Match Report – Newmarket Town Ladies v St Ives Town Ladies

The football action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday came from the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup a new format this season the sides split into 8 Groups with a mixture of Premiership and Championship sides in each with the winners progressing to the quarter final knock-out stages. Group F featured 2 Premiership sides, Newmarket Town Ladies & St Ives Town Ladies both having won their opening 2 matches were both on 6 points at the top of the table now playing each other in a must win game to progress, Newmarket Town holding top spot on goal difference.

Match Report – Newmarket Town Ladies v St Ives Town Ladies

Trip to Newmarket today to the Ridgeons Stadium to watch the deciding match in the group stages of this seasons, Cambridgeshire S-Tech Women’s League Cup with Newmarket Town Ladies hosting St Ives Town Ladies tied at the top of the table on 6 points in Group F vying for a place in the quarter final knock-out matches in the New Year.

A new look for the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup this year with the early stages being held in a group format the sides across the three leagues in the County the Women’s Premiership and Championship North and South drawn to face each other in 8 Groups A-H with 3 or 4 sides in each playing each other once a Premiership side in each against Championship opposition. With 9 sides competing in the Premiership one Group has 2 sides in it and that is Group F featuring both Newmarket Town Ladies and St Ives Town Ladies along side Championship South sides Isleham United Ladies and Fulbourn Bluebirds.

A good start to the season for both sides in the Premiership. Newmarket Town Ladies currently 2nd in the table won their 1st 4 league games before suffering their 1st defeat against Cambridge United WFC Reserves who took over at the top 2 weeks ago. Drawn into Group F were on the road for their 1st 2 games against Championship South sides, Fulbourn Bluebirds and Isleham United Ladies winning their 1st game 9-0 the 2nd 3-0 hold the advantage over St Ives Town Ladies on goal difference.

St Ives Town Ladies are into their 2nd season as a club having formed for the 2015/16 season, recognise a few of their squad from the Sawtry Ladies side I covered on the blog in it’s very early days. also a few players in the squad who used to play for Huntingdon Town Ladies too. With St Ives Town already having youth sides in girls football the platform was in place to form a women’s team. Did well in their 1st season winning promotion up to the Premiership and of the 3 sides promoted from the Championship’s North and South this season are doing well in 3rd place in the table. Have also played Isleham United Ladies and Fulbourn Bluebirds in their 1st 2 group F matches winning 4-0 and 4-1 at home to have 6 points, today a must win game if they wish to advance to the knock-out stages of the Cambridgeshire League Cup the 2 sides have met in the league already this season Newmarket Town Ladies winning 2-0 away from home.

Group F

Pos	Team	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Newmarket Town Ladies	2	2	0	0	12	0	12	6
2	St Ives Town Ladies	2	2	0	0	8	1	7	6
3	Isleham United Ladies	2	0	0	2	0	7	-7	0
4	Fulbourn Bluebirds	2	0	0	2	1	13	-12	0

The venue for today’s match, Newmarket Town FC’s Ridgeons Stadium. A brand new state of the art cork based 3G pitch. A very good playing surface and one of the best artificial surfaces I’ve seen. A covered stand with seating on one side of the pitch, along side the clubhouse and bar with hot food and drink available, Barry’s Snack Shack served up one of the best cheeseburgers I have had in a while. A bright sunny end to November, a few dark clouds around and these would grow to make it chilly and gloomy over the course of the game.

Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Eloise Hope, Jasmine Woodfield, Olivia Orme, Jess Linger, Beth Woodfield (C), Abbie Marshall, Cindy Ponder, Abbi Griffin, Joeli Kirby, Nadine Basson & Lauren Deller.
subs – Lauren Blackaby & Molly Agnew

St Ives Town Ladies starting XI – Kira Markwell, Steph Ransome, Penny Ford, Molly Berryman, Molly Flack, Megan Stow, Sophie Marheineke, Georgia Stancombe, Amy Seymour-Shove, Hannah Seymour-Shove & Sasha Smith (C).
subs – Connie Liddiard, Chloe Stefanelli, Jade Carpenter, Leigh Chatten & Jorgie Hall.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Newmarket to kick off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts with blue trim on the shoulders and sides blue shirts with yellow trim on the sides and yellow socks with two blue and white bands with St Ives Town lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. The home side look to attack from the off the ball played up through the middle looking for Joeli Kirby making a run on the left, Molly Flack stepping forwards to get her head on the ball clear for St Ives. Newmarket trying again on the right, Abbi Griffin on the ball getting down the line and putting a cross into the box, St Ives goalkeeper, Kira Markwell claiming confidentially at her near post.

Markwell is out to the edge of her area, clearing the ball as Cindy Ponder plays Kirby in up the left, puts the ball into the middle along the ground trying to pick out Lauren Deller running through the middle the St Ives goalkeeper getting to the ball 1st. A fast start to the match both sides looking to get the ball out to their wide players attack down the wings. A free-kick for Newmarket inside the St Ives half on the right side Jess Linger on the ball plays it long up into the box, the header clear putting the ball out for a throw on the right is by St Ives Molly Berryman.

The Newmarket Town Ladies defence, Olivia Orme in the front of the picture, Jess Linger and captain Beth Woodfield
beyond keep their eye on the in coming ball, pictured with St Ives Hannah Seymour-Shove

From the throw the ball is cleared out to the left comes to Newmarket, left back Olivia Orme looks to send it back in quickly towards the top of the area with striker Nadine Basson making a move from right to left across the D, colliding with the St Ives defender challenging her manages to get the ball on into the box races away behind for a goal kick before Kirby can chase it down. Ponder has a strike on goal from all of 30 yards out, the shot straight at Markwell who takes it cleanly. Coming forwards on the left side Griffin sends the ball high into the box, Deller arriving sees the ball over her shoulder hitting it on the volley trying to pick out the top corner curls wide of the mark.

St Ives are working hard to close the ball down, Megan Stow winning possession in the middle gets it forwards, helped on St Ives captain, Sasha Smith leading the attack is fed in down the right on the run hits a shot from the edge of the box in low towards the near post, Eloise Hope in the Newmarket goal makes a comfortable save. Georgia Stancombe brings the ball down the right, loops a cross up into the Newmarket area Beth Woodfield Newmarket’s captain heads the ball away from danger.

St Ives Town Ladies, Megan Stow is beaten to the ball by Newmarket’s Abbi Griffin

Orme getting forwards with the ball on the left for Newmarket plays the pass in field getting Basson onto the ball running through the centre, rolls it forwards into the box with Ponder getting up field to her right, Markwell off her line quickly gets to the ball and slides in to claim. Griffin up the right wing for Newmarket crosses early the ball along to top of the St Ives area for Deller who attempts to bring it down and turn to shoot, Flack is on her shoulder the defender doing well to prevent the shot the ball going out for a goal kick.

A little to casual at the back from Hope as the goalkeeper with the ball at her feet loos to pass it out of her area inside to Woodfield, St Ives, Hannah Seymour-Shove bursting forwards latching onto the ball drives into the box, Hope recovers quickly and getting across throws herself into a full long dive to make the blocking save as Seymour-Shove shoots. Hope makes a good catch inside her six yard box moments later not put off as Hannah Seymour-Shove throws herself forwards trying to get onto the end of a Stancombe cross put in from the right.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Nadine Basson

Basson plays the ball on for Kirby on the left, a little long, Kirby does well to keep it in before she can get her head up and cross, Steph Ransome gets back at her and tackling wins the ball for St Ives, Newmarket prevent the break keeping the ball on the left rolled into Basson left corner outside the box curls a ball over the defence dropping into the six yard box, Markwell down low makes the save pushing the ball out to the right, Penny Ford getting it away as Griffin closes her down.

Ponder wins the ball in the middle of the park gets the pass into Kirby on the left in behind squares a cross along the floor into the six yard box, Markwell down to see it into her gloves before Basson or Deller can arrive. Griffin tries her luck from 25 yards out a curling effort lacks the height to trouble Markwell. Newmarket make a double switch, Kirby and Ponder come off, Lauren Blackaby and Molly Agnew come on.

