Match Report – Beccles Town Ladies v Sprowston FC Women

Sunday 17th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

 Keeping it local this Easter Sunday having clocked up the miles during the week with a cup final double. Back to league action today with a game from Division One and an opportunity to catch up with a couple of sides as Beccles Town Ladies host Sprowston FC Women in their final home game of the season.

  Has been quite a while since I’ve seen Beccles Town Ladies in action, so much so I drove straight past their ground and ended up on the common beyond. Got there in the end however, Beccles put back into Norfolk Women’s Division One after the league original plan for 3 divisions fell by the way side and two larger divisions, One and Two were created. Beccles Town Ladies suffering more than most from resembling a decent squad then seeing players move on just a quickly, injuries too affecting development. One of their new players, Mae Hughes badly injured in a serious car accident on her way to a Beccles game earlier in the season, spending a number of weeks in hospital. Home now and recovering, at the game to day to watch her teammates in action.

  Despite the set backs manager Alan Runnacles is optimistic for the following season, bringing players in, with experience too to bolster a young squad. Benefitting from players unsettled at local rivals Bungay Town Ladies. Made a terrible start to the season with 5 straight defeats and some eye watering score lines too.  As the season has progressed however have picked up some decent results and a positive end to the season results wise could yet see then push up the table a place or two. Lola Barber-King, Beccles captain and top scorer with 24 goals.

  Sprowston FC Women have established themselves in Norfolk’s top flight, a club that benefits from a very strong youth setup, bringing players through. Currently in mid-table in Division One having struggled to pick up points consistently in the first half  of the season a very strong March which saw them win 4 straight league games has pulled them clear of the bottom sides and with 3 to play a top half finish is possible. Kate Morris and Bryony Brierley, Sprowston’s top scorers with 13 and 12 goals respectfully.

  Beccles Town FC nestled amongst a multi-sports facility. The football ground featuring a large grass pitch, wide with a little bit of a slope. A covered stand along one side of the ground with a tea hut beside. The weather beautiful considering it’s a bank holiday weekend. Bright and warm in the sunshine on Easter Sunday a breeze strong at times blowing from one end of the pitch to the other.

Beccles Town Ladies

Beccles Town Ladies starting XI – Megan Gowing, Georgia Tiffen, Leanne Muffett, Charlotte Power, Poppy Wilson, Abigail Bell, Lucy Robbens, Elisha Bower, Lauren Purling, Lily Bulloch & Lola Barber-King (C). Subs – Kelly Collins, Vicky Bloomfield & Bethan Owen.

Sprowston FC Women

 Sprowston FC Women starting XI – Jess Luff, Rosie Graham, Courtney Leggett, Maria Braithwaite, Bailey Curtis, Lois Irving (C), Holly Whayman, Oshea Winter, Kiera Braithwaite, Kate Morris & Katie Fray. Subs – Chloe Shipman.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Sprowston without goalkeeper, Jade Knights after being sent off in their cup tie with Dussindale & Hellesdon Women, Jess Luff in goal for today’s match. Just one substitute named on the bench. Beccles with 3 to call upon from the bench to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing white shirts with black shorts and socks. Sprowston opposite wearing  blue coloured shirts with navy sleeves, navy shorts and blue socks. The ball put out to the right, Sprowston winning the throw in.

The ball brought down and fed into attacker Katie Fray, Charlotte Power getting back at her in defence for Beccles to win the ball back. The visitors pressing the ball out for a goal kick, Fray winning it for Sprowston breaking forwards, Power in ahead of her again to nod the ball back into goalkeeper, Megan Gowing’s gloves. Beccles come through the middle Lucy Robbens on for Lily Bulloch 35 yards out central, has captain Lola Barber-King to her right plays the ball into her path Barber-King taking it on the by-line before firing a cross along the face of the Sprowston goal, no one running in to turn it home.

Beccles captain, Lola Barber-King

Barber-King looking to move to the right as Beccles attack, Bailey Curtis defending for Sprowston. The ball passed up to Barber-King 25 yards out back to goal, control well spinning away to her left turning for the Sprowston box a burst of pace to get her inside right of goal, lifts her shot up over the crossbar. Kate Morris pulling to the left in attack taking the ball inside sending a diagonal ball up into the Beccles area looking for Fray, Power winning the header for the hosts. Despite it being a large pitch you can almost drop a hat on the players at times as players get drawn towards the ball.

Barber-King is looking to turn and take on the defence whenever she can, getting half a yard on the back line as Abigail Bell wins the ball in midfield breaks into the left channel, Curtis is quick herself getting back on her to tackle get the ball back to goalkeeper, Jess Luff. Sprowston mount an attack, Keira Braithwaite central into Fray left of goal 25 yards out controls comes inside looking to make room for a strike, puts her foot through the ball, dipping as it heads for the inside of the left post, Gowing with a fantastic save diving down to her right to push the ball behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! The corner form the left is played into the near post, chested down by the Sprowston attack she moved after the ball, the defender going with her gives her a push, the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty! Keira Braithwaite placing the ball on the spot strikes it hard rising to the left of goal, Gowing going the right way can’t get near it as Braithwaite peels away to celebrate the ball striking the back of the net. 0-1 The visitors taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes.

Keira Braithwaite opens the scoring for Sprowston from the penalty spot.

  Sprowston straight on the attack form the restart go down the right winning a throw in, the ball lifted into the area, Power defending sends it behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! A minute after opening the scoring from the penalty spot, Sprowston double their advantage from another set-piece. The ball put into the box from the right, Gowing comes for it gets caught under the ball at the near post, Holly Whayman running in behind for Sprowston stooping to nod the ball over the line 0-2.

Holly Whayman heads in Sprowston’s 2nd.

  Beccles hit with two quickfire goals, Elisha Bower with a strong run on the left carrying the ball on squares a cross into the six yard box, Luff catching it into her midriff with Barber-King closing in. Another opportunity for Beccles moments later played into the top of the box for Barber-King, a low strike fired in towards goal, Luff with a sharp save with her feet, her defence getting the ball back to her. 

The ball lifted on through the middle as Sprowston get forwards bouncing, Fray on Power’s shoulder as they pair battle for possession, fray getting an attempt on goal away her effort lifted wide 20 yards out. Sprowston hustling the ball 25 yards out gain possession Fray on the right with and angled drive in Gowing claiming at her near post. Sprowston with a throw high on the left played inside for Morris lines up a shot inside the D, her strike charged down by Poppy Wilson. Barber-King picking the ball up on halfway driving forwards, looking to get away from the defence, Curtis’ pace to the rescue as she gets the sliding tackle in to put the ball back to her keeper to claim.

GOAL! 20 minutes played and Sprowston hammer home there advantage by racing to a 3 goal lead attacking on the right Oshea Winter playing the ball on players drawn across to deal with the growing threat the cross coming into the box, Wilson has to clear as she comes near post. Morris left unmarked at the far post as the ball put back out to the right isn’t cleared and comes back in finding Morris who can simply pick her spot. 0-3.

Kate Morris with Sprowston’s 3rd goal

GOAL! As with the opening goals, Sprowston again find a quickfire double to race into a 4 goal lead. Whayman on the ball in midfield, bringing it on no one closing her down, sets her sights from all of 30 yards out right side, gets plenty of pace and dip behind her shot, fired across the keeper, Gowing dives down gets her fingertips to it but not enough to keep it out 0-4.

Holly Whayman firing Sprowston into a 4 goal lead

  Beccles well and truly on the back foot as the referee calls for a drinks break, a much needed chance to regroup midway through the 1st half. Sprowston make a change Chloe Shipman on for Courtney Leggett. The hosts attack from the restart Robbens up to Bulloch, Barber-King in close support as she heads the ball down to the right Barber-King taking it on into the box right of goal to the by-line a shot/cross stopped by Luff at her near post the ball cleared falls to Bowers top of the D, she strikes the ball, runs wide of the far post. 

Lauren Purling battling for the ball with Holly Whayman

  Sprowston with a corner on the right the ball in defended by Robbens put back out to the corner taker, played into Fray top of the area 20 yards out her shot fired back in with venom striking one of her own teammates. The long ball forwards through the middle causing Beccles a few issues as they don’t deal with the bouncing ball, Fray stealing in ahead of Power lobs the ball over from 20 yards out. Beccles making a change Muffett coming off at right back replaced by Vicky Bloomfield. 

  A free-kick for Sprowston on halfway, captain Lois Irving over the ball, puts it up into the area, Gowing with a good claim taking it at her near post. Bloomfield with a crucial intercept as Keira Braithwaite central looks to thread a pass on for Morris pulling left. Morris and Fray’s movement up top pulling the Beccles defence out of shape causing problems.

Vicky Bloomfield clearing the ball for Beccles

GOAL! Purling gets hold of the ball for Beccles on the right travelling forwards moves infield laying it on for Robbens as she continues her run towards the area, Robbens threading a good pass into the box, left of goal both Purling and Bulloch after it, Purling giving way for Bulloch to stab past the keeper and pull a goal back 1-4.

Beccles, Lily Bulloch

Beccles break well from a Sprowston corner, Bell on for Barber-King races forwards travelling with the ball, once again Curtis has the burst of speed to catch her and sliding in to tackle does enough to send the ball behind for a corner. The corner put in near side headed clear back out to the left for a throw by Curtis.

GOAL! Attacking from the throw in top of the area, Purling on the ball takes it across the passing to Bell right of the D, her first touch seeing her shift the ball inside to evade her marker then shoots sending a rising effort in under the bar, Luff leaping to try and stop it 2-4.

Abigail Bell on the scoresheet for Beccles

  Beccles getting a further goal back to half the deficit, much needed after conceding 4 in the opening 20 minutes. Luff down from the save having fallen on her back has cracked her head on the ground. Needs treatment before continuing. 5 minutes left to play in the first half. Kelly Collins on for Beccles replacing Tiffen in defence. Called into action as Fray battles to get in behind seeing a shot blocked the rebound from distance fired over. 

Sprowston captain, Lois Irving

Barber-King looks to take the ball right, lacks support as she holds the ball up, Rosie Graham closing in to tackle win the ball back for Sprowston. Maria Braithwaite winning the header in the centre of defence as Bell plays it up for Barber-King. The clock ticking down in the first half Morris looks to get away on the left, Bloomfield with a well timed tackle seeing the ball out for a throw.

Half-time Beccles Town Ladies 2-4 Sprowston FC Women

 Both sides staying out of the field at half-time. Sprowston with a great start racing into a 4-0 lead. Beccles with a few errors giving themselves a mountain to climb, nevertheless have created chances themselves and pulling 2 goals back towards the end of the 1st half has chanced the complexion of the match totally and given them a way back into a game that might otherwise have been out of sight. Still will need to improve at the back if Sprowston aren’t to find more goals.

  The breeze looks to have become stronger at the start of the 2nd half, favouring Beccles now. Sprowston with a change Leggett back on in defence as Shipman moves out to the right of attack. Keira Braithwaite the player off. Bethan Owen on for Beccles in place of Bulloch. The visitors to get the 2nd half underway. Shipman with the ball moving forwards tackled by Collins. Beccles winning a free-kick inside the Sprowston half played up into the box, headed clear by Maria Braithwaite. 

Lola Barber-King on the attack for Beccles

   A scrappy start to the 2nd half as play is compacted over on one side of the pitch . Owen on the ball central attacking out to the right crossed back into her inside the box brings down on her chest the ball won cleared by the defence back to the right, fired straight back in across the six yard box dropping to Barber-King she controls opens up her body and lifts a shot wide across the face of goal. Luff is down inside her goal clearly struggling with her head injury needs to come off. With no replacement an outfield player needed to don the gloves, Shipman is the volunteer putting on a bid and going in between the sticks with Keira Braithwaite back on in the middle. 

Beccles, Bethan Owen with Sprowston’s Courtney Leggett

  Fray causing a nuisance in attack 20 yards out heading the ball on breaking into the area left of goal, Power tackling, is hurt and Fray goes down over the top of her the ball running behind for a corner. Played in near side from the left, is cleared back to the taker, lifted back in high near side, is allowed to bounce a moment of panic inside the six yard box before being scrambled behind. Another corner left played into Leggett outside the box left side is quickly closed down by Wilson. 

   Bower with the ball comes through the middle a strong run moves right, Graham closing in lunging in to tackle the ball pushed on for the keeper to clear, Simpson rushing on clearing with her feet as barber-King slides in on her. Owen moving left winning Beccles a throw in high up the pitch the ball crossed into the area Braithwaite central jumping to get her head on it, falls straight to Purling behind at the far post her glancing header turned goalwards safely in the keepers gloves.

Beccles, Lauren Purling

  Beccles coming on better attacking 2nd half, but risk getting hit on the counter. Bell looking to put the ball on for Barber-King, Curtis defending. A free-kick for the visitors on half way sees Fray breaking in behind the Beccles defence left into the box, sends her low strike wide beyond the far post. Beccles defence getting out of shape as Sprowston push on in attack, Collins tackling Morris as she comes inside from the right.

Sprowston’s Kate Morris with Beccles, Kelly Collins

  Graham with a superb diagonal ball up to Fray top of the D, Wilson sliding in to tackle for Beccles. Leggett defending up the other end for Sprowston as Bell sends the ball up to Owen 20 yards out right channel. Owen’s last action as she comes off with Bulloch back on. 20 minutes of the 2nd half played. Morris pushing on with the ball through the middle, Fray ahead of her providing the run, Morris with the forward pass, well read by Collins who is well positioned to cut out and clear. Graham on for Whayman out to Morris on the right her cross into the area cleared by Power.

  An outfield player in goal for Sprowston, Beccles have yet to test Shipman, the game stretched there is more time on the ball than some are allowing themselves. Fray with a scuffed shot 20 yards out running safely through to the keeper. Shipman taking a clean catch at her near post as Beccles lift a high ball in from the right. The ball sent up top bouncing Bulloch looking to get on the end of it for Beccles lobs it wide from 25 yards out. Power in to charge down Fray’s shot as she brings the ball down 20 yards out. Purling driving on for Beccles right side comes inside running into traffic, as both Whayman and Leggett close her down. 

 GOAL! Sprowston press forwards the Beccles defence once again out of shape as Irving lifts the pass up towards the top of the D, is scrambled clear out to the right, Morris latching onto it running on before squaring a cross into the six yard box putting it on a plate for Fray for a simple tap in into the back of the net 2-5.

Katie Fray scoring Sprowston’s fifth goal

 Sprowston restoring their 4 goal cushion with 15 minutes left to play. Get the ball back straight away from the restart fed into Fray right inside the box, Collins with a well timed tackle to deny her a shot. 

GOAL! As in the first half one goal brings two for Sprowston as they cause chaos at the back for Beccles again the host defence falling back but not in a line the diagonal ball finding Morris clear on the right inside the box where she lifts her shot over the keeper to score 2-6.

Kate Morris making it 6-2 for Sprowston

  Sprowston’s defence doing a good job of protecting there keeper not falling too deep, the ball put on by Bell in the middle finding Bower up top she headers it down into Barber-King right of the D, her first time shot sent up over the bar. Bulloch collecting the ball on the wing for Beccles turning inside heading for the box, is tackled by Maria Braithwaite. Shipman is untroubled in goal for Sprowston a rush of blood though as she comes racing out of her box to clear when she had time to see it roll into her gloves as Beccles threaten to break, the kick works though.

Sprowston’s Keira Braithwaite

Purling right driving on with the ball, shifting inside to cross the ball cut out by Leggett. Fray battling through the middle taking the ball on for Sprowston has Morris moving inside the box ahead of her right side, getting the pass into the the angle against her Morris’ shot is held by Gowing. Barber-King taking the ball on down the right flank checking back up the line to the top of the area flashes a ball into Bower 20 out left of the D, her touch bringing her inside for the shot, is leaning back as she sends her effort over the bar. 

  The game moving into stoppage time Sprowston on the attack fed into Fray right channel outside the box angles a shot in across goal low, Gowing down well to push the ball away to her right. 

