavern Ladies v Sprowston Ladies

Briston Wanderers Ladies v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

ties to be played Sunday 2nd April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Two league games played in Norfolk Women’s Division One and having conceded their League Cup semi-final Brandon Town Ladies were at home taking on 4th placed North Walsham Angels Ladies this Sunday instead. Brandon Town were leading at half-time with Tiffany Forshaw putting them into the lead. North Walsham came back 2nd half to take home a share of the points with Luci Middleton netting her 25th goal of the season.

Aylsham FC Ladies were at home on Sunday hosting bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies. The home side taking full advantage of a depleted Kirkley Pakefield side to lead 5-0 at half-time before going on to win the game 9-1 to move above Brandon Town into 5th position. A hat-trick each for Abbie Charlton and Leanne Ferdani with a goal each for Emma Gillespie, Nadia Child and Lauren Oliver. Felicity Levett with the consolation goal for Kirkley & Pakefield.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

East Coast Ladies return back to the top of Norfolk Women’s Division Three after beating Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves at the weekend. With only the bare 11 available East Coast picked up a great result leading 1-0 at half-time doubling the score in the 2nd half to claim the 3 points with Jordan Duke and Lucy Robbens netting the goals. On 25 points have 2 games left both against Cromer Town Ladies. Both 3rd placed Tavern Ladies and 4th placed Wymondham Town have 3 games in hand on East Coast with the gap 4 points and 6 respectfully but they 3rd and 4th placed sides have to play each other twice in their run ins going to be an interesting end to the season.