Match Report – East Bergholt United Ladies v Brettvale Women

Sunday 18th September

FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Qualifying

A trip to Suffolk this Sunday for a game from the opening fixtures of this season’s FA Women’s Cup, East Bergholt United Ladies taking on local rivals Brettvale Women in 1st Round Qualifying.

The start of the competition delayed by a weekend due to fixtures being suspended as a mark of respect after the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II at 96 years of age Britain’s longest reigning monarch and the only one most of us have ever known a grandmother to us all her loss deeply felt. Serving with dignity and devotion a minutes silence will prelude today’s match as with every other across the land.

The FA Women’s Cup recieving a significant boost in prize money this season adding a huge incentive to the 438 clubs entering and a run in the cup will be a huge boost to a grassroots clubs coffers with today’s winners receiving £1,800 a jump of £1,400 from the previous season with the losing side receiving £450. Still a long way from the men’s competition but nevertheless a huge incentive for clubs to want to win through to the next round. Not only that the the competition itself still holds great respect for clubs and is recognised around the world not only England and one of the premier cup competitions. The first step to Wembley.

Tier 6 side East Bergholt United Ladies enjoying a good start to the season starting their league campaign in ERWFL Division One South with 2 wins from 3 to lay 3rd in the very early league table. Fair to say the club has found life tough in the ERWFL since promotion from the Suffolk Women’s County League in 2019. The Covid hit season’s playing there part have struggled for numbers at times in a strong catchment area for players, but have always been a club with a strong youth policy keen to test themselves at a higher level are starting to reap the rewards. Jordan Giddings coming in as 1st team manager, thing’s looking positive with a good sized squad at their disposal are looking to push on this season with a run in the FA Women’s Cup an added bonus.

For Brettvale Women this is their first competitive game of the season with their county league season yet to get underway. Defending champions in the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division will be strong favourites to retain that title have a very experienced squad. Just 7 teams in the Premier Division with only 6 in the Championship below with 3 late withdrawals recruitment of players does appear to be an issue within the county with Suffolk a long way behind the rest of the counties in the East in terms of women’s sides. An issue certainly, however Essex suffered a similar situation a few seasons back and has come back stronger than ever. Not the bounce from the Euro’s that might have been expected but hopefully that growth will come. In the meantime Brettvale have become an established force within the county in a short space of time now starting a new U13s side as they themselves look to the future.

Gandish Road Playing Field the venue for today’s game the community sports facility offering number of grass pitches, and cricket square. A open space is somewhat exposed to the elements a strong breeze blowing across the pitch from end to end prior to kick-off, a few dark clouds around but no rain forecast. Hot drinks available from the clubhouse. Arrived a bit later due to the A14 being closed but set up in time for kick-off having had a chance to meet both teams.

East Bergholt United Ladies

East Bergholt United Ladies starting XI – Zoe Adams, Shannon Cameron, Jess Clarke, Ella Karkoska, Harriet Meers, Megan Partridge (C), Millie Wilding, Stacey Desborough, Jess Quinsee, Jade Horne & Vic Hall. Subs – Nicole Leppard, Katie Bruce, & Charlie Roach-Smith.

Brettvale Women

Brettvale Ladies starting XI – Faye Lunn, Chloe Stopher, Coral Young, Kirby King, Rachel White, Robyn McEvoy, Amy Parton, Claire Turnbull (C), Amie Chippendale, Laura Tuley & Tarnya McKew. Subs – Kat Parnell, Leila Poulter, Georgia Lindon, Kristie Turner & Danni Lynch.

A minutes silence held before kick-off in respect and remembrance of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Our longest reigning Monarch may she rest in peace.

It’s the hosts East Bergholt to get the 1st half underway, wearing green coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks with Brettvale lined up opposite wearing blue shirts fading to sky blue, blue shirts with sky blue trim and sky blue socks. The wind has really picked up in the minutes leading up to kick-off with the sky darkening as strong as it blows from one goal to the other, favouring Brettvale as the ball is played back to East Bergholt captain, Megan Partridge in midfield is brought down as she plays the ball an early free-kick for the hosts played out to left back Jess Clark goes forwards playing a one two with Jess Quinsee out with Kirby King comes across to close Clark down send the ball out for a throw in.

GOAL! A frantic start to the game the ball played on East Bergholt looking to press loose possession, Brettvale turning play around the pass sent out to Amie Chippendale wide right she in turn releasing it forwards quickly over the top with Coral Young peeling in behind on the wing getting hold of the ball as she runs into the box wide on the by-line digs a cross out slicing the ball high over the keepers head at the near post the ball dropping beyond a combination of wind and the spin on the ball seeing it rise up to cross the line drop into the goal 0-1.

A goal inside the opening 2 minutes for the visitors. East Bergholt looking out of sorts in the early exchanges sloppy on the ball giving away a corner. Played into captain Claire Turnbull top of the area leaning back as she attempts the shot, the ball cleared, Brettvale snapping in to prevent a break get the ball turned around out to Chippendale wide right finds the corner taker Tarnya McKew out wide top of the area her cross into the area wide at the far post.

Brettvale’s Amie Chippendale

Players closing each other down in the middle, time on the ball at a premium, Partridge breaking forwards gets clear of the centre backs the ball lifted on through the middle into her feet she bears down on the top of the area, goalkeeper, Faye Lunn already there staying big arms out makes a strong blocking save as Partridge strikes the ball, the rebound falling to Jade Horne to the right her 1st time effort on target but lacking the pace to beat Lunn having gotten back into her six yard box to catch the ball.

Is an open game as East Bergholt look to get forwards Brettvale are quick to get on the counter McKew up top looking to be the target player, a corner won on the right. Flighted into the middle of the box, Chippendale rising unopposed to head the ball in towards goal, dropping, East Bergholt goalkeeper, Zoe Adams with a sharp save beating the ball away to her right, her defence scrambling it clear at the far post.

Amie Chippendale heading the ball towards goal

Brettvale working hard to press the ball are forcing mistakes from East Bergholt as they look to get on the attack Amy Parton finds McKew up top, another corner won on the right the delivery defended at the near post. The wind affecting the flight of the ball at times better left on the ground the pitch is fairly hard which too is affecting the bounce making control tricky Turnbull fouled a free-kick for Brettvale 30 plus yards out to the right of goal. Chippendale’s shot sent in on target not troubling Adams. Partridge going forwards linking up with Millie Wilding the ball forwards into Vic Hall in attack, King getting the foot in to take the ball away from her, on the counter, McKew pulled up for offside as she pulls of the shoulder of the centre back too soon.

East Bergholt’s Vic Hall

Brettvale’s Chloe Stopher

Play largely in the East Bergholt half as the visitors win back the ball frustration for the hosts who have not settled into any rhythm. Robyn McEvoy on the ball for Brettvale 30 yards out with a speculative attempt on goal wind assisted dips late almost catching Adams out is saved by the cross bar as the ball cannons off it away to the left. Stacey Desborough turning in the middle attempts to play the ball on for Horne on the right wing, Rachel White stretching into the challenge to put the ball away for a throw.

Brettvale’s Rachel White

Conditions making the ball lively wrong footing players as they look to get it under control both sides affected. 20 minutes played Brettvale get on down the left Laura Tuley winning a corner. An inswinging delivery near post, Adams getting her fists to it to punch the ball away. Tuley left of goal hooking her shot over the bar. Players drawn to the right of the pitch as Horne presses on with the ball whipping a cross into the D, Chippendale tracking back cutting it out for Brettvale.

The visitors on the attack left side Tuley’s early cross into Chippendale 20 yards out right of the D, headed down into the area for McKew left, looking to get onto it get a shot away, Harriet Meers with her for East Bergholt, great defending from the centre back strong to hold off the attacker seeing the ball out of play well. A bit more urgency creeping into East Bergholt’s game as they look to get the ball on up the pitch quicker, King and White both intercepting the final ball inside their area. The risk they get hit on the counter, but so far Meers and fellow centre back Ella Karkoska are holding a good line catching McKew offside again.

East Bergholt’s Jess Clark

A few knocks being taken out there the pitch is unforgiving a hard landing guaranteed. Clarke moving into space on the left sets her sights from all of 35 yards out a viciously hit ball, Lunn scrambling across her goal, is safe as it races wide of the left upright. McEvoy on for Chippendale right side closing in on the top of the area turn inside, Karkoska across to block her cross, Chippendale with a 2nd bite plays the ball low into the six yard box gathered by the keeper.

East Bergholt captain, Megan Partridge on the attack

Half an hour played East Bergholt getting the ball forwards, Brettvale defending deeper making it hard to get in behind the right pass could open then up as Partridge brings the ball on, Quinsee and Wilding up with her, the ball into Hall looking to turn, King getting a foot in to take the ball off her feet. McKew is pulled up for a handball inside the D as she looks to get the better of the East Bergholt centrebacks as Chippendale flicks the ball on. Partridge making some strong runs on the ball from midfield, taking the ball out to the left has Clark up in support plays the pass into her the full back putting it inside for Wilding left of the D, turning attempts to drive into the area, King closing her down forcing her wide before clearing.

Brettvale’s Kirby King

The open nature of the game see’s one East Bergholt attack quickly turning into a counter for Brettvale, Karkoska is exposed at the back with McKew putting her under pressure to get the bouncing ball dealt with, cool with it does well to play it to safety. McKew is putting in alot of running up top for Brettvale pulling into the channels always ready to receive the ball, her cross from the right, deflected behind by Meers for a corner.

East Bergholt with another killer pass through the middle setting there attacker through on goal, Lunn as she has all game out to the top of her area spreading her limbs as she makes the blocking save the ball spinning out to the right struck 1st time frustration as it spins away from the open goal wide. East Bergholt applying the pressure late the the 1st half winning their fair share of the 50/50 balls looking to get it moving forwards. Young with an attempt from distance keeping the hosts on their toes as it drops over the bar.

Half-time East Bergholt United Ladies 0-1 Brettvale Women

1-0 the advantage for Brettvale at the break. Coral Young’s cross spinning over the line in the 2nd minute the difference between the sides, Both goalkeepers called into action to make saves to keep the ball out. Brettvale starting the better getting after East Bergholt to press the ball take the game to them for large portions. The hosts looking unsettled taking a while to find their stride, looked better moving the ball quicker ending the half strongly. The conditions not helping with ball control with neither side getting it down and controlling proceedings has led to an open contest, certainly a derby feel to it and with a single goal in it still all to play for.

Looks like both sides are still the same at the start of the 2nd half, both used to roll on roll off substitutes the FA Women’s Cup with three substitutes meaning changes have to be more calculated. Brettvale too playing their first competitive match will they begin to tire as the 2nd half wears on. The windy conditions in theory favouring East Bergholt 2nd half if they can find a way to exploit them, Brettvale defending deeper trying not to let anything in behind. It’s Brettvale to get the 2nd half underway. Played back into McEvoy in midfield out to the right, the ball lost out of play.

Brettvale attacker, Tarnya McKew

McKew looking to get hold of the ball turn in behind as it comes to her left channel, Karkoska forcing her wide as Cameron gets back to help her out regain possession for East Bergholt. Coming right the hosts win a corner kick. The ball fizzed in near post is missed by Lunn as she goes to punch, drops for Desborough in the six yard box is quickly closed down, as she goes to strike the ball, hurt in the exchange as Lunn gets her gloves firmly around the ball. Desborough staying down needs treatment is slow to get to her feet but okay to continue.

East Bergholt’s Partridge finding room in the middle plays a great pass forwards for Horne releasing the attacker outside the D in behind turns on the ball, Lunn with a starting position often at the top of her area moves up sharply outside to get her foot through the ball to clear out for a throw right. Brettvale winning a free-kick wide left inside the East Bergholt half, McEvoy to play it in a teasing ball into the box bouncing in front of the keeper, Adams taking it cleanly despite runners going for it. Desborough is struggling from her earlier fall and needs to come of East Bergholt making the change bringing on Katie Bruce. Have been a few strong challenges put in from both sides all good natured so far but totting up the referee having a word with Partridge as Chippendale is brought down,

Brettvale goalkeeper, Faye Lunn

Play is stretched the game open one end to the other a cup tie, East Bergholt coming left Bruce crossing the ball intercepted in the middle by McEvoy cleared up field helped on for McKew to attack right channel, Adams out of her area to clear. Cameron playing a long ball up the right finding Horne out right outside the box sends in a low shot on the angle, Lunn getting down on her line to smother the ball. Moments later Horne is again played in on the right of the D pulling of the last defender to shoot, her strike driven wide of the right post.

East Bergholt’s Katie Bruce with Brettvale captain, Claire Turnbull

East Bergholt starting to see more of the ball, Brettvale beginning to tire McKew with the rallying cry continues to get about the pitch in the final 3rd. East Bergholt with a 2nd change, Nicole Leppard coming on in attack for Hall. McKew is caught offside yet again more valuable seconds used up. The game remains open Brettvale knowing they can’t sit back and let East Bergholt come at them need a 2nd goal as much as their opponents need to equalise. Cameron cutting the ball out denying Tuley down the line as McEvoy looks to play her in.

Partridge seeing the ball into her feet well 25 yards out central for East Bergholt sliding it into Wilding right of the D, her 1st time effort blocked by Young going away for a corner. Put into the area from the right a hand ball spotted by referee, Thomas Ling the free-kick going to Brettvale. Wilding battling for the ball central with Quinsee played up top for Leppard to go after, Lunn out to clear put right a corner won. Played in centrally, Karkoska rising gets her head on it but can’t direct on target back to the corner taker closing inside flashes her cross wide across the face of goal.

Turnbull with a late challenge on Cameron, East Bergholt with the free-kick out wide right. Clark on it, an acute angle but nevertheless goes for goal curling the ball in with a left foot strike over Lunn as she goes for it near post drops onto the cross bar spinning away to the left where Brettvale give away another set-piece. Partridge on this one fired in waist height to the near post, Lunn across taking the ball into her midriff. A change for Brettvale Stopher coming off to be replaced by Kat Parnell.

East Bergholt’s Millie Wilding

East Bergholt getting players on Cameron and Clark looking to press on from full back to bolster the attack with the clock running down. Tuley does well to regain possession on the left for Brettvale sending the ball on up top for McKew to chase down, Karkoska doing well to win the ball as she get’s round on the cover to clear. Brettvale are tiring a few knocks being picked up, working hard to chase the ball. McEvoy coming across to support Turnbull. Tuley off for the visitors with Georgia Lindon coming on as they look to push on for the final 10 minutes of regular play.

Meers with a vital header to win the ball at the back for East Bergholt as Chippendale looks to capitalise in the middle off McKew’s knock on. Soon after McKew herself fires a shot over from the top of the area as East Bergholt fail to clear. Getting a bit feisty late on, McEvoy shown a yellow card. Parnell bursting forwards strong on the ball winning a throw in high. Played into McKew, Karkoska in close stretching to get a foot on the ball as she attempts to hold it up. The hosts attacking left, Wilding and Quinsee looking to combine exchanging passes as they close in on the box, Brettvale closing in to scramble it away.

East Bergholt’s Harriet Meers

Clark picking up a yellow card for East Bergholt. East Bergholt pressing forwards on the right a cross from the corner, drops to Quinsee clear at the far post six yards out, is this the moment the equaliser is found, NO as the header is agonisingly placed wide of the far post.

Brettvale are battling hard late on looking to hold onto their narrow lead, Parnell has picked up a knock and struggling has to come off, on in her place going into the back line is Danni Lynch. Lynch able to bring the ball on from the back left side played inside to Chippendale who turning attempts to play it into the feet of McKew pulling into the area from the right, Karkoska going with her shielding the ball well to see it back to her keeper.

Into stoppage time, Turnbull is down struggling with cramp in her calf, running it off not the most pleasant thing to do but there’s a game to see out. King has been solid at the back throughout for Brettvale and does well as she goes with Wilding as Partridge puts her in through the middle to defend for the visitors who celebrate as the final whistle blows and it’s Brettvale who progress in this season’s FA Women’s Cup.

East Bergholt’s Nicole Leppard tackled by Brettvale goal scorer, Coral Young

Full time East Bergholt United Ladies 0-1 Brettvale Women

A trip to Norfolk for Brettvale in 2nd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup to play Division One side, Sprowston FC Women on Sunday 2nd October. Coral Young’s 2nd minute goal proving the difference between the sides in the finish. Brettvale holding on to their advantage to win through to the next round. Were pushed hard by East Bergholt in the 2nd half who came close to finding the equalising goal the woodwork struck just wasn’t to be their day. Brettvale working hard until the final whistle to hold on for the win looking for a much needed 2nd goal themselves. The time open to the end.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. This is another tough one to call some strong contenders out their and a few performances of note to mention. Firstly for East Bergholt, Megan Partridge with some great tackling and midfield runs looking to create openings for her side. Centre backs Harriet Meers and Ella Karkoska with some vital tackles at the back to ensure the game was never settled. For Brettvale, Amie Chippendale was strong out on the right winning the ball and getting forwards to support McKew in attack. Tarnya McKew herself was fantastic leading the line, a constant outlet for any forward pass showing good movement across the final 3rd and creating opportunities throughout the game. Is narrowly pipped to today’s award by defender Kirby King was brilliant at the back rarely out of position getting in to win the ball as East Bergholt tried all they could to find a way through the middle full of running around on the cover well as play was stretched late on.

Another enjoyable game from Suffolk, didn’t think there would be much between the sides and that would result in a proper cup tie wasn’t disappointed. Good to catch up with a few familiar faces and my thanks to both sides for their assistance today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Colney Heath Ladies

Tuesday 6th September

ERWFL Premier Division

A trip down into Hertfordshire this evening for another game under the lights from the ERWFL Premier Division and a special occasion for Stevenage FC Women as they get to play at The Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC as they take on Colney Heath Ladies.

The pair meeting most recently in last season’s final of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup, Colney Heath Ladies reaching the event for the 1st time in their history a league below Stevenage FC Women who have regularly reached the final 2 of the competition in recent seasons. A battling performance from Colney Heath, Stevenage FCW Women going on to win 3-1 to lift the trophy.

The County Cup the high light of an otherwise difficult season for Stevenage FC Women as they were to be relegated from FAWNL South East Division One despite a late rally to try and avoid the drop with 4 sides going down last season, returning to the ERWFL Premier Division along with Harlow Town Ladies. Planning for an immediate return to the FAWNL know it will be a challenge with only one spot up for grabs and the early signs showing alot of teams can beat the other on their day with Luton Town Ladies the early pace setters. To that end Stevenage have had another busy close season bringing in new faces to the squad, 10 in all.

Amy Gooderham joining from MK Dons, with a trio of players coming in from rivals Harlow Town, midfielder Daisy Jenkins, defender Nicole Farmer and attack minded player, Becky Shephard. Goalkeeper, Celine Ray comes in from Northampton backed up by Mia O’Brien from Royston. Katie White from Cambridge United along with Kelsey Millen from the unfortunately folded Herts Vipers. Erin Price and Ciara Craig joining too. Plenty of options to pick from for manager Fadi Mazloum to choose from. Began the season with a trip to newly promoted AFC Sudbury Women, getting into a 3-0 lead Sudbury fought back to 3-2 before Stevenage held on for the victory. Was also 3-2 in their other game so far this season against local rivals Royston Town Women where they were undone by a late winner after getting it back to 2-2.

Colney Heath Ladies have had a frustrating start to the season having suffered a heavy defeat on the opening day losing 8-1 to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Postponed games since have left them without a chance to bounce back. Will be buoyed from their performances last season, reaching the County Cup final for the 1st time aswell as a strong finish to their ERWFL Premier Division campaign, looking established at this level now have long been a side that has built on youth bringing players on through the club their Reserves side winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division last season too.

Not always a side that makes a lot of new signings close season have strengthened their squad with 7 new faces this season adding experience too. First up Rebecca McShane, lastly with Enfield Town Ladies has played for both MK Dons and Watford. Young player Hollie Thornton coming to Colney Heath after scoring 41 goals in 20 games for Harvesters FC. Paige Pryor is another new addition joining from Stevenage. With a quartet of ex-Herts Vipers players coming in, Rebecca Edge, Natalie Powell, Ciara Meeking and goalkeeper Sophie Harris.

A great occasion for both sides as they get to showcase their talents at The Lamex Stadium, home of League Two side Stevenage FC. One of a number of clubs seeing what the Lionesses have done for the game winning the Euro’s and giving their women’s side the opportunity to play at a high profile stadium. Is a nice venue the North Stand open a number of tickets sold in advances hoping for over 300 at least. The tea hut open in one corner offering hot food and drinks a covered stand offering some much needed protection from the heavy rain around the area, torrential down pours driving in and one sending the Stevenage team back to the changing room’s for a few moments. The grass pitch looking superb will be a slick surface with the water falling.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Celine Ray, Nicole Farmer, Dionne Manning, Vicky Neal (C), Katie White, Shianne Swarres, Holly Greenwood, Becky Shephard, Amy Gooderham, Emily Scofield & Susan Uwaifo. Subs – Shakeela Hussain, Stef Paci Kesley Millen, Ceira Craig & Mia O’Brien.

Colney Heath Ladies

Colney Heath Ladies starting XI – Naomi Swift, Sofia Santangelo, Melissa Godino, Holly Williams, Lucy Hancock, Rebecca McShane (c), Kelly Hancock, Keira Ward, Grainne Kellet, Terri Harvey & Elsbeth Cunningham. Subs – Darci Harwood, Esme Hume, Lily Nellis, Natalie Powell & Hollie Thornton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s the visitors to get the 1st half underway, Colney Heath wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks with Stevenage lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black shoulders and lower half with red short and white coloured socks. The ball going right, Dionne Manning defending on the left side for Stevenage dealing with the ball seen back to goalkeeper, Celine Ray. Stevenage quick to get the ball moving through the middle into Becky Shephard forwards for striker Susan Uwaifo breaking right of the D towards the box, Naomi Swift out towards the top of the box able to see it inside safely gather the ball.

Katie White seeing the ball into her feet right for Stevenage takes it forwards before threading the pass on up the wing for Amy Gooderham, she turns infield looking to travel into the area, tackled by Colney heath’s Kelly Hancock. Stevenage looking to get on the front foot from the off working the ball on from a throw high up the pitch, turned in towards the keeper, Swift able to pick it up. Keira Ward for Colney Heath on the left wing plays it forwards looking to put Elsbeth Cunningham in in attack, too heavy, Ray able to get out to the top of her area lay claim to the ball. Colney Heath pushed back in defence defending inside their box at time allowing Stevenage to come on, the ball won in the area the clearance falling straight to Shephard 25 yards out top of the D, struck 1st time her shot racing wide of Swift’s left post.

A bright start from the hosts Shianne Swarres out to White right side plays the pass forwards as Uwaifo makes the run in behind right channel on into the box, Kelly Hancock going with her keeping her wide of, blocking her shot deflecting it behind for the 1st corner of the game. Colney Heath with plenty back to defend the set-piece winning the clearance. Nicole Farmer bringing the ball on from the back for Stevenage with the straight pass on for Gooderham on the move right wing, Melissa Godino getting back at her for Colney heath to play the ball out for a throw in.