GOAL! Newmarket have been pressing forwards looking for the opening goal of the match, however it is the visitors who get themselves in front 25 minutes into the 1st half, Sophie Marheineke along side Stow in the middle of the park has been getting the tackles in to win the ball break up play, gets forwards carrying the ball on towards the Newmarket box has Stancombe ahead of her looking to get in behind the defence threads the pass into her run taking it on into the box, Hope comes rushing out goes to ground Stancombe takes the ball past her and sends it into the empty net beyond 0-1.

Georgia Stancombe pictured getting back to help in defence
gives St Ives Town Ladies the lead

St Ives Town Ladies
Sophie Marheineke

Newmarket get straight back on the attack from the restart Abbie Marshall playing the ball into Griffin who looks to play the ball into Agnew on the left top of the area looks to cut inside, Ransome defends well to deny her a goal scoring opportunity. Orme up field passes the ball into Deller central back to goal outside the box, looks to lay it to Agnew on the left coming into the box again Ransome puts in the challenge. A great ball over the top with Basson getting in behind the St Ives defence hits the falling ball on the half volley outside the box the shot straight at Markwell the keeper dropping forwards onto the bouncing ball.

GOAL! 4 minutes after going in front, St Ives double their lead. The visitors launching a counter attack with Marheineke getting forwards again the ball is played up field, a back heel to help it on Marheineke plays it on trying to pick out Smith as the Newmarket defence try to clear, Smith gets in to challenge win the ball top of the area shifts the ball to her right and curls her shot around the keeper into the goal beyond to score 0-2.

St Ives Town Ladies
captain Sasha Smith

St Ives enthused by 2 quick goals press forwards Smith out to the left strong on the ball drives into the box, Beth Woodfield stands her ground and wins the tackle before a shot can be released. Another double switch for Newmarket with Ponder and Kirby back on for Basson and Deller. Agnew bursting down the left wing sends in a low cross for Newmarket into the six yard box Markwell calls and gathers as Berryman misses her attempted clearance in front of her.

Marshall with the ball at her feet for Newmarket on the right plays the diagonal ball into the box with Kirby breaking forwards into the area, hits the shot puts the ball wide behind the goal. Ponder gets in behind the St Ives defence on the left squares the ball along the six yard box too many bodies to get through before the cross can reach Kirby at the far post the ball is cleared out of the box Griffin 1st to it 25 yards out goes to shoot sends her strike over the bar.

Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 0-2 St Ives Town Ladies

A 2-0 lead for St Ives at the break as the 2 sides head to the dressing room. A busy 1st half, the advantage with St Ives now hold onto the lead and they will progress to the knock-out stages of the league cup at Newmarket’s expense. Have put in alot of work 1st half defending well at the back, Markwell confident behind her defence. Their goals coming as Newmarket were pressing for the lead themselves, had created more chances in front of goal, it’s the ones that cross the line however that count and St Ives took both their goals well to do that.

Has got decidedly chilly as the sides come out for the 2nd half the sky full of dark clouds the light starting to fade. St Ives to kick-off the 2nd half Deller is back on for Newmarket. The home side press early a strong run on the ball from Griffin on the right wing whips the ball into the box trying to pick out Deller trying to bring it down is closely marked by Flack the ball is pushed out of the area with Linger getting forwards strikes the shot looping into the air is touched by Markwell. A corner on the right put in towards the top of the area, players making runs the ball isn’t picked up runs through to Blackaby who hits a shot up and over the crossbar.

Abbie Marshall on the ball for Newmarket Town Ladies

Ford tackles to win the ball for St Ives at the back up field into Stow on for Smith a quick break the ball in passed into Stancombe racing in behind from the right shoots early the ball flying wide at the near post. Newmarket bring Ponder back on replacing Linger who has taken a knock. Pressure from Deller forces an error form the St Ives defence outside the box gets the ball and rolls it into Kirby inside the box closed down gets it squared centrally to Marshall who shoots puts the ball straight at Markwell the keeper getting her gloves wrapped around the ball. Basson returns to the action for Newmarket with Agnew coming off.

Kira Markwell in goal for St Ives Town Ladies

A delay in play as Stancombe comes off the worst as she and Ponder come together inside the box as the ball is punched away by Markwell in front of the pair as Griffin lifts a cross into the box. A free kick to Newmarket outside the box to the right as Deller’s run is impeded. Ponder on the set-piece sends the ball up towards the far post, Markwell with the call backpedalling plucks the ball out of the air. St Ives make their 1st chance of the match Marheineke the player coming off Connie Liddiard comes on. Another foul in the middle of the St Ives half gives Ponder another opportunity to put the ball into the box, central lifted up into the air Markwell isn’t challenged as she catches the ball.

Amy Seymour-Shove with a run on the left takes the ball in behind the Newmarket defence cuts back inside plays the ball into Smith top of the area, a good 1st touch to take the ball away from her marker then spinning to meet the ball as it drops to the floor plays her shot straight at Hope well placed in her goal. One Seymour-Shove to the other as Hannah getting hold of the ball in the middle lays it forwards to Amy on the left getting forwards wins her side a corner, the ball is attacked at the near post, everyone misses it but despite the melee in front of her Hope claims well.

Georgia Stancombe with Newmarket Town Ladies, Molly Agnew

A free-kick for St Ives in the middle, Liddiard on the ball sends it long into the box, runners breaking into the area, bounces on into Hope’s gloves before it can be attacked. A 2nd change for St Ives, Leigh Chatten comes on replacing Ford at left back with a little under 20 minutes left of normal time. Griffin gets a corner for Newmarket on the right the ball put in near post is cleared behind by Berryman for a 2nd corner going longer this time flies across the six yard box Blackaby leaping can’t get her head on the ball.

Newmarket’s Marshall moving forwards with the ball lays the pass inside to Ponder 35 yards from goal shoots as the ball runs across her body the ball bounces a yard wide of the St Ives goal. The floodlights are switched on the clouds making it very dark above, Griffin is tackled by Chatten as she tries to go past her down the right the ball runs out for a corner, a change for St Ives before it is taken Chloe Stefanelli on for Ransome. Flack defends the corner heading away at the near post. Another change for St Ives, Smith coming off, Jade Carpenter entering the pitch.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Lauren Blackaby with St Ives Town Ladies, Amy Seymour-Shove

Newmarket push on searching for a goal to get themselves back into the match with less than 5 minutes left the ball is played into Deller back to goal inside the D, shifts it well between her feet to find a yard of space on the turn can only pick out Markwell in the right space to claim hold of the ball in goal. Newmarket bring the ball on down the right the diagonal ball into the box is sent in low Basson breaking into the area throws herself at the ball trying to get onto the end of it as Markwell coming forwards closes the space down the ball hitting her as she and Basson come together. Basson stays down is in alot of discomfort another lengthy spell for treatment, having suffered from a nasty knee injury in the past it is a concern as she is carried off the pitch can’t continue, Agnew is readied and sent on. St Ives make another change too Jorgie Hall coming onto the pitch replacing Hannah Seymour-Shove as the game moves into injury time.

GOAL! Late in the game St Ives score a 3rd goal to ensure the victory and it comes from an error at the back from Newmarket have a throw at the back the ball is thrown to Hope top of her area on the left, at her feet doesn’t get rid of it as Carpenter moves to challenge for the ball nips in to get her toe on the ball, moves down the line the angle inside the area acute she opens up her body opting for placement as Hope backpedals trying to get back in her goal, sends the ball curling up towards the top corner and in to make it 0-3. A good finish.

Hope knows it was her error holds up her hand in acknowledgement, harsh but you have to move on goalkeepers make fair more saves than errors anyone will tell you. The game moves into injury time. Newmarket keep pushing forwards the ball is with Griffin on the right running onto the ball strikes it early 30 yards out her shot/cross flashing across the face of the St Ives goal. Marshall win seconds left plays the ball on for Griffin moving in from the wing hits the ball with the outside of her boot the ball flying across the six yard box and wide at the far post as the final whistle blows.

Full time Newmarket Town Ladies 0-3 St Ives Town Ladies

A 3-0 win for St Ives Town Ladies sees them top Group F and advance to the quarter finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup will be joined by Cambridge United WFC Reserves, Bar Hill Ladies and Wisbech St Marys Ladies with the other 4 groups to be decided next Sunday. Recent history shows the league cup is a wide open competition and on today’s performance St Ives Town Ladies should fancy their chances. Put alot into the game defended well, Newmarket starting well creating opportunities but not breaking the St Ives defence down the visitors growing in confidence and 2 well taken goals seeing them hold the advantage a half-time. A good all round team performance keeping Newmarket at bay 2nd half nicking a goal late on to make sure of the win.