Full time Beccles Town Ladies 2-6 Sprowston FC Women

  Full time and Sprowston come away with a 6-2 that lifts them into 6th place in the Division One table. A strong start racing into a 4 goal lead seeing them take control of the game, with Fray and Morris up top causing problems for the Beccles defence throughout. The hosts with a mountain to climb errors seeing them concede early on a 4-0 looked in real trouble but had created chances and two well worked goals saw them pull it back to 4-2 at the break. An enforced keeper change for Sprowston but Beccles never really tested her as the visitors continued to look dangerous in the final 3rd going on to add another quickfire double to make it a comfortable result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few performances to mention first. Starting with Beccles Lola Barber-King created a number of chances up top an on another day may very well have scored a hat-trick. Charlotte Power at the back making a number of critical tackles and blocks. For Sprowston it’s hard to pick a single player out as their were good performances all over the pitch, Holly Whayman composed in midfield moving the ball well scoring twice. “Well done Bailey” was a common cry throughout the match the defender making so great tackles. Up top Kate Morris was strong peeling off the defence to make herself available narrowly edged out by her strike partner, Katie Fray who was a handful for the Beccles defence all game, battling for the ball and creating numerous opportunities.

An enjoyable East Sunday at Beccles, great to catch up with both sides and others in the footballing community. My thanks to both sides for providing me with the team details as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Billericay Town Women v Hashtag United Women

Thursday 14th April

Essex Women’s County Cup Final

Hot on the heels on one cup final comes the 2nd with a trip down to Essex for the Women’s County Cup showpiece event between fierce rivals, Billericay Town Women and Hashtag United Women. 

 A rivalry made all the keener by virtue of the fact the two Essex giants are vying for top spot in FAWNL South East Division One and with it promotion to tier 3 of the woman’s football pyramid. A position Hashtag United Women formerly C&K Basildon Ladies have tasted before coming very close to achieving promotion to  what is now the FAWSL Championship. Along with Billericay Town Women the pair have dominated the county cup in recent seasons. Have been the top two in FAWNL South East Division One all season Hashtag United Women leading the way as Billericay play catch up having been involved in the FA Women’s Cup. Their season finished though Hashtag have 62 points winning 20 of their 24 league matches. Billericay with 2 games in left and a 5 point gap to close down know what they have to do, a 4-0 win away to Cambridge City Ladies closing the gap to just 2 points, know victory in their final home game against mid-table London Seaward FC with guarantee the title. 

This evening though it’s all about the County Cup, Billericay the holders the final missing from the previous two seasons because of the Covid pandemic the rivalry continues with Hashtag United Women gunning for their 1st ever county cup success. Billericay  pushing Hashtag all the way in the race for the league title have lost just one league game all season with striker Zoe Rushen having an incredible season in front of goal with 28 scored so far from 31 appearances accounting for over 30% of Billericay’s goals. Saw them on the opening day of the season winning 8-0 away to Norwich and all accounts have been the toughest opponents others have played all season. 

Equally strong at the top of the table are Hashtag United Women. Basildon’s merger with Hashtag United reviving the clubs fortunes after they were relegated to South East Division One. Well looked after with strong media support for the side have been out in front for much of the season. Scoring 83 goals in their 24 league matches 10 clear of 2nd placed Billericay with the best defensive record too shared with 3rd placed AFC Wimbledon with 14 goals conceded. Malika Apindia, Hashtag’s top scorer netting 21 goals from 27 appearances with Kelly Wealthall and Sasha Adamson on 13 and 12 respectfully.

  Road to the Final

Along with fellow FAWNL South East Division One side, Harlow Town Ladies and Bowers & Pitsea Ladies of the ERWFL Premier Division both sides entered the competition the quarter final stage. Billericay drawn away to Hashtag United Women’s Reserve side, goals from Sam Pittuck, Ruby Sealey, Mia Lockett and Zoe Rushen securing a 4-0 win. Hashtag themselves at home to ERWFL Division One South promotion hopeful’s Leigh Ramblers Ladies were also comfortable winners progressing with a 5-0 result.

 Both sides strong too in the last 4 of the competition. Billericay at home to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, Rebecca May on target with a hat-trick. A brace each for Shannon Drewe and Logan O’Shea with Karissa Doo and Sam Pittuck also on target in a 9-2 win. Hashtag were away to Harlow Town Ladies booking their spot in the final with a 6-2 win.

Aveley FC’s, Parkside Stadium the venue for the final and soon to become the home of Hashtag United Women. A new build, featuring a state of the art building beside the 3G playing surface, housing a large bar area on the ground floor, hospitality above with large windows giving a great view of the action seating in front of the clubhouse with another covered stand opposite, viewing all round a new scoreboard in one corner and a kitchen serving a variety of hot food and drink, much needed after a 2 hour drive from Norfolk to get here. A very warm day staying pleasant for the game again mild and calm. A hugely anticipated game a good crowd in attendance.

Billericay Town Ladies

Billericay Town Women starting XI- Alex baker (C), Kerry Stimson, Lucy Jones, Ellie Jeffkins, Courtney Lumley, Jay Blackie, Georgie Moreton, Logan O’Shea, Shannon Drewe, Zoe Rushen & Ruby Sealey. Subs – Rebecca May, Amber Gaylor, Maddie Reynolds, Sam Pittuck and Casey Iron.

Hashtag United Women

 Hashtag United Women starting XI – Imogen Riches, Maddie Thomas, Katherine Nutman, Grace Gillard (C), Hayley West, Sophie Kelly, Gemma Baker Sasha Adamson, Emma Samways, Kelly Wealthall, Malika Apindia. Subs – Eva Carvahlo, Abbey Davies, Rebecca Sargent, Kelsey Smith & Nikita Whinnett. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Despite Aveley soon to be their home ground Hashtag are the ‘away’ side this evening both sides in their away colours too with Billericay wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. Hashtag wearing white shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and white socks. It’s Billericay to get the final underway kicking off the 1st half the ball immediately charged down inside the centre circle. Contested back ad forth before Hashtag get it out to the right side with attacker Malika Apindia giving chase, Lucy Jones able to see it out for a Billericay goal kick.

A high tempo start both sides in to close the ball down, Zoe Rushen moving right as the ball in sent on from the middle, Katherine Nutman defending for Hashtag seeing the ball go for a throw in. Billericay’s Georgie Moreton tackling in the middle the ball lifted out to Shannon Drewe out on the left taking the ball to the by-line plays in a cross to the near post, Hashtag captain, Grace Gillard arriving to block deflecting the ball behind for a corner kick, Billericay appealing for a handball but nothing doing. The corner curled in to the top of the area Ellie Jeffkins rushing in unopposed can’t quite get her head on the ball as it is deflected back to Hashtag goalkeeper, Imogen Riches beyond her.

Billericay winning a free-kick out wide right put in from deep, Hashtag’s Sophie Kelly back to defend heading it clear of the area. The ball pinging around in the middle no one allowed to settle Billericay lift it forwards up for Rushen right of the D, the defender marking her clearing the ball as Rushen goes down hurt in the challenge, again Billericay appeal but no penalty. Rushen needing treatment a pause in play  but is okay to continue. Play resuming Hashtag moving the ball through the middle on for Apindia breaking away to the right, Jones staying with her to send the ball back to goalkeeper and captain Alex Baker to clear.

Is tense, cagey almost as both sides battle for possession in quickly to close each other down, play broken up as a result. Attacker, Ruby Sealey seeing the ball into her feet 30 yards out releasing Drewe on the left racing on to the corner wrapping her foot around the ball a cross swung into the six yard box headed clear by Gillard. Billericay seeing more of the ball in the final 3rd in the opening 10 minutes. Hashtag attacking on the left get into a crossing position the ball whipped in across the area, Jones defending the ball out for a corner kick. Attacked at the near post turned on across the face of goal goes out beyond the far post for a goal kick.

Emma Samways moving out right for Hashtag with a dummy as the ball is played into her then reverses to send the ball on up the line for Apindia, Jones again able the shield the ball out for a goalkick. The delivery put in centrally, Baker rising to knock it down into the ground, before Billericay scramble it away. Rushen getting the ball into her feet coming inside from the right driving for the area, a strong tackle from Gillard halting her attack. Hashtag looking dangerous n the counter attack as the ball is fired up to Apindia on for Samways, Courtney Lumley defending a corner conceded. Taken short from the left blocked and then cleared.

Billericay striker, Zoe Rushen with Hashtag captain, Grace Gillard (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

The game livening up as both sides get forwards with purpose Rushen with a back heel on the left corner of the box on for Drewe down the line, Nutman defending for Hashtag seen out for a goal kick. Jay Blackie surging on from midfield is brought down inside the d but again Billericay appeals are waved away. Baker with a hasty clearance as the back pass is threatened from a throw on the left as Samways rushes in. Gillard has a long throw in her arsenal up on the pitch right side headed on the attempted hook shot at the far post is missed.

  Moreton breaks on from the middle for Billericay this time the foul is given as she is brought down heavily outside the D to the right of goal. Close to the edge of the box Rushen’s attempt to give herself an extra yard further back upsetting the Hashtag fans the referee seeing it’s taken from the correct position, Rushen smashes her shot into the wall then slices the rebound wide as it comes flying back to her. Neither side allowed any rhythm isn’t pretty, certainly committed Hashtag with a vocal support. Jeffkins intercepting as Gemma Baker looks to put Apindia away through the middle. 

  Jones at left back tackling Samways as she attempts to shift the ball in behind her on the right. Billericay attack Moreton coming to the right Rushen and Drewe ahead of her, the latter wide cutting the ball into Rushen inside the area left corner tries to pick out Sealey who fouls Nutman as she goes to attack the ball, Hashtag with the free-kick. Half an hour played the game opening up as both sides get forwards with attacking intent. Moreton on the ball forwards for Rushen moving left into the area, Nutman intercepting. 

 Sasha Adamson on the right pushing on with Samways, Jones challenging the ball out for a throw. Hashtag with a strong appeal for a penalty as the ball is cleared inside the Billericay box. The ball fizzed into Apindia from the left central top of the D, is falling as she spins attempting to hit it on the turn sends her effort off target. Hashtag putting pressure on Billericay at the back as they linger on the ball outside the area put back to Baker who picks it up appeals again. Passion rising. 

  Drewe winning the ball high on Billerica’s left inside for Rushen top of the area left plays it across looking for Sealey right of the D, Kelly back to win for Hashtag cleared to the right a strike sent back in low in low on the angle, Imogen Riches comfortable down to claim in the Hashtag goal. No sooner has one goalkeeper claimed the ball then Brooks up the other end is called into action as Hayley West on the left fires a strike in low on the angle across goal, Brooks down sharply getting a touch to turn it wide beyond the far post for a corner on the right. 

  Hashtag are getting more of the ball in Billericay’s half now pressing the back line a couple of long range strikes from the left blocked. A corner from the left for Hashtag crossed in Jeffkins winning it for Billericay. Adamson left inside for Apindia sends it out to the right for Samways her attempted cross cut out by Jones behind for a corner. The corner successfully defended Billericay launch a counter attack, Sealey bringing it on from halfway has Rushen going with her gives her the ball she sends it on for Moreton racing on right  to the top of the box, Adamson getting the tackle in the ball deflected away. Moreton down needing treatment but is okay to play on.

Georgie Moreton looking to shoot for Billericay (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

  Remains a tense affair, the pendulum swinging in Hashtag’s favour towards the end of the 1st half. Thomas with a throw on the left for Hashtag is knocked on into the area, West inside charging in seeing her effort blocked then cleared. Apindia is a handful up top strong in possession controls the ball with her head outside the area looks to set up Baker, Lumley defends for Billericay. Moreton advancing on the ball moves left on for Sealey in attack, Nutman though with a solid defensive clearance to stop the threat for Hashtag. Moreton out to Sealey again right side her cross cut out by Baker tracking back.

  Hashtag looking to break on the left Stimson with the foul on halfway, no advantage for Hashtag play brought back for the free-kick as Stimson goes into the book. The free-kick on halfway headed on by Apindia inside the box at the near post across the six yard box, a snap shot at the far post charged down going for a corner. Into the closing seconds of the 1st half the corner up the line the cross in charged down, Thomas back on the ball to put inside near side Apindia controlling with her head cushioning the ball down hitting it on the spin her shot held by Brooks in the Billericay goal. 

Half-time Billericay Town Women 0-0 Hashtag United Women

  Goalless at the break, is certainly tense a game neither wants to lose. Both side closing the other down. Billericay with the narrow advantage early on getting forwards. Hashtag strong in defence letting nothing through gaining momentum towards the end of the half efforts blocked from outside the box, Brooks called into action needing to put the ball wide from a West effort. If there are any clues to which way it might you 2nd half then I’ve missed them. Beautifully poised for the 2nd half.

 A change at the start of the 2nd half for Billericay, Amber Gaylor coming on for Drewe to join the attack. Hashtag to get the 2nd 45 underway. Wealthall immediately winning Hashtag a throw high on the left. Gillard up with her long throw into the area looking for Apindia, cleared by Stimson for Billericay. Gaylor putting the ball on for Rushen up top the ball defended by Gillard. Fouls a feature of the game a little niggle between the sides more born out of passion than anything else and quickly brought under control when tempers flare. 

Blackie into an advanced position winning a corner as Billericay look to press Hashtag back at the start of the 2nd half. Lumley at one end for Billericay and Nutman at the other with last ditch tackles as each side play the ball long. Gaylor plays the ball on for O’Shea as she races forwards her effort blocked. Gaylor exchanging passes with Rushen on the right as Billericay advance, Gaylor going on to strike the ball goalwards from the angle well held by Riches in the Hashtag goal. 

 GOAL! 10 minutes gone in the 2nd half and the deadlock is finally broken, Hashtag put Wealthall in on the left to the top of the area looks to play it inside with Adamson closing in, Stimson diving in to challenge can only help the ball on into Adamson’s pat as she takes it on into the area closing in on goal and sends it across the falling Brooks into the bottom corner 1-0. 

  Hashtag pressing the ball from the restart looking to go after Billericay, the shot from Samways tame however safely claimed by Brooks. The goal putting a spring into Hashtag’s step, Billericay visibly frustrated as passes go astray. West with a good tackle stopping Sealey advancing with the ball as she looks to travel from halfway. A change for Hashtag as they bring on Nikita Whinnett on the hour for Wealthall who has been struggling since the goal. Jeffkins putting the ball forwards picking out Gaylor to the left of the area her shot swung in held by Riches.

  Blackie shown a yellow card from a strong tackle out wide in the corner on the left Hashtag with the set-piece played into the six yard box, it’s Blackie who wins the header to clear the danger. A hand ball spotted by the referee in the middle giving Billericay a free-kick, Jeffkins over it takes on the long distance shot, Riches not troubled as she moves wide of her goal to catch the ball. moving into the final 20 minutes Billericay making a tactical change bringing off a defender, Stimson at full back for attacker, Sam Pittuck.

Billericay’s Amber Gaylor (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

  Pressing the ball Moreton into Rushen left side 20 yards out getting a shot away her attempt caught by Riches. Billericay pressing on as they look to get a goal themselves. Gillard up the field to take another long throw, balls running out as they are cleared out of the ground, Jeffkins with a firm head to put the ball clear of the area for Billericay, counter quickly the move ending as Rushen 20 yards out slices her attempt wide as she is rapidly closed down.

GOAL! 15 minutes to go and Billericay find the leveller and it’s a well struck effort from Moreton too! Attacking on the left Gaylor deep puts it back to the full back to lift a high ball in near post Rushen up with a defender the ball coming off both out to the top of the area, Moreton moving across the D, controlling it on her chest and catching it sweetly to send it past the diving keeper 1-1.

Georgie Moreton congratulated by her teammates after levelling the scores for Billericay (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

 No sooner have Billericay found the equalising goal then Hashtag get on the offensive and come close to retaking the lead Apindia picking up the ball on halfway driving forwards through the middle drifting right letting fly from all of 25 yards out, Brooks is beaten doesn’t move the ball wide of her, turns to see it come off the base of her left post and careen across the face of her goal, Whinnett after it with Lumley the ball out of play. 

 Apindia out right twisting and turning her marker with a clever back heel taking the ball to the by-line her cross laid back into the box cut out and cleared. West tracking back into the box tracking back with Rushen as Moreton attempts to puck her out from the right. 

GOAL! Hashtag retaking the lead with 8 minutes left to play scoring with a well worked goal started and finished by Baker. On the ball bringing it on through the middle sends it on for Apindia who in turn finds Davies advancing on the left flank her cross squared into the area cut out the loose ball skipping up for Baker at the top of the D, bringing it down off her chest and catches it superbly on the volley to rifle her strike in off the crossbar 2-1.