A free-kick won by Stevenage inside the Colney Heath half in front of the circle to the right, plenty up as Shephard sets it up. A great delivery angled in across the far post, Manning rising well just can’t get her head on the ball, out goal kick. Colney Heath soaking up alot of pressure in the opening 8 minutes a chance to get on in attack as captain Rebecca McShane plays the ball on into the attackers, Terri Harvey racing forwards with Cunningham to her right, Ray out rapidly to the top of her box to slide in get hold of the ball before either can pounce. Stevenage get straight on the counter Swarres with a great ball to find Gooderham moving into space on the right shooting on the angle from outside the box her effort flashing over the crossbar.

Colney Heath Ladies captain, Rebecca McShane

Stevenage captain, Vicky Neal at the back with a strong tackle sliding in to deny Cunningham as she looks to get away from her left of the area. Cunningham down for a moment getting up gingerly. The hosts coming left Holly Greenwood up the field with Emily Scofield, Sofia Santangelo defending for Colney Heath giving away a corner. Cunningham down needs treatment comes off the pitch to be accessed. The delivery from the left inswinging missed by Swift drops into the six yard box scrambled clear Colney Heath looking to counter but Ward is flagged offside on the left. Cunningham back on for Colney Heath.

Colney Heath’s Elsbeth Cunningham

Ray coming out of her area on the right gets herself into trouble as Grainne Kellet drives on with the ball for Colney Heath, the free-kick given away Ray spoken to by the referee. A high ball lifted into the area near side Stevenage comfortable in defence. Manning with a crossfield ball out to Gooderham on the right for Stevenage, Kelly Hancock getting across with the sliding challenge, comes back off the attacker for a goal kick. Colney Heath playing deep is allowing Stevenage to come on but little room to get in behind the back four and keeper, working hard to keep it tight.

Stevenage captain, Vicky Neal

Swift alert moving forwards quickly to get her gloves on the ball, deny Uwaifo a chance to shot as Manning dinks one over the top for her. The pitch slick with the rain that has fallen the ball skipping away from players as they look to get on. Swarres free in the middle opening up her body to play the pass long out for Gooderham, Kelly Hancock cutting it out. Stevenage are quick to regain possession back out wide to Gooderham right sends a teasing cross through the six yard box, Swift unconcerned leaving it to go wide of her far post. Ward tackled hard on the left as she looks to travel with the ball for Colney Heath, Stevenage putting it forwards for Gooderham central looking to move right, Lucy Hancock getting across to block her run regain possession.

Stevenage’s Shianne Swarres

20 minutes played a strong start from Stevenage seeing alot of the ball inside their opponents half. the visitors proving tough to break down. Kelly Hancock blocking a Stevenage shot driven in from distance deflected away for a corner kick. From the right another fast delivery across the penalty spot, no one attacking it. Ray comes racing out of her box again to deal with the threat of Cunningham as she is played on 30 yards out, no need as Neal his gone with her and comfortably deals with threat clearing the ball for a throw on the left as she puts in the tackle. Holly Williams getting across to the left to tackle Stevenage’s White as she takes hold of the ball to the right following good work from Swarres.

Gooderham seeing a lot of the ball on the right of attack for Stevenage winning a corner kick. Played long across the top of the six yard box, knocked down towards goal, Swift beating it away to the left. Stevenage largely in control taking the game to Colney Heath who are working doggedly in defence, seeing little of the attack Neal and Farmer dealing with most forwards balls. Greenwood getting forwards on the flanks flashing a cross in across the face of goal neither Uwaifo or Gooderham racing in can get a touch. Kellet getting on with the ball left side play brought back for a foul against her. Players up for Colney Heath queueing up along the top of the area as McShane plays a fantastic ball forwards, plyers turning to attack as it lands inside the box, no one making contact as it skips out to the left.

Neal bringing the ball on feeding it through to Schofield on the left of attack, played back up the line for Manning to send a cross into the six yard box, cleared at the far post, drops to Swarres free 3 yards out, tries her luck from distance bouncing wide of the near post. Stevenage starting to find space in the box as they look to press the advantage getting on well from the back Manning on for Schofield to send a cross in from the left, Uwaifo central six out looks to have an open goal as she meets the ball knocked up into the air spins out to Gooderham wide of goal on the right getting her foot over the ball to smash a shot goalwards, Swift moving across her line right behind it to make the save.

Play brought back with no advantage after Manning is bundled over inside the Colney Heath half. To the left is another teasing delivery played into the far post, there to be attack, no one going after it. Stevenage continuing to knock on the door with a little over 10 minutes left to play in the first half. Rain starting to fall more heavily again. Schofield getting Stevenage a corner on the left. Played short into Swarres free 25 yards out to the left corner of the area sends a shot in, racing across gaol wide beyond the far post.

GOAL! The pressure Stevenage have been exerting finally bringing a goal, Gooderham a strong threat out on the left played in down the line taking the ball to the by-line drawing players with her lays it back to Greenwood top of the box she in turn crossing to Manning some 30 yards out to the left of the D, struck beautifully, power as it arrows into the goal inside the near post before Swift can get down to it 1-0.

Dionne Manning opens the scoring for Stevenage

Straight of the restart Harvey looking to get on with Kellet on the left for Colney Heath, Manning getting in between the pair to challenge for the ball winning it back for the hosts. Colney Heath getting a corner on the left moments later. Fired into the middle of goal top of the six yard box Williams gets up well to head the ball down into Kellet two yards out before the right post looking to turn into the shot, is charged down. Colney Heath’s strongest spell coming after conceding the goal winning a free-kick wide left players up into the box another good delivery in curling inside the six yard box, Farmer pulling back getting her head on the ball knocking it up looping back threatens to catch Ray out drop under the bar, the keeper with a brilliant reflex save to glove the ball up over her crossbar.

Swarres dealing with the resulting corner inside her own box to send clear. Seeing the ball into her feet Uwaifo turns bursting on inside the left channel carrying the ball on contact as Colney Heath try to get in a challenge, Uwaifo could have gone down stays on her feet driving into the area shooting on the angle, Swift making the save look comfortable at her near post. The game opening up suddenly on the closing stages of the half Swarres is a quality passer of the ball given space in the middle a plays the diagonal ball on for Schofield left side, cutting the cross inside for Uwaifo as she meets it top of the area shoots Swift down well to save it on her line.

The rain really coming down now as Stevenage look to counter the ball sent upfield to the left Uwaifo offside but leaves it, as Schofield runs in behind left side, the hosts left frustrated as the flag goes up to halt their progress.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-0 Colney Heath Ladies

A single goal the difference at the break a superb strike from Dionne Manning in the 37th minute seeing Stevenage leading 1-0. A strong first half for the hosts could well have been leading by more. Not as clinical as they need to be and Colney Heath have been solid in defence deep at time allowing little space in behind limited opportunities has restricted their own opportunities going forwards but overall will be pleased with the score-line at half-time still well in the game a couple of half chances themselves will have to risk opening thing’s up a bit more 2nd half if they want to get a reply is a case of taking their chance when it falls. A double change for the visitors at the break with Cunningham who took a knock 1st half and Kellet coming off. Hollie Thornton and Natalie Powell.

Stevenage to get the 2nd half underway looking to make a fast start Shepherd breaking forwards the ball though going for a goalkick. The crowd are excited getting behind the team a short lived cheer as they think Uwaifo has doubled the lead. Swarres diagonal ball into the area partially blocked by Lucy Hancock escaping through to the far post Uwaifo throwing her self at it driving the ball into the advertising hoardings. Stevenage starting the 2nd half as they did the first getting on the front foot a free-kick won right on the edge of the box Shephard placing it inside the D taking on the shot, her attempt a foot over the bar.

Lucy Hancock giving away the corner as she challenges Uwaifo out left. Placed into the six yard box Uwaifo with the header knocked up into the air, the ball scrambled away as it lands in the six yard box. Shephard looking to break from midfield finding some joy in the left channel getting the ball down to turn and hit a shot 30 yards out, lacks the power to trouble Swift in the Colney Heath goal. Uwaifo sliding in as she looks to pressure the back pass to Swift the keeper getting it away the attacker sliding on the wet ground catches her little she could do to avoid contact Swift bundled over getting the free-kick, no malice is up quickly as play resumes.

The pitch is slick with the rain just taking the ball on away from Shephard quickly as she makes a couple more intelligent runs into the channels. Powell and Thornton playing through the middle in attack for Colney Heath now linking up Thornton taking the ball on through the middle setting Powell through into the box left of goal, shooting on the angle her rising effort taken cleanly by Ray. 55 minutes played Godino down having picked up a knock coming off, Esme Hume coming on at right back.

Manning getting the ball up top into Uwaifo, has Shephard on the move as she looks to flick it through, the attack scuppered as Shephard is caught offside. Lucy Hancock sliding in has to make contact with the ball to deny Shephard left channel as Swarres plays her in, the defender winning the ball. Shepherd carrying the threat left channel for Stevenage winning a throw high up the pitch, Neal to take has a decent throw in her arsenal launched into Uwaifo inside the area, Lucy Hancock close in not allowing her to turn.

Is more open 2nd half Stevenage looking to up the tempo find a 2nd goal. Schofield bringing the ball out to the left shifting well to drive into the box wide drives a cross/shot in across goal, Shepherd flinging herself down to try and make contact gets a touch agonisingly though it goes wide of the post.

Changes for both sides, Stevenage with a double change, Kelsey Millen and Stef Paci coming on for Greenwood and Gooderham. Darci Harewood on for Colney Heath replacing Williams. Swarres sending a ball forwards escaping in behind, Hume getting to it left to clear before Schofield can get there. Schofield linking up well with Shephard on the left going forwards a cross flashed into the penalty area just beyond Uwaifo on the penalty spot runs through to Millen beyond is closed down quickly as she looks to get hold of the ball.

The clearance doesn’t go far Stevenage rapidly turning play around to get back on the attack, Uwaifo pulling off the defence as the ball is dropped over the back line right of the D, Swift rushing out to slide in make the blocking save, the ball loose Uwaifo moving towards it, Swift scrambling across to throw her body in to charge the shot down! The ball turned behind for a corner. Stevenage piling on the pressure, the visitors resilient. Kellet back on for Ward for the visitors.

Santangelo cutting the ball out knocked behind as another pinpoint pass from Swarres in the middle finds Millen on the move right side. Stevenage coming on looking for a 2nd goal with 20 minutes left to play.

GOAL! Have battled hard at one end Swift with a brilliant double save to keep it down to 1-0 have had limited attacks off their own managing to get bodies forwards on the right win a free-kick outside the area. McShane on the set-piece driven into the mix cleared out to the top of the area, Harvey latching onto it outside the D, putting her foot through the ball, rifling it back in towards goal through a crowd, Ray down to her right as it skips up off the grass evades her to go in inside the post 1-1.

Terri Harvey equalises for Colney Heath

A equaliser for Colney Heath with 18 minutes left to play. A blow for Stevenage who could well have on another evening been out of sight. The visitors ecstatic, as Stevenage go right Millen shifting the ball on for Uwaifo jinking into the area fires a cross in to the far side, with Schofield closing in can’t quite get there. Shephard with a fantastic crossfield pass to find Millen high on the right lifts a cross into the area, Hume needing to get there to clear for a corner kick with Schofield aiming to come in behind her. The corner in from the left headed clear by Lucy Hancock.

Colney Heath’s Lucy Hancock

Stevenage making a 3rd change with Ciara Craig on for Schofield. Less than 15 minutes to play. An offside flag saving the referee having to make a decision as Uwaifo is blocked inside the box. Colney Heath with their tails up have renewed energy as they look to battle for everything at the back. Swift strong in goal calling and claiming a high cross from Millen on the right. Kelly Hancock putting the ball into Harewood in midfield plays it out to Kellet on the left wing bursting on, Farmer out to close her down putting the ball out for a throw. The sting somewhat taken out of Stevenage’s attack the crowd quietened by the equaliser.

Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer

Craig getting up on the right with Millen crossing into the area, Lucy Hancock getting in front of Uwaifo to turn her header back to the keeper. Lily Nellis on for Colney Heath as the game moves into the last 5 minutes Powell coming off. Colney Heath looking strong in the closing stages, Shephard off for Stevenage, Schofield back on. Craig with a good long pass into Uwaifo top of the D, the ball snatched off her feet before she can unleash a shot. Swarres getting hold of the ball goes for goal from distance, Swift with the catch.

Swift out to claim the ball at the top of her area as it is played through of a defender, Uwaifo after it, the goalkeeper getting to it before she can latch onto it. Just not happening for Stevenage as they press on in attack in stoppage time Millen’s cross long over Schofield, with Craig beyond deflected off Hume for a late corner. Cleared at the near post back out to the corner taker Swarres, she sends a driven ball back into the six yard box, Swift getting her gloves on the ball to knock down and grab.

Uwaifo seeing a shot inside the box blocked spinning away for a corner right. Played long to Swarres outside the box shoots is unfortunate as her strike hits her own player, Craig first to the rebound smashing it goalwards, Swift sharp to get her gloves around the ball. Seconds left to play Colney Heath hanging on as Swarres shoots over from 40 yards out.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 1-1 Colney Heath Ladies

The points are shared. Colney Heath battling hard with a resilient performance on the back foot for most of the game soaking up the pressure as Stevenage came at them. A frustrating night for the hosts in the finish as they took the game to their opponents creating opportunities just not clinical enough on the night. Came forwards well, Colney Heath defending deep hard to break down, making vital tackles and blocks, with Swift making a number of saves behind to keep them in the game taking their chance when it came to level the scores and earn their 1st point of the season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match a few contenders as per the norm. Some performances of note, Shianne Swarres with an excellent range of passes for Stevenage, Dionne Manning strong in defence, getting forwards well to support the attack with a good finish for her goal. Amy Gooderham attacking on the right looked a real threat especially first half while Becky Shephard came into her own in the 2nd half with some fantastic runs into the channel. A dogged performance from the Colney Heath team, the defence solid working hard. Lucy Hancock in particular with some fantastic tackling, winning the ball. The award though goes to goalkeeper Naomi Swift. Gave nothing away, claiming well and getting across her goal, her saves going a long way to keeper Colney Heath in the game and see the point won.

An enjoyable first visit to The Lamex Stadium, a great occasion for the players and staff on both sides showcasing the women’s game in Hertfordshire. A brilliant crowd of nearly 500 in attendance and having already been at attendances of 435 an 648 this is another fantastic figure and let’s hope Stevenage FC Women play their again soon. My thanks to the staff at Stevenage FC and Stevenage FC Women for their assistance this evening as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Sunday 4th September

ERWFL Premier Division

Back to the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday after a midweek derby double from the FAWNL. A trip to Suffolk to the MEL Group Stadium to watch AFC Sudbury Women newly promoted to the league taking on Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies.

The ERWFL Premier Division representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. 12 sides competing looks to be a highly competitive league already with just 2 weekends played so far.

AFC Sudbury Women promoted to the league along with fellow Suffolk side Needham Market Women after clinching the Division One South title last season. Coming out on top of what proved to be an intriguing 5 way battle at the top. The league title part of a treble as the club also won the League Plate and lifted the Suffolk Women’s County Cup after a long period of dominance from Ipswich Town Women. A young squad striker Jess Allen top scorer last season with 21 goals, has moved on to America to play her football this season.

Fully integrated with AFC Sudbury FC and their academy the women’s section features two women’s sides, with their Reserves also stepping up to the ERWFL this season playing in Division One South. Looking again to be one of the leading women’s clubs in the county. Lifting the County Cup last season a huge banner to wave in that regards, will be aiming to retain it this season as they look to establish themselves in the Premier Division. Unlucky on the opening day as they lost out at home to Stevenage FC Women, 3-2 with Evie Creaton netting both goals. A trip to Essex last Sunday playing early leaders Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, Sophie Jeffery scoring the only goal of the game to see Sudbury come home with their 1st 3 points of the campaign.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies enjoying a strong debut season in the ERWFL Premier Division last year. Picking up some good results going on to finish comfortable in mid-table. That despite there being a change of manager through the season with Joe Simpson now at Wroxham stepping down. Alex Cook taking over as 1st team manager. Playing the majority of their games at The Walks stadium are themselves rapidly establishing themselves as one of the leading women’s side in the county. Supporting the Pandora Project, a local charity that offers advice and support to women and children affected by domestic abuse and will be wearing t-shirts promoting that initiative during their pre-season warm-ups.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies wearing their ‘Say No to Domestic Abuse’ t-shirts in support of the Pandora Project.

A few changes of personnel over the close season with last season’s captain, Tiffany Forshaw, Zara O’Neill and Mary-Ann Hoy following Simpson to Wroxham. Forshaw one on the joint top scorers last season with 9 goals along side Ella Gavaghan who has also moved on and Amy Magnus. Have brought in Norwich development striker Samara Nche with midfielder Deva Rawlings returning to the club. Steph Powell a vastly experienced defender coming in towards the end of last season. Jodie Hopkins taking on the role of captain this season with Fran Peeling vice-captain.

AFC Sudbury’s, MEL Group Stadium the venue for today’s game, the artificial pitch a decent size seeing plenty of action. Hot and cold refreshments available on the way to the clubhouse and bar area with a seated stand beside the changing rooms behind. Covered standing behind both goals with a terraced stand on the opposite side between the dugouts my preferred position from which to watch the game. A pleasant afternoon bright and warm a little cloud cover but still otherwise.

AFC Sudbury Women

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Jodie Donley, Ashtyn Newley, Ronni Harrison (C), Teigan McHale, Kate Edwards, Emily Smith, Phoebe Guiver, Alex Penny, Holly Kennard & Evie Creaton. Subs – Jess Egan, Alice Bartlett, Aliyat Lambe, Caitlyn Charles.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies

King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Alice Collins, Sam Davies, Jodie Hopkins (C), Fran Peeling, Steph Powell, Kim Fairweather, Deva Rawlings, Lily Porter, Rachel Skinner, Oksana Imanalijeva & Amy Magnus. Subs – Tilly Sands, Olivia Skinner-Pelaz & Katie Ward.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

A few players unavailable for King’s Lynn, including new signing Samara Nche and goalkeeper, Christina Vivas. Outfield player Alice Collins donning the gloves for todays match. The visitors wearing their away colours this afternoon and all pink kit with yellow numbering isn’t the easiest to read and am going to have to fall back on my knowledge of the squad as back up. Looks nice though. Sudbury with the kick-off first half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. The ball played back into midfield, Kate Edwards putting the pass long to Holly Kennard getting on on the left flank, working her way forwards her cross squared in low 20 yards out, intercepted and cleared by King’s Lynn’s Kim Fairweather.

Oksana Imanalijeva gets hold of the kick out of the back from Sudbury goalkeeper, Millie Carter 35 yards out looks to try and release Amy Magnus in behind the defence, Teigan McHale getting her foot on the ball putting it back to her goalkeeper to clear. Rachel Skinner taking the ball on right side for King’s Lynn, Magnus across offering support, Jade Donley getting a challenge in to take the ball away for Sudbury. The hosts looking to break quickly early on looking for Kennard on the left at every opportunity, Sam Davies up against her defending for King’s Lynn,

Ronni Harrison, captaining Sudbury steps out of the back line to tackle King’s Lynn midfielder Lily Porter as she attempts to make ground through the middle. Sudbury’s manager, Luke Mallet wanting his side to get the ball out to the right side as they come left once again, Evie Creaton in attack taking the ball into the left channel backed up by Phoebe Guiver exchange passes before the crossfield pass is whipped across the top of the King’s Lynn area, Alex Penny out on the right latching onto it blasting a shot goalwards, Collins behind it to save at her near post.

A fairly even start to the game, players from both sides snapping in to win the ball, a few late challenges but this is more from players releasing the ball quickly than anything else. Sudbury getting the ball out to both flanks now with Kennard and Penny looking to get on. Porter threading the ball into Magnus top of the D, attempts to flick it past Harrison close in on her, Ashtyn Newley around on the cover well getting her foot on the ball to help out her captain. Cleared up the left Sudbury break forwards Kennard racing onto the ball taking it on travelling all the way into the box goes down looks like a push Sudbury are certainly questioning it but the referee waves play on seeing a touch to win the ball.

King’s Lynn midfielder, Lily Porter

Magnus seeing the ball into her feet well right channel spinning the pass out to Skinner wide right turning into the area as Skinner crosses for King’s Lynn, McHale clearing the ball for Sudbury. Kennard winning a throw for Sudbury high on the left inside to Creaton she looks to put Kennard in as she runs into the area, Davies tackling well for King’s Lynn. 10 minutes played and Sudbury are finding some momentum quicker to the ball playing it out to their wide players Penny crossing in wide right, Collins claiming at her near post. Both Kate Edwards and Emily Smith in the middle playing the diagonal ball out to the wide players for Sudbury.

Sam Davies with Evie Creaton

Fairweather on for Porter she sends the ball through to Skinner right side, taking the ball on looks to plough her way through the Sudbury defence is eventually outnumbered. Imanalijeva up on the left getting King’s Lynn a corner. Is a teasing delivery in across the six yard box everyone drawn near side drops far post and out of play.

GOAL! King’s Lynn frustrated after play is brought back for a free-kick wide left close to half way with McHale clipped coming forwards, with Sudbury making no headway in attack. McHale to play the ball in as players go up into the box a great delivery angled in across goal, King’s Lynn’s defence getting a head on it knocking it back down to the top of the box right side 25 yards out, comes to Penny gets her foot up over the ball to lash a powerfully hit ball in back across goal into the back of the net 1-0.

Alex Penny opening the scoring for Sudbury

Sudbury getting their noses in front with 15 minutes on the clock. King’s Lynn certainly not happy, quickly concede another set-piece on the edge of their box to the left, played in across the penalty spot captain Jodie Hopkins getting hold of it to clear beyond the far post. Another rash challenge giving Sudbury another free-kick a little further back from where the opening goal came from. McHale putting the ball into the box right of the D, a scramble to clear before it pops up for a Sudbury body to smash goalwards driven wide of the far post.

Sudbury captain, Ronni Harrison

The goal giving Sudbury confidence are looking sharper to the ball popping about in midfield the rebound comes on for Kennard drifting central from the right 20 yards out gets control shifting it inside, Fran Peeling coming out to close her down, blocking the shot well for King’s Lynn.

King’s Lynn’s Fran Peeling setting up to block Holly Kennard’s attempt on goal

Plenty happening King’s Lynn losing it going forwards put up field rapidly, dropping into the top of the area Collins getting up to claim it as Creaton closes her down, coming together as Collins drops the ball escapes her gloves, Creaton instinctively attacking it, play stopped with Collins down hurt. The goalkeeper okay to continue after treatment. Magnus again seeing the ball into her feet well spinning inside off her marker presenting the ball at the feet of Imanalijeva inside the D, shifts it to her eft before pulling the trigger, not a strong hit, runs through safely to Carter to collect.

Alice Collins going to claim the ball with Sudbury’s Evie Creaton closing in

Penny fed the ball on the left, doing well riding a couple of rash tackles the advantage played as she drives on into the area firing in a shot close on the angle Collins with a sharp blocking save at her near post the ball spinning out on across the six yard box Creaton after it stretching annoyed as she turns it wide of the far post. Sudbury stretching their opponents Smith with a great pass wide for Penny to bomb on right side her cross in missed by Collins near side, Creaton retrieving the ball beyond the far post looks to turn inside back to goal, Fairweather getting a foot in to clear taking a painful blow in the process.

