The Tuesday Round-Up – Edition Twenty Nine

Sunday 3rd April

Welcome to Edition Twenty Nine of The Tuesday Round-Up, into April a defining month in the women’s football season across the East. Cup Finals to be contested. With a few other finalists to be determined. Pretty much all the leagues across the region have been hotly contested all season and gradually some have fallen away from the title hunt, games though are running out for others to catch the leaders. Not just the battle for the title but promotion too. Finally have an Edition of The Tuesday Round-Up where certainly a few sides can be put out of the running. Others are almost there and one league has a Champion! Plenty to cover April started with bright sunshine a real frustration for those that did see their game called off, but those were few and far between, which of course means we have alot to cover once again so let’s plunge on.

FAWPL Southern Division

 In the FAWPL Southern Division, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC are almost there have one league match left to play and a win away to Tottenham Hotspur Ladies this coming Sunday will see them crowned Champions with none of the chasing sides being able to catch them. Maintain an 8 point lead at the top of the table on Sunday. At home for their final FAWPL league game this season taking on a side who needed a win to keep their own slender hopes of pipping them to the title alive. Portsmouth FC Ladies were in 3rd place in the table 10 points behind Brighton but with 2 games in hand, needed a win and Brighton to lose both their remaining 2 matches to catch them, unlikely as that was it was a win or they were out of the running. 

 Brighton were in no mood to fall at the final hurdle however, Amy Taylor scoring twice to put them 2 up inside the opening 20 minutes. Molly Clark pulled a goal back for Portsmouth shortly after but conceded again in the final minute of the 1st half to go in 3-1 down at the break, Charlotte Gurr the Brighton scorer. No more goals were to follow 2nd half as Brighton celebrated. Win their final game and there’s no one to catch them despite the sides below them all having games in hand. 

Portsmouth FC Ladies weren’t the only side hoping to see Brighton beaten this Sunday, 2nd placed Charlton Athletic Women. 8 points behind, but again with 2 matches in hand could do with the result going Portsmouth’s way. Were taking on a side from the South Coast themselves with Lewes Ladies the visitors to the Sporting Club Thamesmead Stadium. Of course forgetting the Brighton v Portsmouth match Charlton had to get the right result at home, was a disastrous start conceding in the opening 2 minutes, Lewes ladies going ahead through a Sian Heather strike. Lewes lead right up till the end of the 1st half, Kit Graham scoring to put Charlton back on level terms going into the dressing room at half-time. The stalemate held even as Lewes were reduced to 10 players with 10 minutes left, Paige Walder shown a red card. Plenty of injury time was played, and deep into it 90+5 Charlton popped up with a winning goal, Grace Coombs scoring to win the match and take all 3 points.

 Cardiff City Ladies are now the only side who can overhaul Brighton’s points tally, winning on Sunday to climb up to 3rd spot above Portsmouth are 10 points behind Brighton with 12 points left to play for even winning those 4 matches win be futile if Brighton win their remaining match. Still like Charlton it was a case of winning your own match 1st and this Sunday they were away to Tottenham Hotspur Ladies whom they will face in the FAWPL League Cup Final next month. One goal was enough to win the 3 points coming for the Welsh side, Alys Hinchcliffe netting from a free kick in the closing seconds of the 1st half.

   Coventry United Ladies also climb above Portsmouth to take 4th spot with a comfortable 5-0 away win at Queens Park Rangers Ladies. The visitors 1st goal came just after the half hour mark, Jade Brook on target with Marie Gauntlett putting Coventry 2-0 up 5 minutes before half-time. Amber Hughes extended Coventry’s lead 15 minutes into the 2nd half with Gauntlett scoring her 2nd of the game 2 minutes later. Christina Torkildson making it 5-0 with 15 minutes left on the clock. 

FAWPL South East Division One

 Leaders Crystal Palace Ladies keep up their unbeaten lead record but were made to work for it at home against Denham United Ladies on Sunday. The visitors taking a 1-0 lead into half-time Alissa Down scoring screamer of a free kick from 25-30 yards out. Francesca Ali came off the bench to join the action for Crystal Palace early in the 2nd half and was on hand inside the box to score the levelling goal for the hosts. Denham United came back to retake the lead Elisha Allen with a long run to round the keeper inside the box and score. 2-1 down going into the last 15 minutes Crystal Palace scored again Ali with her 2nd of the match. Went on to break Denham hearts and cue wild celebrations as they scored in the dying moments of the 90 to win 3-2, Gemma Bryan’s strike smashing in down off the cross bar and over the line.  Have a 9 point lead with 5 matches left to play.

The side most likely to catch them in the FAWPL South East Division One are 3rd placed Gillingham FC Ladies. Have 8 matches left to play due to postponements and cup football early in the season even winning all those games still need to see Crystal Palace’s unbeaten run end. Were on the road at the weekend a long journey north up to the top of the Suffolk Coast to play 2nd bottom side Lowestoft Ladies. Took the early initiative going 2 nil up on the 5th and 6th minute respectfully, Paige Baker-Carroll and Megan Maslak with the goals. On 20 minutes Kallie Balfour made it 3-0. Jade Keogh and Lauren Davis both scoring in the final 5 minutes of the 1st half to take full control of the match. 2nd half saw an improved Lowestoft performance couldn’t keep Gilllingham from scoring again but restricted them to 1 more goal Baker-Carroll with her 2nd of the match on the 63rd minute seeing Gillingham win 6-0 give their goal difference another boost.

4th versus 5th in the FAWPL South East Division One was this weekends featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, a trip to the Stockwood Park Athletics Stadium to watch Luton Town Ladies play Cambridge United WFC. Two competitive sides this was a fiery encounter with several strong challenges early on that set the tone with the referee letting it go. Luton were to take the lead a well delivered corner to the far post met by the head of the falling Nicola Henman was directed back on target Cambridge failing to keep it out on the post. Was from a corner themselves that Cambridge got it back to 1-1 at half-time, a well delivered ball from Laura Mills which goalkeeper Hollie Staples could only knock down at the far post with Cambridge’s Laura Bright on hand to bundle home. 2nd half Luton were to regain the lead Natasha Fensome getting onto the ball on the edge of the area and driving across goal shooting back across to score. Tensions boiled over ending in a mass confrontation players from both sides joining in took the referee a minute to sort out the repressions seeing Luton’s Zara Carroll sent off. Despite being down to 10 from the remainder of the 2nd half Luton defended well to hold on to the lead and take all 3 points. The full match report can be found on the website below this post.

 Elsewhere it was a trip up to Norfolk for Enfield Town Ladies to play Norwich City Ladies. Nuala McKevitt scored the only goal of the match to see Enfield Town Ladies leave with the 3 points in the bag and move up a place to 7th in the table.

2nd placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies were involved in a Cup Final at the weekend defending the Berks & Bucks Women’s County Cup against Maidenhead United Ladies whom were also their opponents last season. Was late into the 2nd half before the deadlock was finally broken Andie Dickens heading home in the final 10 minutes for Milton Keynes to see them win. Congratulations to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies on their cup success.

Eastern Regional Leagues

Win the ERWFL Division One Cup group stages out of the way it was back to league action across the 3 divisions. In the ERWFL Premier Division 2nd placed Stevenage Ladies close the gap to leaders Billericay Town Ladies to 2 points with 3 matches in hand with a 3-1 away victory at 2nd bottom side Great Shelford Ladies. A hat-trick scored by Donna McGuigan securing the win. Great Shelford Ladies goal was scored by Samantha Tant her 1st for the club.

Continuing their astonishing form in 2016, AFC Dunstable Ladies are now up to 4th in the ERWFL Premier Division table following another win as they extend their unbeaten league run to 6 matches 5 of those wins. The latest at home this Sunday taking on Acle United Ladies who travelled with just the bare 11 players. Amber Pearson scoring for Dunstable inside 10 minutes the goal proving to be enough to take all the points.

  Haringey Borough Women were 4th themselves at the start of play this weekend, but drop to 6th place their opponents moving above them as they travelled to Colchester Town Ladies with just 10 players available. Kerry Stimson scoring a hat-trick for the home side with Chelsea Forde and Charlotte Bryant also on target in a 5-1 win. Klesha Darroux scoring the goal for Haringey Borough Women.

We have our 1st league Champions of the season in the East. In the ERWFL Division One East, Writtle Ladies have gone the entire season, much like the previous two seasons before with a 100% winning league record. Had 3 more matches to play in the league before the weekend 2 of which were against their nearest rivals Silver End United Ladies, their fellow Essex side 3 points behind with just the 2 matches left both against Writtle, needed victory as they welcomed them onto their patch. Writtle had other ideas Courtney Clarke scoring twice with Georgina Tricker also bagging a goal to win the match and open up a 6 point lead can’t be caught now and will be looking to finish without a loss in their last 2 matches away to Bury Town Ladies and home against Silver End United.

Congratulations to Writtle Ladies, ERWFL Division One East Champions.

Where as their are just a handful of fixtures left to be played in the ERWFL Division One East, their counterparts in Division One West have plenty of football left to play having seen alot of postponements early in the year. 7 sides contesting the league leaders Hutton Ladies have played out their league fixtures 12 played on 20 points have 2 sides with games in hand below who can catch them to win the title. Offley & Stopsley Ladies laying in 2nd place were 4 points back with just this weekends fixture to go, were playing bottom side Colney Heath Ladies at the weekend a reversed fixture saw them travel to Colney Heath to play the match scored the only goal of the game to make it a winning finish end on 19 points, 2nd place for now.

  The two sides with a chance of catching Hutton Ladies to take the title met at the weekend, Stevenage Ladies Reserves in 3rd place on 16 points had 2 games in hand needed to win both to guarantee the title. Were taking on 4th placed Royston Town Ladies who have only played 8 league fixtures to date. on 15 points with 12 to play for. Beat Stevenage Ladies Reserves and they’d end their rivals title bid. The scores were all level at half-time 1-1, a different story 2nd half with Royston Town Ladies scoring 4 more times to win the game 5-1 leave Stevenage Ladies Reserves out of the running, Leah Littlechild scoring their goal in the 1st half. Royston Town Ladies goals came from Paris Coldicott-Stevens, Samantha Tinsley, Georgia Gannaway and 2 goals for Stacey Little.

Also in the division, Hoddesdon Owls Ladies have a faint shot at the title themselves climbing up to 5th place over opponents Sawbridgeworth Town WFC this Sunday. Taking their recent Division One Cup form into their league campaign had won 3 group successive group matches to finish 2nd in their group. Were at Sawbridgeworth Town WFC at the weekend. Daniela Martucci earning herself a hat-trick scoring all their goals in a 3-1 win. Dempsey Favell with Sawbridgeworth Town WFC’s goal.   