 Moreton down with a knock on the far side of the pitch is replaced by Rebecca May with 5 minutes left to play. Not long for Hashtag to hold out or Billericay to find a 2nd leveller. Pressing the ball Hashtag gaining a throw high on the right, Gillard up to take the ball cleared at the near post by Lumley comes straight to West 25 yards out right of the D she shot fired back in held by the keeper. 

 The clock ticking own Billericay with players forwards as they get a free-kick inside the Hashtag half the ball lofted into the area the keeper doesn’t get hold of it, dropping down outside the box, two efforts are charged down in quick succession as Hashtag defend for their lives. The counter on Apindia on for Whinnett moving left Lumley closing in tackling for Billericay. Not long left am surrounded by Hashtag fans eager for the final whistle to blow. A few cool heads needed another ball cleaned out of the ground. That’s it the whistle blows and Hashtag players and coaching staff rush onto the pitch to celebrate as they win the County Cup.

Full time Billericay Town Women 1-2 Hashtag United Women

  A massive 578 fans in attendance watching this evenings final a great game between to fierce rivals. Certainly tense and cagey with neither wanting to give anything away. Spirited the 2nd half seeing 3 well taken goals scored Gemma Baker with the all important winning strike for Hashtag United Women, their first trophy, would dearly love a 2nd but that one remains Billericay’s to lose with one final league game to play in a fortnights time and despite losing the final will now be focused solely on London Seaward FC. Quality finishers on both sides could have gone either way in the end committed performances from both sides this is a rivalry that is set to continue and for Essex that is only a boon. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. This was a contest between two committed sides who didn’t want to be beaten. Credit to all involved. Lucy Jones at the back with a number of critical challenges for Billericay. Zoe Rushen their main threat in attack battling for possession setting up chances for herself and her teammates. Georgie Moreton outstanding in the middle taking the ball on and getting into some great positions a great strike to level the scores. For Hashtag, their captain Grace Gillard led by example at the back cutting out a number of crosses and winning the ball. Gemma Baker with a superb finish to win the game. The award though goes to attacker Malika Apindia carrying a constant threat up front all game whether running at the defence or getting hold of the ball in an around the box unlucky not to have a goal herself. 

 Congratulations to Hashtag United Women on winning this season’s Essex Women’s County Cup.

Hashtag United Women, winners of the 2021/22 Essex Women’s County Cup (photo credit Essex FA)

 A great game to match down at Aveley I do like that ground, so Hashtag might well see me again next season. I don’t miss the M25 even after 2 and a half seasons still I got home in the end. My thanks to everyone at Aveley for there help this evening. Nicky Hayes from Billericay for letting me use his photo’s so to Essex FA and hopefully will add a few more from Hashtag United Women soon. Two cup finals in two days I’m off for a rest now… until Sunday at least this is the best part of the football season after all.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v St Ives Town Ladies

Wednesday 13th April

Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final

A busy week of cup final action on Women’s Football East, starting this Wednesday evening with a trip to Eynesbury Rovers FC or the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final between Cambridge United WFC and St Ives Town Ladies.

Huntingdonshire FA’s inaugural Women’s Senior Cup at last taking place after Covid put pay to the final being played last season. 7 women’s sides featured within the county with representatives varying from county level right up to FAWNL Division One the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid.

The two strongest sides within the county reaching the final of the competition with Cambridge United WFC playing their football at St Neots Town FC playing in FAWNL South East Division One taking on St Ives Town Ladies from the ERWFL Premier Division below.

Cambridge United WFC manager, Darren Marjoram taking on familiar opponents having joined the FAWNL side at the start of the season having previously been manager at St Ives Town playing a major role in the clubs development and rapid rise up the football pyramid. Overall a successful 1st season with Cambridge pushing for a top 4 finish at one point tailing away towards the end with consistency proving a challenge will secure a mid-table finish with a good platform to build on next season. Cambridge United WFC enjoying closer ties with Cambridge United FC which will benefit them going forwards have traditionally been a dominant force within the county cup competition in Cambridgeshire itself, now with their base in Huntingdonshire have the opportunity to contest for silverware once again.

St Ives Town Ladies having reached the ERWFL Premier Division 3 seasons ago after a fast and strong rise through the leagues, were looking strong in their debut season, then Covid came along and put an end to proceedings, the following season likewise affected stifling development for a lot of clubs. A change of management this season with Ben Green eventually taking charge. Have found this season in the ERWFL Premier Division a struggle winning just one of their opening 8 league fixtures and with one game left to play are unfortunately at the bottom of the table and facing the prospect of relegation, yet the mood in the camp remains positive and recent results giving the squad some much needed confidence going into this evenings final. 

Road to the Final

  With 7 sides contesting, new side Huntingdon Town Ladies made up largely of the old St Ives Town Ladies Development side were the ones to receive a bye into the last 4. Cambridge United WFC starting their cup campaign away to Cardea FC Ladies,, 2nd in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One, 3 divisions between the sides Cambridge running out comfortable winners with both Ruth Fox and Laura Mitchell scoring a hat-trick in an 11-0 win. A equally high scoring victory for St Ives Town Ladies in their quarter final away to Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Two side, Brampton Ladies. Charlotte Noble on target with a hat-trick with top scorers Angel Lyden netting a brace in a 10-2 result.

  Into the last 4 and Cambridge were drawn at home to Cambridge Women’s Division Two title chasers, Eaton Socon Ladies. A good test for the visitors young squad, Cambridge once again racking up the goals powering into the final with a 13-0 win. St Ives at home to Huntingdon Town Ladies in  their semi-final. Georgia Stancombe on target with a brace with a goal each for Kati Stancombe and Sasha Smith seeing them through to their first county cup final.

  The venue for the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Final, Eynesbury Rovers FC. Like St Neots, Premier Plus Stadium situated in a residential area, featuring a very large grass pitch which will offer plenty of width in great condition. A seated stand along one side of the ground opposite the dugouts, housing the changing rooms with the bar/clubhouse with kitchen hatch alongside. Another seated stand behind one of the goals a good sized crowd building. A pleasant warm day  carrying into the evening mild with no wind or rain forecast.

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Carrie Bennett, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Lauren Rouse, Abi Davies, Gisela Otten (C), Abbi Griffin, Faith Hewitt, Laura Mitchell, Nicole Emmings & Ruth Fox. Subs – Kira Markwell, Grace Waygood, Alysha Stojko-Down, Libby Fraser & Niamh Day.

 St Ives Town Ladies starting XI – Sarah Aftelak, Mollie Flack, Sasha Smith, Anna Hicks (C), Georgia Stancombe, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Jessica Conyard, Sarah Mosley, Angel Lyden, Katie Stancombe & Elle Jefferson. Subs – Lauren Bird, Poppy Lyons & Penelope Ford.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Three former St Ives players following Darren Marjoram to Cambridge all featuring in this evenings final with Ruth Fox, top scorer for Cambridge this season with 14 goals leading the attack and Abbi Griffin starting in midfield. Goalkeeper, Kira Markwell on the bench. Cambridge to get the game underway kicking off 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks with St Ives opposite wearing white shirts with black vertical striping, black shorts and socks. The play played diagonally out to the left wing for Nicole Emmings, Mollie Flack gaining possession for St Ives lifting the ball back into the middle.

St Ives closing in on the ball Jessica Conyard playing it out to Angel Lyden on the right support with Sarah Mosley down the flank the pair playing a good one two on, Carrie Bennett across the ball for Cambridge to see it safely out of play for a goalkick. Cambridge winning a free-kick captain Gisella Otten on for Laura Mitchell on the right takes the ball on squaring it into Ruth Fox top of the area, Georgia Stancombe defending for St Ives the ball back with Kayleigh-Anne Burt on the right spreads play across to Lauren Rouse moving left  on for Bennett up for Emmings taking the ball up up the left whistling a cross into the box, Fox the target central, St Ives captain Anna Hicks getting her foot on the ball to clear.

St Ives, Mollie Flack with Cambridge’s Nicole Emmings (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  St Ives build on the left getting a free-kick the ball played on cleared is picked up by Katie Stancombe out left 30 yards out strikes the ball goalwards, arrowing in, Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb with a spectacular save, athletically diving to her right gloving the ball away for a corner kick. The corner delivery lofted into a crowded near post, Webb coming in amongst everyone to jump punch the ball down, cleared up to Mitchell looking to break, Sarah Aftelak keeping goal for St Ives out of her box to clear.

  St Ives with a fast start looking to press the ball get it moving forwards quickly, Elle Jefferson in attack nudging the ball on for Lyden, Burt closing in to tackle, halt St Ives progress for Cambridge. Lyden getting on well right side with Jefferson supporting, Faith Hewitt across to put in the tackle. Cambridge rushed on the ball as St Ives work to close down passes not finding their targets. Rouse at the back for Cambridge onto Hewitt with Bennett going on left side her diagonal ball flighted into the area seen out at her near post by Aftelak. A busy opening 10 minutes from St Ives have caught Cambridge a little off guard, Mosley in to tackle Otten put the ball out to Lyden, Emmings tracking back to challenge get the ball back into Cambridge’s possession.

Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Emmings with Bennett up the left checks back inside firing a cross into the area Fox the target too close to the keeper Aftelak snatching it up into her gloves. Griffin down in the middle for Cambridge needing treatment after a challenge, is okay to continue. Play resuming Flack with a timely interception getting her foot on the ball as Emmings looks to thread a pass on in behind. Katie Stancombe with the ball driving on left side pace forced back up the line before turning and seeing her long range strike charged down. The ball up to Fox in attack right channel 25 out played back to Hewitt central out out to Mitchell on the right advances before flashing and angled shot wide across the St Ives goal.

Cambridge’s Faith Hewitt (photo credit Ben Phillips)

There positive start giving St Ives confidence, Jefferson linking up well with Lyden on the right keeping Bennett occupied at the back for Cambridge. Aftelak with a good catch high at her near post as Cambridge attack right Mitchell sending the ball in. Cambridge lose the ball at the back Rouse tackled by Katie Stancombe right sent onto Jefferson racing into the area evading Burt’s challenge, Griffin running back closing in to block before Jefferson can unleash a shot. St Ives quick to counter whenever they have the ball Lyden on the right looking to set up Jefferson ahead of her, Rouse defending well for Cambridge shielding the ball putting it back for Webb to clear.

Fox for Cambridge with a great first touch 25 yards out to take the ball in behind on the left channel, Lyden getting back on her shoulder to shoulder forces her wide before tackling to clear the ball. Cambridge with a free-kick on the left leading to a corner kick, players up from the back the six yard box loaded, the delivery in escaping the defender at the near post running on into the mix, a snap shot taken from close range Aftelak with a fantastic save leaping to her left to snatch the ball down with both hands.

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

Otten central spinning to evade a tackle playing the ball into Fox’s feet as she peels away left channel to run in behind towards the box shooting from outside the area her effort drilled wide of the near post. A tug back leading to a St Ives free-kick central, players up as Georgia Stancombe sends it up into the area Jefferson unable to get it down under control before being closed down the ball cleared. Half and hour played, Griffin wrestling free with the ball in the middle sending it through for Fox left of the D too heavy though the keeper gathering safely.

Lyden strong on the right getting in behind, pace taking her to the by-line flashes a cross along the face of the Cambridge goal Katie Stancombe beyond the far post can’t keep it in. Otten puts the ball on for Emmings into space on the left driving on wraps her foot around the ball angling a cross into the box swerving goalwards Aftelak with a confident take high at her near post. Otten strong in the middle winning a St Ives goalkick the ball out to Emmings again on the left shifts inside this time shooting wide from 30 yards out. St Ives forced back as Cambridge get players forwards Davies up with Mitchell on the right the ball cut out fed across the the left Bennett up field delivering a cross into the top of the area Georgia Stancombe clearing for St Ives.

Cambridge gaining some momentum as the 1st half draws to a close Georgia Stancombe clearing a cross the ball out for a corner on the left. Put into the mix in front of goal Aftelak getting a fist on the ball can’t claim, falling a scramble in front of her put clear, Jefferson breaking with it through the middle, Mitchell racing back for Cambridge to challenge. Fox taking the ball on as she sees it into her feet and turns 25 yards out, Conyard going with her lunging in to take the ball away from her.

Hewitt fouled in the middle played out to Mitchell on the right Davies looking to get on with her, Smith timing her tackle well to halt Mitchell’s run. Davies up with Mitchell on the right moments later the shot angled in low, held well by Aftelak down smartly at her near post. Hannah Seymour-Shove tackling in the middle out to Katie Stancombe on the left driving on, Davies challenging as Burt comes to clear. Won back up to Mosley, Jefferson moving into the D ahead of her, Rouse getting her foot in to steal the ball. Burt sending the pass on for Davies bursting forwards on the right, strikes the ball on the angle from distance, Aftelak untroubled as she sees it wide of her far post.

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

St Ives playing the ball on with pace through the centre Jefferson and Lyden looking to get into the box, Rouse across to put in the tackle before the ball is cleared for a throw on the left. St Ives winning a free-kick on their right, Bennett aggrieved as she goes in for a 50/50 challenge. Smith flighting an inviting ball into the box, Otten inside to defend with a firm header as push spotted however Cambridge getting the free-kick. Into the closing stages of the 1st half Cambridge attack on the right Fox up with Mitchell a throw won high up the pitch. The cross coming in off the throw sees Fox’s attempt near side charged down Mitchell getting hold of the rebound seeing her shot deflected wide for a corner on the right. Put in across the six yard box scrambled behind for another corner on the left this delivery cleared at the near post.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 St Ives Town Ladies

  Goalless at the break. A competitive game with St Ives starting brightly working hard to close the ball down, get it on take the game to Cambridge who were a little cold at the start caught off guard. Webb called into action with an early save. The work rate continuing from St Ives have counted well, whilst defending their box. Cambridge gaining momentum as the half wore on will be interesting to see if St Ives can match this tempo 2nd half, remains all to play for.

Carrie Bennett with St Ives Elle Jefferson (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  A triple change for Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half with Kira Markwell replacing Webb in goal. Also on defender Grace Waygood and midfielder Alysha Stojko-Down for Burt and Hewitt. Tactical changes too as Griffin goes to right back, Davies up to joined Fox and Emmings in attack on the right side. St Ives with the same 11 get the 2nd period underway the scores level after 90 minutes the game goes straight to penalties. The ball played forwards cleared by Waygood. Both sides closing down in the middle the start of the 2nd half disjointed with neither side getting hold of the ball.

   Cambridge build on the left Bennett on for Emmings attacking down the wing crossed into the area for Mitchell played back out to Stojko-Down 20 yards out, her strike charged down by Hicks. Cambridge showing more attacking intent at the start of the 2nd half looking to get on the front foot Stojko-Down and Otten tackling in the middle, the former fouled by Seymour-Shove a free-kick lifted into the area defended away for a corner kick on the left. Played in to the near side Emmings coming towards the ball twists as she leaps looking to turn the ball goalwards plants it wide.

Angel Lyden with Alysha Stojko-Down (photo credit Ben Phillips)

 Smith’s clearance at the back has Lyden running in clear behind on the right, Markwell responding quickly advancing to the top of her area to grab the ball into her gloves. The ball clipped into Fox from midfield 25 yards out brings it down well turning to attack the area, runs into Georgia Stancombe who stabs out a foot to take the ball away. Davies and Emmings pushing on with Fox through the middle now in attack St Ives forced back, Otten and Stojko-Down in midfield winning the cleared ball back. Smith gets in a great tackle ,needed as Davies looks to charge on down the right side. 

  A flare-up on the right as St Ives win a free-kick, quickly extinguished by the referee, the set-piece send long into the area, Markwell unchallenged with an assured claim. Cambridge using the pitch better now as Otten coming right to win possession links up with Griffin the ball played into Stojko-Down central helped out to Bennett on the left forwards for Emmings her cross dinked into the area finds Fox getting a yard clear of the defence just inside she sends her shot in, narrowly over the crossbar. 

Cambridge striker, Ruth Fox (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  St Ives with their backs to the wall as Cambridge mount an attack on the left Emmings getting help from Mitchell the ball flashed in across the six yard box Davies in far side with a 1st time effort back across goal can only find Aftelak who is down swiftly on her line to save. Stojko-Down on for Emmings left a high ball into the box Davies managing to keep it in but Smith tackles for St Ives, Davies fouled as she goes to retrieve the ball. 56 minutes played and the first change of the game for St Ives as Poppy Lyons comes on in attack in place of Jefferson. 