Disappointment for Newmarket going out of the league cup and a blow to see Nadine Basson leaving the pitch on a stretcher will be missed hoping it’s not too serious an injury and wish her all the best and for a speedy recovery. My thanks to both Newmarket’s Luke Worley and St Ives, Darren Majoram for their help with the teams today.

The Round-Up – Essex 20/11/16

The Round-Up

Essex – Sunday 20th November

It seems every week in The Round-Up somewhere or other at the moment I am reporting about a team withdrawing from a league in the region and this week sadly it’s no different. Southend Town Ladies who had been struggling to fulfil fixtures have pulled out of Essex Women’s Division One which has seen so adjustment to the table benefiting some others losing points won. Sad to see another side gone and wish everyone at Southend Town Ladies the best hope you all stay in the game one way or another.

Essex Women’s Premier Division

One game in the Essex Women’s Premier Division this weekend and Wickford Town Ladies are celebrating after they get their 1st win in the league since being promoted. Climb up to 8th spot in the table as a result the 3 points earned away from home against Hutton Ladies Reserves. 2 goals from Kerry Mills plus a goal a piece for Julia Setford, Carly Willis and Harley Brueton seeing Wickford Town win the game 5-2.

Essex Women’s Division One

2 matches in Essex Women’s Division One on Sunday and Collier Row Athletic continue to advance up the league table 4 straight league wins now. A high scoring game on Sunday at home against Harlow Town Ladies Reserves who themselves found the back of the net 3 times. Was far from enough to take anything from the game however as Collier Row Athletic put more than double that tally into the back of the net winning the game 7-3.

Another side failing to take anything from a match at the weekend after scoring 3 goals were Wickford Town Ladies Reserves despite a hat-trick from Rachael Dipper at home visitors FC Clacton Ladies left with all 3 points after scoring 6 to 4th spot joining 4 sides all on 12 points in the middle of the table.

Essex Women’s County Cup

Like the rest of the region it was County Cup weekend in Essex the 2nd Round of the competition 7 ties to decide who would join Cup Holders, C&K Basildon Ladies in the quarter finals. Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies and Billericay Town Ladies going through with home wins after their opponents withdrew from the league. Chelmsford City Ladies v Lawford Ladies was postponed and they will try again this coming Sunday.

That left 4 2nd Round ties that were played this Sunday. A big win at home for last seasons beaten finalists Writtle Ladies from the ERWFL Premier Division playing Essex Women’s Premier Division side Walden Ladies. Sophie Vale bagging herself 4 goals in the match with captain Abigail Fry netting a hat-trick. Ellie Bowdidge, Lucy Jones and Amy Simmons also scoring as Writtle racked up a 10-0 win.

A big win away from home too for ERWFL Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies taking on Essex Women’s Premier Division opponents Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies, the 2 league gap proving too much. Georgia Holdaway finding the back of the net for 4 goals, Marie Barker scoring a hat-trick with Emma Hooker also getting a goal in an 8-0 away win.

Just a single goal was enough to decide the only all ERWFL tie in the 2nd Round of the Essex Women’s County Cup and it saw Division One side Hutton Ladies through to the quarter finals knocking out Premier Division side Colchester Town Ladies at home. Kaitlin Sugg with the goal for Hutton.

An all Essex Women’s Premier Division tie in the last match to bring you from the 2nd Round and Harlow Town Ladies with a 100% win record in the league advance to the quarter finals of the County Cup winning big at home against Collier Row Tigers on Sunday. If you rocked up for the 2nd half you missed an all action 1st half. 6 goals coming in the opening 15 minutes. Tayla Handscomb put Harlow Town into the lead inside the opening minute only for Collier Row Tigers to score right away to make it 1-1, Tia Dye put Harlow Town back into the lead on 7 minutes Handscomb netting her 2nd goal a minute later to make it 3-1, Collier Row Tigers getting it back to 3-2 on 12 minutes. Taylor O’Leary scoring for Harlow Town on 15 minutes to see them lead 4-2. Francesca Tye extending the lead 3 minutes later Harlow Town going on to dominate the remainder of the 2nd half, Fran Gamble having seen the goals going in went on to grab herself a 13 minute hat-trick to see Harlow Town lead 8-2 at half-time. The 2nd half in comparison was a quiet affair with just a further goal added to Harlow Town’s tally O’Leary with her 2nd of the match to see them into the quarter finals and make it 10 wins from 10 in all competitions.

The draw for the quarter finals of the Essex Women’s County Cup scheduled for Weds 30th November.

Essex Women’s Trophy

With 3 of the 4 quarter finals of this years Essex Women’s Trophy already decided without a ball being kicked it was nevertheless a tasty looking encounter in the remaining fixture with Frontiers Ladies new this season high flying in Essex Women’s Division One hosting higher league opponents Chigwell Ladies. The Essex Women’s Premier Division side taking the lead in the match going in front on 14 minutes. Frontiers responded and pulled it back to 1-1 within 7 minutes of falling behind, Hayley King netting the goal. Chigwell came back to retake the lead with 10 minutes of the 1st half left from a free-kick 2-1 the advantage at half-time.

In a competitive match between the 2 sides Frontiers pushing for an equalising goal got it with 12 minutes of normal time left Sharon Ferguson on target ending 2-2 after 90 minutes the tie headed into extra-time. Frontiers were to find the extra energy and got themselves into the lead for the 1st time in the match Freya Liiv (pictured) on hand to put the ball into the back of the net. Held the advantage going into the 2nd period of extra-time, Ferguson scoring her 2nd of the game to open a 2 goal cushion with 5 minutes left, just aswell as Chigwell responded straight away scoring up the other end to make it 4-3. Frontiers seeing out the closing minutes to win the game advance to the semi-finals of the Essex Women’s Trophy where they could face either Trinity U18s or Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves or with Southend Town Ladies withdrawing from the league may even receive a bye straight to the final if I learn anything more will let you know however the draw is scheduled to be made Wednesday 30th November.

The Round-Up Beds & Herts 20/11/16

The Round-Up

Beds & Herts – Sunday 20th November

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

Sherrardswood Ladies are the new leaders of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One moving above previous leaders Sandy Ladies who were in County Cup action this weekend on goal difference. At home this weekend Sherrardswood made it 5 straight league wins as they hosted bottom side Letchworth Garden City Eagles. Laura Cousins opeing the scoring on 7 minutes Laurie Marris (pictured) made it 2-0 10 minutes later, Cousins with her 2nd of the match on the half hour mark to see Sherrardswood 3 nil up at half-time. Marris added her 2nd of the game 2 minutes into the 2nd half with Victoria Little also on the scoresheet in a 5-0 win.

Bishops Stortford Ladies move up to 4th spot in the Division One table at the weekend with an away victory over St Albans Ladies, Natasha Coppin, Brogan McHale and Kathryn Stanley all on target in a 3-0 win. Like Sherrardswood and Sandy at the top of the table Bishops Stortford have lost just once in the league so far and have 2 games in hand on the leading pair.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

Postponements elsewhere in the league saw just the one match taking place in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two on Sunday a big win at home for Hitchin Belles as they entertained fellow promoted side Evergreen Ladies. Shannon Page scoring 5 goals in the match. Ruth Fox, Amy Jack and Charis Wakefield all grabbing a goal each too in an 8-1 victory. Natalie Maher with the goal for Evergreen Ladies.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

History was made in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three on Sunday as Shefford Town & Campton Ladies won their 1st ever league match. Having had a difficult 1st season as a club had started this season with 2 draws and 2 losses equalling the previous seasons record. Put in a lot of work in pre-season preparing for there 2nd season and have the reward at last an away victory over Potters Bar United Ladies 3rd in the table in their debut season. A 2-0 win for Shefford Town & Campton, Karen Clark and Louise Grocott scoring the goals to win the club their 1st 3 points.

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup

Elsewhere it was the 2nd Round of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup 4 ties to be played to see who would join the big 4 of Luton Town Ladies, Bedford Ladies, AFC Dunstable Ladies and Offley & Stopsley Ladies in the quarter finals. Sharnbrook WFC from Beds & Herts Women’s Division One were already through after their opponents withdrew from the league before the season started.