Norfolk

In Norfolk Women’s Division One they have been chasing the leaders all season, their earlier run in the FA Women’s Cup meaning they had fixtures to catch up on. This Sunday Wymondham Town Ladies went top of the league. Unbeaten after 11 played conceding just 5 goals were away to Aylsham FC Ladies at the weekend. Despite taking the lead through a Sally Hammerton goal Wymondham went into the break 3-1 down, Aylsham’s goal scoring machine Abbie Charlton with all 3 goals. Wymondham fought back 2nd half goals from Kelly Ayers and Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris getting it back to 3-3 before Alice Collins scored what would be the winning goal to take it 4-3 and go top 2 points clear of Brandon with 2 games left to play. Are away to 4th placed Thorpe United Ladies this coming Sunday if Wymondham win it’ll will see them crowned champions. Thorpe United however have played just the 9 games with 5 left could with a win push it all the way to the end, a big game, Wymondham want to finish the season unbeaten.

At the opposite end of the table in Division One, Fakenham Town Ladies are enjoying a timely purple patch of results at the end of their season near the bottom the entire campaign a draw and 2 wins have seen them climb up to 5th in the table following a 3-2 home win over Lynn Ladies last time out in the league were on the road this Sunday taking on Bungay Town Ladies. Climb above them as they win again by 3 goals to 2. 4 of the goals coming in the 1st half Emily Leach with a goal for Bungay, Fakenham scoring 3 with Rochelle Woods on target for 2 goals, Natalie Wright scoring too. Leach pulled it back to 3-2 for Bungay 2nd half but it wasn’t enough as Fakenham Town Ladies made it 7 points in their last 3.

No league action in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday, although 4 sides were in action playing one another in the semi-finals of the Norfolk Ladies Plate, a new competition this season. In the 1st semi-final North Walsham Angels Ladies were at home playing Morley Ladies. North Walsham could only field 10 players on the day, but having already secured promotion to Norfolk Division One had the firepower to best Morley on the day winning the game 4-0, 2 goals in each half, Luci Middleton smashing the ball into the back of the net to score a hat-trick with Emma Allsopp to reach their 1st ever final in just their 2nd season. 

Joining them in the Norfolk Ladies Plate Final will be, Red Rose Ladies, who unless I’m told different are also into their 1st ever final too. Were away to fellow Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies. The game was all square at half-time 1-1, Amber Mayhew scoring for Stalham. Red Rose Ladies winning it 2-1 with a goal in the 2nd half, Sophie and Vicky Lubbock with their names on the scoresheet. The Norfolk Ladies Plate Final is to be played on Sun 1st May at Plantation Park.

 In Norfolk Women’s Division Three, leaders Harleston Ladies were playing their penultimate match of the season knowing they have already secured promotion to Division Two. Had gone unbeaten for so long 11 games 10 of those wins until losing at 2nd placed Gorleston FC Ladies two weeks ago. That defeat was followed by another this Sunday as they travelled to play Freethorpe Ladies who were also playing their penultimate game. Picked up a fantastic 3 points as Chloe Barber netted 3 times for the home side to win the game beating Harleston Ladies 3-2, Lacey Andrews with both of their goals.

In 2nd place Gorleston FC Ladies are closing the gap on Harleston Ladies at the top, still with a 100% win record having been left with alot of matches to catch up on earlier in the season were at home to 3rd placed Red Rose United at the weekend. Goals from Kayleigh Byrne, Kelly Allen, Molly Sims and a hat-trick from Samantha Hunn saw them win the match by 6 goals to 2 and in the process secure promotion to Division Two. Holly Baker and Charlotte Gardiner-Banks with Red Rose United’s goals.

Suffolk

In Suffolk it’s still all to play for in the title race with 4 of the 7 sides contesting the league still in with a chance of claiming the champions crown. The leading pair of Brantham Athletic Ladies and East Bergholt United weren’t in action this Sunday. That gave their rivals a chance to close the gap. In 3rd place Witnesham Wasps Ladies were taking on bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies for the 2nd time in a fortnight at home that time around won 9-0. On the road this weekend were in merciless form as they prepare for a midweek League Cup Final match against Brantham Athletic Ladies scoring 6 goals in either half won the game 12-0, Emily Steward scoring 8 of the goals taking her tally to 38 in all competitions for the club this season so far. Emma Long scoring a brace with Lauren Page and Alice Rampling also getting goals. 

They are still in 5th place in the Suffolk Women’s Division league table have been behind with their fixtures all season however Copleston Ladies are still very much involved in the hunt for the title, whereas the top 3 sides have 3 matches left to play Copleston Ladies have 6 left to play and moving onto 23 points are 7 points off the leading pair after this Sunday’s result. Travelled to play Bacton United Ladies in 4th place. 2 goals from Sophie Crane plus a goal each for, Amy Trenter, Kristie Turner, Elysia Young and Jade Horne saw them take the points in a 6-2 victory. 

Cambridgeshire

Even as I am putting together The Tuesday Round-Up for Cambridgeshire news comes through of another side dropping out of the leagues in the East and it is sad news indeed to here Huntingdon Town Ladies have pulled out of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this season, the 2nd side to do so. Having seen them in action it is a real shame but no surprise having been struggling to field a full team in recent weeks. Is heartening to hear the club is looking to regroup and not stay away from the women’s football scene for too long and I wish everyone involved with the club all the best, and hope sincerely to be writing about Huntingdon Town Ladies in whatever guise they return in on The Tuesday Round-Up in the future.

That sad news of course especially this late into a season brings about huge changes to a league table, in this case the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership as Huntingdon’s results are struck off and the table adjusted. Would have started by saying ICA Sports Ladies win to go back to the top of the Premiership beating Bar Hill Ladies at home 6-2. They did win 6-2 Lorna Hart scoring a hat-trick, with a brace for Sarah Rouse and one goal for Emily Woosnam. Bar Hill ladies 2 goals scored by Nadine Wejkins and Natalie Wells. However ICA Sports drop to 2nd in the adjusted table 2 wins against Huntingdon struck off.

That sees Cambridge United WFC Reserves stay top of the table now with a huge 5 point lead at the top of the Premiership having not played Huntingdon. Were away to Netherton United Ladies at The Grange at the weekend. Netherton took the lead Sasha Haw scoring the goal to see them take a half-time lead. Cambridge United WFC Reserves got themselves back on level terms 20 minutes into the 2nd half the goal scored by Emma Roberts to see the points shared

  Also in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, Newmarket Town Ladies are enjoying a good spell of form have seen points lost having played Huntingdon however that form has seen them pick up a 3 point haul against one of the sides hoping to contest the title as they came away from Cambridge University Women with win, Nadine Basson on target with the winning goal. All means the title mix up looks like this with it being a 14 match season leaders Cambridge United WFC Reserves have one game left can get 28 points. ICA Sports in 2nd have 4 games left can potentially get 32 points. In 3rd Cambridge City Ladies have 6 left to play and can earn 33 points if they win them all. In 4th Cambridge University Women have just the 3 games left and 26 points if earned is unlikely to get them the title.

One game took place in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North at the weekend with 5th placed Stamford Ladies travelling to 2nd bottom side Hungate Rovers Ladies move up to 3rd with a thumping 7-1 win, whilst Wisbech St Marys Ladies were awarded an away win over Downham Town Ladies.

New leaders in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South as Park Ladies win the battle between 2nd and 3rd to climb above leaders St Ives Town Ladies. Park Ladies were a point behind the leaders with a game in hand going into the match at home against 3rd placed Milton who had 4 games in hand 10 points back on the leaders going into the game. Milton took the lead in the 1st half held the advantage going into the 2nd half. Park Ladies came back 2nd half with Danielle Green and Ebony Bliss scoring before Kirstie Smith settled it from the penalty spot to win the game 3-1 and sent Park Ladies to the top of the league.

 Also in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South it as the clash of the bottom two, Isleham United Ladies at home to Cambridge Rangers bottom of the league. Isleham won the match 5-0 Shona Kelly and Laura Todd amongst the goals.

Essex

Going into the closing fixtures the battle for the Essex Women’s Premier Division looks to be between two sides as they play out their penultimate league games, leaders Chelmsford City Ladies a point clear of 2nd placed Hullbridge Sports Ladies with both having just one match to play. Chelmsford City Ladies were away to Hutton Ladies Reserves on Sunday, won the match 2-1 with a goal each for Ciara Meeking and Lisa Overall to stay a point clear of Hullbridge Sports Ladies who faced a tough trip away to 3rd placed Collier Row Tigers who were playing their last league game of the season couldn’t catch Chelmsford City but could stop Hullbridge Sports doing so. 2 goals put into the back of the net by Broghan Kelly plus another from Danni Dorrington saw Hullbridge Sports Ladies win the game 3-2 and guarantee a minimum 2nd place finish.

  Just the one game played in Essex Women’s Division One with 3rd placed Chigwell Ladies travelling to Valley Green. racking up a 13-1 win Chigwell keep the pressure on 2nd placed Chelmsford City Reserves the gap just a point however Chigwell have played two game more.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

  The Beds & Herts Women’s Division One has new leaders going into April as Sherrardswood Ladies who have played all their league matches are displaced to 2nd on goal difference by Harvesters FC Ladies who beat Letchworth Garden City Eagles Ladies 3-0 away from home this Sunday, all 3 goals coming inside the opening 25 minutes, a Kayla Johnson goal sandwiched between an Ellie Lovelock brace to take the 3 points. 

Hertford Town Ladies in 3rd place move to within 3 points of both Harvesters FC Ladies and Sherrardswood still with plenty of games in hand following a comfortable 6-0 home win over bottom side Flitwick Ladies. A goal from Kelly Shephard plus a hat-trick scored by Kerry Oldham along with 2 unfortunate own goals by Flitwick saw them to victory have 5 matches to play. Another side with plenty of games in hand is 5th placed Garston Ladies. Were held to a 1-1 draw with 2nd bottom side Sandy Ladies at the weekend, Joanne Sharp scoring for Garston. Chloe Reeves with the goal for Sandy Ladies.

 In Beds & Herts Division Two, Garston Ladies FC 96 close the gap on the leading trio to get themselves in with a good shoot at earning promotion 5 points separating the top 4 now all to play for. Garston Ladies FC 96 were away playing bottom side Evergreen Eagles at the weekend winning the game 4-0 they have a game in hand on 3rd placed Houghton Athletic Ladies and 2 on 2 placed Hitchin Town Ladies with the gap 4 points. Elsewhere in Division Two a 35th minute strike on goal from Jay Birse was enough to earn the win for Woburn Lionesses at home against Royston Town Ladies Reserves to end a run of 3 successive defeats.

A new name at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three as Evergreen Ladies beat 2nd placed Icknield Ladies to climb to the summit as 3 sides fight for promotion. All Tied on 33 points Evergreen Ladies have top spot. Evergreen Ladies were 3rd going into the weekends fixtures hosting 2nd placed Icknield Ladies had the lead on the half hour mark thanks to a goal scored by Emily Jones, doubled the advantage 2nd half with Louisa Johnson on target to see the 3 points won and set up what is going to be an exciting contest at the top of the league till the end of the season.