  Cambridge up on the left with a throw in put into Mitchell shifts infield to the top corner of the area shooting low the ball rolling into Aftelak getting down to claim at her near post. Lyden up on the right with Katie Stancombe, Bennett forcing her back before Stojko-Down regains possession for Cambridge. Davies with pace on the right adding an attacking threat turning St Ives around whips a dangerous ball in across the six yard box, Flack cool under pressure with a cushioned header back to her keeper. 

Cambridge’s Abi Davies (photo credit Ben Phillips)

   Otten moving right with great foot work to back heel the ball on into the area, Mosley needing to track back to intercept, Katie Stancombe clearing options up the pitch limited Cambridge quickly regain possession. Smith in the wars for St Ives has taken another knock and this time needs to come off. Jefferson retuning to the pitch up alongside Lyons as Mosley drops back into left back. A ball played over the top for Davies attacking right of the D, Georgia Stancombe running with her to the ball first her attempted clearance hitting Davies rebounding goalwards, Aftelak reacting sharply to save. 

 Katie Stancombe’s pace an outlet for St Ives if they can get the ball out to her, on the left turns infield allowed to travel with the ball, it’s Rouse who gets back on her sliding in to tackle 20 yards out. Up the other end Georgia Stancombe lunging into tackle Davies 20 yards out as she shapes to shoot. Jefferson fouled top of the circle a free-kick for St Ives played long up into the area, Markwell not put off with Jefferson chasing in on the ball catching cleanly. 

  Seymour-Shove with a rash challenge catching Fox on the back of her achilles, presenting Cambridge with a free-kick to the right some 25 yards out. Griffin over the ball. Put into the box claimed by Aftelak. Closing in on the final 15 minutes, Cambridge strong in the 2nd half but yet to break down a resilient St Ives defence. Mitchell on the left side moving inside to cross whipping the ball in Fox her target, Georgia Stancombe going with her to intercept and clear for St Ives. Fox then sending a header over the bar as Emmings plays a cross in from the left side. 

  Mosley pushing Davies wide as she bursts on down the right gets to the by-line her cross drifting behind into the side netting. Otten with a strong header off a St Ives goal kick the ball with Davies on the right wins her side a corner. Long across the face of goal cleared falls to Stojko-Down 25 yards out left smashes a shot goalwards, takes a deflection on its way over. A pause in play with a St Ives player needing treatment. The corner from the right Emming’s leaping central can’t quite get there the ball cleared at the far post. Stojko-Down linking wit h Otten and Griffin central the ball fed forwards cut out by Hicks. 

  Into the final 10 minutes, Cambridge making a change bringing on Libby Fraser for Emmings on the left. Otten winning the ball in midfield out to the right Mitchell with Davies the shot on the angle put behind. Fox seeing the ball into her feet back to goal 20 out has support with Otten advancing she spreads play to the left Fraser with Mitchell, Flack tackling the ball out for a throw. Davies attacking right to the by-line winning a corner off Mosley. Mosley then clears at the near post as the corner is swung in.

Cambridge’s Laura Mitchell (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  The clock is ticking down, St Ives are absorbing alot of pressure can’t get the ball out off there half as Cambridge press hard, can they hold on, take it to the lottery of a penalty shootout? Mosley outnumbered on the left as Fox moves out to help Davies with Griffin getting up the pitch does well to get a challenge in halt progress with a throw. Defended a rare opportunity to break with Katie Stancombe in the clear on the left, Rouse though covers the ground well to slide in with the tackle. Niamh Day coming on in the closing minutes for Cambridge replacing Davies the game entering stoppage time 4 minutes to be played.

  GOAL! Stojko-Down playing the ball on down the left for Mitchell deep her touch seeing her shift inside run into the area wide of goal no one from St Ives can get near her as she strikes the ball with her right foot a fantastic hit rifled home across the keeper into the corner of the goal! 1-0. One of those instances where you see the attack building and know the attacker is going to score.

Laura Mitchell congratulated after her scoring in the 91st minute (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  The St Ives defence breached at last in stoppage time a valiant effort, Cambridge have been on top throughout the 2nd half finally have the goal. Little time left and St Ives have given it there all Katie Stancombe in space on the left can’t get a cross into the area. Cambridge with time to mount one last attack Fox put in behind on the right taking the ball to the by-line whipping in a cross that his cut out at the near post.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 St Ives Town Ladies

  The final whistle blows and Cambridge celebrate as they win the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup. Laura Mitchell with the unstoppable strike in the 91st minute. Late heartbreak for St Ives who gave everything coming within minutes of taking their higher league opponents to a penalty shootout. Can rightly be proud of their performance was a valiant effort ran out of steam in the 2nd half absorbing alot of Cambridge pressure as their opponents adjusted things at half-time dominating the 2nd half despite not finding the all important winning goal until the end. 

Women’s Football East – -Player of the Match

  Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match several great performances all over the pitch from players on both sides. Credit to the whole of the St Ives defence along with Sarah Mosley who did a fine job slotting into left back after Smith’s injury. Georgia Stancombe with a number of committed tackles throughout. For Cambridge, captain Gisela Otten was strong in the middle especially 2nd half winning the ball back on numerous ocassions St Ives unable to get out because of it. Laura Mitchell with the all important winning goal with a number of great attacking runs throughout aswell as Abi Davies on the right. The award ere though as it did on the night goes to St Ives goalkeeper Sarah Aftelak with some great saves and good positioning made sure her team were in the game right till the end.

A valiant effort from St Ives Town Ladies (photo credit Tom Alfuth)

  Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC on winning the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup 

Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup winners, Cambridge United WFC (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  The first of two mid-week finals completed a trip down to Essex on the heels of this one. 214 in attendance in what was a nail biting final no where near as one sided as some had predicted. Credit to St Ives for that smiles on their faces at the end despite the lose knowing they had given it their all. My thanks to everyone at Hunts FA for their help aswell as both clubs for their assistance with the team details and Ben Phillips for allowing me to use some of his pictures in the report. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Netherton United Ladies v Peterborough United Foundation Women

Sunday 10th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

Plenty of exciting fixtures  being played as the football season reaches it’s climax with league titles being decided and cup final spots being secured. A semi-final game from the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup the featured game on Women’s Football East as Division One leaders Netherton United Ladies host Division Three leaders, Peterborough United Foundation Women.

  Both sides with 100% records in their respective leagues and closing in on the title. In Netherton United Ladies case a successful defence of the league title they won for the 1st time last season, back then the Premiership now Division One. Have a stronger squad this season adding a Development side. Have won all 12 of their league matches so far this season scoring 97 goals along the way. Top scorer, Yasmin Green has an impressive 50 goals for the season from just 20 appearances, whilst strike partner Emily Johnson has 38 goals so far from 21 games.

  Peterborough United Foundation Women are a new side joining the Cambridgeshire Women’s league this season with the senior women’s side moving up to the FAWNL. The Posh Foundation helping to grow football in the community in Peterborough which as I’ve eluded to before his a hotbed for football talent within the region taking on the running of the new women’s side.  Joining Division Three in Cambridgeshire  a young side have been strong right from the start topping the table winning all 15 league games played so far and like Netherton in Division One closing in on 100 goals scored with 5 players into double figures for the season, Callie Tancred leading the way with 28 goals from 13 whilst Keira Swanson has 14 goals. Andreira Olivia has 12 with Kacey Sharman and Olivia Mae Jacobs on 11 and 10 respectfully.

Dominating their leagues both Netherton and Peterborough United Foundation were drawn together in the group stages of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup. 6 groups featuring 4 or 5 sides across all 3 division’s playing each side once, the top 8 sides progressing to the quarter final knock out stage. Playing in Group E, along side Riverside Ladies of Division Two and Deeping United Ladies of Division Three. It was the be the game between the pair with Peterborough having home advantage that was going to decide who topped the group. Was a close game with Circe Rodgers and Keira Swanson scoring for Peterborough, however it was Netherton who edged it winning 3-2 with a brace from Megan Stickland plus one from Yasmin Green.

Netherton away to Cambridge University in the quarter finals, winning the game 2-0 courtesy  of an Emily Johnson brace. Peterborough drawn away to Cardea FC Ladies 2nd in Division One. The visitors too strong on the game recording a comfortable 7-2 win to progress and set up a semi-final clash with their group E rivals Netherton. 

The Grange the venue for today’s League Cup semi-final. A 3G pitch alongside several grass pitches serving the local community. The kitchen open serving hot food and drink, took full advantage with a bacon cheeseburger, undoubtedly one of the best around if you’re ever out that way. A great day for football too weather wise warm and pleasant with a little cloud cover but otherwise bright and sunny. The Cambridgeshire FA having a referee exchange program this time of year a successful trip in 2019, welcome back officials from Norway with 3 officiating today’s game, referee Marie Dahle assisted by Magnus Aaslaund and Magnus Halse.

Netherton United Ladies

 Netherton United Ladies starting XI – Amy Stanyon, Naomi Dauncey, Dita Upesjure, Jess Didio, Jordan Sampson, Ellie Hannon, Jess Perrin, Katie Barber, Megan Stickland, Yasmin Green & Emily Johnson. Subs – Jenna Nairn, Zoe Shepherd, Mollie Marshall, Reanne Mullin & Leah Palmer.

Peterborough United Foundation Women

 Peterborough United Foundation Women starting XI – Shelley Broadway, Millie Pellow, Shephania Chaudhuri, Circe Rodgers, Jess Broadway, Emily Ingle (C), Andreira Oliveira, Zoe Devonport, Callie Tancred, Piper O’Neill & Keira Swanson. Subs – Polly Pellow.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Just the one substitute available for Peterborough this afternoon and without a regular goalkeeper, it’s midfielder, Shelley Broadway donning the gloves.  It’s the visitors Peterborough to kick the game off 1st half wearing blue coloured shirts with white sleeves, white shorts and blue socks with Netherton lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks. The ball put back to the defence Peterborough immediately press Keira Swanson up top the ball deflected out to full back Dita Upesjure to lift into midfield the ball fed out to Emily Johnson racing into space on the right channel pace into the area, Jess Broadway going with her defending for Peterborough conceding an early corner. 

The ball sent in low from the right attacked at the near post, Peterborough clear with Andreira Oliveira carrying the ball out of the area before lifting it up to Swanson in attack, Upesjure defending at the back for Netherton. The hosts showing attacking intent driving on through the middle Emily Johnson picking up the ball sending it on to Yasmin Green to her right closing in on the box, Shelley Broadway comes racing out of her box to get her foot on the ball first a rushed clearance chopped out to the right wing gathered by Netherton’s Katie Barber she looks to take advantage of the keeper being off her line sends a high ball in towards goal from the angle the ball dropping wide of the far post.

Netherton’s Ellie Hannon

  Ellie Hannon taking the ball on through the middle for Netherton lifting it forwards for Johnson peeling into the right channel, a little too much on it Broadway can see it run safely out of play. A strong start from the hosts Johnson and Green picking up the ball driving at the defence with Barber and captain Megan Stickland providing width right and left. Hannon out to Barber on the move right side up the line flashes a cross in behind goal from an acute angle. Hannon breaking down a Peterborough goalkick well on for Johnson inside the D plays a one two with Jess Perrin getting forwards to support before turning 25 yards out and shooting her effort tame through to the keeper.

Peterborough’s Andreira Oliveira with Netherton’s Jess Perrin

   Peterborough’s front three looking to press the Netherton defence whenever play is turned around Callie Tancred left into Piper O’Neill her ball out to Swanson right catching her offside. Perrin central on for Barber on the move right side her cross fired in near side Green with the shot Jess Broadway close in blocking the ball deflected wide lifted back in claimed by Shelley Broadway. Green put on the clear as she peels away left comes on towards to top of the box one on one with the keeper her initial effort blocked then the ball pressured as she places it wide of the target. 

 GOAL! Somewhat agianst the run of play Peterborough break with a well worked attack to open the scoring captain Emily Ingle playing the ball out to Tancred on the left, players drawn across as she gets help from O’Neill who sends the ball out to Swanson clear on the right channel 20 yards out angles her shot back in over the keeper to find the back of the net 0-1. A well taken goal inside the opening 10 minutes.

Keira Swanson opening the scoring for Peterborough

  Johnson gathering the ball into her feet on halfway looks to send Barber away on the right wing, the pass intercepted well by Peterborough full back Millie Pellow. Barber lively out on the right for Netherton getting forwards at every opportunity her cross bouncing into the box, caught by Broadway. Peterborough battling for possession on the left winning a free-kick inside the Netherton half players up from the back, the delivery into the box knocked out to the right Swanson interested, Upesjure lunging in to defend for Netherton giving away a corner kick. Taken short before being driven into the area, headed clear.

  Stickland is pulls clear on the left crossing Shephania Chaudhuri  getting back to lunge forwards to block her cross for Peterborough. Netherton bring the ball through the middle with Perrin onto Johnson inside the D, back to goal shifts it out to her left into Green right of goal 10 yards out smashes a shot goalwards, Broadway with a great save getting her fingertips to the rising ball turning it wide for a corner kick. 

Shelley Broadway with a great save for Peterborough

  The ball from the left fed in near side defend by Inge on the post who goes down with a head injury play stopped so she can receive treatment. Netherton continue to look strong in attack, the ball with Johnson on the right travels with it a strong run to the by-line turning into the box, her shirt tugged she stays on her feet before eventually being tripped nevertheless getting a shot away an scoring from inside the six yard box, however the whistle had already blown for the penalty before the shot and a penalty is given.   

Emily Johnson on the attack for Netherton

 GOAL! Netherton equalise from the spot with 20 minutes played. Green placing the ball on the spot with a composed finish placing her strike low to the keepers right into the bottom corner 1-1.

Yasmin Green equalises from the penalty spot for Netherton

  Peterborough attack from the restart growing in confidence their front 3 pressing Netherton’s backline as Oliveira wins the ball well in the middle. A high line at times Swanson is finding space on the right to steal into as O’Neill and Tancred link up well on the left side. Perrin in midfield lifting a long diagonal pass out to the left for Stickland to chase down in the corner checks back inside to square a cross into Green inside the box left of goal slides it on to Johnson right side six out her scuffed shot saved by Broadway’s legs before the keeper gathers the loose ball.

  Netherton caught dwelling on the ball at the back left side Tancred on for O’Neill her shot on the angle 25 yards out lacking power gathered easily by Netherton goalkeeper, Amy Stanyon. Johnson with a powerful run on the ball right side drills a cross into Green central, can’t get it under control before Broadway gets her gloves on it. Swanson frustrated on the right as she’s caught by the offside flag as O’Neill picks her out. Hannon down having collected a ball in the face. Play paused.

  Netherton press the ball into Stickland through to Barber on the right pushing for the box, tackled by Jess Broadway. Peterborough come right Zoe Devonport on for Tancred over on the right forwards for O’Neill right corner of the area getting a shot away, low hasn’t the pace to trouble Stanyon back on her line. Both sides making a change, Mollie Marshall coming on for Netherton replacing Barber on the right. Polly Pellow coming on for Peterborough replacing Jess Broadway.

 GOAL! No sooner have the changes been made then Peterborough go on to retake the lead, and another great finish from Swanson as she breaks on halfway in behind with the ball driving for the area left of the D, catching the ball with the outside of her boot from 20 yards out to send it up over the advancing keeper to nestle in the net beyond 1-2.

Keira Swanson putting Peterborough back into the lead

 Peterborough close the ball down well in the centre Devonport into Ingle who looks to lift it over the top for Tancred getting in behind on the left, Stanyon out well to catch the ball. Netherton a little careless at the ball dwelling on the ball as Peterborough’s attackers are quick to close it down. Perrin getting forwards on the left side forcing a throw in. Recieving it into her feet top  of the area turns and strikes an angled shot into the box, her effort blocked before Circe Rodgers clears upfield. 

 GOAL! Peterborough break from the back with a pacey attack to extend their lead with 36 minutes played, Oliveira carrying it out of the area sending it forwards for Tancred right is quick to offload it into Swanson central who on turn feeds sends it into O’Neill’s path as she gets clear left of the D, a case of staying composed then picking her spot and places it low to the keepers left to score 1-3.