Also joining Sharnbrook WFC from Beds & Herts Women’s Division One in the quarter finals of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup are Houghton Athletic Ladies. Were away in the 2nd Round taking on Luton Town Ladies Development side. Goals from Ciara Craig and Emma Hawkes seeing them advance in the competition with a 2-0 win.

Elsewhere there was a casualty from Beds & Herts Women’s Division One at the weekend with Sandy Ladies top of the league going into the game knocked out of the County Cup by Division Three opposition away to Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues top of Division Three. Both Casey Chapman and Molly Hughes scored a hat-trick with Madison Drewett also getting her name on the scoresheet with a goal in a 7-2 victory. Sandy Ladies goalscorers, Jade Anderson and Amber Williams.

Both Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses sides are through to the quarter finals with the Clarets in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two putting their league woes behind them to advance in the County Cup away to Division Three side Crawley Green Ladies. Woburn were leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to a brace from Dominique Hull. Emma Payne doubling the lead early in thr 2nd half with 2 goals in 2 minutes to see Woburn lead 4-0, Crawley Green fought there way back into hte game Jessica McNamara with 2 goals to half the deficit, Woburn eventually winning 4-2 to reach the quarter finals.

The draw for the quarter finals has been made and the ties listed below are scheduled to e played Sunday 15th January.

Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets v Luton Town Ladies

Bedford Ladies v AFC Dunstable Ladies

Houghton Athletic Ladies v Offley & Stopsley Ladies

Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues v Sharnbrook WFC

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup

Two outstanding ties from the 2nd Round of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup were scheduled to be played this Sunday. Garston Ladies and Watford Ladies Development U19s (the cup holders) will have to try again this coming Sunday after their game was postponed.

Elsewhere FAWPL South East Division One side Stevenage Ladies advance through to the quarter finals after a home victory against Colney Heath Ladies from ERWFL Division One. Daniela Martucci scoring a hat-trick for Stevenage with a goal each for Bolu Fisher and captain Donna McGuigan seeing them through with a comfortable 5-0 win.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 20/11/16

The Round-Up

Cambridgeshire – Sunday 20th November

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

Two matches in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday featuring sides currently in the lower part of the table. Netherton United Ladies on the road away to Cambridge University Women. The visitors getting off to a great start, Emily Johnson putting them 1 nil up inside the 1st minute. Amanda Wainwright levelling the scores at 1-1 on 15 minutes wnet on to put Cambridge University 2-1 up 4 minutes later, completing a 1st half hat-trick with 10 minutes of the half left. Netheton reduced the deficit 10 minutes into the 2nd half Yasmin Green with the goal to make it 3-2. Cambridge University soon restored their 2 goal lead Sophia D’Angelo scoring the goal to make it 4-2 the final score sees Cambridge University move above Netherton into 5th place in the Premiership table.

ICA Sports Ladies also move above their Peterborough rivals into 6th with a home win on Sunday against bottom side Bourne Ladies. Toni McHamilton netting for Bourne in the 1st half it was ICA Sports who held the advantage going into half-time leading the game 2-1 went on to score again in the 2nd half winning the match 3-1, Carmen Herridge, Zoe Leddy & Megan Rurnell with their goals.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

4 sides still looking to get off the mark at the bottom of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North going into the weekend. Two of those sides met each other on Sunday bottom side Thurlby Tigers travelling to play Hungate Rovers Ladies. It was the home side who were celebrating their 1st win of the season to move them up 7th in the table. A brace each for Charlotte Amps and Kelsey McKenna plus a goal for Katy Walkey seeing Hungate Rovers win the match 5-1. Kirsty Mee with Thurlby Tigers goal.

The match between P&L Motors Diamonds and Wisbech Town Ladies was abandoned after just 8 minutes after one of the players sustained a serious injury.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

Two sides at the bottom of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South picked up their 1st 3 points of the season on Sunday, 1st Cambridge Rangers at home an 11am kick-off against bottom side Orton Rangers Ladies recorded a big win netting 7 goals on their way to their 1st victory of the season, Orton Rangers new to the league this season grabbing a consolation goal final score 7-1.

Also new to the league this season are St Ives Rangers Ladies a young side stepping up from U16s football win their 1st league match in adult football on Sunday in their 4th league match of the season were at home to 4th placed Isleham United Ladies. Jasmine Hope scored a hat-trick for St Ives Rangers with Ellen Chapman and Olivia Baker also scoring in a 5-2 win.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 20/11/16

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 20th November

A dedicated weekend for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, the fixture list was badly affected by the weather with half of the 8 2nd Round ties being postponed the fixtures put back a week. Holders Thorpe United Ladies and ERWFL Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies progressed to the quarter finals awarded away wins their opponents unable to field a team.

Of the 2 2nd Round ties that did survive it was an all Norfolk Women’s Division two clash between, Stalham Town Ladies at home to the league leaders, Gorleston FC Ladies. The visitors having 2 goals disallowed were held to a goalless draw by Stalham Town the tie going all the way to penalties, Stalham Town winning the shoot-out 4-2 to advance to the quarter finals of the competition.

A big test for Norfolk Women’s Division One side North Walsham Angels Ladies in the 2nd Round of the County Cup on Sunday at home taking on Acle United Ladies playing their football 2 league above in the ERWFL Premier Division. North Walsham got off to a fantastic start getting themselves into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Acle United pulling it back to 2-1 on 20 minutes Jody Wells on target. A narrow lead for the home side at half-time Acle United started the 2nd half better Rose Glendinning making it 2-2 12 minutes in. Jody Wells with her 2nd goal of the game and a goal from Kate Pasque saw the visiting side go 4-2 up, North Walsham fighting all the way got it back to 4-3 with 10 minutes left but couldn’t find another goal to force the tie into extra-time as Acle United reach the quarter finals of the County Cup having reached the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup the week before. Alicia Lacey, Luci Middleton and Lauren Yarham scoring the goals for North Walsham.

The quarter final draw for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup has been made the ties scheduled to be played Sunday 15th January.

Wymondham Town Ladies v Stalham Town Ladies

Acle United Ladies v Kings Lynn Town Ladies or Fakenham Town Ladies

Sprowston Ladies or Briston Wanderers Ladies v Long Stratton Ladies or Aylsham FC Ladies

Bohemians Ladies or Freethorpe Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

The Round-Up – Suffolk 20/11/16

The Round-Up

Suffolk – Sunday 20th November

Suffolk Women’s County Cup

A County Cup weekend in Suffolk with no league matches to report on, a smaller pool of clubs than other counties this weekend saw 2 of the 4 quarter final ties being played.

Suffolk Women’s County Cup holders, Ipswich Town Ladies were away in the quarter finals playing Newmarket Town Ladies 3 leagues between the sides Ipswich Town got off to a great start Natasha Thomas putting them in front inside 2 minutes, Thomas scoring again midway through the 2nd half the visitors turned the screw late in the 1st half, Sian Fagg scoring quickly after Thomas’ 2nd to make it 3-0. Jac Ball, Aimee Harrison and Hollie Clement all on target to see Ipswich Town lead 6-0 at half-time. Newmarket pulled a goal back early in the 2nd half, Antonia Smith with the strike. Kept Ipswich Town quieter 2nd half. Ipswich eventually finding another goal with 20 minutes left, new signing Laura Guyon from C&K Basildon Ladies having come on having started on the bench scoring on her debut. The final score 7-1 to Ipswich Town who advance to the semi-finals.

In the other quarter final being played on Sunday it was an all Suffolk Women’s Division meeting between East Bergholt United and Bacton United Ladies. The later advancing through to the semi-finals with a 3-1 away victory.

Lowestoft Town Ladies were due to play Bungay Town Ladies at home this Sunday but their postponed FA Women’s Cup tie with Norwich City Ladies took precedence. Will play the tie this coming Sunday. So too will Walsham Le Willows at home to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies as both sides look to win a place in the semi-finals.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 20/11/16

The Round-Up

ERWFL – Sunday 20th November

ERWFL Premier Division

A limited fixture list in both the ERWFL Premier and Division One this Sunday with some of the clubs involved in County Cup competitions across the region. Nevertheless some significant results to bring you.