Bedmond Ladies consolidate 4th spot in Division Three with a 4-2 away win against Panshanger Ladies who scored through Sophie Whitman and Georgina Harvey. Elsewhere in the division the bottom 4 sides all faced each other with Bedwell Rangers making a late surge up the table with a 3rd successive league win on Sunday at home to Hatfield Town Ladies. An early goal scored on the 4th minute by Jessica Sullivan gave Bedwell rangers the lead were pegged back to 1-1 before taking a 2-1 lead into the dressing room on the stroke of half time Ailish Beadle scoring the goal. 2nd half was a totally different story as Bedwell Rangers took control of the game going on to score 6 more goals to win the game 8-1, Beadle and Sullivan adding another goal each to claim a brace, so too did Leah Tomlin with 2 second half strikes as well as a goal each for Sarah King and Hannah Manton.

Kings Langley Ladies were taking on bottom side Shefford Town & Campton Ladies who at home scored twice for only the 2nd time this season, they lost 3-2 that time this time despite an improved performance lost the game 4-2 with Kings Langley Ladies earning all 3 points with goals from Amber Harris and Mary Hogan plus a brace scored by Kimberley Nield.

That concludes another packed Edition of The Tuesday Round-Up not many games left to play now, April is often and will be a defining month in the football season. One league title sorted, several others very close to breaking the finishing line tape, will they surge over the line or stumble? With any competitive sport you can never say it’s over till it’s over. Going to be exciting and rounding it up exhausting, but intriguing I am sure, and it will all be covered on here, until the next Edition of The Tuesday Round-Up enjoy your football and thanks for reading.

The Tuesday Round-Up – Edition Twenty Eight

Sunday 27th March

The clocks have gone forwards and the women’s football season it rapidly drawing to an end across the East, still loads to play for at both ends of the table, cup finalists are getting sorted. April is going to be a pivotal month, as Easter Bank Holiday weekend saw March draw to a close. The final Sunday of March falling over the Easter Holiday period saw a reduced fixture list across the region. No fixtures in Norfolk and Essex with just the 3 taking place between Cambridgeshire and Beds and Herts. 23 fixtures in all and 6 of those got called off as a heavy band of rain swept across the country with Storm Katie hot on it’s heels. 17 matches did take place and some significant results. All to come in Edition Twenty Eight of The Tuesday Round-Up.

FAWPL League Cup

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies booked their place in the final of the FAWPL League Cup last Sunday with a 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest Ladies now it was the turn of fellow FAWPL Southern Division side, Cardiff City Ladies at home to FAWPL Northern Division side Blackburn Rovers Ladies to see who would meet them in the final to be played at Kidderminster Harriers FC on Sunday 8th May.

Cardiff City Ladies opened the scoring after the half hour mark, Kerry Bartlett heading home from a corner kick, had a 2-0 advantage at half-time after Blackburn’s Lynda Sheppard put through her own net. Extended the lead to 3-0 20 minutes into the 2nd half with Hope Suominen on the scoresheet to make it comfortable, keeping Blackburn out the other end they set up an all FAWPL Southern Division, League Cup Final.

FAWPL Southern Division

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC have lead the FAWPL Southern Division virtually all season having gotten their games in when other hadn’t. There lead at the top is now 8 points with 2 matches left to play. All of their rivals have games in hand however cannot close the gap without Brighton dropping points. Were away this Sunday at C&K Basildon Ladies. Raced into a 2-0 lead Charlotte Gurr and Amy Taylor with the goals inside the opening 10 minutes. Claire Lacey pulled it back to 2-1 for C&K Basildon. Brighton took a 3-1 lead into the break with Deanna Cooper scoring. Cooper scored her 2nd of the match 10 minutes into the 2nd half, Brighton looking strong made it 5-1 when captain Jay Blackie scored on the 63rd minute. Substitute Kate Natkiel adding a 6th goal in the final minute. 

Portsmouth FC Ladies climb back up into 3rd place in the FAWPL Southern Division table were on the road at the weekend taking on 2nd bottom side Forest Green Rovers Ladies at Slimbridge AFC. Scored 3 goals in the 1st half to put them in a commanding position, Lucy Quinn on 15 minutes setting things rolling. Leeta Rutherford added the 2nd goal midway through the 1st half with Shannon Sievwright scoring the 3rd goal in 1st half injury time. No more goals 2nd half the 3 points going back to the south coast. 

Portsmouth FC Ladies are 8 points behind leaders Brighton with 2 games in hand, one of those is away to Brighton this Sunday a must win game if they want to keep their title hopes alive. That defeat for Forest Green Rovers Ladies seals their fate nothing short of a win would have done if they hoped to avoid relegation can no longer catch the sides above them as their tie in the FAWPL Southern Division ends after 1 season.

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies comfortable in mid-table in the FAWPL Southern Division are looking to build some form at the end of the season to give them confidence going into the finals they have coming up in April and May. Were at home on Sunday playing Lewes Ladies, won the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Avilla Bergin and Rosie Kmita to make it 10 league wins for the season with 3 more matches to play.

FAWPL South East Division One

 A 3rd straight league win in March sees leaders Crystal Palace Ladies open up a 6 point gap at the top with their rivals Gillingham FC Ladies and Milton Keynes Dons Ladies facing each other this Sunday getting postponed. Crystal Palace Ladies remain unbeaten in the league were at home to 2nd bottom side Lowestoft Ladies and put in a commanding performance in both halves to seal the 3 points and give their goal difference another huge boost. Had a 4-0 lead at half-time, a brace from Gemma Bryan with a goal each for Leanne Bell and Rochelle Shakes. Pamela McRoberts set the ball rolling 2nd half before Byran 2 hit 2 minutes to make it 7-0, Nicha Dyett scored to make it 8-0. Bryan netting her 5th goal of the game to make the final score 9-0. 20 goals scored in their last 3 matches know they can’t afford to take their foot off the pedal, Gillingham FC Ladies in 3rd have games in hand can’t quite close the gap but a defeat for the leaders would change that.

Enfield Town Ladies earned a point at home against Denham United Ladies on Wednesday night, were at home again this Sunday taking on Norwich City Ladies and once again at the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium the points were shared the match ending in stalemate 0-0.

The points were shared too in Suffolk as 4th placed Luton Town Ladies travelled to Felixstowe & Walton FC to play Ipswich Town Ladies. Luton Town Ladies took a lead into half-time Natasha Fensome with the goal. Ipswich Town Ladies equalised early in the 2nd half Roxanne Small on target. Joanne Rutherford put Luton Town back in front but they were pegged back again Small with the goal again to see the game end 2-2. 

Eastern Regional Leagues

 One game survived the weather in the ERWFL Premier Division with 2nd bottom Great Shelford Ladies beating the 10 players of Brentwood Town Ladies 3-2 at home at the Great Shelford Recreation Ground. Katie Saunders, Sophie Ugar and Alison Wright with the goals to seal the win. Charlotte Twydell scored both Brentwood Town Ladies goals as they continue their poor run of form losing their last 6 league matches.

 Elsewhere in the ERWFL it was the final round of group matches in the Division One Cup. Now in the last edition of The Tuesday Round-Up I made a big deal about how it was all going to play out for the sides this Sunday with them contesting a semi-final spot. However it transpires this season’s competition has a quarter final stage in the knock out phase with the top 4 from each group A & B going through. Very frustrating from my point of view as the information I was given told me it was the same as last season’s League Plate competition that was indeed the top 2 from each group going into a semi-final knock out and the full time website backed this up. Still I wasn’t the only one thinking this as most of the clubs contesting the cup were too. I do apologise for the mis-information.

However we had 4 games being played and all survived the weather, was at one of those ties covering it for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog. At the Codicote Social Club, both Stevenage Ladies sides were due to play, heavy overnight rain plus more falling saw the clubs player and staff working furiously to get the games on sadly Stevenage Ladies 1st team match in the ERWFL Premier Division against AFC Dunstable Ladies didn’t get played however the game I’d come to watch Stevenage Ladies Reserves v Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies was on.

It was 3rd versus 2nd in Group A with Essex side, Little Thurrock Dynamos 2nd defending an unbeaten record in the group stage. Fell a goal behind as Stevenage Ladies Reserve striker Leah Littlechild charged through into the box to score. The lead didn’t last long as Little Thurrock Dynamos were awarded a free kick wide on the right halfway inside their opponents half Elysia King to take flighted a high ball in towards the near post goalkeeper Emily Goodacre got a glove to the ball but saw to her dismay mishandled to see it drop into the back of the net. Stevenage had the lead going into the dressing room at half-time captain Sherrie Evans corner quick finding it’s way into the back of the net as Little Thurrock Dynamos struggled to defend.

 Stevenage Ladies Reserves started the 2nd half strongly pushing Little Thurrock Dynamos back looked like there would be only one side to score next, however Little Thurrock Dynamos hit Stevenage on the counter Martine Smith turning on the ball to run into the area and lift a shot over Goodacre the ball smashing off the cross bar coming down for Robin Mudd to tuck home on the follow up 2-2. Little Thurrock Dynamos their heads up after the goal went on to take the lead Georgia Fraser lifting her shot over the keeper to drop into the back of the net. At the death Stevenage hit back to equalise a corner fired into the crowd gathered at the near post was forced in to make it 3-3. The full match report can be found scrolling down the page on Women’s Football East or by clicking on the link below to take you to the Supporting Women’s Football Blog

Stevenage Ladies Reserves v Little Thurrock Dynamos 27/03/16

Also in Group A leaders Writtle Ladies were also into the knock-out stages whilst the bottom 2 in the group faced each other in their final match a win for either putting them through with Bury Town Ladies hosting ERWFL Division One West leaders Hutton Ladies. It’s Hutton Ladies who make it to the knock out stage with a 5-0 win.

In Group B leaders Offley & Stopley Ladies were already through as were 2nd placed Hoddesdon Owls Ladies who had both played out their group games. 3rd placed Colney Heath Ladies went into their home match against Silver End United Ladies thinking it was a must win game largely due to the last edition of The Tuesday Round-Up, as it was it was Silver End Ladies who needed the win with 4th spot in contention with Royston Town Ladies. Colney Heath Ladies went 2-0 up in the 1st half with goals from Samantha May and Holly Sheridan. Silver End United Ladies got it back to 2-1 before nicking it at the death winning 3-2 goals coming in the 89th and the winner in injury time the 3 goals scored by Rebecca Hollocks, Alexandra Bailess and Lynsey Bowman to see them secure 4th in the group.

Royston Town Ladies won too away to Long Melford Ladies as the too bottom sides met in Group B. Royston Town Ladies won the match 5-0 but if you’d have left with 15 minutes left on the clock you’d have missed all the goals as the 1st didn’t come until the 75th minute. the 5 goals coming from, Hayley Graham, Emma Phipps, Samantha Tinsley, Georgia Gannaway and Danielle Lewis.