Creaton linking up with Penny on the right as the pair come forwards for Sudbury exchanging passes before Penny strikes one over from the angle outside the box. King’s Lynn on the back foot finding it difficult to get their attackers into the game. Sudbury with possession at the back a sloppy ball from McHale off her goalkeeper in the six yard box is presented straight to Skinner 20 yards out right of the D, charges into the box, McHale charging forwards to put in the blocking tackle the hosts very nearly gifting an opportunity to their opponents. .

Sudbury living dangerously, the ball out on the left lost as Hopkins gets up with Imanalijeva to pressure he full back, Imanalijeva turning goalwards powering on into the area, Carter coming missing the ball as it is fired in across the six yard box, Magnus closing in but comes to Donley to put her foot through it her attempted clearance striking the on rushing Magnus could go anywhere for Sudbury’s sake it rebounds wide of the right post for a goalkick. Half an hour played Sudbury very sloppy at the back messing around in possession putting themselves under pressure another loose pass from the box snatched by Porter 30 yards out fed into Magnus right of the D turns aiming to plough a hole though the defence, McHale solid in her challenge as she comes to block.

Teigan McHale in to win the ball for Sudbury

The game opening up Sudbury with a rapid break the ball cleared up to Kennard takes the ball on though the middle, Collins coming to close her down lifts her shot from all of 20 yards over the advancing keeper, drops over her to strike the base of the post spinning inside across goal, Collins scrambling back to lay claim to the ball before it can creep over the line. King’s Lynn gift possession straight back to Sudbury laid into Kennard left on the left into the box, closes in on goal smashes it in low, Collins with a sharp save down to block the ball cleared away for a corner. Played in long clear beyond the far post.

King’s Lynn goalkeeper, Alice Collins

Imanalijeva in the middle lining up with Skinner inside right giving her back the return pass as she drives on through the middle. Hopkins bursting down the left flank to get into the box, Newley doing the defending for Sudbury. Peeling on the ball going on into midfield for King’s Lynn playing a good ball on into Imanalijeva 20 yards out left of the D, tries to lay it on into the path of Magnus breaking into the box right side, Carter alert quickly out to snatch the ball into her gloves. King’s Lynn have changed formation getting more players Imanalijeva finding a pocket of space between midfield and defence sees a pass from Rawlings into her clips it on into the box for Magnus making the run in behind left of goal wants to strike the ball as it drops across her, Donley racing round on the cover going to clear collides with Magnus as Carter gathers the ball.

Sudbury’s Ashtyn Newley

Skinner with the ball 30 plus yards out cuts inside looking for an opening strikes the ball on the run with the outside of her boot the effort bouncing wide of Carter’s left post. Is a physical encounter, Sudbury especially not happy with some of the challenges. Rawlings striking a shot wide from distance for King’s Lynn as Porter and Magnus pressure the defence right side. Guiver with a clever turn on the ball central looks to send Penny through on the right is a vital interception from Hopkins at the back.

A little over 3 minutes left in the 1st half Sudbury have been guilty of giving the ball away in their final 3rd this is giving King’s Lynn opportunities they shouldn’t have had as they look to find a reply. Skinner getting forwards nicks the ball off McHale in the box as she attempts to play it out, the attacker driving for goal closing in on Carter at the near post pulls the trigger, Carter getting down quickly getting hold of the ball well. King’s Lynn knocking on the door late in the 1st half Hopkins up on the left catching the ball on the turn a half volley from 25 yards out that drops wide of Sudbury’s goal.

King’s Lynn’s Rachel Skinner

Sudbury with a late corner on the right put in by Penny, cleared behind for a 2nd corner this one put back to the taker, Penny playing it back in Guiver at the far post, the ball not cleared sent wide. A late charge from Sudbury Kennard over on the right now with Guiver squared inside for Edwards, lining up a shot on goal, Fairweather rushing out to charge the ball down.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 1-0 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Alex Penny’s strike on 15 minutes the difference between the sides at the break. The hosts growing into the game after a fairly even start. Taking confidence from the goal came on well finding their wide players Penny and Kennard strong going forwards right and left. King’s Lynn struggling to get any rhythm until the hosts became a little sloppy in their play mistakes at the back presenting opportunities, a change of formation seeing King’s Lynn get players on better half chances created. Sudbury with a strong appeal for a penalty turned down creating some good chances of their own unfortunate not to hold a bigger lead. At 1-0 though it remains very much everything to play for.

Sudbury out for the 2nd half early appear unchanged. King’s Lynn with a double change with Davies and Fairweather the players off, Katie Ward going to right back on, along with Tilly Sands joining the attack. King’s Lynn to get the 2nd half under way the ball in the centre before being released to Skinner on the right, her early cross into the box dealt with by Harrison. King’s Lynn pushing on right side Magnus out wide with Skinner linking up the pass into Sands right of the D 20 yards out, takes on the shot angled in low towards goal Carter down to get her body behind the ball.

A good start to the 2nd half from King’s Lynn coming right the ball swept into the area left side collected by Imanalijeva her touch seeing her shift inside looking to turn into the shot, the ball striking Harrison as she blocks, the referee pointing to the spot for penalty, Harrison adjudged to have handled the ball.

Magnus over the penalty a chance early in the 2nd half for King’s Lynn to level up the scores, hit low lacks the power to beat carter as she goes the right way makes the save. A let off for Sudbury with the half 3 minutes old, break down the left Kennard, Ward getting in to make the challenge as she attempts to push past her. The foul count is stacking up Sudbury not happy with some of the challenges. Harrison with a timely interception to stop Magnus stealing in on goal through the middle off a Porter through ball.

Millie Carter saves the penalty for Sudbury

GOAL! Moments after King’s Lynn see a penalty saved to equalise then Sudbury get up the other end to double their lead attacking on the right Penny inside, Guiver pressuring the King’s Lynn defence on the ball, stealing possession inside the box right side strikes a rising shot in, Collins throwing her gloves up to block might have gotten a glancing touch the ball beyond her cannoning down off the cross bar dropping far post, Creaton attacking it, Collins across sliding down attempting to block stops her initial attempt the ball loose Creaton grounded does well to swing out a leg to cut the ball back over the line to score 2-0.

Evie Creaton double Sudbury’s lead

A blow for King’s Lynn get on the attack from the restart, Rawlings on through the middle looking to pick out Magnus, Harrison blocking to stop her getting into the box. Carter alert to take the ball at her near post as Skinner flashes a cross in on the angle from the right. Hopkins on the move with the ball left for King’s Lynn up with Imanalijeva the crossfield pass cut out by Sudbury’s Smith. A change for Sudbury, Aliyat Lambe entering the pitch. Harrison continuing to frustrate King’s Lynn at the back as she cuts out another attempted ball through the middle.

King’s Lynn attacker, Amy Magnus

An hour gone by no means a classic both sides sloppy at times, Sudbury guilty of over playing at the back, whilst King’s Lynn cannot find any rhythm at all, leaving them frustrated as decisions go against them. Smith on the ball through the middle for Sudbury forwards well for Creaton peeling off Powell at the back, racing on, Powell reading the move giving herself room to make the recovering run take the ball away from the striker. Kennard racing on with the ball left side getting all the way into the box closing in on the six yard box before Peeling gets across to clear behind for a corner, which is successfully defended at the near post.

Sudbury’s Emily Smith

Penny over on the right racing onto a cleared ball from the back digging the cross out from the by-line, back across the top of the area is just over Creaton rising centrally cleared by the King’s Lynn defender beyond Sudbury immediately go up in protest claiming a handball, not a penalty in the referees opinion. Mallett getting a talking too for voicing his protests too loudly. McHale coming on down the line for Penny, Powell getting back on the right sided player to tackle put the ball out for a corner. The ball put into the six yard box headed back out to the right by Magnus, Penny back on it as Magnus’s momentum sees her close the winger down bringing her down just outside the box, earning her a yellow and a free-kick to the hosts. Same result though Penny’s delivery cleared by Magnus’ header for another corner.

Aliyat Lambe

Olivia Skinner-Pelaz

Penny sending her corner arrowing in low to Lambe top of the area, no shot on lays it back to Penny wide her 2nd attempt cleared back to her in the corner where she sends a dangerous looping ball in across the face of goal dropping far post both Creaton and Kennard there bounces over. Sudbury livening up pressing the ball better winning in on the left of the box 25 yards out a shot racing in has Collins diving across her six yard box, the ball though runs wide of the far post. Kennard running at the King’s Lynn defence on the left rides one challenge then another, play brought back for the first challenge. An inviting ball in drops wide past the far post.

Alex Penny with King’s Lynn captain, Jodie Hopkins

20 minutes left on the clock Sudbury make another change with Jess Egan coming on for Newley. McHale putting in the tackle as Sands and Skinner look to combine right side for King’s Lynn. Imanalijeva off for the visitors, Olivia Skinner-Pelaz coming on. The game stretched at times as King’s Lynn taking a few risks get on looking to find Skinner on the right. Davies and Fairweather being prepared to come back on Rawlings and Magnus coming off. Penny finding space to run into on the right after a spinning clearance whips a ball in across goal Davies putting it behind for a corner. A great ball in from the left through everyone in the six yard box no one gambling at the far post.

Oksana Imanalijeva

King’s Lynn have a player down far side, Ward I think is struggling, Imanalijeva sent back on with a little over 10 minutes to play.

GOAL! The game is stretched players tired on both sides, Sudbury’s diagonal balls have been a threat all game, Kennard now over on the right side seeing a good delivery into her find inside the box, her control seeing her beat her marker, shift inside to shoot, rising into Collins quickly doesn’t get hold of it as it slips out of her gloves to run on into the goal behind 3-0.

Holly Kennard scores Sudbury’s 3rd goal, Caitlyn Charles in the background

Straight on the attack, King’s Lynn out to Skinner racing forwards right shoots on the angle fired in low Carter saving low at her near post. A triple change from the hosts with Creaton, Edwards and Harrison coming off. Caitlyn Charles, Alice Bartlett and Newley the players coming on. Kennard full of running for Sudbury moving right with the ball her cross cut out by Peeling. A brief rest for Edwards and Creaton for Sudbury as they return to the field, Smith and Penny giving way.

GOAL! Into the final minute of regular play Kennard racing clear to the by-line on the right has the legs to get to the ball flashing in a ball across the face of goal has teammates lining up to meet it inside the box, turned home from close range, Caitlyn Charles with the all important touch 4-0. On late so I don’t have a better picture of Charles than the one with Kennard above.

Carter out well to claim at the feet of Skinner late on a King’s Lynn send it long to her on the right. Imanalijeva’s ball in from the right put behind by McHale for a corner. Carter with another acrobatic save off Skinner as the ball is blasted into her from the right turned behind for the corner. Carter up well to claim from the set-piece.

Sudbury’s Jess Egan

Deep into stoppage time King’s Lynn flat having conceding twice late on to see the game slip away. Sudbury continue to snap into their challenges, Imanalijeva coming on right side sending a cross into the area won well by Egan conceding a late late corner. Sudbury clearing push out celebrating as the final whistle blows.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 4-0 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

A 4-0 win lifting Sudbury up into 3rd spot in the early Premier Division table. Rode their luck at times and know it wasn’t their best performance, a bright start to get their noses in front in the 15th minute. Fell away first half with some poor play at the back giving King’s Lynn encouragement as they changed thing’s around. 1-0 at the break an early penalty giving the visitors a chance to level the scores early in the 2nd half, Carter saving, a further blow as they went on to concede a 2nd. Sudbury having an appeal for a penalty themselves 1st half with another strong shout 2nd didn’t get it but with their wide players a threat through out looked goo for their lead adding a 3rd and 4th goals late on to claim the 3 points. A disappointing afternoon for King’s Lynn struggle to get going find any rhythm that said created opportunities and weren’t totally out of the game until the final 10 minutes.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time for this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, a relatively easy decision except for the fact there were two very strong contenders for it. A few performances to mention though. For King’s Lynn, Oksana Imanalijeva did well finding some good pockets of space between midfield ad defence and on another day she sets up a goal or two. Amy Magnus up top providing a good target to put the ball too got others into play with her hold up play. For Sudbury, Teigan McHale and Ronni Harrison put in some great challenges to stop King’s Lynn getting in behind. Emily Smith in midfield broke up play well shoeing a great range of passing. Evie Creaton strong in attack. It comes down to splitting two players for Sudbury, Alex Penny and Holly Kennard both where excellent on the flanks getting into good positions for the hosts taking the ball on and setting up openings both scoring too. Comes down to who got the most mentions in my notes and that is Holly Kennard well done.

Another enjoyable trip over to the MEL Group Stadium, is a nice venue and improving all the time a warm welcome from the club. My thanks to both clubs for the help with the team details today. More ERWFL Premier Division action to come on Tuesday evening with a trip to the Lamex Stadium home of Stevenage FC as there women’s side host Colney Heath Ladies.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge City Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

Weds 31st August

FAWNL South East Division One

No sooner has the match report been written up for the 1st of this weeks derby double from FAWNL South East Division One it’s onto my 2nd. Cambridgeshire this time with Cambridge City Ladies hosting rivals Cambridge United WFC.

Often a hotly contested affair since Cambridge City Ladies achieved promotion to reach the FAWNL three season’s ago. The two clubs originally one with Cambridge United WFC starting as Cambridge Women breaking away from City. Cambridge City bouncing back strongly with a robust youth set-up to see their women’s side rise rapidly through the leagues to reach the 4th tier.

Their 1st two season’s in FAWNL South East Division One affected by the Covid pandemic, Cambridge City looked comfortable in the league season, flirting with the danger of dropping into the relegation zone late on. Led to some managerial departures the club digging itself out of a hole to become safe a late season derby win against United going a long way to seeing them finished above their rivals in the table. A reshuffle within the club over the summer including the 1st team management team now fronted up by Rob Coles and Darren Fairbrass.

A few players departing have retained a large chunk of their squad from last season and with a good back up of youth coming through to the women’s team have made half a dozen new signings bringing Becca Stephenson a former, Harlow and Billericay player. Ellen Marson joins from Peterborough United. Oliva White and Lexie Pryke formerly Ipswich youth players. Goalkeeper Ellie Sarter, from AFC Leyton a former Watford women youth player. Jenny Moore joining in the summer having previously been with QPR and Spurs. A great win on the opening day of the season at home to QPR Women. Grace Stanley the clubs top scorer last season getting her campaign off to a flying start netting a hat-trick with Bella Simmons also celebrating a goal in a 4-2 win.

Cambridge United WFC losing on the opening day of the season beginning at the Abbey Stadium with a 4-1 loss to early pacesetters, Norwich City Women, cheered on by a crowd of 648. The women’s side now enjoying closer ties with Cambridge United FC, a new women’s board established at the League One club with 4 games planned at the Abbey Stadium throughout the season. A disappointing run towards the end of last season putting a dampener on the season and has led to some player departures over the summer, development players coming through ready to challenge for places in the senior team.

Cambridge United have brought in a few new signing over the summer and continue their search for players they feel will enhance the team. Sarah Wiltshire joining the club after a previous spell on loan, is vastly experienced having starred for Yeovil, Watford and Spurs in recent seasons carrying a huge threat in attack. Francesca Partridge also coming in the attacker with Northampton previously opening her account for the club with a stunning strike on the opening day. Sammy Edgar is a tough tackling midfielder joining from Royston Town Women and has a good range of passing in her artillery. Nikolett Szabo also joining the goalkeeper providing good back-up for Lauren Webb. Away to newly promoted Ashford Town Women at the weekend United found themselves trailing 3-1 before battling back to earn a 3-3 draw with Alysha Stojko-Down scoring a brace to open her season’s account.

Ely City FC’s Demcon Stadium the venue for this evening’s derby contest the football club surrounded by a number of other sporting facilities and a large restaurant and cinema complex built besides off the A10. Spent the past 2 and a half hours in the carpark typing out last evening’s report. In need of food and a portion off chips and a cup of tea was sorely needed. The bar open too, the large grass pitch offering viewing on all sides. The seated stand situated above the changing rooms. A familiar ground for United too having played here for a number of seasons themselves. Cambridge City Ladies temporary home as the await the completion of the new stadium at Sawston. Another dry evening a little chill starting to creep into the evening but otherwise pleasant.

Cambridge City Ladies

Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson (C), Lauren Sander, Jess Fitzpatrick, Bronwyn Mulheron, Millie Struthers, Fran Steele, Erin Davies, Jenny Moore, Karly Tolentino, Bella Simmons & Grace Stanley Subs – Ellen Marson, Becca Stephenson, Charlotte Gillies, Hannah Bodily & Paige Gardener.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Abbi Griffin, Abi Davies, Grace Waygood, Lauren Rouse, Gisela Otten, Sammy Edgar, Alysha Stojko-Down, Sarah Wiltshire, Ruth Fox & Francesca Partridge. Subs – Nikolett Szabo, Elsie Barker, Daisy McGregor, Albany Hodgson & Ella Marden.

United captain, Gisela Otten with City captain, Sarah Hudson

As is the norm for these derby games both sides are now City and United. Jenny Moore in the starting line-up for City with two more of their new signings Ellen Marson and Becca Stephenson on the bench. United’s new signings, Sarah Wiltshire, Francesca Partridge and Sammy Edgar all starting with Szabo on the bench. It’s City to kick-off the 1st half with the floodlights starting to take effect wearing white shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. United lined up opposite in their away kit of all sky blue. Played back to Erin Davies in midfield puts the ball out to left back Laure Sander, United rushing on to press the ball City get it out to the right side looking to put the ball on for Bella Simmons looking to get in behind, Abbi Griffin intercepting the pass at right back for United.

United with a fast start to the game getting after City in possession forced into rushed passes the ball given away put over the top for Sarah Wiltshire to chase, Millie Struthers at centre back defending for City the ball going for an early corner. Played in across the six yard box, Bronwyn Mulheron rising highest for City to head the ball on across the box out for a corner on the right. Another inviting delivery in across the six yard box Francesca Partridge getting up just under it, drops to Grace Waygood beyond the far post, the United defender firing her strike over.

GOAL! United pressing the ball in the middle captain Gisela Otten to Sammy Edgar plays the pass forwards through the middle, a great ball dropping in front of the D to the right, a wicked back spin on the bounce wrong footing Sanders going with the run of Wiltshire the attacker reading it well to turn onto the ball knock it out to the left into the box before striking in a venomous shot on the angle across the keeper to score her 1st goal of the season for Cambridge 0-1.

Sarah Wiltshire with the opening goal for Cambridge United

4 minutes played the perfect start for the away side in a derby match. United lively getting after City, something their opponents have often done to them. Davies creating a bit of room for herself in the middle for City looking to put Simmons through on the left wing again, Griffin cutting the pass out again. Alysha Stojko-Down looking to thread a pass through the middle for Partridge, Mulheron winning it back for City. The hosts looking to go right the pass sent on for Karly Tolentino on the wing cutting inside to shoot on the angle driven in near post, comes at Lauren Webb fast covering her near post gets down to make the blocking save before scrambling up to get her gloves on the loose ball.

Simmons likewise on the left for City looking to find a way in behind is found by Fran Steeles through ball, Webb though getting across to take the ball before she can capitalise. United continue to press determined not to let City settle on the ball. Mulheron with a vital interception getting her foot up to bring the ball down as Edgar attempts to send Wiltshire attacking through the middle on goal. A free-kick awarded to United on the right 25 yards out, players up as Griffin sends an inviting ball into the area across goal, Partridge after it but the flag immediately goes up offside.

United’s Ruth Fox with City’s Jenny Moore

United’s Griffin sending the pass forwards for Partridge in the centre, Ruth Fox having drifted in from the right going with her the pair look to overwhelm, full back Jess Fitzpatrick as she squares up to both attackers doing well to get her foot in to knock the ball away across the top of the D, Stojko-Down having gotten into an advanced position latching onto the ball sending her strike wide from 25 yards out.

Cambridge United’s Alysha Stojko-Down

With United getting at City they visitors push up there defence at times finding little joy through the middle with United’s Waygood and Lauren Rouse winning the ball well City look to the flanks Simmons ready to go on the left is picked out Webb rushing out to the top of her box to try and intercept Simmons gets there first to take the ball past the keeper, down to the by-line cutting back to shoot the angle acute but on target looks to be creeping inside the near post but for a brilliant last ditch sliding tackle from left back Abi Davies lunging in to take it wide for a corner kick.

Cambridge City’s Bella Simmons

City are finding it difficult to break United up through the middle but Simmons and Tolentino are getting joy on the wings and look a threat. A throw won high on the left worked on into the box for Davies trying to get it down can’t make it count as United close in to defend. Webb alert to come and claim as United are caught high up the pitch with Simmons breaking in behind left. 20 minutes gone in the 1st half United with the brighter start, City getting to grips with their opponents game plan looking to adjust theirs winning a free-kick outside the box to the left despite strong protests from United. The ball in striking the wall cleared up to Partridge can’t dig it out of her feet get away before being tackled by Fitzpatrick.

Tolentino on the ball for City down in the right corner lifts a cross into the box for Grace Stanley to hit on the volley, Webb back on her line getting her gloves up to save bring the ball down safely. Jenny Moore on the left taking the ball on from a throw in playing it on for Stanley pulling into the left channel taking on the shot arrowing in, Rouse getting her head on the ball knocking it up into the air, Webb claiming it beyond her.

Mulheron is shown a yellow card as she cynically pulls down Partridge as the striker looks to get away from her to the right of the area. Partridge taking a blow as she went down needing treatment but is okay to continue. Wiltshire going for goal from the set-piece angled in goalkeeper and City captain, Sarah Hudson with a comfortable save. Wiltshire tracking back to harry the ball nicks it played into Stojko-Down who looks to release Partridge through the middle, caught a little flat footed Partridge can’t capitalise inside the D.

Cambridge City midfielder, Erin Davies

Another good opportunity for City as they get players forwards from midfield to overload the box as Tolentino out on the right draws players to her before sending a great cross into the six yard box Steele rising unchecked powers her header back across Webb’s goal, bounces wide of the post. Stojko-Down with a brilliant pass finding Wiltshire pulling in behind inside the City box right of goal comes back inside looking to put her shot over the keeper the ball landing on the roof of Hudson’s net.

Waygood blocking for United top of her area, the rebound loose in the middle struck goalwards, Webb back on her goal line right behind it. Webb then pulling off a fantastic save off a Tolentino strike as she gets hold of the ball on the right drills a shot in, Webb falling back to tip the ball wide behind for a corner. Put in from the left the ball defended at the near post. City beginning to find a little momentum towards the end of the 1st half.

Cambridge United goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

United responding with Fox getting forwards on the right cutting the ball inside to Stojko-Down 20 yards out pivoting onto the shot blasting it goalwards takes a wicked deflection of the defender as the block is put in forcing Hudson into a smart save getting down to smother the ball on her goal line. Little time left in the 1st half United continuing to battle of possession, Otten, Edgar and Stojko-Down all after the ball the latter brought down by Davies going on the advantage played as Wiltshire gets hold of the loose ball pulling the trigger from 25 yards her shot straight at Hudson. Griffin getting forwards on the right with Fox playing a cross into the area Partridge going for the header can’t quite get there.