New leaders at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division, Haringey Borough Women moving level on points with Bedford Ladies holding top spot through a superior goal difference were at home on Sunday playing in form 3rd placed AFC Dunstable Ladies. The visitors leading at half-time through a goal from Bethany Stanton on 38 minutes. Haringey came back into it early 2nd half Anele Komani putting them back on level terms, Klesha Darroux netting the winning goal 15 minutes from the end to put them level on points at the top however Haringey have 2 games in hand on Bedford Ladies.

Bedford Ladies haven’t picked up 3 points in their previous 4 games drew 1-1 last weekend away to Histon Ladies. Were held again to a 1-1 draw on home soil this time around playing Royston Town Ladies. Stephanie Hicks scoring the goal for Royston Town Ladies. Natasha Fensome putting the ball into the back of the net for Bedford.

Continuing their own good run of form in the ERWFL Premier Division are Billericay Town Ladies up to 4th in the table now recovering from an indifferent start to the season a 3rd successive league win on Sunday at home to Histon Ladies. Summer signing Rosi Webb scoring a hat-trick with a goal each for Vicky Kinsman, Katie Whitehead and captain Lindsey Morgan seeing Billericay win the game 6-1 to climb the table. A 4 point gap to 3rd placed AFC Dunstable, Billericay do have a game in hand.

ERWFL Division One

In ERWFL Division One, Cambridge City Ladies newly promoted to the league won their opening fixture and hadn’t looked back winning all of their next 7 league games to lead the way. Also promoted were Hertford Town Ladies who too won their opening fixture, in total contrast to the league leaders they haven’t picked up a single point since, so it was a surprise result when Hertford Town Ladies got that much sought after 2nd league win of the season at home against the league leaders on Sunday to end their 100% start to the season. A single goal settling the match scored by Meike Gierig late in the 1st half enough to see Hertford Town Ladies get a confidence boosting victory.

It’s all bunching up behind Cambridge City Ladies at the top of the Division One with a new name moving into 2nd spot this season, Silver End United Ladies taking advantage of both 2nd and 3rd placed Offley & Stopsley Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies. The Essex side making it 3 successive league wins winning at home after seeing off 2nd half comeback from opponents Stevenage Ladies Reserves. Jodie Osborne with her 12th goal of the season putting Silver End into the league with Lynsey Bowman scoring 2 goals within a couple of minutes to take her tally to 11 for the season and see Silver End United leading 3-0 at the break.

Stevenage Ladies Reserves stepped it up 2nd half getting a goal back early in the 2nd half pressing for more goals got it back to 3-3 with Holly Darling, Jenny Hepton and Emily Schofield all scoring. Silver End United attacking with 10 minutes left retook the lead Rebecca Hollocks (pictured) netting the goal that would prove to be the winner see Silver End United claim all 3 points now unbeaten in 5 matches league and cup.

The Round-Up – FAWPL/FA Women’s Cup 20/11/16

The Round-Up

FAWPL/FA Women’s Cup – Sunday 20th November

The Round-Up is going to have a different feel about it this weekend everything that happened on the pitch will still be covered only with it being a County Cup weekend you might not find your team where you’d expect it to be. If indeed it managed to play at all with Storm Angus blowing across the country overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning leaving several pitches unplayable, that said there’s still a good amount of football to cover and a few teams picking up their 1st long awaited win.

FAWPL South East Division One

Two league matches scheduled for Sunday in the FAWPL Southern Division didn’t survive the weather with both West Ham United Ladies v Lewes Ladies & Swindon Town Ladies v C&K Basildon postponed. Just the one league game scheduled in FAWPL SouthEast Division One with AFC Wimbledon Ladies playing host to Luton Town Ladies. 2nd v 5th going into the match Luton took an early lead 16-year-old Jodie Bellinger putting them ahead. Held onto the lead until half-hour mark, Laura Low getting the goal to put AFC Wimbledon back on level terms. Luton quickly retook the lead a long range strike from Shanice Jimenez to see Luton lead 2-1 at the break.

AFC Wimbledon came back to level early in the 2nd half awarded a penalty captain Jess Trimnell scoring from the spot to make it 2-2. Again Luton got themselves into the lead with 20 minutes left Jess McKay on target and this time instead of conceding extended their lead Bellinger with her 2nd of the game to see Luton win 4-2 to leave with the 3 points remain 5th in the table but close the gap on the 4 sides above them to a single point.

FA Women’s Cup

Last weekend saw the 4th Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup take place a few ties were postponed from that weekend being moved to this one of those was an all FAWPL South East Division One clash between Norwich City Ladies & Lowestoft Town Ladies, local rivals the match scheduled at Plantation Park had been called off due to a waterlogged pitch and with Storm Angus in town the prospects didn’t look good again, however it did survive, the pitch wet and muddy with a light rain that would build during the 1st half, Lowestoft Town Ladies adapted to the conditions the quicker creating chances up front the dead lock broken just as the wind and rain grew the worst from a corner kick Gemma Moore curling the ball straight into the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Lowestoft at half-time.

By time the 2nd half kicked off the rain had disappeared was a total contrast and so were Norwich who started the half strongly pressing Lowestoft back into their own half, getting the scores level Paige Shorten latching onto a ball outside the box, rifling it into the back of the net. Natasha Snelling turned the ball home from close range off a corner to put Norwich 2-1 up. Lowestoft responded going up the other end winning a corner Moore proving her inswinging ball was no fluke as it again curled towards the far post hitting it this time rebounding back out into the six yard box defender Abbie Everson sending the ball over the line to make it 2-2.

Vital saves from both goalkeepers, Eilish Brogan for Lowestoft and Norwich’s Fiona Coombes saw the tie end all square after 90 minutes and go into extra-time. In the 1st period of extra-time Cassie Craddock sent a shot in from 25 yards out up and over the keeper to score give Lowestoft the lead. Back came Norwich Chelsea Garrett scoring from distance to make it 3-3 the 2nd period of extra-time didn’t see another goal the tie would be decided by penalties. Both sides missing a penalty at 3-3 Norwich scored there 5th Lowestoft’s hit the crossbar. Norwich winning the shootout to go through to the 1st Round Proper where they will be at home to AFC Wimbledon Ladies.

The game was covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and the match report can be found in the previous post or by clicking on the link below.

Norwich City Ladies v Lowestoft Town Ladies

Capital Women’s Cup

Sneaking the quarter finals of the Capital Women’s Cup into this Round-Up as the 4 ties feature 6 sides competing in the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One. One was lost to the weather with Crystal Palace Ladies hosting Camden Town Ladies, they will try again next Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were away in the quarter finals of the Capital Women’s Cup playing lower league opponents Leyton Orient WFC. Held the FAWPL Southern Division joint leaders to a goalless 1st half, Tottenham breaking the stalemate 11 minutes into the 2nd half defender Renee Hector putting the ball into the back of the net. Made sure of the win in the final minute Wendy Martin scoring the goal to see Tottenham into the semi-finals of the competition.

Capital Women’s Cup holders Charlton Athletic Women are also through to the semi-finals with an away win against Denham United Ladies on Sunday a league between the sides Charlton got off to a good start Kit Graham putting them into the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Katie Flack doubled the lead midway though the 1st half Graham with her 2nd goal of the game on 28 minutes Charley Clifford making it 4-0 2 minutes before half-time. Flack netting her 2nd goal of the game in the 2nd half rounded off a 5-0 win for the visiting side to see them continue the defence of the trophy.

Was FAWPL South East Division One taking on FAWPL Southern opposition in the other quarter final ties with the lower league side coming out on top to reach the semi-finals, Actonians Ladies at home to Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Alessandra Barreca giving Actonians Ladies a 1-0 lead at the break. Melissa Jung doubled the lead in the 2nd half, Actonians conceding a late goal in injury time Mariko Engels scoring for QPR winning 2-1 to progress.

The semi-final draw for the Capital Women’s Cup has been made with the ties to be played Sunday 19th February and are as follows

Crystal Palace Ladies or Camden Town Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

Charlton Athletic Women v Actonians Ladies

Match Report – Norwich City Ladies v Lowestoft Town Ladies

Haven’t had a match report on the website for the past two weeks as my other women’s football outpost the Supporting Women’s Football Blog has been distracted by women’s football in other part of the country. Returns with a bang a dramatic game enjoyable viewing for the neutral, action from the FA Women’s Cup a postponed fixture from the weekend before with Norwich City Ladies hosting Suffolk rivals, Lowestoft Town Ladies at Plantation Park both vying for a place in the 1st Round Proper of the competition with a home tie against AFC Wimbledon Ladies awaiting the victor.