Piper O’Neill extending Peterborough’s lead

  Netherton make a 2nd change Jenna Nairn coming on in the middle for Hannon. Attacking on the right appeal for a foul as Johnson is brought down running with the ball, nothing doing as Rodgers clears. The visitors move the ball right winning a throw put back into the middle lifted up to O’Neill who deftly helps it on to Swanson to her right shooting from outside the area in over the keeper, is denied a1st half hat-trick by the offside flag. 

 Nairn gathering the ball in the middle moves right passing to Marshall, she shifts the ball well between her feet holding it up as Nairn comes to support angling a cross into the area Stickland central in front of goal stooping to head the ball close to the keeper can’t get it round Broadway as she blocks and then claims it. Swanson a nuisance in attack for Peterborough charging down the keeper as she comes to kick clear top of the area the ball deflected to the right of the D Swanson looks to chase turn and shoot find the empty net cutting across the ball it curls wide of the far post.

  The clock ticking down in the 1st half Perrin to Nairn on for Marshall right looks to thread it in behind for Johnson racing forwards, intercepted by Rodgers who clears upfield. 

Half-time Netherton United Ladies 1-3 Peterborough United Foundation Women

  Peterborough with the lead at the break staying out on the field as Netherton head into the changing rooms. A strong start from the hosts Netherton looking to take the game to their opponents, however it was Peterborough pressing the ball high who found themselves taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Netherton kept coming on with the ball, guilty at times of trying to walk the ball into the back of the net it was a powerful run from striker Johnson that led to them winning a penalty and Green equalising from the spot. Peterborough continuing to battle for the ball pressuring the Netherton backline forcing errors getting themselves back in front and going on to hold a 3-1 advantage at the break. An intriguing game on another day Netherton themselves could have been leading by that same score-line have work to do if they want to get back into the tie.

Jess Broadway back on at the start of the 2nd half for Peterborough as the visitors get the 2nd 45 underway the tie going straight to penalties if the scores are level at full time. Played back to Ingle in the middle clips it forwards for Swanson and O’Neill in attack pressure as they play a one two Swanson into the box left of goal shots across the keeper Stanyon getting something on it comes back off the right post and scrambled behind for a corner as O’Neill goes for it. The delivery lifted into the penalty spot from the right headed clear by Perrin. 

Netherton captain, Megan Stickland

 GOAL! A chance for Peterborough to extend their lead at one end early in the 2nd half Netherton break left Johnson forcing a corner kick. Players come up into the box the ball curled in over everyone near side falls to Johnson free at back stick to turn the ball over the line to pull it back to 2-3.

Emily Johnson at he far post scores for Netherton

  A goal for Netherton 2 minutes after the restart, looking to take the game on with Nairn through the middle off a throw in putting a high ball into the area, Rodgers defending for Peterborough falls to Stickland on the left side fires a goal bound effort back in low held by Shelley Broadway back on her line. Marshall down with a knock for Netherton as Peterborough look to break through Swanson in attack, Didio tackling at the back for Netherton. Play stopped so Marshall can receive treatment. Naomi Dauncey on the ball right for Netherton has Perrin providing a passing option ahead of her pulling wide screws a cross in towards goal, claimed high by Broadway. 

  Nairn getting hold of the ball taking it forwards for Netherton finding Dauncey out on the right in behind her cross clipped in near post claimed by Broadway again. Oliveira taking the ball on through the centre for Peterborough lifted out to O’Neill left side crossing early looking for Swanson making a far post run, it’s Didio who instead wins the ball heading clear for Netherton. The game is open Netherton going for it pushing on in attack risking getting hit on the counter with O’Neill and Swanson ready to break in behind whenever the ball is lost. Jess Broadway charging out for the box with the ball at her feet with a good run before sending it on for Swanson, the flag halting her run.

  O’Neill with a left footed shot pulled wide of the post as she collects top of the area left of the D as Ingle plays the ball forwards. Netherton with a change Marshall who ha taken a knock earlier off with Barber back on. Perrin and Nairn strong in the middle for Netherton winning the ball keeping it in the final 3rd looking to set up Johnson and Green who will drive at the defence given any opportunity. Rodgers then Chaudhuri both making last ditch tackles to deny a shooting opportunity. Polly Pellow back on for Zoe Devonport for Peterborough.

   Tancred over on the right for Peterborough spinning off her marker to get a cross into the area cut out by Sampson. Almost a mix up at the back from Peterborough inside the box as Broadway comes to catch a high ball put into the box from a Netherton free-kick only to have a defender come in front of her to clear it away to the right. The Peterborough defence soaking up alot of pressure 2nd half as Netherton press well. Green winning a free-kick 30 yards out right of the box. Nairn over it her effort dropping wide of the far post.

Netherton defender, Naomi Dauncey

  Swanson a willing runner up top for Peterborough as Oliveira plays it on through to the box defenders chasing checks back left of the D looking for options is closed down Sampson and Dauncey seeing the ball out left before being cleared. For all Netherton’s pressure you still have the feel this tie could go either way, it’s a case of Peterborough taking their chance if they get it. Nairn has made a huge difference since coming on getting hold of the ball into the box Johnson after it as Broadway comes to claim, all happening bundled over appeals for hand ball with the ball in the ground nothing doing. Johnson carrying the ball inside from the left fizzes it across the top of the area can’t quite pick out Barber on the right side as she runs forwards.

 GOAL! Netherton’s pressure in the final 3rd tells as they get themselves back on level terms midway through the 2nd half. Attacking on the left the ball fed into Green 25 yards out top of the D holding it up well back to goal lays it off to Nairn coming on to put her foot through the ball and send a swerving shot in past the keeper to score 3-3.

Jenna Nairn putting Netherton back on level terms

  Almost as soon as they get themselves back on level terms Netherton are guilty of a sloppy pass at the back that is latched upon by O’Neill some 20 yards out right of the D, strikes her shot over the crossbar. Netherton with Stickland on the left with Johnson the ball into Barber positioned top of the D, her shot off target going wide is collected by Broadway. Peterborough’s keeper beating a shot down angled in from distance on the left from Netherton. Johnson tripped in the middle presenting Netherton with a free-kick in a dangerous position. Nairn with a vicious shot on her which Ingle feels to her cost as the ball strikes her in the Peterborough wall. 

  Swanson with an effort on goal from all of 30 yards out on the right as she pressures the Netherton defence, in low Stanton saving with her feet deflecting it wide for a corner. Fired into the far post defended headed wide for a throw. Green taking the ball on through the middle fed out to Barber on the wing right side to the by- line her cross in low just about taken by Broadway.  The game stretched at times Netherton continue to press the ball defended Jess Broadway up to Swanson battling for possession gets it on to O’Neill beating the offside trap right channel 25 yards out shoots angled in low Stanyon saves down behind the ball. 

Netherton goalkeeper Amy Stanyon

  Rodgers with a strong challenge on deny Green inside the box as she carries the ball on well through the middle off Nairn a corner conceded on the right. An inviting delivery in just evading everyone attacking it inside the six yard box. Both sides looking to score Peterborough under pressure looking a little nervous at the back. Barber wide to the right the cross fired in from the by-line Johnson attacking it as the keeper looks to gather sends the ball wide. Ingle needing to come off for treatment for Peterborough, Devonport back on. 

Stickland with a shot in low from the left held by the keeper. Peterborough with a counter attack Devonport in the middle pulling up as she plays it on for Oliveira breaking forwards too much on it the keeper gathering. A quick switch for Peterborough with Ingle back on for Devonport. The clock ticking down as both sides look for the winning goal. Perrin with Nairn linking through the middle driving on, Rodgers tackling. Upesjure getting forwards on the left winning the ball high striking a shot in from distance fired wide across the box. At times you think Netherton are being a little to intrigant in their attacking play looking to carry the ball on into the box allowing the tackle to come in. Keeping the pressure on well.

  Johnson drives a cross along the top of the area, won by Jess Broadway who brings it out of defence powering forwards looking for O’Neill ahead of her on the right is slowed down Dauncey sliding in to win the ball. Netherton with the ball back Barber to Johnson right to the b-by-line back for Barber who finds Green to cross in saved by Broadway in goal. Peterborough get up the pitch on the right Swanson with O’Neill off a throw in put back to Pellow to strike from distance the ball deflected over.

Naomi Dauncey sliding in on Peterborough’s Jess Broadway

  Pellow in to defend well at the other end moments later as Johnson breaks forwards into the box Pellow lunging in with the challenge to take the ball away for a corner. Curled in the corner goes long beyond the far post. The game moving into stoppage time, penalties looming Netherton finishing strong Perrin out to the right, Millie Pellow defending the ball cleared up to O’Neill on the left checks inside to cross looking for Swanson at the far post, her shot charged down.

 GOAL! Into the 4th minute of stoppage time Netherton with one last push the ball played out to the right into Nairn, from the tightest on angles sending the ball in towards the near post close on goal, thought it was an own goal at first as a Peterborough defender closing in tries and head clear only succeeds it turning the ball into her own net but the ball was over the line  as Netherton converge on Nairn to celebrate what surely is the winning goal at the death! 4-3.

Netherton celebrate scoring a 94th minute winner

Full time Netherton United Ladies 4-3 Peterborough United Foundation Women

  No time left for Peterborough to get another opportunity to attack, heartbreak for the visitors at the finish as they concede in stoppage time to lose 4-3. A brilliant fightback from Netherton to get themselves back on level terms and clinch a last gasp winner. Turning around a 3-1 deficit at the break. A strong 2nd half performance taking the game to Peterborough giving their defence little rest, winning the midfield battle. That said you always felt Peterborough if they got an opportunity could take it and the game was open throughout the tie Netherton getting a deserved equaliser chances came for both penalties moments away Nairn’s cross dangerous bringing the deciding goal in stoppage time. Netherton into the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup final where they will face either Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds or Leverington Sports Ladies on Sunday 8th May. A valiant effort from Peterborough a fantastic achievement to reach a league cup semi-final in your debut season on top of what surely will be a maiden league title. The league and cup double a real possibility for Netherton.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match.  A few performances of note to mention. Firstly for Peterborough, Andreira Oliveira won a lot of the ball in midfield especially first half. Keira Swanson up top lively a constant threat with her movement and scored two well taken goals. For Netherton both Emily Johnson and Yasmin Green took the game to Peterborough throughout with strong running on the ball creating numerous chances both scoring. Jess Perrin strong for Netherton in midfield through the 90 minutes covering alot of ground battling for possession and getting forwards to support the attack. The award though goes to Jenna Nairn  made a real difference coming on, strong in the middle for Netherton getting hold of the ball driving and driving on keeping the opposition defence under pressure scoring the levelling goal before finding the winner in stoppage time.

May well not have been my first choice of game for the weekend but it was an excellent plan B. A great watch as a neutral travelling from Norfolk. Peterborough unlucky in the finish battling throughout were in the tie right to the end a blow to concede so late. Netherton fighting back with a strong 2nd half performance to clinch their place in the final. An entertaining tie, my thanks to both teams for the help with the team details good to chat to both before kick-off.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v Barking FC Women

Sunday 3rd April

ERWFL League Plate

A trip down into Suffolk this Sunday to watch another match from the quarter finals of the ERWFL League Plate, with AFC Sudbury Women taking on Barking FC Women for a place in the last 4.

The Plate competition featuring the sides from ERWFL Division’s One North and South. Involvement in other cup competitions seeing this quarter final delayed the winners of today’s game be at home to fellow Division One South side Leigh Ramblers. With Whittlesey Athletic Ladies of Division One North against Hutton Ladies from Division One South.

ERWFL Division One South has been highly competitive at the top all season with 5 sides all in contention for the title for months and with 4 of the top 5 now with 2 games left looks certain to go all the way. Cheshunt FC Women in pole position behind Herts Vipers, with Barking FC Women and Leigh Ramblers Ladies 3rd and 4th respectfully both mathematically still in it but more likely to be one of the top 2 or today’s hosts.

AFC Sudbury Women currently 5th in the ERWFL Division One South table, have been playing catch up for most of the season with games in hand on their competitors an now with the top 4 all with 3 left Sudbury have 5 left with 3 games in hand the simple equation is win them all and they are champions the gap 8 points to leaders Cheshunt it could well be Sudbury’s away trip to Cheshunt in two weeks time will go along way to deciding the title. The women’s setup very much a part of AFC Sudbury as a whole with 40 players  in the academy playing for both the 1st and Reserve team. The senior woman side also reaching this season’s Suffolk County Cup final where they will play Needham Market Women for the trophy at Colchester United FC on Friday 6th May. Plenty still to play for in what is sur to be an exciting end to the season.

Success already this season for Barking FC Women as they were victorious in the final of the Essex Women’s Trophy last weekend, defeating Stanway Pegasus Ladies 2-0.

Barking FC Women, celebrating winning the Essex Women’s Trophy last weekend (photo credit Barking FC Women)

  Amongst the influx of new faces joining the ERWFL this season. A relatively new name although Barking has featured a side in the ERWFL previously. This one having previously been Collier Row Tigers who dominated the Essex Women’s Premier Division in the season before and during the pandemic. Those who remember when I still wrote the Round-Ups will know that Laura Bunton featured heavily in the goals scored for Collier Row and the same continues under the Barking badge, runaway top scorer in the league so far netting 31 goals in just 17 appearances helping Barking to a solid debut at regional level.

AFC Sudbury’s MEL Group Stadium the venue for today’ cup encounter. The artificial playing surface overlooked by the new clubhouse and seated stand with kitchen hatch. Another stand opposite with a mix of terracing and seating at the front. Covered viewing areas behind both goals. The weather again very good, mild, if a little cool in the shade. Some cloud around by no chance of rain, perfect playing conditions. Pot Kiln Primary girls todays mascots led out onto the pitch by the Sudbury players, as part of their matchday experience. Sudbury very much looking to grow the support and participation of girls into the game in Suffolk and beyond.

AFC Sudbury Women

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Faith Candice, Eboni-mae Shephard (C), Ronni Harrison, Teigan McHale, Kate Edwards, Bella Crawford, Luiza Ferdinand Da Silva, Alex Penny, Kaylee Dodd & Jess Allen. Subs – Evie Creaton, Ash Newley, Phoebe Guiver, Georgia Sleep & Amanda Short.

Barking FC Women

 Barking FC Women starting XI – Amy Lewington (C), Juliet Thomas, Lauren Taylor, Rachel Daltrey, Rebecca Killington, Rebecca Gajewska, Kiera Colthart, Grace Holt, Emma Harrison, Sarah Finch & Laura Bunton. Subs – Mia Zorbas.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A few players missing for Barking today, including regular captain, Daisy Cook with just the one substitute on the bench. Sudbury with a full bench to pick from. Sudbury to get the cup tie underway kicking-off 1st half in a all yellow kit with Barking lined up opposite wearing an all blue kit. The ball put back into Bella Crawford in midfield Barking immediately press the ball contested comes back to centre back Teigan McHale to send long upfield to the right with Alex Penny running down the Sudbury right the ball though safely in the gloves of Barking goalkeeper and captain, Amy Lewington.

  Play compact in the middle with both sides squeezing the ball, Keira Colthart looking to thread a ball through for Laura Bunton up top, runs out for a goal kick. Kate Edwards picking up the ball in the middle for Sudbury drives forwards with it tight to her feet, is fouled top of the D, no advantage as the ball spins away to the left, brought back for the set-piece. Luiza Ferdinand Da Silva over the ball, takes on the shot sending her effort up over the crossbar. Sudbury get players up the pitch pressing the Barking defence in possession, Ferdinand Da Silva on the left with a great diagonal ball clipped into the box over the defence for striker Jess Allen brings it down before sending in a low strike on the angle, well held by Lewington.

    Penny running away with the ball down the line on the right fires a cross in knee height towards the near post, Allen with the touch looking to turn into the shot her effort blocked by Barking’s Rachel Daltrey. Sarah Finch taking the ball on from Juliet Thomas on the right for Barking sends it on for Bunton peeling into the right channel, strong on the ball moving into the box, Sudbury’s Ronni Harrison going with her lunging in to make the blocking tackle deflecting the ball behind for a corner. The corner driven in near side, Barking’s Rebecca Killington coming on to meet it turning the ball behind at the near post.