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies 0-1 Cambridge United WFC

A fast start to the game from United getting after City to score an early goal. Sarah Wiltshire’s strike in the 4th minute the difference between the sides at half-time. Have looked to hustle City in possession all game. The home side finding little joy through the middle. Have looked dangerous on both flanks with Simmons and Tolentino looking to make something happen and have come close to equalising on a few ocassions, Webb making a couple of good saves to ensure United didn’t concede. 1-0 the score a narrow advantage City far from out of it.

No changes for either side at the break United to get the 2nd half underway. Otten putting the ball on for Stojko-Down getting up with Wiltshire on the left getting a throw, looking to work an opening outside the box, Steele into block the ball, deflected on to the keeper. Moore going down as she release the ball looks in some discomfort as City get on the attack Stanley dispossessed by Davies. Moments later Stanley is caught marginally offside as the ball from Simmons is rolls into her left channel.

Cambridge United attacker, Francesca Partridge

Partridge coming over to the left side sees the ball into her feet before moving inside to lift a great pass on for Wiltshire racing on through the middle scissor kicks the dropping ball goalwards from outside the D, sending it narrowly over the bar. Not as intense a start to the 2nd half as the first both sides guilty of being a little sloppy on the ball. Edgar getting free in midfield with a great pass forwards for Stojko-Down who in turn finds Wiltshire pulling out right, Fox up with her, the shot on the angle claimed well by Hudson in the City goal.

Cambridge City’s Fran Steele

City making a change Moore the player coming off replaced by Paige Gardiner with 10 minutes gone in the 2nd half having pulled up a few minutes previously. Partridge clattered into as she looks to get the ball down inside the centre circle. Waygood across to block as City find Tolentino on the right. Certainly feel that United need to find another goal to settle thing’s down, Davies with a clever through ball for Stanley breaking into the area, Waygood doing well in defence pushing her wide giving Webb the opportunity to get out to lay claim to the ball.

Grace Waygood

Edgar down in pain as she collects some City studs on her ankle as she and Stojko-Down close down to prevent Gardiner breaking the long pass up to Stanley, Waygood up against her to win the ball. Edgar left hobbling is up and getting back into position to try and run it off. Having down it once in the 1st half City manage to overload the six yard box breaking forwards in numbers 3 players lining up in front of Webb’s goal as Tolentino manages to lift a cross in from the by-line met at the far post but turned wide. Davies in the middle looking to pick out Tolentino, Edgar tracking back on the wide player winning the ball for United.

Cambridge United’s Sammy Edgar

Pressing City win a corner on the left played into the box inadvertently knocked on to the far post comes down for Stanley who fires her volley wide. Wiltshire all over the place in the final 3rd for United chasing after the ball not letting City’s defence have a moments rest. Tolentino carrying City’s threat in attack looking a constant threat is fouled out wide a free-kick to the hosts. Fizzed in across the top of the box the shot struck racing through bodies low on goal, Griffin on the back post there to make the goal saving block.

Karly Tolentino

Partridge having been brought down on a couple of ocassions carrying a knock does well to hook the ball on for Wiltshire attack the pair exchanging passes with Otten getting forwards to offer support the midfielder brought down United with a free-kick 30 yards out. Wiltshire taking on the shot is a comfortable catch for Hudson. Partridge being substituted for United midway through the 2nd half with Ella Marden coming on.

GOAL! United get the 2nd goal they were looking for coming from a ball winning tackle from Waygood at the back, the visitors setting up a quick counter getting the ball up the pitch for Wiltshire running on right channel getting her head on the ball before it can be cleared taking it past the defence into the box wide of goal to smash her shot wide of the advancing keeper into the bottom corner 0-2.

Webb needing to come out to the top corner of her area to get hold of the ball as City look to release Tolentino on the right. Straight away United look to adjust things getting everyone behind the ball with Wiltshire now the lone attacker. City respond with a double change bringing on Becca Stephenson and Charlotte Gillies for Davies and Sanders. City winning a corner on the left the box packed the delivery cleared at the near post, Gardiner getting hold of the ball a rash tackle upending her 30 yards out. Stanley on the set-piece hits the United wall.

Wiltshire harries the defence her pressure allowing Fox to steal onto a loose pass run on towards the City box, Marden coming round on the left, Fox finding her in the box her left footed shot on the angle, Hudson down sharply on her goal line to save. Tolentino and Steele coming off for City with a little over 10 minutes left to play with Ellen Marson and Hannah Bodily coming on the hosts look for a way back into the game.

United working hard as a unit to keep City at bay, Wiltshire tireless up front. Fox on the right the crossed ball into Marden outside the D, a clever ball as she attempts to dink it over the defence into Wiltshire’s path as she break right of goal, just runs out of room to get hold of the ball before in runs out of play. City are finding thing’s frustrating United proving hard to expose as they get players behind the ball Rouse and Waygood having been coached by manager Darren Marjoram prior to the match about not letting anything go over them have won pretty much everything thrown at them.

Wiltshire taking the ball into the corner as the game moves into stoppage time has little support but is running down the clock. City looking to push up Marden getting up to help Wiltshire on the left as a high ball is played to her controlled on the by-line, Wiltshire slips inside to shoot the ball deflected wide for a corner. Keeping it in the corner, City wrestle the ball back attempt to break in number the ball lifted on Waygood winning the header, comes back to Marson in midfield launches a hopeful ball forwards into the box claimed by Webb.

Defender Albany Hodgson coming on to bolster the midfield in the dying minutes with Fox coming off. City going for it a corner won right side fired into the box, Gardiner slipping as she goes to strike the ball right of near post, Edgar cutting it out cleared to the right, Bodily getting hold of it cutting inside to blast her shot against the upright the rebound sent over!

Full time Cambridge City Ladies 0-2 Cambridge United WFC

Late drama but no reply for Cambridge City as they are beaten 2-0 by Cambridge United who claim their first win of the season to climb to 4th in the fledgling South East Division One table. Making a fast start to the game getting after their opponents on the ball, getting early joy with Sarah Wiltshire striking in the 4th minute to put them in front. Sticking to their game plan giving nothing away through the middle City adapting getting some joy on the flanks with Simmons and particularly Tolentino on the right Lauren Webb making a couple of vital saves Abi Davies clearing one off the line. At 1-0 City were always in it and you felt United needed that 2nd goal, came midway through the 2nd half with Wiltshire’s movement causing City’s defence problems getting in behind to nab her brace. Everyone behind the ball after that battling for the clean sheet, the post coming to the rescue at the death.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several performances of note and a tough one to call in some regards easy in other. For City, Erin Davies produced some good passes to release both wide players. Bella Simmons looking to get behind on the left create opportunities and Karly Tolentino was brilliant on the right if City were going to score she was the most likely carving out some great chances. For United it was a dogged performance with a well worked game plan. City getting nothing through the middle with Lauren Rouse and Grace Waygood superb in defence. Sammy Edgar with some quality passes setting up Wiltshire for the opening goal. Alysha Stojko-Down providing a good link between midfield and attack winning her fair share of tackles. The award though goes to the scorer of both United goals Sarah Wiltshire. Both well took, her energy up front along with movement to hustle the defence on the ball a constant menace working hard on her own towards the end up front to ensure United got the 3 points.

Another enjoyable evening at the Demcom Stadium for my 2nd derby of the week but boy am I tired now. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams. Now to decide where I’m going at the weekend the games coming thick and fast now.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wymondham Town Women v Norwich City Women

Tues 30th August

FAWNL South East Division One

A trip along the A47 this Tuesday evening for the 1st of 2 local derbies this week from FAWNL South East Division One and for the 1st time in the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid we have a Norfolk derby with newly promoted Wymondham Town Women hosting Norwich City Women.

History being made this evening with this game the 1st Norfolk derby match taking place in the tier of the women’s football pyramid. Norwich City Women long established at this level joined in FAWNL South East Division One by Wymondham Town Women promoted to the league winning the ERWFL Premier Division title last season.

Under manager Alex Guy’s leadership, Wymondham have grown into one of the leading women’s sides in Norfolk. Rising from the county set-up into the regional leagues cumulating last season with the club winning the treble. Dominated the ERWFL Premier Division from start to finish to clinch the title and promotion, aswell as winning the League Cup and winning the Norfolk Harrod Sport County Cup for the 2nd time at Carrow Road. Doing so with one of the smallest squads in the league too! Alex Guy setting down from his role during the summer as the club begin a new chapter in the FAWNL.

Rob Dyer taking on the role as 1st team manager coming in relatively late with the new season just around the corner. Several changes at the club in terms of players as Wymondham look to compete at a higher level. Key departures to midfield with Rebecca Russell and Katie Knights both leaving the club to join this evenings opponents, Norwich. 8 new faces brought in to join the squad. A player who made a huge impact in her previous spell with Wymondham returning with Amber Cantwell joining having plenty of experience playing in FAWNL South East Division One with Cambridge United WFC. So too has Brooke Osborne the defender coming in from Norwich. Goalkeeper Yaz Walford too joins after a season with Norwich having been at Royston Town Women previously. Brook Cheal also returning after having been at Larkhall Athletic Ladies an Norwich previously. Defender Maddison Goodenough looked impressive playing for Dussindale & Hellesdon last season also has experience with MK Dons. Young player, Nyah White joins from Waveney another young player joining is Chloe Shipman who impressed on her debut at the weekend with Sian Douglas the latest signing previously with Norwich.

The FDC, Bowthorpe’s Harrod Sport Arena, Wymondham’s new home for the 2022/23 season. Part of Norfolk FA’s impressive grassroots facilities. Started life in South East Division One with a narrow 2-1 loss to London Seaward FC who like Wymondham don’t have the backing of a men’s club like several others do at this level and above. Players missing at the start of the season through unavailability or injury was a small squad that travelled down to Essex to play title favourites Hashtag United Women on Sunday, a tough one to take their host leading 4-0 at the break going on to win 10-0 at the final whistle and with a quick turn around for this evenings match Wymondham once again have a shortage of numbers with injured players on the bench.

Norwich City Women themselves have tasted a 10-0 defeat in recent seasons but we won’t dwell on that! A new buzz and sense of optimism about the club as they start the 2022/23 off the back of a great escape the previous campaign with 4 wins from their final 5 games ensuring the club retained it’s 4th tier status when they looked to be pasting Wymondham in the opposite direction. The day to day running of the club now in house with Norwich City FC, the Championship club appointing ex-WSL player Flo Allen as general manager to oversea the women’s side.

Bringing in several new faces to bolster an already decent sized squad. Midfield duo Russell and Knights as previously mentioned from Wymondham, Defender Ceri Flye from Cambridge City Ladies. Young striker, Liv Cook from Waveney and defenders Naomi Cooper from Wroxham aswell a Alice Parker re-joining after a season with Wroxham. Started their campaign with a trip to the Abbey Stadium to play Cambridge United WFC on the opening day and despite going a goal down came back to level and strong 2nd half saw them winning the game 4-1 with Natasha Snelling scoring a hat-trick. That momentum taken into their 1st home game at The Nest on Sunday, where 400 spectators were in attendance to see Norwich beat Actonians Ladies 1-0 thanks to a strike from Rebecca Russell to keep them top of the table.

Norwich’s Rebecca Russell scoring her 1st goal for the club at the weekend

The FDC, Bowthorpe’s Harrod Sport Arena the venue for this evenings game. Everyone hoping for a record crowd for the derby clash especially on the back of the Lionesses recent Euros success. The clubhouse and bar open leading into the facility with the main pitch having under gone some work the large 3G pitch now featuring standing viewing on three sides with a stand with seating on one side. The Snack Box open serving hot drinks. A good crowd building additional parking needed parked at The Brook Hotel a short walk from the ground. A pleasant evening dry with a cool breeze.

The FDC Harrod Sport Arena

Wymondham Town Women

Wymondham Town Women starting XI – Yaz Walford, Brooke Osborne, Leah Newcombe (C), Sian Douglas, Brooke Cheal, Jen Codman, Chloe Shipman, Hayley Kindred, Natasha Youngs, Francesca Catchpole & Hannah Waters. Subs – Nyah White, Lyla Studd, Jess Hawkins & Lauren Kett.

Norwich City Women

Norwich City Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Alice Parker, Anna Larkins (C), Chardonnay Johnston, Ceri Flye, Katie Knights, Rebecca Russell, Ellie Smith, Liv Cook, Megan Todd & Natasha Snelling. Subs – Summer Ward, Rosie George, Jess Harper, Leilah Gooding & Ella Gambell.

As mentioned Wymondham coming into the game with players unavailable such as Amber Cantwell an defenders Mary Croft and Chelsea Clarke with others out injured. Yaz Walford making her 3rd start in goal with captain Leah Newcombe the only one of the back 5 tonight a part of last season’s defence. Sian Douglas, Brook Cheal and Brooke Osborne all in the back line. Chloe Shipman starting in midfield. Both Knights and Russell starting against their former club for Norwich as does defender Chardonnay Johnston. Freya Symonds another former Wymondham player picking up a knock in the Cambridge game missing with Liv Cook starting in attack for Norwich.

Wymondham to get the game underway the floodlights beginning to take effect wearing red shirts and shorts with black socks with Norwich opposite once again in their away colours xenon pink and blue shirts with xenon blue shorts and socks. Midfielder, Jen Codman playing the ball out diagonally to the right looking for Natasha Youngs bursting forwards, Alice Parker at left back defending for Norwich. Players nipping in to close down the ball early on a frantic start from Wymondham as they look to harry the ball in midfield making progress through the middle the ball up towards the area Ceri Flye winning it for Norwich.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Ellie Smith tackled, Wymondham’s Hayley Kindred to get hold of the ball for Norwich drives on the ball into Katie Knights who gets up ended a free kick to Norwich inside the Wymondham half, Parker to deliver it in players up into the box sent long towards the far post no one attacking it a Walford can see it bounce wide of her goal. Wymondham come right Youngs on the ball a strong run making ground before attempting to slide it on for striker Hannah Waters running into the box, can’t get onto the end of it before the ball runs out of play.

Smith taking the ball on from midfield driving forwards with purpose for Norwich moving right sends it out to the wing for Megan Todd who in turn plays it back to captain, Anna Larkins getting on from full back to sends a cross in to Snelling central at the top of the area, getting her head on the ball looks t turn it goalwards placing it central Walford well placed to take the catch. Wymondham are quick to get on the attack in reply Newcombe getting on right side forwards for Youngs a good run to the corner before whipping a cross in low towards the near post attacker Francesca Catchpole closing in on the goalkeeper, getting her shot away looking to put it across her into the bottom corner pulls her shot wide of the far post.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Smith picking up the ball and driving on is a feature for Norwich and difficult for teams to contend with riding a couple of challenges is eventually brought down 25 yards out in a dangerous position in front of goal. Perfect range for Russell whose set pieces Wymondham are all too familiar with. Gets her shot up over the wall on target dipping in front of Walford the keeper with a great reflex save getting a glove up to turn the ball over wide for a corner kick. Played in to the top of the box from the right, clipped inside left for Liv Cook to attack, Catchpole defending for Wymondham getting fouled in the process.

Hayley Kindred combining well with Brooke Osborne on the left for Wymondham look to set up Catchpole moving out to the flank, Ceri Flye going with her for Norwich the centre back winning the ball back. Wymondham press the ball high Jen Codman back to Osborne up the line the hosts getting a throw high up the pitch, Osborne with the power in her arms to get it into the box with Youngs jumping go for it can’t capitalise. Wymondham working hard to close Norwich down not letting the visitors find any rhythm Waters and Catchpole up top exchanging passes Catchpole going left turning a cross into the box, defended by Flye.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Flye winning the ball at the back again for Norwich her clearance seeing Snelling peeling of the defence right side looking to break in behind, Sian Douglas recovering well at centre back to get back at her to tackle regain possession for Wymondham. From the throw Smith takes the ball inside picking out Cook on the left wing shoots her effort driven wide of the left post. A pause in play with Todd down needing some attention looks in a little discomfort but after assessment is okay to continue. It is a scrap in midfield with Knights and Smith for Norwich and Codman and 16-year-old Chloe Shipman competitive for Wymondham is effective in disrupting Norwich, Smith looking to drive on whenever she can.

Norwich’s Ellie Smith (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

A derby feel referee Laura Van Lier needing to have a cautionary word with Smith as she dives in a little too rashly. The free-kick for Wymondham in midfield is played long to Catchpole on the left side looking to hold the ball up is shoved over another free-kick to Wymondham. Angled in the the far post players attacking it Kindred gets up highest for Wymondham to meet it getting her head on target Bryony Williams with a great save for Norwich. Wymondham holding their own creating a couple of half chances. Smith surging on with the ball into the right channel is stopped by Osborne.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Flye coming out to the wing to defend on Kindred as she attacks left side, the defenders cleared ball fining Todd out on the right flank flashes it inside to Snelling inside the D good control to hold up the ball shifting it to her left to turn into the shot put back across goal runs wide of the far post. Half an hour gone Norwich getting going finding more momentum going forwards getting after Wymondham to get hold of the ball higher up the pitch. A clever triangle between Russell, Smith and Todd as Norwich come right, the ball played crossfield to the left with Parker bombing on from full back releases her forwards pass early a diagonal ball lifted into the box the target Knights as she makes a fantastic break from midfield can’t quite get on the end of the pass a flowing move.

GOAL! Smith making a nuisance of herself on the edge of the box is brought down the referee awarding a Penalty. Birthday girl, Todd to take it placing the ball on the spot a confident strike turned into the left of the goal to open the scoring 0-1.

Megan Todd stepping up to open the scoring for Norwich (phot credit Scott Grearhardy)

Catchpole with a talking to from the referee after a late tackle on Larkins.

GOAL! Norwich make it 2 goals inside 2 minutes Norwich winning a throw high on the left Todd bringing it down sending it back to Larkins level with the top of the area wide to cross in, a fantastic delivery to the far post Snelling getting up to meet it twisting her header down into the back of the net to score 0-2.

Natasha Snelling heads in Norwich’s 2nd (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

The foul count in the middle totting up as Codman fouls Smith. The visitors come on through the middle before laying it out to Cook on the left an ambitious strike on the angle races wide across the six yard box. Smith is getting clipped at regular intervals as Wymondham try to slow her down. Smith tough giving as good as she gets. The goals have rocked Wymondham need to settle down have been doing okay up to that point. Todd takes the ball inside from the left across the D turning it inside for Snelling, closely marked by Ferris can’t turn to shoot instead feeds it back to Todd who lifts her attempt over.

Norwich advancing on the left the pass from Larkins inside to Todd 25 yards out, spots Cook breaking into the area from the left her cross turned in across the six yard box Cook can’t quite take it in her stride, cleared. Osborne racing up on the left gets the ball on for Catchpole her return pass inside to Osborne the defender lifting it on for Waters inside the area, well marked can’t get it under control to turn and shoot before it is smuggled away. Wymondham press high getting the corner left, fired into the six yard box is scrambled clear by Norwich falling straight to Codman 25 yards out blasts her shot in wide of the right post.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Johnston is fouled by Waters as the Wymondham attacker looks to muscle her way in behind on halfway. Clipped in long to the far post Walford attempting to claim low is fouled. Kindred up on the left with Catchpole crossed in Johnston intercepting for Norwich chesting the ball down volleying clear. A late flurry form Wymondham at the end of the 1st half Youngs getting a corner on the right dipped in low near post, Williams getting hold of it play stopped with a Norwich player down.

Half-time Wymondham Town Women 0-2 Norwich City Women

Norwich leading 2-0 at the break. The break through coming from the penalty spot. Todd converting to make it 1-0 a 2nd goal quickly following as Snelling headed home. Prior to that Wymondham were doing well working hard to disrupt Norwich’s play. Certainly had a derby feeling with the robust tackles being put in in the middle of the park. Creating a couple of good scoring chances of their own. The quickfire double unsettling them as Norwich gained confidence and momentum going forwards looking lively around the box. 2-0 often a tricky score and all too often the next goal will be crucial.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Norwich to get the 2nd half underway a fantastic crow of 435 in attendance and that lends to the atmosphere. Parker advancing on the right for Norwich her low diagonal ball intercepted by Douglas, sliced behind but favourably to be cleared. Smith with a surging run from midfield lays the pass on for Snelling inside the box sends the ball past the advancing keeper but it won’t count the flag already up against her. A bright start from Norwich Snelling seeing the ball into her feet turns to sent a shot over from 25 yards.

A corner for Norwich on the right defended at the near post Norwich getting it back to the taker to send a long cross in to the far post picking out Snelling close in snatches her volleyed effort over. Smith getting on through the middle into Snelling top of the D, attempts to pick out Cook breaking in left side a timely interception from Newcombe tracking back.

Natasha Snelling

GOAL! A strong start to the 2nd half from Norwich out of the blocks early and with 5 minutes gone in the 2nd period the visitors extend their lead. Russell with a brilliant through ball to put Snelling in on goal right of the D beating the offside trap, to set up a one on one with the advancing keeper, the striker slotting the ball low past Walford to score her 5th goal of the season in just 3 matches and make it 0-3.

A blistering start to the 2nd half Norwich have Wymondham well and truly on the back foot, Newcombe winning the interception inside her area as Norwich look to pick out Cook bursting inside from the left. Cook tracking back to regain the ball turning left getting on with pace to send a cross/shot wide across the six yard box. Norwich attack right Snelling up with Todd, Osborne getting the challenge in hurt in the process but is okay after treatment.

GOAL! closing in on an hour played all Norwich so far the visitors on the ball Smith with another drive from the middle coming left playing the ball on for Cook, taking it on a brilliant burst of pace to get her into the box bearing down on goal, closing in on the keeper appears to have run out of room but somehow manages to squeeze a shot past the keeper to score her first competitive goal for Norwich 0-4.

Liv Cook scores her 1st competitive goal for Norwich (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Norwich make a change, Smith having taken a few knocks coming off in midfield, Leilah Gooding coming on. Wymondham unsettled out of sorts Codman getting a talking too from the referee. Catchpole in strongly on the right to win the ball her long ball on too strong for Waters.

GOAL! Norwich add a 5th goal with Cook getting into a high position on the left to receive the ball into her feet turns inside smartly showing a great turn of pace to burst towards the box slipping the pass through to Snelling pulling of the last defender to bear down on goal to sent her shot under the keeper to score her 2nd hat-trick of the season… just 3 game old 0-5.

Midway through the 2nd half Wymondham shell shocked going 5 goals down struggling to find a response as Norwich press the ball everywhere. Todd coming off for Norwich, Ella Gambell the player coming on. The game a little subdued. Snelling giving way for Rosie George up top. A double switch from Wymondham with Catchpole and Kindred coming off to be replaced by Lyla Studd and Nyah White. Norwich making their final 2 changes bringing on Summer Ward and Jess Harper for Parker and Johnston.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Good work from George on the left by-line cutting the ball back into the box, cut out by Ferris.

GOAL! Cook on the ball left side moves inside a pacey run is clipped right on the corner of the area just outside a freekick for Norwich. Russell placing the ball close in but a good angle scoops her hot over the wall dropping for the bottom corner Walford dropping across to cover will be disappointed as the ball manages to squirm in between her and the post to extend the lead to 0-6.