Match Report – Norwich City Ladies v Lowestoft Town Ladies

A trip across Norfolk this Sunday to catch another game of football from the FA Women’s Cup. A local derby match too! Postponed from last Sunday due to a water-logged pitch the game survived the overnight rain deposited across the South East by Storm Angus, the venue Plantation Park home of Norwich City Ladies hosting Suffolk rivals Lowestoft Town Ladies in 4th Round Qualifying.

Both sides playing for a place in the 1st Round Proper of the competition the draw already made know their opponents, a home tie against fellow South East Division One side AFC Wimbledon Ladies one of the early pacesetters in the league. Both sides entering the FA Women’s Cup in the previous round.

Norwich City Ladies were at home in 3rd Round Qualifying played Peterborough based side Riverside Rovers Ladies playing 2 leagues below them in the EMWFL Division One South won the game comfortably racking up a double figure score 10-0 to advance to the next round. Lowestoft Town Ladies were at home too in 3rd Round Qualifying beating fellow South East Division One side Enfield Town Ladies for the 2nd time in a week 2-0 to reach the next round.

The venue for today’s game Plantation Park was touch and go as to whether it would survive the over night storm, hard work in the morning by Norwich Cty Ladies and Norwich United inspecting the ground early saw it go ahead so long as there wasn’t anymore heavy rain, leaden skies above didn’t look promising but nevertheless the match was on for a 1pm kick-off, extra-time and penalties if required to settle the tie today. Is a small covered stand upon one side of the ground for spectators to watch keep out of the rain.

Norwich City Ladies starting XI – Fiona Coombes, Erin Wilson, Rebecca Russell, Bryony Rapley, Kate Parsons (C), Jodie Drake, Paige Shorten, Brooke Osborne, Kyla Love, Natasha Snelling & Chelsea Garrett.
subs – Ellie Bird, Emily Moerkerk, Ellen Swift & Kayti Simonson.

Lowestoft Town Ladies starting XI – Eilish Brogan, Lindsey Adams, Charnelle Riggall, Abbie Everson, Ellie Froud, Broghan Scully, Cassie Craddock, Gemma Moore, Aimee Durrant, Molly Hall & Hannah Waters (C).
subs – Millie Cursons & Nina Batchelor.

A switch of ends at the start the breeze picking up blowing from one goalmouth to the other across the pitch Lowestoft having it at their backs 1st half with Norwich kicking off wearing green shirts and socks with yellow shorts, Lowestoft kitted out in an all blue kit, both going to have a lot of brown added during the match it’s muddy out there pity the kit washers. The ball is out of play straight away for a throw on the left.

Lowestoft are awarded a free-kick jut inside their own half is played long with Molly Hall peeling into space on the right looking to get in behind, can’t catch the ball before it runs out of play, from the goal-kick Aimee Durrant wins the ball for Lowestoft coming inside passes the ball out to Hannah Waters Lowestoft’s captain drifting away to the right squares the ball back in along the top of the box is cleared by Bryony Rapley for Norwich before Durrant can run onto it. A god start from Lowestoft pressuring Norwich at the back for the ball, Gemma Moore on the left wins her side the 1st corner of the game takes it, lifting the ball into the six yard box Waters jumping near post can’t reach the ball.

Lowestoft Town Ladies
captain Hannah Waters

A counter attack from Norwich the ball played forwards to Natasha Snelling on the left drills a diagonal ball into the area, is cleared by Lowestoft’s Lindsey Adams spinning out into the middle Paige Shorten racing onto the ball goes to hit a shot a bobble sees her slice it horribly wide, turns into a good ball for Erin Wilson the Norwich right back getting forwards lifts a cross up into the area Lowestoft head clear.

Is wet and muddy out there going to ground to make a challenge is risky, Norwich’s Rebecca Russell is late with her tackle catches Waters as she tries to bring the ball forwards on the right bringing her to the ground a painful one but Waters is okay. Russell gets yellow carded. The ball is played up into the area the header won by Norwich is knocked into the ground, the home side struggling to clear their lines the ball rebounds to Moore 20 yards out left of the D fires a low shot in through the crowd, Norwich goalkeeper Fiona Coombes dives to her right pushes the ball wide for a corner. The ball goes long towards the far post the ball is headed down Durrant 3 yards out, cleared off the line by Norwich for a 2nd corner. Hall moves towards the ball this time can’t direct her header on target comes back to Moore who plays her cross into the side netting.

Has a derby feel about it the slippery conditions meaning the challenges aren’t well timed or controlled to make matters worse a light rain has started to fall blowing across the pitch. Shorten with a good pass forwards looks to play Chelsea Garrett in behind, Lowestoft’s Ellie Froud with a good tackle to get her foot on the ball prevents the striker getting a run at goal. The ball out for a throw on the left is played inside rolled into Shorten’s path goes for the long distance pile driver again the spin on the shot seeing it run away from goal.

Ellie Froud in defence for Lowestoft Town Ladies

Charnelle Riggall brings the ball on for Lowestoft up the right passes the ball into Cassie Craddock ahead of her flicks it on for Hall moving right, sends the ball into the area, Wilson clearing far post for Norwich. The ball is played up top quickly by Jodie Drake into Garrett good control with her back to goal 25 yards out turns tries to roll it through into the box for Snelling coming in from the left, too close to Brogan the Lowestoft keeper getting her gloves around the ball 1st.

Norwich City Ladies, Natasha Snelling

Norwich win the ball at the back, Kyla Love back to support her defence has the ball inside her own half takes it down the right, a storming run carrying it 3 quarters the length of the pitch evading two challenges squares the ball into the area looking to pick out Garrett near post as she arrives in the box, the ball is taken off her toes by Lowestoft’s Lindsey Adams getting across from left back to defend. Norwich pressuring the ball is deflected into the middle for Shorten gets the pass in behind for Garrett coming in from the left, Brogan commits early sliding in the pair collide inside the box and Garrett squeezes a shot past her runs wide across goal, both striker and keeper are okay to continue. Both come together in a similar incident moments later this time Garrett is flagged offside moving into the box from the right.

Norwich City Ladies, Chelsea Garrett with Lowestoft’s Broghan Scully

Broghan Scully gets her foot on the ball in the middle for Lowestoft passes the ball into Hall 25 yards out right of goal, goes to shot Norwich captain Kate Parson’s charging the shot down as the rain starts to fall heavily. Durrant carries the ball on up the left side, skipping past a lunging challenge gets into the box pulls the trigger aiming near post Coombes has the angle covered parries the ball down and catches safely. On the opposite flank Waters is played in behind coming in from the right shoots from just outside the box, Coombes across to cover her near post gloves the ball down and saves. Moore with a long range shot sends the ball over the crossbar for Lowestoft from 30 yards out. The rain is getting heavier the wind picking up. Lowestoft are pushing hard as the 1st half moves towards the last 10 minutes, Durrant with the ball on the left rolls it on into the box for Moore to go after, Wilson gets her foot on the ball conceded the corner.

GOAL! Lowestoft take the lead the goal coming from the corner, a great inswinging ball put in by Moore across the six yard evades everyone and goes into the back of the net far post. Moore scoring straight from the corner 0-1.

Gemma Moore scores direct
from the corner for Lowestoft
Town Ladies

Bizarrely just as the rain and wind has been at it’s worst it quickly fades as Norwich attack from the restart the ball sent long to Snelling on the right whips an early ball into the Lowestoft area bounces through to the far post, Love free that side coming in can’t get near it as it runs out of play. Brooke Osborne puts pressure on the Lowestoft defence wins her side a corner on the right. Brogan coming for the ball near post misses it but so does everyone else as it flashes across the six yard box.

Russell gets the ball back to Coombes at the back for Norwich with Waters giving chase to a long pass on the right the ball cleared for a throw is played into Hall inside the box right of goal 8 yards out holds of Parsons to turn and shoot playing the ball wide of the post.

Lowestoft’s Molly Hall, holds off Norwich’s Kate Parsons before shooting wide.

Into 1st half injury time Snelling is fouled outside the box on the right for Norwich, a chance for Shorten to play the set-piece into the area whips the ball in towards the near post, Brogan unchallenged can see it bounce off the surface into her gloves as the referee brings an end to the 1st half.