 The quarter finals are no scheduled to be played on Sun 10th April and it’s 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd respectfully from Group A & B so the knock out stage looks like this:

Writtle Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies v Colney Heath Ladies

Offley & Stopsley Ladies v Hutton Ladies

Hoddesdon Owls Ladies v Stevenage Ladies Reserves

Suffolk

In Suffolk there were 2 league matches taking place this weekend in the Women’s Division. Brantham Athletic Ladies were at home to Copleston Ladies both sides in the title mix. A point behind leaders East Bergholt United with a match in hand, Brantham Athletic Ladies end the month as the new leaders of the Division but only on goal difference as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Copleston Ladies, had took the lead through an own goal in the 1st half. Conceded an own goal themselves 2nd half to put the scores level. Both themselves and East Bergholt United have 30 points with 3 matches left to play. Copleston Ladies are back in 5th place still have been playing catch up all season still have plenty to play for on 20 points behind the leading pair have 4 games in hand on both and have an important April coming up.

Leiston St Margarets Ladies are in a hot streak of form ending March with a 3rd successive win picking up their 2nd against bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies in 3 weeks at home to make it 4 wins for the season. The score was 1-1 at half-time before Leiston St Margarets went on to score the winner 2-1 the final score, Lucy Eagle and Sarah Cooper with the goals. Ipswich Phoenix Ladies are still without a point in the Division, Kirsty Haggar with their goal at the weekend.

Cambridgeshire

Just the one match across the 3 Divisions in Cambridgeshire at the weekend, in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South, a Casey Ward goal was enough to give park Ladies all 3 points away to Riverside Rovers Reserves. The victory sees Park Ladies move to within a point of leaders St Ives Town Ladies with a game in hand.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Two matches played in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire at the weekend. Letchworth Garden City Eagles Ladies were hosting Garston Ladies in the quarter finals of the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup. Letchworth scored twice through Emily Jamieson and Tayla Murray, it wasn’t enough however as Garston Ladies the current holders of the League Cup reach the semi-finals scoring 3 times, Emma Trill and Lucy Zecchin on target plus and own goal sealing the win. They will be away to Hertford Town Ladies in the semi-finals whilst last season’s beaten finalists Sherrardswood Ladies are home against Watton Ladies. 

One league game at the weekend in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three. 3rd placed Evergreen Ladies close the gap on the leading pair Hitching Belles and Icknield Ladies to just 3 points with a 3-1 home win against Panshanger Ladies. Rebecca Freeman gave Evergreen the lead inside 5 minutes no more goals 1st half, Panshanger pulled it level 10 minutes into the 2nd half Chemise Huitson netting the goal. Evergreen retook the lead 5 minutes later Lauren Atkins putting the back into the back of the net. The 3 points weren’t secured until injury time Emily Jones scoring Evergreen’s 3rd goal have a game in hand on 2nd placed Icknield Ladies who they have at home this coming Sunday.

That concludes a smaller than usual edition of The Tuesday Round-Up. A busy April coming up a few titles will be decided, cup won and lost. Plenty more drama to cover and you’ll read about it all here on Women’s Football East. Until next week thanks for reading.

The Tuesday Round-Up – Edition Twenty Seven

Sunday 20th March

 Spring is here and the leagues across the east are entering the home straight, the title contenders are getting whittled down. Team’s are playing out their league fixtures whilst others still have alot of catching up to do. Cup final placed are being decided and the 1st pieces of silverware are being contested. Edition Twenty-Seven of The Tuesday Round-Up will bring you all of the action from over 50 matches that were played across the leagues in the region. Let’s go!

FA Women’s Cup

As the FA Women’s Cup reaches the 5th Round stage this weekend the round when the big guns from FAWSL 1 enter the competition there was just the one club still representing the leagues represented on Women’s Football East still involved, FAWPL Southern Division leaders, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC, who were at home taking on the other non FAWSL side left in the cup, FAWPL Northern Division side Sporting Club Albion Ladies. 

 Sporting Club Albion took control of the tie racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes. Samantha Conroy with the opening goal on 10 minutes, it was 2-0 five minutes later Summer Holmes on target with Abigail Cottam adding the 3rd just a minute later. Brighton rallied late in the 1st half to pull a goal back through Lisa Fulgence making it 3-1 the break. 2nd half Sophie Perry smashing a free kick in off the underside of the crossbar. Into the final 10 minutes of the tie and the home side had the scores level Charley Boswell making it 3-3. Time for more drama with Sporting Club Albion regaining the lead just 2 minutes later Conroy with her 2nd goal of the match, the winning goal too as Sporting Club Albion Ladies book their place in the semi-finals of the FA Women’s Cup.

Their reward an away trip to play FAWSL 1 side Manchester City Women in the 6th Round on Sun 3rd April.

FAWPL League Cup

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were looking to reach their 3rd Cup Final of the season as they travelled north to play FAWPL Northern Division side, Nottingham Forest Ladies in the semi-final of the FAWPL League Cup. A tough test for Tottenham with Nottingham Forest Ladies doing well in the league, however Tottenham had knocked the leaders of their division out of the league cup in the previous round a single goal enough that time around. So to it proved this time coming in the 2nd half 20 minutes from time as substitute Eartha Pond fired a cross in towards the Nottingham Forest box Leah Rawle helping it on to the far post where Avilla Bergin was closing in to squeeze the ball home and send Tottenham into the League Cup Final where their opponents will be either Blackburn Rovers Ladies or Cardiff City Ladies the final is due to be played Sun 8th May at Kidderminster Harriers FC. Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are also in the finals of the Ryman and Capital Women’s Cup’s their opponents in both games Charlton Athletic Women.

FAWPL Southern Division

With the FAWPL Southern Division leaders, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC involved in the FA Women’s Cup there was an opportunity for 2nd placed Charlton Athletic Women to close the gap at the top. Their opponents felt the same with 4th placed Coventry United Ladies visiting Sporting Club Thamesmead. In the end they had to settle for a share of the points the 1st half ending goalless, Charlton took an early lead in the 2nd half with striker Gemma Shepherd putting the ball home on 47 minutes. Coventry United responded getting back on level terms 15 minutes later. The final score both still have games on the leaders however are relying on points being dropped if they wish to pip Brighton to the title.

Plymouth Argyle Ladies were all but relegated before the weekend needed other results to go there way, however without a win themselves it would count for nothing, have just the one all season in the league. C&K Basildon Ladies were the visitors had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot but missed the target. Plymouth went 2-0 up midway through the 1st half Mollie Taylor with the 1st goal, Jodie Chubb netting just 3 minutes later. C&K Basildon Ladies had it all square pulling 2 goals back before half-time. 2nd period the visitors went on to score 2 more goals to win the game 4-2 and end Plymouth’s stay in the FAWPL Southern Division. The goal scorers for C&K Basildon were Karissa Rodney, Stacey Little, Lily Mellors and Zoe Rushen.

Plymouth would have still gone down had Lewes Ladies gotten any points away to Forest Green Rovers Ladies. As it was Lewes Ladies hit the side 2nd bottom in the FAWPL Southern Division for 6 which has left them all but relegated themselves. The win almost certainly guarantees Lewes Ladies will be playing in the FAWPL Southern Division next season. Paige Walder gave them the lead on 15 minutes, Sian Heather making it 2-0 at half-time went on to score another 2 goals in the 2nd half to complete her hat-trick, Kellie Larkin and substitute Ellie Lock also scored in the 6-0 victory.

   That win for Lewes Ladies sees them move up above West Ham United Ladies who drop to 10th in the table as they were beaten 2-0 at home to 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies on Sunday. Alys Hinchcliffe gave the visitors the lead before Hope Suominen scored late on to secure the 3 points. 

FAWPL South East Division One

  Crystal Palace keep the lead in the FAWPL South East Division One extending their unbeaten record to 15 games in the league. For the 2nd Sunday running were taking on Old Actonians Ladies having beaten them away 5-0 last weekend were on home turf this time around the advantage 5 goals again, Gemma Bryan helping herself to 4 goals, with Abigail Igbavboa and Nicha Pyelt also scoring. Jessica Byrne pulled a goal back for Old Actonians who remain 3rd from bottom still win less in the league in 2016 4 matches now have plenty of games in hand on the bottom 2 but badly need to pick up some points to pull clear of trouble.

Milton Keynes Dons Ladies were keeping the pressure on the leaders Crystal Palace just a pint behind going into the weekend were at home at Newport Pagnell FC playing Enfield Town Ladies. The home side took a 2 goal lead into the break with Sophie Watson and Charley Clarke finding the back of the net. Enfield Town Ladies battled back 2nd half to earn a point Regan Coleman scoring both of their goals.

Having gotten up to 3rd place in the table Gillingham FC Ladies have games in hand on the sides above them but need to collect all the points they can, did so at the weekend were in ruthless form doing their goal difference a massive boost in the process as they made it unlucky 13 for visitors Lowestoft Town Ladies. Kallie Balfour scoring 3 goals, her hat-trick was added to with a quartet scoring braces in the game, Emma Tune, Lydia Wills, plus subs Paige Baker-Carroll and Shannon Redhouse all scoring 2 each, Madison North on target to, all coming after Lauren Davis had opened the scoring on 2 minutes. In the other match in the FAWPL South East Division One Luton Town Ladies were held to a goalless draw at home by Denham United Ladies.

Eastern Regional Leagues

In the ERWFL Premier Division, leaders Billericay Town Ladies open up a 5 point lead on 2nd placed Stevenage Ladies. Were at home playing local rivals Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday, won the match 3-0. Nicola Dunston, Lucy Wyatt and Nicole Farmer the players getting their name on the scoresheet. Have played more league matches than anyone else in the division with just the 1 game left to play that though is a month away.

 Stevenage Ladies have 4 games in hand on Billericay Town Ladies however they dropped points at the weekend. A trip up to Norfolk to play Acle United Ladies who need the points to pull themselves away from the 2 sides below. Got a vital point holding Stevenage Ladies 0-0.

Below Acle United Ladies, bottom side Greta Wakering Ladies have found some form at just the right time as they look to escape from the bottom of the table. Made it 2 away victories in a row following up last Sunday’s 4-2 away win at Brentwood Town Ladies, beat 4th placed Haringey Borough Women on the road this Sunday winning the match 2-1. To keep level on points with Great Shelford Ladies. Unlikely anyone will be relegated from the league this season as 2 sides have already dropped out leaving 10 to compete what should be a 12 team league.

With the ERWFL Division One, East and West sides competing in the group stages of the Division One Cup in recent weeks, it was easy to forget there were still league matches to be played across both divisions. In the Division One East a match was played this weekend with Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies playing their last league game of the season away to fellow Essex side Silver End United Ladies currently in 2nd place in the table that has seen some adjustment with the departure of West Billericay Ladies from the league. After a goalless 1st half, Silver End United Ladies went onto to win the game 2-1, Rebecca Hollocks netting both their goals, Georgia Fraser scoring for Little Thurrock Dynamos who finish their league campaign in 5th place. Long Melford Ladies have played out too finish 6th along with Ipswich Wanderers Ladies who are currently 3rd but can be over taken by 4th placed Bury Town Ladies should they win their final league match against unbeaten league leaders Writtle Ladies. Silver End United Ladies are 2nd, 3 points behind Writtle have 2 games left and they are home and away against Writtle Ladies, big games coming up for both.