Rebecca Russell congratulated by her teammates after scoring (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

All Norwich all Wymondham can do to try and contain them as they get numbers up and around their box, out to Cook on the left her cross into the six yard box turned back across beyond the far post, Douglas getting her head into deflect it up for Walford to claim. Gambell on the right for Norwich goes forwards with the ball stopped by Osborne. Ferris attempting to bring the ball out from the back has limited option ahead of her tackled by Knights. George getting hold of the ball right outside the box put inside for Gambell who does well to keep in on the by-line the challenge sending the ball for a throw in the corner.

Out on the right Norwich come on Gambell with Harper in support a shot driven in on the angle held by Walford. A rare opportunity for Wymondham in attack as Shipman in midfield plays a brilliant pass into Waters inside the box right of goal , sends the shot in low to the near post Williams alert diving to her left to push the ball wide for a corner.

Knight out left inside for George with Norwich getting into the final 3rd right of the D George plays it back to Gooding to have a crack at goal from distance, on target but can only pick out Walford. A lengthy pause follows with Youngs down for Wymondham after a clash of knees. Sad news as the stretcher come out and Youngs is taken off. The game lost the injured players not risked Wymondham play on with 10. Despite that Wymondham exploit the left Osborne put on by Douglas, her early cross in aimed for White breaking into the area but Williams can safely gather. Russell having a go from distance a long way out looping down to creep under the bar, Walford though back on her line not troubled bringing it down safely.

Douglas back well on Cook to tackle as she looks to get away on the left. Knights forwards latching onto the rebound after Ferris blocks Russell’s 25 yard strike, Knights effort cut out. George has picked up an injury and needs to come off for treatment for Norwich both sides finishing with 10 as the game moves into stoppage time.

GOAL! Time almost up Norwich continue to attack getting players up Knights into the box right of goal close to the by-line holding the ball up after chasing the blocked rebound from Ferris. Looking to hook a cross in across the face of goal is brought down, Penalty! Knights picking herself up t take the penalty puts her foot through it to smash the ball home for her 1st Norwich goal 0-7.

No sooner has the penalty been scored then the final whistle blows seventh heaven for Norwich as they make it 3 wins from 3 to start their season on a high.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Full time Wymondham Town Women 0-7 Norwich City Women

Norwich dominant in the 2nd half taking the game to Wymondham right from kick-off creating numerous chances before scoring their 3rd goal a 4th and 5th quickly following with Wymondham on the back foot having no reply Snelling going on to complete her 2nd half trick of the season. Norwich remain top of South East Division One. A tough opening to the season for Wymondham with a much changed side and shortage of numbers for the last 2 games heavy losses but they were competitive in the 1st half with a couple of chances of their own before Norwich turned it up a gear.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football east – Player of the Match. As usual a few contenders was s strong performance from Norwich. A couple of note from Wymondham too, Chloe Shipman didn’t look out of place despite her youth while Brooke Osborne made some vital tackles at the back getting forwards to support Kindred and Catchpole. For Norwich another hattrick for Natasha Snelling a sensational start to the season up front. Ceri Flye winning alot at the back. In midfield it was a competitive tussle for a while Katie Knights battling for the ball winning her fair share of tackles getting forwards well 2nd half. Edged out just by Ellie Smith her driving runs on the ball a real threat hard to contain and brings so much into play going forwards.

An entertaining evening at The FDC, fantastic to see so many their, huge encouragement for the players and the game at large. Pleasure to meet Flo Allen from Norwich and my thanks to Wymondham for the team details and Scott Grearhardy for letting me use some of his pictures in the report.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Needham Market Women

Sunday 28th August

ERWFL Premier Division

A short trip to Trafford Park this Sunday to watch my first game of the season from the ERWFL Premier Division. Wroxham Women who made a winning start to their season last Sunday hosting newly promoted Needham Market Women.

The ERWFL Premier Division once again looking strong with a number of sides having the title in their sights, with Harlow Town Ladies and Stevenage FC Women looking to bounce back to the FAWNL straight away after suffering relegation last season. The 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid with plenty of talented players as the game continues to grow. Often competitve and exciting to watch.

Wroxham Women now a well established part of the Wroxham footballing family with ambitions to attain promotion to the FAWNL. A frustrating season to say the least during last years campaign. Getting off to a blistering start winning their opening 5 games, then the wheels came off and a difficult run of 4 straight losses followed before a draw and a lengthy period through the end of November into the New Year without a game. 2023 bringing the return to form the squad knew they were capable of winning 7 of their last 8 games aswell as reaching the final of the League Cup. Eventually finishing 4th a case of what might have been for the lull cost them. Manager Rebecca Burton standing down at the end of the season.

Wroxham bringing in Joe Simpson as their new manager. At the club previously as coach the former King’s Lynn Town Ladies manager bringing Burton back as his assistant with another for King’s Lynn Town Ladies manager, Shelley Stewart part of the coaching team. Charlotte Rose in as strength and conditioning coach with goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook taking on a player/coach role. Several changes within the player squad too with players moving on or retiring, most notably striker, Grace Birchall a talisman for the club up front scoring 66 goals in 42 appearances. Simpson bringing in a number of news faces to the squad. Reuniting with a trio of former King’s Lynn players, Tiffany Forshaw bringing a wealth of experience to the club can operate anywhere through the spine of the team. Mary-Ann Hoy returning to Wroxham from King’s Lynn too along with midfield talent Zara O’Neill.

Saw Lucy Eagle first in action for Leiston St Margarets Ladies and has starred in attack for a number of county league sides since most recently Bungay Town Ladies, making to jump up to the fifth tier this campaign looking to test herself. Paige Shorten is another player with huge experience back playing after coaching with Ipswich Town Women. Plus a quartet of young players from Norwich City’s Player Pathway, Lucy Bradford, Lara Densley, Keela Olive and Breana Rudd.

Needham Market Women achieving promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division for the 1st time. In a very short space of time the club has become one of the leading lights for women’s football in Suffolk looking to emulate the counties leading side Ipswich Town Women in it’s growth and success. Joining the ERWFL in the 2018/19 season no doubt the Covid pandemic has stalled the clubs progress. A full season played a last in 2021/22, Needham Market were dominant from start to finish clinching the Division One North title gaining promotion along side fellow Suffolk rivals AFC Sudbury Women won won Division One South. The step up to the 5th tier of the women’s pyramid where standards go up a notch and a good test for an ambitious club looking to push itself. Scored plenty of goals last season, with Lina Nagib top scorer netting 26 goals, with Molly Hall, Lois Balfour and Ellie Rossiter scoring 21, 17 and 16 respectfully.

An academy and 2nd team backing up the first team, manager Warren Lewis-Claxton has added a number of experienced former Ipswich players to the ranks such as goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke, Ellie Rossiter, Nicole Pannifer, Molly Hall and Paige Wakefield in recent seasons, has added a further two defenders this season in Lindsey Cooper and Eva Hubbard aswell as a number of promising young players such as Poppy Nunn and goalkeeper, Emily Cockrill. also joining aling with Charlotte McGrath who was most recently at Abingdon. Started life in the ERWFL Premier Division with a trip to Haringey Borough the hosts coming away with a 4-3 win.

Trafford Park the venue for today’s match, a large grass pitch offering plenty of width, not the most even of playing surfaces with a distinct slope nevertheless in great condition. Viewing all round. A covered stand on one side of the pitch. The bar and clubhouse serving hot food and drinks on the other. Great weather for the match bright with a little cloud cover and a slight breeze.

Wroxham Women

Wroxham Women starting XI – Megan Lightfoot, Lucy Bradford, Breanna Rudd, Tigi Robson, Jess Horn (C), Zara O’Neill, Becky Russell, Holly Connell, Keela Olive, Lucy Eagle & Tiffany Forshaw. Subs – Cyan Fullbrook, Lara Densley, Summer Copland & Ellie Overton & Megan Rose.

Needham Market Women

Needham Market Women starting XI – Emily Cockrill, Niamh Thomas, Eva Hubbard, Ele Catchpole, Lindsey Cooper, Abbie Fisher, Leilah Hanson, Mia Etheridge, Ellie Rossiter, Jo Brawn & Lois Balfour (C). Subs – Charlotte McGrath, Poppy Nunn, Lina Nagib & Paige Wakefield.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Two goalkeepers making their debuts today with Megan Lightfoot in goal for Wroxham. Danielle Clarke picking up an injury for Needham Market away to Haringey Borough last Sunday a blow, in comes Emily Cockrill recently joined from Kesgrave Kestrals. Lindsey Cooper making her competitive debut too for the visitors. Six more from Wroxham’s starting line-up making thier home debuts, Tiffany Forshaw, Lucy Eagle, Keela Olive, Lucy Bradford, Breanna Rudd and Zara O’Neill. It’s Wroxham to get the game under way kicking off 1st half wearing blue and white vertical stripped shirts with blue shorts and socks with Needham Market lined up opposite in their away colours, yellow shirts and socks with black shorts. Wroxham look to send the ball on out to the left, Needham Market full back, Niamh Thomas can let the ball run on into the area for Cockrill to get an early feel of the ball.

A frantic start the ball hit back and forth between midfield and defensive Needham Market pushing up, Wroxham manage to lift a pass over the top into the right channel for Eagle to run onto 25 yards out looks to take on the early strike, isn’t quite set stretching a little too much as she connects with the ball dragging it inside wide across the area. Leilah Hanson sending the ball on through the middle for Needham Market into the feet of captain and attacker Lois Balfour, she turns well on the ball spinning the pass out to Jo Brawn wide left, looking to take the ball on Wroxham full back Lucy Braford gets across to make the challenge the ball out for a throw in.

Wroxham’s Lucy Bradford

A wide pitch play getting drawn to one side of the pitch space to exploit if the pass can be seen. Hubbard well aware of that as she bombs on down the left taking the ball on reaching the penalty area squares an inviting ball inside, dealt with by Wroxham captain, Jess Horn her clearance latched on in midfield a strike from distance fizzed back in, blocked. Wroxham break on their left the ball fed up the line rapidly, on for Forshaw bursting into the box, takes on the shot striking a low ball in on the angle, Cockrill closing the gap making a good blocking save.

Needham Market’s Niamh Thomas

Needham Market attack left Hubbard racing up the line feeding the ball on for Balfour peeling into the channel, Horn getting across to put in the tackle before she can turn into the box. Forshaw looking to play off the last defender break in behind for Wroxham as the midfield work the ball into her, through to attack the box, her attack halted by the offside flag, a close call. Cockrill comes a long way out of her area to deal with the danger as Forshaw gives chase to a ball lifted into the right channel. Cockrill putting the ball into Hubbard the defender put under pressure by Forshaw who wins Wroxham a throw high up the pitch.

Needham Market’s, Eva Hubbard

Both sides looking to get the ball out from the back with pace into midfield, Needham Market have it on the left played into Hanson the Fisher as they go crossfield to Rossiter bursting forwards wide out on the wing her cross fired into the area collected by Lightfoot at her near post. An intriguing contest shaping up with 15 minutes gone. O’Neill getting hold of the ball in the middle for Wroxham plays it to Rudd on the left plays the ball on for Forshaw in attack, can’t reach it but is willing to pressure the defence looking to force an error, the result a goal kick this time. The hosts getting numbers forwards well pushing Needham Market’s defence back the release for the visitors Hubbard on the left as she looks to run into space.

Ellie Rossiter with Wroxham’s Breanna Rudd

Hubbard turning inside with the ball plays a great diagonal ball forwards, a vital interception from Horn, or Brawn is in clear to attack the goal. Hanson in the middle sends the pass out to Thomas right getting the return pass as she moves forwards her cross into the box on the angle claimed well by Lightfoot. Hubbard continuing to cause problems on the left with the ball for Needham Market sends it on for Brawn ahead of her moving inside to take on the return pass driving for the box, Horn lunging in to make the tackle to dispossess her.

Wroxham captain, Jess Horn

Keela Olive getting forwards with the ball for Wroxham right side on for Eagle her early diagonal ball into the area finding Forshaw out beyond the far post, controlling the ball sees Russell coming on lays the ball back into her path the midfielders cross/shot charged down by Cooper in the Needham Market defence. Wroxham retain possession on the left getting bodies forwards well the ball lofted back into the area Holly Connell beating her marker getting the ball down turning towards goal shooting low, Cockrill with a superb save getting down smartly blocking with her thigh.

Keela Olive looking to get hold of the ball for Wroxham

Pressure mounting from Wroxham keeping the ball in the final 3rd played out right a player brought down right on the edge of the box a free kick on the line level with the six yard line, Russell to play it into the area, Mia Etheridge up to make the defensive header clearing for Needham Market the ball falling to Wroxham’s Olive 25 yards out her 1st time shot blocked. A corner won on the right for Wroxham short between Connell and Russell the cross put into the area cleared. Another close call with the flag to deny Forshaw anyone chance on goal as she is almost put in by Eagle’s fine diagonal ball as she and Russell exchange passes on the right.

Wroxham midfielder, Becky Russell

Forshaw looking the goal threat for Wroxham, Russell looking to thread a pass through for her to attack, Cockrill with a good starting position quickly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Brawn comes left with the ball, Bradford back on her to slow her down holds it up well as Hubbard racing forwards in support takes the ball on in behind to the by-line winning her side a corner kick. The delivery in to the near post doesn’t get past Horn, heading clear.

Hubbard breaks clear on the left as Needham Market press the ball high, runs into the box, Connell getting back at her to challenge the ball turned off her for a corner kick. Payed in the outcome the same Horn winning the header at the near post. Into the final 15 minutes of the half few clear cut chances as of yet both sides putting alot in to press the ball. Brawn picking the ball up inside the Wroxham half looks to push on driving forwards almost reaching the area before getting outnumbers still managing to squeeze the ball back into the path of Fisher 30 yards out her wild strike landing wide of the mark. A pause in play with Russell down recieving treatment both sides going to the bench for instructions.

GOAL! Play resumes Needham Market having possession out wide right, played inside to Brawn inside the area looks to attack, Lightfoot coming appears to hesitate, Brawn capitalising beating her to the ball stabbing it past her to open the scoring 0-1.

Jo Brawn opens the scoring for Needham Market

Needham Market looking sharper after the break in play getting the lead and going on the attack breaking from a goal-kick Brawn on the left with Hubbard taking the ball on in behind her, Horn needing to come round on the cover to clear the ball for a corner. Eagle taking a heavy knock as she runs into traffic in the middle. Needs a moment but is okay to continue. Etheridge getting on the ball through the middle for Needham Market puts the pass forwards for Balfour as she looks to move out into the channel, Horn getting in to tackle her.

Hubbard back to defend intercepting a diagonal pass from O’Neill as she looks to release Connell on the right. Catchpole winning the header top of her area as Wroxham get up on the left cross the ball in. The game moving into stoppage time Wroxham mounting a late attack the ball fed on for Forshaw left channel, Cockrill coming to close her down with her defence exposed, Forshaw cleverly taking the ball around the keeper as she slides in commit, left bearing down on goal shoots low, Catchpole sliding in making the last ditch defensive block the ball out to the far post Catchpole scrambling back to her feet to get to Forshaw before she gets a 2nd bite at goal lunging in to block again the ball rebounding out of the area falls to Olive 25 yards out puts her foot through the ball looking to smash it home, Cockrill recovering her position grateful to get her gloves up pluck the ball down to safety. One last corner for Wroxham to end the half put into the area successfully defending as the whistle blows.

Needham Market defender Ele Catchpole with a crucial double block at te end of the 1st half

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-1 Needham Market Women

Needham Market leading by a single goal at the break. A close contest an intriguing watch the sides evenly matched. The result could have easily been the reverse at half-time. Cockrill making 2 superb saves with Catchpole making a huge block on the stroke of half-time. Jo Brawn’s goal the difference is still very much game on going into the 2nd half. A change at half-time for Wroxham with cyan Fullbrook on in goal for Lightfoot. Needham Market getting the 2nd half underway unchanged.

The ball played out to Wroxham’s left, Bradford winning it for the hosts. Wroxham looking to make a busy start take the game to Needham Market at the start of the 2nd half, Rudd left sending the ball crossfield into Olive, back to Russell, Etheridge out to block her pass collecting the ball in the face a painful knock, play stopped for treatment. O’Neill playing the ball left to Rudd, pressured into playing the ball back to her centre backs Horn an Robson likewise under pressure as Etheridge hustles getting hold of the ball to release Rossiter into a gap on the right her cross into the area caught cleanly by Fullbrook.

Wroxham’s Zara O’Neill

Catchpole with a firm defensive clearance that has Rossiter giving chase to the ball on the right, crosses as she reaches the by-line but Fullbrook points out the ball was already gone, the assistant agrees. A corner for Needham Market on the right as Rossiter gets forwards well. As in the first half the delivery only finding Horn defending the near post area. Needham Market gaining momentum more on the right than the left with Thomas getting on to support Rossiter. Another corner on the right fired in near post Horn turning it out of the area, Needham Market have players ready to close down outside the area a shot struck in through bodies looks like it might be creeping inside the post, Fullbrook scrambling to get back to it scooping a glove under the ball enough to turn it wide for a corner on the left.

Another pause in play with Etheridge down off the ball needing treatment, needs to come off this time with Needham Market bringing on Charlotte McGrath. 20 minutes played in the 2nd half remains a very tight and edgy affair. Needham Market taking the game to Wroxham keeping them busy inside their own half keeping Forshaw off the ball. Rossiter taking the ball on right side wrapping her foot around it to send the cross into the area, Horn heading clear for Wroxham. Another player down this time for Wroxham, Eagle a willing runner looking to drive on with the ball has been clattered a few time for her efforts. Wroxham making a double switch Eagle coming off, so too Rudd to be replaced by Lara Densley and Ellie Overton. Robson moving to the left of defence.

Overton’s first touch very close to being an own goal as Needham Market have a throw high on the right, Thomas putting it on for Hanson to head forwards for Rossiter on the wing her cross fired into the six yard box almost finding Balfour free at the near post, hitting Overton behind is narrowly wide for the corner. Needham Market with the momentum getting players forwards, Catchpole and Cooper looking solid in the centre of defence, Wroxham lacking numbers when they can break Connell right her cross claimed by Cockrill. Another double change for Wroxham with Megan Rose joining the back line on for Bradford. and Summer Copland on up top for Olive.

Needham Market captain, Lois Balfour

Russell winning the ball back in the middle for Wroxham lays it forwards for Forshaw left of the turns well in behind, Cooper quick to adjust getting back at her to deny the shot. Needham Market continue to exploit Rossiter on the right getting a throw high Rossiter’s cross in is uncharacteristically missed by Horn at the near post catching Brawn behind her off guard her touch off her hip turning the ball goalwards can’t react before Fullbrook snatches it up into her gloves. Needham Market bring Lina Nagib on with 10 minutes of regular time left.

Ellie Rossiter

Rose winning it well at the back for Wroxham lifting the pass long for Connell 25 yards out an angled shot in rising Cockrill gloves it down to claim on the bounce. Rossiter and Robson enjoying a good battle now as Wroxham look to limit the balls coming into their box from the right. All good natured however Rossiter down with cramp, Robson helping her stretch. Catchpole winning the ball at the back well for Needham Market plays a good ball through for Balfour in attack, Rose getting on her shoulder to defend for Wroxham. Catchpole defending on Forshaw as O’Neill looks to find her with the pass up top. Forshaw coming off now with Eagle being sent back on to join the attack. A one two between Copland and Robson on the left as the defender gets forwards taking on the strike from distance drops wide.

Wroxham’s Tigi Robson

Wroxham looking to put some urgency into their play as they look to find a goal with the clock running down. Connell up with Eagle and Russell moving towards the Needham Market box, Fisher taking back to put the tackle in on Russell to regain possession. Rossiter coming off for Needham Market with Etheridge returning to the action, Hubbard quieter in the 2nd half making fewer forward runs nevertheless has plenty left in the tank as she cuts inside from the wing 25 yards out driving for the box Horn stepping out to block her run win back the ball. Nagib getting on the ball right for Needham Market driving up the line holding the ball up Thomas arriving to support her angled ball into the area dealt with by Rose.

Olive back on for Wroxham with the game heading for stoppage time, plenty of it to be played with the pauses for injuries. Olive taking the ball on from O’Neill in the middle forwards into Copland, Catchpole defending for Needham Market the ball running back to Olive to latch onto 25 yards out drags her volleyed effort wide. Robson off for Wroxham as they throw Forshaw back on. O’Neill with the diagonal ball out to Eagle on the right, brings it down well, striking the shot on the angle from distance frustrated as she only picks out the goalkeeper at the near post.

Wroxham’s Olive steals onto the ball left side, her cross squared into the area but a heavy touch from Forshaw allows Cooper to clear out into the middle O’Neill getting hold of it 30 plus yards out her shot dipping lands on the roof of the net. A clash of heads between Densley and Thomas sees another break in play both physio’s racing on. No chances taken with Densley coming off for Wroxham. Poppy Nunn and Paige Wakefield also coming on for Needham Market Jo Brawn one of the players off.

Lina Nagib bringing the ball forwards for Needham Market

GOAL! Deep into stoppage time Needham market regaining the ball on the right wing Wakefield taking it on cleverly winning a free-kick late in the game. Inside the Wroxham half taken quickly with Fisher running into a gap on the right side taking the ball to the top of the area before delivering a looping cross in towards the near post, put on a plate for Balfour drifting in unmarked to coolly nod down into the back of the net to seal the 3 points 0-2.

Lois Balfour centre making it 2-0 to Needham Market late in the game

The 2nd goal scored in the 96th minute with another 4 minutes of stoppage time to play Needham Market with their tails up chasing the ball down looking to keep it inside Wroxham’s half . Nagib with Fisher looking to hold it up on the right winning a corner kick off Horn, the ball into the six yard box cleared as the final whistle blows, Needham Market celebrate their first ever win in the ERWFL Premier Division.

Full time Wroxham Women 0-2 Needham Market Women

The late late goal from Lois Balfour sealing the win for Needham Market in what proved to be a tight and intriguing contest between the 2 sides. Giving little away the result could well have gone either way and neither would have complained with a draw. As it was Needham Market scored the all important goals and were strong in defence to limit Wroxham’s chances especially in the 2nd half. Even for large parts the game won on small margins the wins you have to work hard for are always the best. Needham Market took the game to Wroxham 2nd half and in doing so limited the impact their attackers had up the other end.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Boy this is a tough one and it is difficult to name a clear winner. Strong performances form both sides, with both looking solid as a unit. Jess Horn won so much at the back for Wroxham whilst Tigi Robson beside her was strong. Tiffany Forshaw making some intelligent runs in behind getting into the box unlucky not to score 1st half. That largely down to Emily Cockrill in goal an impressive debut between the sticks for Needham Market with two fine saves. Ele Catchpole too in defence with some strong defensive wins. Eva Hubbard with her managing running down the flank. The award though goes to Ellie Rossiter took the game to Wroxham 2nd half with so powerful runs getting into some great positions and delivering some dangerous crosses.