Half-time Norwich City Ladies 0-1 Lowestoft Town Ladies

A 1-0 advantage for Lowestoft as the sides head into the dressing room for half-time have dealt with the difficult playing conditions better than Norwich in the 1st half creating more chances and getting into the lead. Thankfully those conditions have dried up the wind dying down the rain stopping even a peek from the blue sky above the black clouds above. Came Lowestoft hold onto their lead 2nd half or will Norwich step it up get back on level terms it’s Lowestoft to get the 2nd half underway.

Norwich get hold of the ball, Parsons playing it up to Osborne on the right, mis-controls the ball spinning infield, Garrett goes after it looks to get it out to Osborne moving into the area plays is stopped by the assistants flag, Osborne caught offside. Moore gets the ball forwards for Lowestoft, tries to pick out Hall drifting away into space wide left, getting the ball into her feet cuts back inside plays the cross in towards the near post, Coombes claims the ball with Waters running in behind.

A great save from Brogan in the Lowestoft goal keeps their lead intact as Norwich starting the 1st half brightly capitalise on a poor ball out from the back, Garrett latching onto it moving right spins and lifts the ball into the six yard box, Love is there in a central position 3 yards out connects with the ball, Brogan a yard away reacts instinctively falling back it looks a certain goal, however the keeper flings out a glove knocks the ball up killing its pace and as it drops to the floor plucks it into her body before Love and get a 2nd stab at it.

As contrasting as the weather 1st half so is the start Norwich coming at Lowestoft keeping them penned in their own half. Garrett gathering the ball into her body central outside the box sends it across to Osborne on the right moving down the wing cuts the cross back into the area runs behind the Norwich players attacking the six yard box. Garrett on the ball again down the right off a throw for Norwich curls a cross into the box swinging away from goal nestles into the side netting.

Brogan with more goalkeeping heroics as she comes charging out of her area sliding in low saves with her knees off Snelling left side outside the box as Drake gets the ball into her the keepers clearance goes straight to Love however the chance to shoot is on Love takes it with Lowestoft defenders racing back to cover the goal the ball bouncing inside the six yard box runs wide.

GOAL! The positive attacking start to the 2nd half from Norwich tells as they get themselves back on level terms 10 minutes played the ball is lifted up into the area shots are blocked at the top of the area central Lowestoft battling to get the ball away. Pinging around a rebound takes it out of the box 25 yards out Shorten’s eyes light up she isn’t afraid to have a shot from distance two wayward attempts in the 1st half this is anything but, a belter of a strike nothing Brogan can do as it flies past her into the back of the net beyond 1-1.

Paige Shorten equalises for
Norwich City Ladies

Norwich continue to press from the restart winning the ball, Drake takes on a strike from 25 yards out straight at Brogan the keeper parryig it down to claim inside her six yard box. Attacking up the left Norwich fire the ball long into the box for Garrett to chase after right of goal inside the six yard box tries to put her shot back across the keeper, going to ground Brogan throws out her right arm gets it around the ball. Build up through the middle Drake plays the ball into Snelling who helps it into the box for Garrett to her right takes on the shot as the ball rolls across her body slices it off target at the near post.

Lowestoft make the 1st substitution of the game bringing on Nina Batchelor for Scully in midfield. Brogan is at it again for Lowestoft in goal making another instinctive save as Norwich are awarded a free-kick wide on the right, Shorten playing the ball long towards the far post, Parson’s jumping heads the ball down from close range, straight at Brogan the goalkeeper saves pushing the ball up over the bar to land on the roof of the net.

Natasha Snelling puts Norwich
into the lead

GOAL! Norwich having gotten it back to 1-1 get themselves into the lead catch Lowestoft out from the corner Love free right offers herself for a a ball up the line the ball is whipped into the box from the top of the area a good delivery coming low far post is turned into the back of the net from close range, Snelling the player running out of the area in celebration having scored 2-1.

Lowestoft go on the attack from the restart getting the ball in field into Craddock passes to Durrant on the right moving inside lets fly with a shot from all of 30 yards out Coombes getting down low to her left pushes the ball behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! Norwich’s lead is short-lived as Lowestoft score from a corner for the 2nd time in the match, Moore to take it from the left another good delivery an inswinging ball flies across the six yard box looks to come back off the far post into the middle of goal, players from both sides converge on the ball, it is stabbed over the goal line Lowestoft running out of the area celebrating, Abbie Everson with the final touch is credited with the goal 2-2.

Moore’s corner flies across goal about to come back off the post before Abbie Everson central scores to make it 2-2

Everson is booked soon after committing a foul inside the Norwich half on the right, players go forwards, Parsons plays the ball central into Shorten who lays it out to Wilson on the right, marked by Moore, Wilson is clipped as she runs across her the incident just inside the area right corner the referee points to the spot, penalty given! A chance for Norwich to retake the lead. Shorten on the spot-kick g0es for power hitting the ball to the right, Brogan guesses right and diving pushes the ball away making the save the ball cleared for a throw that side.

Norwich with a corner on the left the ball is sliced in towards Love outside the box central running onto the shot hits it into the ground bouncing up swings wide of the Lowestoft goal. The visitors have struggled 2nd half to get the ball into their attackers, Waters kept quiet up top, Durrant makes ground on the right delivers a good ball into the box top of the area Rapley misses her header catches Hall coming in behind by surprise gets her foot onto the ball but before she can shift it to shoot Wilson nips in to tackle win it back for Norwich.

Lowestoft Town Ladies, Aimee Durrant

Love is fouled wide on the left for Norwich in a deep position players move up into the area the ball is put high into the near post area, Hall back to defend for Lowestoft jumps highest to head the ball away across the face of goal. Everson gets back on Garrett to take the ball off her toe inside the box after the Norwich attacker gets hold of the ball from a goal-kick drives forwards the ball deflected away for a corner on the left. Moore headers the ball out of the area defending the near post for Lowestoft drops to Shorten who plays it back into the mix Parsons getting jump 10 yards out headers the ball wide.

Snelling is off for Norwich with Emily Moerkerk coming on into midfield. Shorten drifting right for Norwich plays the ball into the area, cleared back to her squares it into Garrett inside the D back to goal shifts the ball to her left turning and hitting a shot rising is wide of the top corner. The final whistle blows and with the floodlights starting to take affect the game heads into extra-time.

Full-time Norwich City Ladies 2-2 Lowestoft Town Ladies

A better 2nd half display from Norwich to get themselves back onto level terms then take the lead. Lowestoft have been on the ropes but got themselves back into it straight away after going behind levelling it up at 2-2 with goalkeeper Brogan pulling off some great saves.

Lowestoft Town Ladies goalkeeper, Eilish Brogan

Extra-time

Norwich to get the 1st half of extra-time under way, continue to attack the same goal they did 2nd half. Craddock wins possession for Lowestoft plays the ball out to Durrant on the right driving forwards tries to lift the ball over the Norwich defence into the box with Waters moving in behind, Parsons gets her head on the ball to intercept. Durrant with the ball at her feet on the right again cuts the ball into the box no one gambling as Coombes claims inside her six yard box.

Osborne plays the ball on up the right for Garrett coming across into space taking it on down the wing sends a cross into the box races behind the attackers arriving in the six yard box. Waters is put in over the top on the right for Lowestoft looks to drive infield into the box is tackled by Parsons the ball going out for a throw. The ball is played into the area right side held up by Hall, turns well sends a shot across the face of goal skims off the far post before running out of play for a goal-kick.

GOAL! Lowestoft get themselves back into the lead the ball is on the left from a throw knocking in field outside the area 25 yards out Hall goes after it a crunching 50/50 challenge leaving a Norwich defender grounded the ball runs into the path of Craddock takes on the shot 1st time lifting the ball up and over Coombes into the back of the net beyond 2-3.

Cassie Craddock gives Lowestoft Town Ladies the lead in extra-time

Moerkerk plays the ball into Love in a central position inside the D outside the Lowestoft box, holding the ball up is allowed to turn and get a shot away runs wide of the post. Love comes across to the right side telling Osborne to go the other way as she does the ball comes to her in a central position 25 yards out goes for goal Brogan diving to her left pushes the ball wide for the corner kick.