Elsewhere in the ERWFL, it was the continuation of the Division One Cup, group stages. Almost reaching it’s conclusion the top two from each group go through to the semi-final knock out stage. In Group A leaders Writtle Ladies unbeaten in the group were playing there final match at home against Ipswich Wanderers who too were seeing there season out. Writtle win the game 3-1 with goals from, Courtney Clarke, Abigail Fry and Georgia Tricker to guarantee top spot in the group qualify for the semi-finals. Also in Group A, Stevenage Ladies Reserves set up a last game shootout for 2nd spot in the table as they lift themselves up to 3rd spot it the table with a comfortable 6-0 win at home against Hutton Ladies. Leah Littlechild striking 4 times with a goal a piece for Hannah Marshall and Rebecca Brooker. They play 2nd placed Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies in their final group match 2 points ahead of them a draw will do at Stevenage Ladies Reserves who will need to win.

In Group B, Offley & Stopley Ladies were at home against Colney Heath Ladies unbeaten in the group, both were on 9 points looking to go top. Colney Heath were suffering from injuries and had just the 9 players available, that didn’t stop them taking the lead, Holly Sheridan on target inside 5 minutes Adrienne Milton made it 2-0 half way through the 1st half as Colney Heath took the lead into half time. Despite a battling performance Offley & Stopsley Ladies got themselves back on level terms early into the 2nd half before going on to take a 4-2 lead, Milton scored late on of Colney Heath but they stay 3rd in the group as Offley & Stopsley finish top in 12 points. Colney Heath Ladies have one more match left to play and can join them in the semi-finals if they beat Silver End United Ladies next Sunday. Hoping that they don’t get the 3 points are Hoddesdon Owls Ladies who move into 2nd place in Group B onto 10 points with a 3rd straight win in the cup competition, at home against Royston Town Ladies, Kristi Burling, Becky Scola and Kristina O’Connell getting the goals in a 3-0 win. 

Norfolk

Brandon Town Ladies currently hold the lead in Norfolk Women’s Division One on 30 points played 13 games have just the 1 game left to play and it will be a while before they do with other sides needing to catch up on fixtures. Whilst they wait they can only watch as home they get a favour from an opponent to retain the lead as in 2nd place Wymondham Town Ladies close the gap to just a point with 2 matches in hand as they stay unbeaten in the league with 3 to play a trip to Maltings Meadow on Sunday to play Bungay Town Ladies, had a 1-0 lead at half-time through Kayleigh Holloway, 2nd half Wymondham added 4 more goals Sally Hammerton with a brace, plus goals from Laura Hammerton and Alice Collins. Two big games coming up against the 3rd and 4th placed sides. Announced some more news at the weekend following the formation of a development side next season, the 1st team has applied for promotion to the ERWFL, will want to go up as champions.

With more games to play than anyone else in the league 4th placed Thorpe United Ladies have a busy April coming up can catch the leaders, Brandon who they have to play in the run in as well as Wymondham. Were away this Sunday at bottom side Long Stratton Ladies who had just the 8 players available. Thorpe United took full advantage winning convincingly 3 players all scoring twice, Sharnie Boast, Charlotte Groves and Rebekah Lake, with 3 more on target with a goal each, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Becky Russell and Hayley Kindred in a 9-0 win. 

Also in Norfolk Women’s Division One, Fakenham Town Ladies met Lynn Ladies at home in a derby match, went 2 goals behind to win the game 3-2 late on. Nina Batchelor scoring a goal with 2 more scored by Rochelle Woods.

One match took place in Norfolk Women’s Division Two with 5th placed Bohemians ladies travelling to bottom side Morley Ladies. The visitors left with the 3 points in the bag takes to a 2 goal win, Nicole Sheldrake with both the strikes on target. The defeat for Morley means they can’t escape the bottom 2 in the league.

In Norfolk Women’s Division Three it was the battle between the top 2 both with an unbeaten record to defend as leaders Harleston Ladies travelled to Emerald Park to play Gorleston FC Ladies who had won 7 out of 7 to date. Harleston 10 points in front. Gorleston have 4 matches in hand closed the gap to 7 points as they ended Harleston’s unbeaten record with a 5-2 win. Bethany Turner and Kayleigh Byrne both scoring twice with Samantha Hunn also going through to score. Lacey Andrews scored both Harleston Ladies goals. Both sides are likely to go on to win promotion.

Freethorpe Ladies are leapfrogged by Toftwood Ladies in the Division Three table as they climb into 4th spot following a 4-0 away win Katie Hart and Thea Wilson with a brace each in the match. Sprowston Ladies Reserves are now unbeaten in 3 matches as they climb away from the bottom of the Division Three table denting Red Rose United’s faint hopes of a top 2 finish in the process as they beat them 3-2 at home on Sunday.

Suffolk

  Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies normally get mentioned in the section above competing as they do in Norfolk Women’s Division Two, however situated just over the boarder in Suffolk they qualify for the Suffolk Women’s County Cup competition where they had reached the semi-finals. Both played this weekend the prize a place at the final being played this season at Portman Road home of Ipswich Town FC. Were playing Bury Town Ladies from the ERWFL Division One East, the game played at a neutral venue Walsham Le Willows FC.

A clash of kits saw Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies playing in the red shirts of Walsham Le Willows. Bury started the brighter without really troubling their opponents goal. Kirkley & Pakefield grew into the game hitting Bury on the counter smashed the ball against the crossbar twice in quick succession. Bury struck the woodwork themselves then 5 minutes before half time Norma Locker gave them the lead heading home from a corner kick. Kirkley & Pakefield battled hard to get back into the game 2nd half and pulled it level through Jody Wells breaking in on goal to slot home. That saw the game head into extra-time, a cagey half hour neither side settling for the shootout to follow Kirkley & Pakefield won a free kick wide right inside the Bury half with 4 minutes left to play Wells sweeping the ball into the area Sophie Martin timed her run perfectly to turn the ball into the back of the net an win it for Kirkley & Pakefield. The whole match report was featured on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and can be viewed on the Women’s Football east website just keep scrolling down.

  Meeting Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies in the final of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup will be Ipswich Town Ladies the current holders. Was a repeat of last season’s final as they played AFC Sudbury Ladies at Stowmarket Town FC. Again the tie headed into extra time with the score 0-0 after the 90. An extra-time winner saw the Ipswich Town Ladies team get the chance to play at Portman Road, Jasmine Cox with the goal. The final is scheduled to be played on Monday 23rd April a 7pm KO.

Two league games were played in the Suffolk Women’s Division at the weekend. A surprise result for Leiston St Margarets Ladies at home against Bacton United Ladies had won just the 2 league games in the league both against bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies the last one just last Sunday. 2 wins in a row now beating Bacton United 4-1 with goals from Sophie Hall and Leanne Fairweather, as well as Lucy Eagle who bagged herself a brace.

That defeat for Bacton United see’s them drop to 4th in the table as Witnesham Wasps Ladies move above them with a large home win against bottom side Ipswich Phoenix who have now conceded over 100 goals this season. Emily Steward helped herself to a serving of 5 goals in the match for Witnesham wasps with Lauren Page getting 2 more, Alice Rampling and Beth Welton also scoring in a 9-0 win.

Cambridgeshire

Semi-final action in Cambridgeshire this weekend too in the Women’s Invitation Cup, an annual event between Cambridge United WFC and Great Shelford Ladies in recent seasons both kept apart in the semi-final draw had sides aiming for title success in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership as opponents. Cambridge United WFC of the FAWPL South East Division One and current holders of the cup were away but not too far a local derby facing Cambridge City Ladies. Becky Taylor opened the scoring putting Cambridge United WFC 1 up on 23 minutes. Cambridge City had it back all square 5 minutes later Bronte Rapley with the goal. Closing minutes of the 1st half and Cambridge United WFC scored twice through Laura Baker then Laura Mills to have a 3-1 lead at the break. Taylor and Mills both scored in the 2nd half to put Cambridge United WFC  5-1 up. Cambridge City captain Grace Stanley pulled a goal back for the home side before Mills scored in the final minute to complete her hat-trick see Cambridge United WFC into another County Cup Final.

ICA Sports Ladies having beaten Riverside Ladies on penalties in the quarter finals of the competition were drawn away to ERWFL Premier Division side Great Shelford Ladies in the semi-finals. Had the lead at half time, Louise Barbour putting ICA Sports Ladies 1 up, Greta Shelford Ladies came back into the tie 2nd half Sophie Hopkins netting twice with Georgia Day also scoring as they went on to win 3-1 to reach the final where they will face Cambridge United WFC again.

 In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, Cambridge United WFC Reserves took advantage of ICA Sports Ladies semi-final distraction to win and move back to the top of the league. At home against bottom side Fulbourn Bluebirds, goals from Hayley Turner and Liz Pamplin saw the 3 points won. 

Also in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, Netherton United Ladies were at home to Newmarket Town Ladies who were in high spirits with back to back league wins. Yasmin Green gave Netherton United a 1st half lead and they were 2-0 up early into the 2nd half with Shannon Page on target. Newmarket Town pulled a goal back 5 minutes later with new signing Nadine Basson putting the ball home. The points were shared with Yasmin Woodfield getting the goal to make it 2-2 on the 67th minute. Both sides are unbeaten in 3.

   In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North, leaders Bourne Ladies were held to a 3-3 draw at Swineshead Institute Ladies. Were 2-1 down at half time before pulling it level in the 2nd half. both sides having a player sent off, Lycia Elston for Swineshead, Claire Lawrenson for Bourne. Eleanor Spendlow struck twice for Swineshead with their other goal coming from Becky Taylor. Lawrenson scored for Bourne before her sending off, Lisa Richardson and Catherine Dougall also scoring.

  Bourne see their lead reduced to 6 points with 2nd placed March Town United Ladies scoring double figures at home against bottom side, Tydd St Mary Ladies. 4 of their goals put into the back of the net by Shannon Kelly, braces from both, Charley Miller and Adele Munday, Anna Hatcher, Emma Frost and Emma Searle also on the scoresheet in an 11-0 win.  

Stamford Ladies move up into 5th in the Championship North beating 2nd bottom side Hungate Rovers 6-0 at home on Sunday, whilst in the meeting between the 2 Wisbech’s it’s Town Ladies who take the 3 points to move back into 3rd place in the table, away to Wisbech St Marys Ladies, Wisbech Town Ladies won the match 5-1.

 In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South, leaders St Ives Town Ladies keep the gap ahead of 2nd placed Park Ladies to 4 points with a large victory at the weekend at home playing Isleham United Ladies. Racking up double figures to boost the goal difference, Sasha Smith netted a hat-trick,  a brace each for Hannah Seymour-Shove ad Georgia Rebane with goals also scored by Molly Berryman Amy Seymour-Shove, Georgia Stancombe and Megan Stow.