Juliet Thomas clearing the ball for Barking

  Thomas stealing in on the ball right side getting on up the pitch with Finch the pair exchanging passes before Finch pulling wide lifts a cross into the box, easily gathered by Sudbury keeper, Millie Carter. Edwards in the middle with Ferdinand Da Silva who sends a cross field ball out to the right for Penny to take in her stride moving down the line whips a cross into the six yard box, Kaydee Dodd arriving centre of goal not able to get a telling touch as the ball bounces wide. Ferdinand Da Silva top of the box right driving a shot wide as the ball is clipped high into her from the right.

 GOAL! Opportunities coming for Sudbury it is the hosts who concede the opening goal on 11 minutes, Barking’s midfield 3, Rebecca Gajewska, Colthart and Grace Holt working the ball well between them sending it long up to Bunton shifting into space on the left takes the ball on before shooting on the angle her strike fired in across the keeper nestling in the bottom corner 0-1.

Laura Bunton opens the scoring for Barking FC Women

  Thomas doing well on the right winning the ball for Barking gets up the pitch in support of Holt, going into a 50/50 challenge with Sudbury captain Bonni Shephard the right back comes off the worse going down in some discomfort. A pause in play so she can receive treatment. Is up tentatively as allowed back on as play resumes. Shephard defending on Finch as Colthart central winning the ball stabs on from the left into her, forced wide, Shephard keeps on her tackling to put the ball out for a throw in. 

Sudbury captain Bonni Shephard

 Following a Sudbury corner, Thomas is down again struggling with her injury Barking forced into an early change bring on Mia Zorbas in a straight swap at right back. Allen peeling off the back of the Barking defence into the area right of goal latching onto the ball and striking it over the bar on the angle. A competitive opening 20 minutes, a little frantic at times Sudbury seeing more of the ball in the final 3rd. Zorbas in a contest with Dodd on the left has to stab the ball out for a throw as Dodd battles to get in behind. 

  Edwards linking up with Shephard on the left moves inside going on towards the area before being tackled by Barking’s Killington. Sudbury pressing the ball well forcing errors from Barking keeping the ball inside their opponents half. Shephard left lifts it on for Dodd to run down into the corner, keeping the ball moves back to fire in a low cross near side, cut out by Gajewska then put out for a corner kick. Put in to the near post cut out by Zorbas comes back to the taker to lift back into the box  knocked back central at the far post Ferdinand Da Silva coming on can’t get a touch before Barking scramble it away.

Keira Colthart in the middle for Barking

 GOAL! Edwards out on the left flanks keeping the ball in play getting on down the line crosses into the box, Finch looking to cut it out not getting it away the ball cleared beyond her charged down by Ferdinand Da Silva left of the D, lifts the ball into Allen right side her touch knocking the ball down into her feet inside the six yard box to prod pass the keeper and level the scores 1-1.

Jess Allen levelling the scores for Sudbury

  Edwards making some strong runs on the ball through the middle for Sudbury taking the game to Barking, passes to Dodd on her left her cross lifted into the six yard box claimed by Lewington. Sudbury coming on in numbers Allen’s cross cleared straight to Ferdinand Da Silva out to Penny right side her cross scooped up landing on the roof of the net. Another pause for treatment, Sudbury making their first change Ash Newley on for Ferdinand Da Silva who has taken a knock.

Barking’s Rachel Daltrey

   Play brought back for a free-kick for Barking after Colthart is fouled in the middle. The ball floated up into the area Bunton up well to head the ball down to her left for Finch to take on moving towards goal the blocking tackle again comes in defecting the ball out for a corner. Goes long through everybody at an inviting height. Sudbury come right on for Allen driving on cuts the ball back to the top of the area, Edwards picking it up powers into the box forced out right to the by-line nevertheless screws a cross back in along the face of goal, cleared. Sudbury creating plenty of opportunities going forwards winning the ball back in the middle.

 GOAL! Sudbury pressing the ball on the right winning a corner with 10 minutes left to play in the 1st half. The ball fizzed in with pace near side, Crawford there to met it turning the ball goalwards, neither Zorbas back on the line for Lewington can keep it out as it squeezes in between them 2-1.

Bella Crawford putting Sudbury into the lead

  Barking players voicing their frustration with a few decisions going against them, the referee having words. Edwards over a free-kick 25 yards out to the left of goal. Goes for the shot on target bouncing once Lewington set right behind it can see safely into her gloves.

GOAL! 3 minutes after taking the lead Sudbury add a 3rd goal. Allen out on the right side winning the ball high driving forwards with it into the box striking it low and hard towards goal, Lewington with an instinctive save with her legs the ball spinning away to the right, straight to Allen who makes no mistake the 2nd time 3-1.

  Sudbury finishing the half strong confident coming back from a goal down to lead 3-1 have a throw in high on the left Edwards into Allen left of the D some 20 yards out, her shot swerving as it rises towards Lewington the goalkeeper knocking it down and falling onto the ball. Bunton hasn’t seen much of the ball operating up top Holt finding her on the right sends a cross in on the angle looking for Finch running in from the left, Teigan McHale cutting the ball out for Sudbury.

Rebecca Gajewska on the ball for Barking

  Finch on the left now striking a shot on the angle from 20 yards out rising, taken high by Carter in the Sudbury goal. Edwards with Dodd on the left looking to play a one two get into the area Zorbas cutting it out putting the ball behind for a corner kick. The set-piece delivery dropping inside the six yard box a stooping head turning it goalwards is blocked on the line cleared out wide left to corner taker Penny lifts a high ball in towards goal, dangerous threatening to drop under her cross bar Lewington back on her line taking the ball down.

Sudbury’s Kaylee Dodd

  Penny into the corner with the ball on the left putting a cross into the area helped on across goal, comes back in off the far post before being scrambled away. Edwards with a fantastic cross field pass out to Penny on the right taking it in her stride sends her first time strike over the bar. Barking with few opportunities to get into the Sudbury box Emma Harrison on the right taking the ball on has Bunton ahead of her turning inside from the line to power into the area attempts to find Colthart making a central run, McHale with another timely interception.

 GOAL! Into first half stoppage time, Barking’s defence dwell on the ball outside their area, Allen charging it down after it in behind as it deflects into the box right of goal, blasts it past the keeper into the back of the net to score her hat-trick 4-1.

A 1st half hat-trick for Jess Allen

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 4-1 Barking FC Women

  A late blow for Barking at the end of the 1st half, going into the changing rooms trailing 4-1 despite scoring the opening goal on 11 minutes. A cagey start from both sides Sudbury taking a little while to settle, were getting players on well pressing the ball and forcing errors from Barking who have been a little slow to move the ball. Hit with an early injury blow, Thomas needing to come off had looked a threat supporting Finch on the right. Bunton with a clinical finish to open the scores. Sudbury coming back to level midway through the 2nd half going onto score 2 quick goals to take the lead Allen with a 1st half hat-trick making it 4-1 in stoppage time. A mountain for Barking to climb if they are to get back into this tie and you feel the next goal scored has to be theirs.

  Thomas still showing signs of discomfort is unlikely to make a return meaning Barking will have to press on with the 11 they have on the pitch, having seen Sudbury before they like to rotate players regularly in the 2nd half and being a young side have plenty of energy in reserve. Barking to get the 2nd period underway. Back into the middle played out to Finch on the left, Faith Candice winning the ball back for Sudbury. 

Sudbury defender Faith Candice

  Allen on the right pressing the ball forcing a corner kick to be conceded. The ball sent long through the area reclaimed far side lifted in to the far post Dodd meeting it knocking it down towards goal striking the base of the post, play stopped however with an offside flag. Barking sloppy at the back at the start of the 2nd half as Sudbury press hard Dodd on the left nicking the ball firing a cross into the area cut out by Taylor. 

GOAL! 47 minutes played and Sudbury add to their tally the ball with Crawford in the middle presented to Edwards ahead of her takes the ball on stealing in through the defence bearing down on goal one on one with the keeper has time to pick her spot and calmly slots it to her left into the bottom corner to score 5-1.

Kate Edwards with a goal early in the 2nd half for Sudbury

  A huge blow to Barking at the start of the 2nd half their task becoming all the more harder. Finch on the left looking to move the ball is tackled by Candice sliding in, comes off the worst down for a moment needing treatment but is okay. Newley central for Sudbury races on with the ball lifting it on for Dodd who with a great touch brings it down attempts to thread it in behind for Allen peeling away right, just a little too much for her to win the race with Lewington coming out to claim.

   Holt on the move through the middle with the ball for Barking laying it on for Bunton into the area, Ronni Harrison getting across the attacker to shield the ball out for a goal kick. Dodd on the right playing a one two with Newley who continues her run down into the corner with the ball checking back on the by-line to fire in a cross towards Allen at the near post she sends it in across goal, Lewington down low with a smart save.

Ronni Harrison winning the ball for Sudbury

   Barking continue to battle for possession in the middle are frustrated, Colthart riding a challenge on for Bunton 20 yards out unleashes a shot, lacking power runs through safely to Carter in goal. Bunton is a busy player in attack getting about the back line opportunities limited so far pulling away to the right blasts a shot behind on the angle from 25 yards. Taylor from the back for Barking on to Finch left whips a cross into the box, Ronni Harrison there to clear for Sudbury unopposed. The break is on a diagonal ball finding Allen top of the D shoots early but can’t place it wide of the keeper.

Barking’s Sarah Finch

   A heavy collision on the touch line between Dodd and Killington. The Sudbury winger coming off the worst down with a bloody mouth. A sore one needs to come off let it get seen to, Evie Creaton coming on in her place. Allen moving left cutting the ball wide into Penny she takes it on into the area unchallenged, firing in a shot sees her effort come back off the base of the post. Sudbury keep coming forwards Zorbas defending for Barking in the corner before Penny finds Newley right of the D her shot sent wide.

Sudbury’s Ash Newley

  Barking attack Colthart with Bunton on the right on for Finch back to Bunton her shot deflected wide at the near post for a corner kick. A change before it’s take for Sudbury Georgia Sleep on for Candice, going up front Allen somewhat miffed at being moved to the right side. The corner in from the right comes to Gajewska can’t get it down into her feet in time before her shot is charged down the ball cleared. 

GOAL! Allen right playing the ball on for Sleep gets the better of Killington to break into the area right of goal her shot rising on the angle smashing against the crossbar coming down to the left side with Penny arriving unmarked to push the ball into an empty net to make it 6-1.

Alex Penny on the score sheet for Sudbury

  Time for another change from Sudbury as they bring on Phoebe Guiver for Crawford. Zorbas fouled Penny out on the left a free-kick for Sudbury 25 yards out. Allen over the ball takes on the shot angled in Lewington punches it down and scrambled to smother the falling ball. Sudbury coming on at will Barking struggling to clear there lines keep possession in the middle. A diagonal ball lifted into the area from the left finds Allen running in far post sends her first time effort wide as it clips the upright.

GOAL! Sudbury are able to come on at will Edwards with Newley in the middle on for Allen right of the D inside to Sleep who lays it out to Penny wide she in turn lifts it up towards the right post with both Sleep and Allen providing the run falls to Allen to slot home for her 4th of the match 7-1.

 GOAL! Soon after much to Barking’s dismay Sudbury go on to add another. The ball with Barking in the middle pressed hits the referee unable to avoid it. A drop ball the result Sudbury putting  on to Penny left channel she plays a diagonal pass in behind for Allen running in on goal right side smashes her strike in over the keeper to score 8-1.

Jess Allen bringing the ball down

  20 minutes left to play Sudbury on a high Barking reeling conceding 8 goals still look to be positive Finch with Bunton on the left side of the D tries to pick out Harrison running through the middle, can’t quite pick her out the ball cleared. Edwards stealing in on the ball top of the area taking it to the by-line right cutting it back to Sleep on the penalty spot her shot in low held by the keeper. 

  The hosts break through the middle up to Allen with Sleep in attack Sleep on into the box one on one with the keeper tries to pick her spot Lewington with a superb save with her feet to deny her. Barking moving the ball well in burst short passes but lacking a cutting edge. Crawford and Dodd ready to return for Sudbury with Edwards and Penny coming off. 

GOAL! Pressure high up the pitch from Sudbury all game, brings them a 9th goal. Attacking left the ball cut out in the box by Taylor is closed down pinging back and forth rebounds through to Allen clear on the right side the smash a shot in low across the keeper for her double hat-trick 9-1.

  A free-kick to Barking top of the circle Emma Harrison decides to have a crack at goal put through on target Carter takes it on the bounce central even as Bunton rushes in on her. Carter then out to her right side to slide in and claim at the feet of Bunton as Emma Harrison sends the ball on. Guiver with good foot work playing the ball out to Sleep left inside the box Zorbas getting across her well to see the ball back to her keeper. Allen with help from Guiver on the right drives on before flashing a cross into the box just behind Sleep central. 

Evie Creaton

Guiver shifting the ball between her feet again playing a one two with Allen on the wing getting the return ball 20 yards out curls a shot in caught by Lewington. Dodd 25 yards out left of the D allowed time to shoot sees her effort come down off the crossbar. Sudbury dominating play through the middle Newley into Sleep inside the D Daltrey tackling the ball running behind for a corner. Sudbury making another change with 7 minutes left to play McHale coming for for Amanda Short.

Barking’s Rebecca Killington battling for possession with Sudbury’s Evie Creaton

  Taylor with a vital interception at the back as Sudbury break left the diagonal ball meant for Allen racing clear in behind. Lewington holding onto a shot at her near post driven in by Dodd out wide. Guiver outside the box getting hold of the ball working it well between her feet before skipping inside and driving a low strike wide of the goal. 

GOAL! Guiver makes it double figure moments later as a tired Barking don’t clear their back line latching onto it left of the D Guiver controls shifting the ball before curling a shot wide of the keeper 10-1.

  Penny comes back on for Sudbury to see out the closing minutes replacing Allen. Finch dropping back to assist the defence late on Taylor on the left as Barking come on the right Emma Harrison with Bunton ahead of her crosses into the box Taylor looking to get hold of the ball tackle by Short. Edwards and McHale back on replacing Ronni Harrison and Shephard. Sudbury regularly bringing on fresh legs Barking with none to bring on. Emma Harrison left for Barking getting the ball down off a throw in sees her shot blocked by McHale. 

  Finch at the back defending well against Sleep as she looks to turn and shoot after seeing the ball into her body off cross on the left. A inswinging cross claimed well by Carter in the Sudbury goal as Holt feeds Bunton in down the left. Into stoppage time Guiver lively on for Sleep left into the box, Zorbas and Finch defending for Barking.

A double hat-trick for Sudbury’s Jess Allen

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 10-1 Barking FC Women

  Full time and a big win for Sudbury sees them progress to the last 4 of the ERWFL League Plate to face Leigh Ramblers Ladies at home date to be confirmed. A dominant display 2nd half having led 4-1 at the break and early goal 2nd half killing off and Barking hopes of a come back goals coming at regular intervals afterwards with fresh legs coming on against an 11 who were tiring. Coming on at will took advantage of a dispirited opponent to hammer home the advantage giving them plenty of confidence going into their final games. No doubt this isn’t the Barking side that has acheived so much this season a brutal defeat can only regroup and go again.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A good all-round performance from Sudbury a few performances to mention. Firstly for Barking, Kiera Colthart worked hard in the middle to try and win the ball get it into Bunton up top. Sarah Finch on flanks with some useful runs when she was able to get forwards. For Sudbury Teigan McHale was assured at the back. Kate Edwards in midfield was sensational with some great ball winning tackles and driving runs forwards. The award though goes to double hat-trick scorer Jess Allen. Was a constant threat in attack peeling of the defence and finding goal scoring opportunities a first half hat-trick putting Sudbury in control of the game. Carried on in the same vein 2nd half albeit moving to the right of attack didn’t slow her down as she went on to add 3 more goals some great finishes.

  An enjoyable trip to the MEL Group Stadium, a warm welcome from a club who is trying hard to give their female players the opportunities they deserve in the game. My thanks to both for sides for their help with the team details always appreciated, plenty of goals in this one after to extremely rare 0-0’s.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage FC Women

Wednesday 30th March

FAWNL South East Division One

 A midweek trip to St Neots Town FC for a game under the lights from FAWNL South East Division One with Cambridge United WFC taking on Stevenage FC Women.

 A big game for both with Stevenage FC Women in the relegation zone giving themselves a fighting chance picking up vital points at the close end of the season away to 7th place Cambridge United WFC who have lost there last 3 in the league to keep them a little too close to the scrap at the bottom for comfort.