Another entertaining game for the ERWFL Premier Division, never disappoints and Needham Market are another strong addition to it’s ranks. Likewise Wroxham a new look side with a mixture of experience and youth, all the young players impressing will only get better as they play regularly at this level. As usual my thanks to both teams for their help with the team details today especially as I have been experiencing some technical difficulties. Much appreciated. Next up a derby double for the FAWNL a busy week ahead but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

FAWNL South East Division One

Sunday 21st August

Great to be back for another season covering women’s football across the East of England and what a summer it has already been for the game in this country with our Lionesses becoming Champions of Europe! Winning the competition in style with record breaking attendances beating some of the best along the way. Sure everyone has been walking a little taller in training since and can’t wait for the season to begin. Whatever the legacy from this tournament success might be it’s sure to lead to more coverage, more fans and girls inspired to take up the game, hopefully more funding and sponsorship too as people see the potential for the games growth going forwards.

England’s Lionesses, winning this summer’s UEFA Women’s European Championships

Excited for the new season to begin the FAWNL and ERWFL competitions kicking off this Sunday. Beginning my season with a trip to the Abbey Stadium to watch Cambridge United WFC play Norwich City Women in their opening fixture in FAWNL South East Division One.

The stalwarts of the league being the only two sides to consistently feature in the 4th tier since the FAWNL was created back in the 2014/15 season. With the formation of the Barclays WSL and the Championship the top 4 tiers of the woman’s pyramid are getting stronger and stronger with each passing season and the demands on clubs to remain competitive grow year on year. Clubs forming closer ties with their respective men’s sides has helped in that growth and today’s opponents have both recently seen their relationship with their men’s club strengthen.

Cambridge United WFC having established a new women’s board with League One, Cambridge United FC, chaired by Jenny Horfield. This further strengthens the women’s side to the main club and it’s youth section growing as it becomes one of the FA’s new girls emerging talent centres. Intelligent Membranes coming in to sponsor the women’s team shirts the women’s side will benefit from closer ties and resources as it looks to push on up the pyramid. Staging 4 matches at the Abbey Stadium this season.

Darren Marjoram joining 1st team coach Ben Yeomans last season as manager, Cambridge United WFC made a solid start to the campaign into the top half and looking to press for a top 4 finish, a disappointing final 3rd to the campaign however saw the club take just one point from their last 7 games that ultimately saw them finish 8th just outside the drop zone. That led to some frank discussions within the club and several players moving on. Youth players ready to step up from the development squad with a few new faces joining. The head line signing being, Sarah Wiltshire, previously on loan at Cambridge United has had playing spells with Man City, Yeovil, Watford and Tottenham, bringing experience and goal scoring ability to the club. Also joining in attack Francesca Partridge previously with Northampton Town Women and midfielder Sammy Edgar who joins from last season’s ERWFL runners up, Royston Town Women. Ruth Fox top scorer last season netting 14 goals.

Likewise for Norwich City Women their day to day management is now in house with Championship side Norwich City FC as Norfolk’s leading football club looks to better support it’s women’s side. Bringing in ex-WSL player, Flo Allen as general manager. Thing’s are beginning to move in the right direction for the club after a number of difficult season’s struggling at the bottom of the FAWNL South East Division One table. Moving to The Nest on the northern outskirts of the city to play their home matches taking advantage of a state of the art facility.

Norwich City Women looked dead and buried last season firmly inside the drop zone with 4 sides going down with 5 games to play. A heavy defeat to start the season against the eventual champions Billericay Town Women, Norwich struggled for points all through the campaign then came the turn around digging deep as a squad Norwich produced a sensational finish winning 4 of their final 5 games to haul themselves out of the bottom four to clinch 7th spot in the table. Have strengthened their squad over the summer bringing in 8 new faces, returning players, Rosie George, Alice Parker and goalkeeper Hope Armstrong. Midfielders, Katie Knights and Rebecca Russell joining from fellow Norfolk side and last season’s ERWFL Champions, Wymondham Town Ladies. Defender, Ceri Flye is a strong addition at the back joining from Cambridge City Ladies, along with Naomi Cooper from Wroxham Women and forward Liv Cook from Waveney.

The Abbey Stadium pitch

As mentioned the Abbey Stadium hosting 4 games for the women’s side this season as the club looks to promote the side. 3 league clashes with Norwich first up followed by local rivals Cambridge City and Actonians Ladies plus a cup match to be announced. The main stand open for the game with the bar area open beneath plus hot food being served. A good atmosphere building the home crowd getting behind the team with Norwich bringing several supporters. The grass pitch in perfect condition lush and green at the start of the season. The weather too dry and bright, not as hot as in recent weekends favouring playing conditions.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Abbi Griffin, Ella Marden, Lauren Rouse, Grace Waygood, Gisella Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Alysha Stojko-Down, Ruth Fox, Sarah Wiltshire & Francesca Partridge. Subs – Abi Davies, Albany Hodgson, Niamh Day, Libby Fraser & Sunny McGregor.

Norwich City Women

Norwich City Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Anna Larkins (C), Alice Parker, Ceri Flye, Chardonnay Johnston, Katie Knights, Rebecca Russell, Ellie Smith, Megan Todd, Natasha Snelling & Freya Symonds. Subs – Summer Ward, Kathryn Stanley, Naomi Cooper, Leilah Gooding & Olivia Cook.

Like to be closer to the action but headed up to the press box for this one to get a better view of the pitch. Sarah Wiltshire, Sammy Edgar and Francesca Partridge all making their competitive starts for Cambridge. Ceri Flye, Katie Knights and Rebecca Russell in the starting XI for Norwich. Norwich to have the kick-off 1st half wearing their 3rd choice kit which I was wondering how to describe but the club has done it for me listed a xenon pink and blue shirt with xenon blue shorts and socks, xenon being obtained by the distillation of liquid air so I’d be inclined to shift towards pastel, still it looks pretty cool. Cambridge lined up opposite in their traditional amber shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball sent long out to Freya Symonds moving left Abbi Griffin defending at right back for Cambridge cleared up to Wiltshire in attack.

Abbi Griffin playing out from the back for Cambridge

Norwich quick to close down the early exchanges frantic the ball put on for Megan Todd out on the right off attack, Ellie Smith coming over to support the pair winning Norwich a series of throws as they look to gain ground on the flank. Cambridge regaining possession on the middle the ball lifted on for Wiltshire on the move left wing, helps it on for Partridge in attack, Norwich captain Anna Larkins close in defending the ball out for a throw. Smith likes to get hold of the ball from midfield and drive forwards with it, bursting forwards into the area left of the D holding off a defender closing in on the six yard box, Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb coming to meet her sliding in to claim the ball at her feet

Ellie Smith on the attack for Norwich

Could do with some ball boys over on the far side of the pitch as the match ball disappears into the stand for a throw. From the resulting throw Norwich are awarded a free-kick on the left. Rebecca Russell over it for the visitors a good dead ball specialist during her time at Wymondham whips in an angled ball towards the far post goes through everyone out for a goal kick however play is brought back for a raised offside flag. Webb has to be alert inside her box with Norwich looking to close the ball down quickly inside the Cambridge half Alice Parker on the right sending it on for Freya Symonds stealing in between the centre backs, Webb rushing out seeing the threat sliding in to save at the strikers feet.

Norwich’s Freya Symonds with Cambridge’s Sarah Wiltshire

Norwich certainly looking to pressure Cambridge on the ball force errors, nipping in to regain possession from a throw right side Smith brings the ball under control turns in field squaring it to Russell 25 yards out top of the D, she lays it forwards into the area for Natasha Snelling looking to break in behind the pass a little heavy out for a goal kick. Numbers up to close the ball down Norwich quickly regain possession as Cambridge look to break on through the middle Russell lining up a shot from outside the box left of the D racing low towards the bottom corner, Webb down smartly to save. Smith is proving a nuisance for the Cambridge defence as she looks to power forwards with the ball, Ella Marden at left back getting the tackle in to take the ball away from her as she turns inside.

Cambridge’s Ella Marden

Cambridge taking their time to find their rhythm having made a nervous start, looking for Fox and Wiltshire out on the flanks in attack the ball comes left for Wiltshire pushed on for Partridge who uses her body well to hold up the ball playing it back to her captain Gisella Otten in the middle before spinning in behind, Otten looking to thread the pass into her plays it too straight allowing Bryony Williams to collect unopposed inside the Norwich box. Katie Knights for Norwich and Sammy Edgar for Cambridge are too uncompromising ball winning midfielders a competitive tussle forming in the middle of the park. Edgar putting a strong tackle in on Smith as she attempts to drive on with the ball once more Smith winning the free-kick in front of the centre circle.

Cambridge captain, Gisella Otten

Chardonnay Johnston to play the ball short to Smith pulling to the right in space sending an angled cross in to be attacked beyond the far post Symonds with a glancing header the ball wide. Cambridge coming back at Norwich better now as they look to push bodies forwards hustle possession in Norwich’s half. Edgar in strong to win the ball taking it forwards towards the edge of the area left of the D plays in inside to Partridge top of the D, can’t quite take it in her stride as she looks to see the ball across her and shoot. Smith’s driving runs with the ball a constant danger have the Cambridge defence back peddling almost succeeds in sending the pass on for Snelling, Webb though alert to the danger again out quickly to lay claim to the ball.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb getting hold of the ball

Fox out on the right takes the ball off Johnston at the back and races on down the flank putting an early looped cross into the six yard box, is just over Wiltshire who has drifted in to the near post area.

GOAL! No sooner have Norwich almost carved out a chance one end then Cambridge get up the other end and open the scoring. Webb quick to realise the ball helped on up to Partridge positioned right of the D some 25 yards out not closed down turns on the ball and catches the strike superbly to smash the ball home for her first Cambridge goal 1-0.

Francesca Partridge celebrating scoring her 1st Cambridge goal!

Closing on on 20 minutes played the deadlock broke a fantastic strike from Francesca Partridge. Norwich get straight on the attack from the restart Cambridge caught napping as Tod steals clear on the right into the box wide of goal closing in on the by-line sends a cross in Webb down to claim. Knights busy in the centre getting her challenges in winning the ball for Norwich her diagonal pass finding Symonds in the right channel, shifts inside shaping to shoot, Otten throwing herself in harms way to block it. Alysha Stojko-Down on with the ball for Cambridge out to Wiltshire on the left squares it into Partridge, Knights tracking back to defend for Norwich.

Norwich midfielder, Katie Knights

Parker is down needing treatment a chance for both sides to take on fluids an even contest now after a bright start from Norwich. Larkins travelling on with the ball in space for Norwich playing a great diagonal pass into the area for Snelling to bring down left of the goal, Webb coming to close looks to chip it on, Webb getting the faintest of touches falls straight to Smith central the flag up against her before she can unleash her shot. Cambridge feed the ball up the line left for Partridge is fouled by Knights winning a free kick 30 yards out. Wiltshire over the ball takes the shot on her effort over the goal.

GOAL! Norwich have possession in the middle a speculative pass played forwards, Waygood goes to cut it out for Cambridge sliding onto the ball is a miscue as the ball deflects off her foot in behind left straight for Symonds racing in taking the ball on into the area Webb coming looks to strike the shot high over her Webb getting her gloves up getting something on the ball but unfortunately straight down into path of Snelling running in central to tap the ball home for six yards for her 1st goal of the season 1-1.

Natasha Snelling equalises for Norwich

Cambridge advance down the left from the restart Wiltshire winning the hosts their first corner of the game. Wiltshire to play it into the area goes long beyond the far post Fox their to meet it inside the six yard box a good header down towards goal, Williams in goal down sharply to make the blocking save the ball turned away to the left retrieved by Wiltshire angles the ball back in towards goal, Williams back on her feet claiming it. Both sides looking to add to the score line Norwich finding Todd wide right shifts inside her cross fizzed in cut out Smith latching onto the rebound outside the box smashing it goalwards, Waygood with the block.

Ruth Fox connects with the header for Cambridge

Smith brought own on the right a free-kick for Norwich 35 yards out, Russell over it the cross into the far post through everyone. Waygood showing a good turn of pace at the back to recover get back on Snelling clear for a throw as she is played in on the right channel for Norwich. Griffin with a diagonal pass long looking for Wiltshire wide left, Ceri Flye winning the header for Norwich at the back. Competitive in the middle a few challenges flying in Norwich finding Symonds left outside the area playing it into Snelling finds room to squeeze a shot away her stabbed effort blocked by Lauren Rouse.

Laruen Rouse holding off Norwich’s Natasha Snelling

Into stoppage time at the end of a lively first half the ball fed into Symonds from the left controls well shifting it twice between her feet inside the area as the Cambridge defence close her down, nevertheless gets a shot away threatening to creep into the bottom corner Webb wrongfooted initially scrambling back to throw herself at the ball palm it away to safety. Norwich finishing the half strong Russell’s free kick bringing a corner Cambridge heading clear as the half draws to a close.

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

Honours even at the end of the first half the sides drawing 1-1. Norwich starting the brighter putting Cambridge under pressure forcing errors the hosts looking nervous taking a little time to settle into the game the visitors with chances to open the scoring before Francesca Partridge scored in the 18th minute with a superb strike to give Cambridge the lead. Norwich kept going a mix up at the back leading to them scoring the equalising goal past the half hour. Cambridge forcing a top class save from Williams unlucky not to be leading at the break. All to play for 2nd half.

Norwich’s Rebecca Russell

An injury for Symonds in the first half she is replaced by Kathryn Stanley. Cambridge unchanged getting the 2nd half underway, Otten sending it long to the left for Wiltshire, Larkins defending, both Otten and Edgar snapping in to win the ball keep the momentum with the hosts as they look to make a fast start to the 2nd half the Norwich defence getting in their blocks standing firm, Intent from Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half Edgar rushing in to win the ball out to Fox on the right turns inside tackled by Johnston.

Norwich captain, Anna Larkins

Cambridge attacking Fox on the ball wins the hosts a corner out on the right played in beyond the far post Edgar getting her head on the ball her attempt narrowly over the crossbar. Norwich riding out the early Cambridge storm the game settling down into a more even contest both sides vying for the ball. The visitors with a throw on the right half way inside the Cambridge half Smith bringing it down turning inside shaping to curl a shot in towards goal, is an unfortunately block from Todd in front of her to deflect the ball away for a goal kick.

Norwich’s Alice Parker with Cambridge’s Ruth Fox

Cambridge inviting a bit of pressure as Norwich are strong out of possession looking to hustle players into rushing passes making errors. Flye across to defend on Wiltshire as Marden looks to lift the ball on up the flank. Fox on the right spins off her marker well getting in behind on the wing lifting a cross into the area Johnston up to head the ball away at the near post conceding a corner. Played in long knocked back in Edgar attacking it deflected behind for another corner. The in swinger snatched down well by Williams.

Norwich goalkeeper, Bryony Williams

Todd looks to bring the ball down out left as the clearance is lifted up to her Rouse getting a foot in t take the ball away conceding a corner kick played in from the left across the six yard box Snelling stretching beyond the six yard box sends the ball wide.

Norwich’s Megan Todd

GOAL! Past the hour mark Norwich have been getting plenty forwards in attack and over whelm the right side Larkins up with Stanley driving on to the by line into the box cuts the cross back into the top of the six yard box players lining up to meet it comes to Snelling to stab home for her 2nd of the game to put the visitors into the lead 1-2.

Natasha Snelling celebrates after she puts Norwich into the lead

Cambridge suffering a blow trailing at home look to get on down the right Griffin up with Fox, Parker defending the out for a goal kick. Norwich’s Smith gets hold of the ball in the final third 25 yards out central the pass short inti Stanley right of the D, plays in inside the area to Snelling ahead of her closed down the ball back with Stanley sees Larkins racing forwards wide left picking her out the full back striking her shot over on the angle. Norwich looking strong getting players forwards forcing Norwich back making it difficult for them to find their own attacking players.

Marden picking up a knock Cambridge making a change at the back with Albany Hodgson coming on. Norwich winning a corner on the right a good ball into the six yard box dealt with well by Edgar at the near post with a good header for Cambridge. Griffin out from the back on for Partridge in attack, free for a moment a good turn of pace form Flye to get across and clear the ball for a throw. The ball never still for long particularly in the middle pinging back and forth Cambridge have the break Wiltshire central laying it off to Partridge drifting right, shapes to shoot Johnston throwing herself into the block to deny her from 20 yards out.

Chardonnay Johnston defending for Norwich

A free -kick for Cambridge wide right 30 or so yards out Wiltshire takes on the shot a dangerous ball in dropping late has Williams needing to pluck it down to safety back on her goal line.

GOAL! Into the final 15 minutes , Griffin is left in a heap as she is dispossessed half way inside the Cambridge half on the right, Smith racing on with the ball down the channel taking it inside the box closing in on goal blasting a shot at Webb the keeper down spreading herself to make the save the ball not under control deflects up and into Smith to collect on the rebound and turn home at the 2nd attempt 1-3.

Ellie Smith making the block on Fox scoring Norwich’s 3rd goal

Worse for Cambridge, Griffin hurt from the initial challenge that led to the goal can’t continue a 2nd change enforced with Abi Davies on. Edgar with a talking too from the referee after another robust tackle. Norwich from the resulting free-kick 30 yards out Russell putting her effort over the bar. Time ticking down for Cambridge to get themselves back into the match with a free kick top of the circle. Wiltshire decides to have a pop at goal, is close by Williams can see it safely onto the roof of her net.

Norwich making their 2nd change of the game with Smith the player coming off to be replaced by Liv Cook. Stojko-Down heads the ball on for Partridge inside the box, Johnston and Flye closing her down wins her side a corner. Played in from the right to the far post is turned wide. Stojko-Down comes off for Cambridge, on comes Sunny McGregor for the closing stages with time running out for Cambridge to find a goal.

GOAL! One minute of regular time left on the clock and the back of the net is found one last time as Norwich break up a Cambridge attack the ball into full back Larkins on the right looks to send it long is a brilliant ball up into the box with substitute Liv Cook pulling in behind at the near post looking to see it drop over her shoulder and shoot, before she can she is brought down by Hodgson the referee pointing to the spot penalty! Snelling on a hat-trick placing the ball on the spot makes no mistake sending the keeper the wrong way placing the ball centrally lifting it into the back of the net 1-4.

Natasha Snelling scores from the penalty spot to complete her hat-trick

Snelling’s last action of the game as she comes off to be replaced by Leilah Gooding. Stoppage time being played. Cambridge find Partridge pulling away left of the D her attempted a lob defending the ball falling to Wiltshire 30 yards out her strike from distance held by the keeper. Another change for Cambridge with Niamh Day on for Fox. Edgar picking up a late yellow card as thing’s get heated in the circle between her, Knights and Russell. Todd wins a corner for Norwich defended Webb sending the ball long for Partridge in attack a shot from the edge of the box is cleanly caught by Williams.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-4 Norwich City Women

Norwich starting their campaign with a win on the opening day. A confidence boosting result with a strong 2nd half to claim victory. A competitive contest the visitors making a good start to the game taking the game to Cambridge before the hosts settled and went on to open the scoring. A mistake leading to the equaliser Cambridge nevertheless with chances to lead at half-time started the 2nd half with intent but after riding that out Norwich looked strong taking the game to their opponents getting players forwards pressing the ball taking the lead on the hour adding a 3rd with less than 15 minutes left. Cambridge pushing on searching for a reply, conceding a late penalty to see Natasha Snelling claim her hat-trick. The final score maybe a little harsh on Cambridge, Norwich playing well for the 3 points, will be alot happier than they were this time last season for sure.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the season. Sometimes they are easy but most of the time it’s a tough decision. Players to mention from both sides, starting with Cambridge, Sarah Wiltshire working hard up front to run the channel make herself available press the defence on the ball. Francesca Partridge making a solid debut, please to say Women’s Football East is sponsoring her for the season. Showed good presence up top and scored a fantastic goal. For Norwich, Ceri Flye made an impressive debut in defence with a number of well timed tackles good positioning throughout. Katie Knights was busy in the middle breaking up play and Ellie Smith always impresses whenever I see her in action a strong runner on the ball her driving runs form the middle had Cambridge on the back foot constantly. Today’s award goes to their hat-trick scorer, Natasha Snelling. Took her goals well with some great runs during the match to get into the box and bring her teammates into play.

Great to start a new season, an enjoyable afternoon at the Abbey Stadium a good crowd of 64 in attendance that showed their appreciation to Cambridge despite the result. Squad lists after the saviour to a match report writer but I appreciate getting the team sheets nonetheless. Looking forwards t the season ahead, actually have the next months games planned already but I’m not jinxing it by telling anyone what they are. It’s good to be back.

by Darren Gilham

Archive – Young Lionesses U17 Euro’s 2013 – Group Round-up

Archive – 1st published on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog 2nd December 2013

UEFA Women’s U17 Championship – England progress

Last Tuesday saw the start of UEFA’s Women’s U17 Championships which saw England in competition with 7 other qualifying nations. Having enjoyed watching a few of the Women’s U19 Euro matches in the summer I really wanted to go see what the next age group coming through had to offer so booked the tickets to go and see all of England’s group matches.
The 4 venues chosen to host these Championship matches were, Chesterfield FC, Burton Albion, Hinckley & AFC Telford. The 8 participating nations were drawn into 2 groups of 4 with the top 2 in each progressing through to the semi-final stage. England were drawn in Group A along side Italy, Austria & Portugal. Group B was made up of Germany, France, Spain & Scotland.

England’s 1st game was against Italy on 26th Nov at AFC Telford taking the day off work for a 12:30 kick off AFC Telford is a nice modern stadium with one large stand running the length of the pitch, terracing either end packed with school children and the England band in town it was a great atmosphere the kids loving it making plenty of noise as the two teams put on a very good display of flowing high tempo football that was end to end (very un-Italian like) without really creating any clear cut chances on goal in fact it was the defenders who stood out the most England Captain Leah Williamson and her defensive partner Gabriel George played very well the game was heading for a 0-0 probably a fair result too however football’s not always fair and Italy were making some good runs into the box late on 1 shot took a deflection and Italy claimed the win with just minutes to play. Austria and Portugal played out a 0-0 which was as far as England were concerned a great result.
In Group B Germany won despite a strong Scotland fightback 4-2 with Spain beating France 2-0.

Onto Friday 29th Nov and group game no 2 this time a 7:00 kick off at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium a new built stadium and very impressive. England’s opponents Austria, after an opening day defeat England really needed a win. A Friday night with no school parties to attend the crowd was nevertheless in excess of 2000 turned out along with the band to watch the same England side that had started against Italy struggle early on to cope with Austria’s flank players driving into the box and it was from one of these Austria scored the opening goal. England needed a response Ashleigh Plumptre coming in from the left was causing Austria problems and it was she who scored the equaliser to make it 1-1 at the break.
The 2nd half was totally different England came out the stronger were the ones asking Austria questions and it was Lucy Porter whom had just come on who tucked the ball home from an inch perfect cross from midfielder Keira Walsh from the edge of the box and England won 2-1. Italy clinched their place in the semi’s beating Portugal 2-0. In Group B Scotland kept their hopes of qualifying alive with a 0-0 draw with Spain whilst Germany beat France 4-0 to reach the semi’s themselves.