Park Ladies keep the pressure on the leaders St Ives Town Ladies, winning themselves at the weekend to keep the gap 4 points with 2 matches in hand. Away taking on Comberton Ladies, Amy Newell, Erin Powell and Danielle Green all scored goals in a 3-0 win. 3-0 was also the winning margin at home for 3rd placed Milton Ladies as they hosted 4th placed Riverside Rovers Ladies. Kirsty Lemmon-Sparkes with all 3 goals, Milton Ladies have 4 games in hand on the leaders with the gap 10 points have to play Park Ladies twice and St Ives Town once some big matches coming up.

Essex

Start in Essex with a Cup Final. The Essex Women’s Trophy Final played at Saffron Walden FC this Sunday contested between Wickford Town Ladies & Harlow Ladies both competing in Essex Women’s Division One. Wickford Town Ladies took an early lead Louise Balding putting them 1-0 up inside the opening 12 minutes, the lead didn’t last long Abbie Bensted putting Harlow back on level terms just 2 minutes later. 4 minutes before half-time Bensted lobs the Wickford Town keeper to make it 2-1 at half-time. Early into the 2nd half, Philippa Stephens rounds the keeper to put Harlow 3-1 up, Victoria Hill makes it 4-1 halfway through the 2nd half with Stephens scoring her 2nd goal to seal a 5-1 win and see Harlow Ladies in their 1st season as a club win their 1st piece of silverware and are well on course to make it a league and cup double. 

 In the Essex Women’s Premier Division, leading side Chelmsford City Ladies weren’t in action saw their lead reduced to just a point with 2nd placed Hullbridge Sports Ladies who won big at home playing Walden Ladies recording a 9-1 victory. Both Hullbridge Sports Ladies and Chelmsford City Ladies have 2 league matches left to play. In 3rd Collier Row Tigers aren’t out of it have just the 1 league game left now however a point off Hullbridge Sports Ladies 2 of Chelmsford City won at the weekend beating Hutton Ladies Reserves 3-0 at home. Eastern Avenue are in 4th place with 2 matches left to play can’t catch Chelmsford City Ladies won 3-1 at home to bottom side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies at the weekend.

 In Essex Women’s Division One, 2nd placed Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves opened up a 4 point gap over their nearest rivals at home against 3rd placed Chigwell Ladies on Sunday winning 5-0 to boost their promotion hopes, Nicola Hatfield scoring a brace with a goal a piece for Ayo Okunugo, Charlotte Palmer and Laura Kendle. Also in Division One, Hullbridge Sports Ladies Reserves were at home fielded just the 8 players against Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies Reserves, a close scoring match Hullbridge Sports lost out as Little Thurrock took all 3 points winning the game 4-3.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

In Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Sherrardswood Ladies are top of the league 6 points clear of 2nd placed Hertford Town Ladies. Were at home facing 2nd placed Harvesters FC Ladies playing their last league match of the season. Laure Marris, Laura Cousins, Francesca Novelli and Abby Cardall from the penalty spot helped them to victory as they beat Harvesters FC Ladies 4-1. Harvesters FC Ladies slip to 3rd place Megan Kelly reducing the deficit from the penalty spot. 

Hertford Town Ladies move into 2nd in the Beds & Herts Division One table, winning 3-1 at Bishops Stortford Ladies. Bilge Taspinar scoring on 20 minutes for them with Kerry Oldham scoring the other 2 goals in either half. Have 6 games in hand on Sherrardwood Ladies with the gap 6 points. Elle Georgiou with the goal for Bishops Stortford who stay 4th have games in hand on the leaders but can no longer overhaul them their title hopes gone.

 In 5th place Garston Ladies have a huge 8 games to catch up on the leaders with the gap 14 points after they won at the weekend 3-0 away to bottom side Flitwick Ladies. Goals from Gemma Curtis and 2 from Vikki Davis seeing the 3 points won. In the other match in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Letchworth Garden City Eagles Ladies were 3-1 away winners at 2nd bottom Sandy Ladies.

Onto Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two, leaders Sharnbrook WFC are closing in on an immediate return to Division One. Were at home on Sunday taking on Garston Ladies FC 96 who have games in hand on everyone in the league and 1 of 4 sides in with a chance of promotion. Sharnbrook WFC scored 2 early goals Gemma Franklin and Charlotte Mullins putting them 2 up inside 16 minutes, Garston Ladies FC 96 came back scoring twice to see the points shared, leaves Sharnbrook 4 points clear at the top with 2 to play.

Moving up into 2nd place in Division Two are Hitchin Town Ladies, were away to Watton Ladies on Sunday who scored 3 goals through, Heather Dean, Elizabeth Dowton and Francesca Smithers. It wasn’t enough however with Hitchin Town Ladies hitting back with 4 goals to win the game and take the 3 points, Emma Chaffey with a brace, plus a goal each for Rebecca Day and Kayleigh Saunders. Have played a game more than Houghton Athletic Ladies 2 points behind in 3rd. 

2 goals scored by Louise Grocott plus 1 from Zoe Molloy saw Icknield Ladies retrun to the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three at the weekend. Moving 3 points clear of Hitchin Belles. It’s still very close at the top games to be played with the top sides still to play one another, Icknield Ladies are in a strong position 4 of their last 5 league games are against their promotion rivals.

A good point earned by Kings Langley Ladies on Sunday at home against Bedmond Ladies who still have faint hopes of sneaking into the top 2. 1-1 the final score Nicole Barrett with Kings Langley Ladies goal. Molly Peters with the strike for Bedmond Ladies. was an 11 goal thriller in the final match to report on The Tuesday Round-Up, Bedwell Rangers FC now unbeaten in 3 with 2 successive wins in the league to pull away from the bottom. Were at home taking on Panshanger Ladies. A dramatic game Jessica Sullivan put Bedwell 1-0 inside 10 minutes. Georgina Harvey levelled it at 1-1 for Panshanger Ladies on the half hour mark. Bedwell scored 2 late 1st half goals through Sullivan and Sarah King to go in 3-1 up at half-time. Chemise Huitson pulled Panshanger not only back into the game but the lead as she scored a 13 minute hat-trick in the 2nd half. Claire McNally got it back to 4-4 for Bedwell 12 minutes from time only for them to concede and own goal fall behind 2 minutes later. King struck again with 3 minutes left to make it 5-5. 90 minutes on the clock and Leah Tomlin scored for Bedwell Rangers to see them edge the encounter 6-5 and take all 3 points.

What a game to finish Edition Twenty Seven of The Tuesday Round-Up, one more Sunday left in March the clocks go forwards, no one wants to get left behind, so much still to play for a few sides falling away, agony for those that have played out and can only watch. Games in hand is easy getting the points on offer isn’t so straight forwards especially when you can see the finish line. Twists and turns yet the calculator will be working overtime as the league season draws to a close and it’ll all be covered here. Thanks for reading Edition Twenty Seven, do it all again next week.

The Tuesday Round-Up – Edition Twenty Six

Sunday 13th March

Welcome to Edition Twenty Six of The Tuesday Round-Up bringing you all of the women’s football action across the East from Sunday 13th March. For a change it was for the the large part a dry and pleasant day throughout the region with just a handful of matches ending up getting postponed. Plenty to bring you 50+ games taking place, the FA Women’s Cup seeing a replayed match. Cup and Plate semi-finals and quarter finals in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Two more unbeaten records fell as lot’s of goals were scored. News sadly of another club folding now 3 in as many weeks as the title races continue to see twists and turns, lots to bring you so let’s plunge into the action.

FA Women’s Cup

  You’d be forgiven for thinking we’ve been here before, a game from the FA Women’s Cup, 4th Round Proper, all the ties had been played hadn’t they? Well sadly due to an admin error one had to be replayed as Brighton & Hove Albion WFC faced Blackburn Rovers Ladies for the 2nd time of asking. The FAWPL Northern Division side making the long journey down to the south coast once again after Brighton made the error of having 7 substitutes named on their bench when FA Women’s Cup competition rules state just 5 will be named on the bench.

Ainsley Strickland gave Blackburn Rovers Ladies the perfect start opening the scoring after just 3 minutes, but that was just the beginning of a frantic opening quarter of an hour as Brighton were back on level terms just 2 minutes later Lily Agg with the goal, 2 minutes later they had the lead Lucy Somes scoring to put them 2-1 ahead. On the 15 minute mark Sophie Perry scored from the penalty spot to make it 3-1 the half time score. Strickland found the back of the net again 10 minutes into the 2nd half pulling it back to 3-2 before Kate Natkiel’s goal on 70 minutes restored the 2 goal cushion a 5th goal scored by Lisa Fulgence sealing the result in the closing minutes winning the tie 5-2 this time around Brighton & Hove Albion WFC will be at home this following Sunday in the 5th Round of the FA Women’s Cup, Sporting Club Albion Ladies the visitors.

FAWPL Southern Division

In the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday a point won at home was enough to see Cardiff City Ladies move up from 5th to 3rd in the table. Playing their 1st league fixture since the last weekend of January they were at home with West Ham United Ladies the visitors. Kerry Bartlett gave Cardiff the lead on 20 minutes, the scores were level going into half-time thanks to Laura Curtis who made it 1-1 for West Ham United Ladies on the half hour mark. The visitors went on to take the lead 10 minutes in to the 2nd half captain Katie Bottom scoring for the 2nd successive match. Cardiff City Ladies came back to earn a point as Michelle Green netted to make it 2-2 with 15 minutes left to play.

 2nd placed Charlton Athletic Women were also playing their 1st league fixture in a month and close the gap on leaders Brighton & Hove Albion WFC to 6 points with 2 matches in hand. Got the 3 points away from home taking on Lewes Ladies.  The 1st half ended goalless, a single strike was to win the match, midway through the 2nd half striker Gemma Shepherd was brought down just outside the box, up stepped Stefanie Simmons to take the resulting free kick sent the ball home into the corner of the net to score and give Charlton Athletic Women all 3 points.

 A single goal was enough to win all 3 points too for Queens Park Rangers Ladies at home playing C&K Basildon Ladies. Joanne Wilson putting the ball into the back of the net in the 1st half, kept C&K Basildon at bay for the rest of the game to make it 4 straight wins in the league the run starting back in December before an extended run of cup matches saw them resume their league program at the end of February now up to 8th are almost certain of retaining their FAWPL Southern Division status for another season.

After having most of the chances under the floodlights at The Boleyn ground last Tuesday night and ending up with nothing against West Ham United Ladies as they won the game 1-0, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were back in league action travelling to the South West to play bottom side Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Still missing a few players through injury, Tottenham got off to a fantastic start Kelley Blanchflower scoring within the opening 2 minutes. A brace from Wendy Martin scoring on the 12th and 25th minute saw them tae a 3-0 lead into the dressing room at half time. Amber Pollock pulled a goal back for Plymouth Argyle Ladies on 63 minutes. Bianca Baptiste having just come onto the pitch as a 2nd half substitute restored the 3 goal cushion netting on 65 minutes. Martin had chances to score her hat-trick but the ball wouldn’t cross the line. Pollock scored again with 20 minutes left on the clock the final score 2-4 to Tottenham as they consolidate 6th spot. Plymouth Argyle Ladies are all but relegated now matter what they do now 1 more point gained by Lewes Ladies will see them down.