GOAL! Norwich equalise to make it 3-3 from the corner the ball comes in towards the top of the area helped onto Osborne far side fires the cross into the middle, Drake sees her shot blocked the ball cleared out of the area falls to Garrett 30 yards out left sends the shot in flies over the keeper to nestle into the back of the net another quality strike from distance.

Norwich make a change late in the 1st period of extra-time Ellen Swift coming on to replace Garrett.

Half-time extra-time Norwich City Ladies 3-3 Lowestoft Town Ladies

Lowestoft kick-off the 2nd period of extra-time 15 minutes for either side to find a winning goal or it’ll be settled by penalties. Lowestoft go long to the right for Durrant from kick-off, trying to get down the line is tackled well by Russell. The ball goes long up field for Drake 25 yards out turns playing the ball into the path of Shorten making a forwards run to get into the area left side of the D, Brogan comes rushing out goes to ground, Shorten gets the ball past the keeper runs wide across goal beyond.

Waters beats the Norwich offside trap as Durrant gets the ball forwards into her on the right, Coombes comes out to the edge of her area to clear the ball before Waters can get there puts it back out right Durrant goes after it sees her cross blocked before going down with cramp. Players are starting to tire on both sides a wet and heavy pitch starting to take its toll.

Russell slices a Lowestoft cross behind for a corner kick on the right, the ball is delivered far post from close range the ball is headed down into the ground, Norwich have a player on the line the ball is cleared from danger out for a throw. Play is stretched end to end tired balls however are not finding there mark. Durrant getting onto the ball from a goal-kick turns inside from the right plays the ball into the area just behind Waters running near post falls to Hall behind her stuck under her feet tries to get it under control evades one challenge lines up a shot Parsons lunges in to win the ball put it away to the left for a throw.

Craddock finds the energy to drive with the ball through the middle of the park for Lowestoft lays the pass into Durrant on the right in space goes to shoot, the ball held by Coombes at her near post. Moore passes to Durrant on the right side her cross is headed out of the area is won back by Lowestoft played back into the area, Durrant pressures Russell on the ball inside the six yard box as she comes inside looking to clear, smashes the ball against Durrant who jumps to block, the deflection is flying towards the top corner so is Coombes a spectacular save to take the ball behind for the corner keep the scores level in extra-time.

All action in the closing minutes as the rain returns the light fades quickly the floodlights needed now. Norwich bring on Kayti Simonson for Drake. Durrant on the right latches onto a tired Norwich clearance goes for goal 35 yards out sends the shot over the crossbar. Hall has a strike from 30 yards out central left of goal Coombes dives to her left pushes the ball wide for the corner not long left the referee has his whistle in his mouth. Another great in swinger from Moore on the left into the six yard box, Coombes up gets a fist on the ball knocks it down into the area then saves save Hall getting a touch on the ball prods it straight into the keeper. The match goes to penalties.

Might have mentioned I hate penalties before but that’s the way it is been an enthralling contest by both sides contrasting halves both could have won it, fair to say neither deserve to loose it but we have to have a winner.

Penalties

Norwich to take the opening penalty it’s their captain Parsons to take it cool as you like sends the ball to the keepers left into the back of the net 1-0.

Durrant up 1st for Lowestoft places the ball on the spot, Coombes wearing wearing bright pink with alot of movement on her goal line as she goes to strike the ball, sends the ball wide of the post to miss 1-0.

Shorten up next to take Norwich’s 2nd penalty saw her strike saved by Brogan in the 2nd half diving to her right, Brogan does the same, Shorten doesn’t putting the ball low to her left to score 2-0.

Lowestoft captain Waters up next to take the visitors 2nd penalty powers the spot kick high to the keepers right, Coombes diving gets a glove to the ball but can’t keep it out 2-1.

Ellen Swift with Norwich’s 3rd penalty kick hits it low and accurate into the bottom right corner to score 3-1.

Hall comes forwards to take Lowestoft’s 3rd penalty kick, a short run up 2 steps but plenty of power in her legs drives the ball home high into the net 3-2

Rapley to take Norwich’s 4th spot kick goes for height again only this time the ball flies over the bar the score remains 3-2.

Moore comes forwards to take Lowestoft’s 4th penalty with a chance to level things up coolly slots the ball down the middle sending Coombes the wrong way. 3-3.

Osborne to take the 5th penalty for Norwich has to score Brogan guesses right dives the right way as Osborne hits the ball in low along the ground but gets enough power on her strike is past the keeper into the back of the net before she can save it 4-3.

Craddock up last to take the 5th Lowestoft penalty scores and it goes to sudden death runs up goes for power and height the ball smashing off the crossbar heartbreak! Norwich rush from halfway in celebration however the referees assistant is waving his flag furiously, the officials consult did Coombes move off her line too early, Parsons goes over to them but the celebration can continue Norwich win the penalty shoot-out 4-3 to advance into the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup.

A fantastic game for the neutral had it all rather not see a penalty shoot-out but there you go credit to both sides played some great stuff on a difficult surface and rubbish weather. The result both will agree could have gone either way. Norwich will now be at home in two weeks time playing AFC Wimbledon Ladies for a place in the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup.

My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams on the day.

The Round-Up – Essex 13/11/16

The Round-Up

Essex – Sunday 13th November

Essex Women’s Premier Division

Lawford Ladies 100% winning start to the season was brought to a halt at the weekend as the Essex Women’s Premier Division leaders dropped points for the 1st time this season after winning all 8 of their opening league matches. Were at home to 3rd placed Chelmsford City Ladies on Sunday the two sides battling out a high scoring draw the points shared the game ending 3-3. Angela Holden, Gaby Freedman and Georgia Sleep scoring Chelmsford City Ladies goals.

That result saw 2nd place Harlow Town Ladies close the gap on Lawford Ladies to a single point with a game in hand as they continued their own 100% winning start to the Premier Division since promotion as Champions from Division One making it 8 wins from 8 themselves with a home win against fellow promoted side Wickford Town Ladies. Tayla Handscomb scoring a hat-trick, Tia Dye with 2 goals with Danielle Hills also on target in a 6-0 win.

Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies move up a place in the Premier Division table with a 5-0 away win against bottom side Hutton Ladies Reserves on Sunday. Alresford Colne Rangers having started life in the Premier Division with 6 straight defeats are now unbeaten in 3 as they pick up another point at home on Sunday against fellow promoted side Chigwell Ladies the match ending in a 2-2 draw. Gemma Howes and Harriet Douglas with the goals for Chigwell Ladies.

Essex Women’s Division One

Corringham Cosmos continue to lead the way in Essex Women’s Division One move onto 24 points for the season from 9 played following a big away win against Benfleet Villa Ladies running out 8-1 winners to claim the 3 points.

3 points back in 2nd with 2 games in hand Frontiers Ladies are the only side in Division One with a 100% record moved onto 7 wins from 7 beating another side who have enjoyed a good start to the season at home on Sunday, Hatfield Peveral Ladies. The visitors losing their own 100% winning start to the season against leaders Corringham Cosmos last time out, found themselves a goal down inside the opening 5 minutes, Sharon Ferguson (pictured) scoring to put Frontiers into the lead. Hatfield Peveral got themselves back on level terms 20 minutes into the 2nd half Michelle Hodgson putting the ball into the back of the net. Frontiers retaking the lead 6 minutes before the half-time whistle Ferguson sending the ball into the back of the net for her 2nd goal of the match. Frontiers went on to extend their lead 2nd half, Kelly Holsworth having scored from 2 free-kick last weekend, did the same this weekend although the 1st didn’t count as the referee blew the whistle to deal with some pushing and jostling, retaking the free-kick the ball ended up in the back of the net Frontiers winning the game 3-1.

Collier Row Athletic are climbing up the Division One table with their 4th straight league win moving onto 12 points into 6th spot winning 3-1 away from home against Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves whose goal was scored by Kayla-Marie Everett.

Waltham Forest Ladies lost at home on Sunday playing Wickford Town Ladies Reserves. However I am very tempted to declare it a win to Waltham Forest instead as the bottom side came close to getting a point edged out 4-3, and having covered, well losses every week I am pleased to see such a close result to cover in The Round-Up. Not taking anything away from Wickford Town Ladies Reserves who get themselves a much needed win and confidence booster themselves after a couple of heavy defeats against the leading sides in the Division Jayde Abrahams, Gemma Graham and Lois Curson scoring 3 of their 4 goals.