 Cambridge though know that a win changes everything, sees them comfortable in mid-table clear of what is likely a scrap at the bottom that will go all the way to the wire. Consistency has been a problem for Cambridge all season have assembled a decent squad who are more than capable on their day. Have had a few off days however that is proving a quandary, a run of 3 straight defeats taking the gloss off their season, looking well clear of the danger zone the points tally drying up whilst those below have picked up some vital wins against each other has seen the gap close to just 5 points. Have a number of players out through illness and injury including captain, Laura Baker and full back Carrie Bennett with a further 4 first team players missing. That though a great opportunity for those amongst the squad to put on a performance.

  Stevenage FC Women were looking dead and buried adrift 2nd bottom on the FAWNL South East Division One table just over 5 weeks ago 3 wins against their relegation rivals with 9 points collected from 12 has seen them push themselves back up amongst the competition moving onto 18 points taking them to within 3 points of possible safety. 3 games left to play Stevenage’s end of season for could yet pull them to safety. That good form also  seeing Stevenage regain the Hertfordshire County Cup 10 days ago.

 Both Cambridge and Stevenage suffering 4-0 home losses at the weekend against the Essex sides vying for the title, Billericay Town Women and Hashtag United Women.

 St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the venue for this evenings game. The rain forecast coming later in the day and not as much as predicted meaning the game wasn’t in danger of getting called off as was the case after heavy rain a 3 weeks ago for Cambridge derby. Light rain falling as I arrived at the ground but that would clear. The temperature dropping sharply however with a return to wintery conditions after what has been a relative heat wave at the start of the week. The grass pitch offering plenty off width.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Anna Re, Abbi Griffin, Rachel Kosky, Lauren Rouse, Faith Hewitt, Gisella Otten (C), Emma Jenkins, Abi Davies, Laura Mitchell & Ruth Fox. Subs – Kira Markwell, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Ella Marden, Charlotte Crisp & Nicole Emmings.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Tea Oldroyd, Lucy Webster (C), Hannah Nebbitt, Vicky Neal, Chloe Gunn, Shianne Swarres, Holly Greenwood, Jodie Bellinger, Kate French, Emily Schofield & Amy Makewell. Subs – Shakeela Hussain, Jodie Southby, Dionne Manning, Poppy Bennett & Louise Godden

It’s Stevenage to get this evening encounter underway kicking off the 1st half, wearing white shirts with red sleeves, red shorts and socks with Cambridge opposite line up wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts an socks. The ball played back to the defence sent long out to the right wing, players racing forward, Emma Jenkins getting hold of it for Cambridge, moves forwards, Amy Makewell closing down tackling to win the ball back for Stevenage lays it out wide right for Jodie Bellinger on the flank, turns inside reaching the area before putting her foot through the ball, her attempt blocked by Cambridge’s Abbi Griffin going out for a throw.

  Stevenage pushing forwards at the start of the game looking to take the game to Cambridge, keeping the hosts pinned back in their own half. Laura Mitchell taking the ball on for Cambridge powering forwards on the left moves inside getting all the way top the top of the box before Chloe Gunn gets across her well to defend able to shield the ball as goalkeeper, Tea Oldroyd comes to claim dropping to smother the ball. Both full backs for Stevenage looking to get on in support on the wings, captain Lucy Webster on the right, Hannah Nebbitt on the left a throw won high on the left the ball lifted on into the box, Emily Schofield up at the near post with a glancing header aiming to send it on, Rachel Kosky cutting it out at the back for Cambridge, a recent addition to the squad clearing the ball into midfield. 

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

  A tussle in the middle of the park, saw Shianne Swarres tackling and breaking up play at the Hertfordshire County Cup final, is playing in the same vein this evening and with Cambridge’s Gisella Otten captaining the side this evening in the middle too it will be an interesting contest to watch. The ball fed to Abi Davies right side she plays it inside for attacker Ruth Fox her foot up attempting to bring the ball down as a Stevenage player stoops into the header caught the decision going Stevenage’s way a free-kick on half way. Webster putting the ball in towards the top of the box, won and cleared by Otten. 

Cambridge captain, Gisella Otten

  Both sides not settled yet play bitty at times as passes are rushed, the opposition closing each other down the ball toing and froing between defences. Swarres digging the ball out from under her feet on halfway clipping a great ball forwards for Bellinger to attacker running clear. Lauren Webb with a good starting position quickly out to the top of her area to scoop the ball up into her gloves. Otten in midfield out to Davies right played up into Fox she turns looking to take on the defence, Vicky Neal close at hand to get her foot on the ball take it away from her. 

  A positive break for Cambridge on the left Jenkins winning it short to Fox with Laura Mitchell to her right taking it on up the wing, riding a Swarres tackle continues her run, Amy Makewell tracking back well for Stevenage catching Mitchell, tackling to halt the attack. Kosky dealing with the threat at the back as Holly Greenwood lifts a ball onto Schofield up top coming through the centre. Nebbitt up with Kate French on the left a free-kick won deep as good as a corner, plenty packed into the area in front of goal the ball floated into the mix the referee spotting an infringement however Cambridge have the free-kick. 

  A strong run on the ball from Schofield for Stevenage through the middle lifting it on into the box with the outside of her boot, won back by Kosky. Good pressure applied by Stevenage  going forwards finding their rhythm quicker than Cambridge. Griffin able to get on with the ball on the left for Cambridge with Jenkins crossed in the clearance won back in the middle, clipped back up to the top of the area Neal heading it away, Cambridge snapping at the ball getting it back on over the top but play halted by a raised flag. 

Nebbitt attacking on the left delivering a high cross in towards the near post, watched well by Webb at her near post, taking the catch. Webster up on the right with Bellinger off a throw the a great cross flashed through the six yard box players attacking far post, none getting a telling touch. Stevenage strong on the left getting on well, Anna Re stepping in with the tackle getting hold of the ball for Cambridge on for Davies puts it long looking for Fox, too much though as Oldroyd can come out and claim the ball. Davies finding some space on the right flank a good touch seeing her take the ball on up the line before delivering a great cross in towards the neat post Mitchell sliding into the six posting connecting putting the ball wide of the post.

  Midway through the 2nd half and it remains a cagey affair with neither side finding a break through, Greenwood with Swarres on up to Schofield up to looking to bring the ball down and turn at attack, Kosky marking backing off giving herself the opportunity to clear the dropping ball. Swarres tackling in the middle threading it through the middle, Kosky composed seeing it back to her keeper as both Schofield and Makewell give chase. Davies carrying a threat on the right for Cambridge with a driving run on the ball before firing an angled strike wide across goal. 

Amy Makewell

Swarres tackling winning possession shifts the ball between her feet letting fly from 20 plus yard out, Lauren Rouse stepping forwards to put in the block for Cambridge. The hosts awarded a free kick 30 yards out to the right of the Stevenage area the delivery long to the far post Jenkins getting her head to the ball. falls straight to the keeper. Cambridge winning the ball high on the left attack the ball squared across the top of the D, Davies, right side a shot driven in along the ground the ball skipping up in front of Oldroyd she gathers cleanly with Fox closing in. 

Kosky winning the ball at the back for Cambridge cleared out to the right Davies forwards with support from Fox who takes the ball on fire in ear post Mitchell arriving the ball turned wide of the goal. Greenwood on for Makewell through the centre attempting the through ball for Schofield, Kosky stabbing out a boot to push the ball away from the attacker. Stevenage come on Makewell out for French on the right running down the line wrapping her foot around the ball to cross in looping up swerves over the crossbar. The game livening up towards the end of the 1st half Stevenage getting players up, Fox attacking tries to find Jenkins to her left, Webster in to tackle for Stevenage.

  Cambridge in the corner on the left Mitchell back to Jenkins lays the ball in central with Griffin up in an advanced position 20 yards out clips a shot up over the bar. Stevenage come left winning a free-kick 35 yards out. A teasing ball fired into the area sees Webb scrambling across her goal, the ball bouncing wide, a corner awarded much to Cambridge’s consternation. Nebbitt with an inswinging delivery from the right her effort coming back down off the crossbar, Makewell’s snap shot blocked the ball cleared Cambridge break a foul given as play is brought back following no advantage, Stevenage’s turn to be aggravated by a decision. The ball floated up to the top of the area well defended comes out to Schofield on halfway is one on one with only Griffin behind the ball, the full back needing to time her tackle well and does to prevent Schofield getting past to take a run at goal.

Davies taking the ball on well up the right flank whipping a cross into the box Oldroyd up making a spectacular grab to pluck the ball out of the air. Stevenage get on well down the left Nebbitt getting up the pitch to send in a great ball to the near post, Schofield up well twisting her body as she heads the ball, sending her attempt wide across the Cambridge goal.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Stevenage FC Women

 The sides head into the changing rooms goalless at the break. An unsettled start from both sides, highly competitive in the middle. Stevenage the quicker to settle having the better of it getting players on down the flanks but haven’t tested Webb as yet Nebbitt’s inswinging corner hitting the bar there closest chance. Cambridge have competed well enough with Davies making some great runs on the right putting in some dangerous ball. Oldroyd like Webb at the other end relatively untroubled however. 

  Is getting colder by the minute as the sides emerge for the 2nd half a big 45 to come with both wanting the points. No changes as yet Cambridge to get the 2nd period underway the ball lifted long to the left Webster seeing it out for a throw. Kosky at the back on for Mitchell central plays it back to Re on the left forwards down the line for Davies, Nebbitt defending the ball going for a throw. A tentative start to the 2nd half players quick to close the ball down rushing forwards passes. 

Cambridge’s Abi Davies

 Mitchell central the hosts breaking with players running on Gunn moving out to deal with the threat on the left as Jenkins looks to take the ball on out for a throw. Mitchell getting hold of the ball running on central Fox ahead of her into the left channel, Mitchell running beyond her making for the box as Fox finds Jenkins on the left to lift a ball into the box, Nebbitt defending on the penalty spot to ensure Mitchell can’t get a touch to turn it goalwards. Neal on Fox left side to see the ball out for a throw in the corner. Cambridge showing more intent in the 2nd half. 

Stevenage’s Vicky Neal

 Stevenage come away with the ball moving right the crossfield pass well placed picking out French on the move on the left side, Re closing in defending at the top of the area for Cambridge. The sides less cagey no the tempo risen wanting the ball played on quicker my well invite a mistake. A crossfield ball played left to right knocked down well by Davies moving wide her cross deflecting behind off a defender for a corner kick. The ball played in to the top of the area put back to Jenkins out wide, Neal moving out to press Jenkins turning for the by-line digs a cross out the ball cut out at the near post. 

Stevenage’s Kate French

  Kosky getting across Schofield shields the ball back to Webb as it it put on from midfield. Mitchel attacking on the left tackled by Gunn the ball played up to French advancing on the left driving on into the area, Kosky with a great challenge to deny the shot. An hour played Stevenage make a double change with Jodie Southby and Louise Godden on for Nebbitt and Makewell respectfully. Hewitt in the middle playing the pass on for Davies right down the line checking inside heading for the box lays it back to Hewitt 25 yards out sends a high ball up into the area, Oldroyd up to claim holds onto the ball despite being taken out Gunn marking Fox.

  Godden getting back pressing the ball into Swarres moving left on the left up for French wins her side a corner. Everyone lined up beyond the far post the delivery sent into the mix is cleared by Cambridge, play stopped due to a head injury for a Cambridge player. Swarres moving out right slowing down Re as she looks to break with Davies on the wing. Mitchell working form midfield seeing more of the ball for Cambridge almost threads a pass through to Jenkin’s up top, Neal in well to get a foot on the ball. Cambridge with a free-kick out wide left dropping top of the D to Otten on the turn does quite catch the whole of the ball seeing it lack the pace needed to beat Oldroyd as it skips through to goal. 

 Schofield central playing the pass out to French on the left into the corner works a cross into the area the ball cleared out to the right, Bellinger racing onto it 25 yards out Hewitt there to block as she smashes the ball. Cambridge make their first change with Rouse coming off at the back to be replaced by Kayleigh-Anne Burt returning to the 1st team after a lengthy layoff through injury. Stevenage too making another change Schofield coming off for Dionne Manning. Mitchell travelling with the ball out for Davies to her right looking to go on Southby into her to tackle the ball out for a throw.

  20 minutes left to play no side on top yet, Cambridge carrying the threat 2nd half. Hewitt 25 yards out seeing a goal bound attempt blocked. Jenkins with a shot from distance on the left rolling wide. A time out both sides coming over to the benches with Godden needing treatment for Stevenage. Okay to continue Cambridge on the right Fox up with Davies the cross into the area cleared by Neal. Stevenage with a free-kick wide right, cleared for a throw in the corner put back up the line an angled ball lifted into the box, Webb down to claim low at French’s feet as she closes in. A 2nd change for Cambridge, Fox coming off for Nicole Emmings now back at Cambridge after 4 season’s with Stevenage. Shakeela Hussain also on for Stevenage in place of Bellinger.

 Into the final 10 minutes, the ball cleared from the Stevenage area is loose there to be won, Jenkins sliding in getting the ball but catching the foot of the Stevenage player attempting to clear coming the other way with her trailing leg. The Cambridge bench unhappy as Jenkins goes into the book. Mitchell attacking right with Davies, Gunn closing in to tackle, Emmings getting the ball back for Cambridge from the right sends a cross along the face of goal Jenkins coming in beyond the back stick unable to get a touch, the ball cleared into the middle Hewitt latching onto it 25 yards out sending a shot back in the effort blocked. Players down for Stevenage seeing a pause in play.

Cambridge’s Faith Hewitt

  Hewitt on for Otten through the middle for Cambridge onto Jenkins left channel, Swarres back to tackle for the visitors. The ball lifted forwards Godden peeling left attacking is halted by Burt. Jenkins on the ball left checking inside, closed down ends up committing a foul, called over by the referee is in trouble having only been booked minutes before as players scuffle beyond her. That broken up before the 2nd yellow card is issued and Jenkins is sent off Cambridge finishing the game with 10. No advantage for Stevenage however as they themselves are forced down to 10 with Webster needing to come off.

  Stevenage send everyone up into the box as they are awarded a free-kick wide left the clock ticking down one last push to fin a winning goal. In the end the high ball in is an easy claim for Webb. Godden getting on with the ball coming inside left, is tackled by Burt before she can reach the area. The hosts looking a little nervous as they drop back in the closing stages not wanting to concede. Burt fouled this time as Stevenage get the ball into Godden. Stevenage breaking in stoppage time the ball right into Godden sending on into the area, Webb rushing out to slide in to claim the ball in the nick of time, the offside flag up in any case. 

 Southby out left defending against Davies as she brings the ball on for Cambridge. Stevenage want to get forwards an altercation on the left seeing a free-kick awarded, Neal going into the book for voicing her opinion about a decision. A high ball into the Cambridge box defended seen out for a throw. The final whistle blowing the honours even.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Stevenage FC Women

 The points shared in the finish and overall a fair result a late winner for either would have been welcome but looked increasingly unlikely. Cambridge with the better of the 2nd period taking the game to Stevenage who had few opportunities. Again neither keeper overly tested, promising forward play the final ball not clinical. Cambridge the happier at the end with the clean sheet ending a run of defeats, with 3 left to play and with other results this evening aren’t likely to fall in the drop zone now. As you were in the bottom 4. Kent Football United’s tenure in the FAWNL coming to an end can’t escape now with 4 left to play. Stevenage 11th on 18 points remain 3 points from safety with 2 games left. Enfield Town Ladies in 9th on 21 points drawing with QPR. Stevenage away to Kent Football United before finishing their season at home to QPR can yet get out of trouble.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Is another tough one a battling display from both sides. Performances of note include Shianne Swarres in the middle for Stevenage with a number of tackles to disrupt Cambridge throughout the match. Vicky Neal composed at the back with Emily Schofield carrying a threat in attack. For Cambridge Abi Davies was a constant threat on the right side making a number of daring runs putting she dangerous crosses into the box. Laura Mitchell with the ball, attacking and getting hold of it in the centre in the 2nd half. The award though goes to defender Rachel Kosky. Cambridge’s new defensive signing with and assured and composed performance in defence, reading the game and winning the ball.