Now onto today Monday 2nd December and the final round of group matches. Up against Portugal a 12:30 kick off at Burton Albion the most straight forwards of my 3 journeys so far so you would think it was a total nightmare hold ups everywhere and the less said about road ‘improvements’ in Nottingham the better still got there just in time loads of kids again and the band they really know how to get a crowd going, so long as you’re not sitting next to the drummer. A draw would see England progress to the semi’s however a Portugal win would see them qualify at our expense so what England really needed was an early goal and on 11 mins midfielder Mollie Rouse rifled a shot into the back of the net England were dominant with Atlanta Primus (daughter of ex premier league footballer Linvoy Primus) making her 1st start in the tournament on the left England were strong a 2nd goal was scored through no 7 Evie Clarke then a 3rd minutes later this time headed in by Atlanta Primus. On the stroke of half time Portugal pulled a goal back to give them hope through Carolina Ferreira. The 2nd half however was again dominated by England, Portugal could not cope with their strength and movement and the 4th goal was scored by striker Chloe Kelly. The Portuguese keeper Catarina Barradas brought down an England player in the box and was sent off on 50 mins her replacement unable to save the penalty taken by England’s right back Alice Hassall. The final goal England’s 6th was headed in from a corner by Lucy Porter and England reached the semi finals in emphatic fashion with what will be huge confidence and belief. In the other match Austria got a 1-0 over Italy and finish 3rd in the group. In Group B Scotland needed a win coupled with a Spanish defeat to go through sadly they were beaten 1-0 by France, whilst Spain stole top spot in the group from Germany by beating them 4-0.
Thus the semi-final line up will be Italy v Germany & Spain v England two fascinating matches the final will be a hard one to call I’m certainly not going to do so. I have been very impressed with the standard of football on display it has been a very good advert for the women’s game especially for the young children who have attended the games the venues have been very good and the attendances for the games I’ve been to excellent. Roll on the semi-finals…

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Belles Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

Wednesday 25th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Final game of the season for Women’s Football East this evening, ending thing’s with a midweek trip to Carrow Road for the Final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup sponsored by Harrod Sport between Mulbarton Belles Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies.

The women’s county cup finale back at the home of Norwich City FC for the 2nd time having hosted the women’s showpiece game in Norfolk back in 2019, between King’s Lynn Town Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies. The final originally at the newly developed Harrod Sport arena at the FDC, the game switched to Carrow Road following online protests over the decision.

A county cup double at Carrow Road this week for Mulbarton Belles Ladies with the man’s side beating Dereham Town 2-1 on Monday to lift the Ashtons Legal Senior Cup. Mulbarton Belles Ladies very much looking forwards to the experience at playing at the home of the Canaries having reached the county cup final for the 2nd successive season and their first full season playing under the Mulbarton banner. The side born following a despite with their former club that saw much of the senior squad and their manager Martin Francis move to Mulbarton who have had a woman’s side previously. Now taking on a talented and tightly knit squad to compete in the NWGFL bearing fruit straight away as they reached the county cup final where they were beaten by Norwich City Women.

Building on that successful debut in the NWGFL have had a hugely successful league campaign running away with the Division One title winning all 20 of there league matches to finish 12 points clear of the rest. A potential treble on the cards having reached both the finals of the league and county cups, were to miss out in the league cup final 10 days ago beaten in a sudden death penalty shootout by Fakenham Town Ladies. Still one more shot at a double although it will be a tall order agianst Wymondham this evening. That said Mulbarton have knocked out higher league opposition twice on their way to this season’s final. Captain Rebekah Lake their talisman in front of goal netting an incredible 42 goals so far this season. Missing the league cup final due to a broken arm was hoping to get the cast removed in time to be available for this evenings final, and I had no doubt she would.

Like Mulbarton, Wymondham Town Ladies have had hugely successful season, under manager Alex Guy the club has progressed up the women’s football pyramid, the stand alone club as they won the ERWFL Premier Division to win promotion from the regional set-up to the national FAWNL tier 4 above. Made it a league and cup double with a 2-1 win over fellow Norfolk side Wroxham Women in the League Cup final 2 weeks ago and are now seeking to make it a treble winning season by winning the county cup for the 3rd time. Have fond memories of Carrow Road having won the first women’s county cup final to be played here back in 2019 beating King’s Lynn 4-1 to lift the trophy for the 2nd successive season and will want to end an excellent season on a high. Hannah Waters leading goal scorer netting 20 goals this season with fellow attackers, Francesca Catchpole and Laura Nicholls with 16 and 15 respectfully.

Road to the Final

The 4 leading sides in Norfolk through league placing, Norwich City Women, Wymondham Town Ladies, Wroxham Women and King’s Lynn Town Ladies not entering the competition until the quarter final stage the rest of the entrants playing for the other 4 places in 3 rounds. Mulbarton Belles Ladies effectively given a bye through to the quarter finals themselves progressing without kicking a ball, a first round bye followed by Away wins awarded in rounds 2 and 3

The quarter final draw throwing up a tough tie and repeat of the previous years final as Mulbarton were away to Norwich City Women. Winning that final 7-0, Norwich would have been strong favourites but back then were struggling in their league whilst Mulbarton were in good form scoring goals the the game level at 2-2 at the final whistle heading to a penalty shoot out often a lottery, it was Mulbarton who emerged victorious winning 4-3 to book their spot in the semi-finals. Wymondham also away in the quarter finals drawn against Division One side Thetford Town Ladies. Wymondham eventually going on to run out comfortable winners 6-1 to progress into the semi-finals with Francesca Catchpole scoring a hat-trick, Chelsea Clarke, Katie Knights and Laura Nicholls all getting a goal each.

Both sides drawn away in their respective semi-finals. Mulbarton with a trip to The Walks to play ERWFL Premier Division side, King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Another close game with a single goal enough to win the game going in Mulbarton’s favour as they reached the final for a 2nd successive season. Wymondham taking on Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women, the NWGFL Division One side knocking out ERWFL Premier Division rivals Wroxham on penalties in the quarter finals. Goals for Laura Nicholls and Katie Knights securing a 2-0 win and another appearance in a Carrow Road final looking to win the county cup for a 3rd time and with it the treble.

Great to see the Women’s County Cup Final back at Carrow Road. A superb venue hosting a Lionesses game here back in February, and with the upcoming Euro’s this summer an fantastic opportunity to see substantial growth in the women’s game. A special occasion for the players and coaching teams and fans alike just as it was for the men’s Senior Cup final on Monday, a showpiece final at a leading stadium in Norfolk. Up in the press box for this one a great view of the pitch is large and as you’d expect an immaculate grass pitch to play on. A decent crowd building in buoyant mood both teams with plenty of support. Cloudy but mild with little chance of rain.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies

Mulbarton Belles Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Vicky McNorton, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Megan Belsey, Lucy Lincoln, Alice Smith, Laura Hedtke, Ellie Hunter, Sophie Jermy, Atlanta Griffith & Rebekah Lake. Subs – Melissa Belsey , Annie Smith, Olivia Smith, Meg Anderton & Molly Ryan.

Wymondham Town Ladies

Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Chelsea Clarke, Leah Newcombe (C), Lauren Kett, Mary Croft, Becca Russell, Katie Knights, Jennifer Codman, Natasha Youngs, Kyla Love & Hannah Waters. Subs – Jess Luff, Hayley Kindred, Francesca Catchpole, Laura Nicholls & Lyla Studd.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

A moment of silence held before kick-off held in memory of the tragic victims of the senseless mass shooting at Uvalde School in Texas, followed by a period of applause for those lost in the Norfolk football community over the past year.

Captain Rebekah Lake in the starting line-up for Mulbarton having had her cast removed, a few players carrying knocks, whilst Wymondham have players out injured too. Both sides having seen little competitive action over leading up to the final with Mulbarton’s league campaign finishing a month ago, Wymondham’s as far back as March 27th with a couple of cup games in between. Wymondham to get the county cup final underway kicking off first half wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Mulbarton opposite wearing black and blue vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball played back into Jennifer Codman in midfield back to her right back Mulbarton closing down forcing play back to the keeper.

Atlanta Griffith on the ball for Mulbarton linking up with Laura Hedtke in midfield she spreads play out to the right for Ellie Hunter getting up on the right her cross turned away for a throw in. Mulbarton making a positive start rushing in to close Wymondham down who look a little nervous in comparison the ball given away, Kyla Love looking to get on into the left channel, Vicky McNorton defending for Mulbarton who look to counter through the middle, Codman tackling to reclaim possession for Wymondham.

Mulbarton’s Vicky McNorton

Chelsea Clarke bringing the ball on for Wymondham on the left from the back lifting it forwards for striker Hannah Waters moving out onto the wing, McNorton going with her for Mulbarton with the challenge to win the ball, play stopped however with the flag raised for offside. Katie Knights controlling the ball in midfield for Wymondham turning to lift it forwards for Love bursting through on the left side but unable to keep the ball in play. Becca Russell winning the resulting header from the goal kick for Wymondham 30 yards out left put on for Knights looking to run in behind, Megan Belsey alert stabbing a foot out to take the ball from her feet out for a throw high up the pitch.

Griffith getting about the pitch closing players down to pressure possession linking well with Hedtke and Smith in midfield for Mulbarton. Getting the ball into her feet 20 yards out back to goal left of the D Griffith helps it on for Lake breaking into the area left side gets to the by-line her attempted cross, turned behind for a corner kick. The delivery flashed in near side comfortably defended by Wymondham. The ball played out to Waters right over halfway looks to get forwards, lacking support is outnumbered on the ball.

Kyla Love winning the header for Wymondham

Mulbarton pressing outside the Wymondham box, Griffith strong with Knights heading the ball forwards right side for Hunter who looks to take it inside towards the box, Mary Croft defending well for Wymondham clearing the ball. Mulbarton with a promising start up on the right with a throw inside for Sophie Jermy right of the D playing the ball inside for Lake again taking the ball onto the by-line seeing her cross charged down behind for a corner.

Mary Croft clearing the ball

Coming on with the ball through the middle Wymondham’s Russell on for Waters in attack, has Love getting on ahead of her, the threaded pass, cut out by Mulbarton centre back, Lucy Lincoln. Codman given the ball on the left for Wymondham looks to drop it over the top into the box to be attacked, goalkeeper, Cara Anderson getting her gloves around the ball safely first. Wymondham looking better now getting numbers forwards quicker as they win possession a throw high on the left into Waters can’t capitalise with her cross.

Vicky McNorton an Hannah Waters

Love controlling the ball on the left in attack for Wymondham has full back, Clarke bombing on on the overlap laying the ball on into her path escapes in behind wide the send a cross into the six yard box, Lincoln with the hasty clearance getting to the ball ahead of Waters closing in. Griffiths doing the defending at the near post for Mulbarton. Causing problems at the other end too is fouled wide. 15 minutes played a competitive game in store. Griffith to the right taking the ball on from Hedtke sends it across the top of the Wymondham area for Jermy to take on the spin into the area left side, Lauren Kett closing in to tackle for Wymondham win the ball.

Smith central for Mulbarton picking out Jermy forwards on the left she squares it into Griffith central 20 yards out top of the D her shot on the turn dipping in towards goal, goalkeeper Chloe Pearce right behind it to save comfortably for Wymondham. An opportunity out of nothing for Wymondham as Natasha Youngs wide on the right is in to attack the box after the defence miss the ball, driving for the area, is rapidly closed down under challenge managing to get a shot away the ball deflected behind at the near post for a corner.

Wymondham’s Becca Russell

Put in near side, Jermy heading it away up the left side for Mulbarton, won back by Wymondham captain Leah Newcombe the cross sent back in towards the top of the area Mulbarton’s defence stepping up, Lincoln winning the header to clear. Lake seeing the ball rolled into her feet in attack looks to press forwards for Mulbarton in attack, isolated however, Croft getting back at her to tackle regain possession for Wymondham. Jermy with the ball left side crossing into Griffith near post area 10 yards out stooping an twisting to get her head on the ball, sees it blocked before being turned behind.

Waters drifting left looking to get in behind with the ball, Megan Belsey doing well against her for Mulbarton, Love up the pitch pressing winning Wymondham a corner. The ball knocked on into the middle of the box, no shot on as the ball is closed down. Knights full of energy for Wymondham taking the ball on through the middle, McNorton and Lincoln closing her down. Croft bringing the ball on from the back for Wymondham with a great pass forwards for Waters beating the offside trap, Lincoln recoverin to get a foot in to take the ball away for a corner on the right. The inswinging delivery curling onto the top of the crossbar ear side.

Wymondham’s Chelsea Clarke

The crowd in good voice backing both teams. Waters appears to have pulled up with an injury for Wymondham, down can’t continue midway through the 1st half, on comes Laura Nicholls. Jermy moving to the right in attack for Mulbarton getting forwards looking to thread it on for Lake pulling off the defence to get into the box, Croft back at her well to clear the ball away for a throw. Is a little lively with a few strong tackles flying in adding to the crowds enthusiasm. Youngs breaking right side for Wymondham attempts to put the ball on for Nicholls the pass over hit.

Mulbarton’s Laura Hedtke

Knights getting on left side supporting Love, Belsey winning the ball back for Mulbarton. Kett strong in defence with Griffith on her shoulder looking to attack the ball left of goal, gets it bac into her keeper to clear. Smith and Hedtke battling in the middle to get the ball back for Mulbarton put out to the right the cross sent long on into the area left side, Newcombe winning the header for Wymondham. Newcombe then getting up the pitch on the right looking to support Youngs and Nicholls as they try to make headway outside the Mulbarton area.

GOAL! That move breaking down Mulbarton getting the ball back up their left, Newcombe closing in to reclaim it sending a superb ball on for Nicholls to turn and take on into the area, strong as she breaks into the box, Anderson coming to close the angle, defenders trying to get back on her sliding in Nicholls gets the ball past the keeper to send it home to open the scoring 0-1.

Wymondham celebrating after Laura Nicholls fired them into the lead

Laura Nicholls opening the scoring in the County Cup Final

Wymondham taking the lead with a little under 15 minutes left in the first half, Knights winning the ball back in the middle, Clarke on the move left side crossing early, McNorton winning the header for Mulbarton top of the area. Clarke attempting to get on past Love on the overlap as the pair look to exchange passes on the left side, Belsey reading it well for Mulbarton. Smith with time on the ball central for Mulbarton attempts the through ball for Lake, Kett intercepting at the back for Wymondham.

Jermy central back to go controlling the ball looks to feed it into Griffith’s path as she bursts into the box from the left, Kett she idling sees the ball back to her keeper. Smith having a go from all of 30 yards out, has a decent strike on her, not this time though as it drops kindly for Pearce to claim. A clever turn from Knights out left for Wymondham forwards for Love, she i turn with the dummy outside the D letting in roll on for Nicholls, Lincoln in on her making the challenge to deny a shot.

Lake pulling away looking to get in behind left into the box Newcombe quick to recover back on her to defend for Wymondham. Mungham-Gray getting up on the left for Mulbarton looking to support Jermy an Griffith as they battle for possession outside the area left side wins a corner. Put in from the left to the near post Griffith up to challenge the keeper, the ball out for a goalkick. Into the final 5 minutes of the 1st half the goal going a long way to lift Wymondham getting more of the ball looking to take the game t Mulbarton. Lincoln defending with Nicholls as she rounds her inside the box looking to get in on goal, frustrated when a goa kick is awarded against her and not the corner she wanted.

Newcombe getting up on the right swinging a cross into the Mulbarton box, cut out a strong appeal for hand ball but nothing doing. The ball behind for a corner from the right. In near side Love attacking it twisting as she looks to turn her header towards goal is wide across the target. An opportunity for Mulbarton as Griffith gets clear on the left side breaking on for the area, Pearce starts to come but hesitates not getting there, attempts to back track, Griffith striking the ball on the angle can only pick out the side netting. One last attack for Wymondham in the closing stages of the 1st half, Love up on the left putting a diagonal ball into Nicholls outside the D she spins it onto Youngs on the right has, Newcombe racing past her on the overlap putting the ball on for her, sends the cross into the six yard box, Love having made the run to get there can’t get a meaningful touch.

Half-time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 0-1 Wymondham Town Ladies

Wymondham with the single goal advantage at the break. Substitute, Laura Nicholls with the break through with a little over half and hour played put through on goal to send her shot past the keeper. A bright start from Mulbarton, Wymondham taking longer to settle the game competitive, even for a long period. Closing the ball down forcing errors. The goal giving Wymondham renewed confidence getting forwards well. A couple of chances for Mulbarton to get back on level terms not taken. Just a goal in it though still all to play for 2nd half.

A couple of changes for Mulbarton at the start of the 2nd half, Melissa Belsey on up top replacing Lake with Olivia Smith on at left back replacing Mungham-Gray. It’s Mulbarton to get the 2nd half underway, look for Griffith on the right the ball lost for a throw. Looking to get on from the start Smith sends the ball on through the middle for Jermy whose attempted through ball for Melissa Belsey is claimed by the advancing keeper. Wymondham coming on left side getting a throw in the ball crossed into area attacked near side by Russell her effort sent wide across goal.

Mulbarton’s Melissa Belsey

Love nipping in to regain possession for Wymondham right side putting it forwards for Youngs looks to travel with it, Olivia Smith tackling well for Mulbarton. Griffith getting on left looks to play in Melissa Belsey central, getting away from Kett momentarily, Croft is around on the cover to clear the ball.

GOAL! A goal early in the 2nd half for Wymondham to double their lead. Croft with possession at the ball ,looks up seeing Clarke racing on free into space left side picks her out superbly with the diagonal ball, Clarke taking it on firing the cross in, Youngs there six yards out to attack volleying ball up high past the keeper into the back of the net 0-2.

Natasha Youngs doubles Wymondham’s lead

Another change for Mulbarton, Megan Belsey having picked up an injury coming off with Molly Ryan coming on. Mulbarton press on the left winning a throw high, Griffith with the header on up the wing for Jermy to the by-line, her cross fed into the area, cleared but only as far as Alice Smith 25 yards out goes to strike the ball pulling her effort wide of the left post. Play more open in the 2nd half with the game becoming a little stretched a free kick on half way knocked on by Wymondham the ball won back from the resulting goal kick the cross angled in from the right clear inside the six yard box for a corner. The ball nodded on across goal cleared, Mulbarton can’t get out as Wymondham close down quickly the ball out to Nicholls right her cross coming to Knights central, can’t turn Mulbarton closing her down the clearance out to the left side the shot struck back in from all of 25 yards out smashed wide of the near post.

Mulbarton’s Atlanta Griffith with Wymondham’s Kyla Love

All action with Wymondham looking to turn the screw. Hunter finding some useful pockets of space for Mulbarton getting forwards on the right of attack combining with Ryan out wide, her cross into the Wymondham area cut out by Croft. Griffith has carried the game to Wymondham all game for Mulbarton a powerful runner on the ball comes on left side turning inside sends it on for Hunter in an advanced position left of the D, who into sends the return back inside her Griffith to strike, the attempt curling in has Pearce scrambling across her goal but wide of the far post.

Mulbarton’s Ellie Hunter holding off Wymondham’s Becca Russel

A double change for Wymondham, players pulling up with cramp and other niggles, Hayley Kindred on for Kett with Francesca Catchpole on for Youngs. The substitutes linking up in attack for Wymondham in the right channel with Kindred sending the ball on for Catchpole to take on, Olivia Smith getting a foot in to deny her. Kindred with Nicholls moving right this time plays the pass inside for Catchpole central driving at the Mulbarton box, Lincoln standing form for Mulbarton winning the ball. Is a little testy between the sides a word needed from the referee. Pearce with a low save diving onto the ball as Griffith shoots from 30 yards out.

Wymondham defender, Lauren Kett

Players struggling with cramp, both sides carrying niggling injuries. Annie Smith on for Mulbarton. Alice Smith with another long range attempt, easily dealt with by Pearce. With more space to play into with the game stretched not being closed down as they were in the 1st half, Wymondham are looking more comfortable on the ball. Alice Smith coming right with Ryan out wide the cross into Hunter inside the box near side her shot hit wide across goal. Catchpole getting hold of the ball looking to drive on for Wymondham in attack, riding a challenge space opening up ahead of her the shot on left of the D, instead attempts to pick out Nicholls inside the area, the flag going up straight away.

Alice Smith looking to thread the pass in through the middle for Griffith, Croft composed to clear for Wymondham. Griffith taking the ball on fouled centrally giving Mulbarton a free-kick 3o yards from goal. Jermy and Hedtke over it. Jermy running in with the step over, Hedtke striking the shot goalwards her attempt over the crossbar. Knights continues to be busy on the pitch getting about to hustle possession and close Mulbarton down. Ryan pulling away left swinging a cross for Mulbarton is cut out at the near post. Another substitution for Mulbarton that sees Hedtke come off replaced by Meg Anderton.

Griffith strong running in towards the Wymondham D, giving the ball to Alice Smith positioned high she looks to clip it into the area for Melissa Belsey to break onto, Pearce alert out well to get hold of the ball before Belsey can pounce. A double change for Wymondham with Codman and Russell coming off, on come Lyla Studd with Youngs returning to the action. The clock ticking down a couple of minutes of regular time plus stoppages left. Griffith bringing the ball on left attacking for Mulbarton on for Jermy, Newcombe defends for Wymondham seeing the ball back to her keeper.

Knights on the right for Wymondham laying the ball on for Youngs, Annie Smith winning the ball back for Mulbarton. Knights on the ball left into Nicholls outside the D, looks to turn inside into the box, Lincoln defending for Mulbarton. 5 minutes of stoppage time to be played. Mulbarton pressing on looking for a late goal Jermy out left back for Alice Smith in the middle, Knights quick to close her down and clear. Nicholls looking to take the ball into the corner for Wymondham eat up valuable time, is shoved over, Anderton shown a yellow card.

Wymondham captain, Leah Newcombe

Wymondham keeping the ball well in the closing moments frustrating Mulbarton, winning the ball inside their opponents half Catchpole with another forceful run towards the area, Lincoln in with the challenge the ball loose picked up by Love 25 yards out her shot sent in towards goal safely in Anderson’s gloves. Advantage played by the referee as Olivia Smith is tackled on halfway, Griffith with the ball pace in the left channel shoots wide from 25 yards out. That’s it the final whistle blows and Wymondham celebrate as they win the County Cup for a 3rd time and with it complete a treble winning season.

Celebrating at the final whistle

Full time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 0-2 Wymondham Town Ladies

An incredible crowd of 959 in attendance for this evenings Women’s County Cup Final a record attendance and another great sign the game is growing fast and worthy of being held in such a prestigious venue. An entertaining game from start to finish competitive, Mulbarton bright at the start Wymondham growing into the game getting the goal on the half hour to see them lead at the break, their 2nd goal coming early in the 2nd half. Taking their chances well. Mulbarton with a couple of their own sadly not taken remained in contention throughout, Wymondham with good game management towards the end looked solid defending their lead. A hugely successful season, they can look forwards now to making their FAWNL debut with a couple of derby games with Norwich to relish.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the season. One clear winner in the finish but as usual a few performances of note to mention first. For Mulbarton, Atlanta Griffith was a threat in attack throughout with some powerful runs looking to take the game to Wymondham and created some good opportunities in front of goal. Sophie Jermy too with good movement up top getting wide to receive the ball, Ellie Hunter finding pockets of space and getting onto join the attack. For Wymondham Mary Croft was strong at the back with a number of well timed tackles, reading the game. Kyla Love getting on to support the attackers using the wide areas well. The award though as it did in the ERWFL League Cup final goes to Katie Knights winning it on the night also was full of running getting about the pitch tackling and closing down breaking up a number of Mulbarton attacks.