FAWPL South East Division One

Crystal Palace Ladies stretch their unbeaten league season to 14 games to stay top of the FAWPL Southern Division. Were on the road this Sunday taking on Old Actonians Ladies who haven’t picked up a league point in 2016. That search goes on as they lost to the leaders 5-0, Gemma Bryan on target twice, with goals also scored by Pamela McRoberts, Freya Holdaway and substitute Alma Donohoe.

 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies keep up the chase in 2nd place the gap still a point behind Crystal Palace Ladies albeit having played 3 league games more. Were at home at Newport Pagnell FC with Denham United Ladies the visitors, took the early lead Helen Capewell putting them a goal in front just past the quarter hour mark. Milton Keynes Dons Ladies got themselves back on level terms going into the break with Andie Dickens heading home to make it 1-1. Looked like the match was heading for a draw before Milton Keynes found the winning goal 8 minutes from time Hannah Barrett scoring to see the 3 points won.

Gillingham FC Ladies are up to 3rd in the table climbing above Cambridge United WFC and their opponents this Sunday 4th placed Luton Town Ladies. At home at Chatham Town FC they saw their opponents reduced to 10 players on the half hour as Zara Carroll was sent off for a 2nd bookable offence. Luton Town Ladies kept the scores 0-0 until half-time. Early in the 2nd half Gillingham FC Ladies had a chance to take the lead Lauren Davies brought down inside the box the referee pointing to the penalty spot, Shannon Redhouse to take it saw her effort saved. by Luton Town goalkeeper Rachel Evans. On the 60th minute Gillingham FC Ladies did take the lead Kallie Balfour breaking beyond the defence to score. Luton Town Ladies battled hard to get back into the match, Balfour netting her 2nd of the game, Lauren Davies made it 3-0 with 15 minutes left on the clock, Lauren Williams making the final score 4-0 in the last 5 minutes.

 Elsewhere in the FAWPL South East Division One it was derby day with Ipswich Town Ladies hosting rivals Norwich City Ladies both comfortable in the middle of the table, Ipswich Town Ladies having been enjoying a good run of form 5 matches unbeaten 4 wins in that run that had started back in January with a 3-2 away win against Norwich. Travelling to Felixstowe & Walton FC, Norwich City Ladies started the better side Chelsea Garrett putting them 1 up inside the opening 15 minutes, captain Kate Parsons doubled the advantage 3 minutes later then a further 3 minutes on Garrett scored her 2nd of the game to give the visitors a 3-0 lead at half-time. Garrett completed her hat-trick early into the 2nd half before Ipswich Town Ladies fought themselves back into the game pulling it back to 4-3 with Molly Hall netting twice, captain Amanda Crump with their other goal not enough as Norwich move back above Ipswich into 5th in the table.

 One other match to bring you in the FAWPL South East Division One, Enfield Town Ladies travelled up to the Suffolk coast to play Lowestoft Town Ladies, the score was 1-1 all at half-time before the visitors went on to score 4 more goals in the 2nd half to win 5-2, their goals coming from Holly Brandon, Victoria Lewis Ayse Mustafa and 2 scored by Alena Beganovic. Gemma Moore with a 1st half penalty for Lowestoft Town Ladies whilst Abbie Everson scored in the final minute.

Eastern Regional Leagues

 In the ERWFL Premier Division 3rd placed AFC Sudbury Ladies close the gap in the leading pair with a 3-2 away win against Acle United Ladies on Sunday. Stacey Teager gave AFC Sudbury Ladies the lead but they were pegged back to 1-1 with player coach Joanne Hooper scoring 10 minutes before half-time. The visitors responded Skye Ramsey putting them back in front 6 minutes before half-time, the lead was extended after the break with Teager scoring her 2nd goal of the match. Acle United Ladies pushed hard to get back into the match, pulled a goal back late on in injury time Jody Wells scoring on her debut for the club, wasn’t enough as AFC Sudbury held on for all 3 points, move to with a point of 2nd placed Stevenage Ladies who do have 3 games in hand a 4 behind leaders Billericay Town Ladies who have played one more than AFC Sudbury Ladies.

Colchester Town Ladies ran out 2-0 home winners against 2nd bottom side Great Shelford Ladies on Sunday, Paige Wakefield and captain Alexandra Brewis-Shephard the players getting their names on the scoresheet. Elsewhere it was only the 2 league victory of the season this Sunday for bottom side Great Wakering Rovers Ladies, the previous one coming back in November 2015. Were on the road taking on Essex rivals Brentwood Town Ladies. Rebecca Dalgarno scored a hat-trick in the match with Sarah Murphy also scoring as they won the match 4-2 to move level on points with Great Shelford. Chelcee Grimes and Jessica Mills on target for Brentwood Town Ladies who have now lost 4 league matches in a row.

   Elsewhere in the ERWFL it was another round of group matches in the Division One Cup. In Group A, Bury Town Ladies were at home against Writtle Ladies, Laura Brame put the home side ahead before Writtle pulled it back to 1-1 at half-time. The visitors put in a strong 2nd half performance Sophie Vale netting a hat-trick as they went on to win the match 6-1 their other goal scorers, Courtney Clarke, Charlotte Walker and captain Abigail Fry as they move above Little Thurrock Dynamos to top the group. Also in Group A Hutton Ladies pick up their 1st win in the group stage at home beating Ipswich Wanderers Ladies, hitting 7 goals without reply.

  In Group B of the ERWFL Division One Cup, Hoddesdon Owls Ladies end leaders Offley & Stopsley Ladies 100% winning start to the group and move up to 3rd place in the group as a result winning 3-0 at home, Daniela Martucci, Becky Scola and Natasha Crick with the goals to give them victory. Are kept from 2nd spot by Colney Heath Ladies whose fine form in the Division One Cup continues having a 100% win record themselves now 3 wins out of 3 to join Offley & Stopsley Ladies on 9 points. Colney Heath Ladies were playing away this Sunday against Royston Town Ladies all the goals came in the 1st half, Royston Town Ladies took an early lead but were soon pegged back Holly Sheridan with the goal, went 2-1 down before Sheridan scored again to make it 2-2 then went on to complete her hat-trick the half-time score 3-2 to Colney Heath Ladies was the final score at the finish. Getting their 1st win in Group B are Silver End United Ladies fresh from reaching the final of the ERWFL League Cup. Were at home taking on Long Melford Ladies, Lynsey Bowman, Alexandra Bailess and Rebecca Hollocks all scored to see them take the 3 points in a 3-2 victory to lift them up to 4th on 4 points.

   One piece of sad new to bring you from the ERWFL and it’s a 3rd team in as many weeks dropping out of the league with West Billericay Ladies no longer listed in the fixtures or league table. Have seen alot of matches postponed throughout the season and looked like it might be on the cards still sad to see and send best wishes to everyone involved with West Billericay Ladies for the future. 

Norfolk

In Norfolk it was an important weekend for the Ladies League Cup and Plate competitions as they reach the semi-final and quarter final stages representatively. In the Ladies League Cup in was a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Women’s County Cup Final with Aylsham FC Ladies at home taking on Thorpe United Ladies in the semi-finals of the League Cup. Thorpe United Ladies looked in control as they took a 3 goal lead in the 1st half, captain Rebekah Lake scored twice with Becky Russell also scoring. Aylsham pulled 1 back before the break then mounted a 2nd half come back scoring 3 times themselves to win the game 4-3 to reach their 2nd final of the season, 2 strikes from Leanne Woodward plus a goal each for Alicia Lacey and Abbie Charlton giving them the victory.

Will face the current League Cup holders in the Final as Wymondham Town Ladies reached their 2nd successive final with a convincing win at home against Lynn Ladies. Amber Cantwell smashing home a hat-trick, with Sally Hammerton, Laura Wiseman and Laura Hammerton also on the scoresheet in a 6-0 win. Further good news announced by Wymondham Town Ladies at the weekend as they are to introduce a 2nd ladies team next season.

It was the quarter finals of the Ladies League Plate competition. North Walsham Angels Ladies are through to the semi-finals the Division Two promotion chasers beating Division One side Bungay Town Ladies at home by 7 goals to 3 on Sunday. Amy Hemp scoring along with Hope Middleton who netted a brace, she was out done by Luci Middleton who was on target for 4 goals. Bungay Town Ladies 3 goals were scored by Inna Marx, Michelle Stanborough and Lauren Purling. 

North Walsham Angels Ladies were out done in the scoring tally by fellow Division Two side Red Rose Ladies in 1 of the 2 all Division Two quarter finals away to Bohemians Ladies. Red Rose Ladies progressing to the semi-finals courtesy of an 8-2 win had 8 different goal scorers too with, Corine Bishop, Lauren Hems, Emily Hill, Vicky Lubbock, Ellen Hutton, and Sophie Lubbock all scoring along with Sophie Tipper and Natasha Wilmott who both scored from the penalty spot. 

 In the other all Division Two Ladies League Plate quarter final Sprowston Ladies were at home at the Open Academy taking on Stalham Town Ladies. Elizabeth Dawson and Marie Meale put the ball in the back of the net for Stalham Town Ladies to put them through to the semi-finals. It was Division Three v Division Two in the last Ladies League Plate quarter final with Division Three leaders Harleston Ladies at home against Division Two struggler’s Morley Ladies. After 90 minutes played the match was still goalless entered an extra 30 minutes of play saw 4 goals scored, Harleston Ladies scoring through Charlotte Evans, however Morley Ladies hit the back of the net 3 times, Emily Blanchflower with 2, Rebecca Humphreys also scoring to win the match in extra-time 3-1 to complete an all Norfolk Women’s Division Two, League Plate semi-final line-up the draw to be announced.

 There was also some league action in Norfolk this Sunday in Norfolk in Division Three with the 4 clubs in the bottom half of the table all playing. Bottom side Cromer Town Ladies had just 9 players as they hosted Dereham Town Ladies to Cabbell Park, the visitors having the numerical advantage took a 3-0 lead into half-time adding a 4th goal in the 2nd half to take the 3 points. Sprowston Ladies Reserves were at home playing Toftwood Ladies the points were shared the match ending 2-2, Katie Hart with both the goals for Toftwood Ladies. 

Was a 3rd match in Division Three between 3rd and 4th at the weekend between Red Rose United and Freethorpe Ladies however the game was abandoned with Red Rose United leading 4-0 on 56 minutes due to a broken goal stanchion.

Suffolk

The title battle in the Suffolk Women’s Division took another twist this Sunday as the leaders East Bergholt United lose and 2nd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies capitalise winning against another title hopeful to close the gap at the top to a point with a game in hand. 