Katie Knights, winning this evening’s Player of the Match

Congratulations to Wymondham Town Ladies on winning the County Cup for a 3rd time and one their treble winning success.

Wymondham Town Ladies, 2021/22 Norfolk Women’s County Cup Winners

Another season over great to see one through to the end finals got to as many finals as I could, afterall they are what the season is all about, celebrating the game which is bound to grow following this summer’s Euro’s a brief rest a few games to enjoy then pre-season will be upon us, know you’re all rearing to go already, but we all need a rest. An entertaining cup final played in front of a huge crowd. My thanks to Norfolk FA for giving me media accreditation very much appreciated. Put on a great event.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Lawford Ladies v Chelmsford City Women

Sunday 22nd May

Essex Women’s League Cup Final

A trip down into Essex for my penultimate game of the season, with Lawford Ladies taking on Chelmsford City Women in the final of the League Cup.

Today’s prize

The two sides will be very familiar with each other by the end of next weekend as they have yet to meet this season and face a double header on the final day to determine who will become Premier Division Champions. Meeting first in the final of the League Cup have attempted to see both sides play on a couple of ocassions this season already by a combination of Covid and the weather has thwarted those attempts. A frustrating season for both in many regards in that the ECWFL Premier Division is ending with 7 sides, 12 games for each side played yet it will go down to the final weekend of the domestic season. A number of factors playing their part, 2 teams have withdrawn from the league, weather and Covid too along with cup competitions.

Lawford Ladies have been out in front leading the Premier Division table from the start 5 straight wins are undefeated from 10 played with 8 wins and 2 draws with just the double header with title rivals Chelmsford to come. Games less frequent in the 2nd half of the season have bolstered their squad with the addition of former Billericay Town Women captain, Lindsey Morgan who brings a wealth of experience to the side. There own captain, Daisy Canny the driving force for Lawford in recent seasons with another strong campaign in front of goal netting 18 from her 9 appearances this season before getting injured. Lisa Ward 2nd in the goal scoring charts with 13 from 12 appearances. The season coming down to the final two Sunday’s with a potential double on the cards.

That is also the case for Lawford’s opponents, Chelmsford City Women, although they could go one better and make it a treble having already won a trophy this season beating Division Two Champions, Stanway Pegasus Ladies 4-0 in the final of the Tiptree Charity Cup 2 weeks ago. Chelmsford have always been a strong side in Essex’s top division in and around the title contenders. Has been a strange season in which they have always been playing catch up with the rest of the league didn’t even start their league campaign until November with just a handful of games in the first half of the season.

Drop-outs, Covid, weather and cup games all playing there part. When they have played however have been strong emerging as Lawford’s main rival for the title winning 8 of their 9 games played so far like Lawford unbeaten a point behind with a game in hand an crucial week to come with a cup final and 3 league matches to squeeze in a midweek trip to play Frontiers before meeting Lawford in what will be a league deciding double header next weekend. In attack, Rebecca Hollocks and Abigail Woollvin have scored 31 goals between them with Hollocks one ahead of Woollvin with 16 for the season so far.

Road to the Final

The league cup competition kicking off in February, Lawford were drawn at home to Division One side Blackmore Ladies, goals from Laura Allen, Alison Hindley, Daisy Canny and Georgia Box saw Lawford leading 4-2 at half-time with another goal each for Hindley and Canny securing a 6-2 win. Chelmsford City Women with a tough opening game in the league cup at home to fellow Premier Division side Frontiers Ladies in the 1st Round. Goals from Hellen Alder, Rebecca Hollocks, Shannon Kelly and Abi Woollvin seeing them through to the 2nd round with a 4-1 victory.

Lawford away to Division Two newcomers Southminster United Ladies in the 2nd Round of the League Cup progressed to the last 8 with a 2-0 win courtesy of a goal in each half for Canny and Liza Ward. Chelmsford advancing without kicking a ball awarded the away win against Aveley Ladies. Lawford at home to Division One side Tigers Ladies in the quarter finals Lindsey Morgan scoring to see the sides level at the break, 3 goals inside the opening 15 minutes of the 2n half seeing Lawford go on to win 4-1, Canny, Ward and Morgan with her 2nd on the scoresheet. Chelmsford taking on Division One leaders Corringham Cosmos, Alder, Hollocks and Mia Brisley amongst the goals as they went on to win the game 4-1 to advance to the semi-finals.

A difficult tie for Lawford in the last 4 at home to Division One title challengers Hutton Ladies Reserves, a free scoring side, it was a high scoring game with Hutton finding the back of the net on three ocassions. Lawford though after fighting out a 2-2 draw in the first half went on to score a further 3 to win through to the final. Allen and Morgan scoring 1st half, Hindley plus a brace for Ward in the 2nd. In contrast Chelmsford were to advance without kicking a ball after opponents Southend United Ladies forfeited the game.

Runwell Sports and Social Club hosting this Sunday’s final was here two season ago before the Covid hiatus to watch Harlow Town Ladies Reserves beat Leigh Ramblers Ladies. Entering the ground the large clubhouse overlooking the main pitch with numerous other grass pitches beyond. An archery range in the distance. Hot and cold drinks being served plus hot food. A bright and sunny day, hot with little cloud cover certainly no chance of rain during the game.

The teams lead out onto the pitch a presented to special guest Lana Gillard before kick-off.

Lawford Ladies

Lawford Ladies starting XI – Erin Hornby, Alisha Blake, Saffron Heffer, Zoe Smith (C), Sheena Foley, Anna Ryan, Lisa Ward, Alison Hindley, Laura Allen, Lindsey Morgan & Nancy Butler. Subs – Toni Mott, Stacey Desborough & Daisy Canny.

Chelmsford City Women

Chelmsford City Women starting XI – Hannah Streetley Amy Vernon, Mia Brisley, Jess Loble, Gaby Freedman (C), Emma Rushen, Rosie Coe, Ashleigh Holland, Helen Alder, Kaci Crook & Abi Woollvin. Subs- Holly Richards, Melissa Burton, Amelia Murphy & Charlotte Palmer.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains. Zoe Smith and Gaby Freedman with the match officials

Lawford to get the Essex Women’s League Cup final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing light blue and white vertical stripped shirts with light blue shorts and socks, Chelmsford opposite lined up in an all claret kit. The ball sent from the middle up the left channel for Lindsey Morgan to attack for Lawford, Mia Brisley dealing with it at the back for Chelmsford clearing it up the line the ball lost out for a throw in.

A competitive start out on the far side of the pitch the ball closed down out for a series of throw ins neither side making any head way. Cleared at the back into midfield Chelmsford look to get forwards Rosie Coe with the ball on for Emma Rushen through the middle lifts it on for Abi Woollvin up top, Sheena Foley winning the ball back for Lawford. Lawford losing the ball high on the right from a throw in Chelmsford are quick to counter the ball into Rushen central plays it early through the defence for Woollvin to run onto taking the ball on into the area right side s=her low shot is straight at Lawford goalkeeper, Erin Hornby making a comfortable save.

A strong start to the game from Chelmsford closing down the ball, winning challenges looking to get forwards quickly, find Woollvin through the middle or Kaci Crook attacking right side. A free-kick for Chelmsford inside the Lawford half as Alisha Blake is adjudged to have handled the ball going to clear it for Lawford. Defender Jess Loble over the set-piece played in towards the top of the Lawford area, Anna Ryan wins it to clear for Lawford.

GOAL! 5 minutes played and an early break through for Chelmsford, battling for the ball in midfield, the pass is lifted on for Crook in attack right channel beating the offside trap races on into the Lawford box, striking the ball low in the angle, Hornby reacting down sharply to stop it doesn’t get hold of it the ball rolling loose to her right, Woollvin running in with a simple tap in to give Chelmsford the lead 0-1.

Abi Woollvin congratulated by Helen Alder after she opens the scoring for Chelmsford

Laura Allen out on the right in attack for Lawford sees the ball into her feet shifting inside 25 yards out attempts to thread it on for Nancy Bulter central, the pass cut out by Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman. Chelmsford are up for the game vocal encouraging each other on closing down the ball despite the heat. Rushen tackling to break up an attack. Attempting to find Crook again on the right, Foley across to clear the ball for a throw.

Lawford’s Laura Allen with Chelmsford’s Helen Alder

Rushen with a great diagonal ball looking for Helen Alder breaking forwards on the right looking to travel on into the box with the ball is forced wide by Lawford’s Blake the defender than tackling to win the ball back and clear. A few free-kicks being given away in the middle, Alison Hindley fouling to see Chelmsford with a set-piece inside their opponents half, sent long up into the box over everyone lands before Hornby the keeper seeing it bounce up over her goal.

Butler looking to take the ball on through the middle for Lawford after recieving it from a throw on the right, turns goalwards, Freedman strong on her shoulder getting her foot on the ball to hook clear. Lisa Ward pulling away to the left for Lawford angles a cross into the Chelmsford area the ball turned behind for a corner. Played long through the six yard box Morgan can’t get it down at the back post the ball cleared into the middle, Lawford press well regaining possession looking to turn play around into Allen right side lifted on the move ending with a throw.

Allen looking to attack with the ball on the right, the move breaking down has another opportunity as she squares it central for Ryan 25 yards out, Freedman quick to close her down the ball cleared away for a throw. A more even game now Lawford looking to close the ball down higher up the pitch. A strong tackle in the middle from Lawford’s captain, Zoe Smith on Chelmsford midfielder, Ashleigh Holland the ball cleared out to the right the referee stopping play with Holland staying down. Up okay play to resume with a drop ball.

GOAL! The ball with Chelmsford’s Amy Vernon at left back, Lawford switch off as the ball is played forwards Vernon clipping it long over the top with Woollvin breaking in behind through the middle, hesitates for a moment with no one after her no flag though she carries the ball on into the box right of goal and smashes her shot across the keeper into the bottom corner to score her 2nd of the game 0-2.

Abi Woollvin doubles Chelmsford’s lead

Lawford not happy with the goal, it stands however with play resuming with 20 minutes gone in the 1st half. Coming down the right Morgan with support from Ward the ball is crossed into the Chelmsford area, goalkeeper Hannah Streetley diving forwards to get hold of the ball with Ryan closing in. Chelmsford are quick to mount a counter attack the ball fed on through the middle on for Crook to chase into the box on the right, bouncing up between her and Hornby the goalkeeper, getting a strong fist on the ball to punch it away to her right.

Lawford captain, Zoe Smith clearing the ball

Butler pulling away into the left taking the ball on lays it back to Saffron Heffer coming on from full back for Lawford her cross looped on into the box, Allen can’t quite connect as she goes to strike it on the volley. Their opponents straight up the other end the ball played out to Woollvin moving into space wide left bombs on down the line turning into the area before opening up her body looking to place the ball wide across the keeper, only succeeds in picking her out, Hornby safely behind the ball.

Lawford fullback Saffron Heffer

Hornby busy as she comes rushing out of her area to clear with Woollvin put on through the middle. Rushen then picking up the ball in midfield looking to drive forwards for Chelmsford is eventually closed down. A hot day a drinks break called by the referee midway through the 1st half. Play resumes with Lawford looking to battle for the ball, a series of headers resulting in a throw right side, played in central Butler sending the ball over the defence into the box looking for Morgan, Streetley getting her gloves around it first.

Emma Rushen driving forwards with the ball for Chelmsford

Butler strong in possession outside the Chelmsford area on the right battling inside squares the pass into Morgan left of the D she in turn puts it back into the area right side with Hindley stealing in at the far post attempts to lift a shot in past the keeper, Streetley though is right behind it to make the blocking save. Lawford squeezing the ball in the final 3rd Hindley putting herself about sending the pass out to Heffer pushing up from full back shrikes the shot on the a angle from distance rises over the crossbar.

Lawford defender, Alisha Blake

Lawford winning a set-piece level with the top of the Chelmsford area on the right. Ward to play it into the box, Streetley is one of the tallest goalkeepers around makes a firm call and plucks the ball down unhindered. Another handball spotted on the left side giving Chelmsford a free-kick some 35 yards plus out Loble nevertheless takes on the shot getting the ball on target but drops kindly for Hornby who can see it into her midriff back on her line. Is a little niggle between the sides Lawford clearly frustrated. Adler keeping the ball in play well on the left side looks to get on held up keeps possession played back up to Vernon to cross into the Lawford area, Hornby with the call this time coming to catch the ball.

Lawford finding a little joy out on the flanks, Morgan on the left pushing on her cross all the way across to Allen wide right turned back into the area, Vernon turns it behind for a corner. Fired into Morgan from the right, 20 yards out left of the knocks it up into the area attacked by Ward knocking it across to the far post Streetley can let it go for a goalkick. Hindley taking the ball on down the eft in attack for Lawford strong holding it up well before angling a shot in towards goal, Streetley comfortably behind it.

GOAL! A couple of minutes left in the 1st half, Lawford looking to attack late on get themselves back into the game are hit on the break the ball cleared long to the left side seeing Woollvin escape in behind race on to the box coming central Hornby out to close the angle Woollvin shifts the ball away from her to the left to open up the goal beyond and strokes her shot into the back of the net to get her hat-trick 0-3.

A cup final hat-trick for Abi Woollvin

A change late in the half for Chelmsford with Amelia Murphy on for Crook in attack. Little time left to play the half-time whistle blows. Both sides retreating to the shade provided by the trees over behind the dugouts for their half-time team talks.

Half-time Lawford Ladies 0-3 Chelmsford City Women

A strong 1st half from Chelmsford making a positive start taking the game to Lawford pressing the ball in the middle and looking to get it up to Crook and Woollvin in attack. That bright start bringing a goal inside the opening 5 minutes. Woollvin with her 2nd running in behind as Lawford switch off at the back following a drop ball. Frustration for Lawford going 2 goals down have looked to match things up with Chelmsford battling for the ball have gotten some joy a couple of half chances as they look to pull a goal back before the break, hit on the break late on Woollvin stealing in behind on the left to score her cup final hat-trick. Alot of work for Lawford to do if they are to get themselves back into the game, a hot day could be a case of who runs out of energy first Chelmsford can sit back more with a healthy lead to defend.

It’s Chelmsford to get the 2nd half underway, don’t think there have been any changes made from either side. Look to get the ball out to the left, Smith in to win it for Lawford. Hindley and Rushen scrapping for the ball in the middle Hindley getting the free-kick this time. Ryan on the ball inside the Chelmsford half looks to go for goal, Streetley can see it over. Heffer on the left defending well against Murphy as she looks to get the ball down on the right and turn in behind.

Alison Hindley battling for possession for Lawford

Hindley getting about the pitch for Lawford winning the ball comes left turns inside sending it central with Ward running on free 30 yards out is caught in two minds as to strike the ball or clip it over the top with Morgan giving her the run left side. Picking her out Morgan sends a low cross into the box no one there to attack it however. Ward central sending the ball on through the middle, Hindley after it right of the D, Streetley out of her area to kick the ball clear.

Chelmsford with more bodies behind the ball allowing Lawford to come on making a positive start to the 2nd half as yet though to test the keeper. Roe brought down in the middle for Chelmsford following a strong challenge. Ward central with some useful passes forwards long for Morgan running on through the middle Streetley racing out to the top of her area, just about getting there to clear. Loble with the tackle to get the ball as Foley plays it on for Morgan out left side.

Lindsey Morgan

Woollvin picking up the ball in midfield sends it out to Brisley advancing on the left, her crossfield ball looking for Alder, intercepted by Blake. Rushen taking the ball on through the middle for Chelmsford picks the pass for Alder on the left channel getting forwards, Blake closes her down the challenge seeing the ball behind for a corner. Fired in from the left attacked at the near post the ball is send wide across the Lawford goal.

Chelmsford’s Mia Brisley

Lawford getting forwards on the right numbers up the pitch a throw won high, lifted on high into the area dropping central Morgan under it sees her touch take the ball wide of the left post. Ryan coming on with the ball from deep for Lawford going left comes inside, her attack stopped by Loble for Chelmsford. Morgan getting clear wide left flashes a cross into the six yard box the Chelmsford defence tracking back, Streetley has it covered, Vernon in front of her heading clear nevertheless.

Ward springs the offside trap is clear through the middle for Lawford racing for the box, Brisley racing after her the goalkeeper advancing. Brisley diving in to tackle gets the ball before the player, Play halted however brought back as Ward went too early. Lawford creating opportunities, Chelmsford strong in defence however giving little away winning most things put into their area. Attacks less frequent as a result however Lawford need to stay alert at the back as Woollvin remains a threat, sprinting over to the right crossing over with Murphy the pair looking to combine Woollvin crossing the ball in Hornby down on it with Murphy closing her down.

Chelmsford’s Kaci Crook

Morgan sending a clipped ball on through the middle for Hindley running on in behind, Streetley out to clear first Hindley unable to get out of the way colliding with the keeper, leaving her down for a moment winded more than anything else. Another drinks break is called. Chelmsford largely in control with Lawford coming on but unable to find that clinical final ball. Another long range goal attempt from Lawford on halfway from a free-kick Streetley can again see it over her goal.

Hindley carrying the ball on in attack for Lawford turning of Freedman to get into the box right side, Freedman back on her well lunging out with her boot to take the ball away from Hindley swerving behind for a corner. Rushen on through the middle with the ball on for Woollvin left channel put across to Murphy on the right side can’t turn in behind. Butler taking the ball of Ryan central running on looks to thread it on for Ward ahead of her, the ball cut out by the Chelmsford defence, Butler with a 2nd attempt playing it out to Morgan getting into the box left side, attempt to play her shot up over the keeper, Streetley with her angles covered getting hold of the ball.

Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman

Chelmsford make a change bringing off hat-trick heroine in attack with Crook returning to the game. At the back Freedman across to deal with the threat posed by Ryan as she takes the ball on right for Lawford. Into the final 15 minutes. Lawford with a set-piece put high into the area Ryan up to knock the ball down across goal, no one can reach it before Chelmsford launch clear. Morgan driving on left side whips a low cross into the area, Vernon sliding in to clear for the corner. Send in deep from the left Freedman close on Morgan the ball put out the right Lawford winning the free-kick. Played in near side knocked up high into the air turned on towards goal, Streetley back on her line able to claim it high.

Murphy comes off for Chelmsford as they strengthen the back line bringing on Holly Richards. Lawford making a change too, Stacey Desborough on for Blake to join the attack. Coming on right side Allen into Ward 25 yards out looks to strike the shot first time, frustrated as she sees her effort pulled wide out at the far post. Holland on for Rushen takes the ball on for Chelmsford putting it on for Crook up top, Smith in close attendance tackling to regain the ball for Lawford.

Allen comes off for Lawford on in her place Toni Mott she moves central in attack with Desborough going to the right. Time running out to find a goal try an pressure Chelmsford late on. Ward running on from the middle seeing a shot blocked the ball coming to Mott pulling in behind right of goal, Vernon on her to defend getting the ball back for her keeper to clear. Rushen and Alder look to combine through the middle in attack for Chelmsford, Smith getting hold of the ball for Lawford. The pairs last action of the game as they come off with Charlotte Palmer and Melissa Burton coming on.

Crook up top laying to ball off to Burton up on the right, her attempted pass in behind for Crook gathered by Hornby inside the Lawford area. Mott with the ball travelling right side into Morgan bursting for the area, Brisley on her shoulder doing enough to hold her up allowing the ball to run onto Streetley. Streetley thwarting Lawford right till the end as Morgan top of the area spins in behind on the right to shoot across the keeper, Streetley down well getting a glove to the ball to turn it away from goal.

Chelmsford goalkeeper, Hannah Streetley

Full time Lawford Ladies 0-3 Chelmsford City Women

That’s it the final whistle blows and it’s Chelmsford who celebrate as they make it a cup double winning the League Cup final 3-0 thanks to a first half hat-trick from Abi Woollvin. A strong 2nd half from Lawford with Chelmsford looking to defend their lead. Chances created, Streetley for the majority standing firm in the Chelmsford goal. A positive start to the game energy from Chelmsford bringing them an early goal. Going on to double the advantage Lawford frustrated looking for a reply conceding a 3rd at the end of the half making it a tall order in the 2nd half, needed an early goal to put some pressure on Chelmsford defence looking comfortable.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few performances of note to mention first though. For Lawford it was a strong game in the middle for Liza Ward getting into some great positions, looking to get others into scoring opportunities. Alison Hindley too covering a huge amount of ground looking to get hold of the ball play it forward. For Chelmsford it was a solid performance in midfield from Emma Rushen. Her desire to win the ball right from the start setting the tone for Chelmsford. The defence strong throughout. The award contested by players at opposite ends of the pitch, Hannah Streetley was immense in the Chelmsford goal, Great positioning and vital saves. The Player of the Match award though goes to Abi Woollvin not too many players get to score a cup final hat-trick and her running and movement caused the Lawford defence issues especially 1st half as she ran at them on hand to score the opening goal and her 3rd late in the half taken well going along way to winning the trophy.

Before the trophy could be presented however their was a delay a medical emergency that required an ambulance being called. One of the Chelmsford substitutes struggling with asthma struggling to breathe. No chances being taken the emergency service called an ambulance arriving in good time. Full credit to the NHS stabilising the player and ensuring she was okay. Takes priority over anything else. Albeit delayed the presentations going ahead.

Chelmsford City Women 2021/22 Essex Women’s League Cup winners

Congratulations to Chelmsford City Women on winning the 2021/22 Essex Women’s League Cup.

An enjoyable trip down to Essex, good to have the final back after a 2 year hiatus. An enjoyable contest. A cup double for Chelmsford little time to rest on their laurels however with 3 games still left to play away to Frontiers in midweek with the opportunity to move above Lawford in the league before they meet again at Lawford for a double header to end the season which one will be crowned champions it’ll be a tense final day. My thanks to both clubs for the team details and to the ECWFL committee for thier assistance this afternoon. One game left to end the season for me a midweek trip to Carrow Road for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final.

by Darren Gilham

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST

Covering Women's Football in the East of England

Match Report – East Bergholt United Ladies v Brettvale Women

Sunday 18th September

FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Qualifying

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Colney Heath Ladies

Tuesday 6th September

ERWFL Premier Division

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Sunday 4th September

ERWFL Premier Division

Match Report – Cambridge City Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

Weds 31st August

FAWNL South East Division One

Match Report – Wymondham Town Women v Norwich City Women

Tues 30th August

FAWNL South East Division One

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Needham Market Women

Sunday 28th August

ERWFL Premier Division

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

FAWNL South East Division One

Sunday 21st August

Archive – Young Lionesses U17 Euro’s 2013 – Group Round-up

Archive – 1st published on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog 2nd December 2013

UEFA Women’s U17 Championship – England progress

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Belles Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

Wednesday 25th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Lawford Ladies v Chelmsford City Women

Sunday 22nd May

Essex Women’s League Cup Final