 East Bergholt United Ladies were at home, Witnesham Wasps Ladies the visiting team this Sunday they were 3-0 in front going into half-time Lauren Page, Emily Steward and Beth Welton with their goals. East Bergholt United pulled a goal back in the 2nd half but Witnesham Wasps Ladies held on for the win to climb a place up to 4th in the table.

Brantham Athletic Ladies had moved back into 2nd in the table last weekend were at home this Sunday for the 1st of 2 matches against 4th placed Copleston Ladies that could go along way to determining where the title may go, games in hand Copleston Ladies can catch everyone above them if they win the points. Instead it was Brantham Athletic Ladies who got the 3 points, Danielle Harvey scoring twice with a goal each for Kirsten Hutchings and Rebecca Prime as they win 4-1. Sophie Crane scoring for Copleston who drop to 5th now 9 points behind Brantham 10 behind East Bergholt United still enough games in hand to catch both very much all to play for still if they can get the points.

One other match in Suffolk battle of the bottom two with Leiston St Margarets Ladies 2nd bottom hosting Ipswich Phoenix Ladies both a long way from the title tussle above Leiston St Margarets Ladies made it a league double over Ipswich Phoenix winning 5-0 to gain their 2nd 3 point haul of the season leave Ipswich Phoenix win less after 11 played.

Cambridgeshire

In Cambridgeshire the race for the title in the Women’s Premiership is as hotly contested as any league in the region. The lead has changed hands several times with 4 teams slugging it out at the top. ICA Sports Ladies are the new leaders going top this Sunday and ending Cambridge City Ladies unbeaten record to do it as they met in a 3rd versus 4th clash at the weekend. ICA Sports Ladies winning the game 3-1 with striker Tash Applegate getting 2 more goals to her name with Louise Burgess also on target as they go 2 points clear at the top of the Premiership. Cambridge City Ladies captain Grace Stanley scored their goal as they suffer their 1st league defeat of the season. Have 3 games in hand on the leading trio still, very much wide open this one’s got a few more twists yet.

Netherton United Ladies were at home at The Grange, this Sunday, bottom side Fulbourn Bluebirds the visitors had just the 9 players available a tough ask against a Netherton United side which has rediscovered some form in recent weeks. wasn’t long before they had the lead Yasmin Green opening the scoring inside the opening 15 minutes, Sasha Haw doubling the score a couple of minutes later. Jenna Hairn made it 3-0 on the half hour. Michela Garner pulled a goal back for Fulbourn Bluebirds 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Megan Strickland restored Netherton United’s 3 goal cushion on 63 minutes. Fulbourn Bluebirds pulled it back to 4-2 on the 70 minute mark Sharron Pinner finding the back of the net, inside the final 10 minutes Green netted her 2nd goal of the game to win it 5-2.

Wins are like buses for Newmarket Town Ladies, you wait for ages to get one then two arrive! Got their 1st win in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership last Sunday 3-1 away to Bar Hill Ladies. Were at home at the Dullingham Polo Fields this Sunday, hosting Huntingdon Town Ladies who were once again without a full complement of players. Newmarket Town Ladies had a new signing making her debut a coup as they bring in Nadine Basson from Bury Town Ladies dropping back into county league football but with a club who are ambitious and are looking to progress in the coming seasons. Made an instant impact scoring 4 goals in the match. 4 more goals were scored by Dominika Szary, one with her left foot, one with her right and 2 headers plus a goal each for Sian Tatum and Kristen Hummel in a 10-1 victory. Sophie Marheineke on target from a free kick to score for Huntingdon Town Ladies.

Semi-finals weekend in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup this Sunday too although just the one semi-final was to be played in the end, current holders Cambridge United WFC Reserves progressing to the final without kicking a ball as they were awarded a home win against Isleham United Ladies who couldn’t raise a team.

90 minutes of football did take place in the other semi-final a meeting between Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North and South with Park Ladies from competing in the South at home to Wisbech Town Ladies in the North Division. Wisbech Town Ladies will be contesting Cambridge United WFC Reserves for the Junior Invitation Cup after they won the match 3-0, Sophie Gutteridge and Kyra Clarke their goal scorers plus an Park Ladies own goal giving them a 3-0 win, date and final venue to be announced.

 One game in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North this Sunday with 3rd placed March Town United Ladies away to Stamford Ladies. A single goal scored by Stamford Ladies in the 2nd half saw them take all 3 points. 

 One match also played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South at the weekend. saw leaders St Ives Town Ladies back in league action after nearly a month have saw their lead at the top eroded by the chasing pack in recent weeks but got themselves back to winning ways on Sunday away to Comberton Ladies. 2 goals scored by Connie Liddiard saw St Ives Town Ladies edge the game winning 2-1 to restore a 4 point lead at the top over Park Ladies. Megan Jeray the player on target for Comberton Ladies.

Essex

In the Essex Women’s Premier Division all of the top 3 sides won big to pull away from the chasing teams below at the weekend. Leaders Chelmsford City Ladies were on the road at Walden Ladies. Lisa Overall bagged herself a hat-trick, Georgia Sleep scoring a brace with one more goal coming courtesy of Rosie Coe. Walden Ladies scored a goal for for both sides the final score 7-1.

 7-1 was also the score between 3rd placed Collier Row Tigers and bottom side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. In 2nd place Hullbridge Sports Ladies were away playing Lawford Ladies, Brogan Kelly was on target on 4 occasions with Danni Dorrington and Christina Fragnito also scoring, Lawford making a fight of it scoring 3 goals themselves final score 6-3 to Hullbridge Sports Ladies.

In Essex Women’s Division One it wasn’t unlucky 13 for runaway leaders Harlow Town Ladies as they made it 13 league wins in a row beating 4th placed Alresford Colne Rangers at the Harlow Arena on Sunday, Riley Bennett and Angela Addison scoring to put them 2 goals to the good at half-time. Both Abbie Bensted and Teresa Addison scored 2nd half hat-tricks with Tia Dye rounding off the scoring in a 9-0 win. 

Another huge defeat for bottom side Waltham Forest Ladies as their goals against goes above -200, they keep going were soundly beaten again at home with Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies Reserves the visitors beating them 22-0.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

   The 1st Final of the 2015/16 season was in Hertfordshire the Women’s County Cup Final played between Stevenage Ladies (the current holders) and Watford Ladies Development U19’s. Two evenly matched sides on paper with similar records playing at the same level in the regional league set up, both with the opportunity of making it a league and cup double. The weather perfect for a Cup Final at the County Ground in Letchworth. Stevenage started the brighter however Watford soon got into their flow both sides moving the ball well looking to attack and create chances the 1st half ending goalless. Stevenage pushed hard at the start of the 2nd half looking to break the deadlock, it was Watford who took the lead following a strong run on the ball from midfielder, Aimee Durn towards the edge of the Stevenage penalty box, the ball is laid back to Chloe Farrell making a supporting run pulls the trigger 20 yards out lifting the ball up to smash against the cross bar and drop down over the line. Less than 15 minutes left and Watford double their lead a long back putting Emma Bebbington through on goal shoots outside the box putting the ball past the advancing keeper and into the back of the net. Watford Ladies Development U19’s go on to win the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final. The whole match report is available to read on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and you can find it by clicking on the link below

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final 2015/16 

 Elsewhere in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire at the weekend it was league action and for the 2nd Sunday in a row 2nd placed Sherrardswood Ladies had the opportunity to go top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One against the same opponents they played last Sunday 3rd placed Hertford Town Ladies, were beaten then at home as Hertford Town Ladies extended their unbeaten record in the league to 8 matches. Were at home against Sherrardswood this Sunday after a goalless 1st half Sherrardswood scored 15 minutes into the 2nd half Rhiana Rose putting the ball into the back of the net. Dee Gilbert pulled Hertford Town Ladies back into the game 10 minutes later and it looked to be heading for a draw when up popped Abby Cardall to score the winner for Sherrardswood Ladies to put them 3 points clear at the top have played alot more games than all their title rivals but bring Hertford Town Ladies unbeaten record to an end.

One side in Beds & Herts Division One with plenty of games on the new leaders are 6th placed Garston Ladies having played just 6 league matches to date. Were on the road at the weekend taking on 4th placed Bishops Stortford Ladies. The home side scored twice in the 2nd half, Sapphire Bennett and Elle Georgiou with the strikes, however Bishops Stortford’s own title ambitions were dealt a blow as Garston hit back winning the match 3-2 with goals scored by Gemma Curtis, Jade Hales and Caroline Tenebaum as they move up a place to 5th are 10 points behind the leaders with 8 matches in hand.

Leaders of Beds & Herts Division Two, Sharnbrook WFC saw their game postponed at the weekend giving an opportunity for the sides below to close the gap. 2nd placed Houghton Athletic Ladies were soundly beaten at Sharnbrook WFC last weekend as they opened up an 8 point lead at the top. That lead has been reduced to 5 points with Houghton Athletic Ladies at bottom side Evergreen Eagles this Sunday. Emma Hawkes scored 4 times as they won the 3 points winning 4-0.

3rd placed Hitchin Town Ladies keep pace with Houghton Athletic Ladies a point behind them scoring 4 themselves this Sunday away to Royston Town Ladies Reserves. Rebecca Day scoring a brace with a goal each for Emma Chaffey and Chanel Sherriff-Geary. Royston Town Ladies Reserves pulled one goal back through Grace Leslie as they lost 4-1. Like thier 1st team in beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Garston Ladies FC 96 have matches in hand on the sides above them and move up from 6th to 4th this weekend in Division Two with a large 6-0 win at home against Woburn Lionesses. 

With the leading pair not in action in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three it was a chance for 3rd placed Evergreen Ladies and 4th placed Crawley Green Ladies to close the gap on their rivals for promotion. Evergreen Ladies were at home taking on bottom side Shefford Town & Campton Ladies. Goals from Lauren Atkins and Nicola Cairns along with a hat-trick scored by Emily Jones gave them the 5-0 victory and moves them to within 3 points of Icknield Ladies and Hitchin Belles above with a game in hand on Icknield.

Crawley Green Ladies promotion hopes took a dent away from home against Bedwell Rangers FC, despite going a goal up with Jessica McNamara on target, Bedwell Rangers FC hit them for six. Jessica Sullivan and Sarah King giving them a 2-1 lead going into half time both were to score again in the 2nd half with Ailish Beadle hitting a goal home on 78 minutes, Rebecca Moore adding the 6th goal in the final minute to give Bedwell their 1st 3 point haul of 2016.

That concludes another busy Edition of The Tuesday Round-Up midway through March a few sides falling away from the promotion picture, two more sides losing their unbeaten records just the 3 sides now with a 0 in the L column will they hold onto them till the end of the season? Title battles taking new twists, a few more to come as the league season enters the home straight with cup final line-ups being decided, it’ll all be covered by Women’s Football East the calculator working overtime as all the possible scenario’s are worked out, but it’s on the pitch matters will be decided… until next week thanks for reading.