 A chilly night in St Neots, my own fault for leaving my hat and gloves behind in Norfolk. Successive 0-0, that is a rare occurrence to say the least but defences were on top this evening chances at a premium in a evenly fought contest. My thanks to both sides for the team details and their help, as always appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Peterborough United Women v Doncaster Rovers Belles

Sunday 27th March

FAWNL Midlands Division One

A return to the league this Sunday with a trip west along the A47 to watch a game from FAWNL Midlands Division One. Peterborough United Women promoted to the FAWNL for the 1st time this season taking on 2nd placed Doncaster Rovers Belles.

 A league not normally covered by Women’s Football East, Peterborough itself is with a number of clubs featuring across the various leagues. Is a hot bed for footballing talent with Peterborough United Women currently the leading club in the area.

Enjoying strong links with the men’s club playing in the EFL Championship. Peterborough United Women were pushing hard for promotion from the East Midlands Regional Premier Division only to be denied through the Covid pandemic bringing 2 seasons to an early finish, were awarded promotion this season as the FA expanded the sides above across the women’s football pyramid. A win on the opening day followed by successive draws proceeding a run of 5 straight defeats on the league seeing the club in trouble with 4 sides likely to be relegated reduced to 3 with withdrawal of Holwell Sports.

A change of management seeing Dan Lawlor taking on the 1st team. Results in 2022 much improved with the club turning a corner 3 straight wins pulling The Posh Women as they are also know away from the bottom 3. Are unbeaten at home so far in 2022 up to 7th in the table 9 points clear of the drop zone and with 5 games to go will be aiming to consolidate a midtable finish. Captain, Keir Perkins the leading goal scorer with 17 overall from 22 appearances whilst Jess Driscoll has 11 from 21 games.

Have fond memories of watching Doncaster Rovers Belles in my days supporting fellow WSL founding side Lincoln Ladies. Unfortunately both clubs were dealt some heavy blows as the top flight of women’s football tried to find it’s feet in those early years. A club with a long and rich history in the game the financial pressure saw the club lose it’s place in the what was WSL 2 then re-joining the FAWNL. Dropping down to tier 4 as the rebuilding process began, the Covid pandemic has hampered a quick return.

Lay 2nd in the Midlands Division One table with just 3 defeats from 18 played so far 9 points behind leaders Boldmere St Michaels who look strong to clinch the title. With 2 games in hands however Doncaster Rovers Belles can apply pressure in the run in while making sure they don’t get caught, by the new version of Lincoln City Women who are hot on their heels in 3rd. Jasmine Saxton their top scorer netting 18 goals overall so far from 23 appearances.

The idverde Training Ground the venue for today’s match the academy ground, boasting one all weather pitch with two grass pitches beyond. A small covered seated stand for spectators on one side. A decent size the clocks going forward this weekend, the weather pleasant all week staying great for this afternoon’s game some cloud around, but warm and bright with no chance of rain. 

Peterborough United Women

Peterborough United Women starting XI – Amy Butler, Kayleigh Aylmer, Niamh Connor, Natalie Hurst, Evie Driscoll-King, Cassie Steward, Elloise Copson, Jess Driscoll, Beatrix Borque,  Katie Steward & Kier Perkins (C). Subs – Sophie Powell, Hannah Hipwell, Katie Lowder & Destiny Makenjuola.

Doncaster Rovers Belles

Doncaster Rovers Belles starting XI – Eleanor Sharpe, Jessica Andrew (C), Isabella Trevillion, Holly Housley, Charlotte Dinsdale, Sophie Scargill, Lauren Breen, Sophie Bell, Lindsey Tugby, Nadia Khan & Jasmine Saxton. Subs – Hannah McWilliams, Emily Cahill, Freya Rattenbury, Phoebe Sneddon & Jessica Price.

Peterborough’s Reserve side playing at the same time on one of the grass pitches beside the 3G taking on Coalville Town Women in the EMWRFL Division One South. Both games pausing for a minutes silence, on Mother’s Day in remembrance of all those who have lost their mother’s.

It’s Peterborough to get this afternoon’s game underway wearing  blue shirts with white sleeves, white shorts and blue socks. Doncaster lined up opposite wearing an all red kit with white horizontal piping. Played back into midfield passed out to right back Kayleigh Aylmer looks to get it up the wing charged down play spread to the left Beatrix Borque able to travel with the ball for Peterborough sends the ball on for striker and captain Kiers Perkins to hunt down, Charlotte Dinsdale getting across her seeing the ball back to her goalkeeper Eleanor Sharpe.

  Perkins nipping in to pressure the ball in the left corner as it is put on from a throw in winning Peterborough an early corner. The inswinging delivery headed clear by Doncaster at the near post. Peterborough quick to regain possession put back to corner taker Katie Steward coming back up the line on the left sends a dangerous ball into the six yard box Evie Driscoll-King stooping to head the ball down towards goal, Sharpe with a reflex save throw herself down to her left to keep it out, superb goalkeeper. An early chance of Peterborough to open the scoring.

Eleanor Sharpe with a superb save for Doncaster Rovers Belles early in the game

Doncaster snapping after the ball in the middle Sophie Scargill recently returning to the side after suffering an ACL injury putting it on for Lauren Breen clipped diagonally out to the right with Nadia Khan finding space in the right channel takes on the early strike cutting the angled shot high and wide of the near post. Tugby winning the ball in midfield she drives forwards  sending it out to Khan away on the right wing squares an inviting ball across Peterborough’s six yard box, cut out by the defence at the far post and cleared. A lively opening pace in attack from both sides.

Nadia Khan controlling the ball for Doncaster Rovers Belles

  The attackers looking to take the game on to their opponents Jess Driscoll on for Perkins she lifts it on for Katie Steward through the middle, Sharpe needs to come win the ball outside her box, just about gets their as she and Steward collide The loose ball regained by Peterborough wide left an attempt to find the empty net made the ball bouncing harmlessly wide of the near post Katie Steward down for a moment recently back herself after dislocating her thumb. Is okay to continue. 

Peterborough attacker, Katie Steward looking to get the better of Doncaster’s Charlotte Dinsdale

  Seen Amy Butler at two different clubs already this season, outfield and in goal. No 1 of Peterborough, needs to come racing out of her box to clear as Khan threatens to break into the box from the left. Cassie Steward busy in the middle for Peterborough in to tackle the ball played out to Borque on the left, looks to get on, Doncaster’s Isabella Trevillion in to challenge her the ball out for a throw. Pressure from Perkins on the throw bringing another corner.

Doncaster’s Isabella Trevillion

  Even start both sides pressing the ball well wanting to get it forwards with pace. Cassie Steward playing the ball on for Perkins in attack sends it out to the right with the full back coming on the cross sent in Perkins goes to head it’s Charlotte Dinsdale who wins it to head the ball on picked up by Tugby, Doncaster counter attack through the middle, Tugby racing on with the ball, on for Jasmine Saxton outside the D passes to Sophie Bell on the right wing held up gets it back to Tugby to as Peterborough get back in numbers to defend their box, right side Tugby puts it into Saxton’s find inside the area, looks to shift left and turn into the shot, Cassie Steward back to put in the blocking tackle.

Doncaster’s Lindsey Tugby challenging Peterborough’s Jess Driscoll

  Driscoll coming away clear with the ball at her feet through the middle for Peterborough has Katie Steward providing a run into the left channel, sends the pass into her feet looks clear to bear down on goal sends her shot wide of the post. A lively opening 10 minutes. Peterborough attack right Cassie Stewards up with Perkins and sister Katie. Doncaster captain, Jessica Andrew tackling the attack breaking down outside the box as Dinsdale clears it long looking for Khan. Breen and Tugby both looking to travel with the ball whenever Doncaster mount an attack the latter getting her shirt tugged by Driscoll winning a free-kick 30 yards out. 

Charlotte Dinsdale winning the ball at the back for Doncaster

The set-piece defended Peterborough are quickly on the attack play going right Cassie Steward with Aylmer up on the right, crossed in early no one gambling through the middle Sharpe can take the catch unopposed. Scargill on for Breen drives forwards out to the left plays the ball inside to Saxton inside the D, nods it down to the right, for a moment Bell on that side has an opening if she can reach the ball to charge into the box and take a shot, Borque though recovering well for Peterborough just gets their first to clear the ball. Breen finding gaps to run into with the ball sends it on for Khan running into the left corner, checks back up the pick before being brought down for the free-kick. Tugby over it curls a shot on the angle in towards goal, Butler with an easy claim. 

Doncaster midfielder, Sophie Scargill

  Butler starts to come to try and win the ball before Saxton as she is put through by Khan on the left, can’t get there is stranded as Saxton spots Bell available on the right, goes for it 20 yards out her first time effort curled over the bar. Katie Steward and Perkins work the ball well on the left side getting it squared central with Cassie Steward racing on from midfield, connects first time cutting her shot high away from goal. Peterborough giving it a go Driscoll tackling on for Perkins lays the ball to the right for Katie Steward her angled cross falling near post collected by Sharpe.

Kayleigh Aylmer

  Aylmer getting on with the ball right inside for Cassie Steward, plays it into Katie Steward outside the box she looks to find Perkins inside the D, Andrew and Dinsdale into challenge getting the ball clear to their left, Aylmer latching onto it a high ball clipped into the box, taken high by Sharpe. Breen gets on the move down the right side a powerful run as Bell sends the pass on for her looks to travel all the way to the by-line whip a cross in across the face of goal, Niamh Connor closing down tackling to see that doesn’t happen.

Peterborough’s Niamh Connor

  From the resulting throw in the ball in lifted into Trevillion 20 yards out right of the D, puts her foot through the strike, is charged down by Peterborough centre back, Natalie Hurst. Khan taking the ball on down the right, combines with Saxton the pair exchanging passes finding their way into the box wide of goal, Butler comes to smother the ball at Saxton’s feet. Khan looking dangerous running into the channels plays it infield for Breen outside the D, she is brought down, Doncaster with a set-piece in a dangerous position. Breen to take it goes for goal her shot curling wide of the far post.

Nadia Khan

  Midway through the 1st half has been a lively game so far. Doncaster mount an attack Breen on for Tugby sending it out to Khan free on the right, wraps her foot around the cross sending an inviting ball into the six yard box, headed clear by Driscoll-King. The visitors looking to pressure the ball higher get caught on the counter Driscoll taking it on through the middle threading it on for Perkins right of the D, Andrew getting across well to shield the ball as Sharpe comes to gather at her feet. 

One captain holding off the other, Kier Perkins with Jessica Andrew

  Aylmer right on Katie Steward down the line her cross angled in near side, Perkins the target, Sharpe snatching down first. Breen passing into Khan on the right Bell up with her in the corner, a cross working in dropping inside the six yard box, Butler claims well under pressure from Saxton. Peterborough with players up for a throw on the left, Driscoll is tackled the ball loose Trevillion playing it on for Saxton the visitors break the striker, picking out Khan making a right channel run shifting inside, Elloise Copson across with a well timed tackle get the ball Doncaster first to the loose ball 25 yards out the long range lob dropping wide of the far post.

  Borque takes the ball on down the left after good work from Cassie Steward to regain possession in the middle. Borque playing a diagonal ball into the area, Perkins going forward marked by Dinsdale who tackles the ball out to the left collected by Borque floated back in on the angle claimed safely by Sharpe. Housley getting forwards on the left for Doncaster checking back before being tackled by Aylmer the ball coming to Breen 25 yards out pulls her 25 yard  strike wide across goal. 

 Into the final 5 minutes of the first half, Driscoll battling for possession in the centre finding Borque on the left wing, Bell getting back at her challenging for Doncaster. Scargill with Breen work the ball on well through the middle before Driscoll-King intercepts the forward pass for Peterborough, Tugby on with the ball for Doncaster passes to Khan outside the area right of the D, shifts inside to shoot taking a deflection off an attempted block the ball skips up over Butler landing on top of her crossbar out for a corner kick.

Peterborough’s Cassie Steward

 Dinsdale winning the ball at the ball plays it forwards into Scargill through the middle plays it to the right for Saxton moving into the corner plays it up the line for Bell to lift a curling cross into the area, headed away by Hurst. One last attack for Peterborough with Cassie Steward winning the ball in the middle on for Katie Steward who looks to play it on for Perkins the through ball running behind her as she looks to go across to the right.  

Half-time Peterborough United Women 0-0 Doncaster Rovers Belles

  An entertaining first half draws to a close with the sides goalless at the break. Has been a lively game Peterborough taking the game to Doncaster both sides looking to get on with the ball quickly, defences standing firm. Peterborough with a great opportunity to open the scoring inside the opening 2 minutes but for a smart save from Doncaster keeper, Eleanor Sharpe. Players on both sides with driving runs through the middle, defences dropping deep at times to limit opportunities inside the area. An intriguing contest will be interesting to see if both sides can keep it up 2nd half. 

Sophie Scargill with Cassie Steward

  A change for Doncaster at the break Emily Cahill on for Housley. No changes for Peterborough. Doncaster to get the 2nd half underway. The ball played long out to Khan racing on right side, Connor though can see it out for a goal kick. Scargill regaining possession in the middle finds Saxton on the right has Tugby up with her the pair looking to exchange passes on the wing come inside Hurst challenging the loose ball lifted back over the top finding Tugby offside. 

Driscoll continues to snap into the tackles winning possession in the middle for Peterborough sends the ball out to Aylmer on the right, drills a pass into Perkins inside the box, holds it up but can’t pick out a teammate as she is closed down by Dinsdale and Andrew. Doncaster are looking to take the game to Peterborough at the start of the 2nd half, Saxton with Tugby linking on the left, Hurst getting amongst them to tackle, Tugby on the loose ball attempting to lay it into Khan positioned inside the D, Driscoll-King winning it. 

Breen taking attack to Peterborough looks to batter her way through into the box, Hurst defending well up against her. Cassie Steward central winning the ball for Peterborough lays it forwards for Perkins, too much on it though as Sharpe comes running out of her area to kick upfield. Driscoll on the ball with a great pass to find Borque clear on the left, Bell though recovers well for Doncaster to get back at her and tackle a throw for the hosts in the corner  

 Perkins doing well to win a corner on the right as Copson plays the ball down the line. Peterborough regaining some momentum with a free-kick on the left put into the box Dinsdale up with the defensive header deflected behind for a corner. An infringement spotted by the referee in the six yard box seeing Doncaster regain possession. Tempers flaring up as Tugby and Driscoll clash the referee having words with the pair. A free-kick wide right for Peterborough, Aylmer delivering it long to the back stick knocked back in across goal, Sharpe grabbing it, with Driscoll-King flying in.

Doncaster striker, Jasmine Saxton

  A change for Peterborough with almost an hour played Katie Steward coming off for Hannah Hipwell who goes into midfield with Cassie Steward moving up top join Perkins in attack. The new strike force looking to combine on the right, Breen getting back to win the ball, takes it on down the left flanks coming inside is brought down somewhat clumsily by Driscoll winning a free-kick. Driscoll lucky not to pick up a yellow card. Andrew to play the set-piece up into the box cleared away from a throw on the right. 

Bell winning Doncaster a corner on the right, a great delivery into the six yard box dropping central Dinsdale connects her shot smashing back off the post then put behind for a corner on the left. Played long beyond the far post cleared out to the top of the area Andrew retrieves no space to shoot plays it to Bell inside the box right side blasts a shot goalwards her effort blocked. Doncaster pressing the advantage coming left the cross angled in cut out by Driscoll-King sliding in at the near post. The visitors pushing hard on the right the cross over everyone in the middle, Breen reclaims it beyond the far post turns back towards goal lifting her shot over the bar.

  Hipwell carrying the ball on through the middle finding Cassie Steward on the right, comes back inside before lifting a cross into the far post with the outside of her boot, Borque flying in can’t get a touch as the ball runs wide of the far post. Peterborough with a corner goes long to Hurst at the far post nods it back into the centre met by Perkins, is narrowly over the crossbar. Chances for both sides with no let up in the tempo. Steward on the right from a throw swivels to put a cross into the centre of the six yard box, too close to the keeper with Sharpe taking it as Perkins makes the run.

Peterborough’s Jess Driscoll

  Final balls not always finding their mark but this is more to good reading of the ball from both defences more than anything else. Bell winning Doncaster a corner on the right before it is taken however a change with a little over quarter an hour left, Khan coming off for Hannah McWilliams. Peterborough with a change too Borque off replaced by Katie Lowder. The corner swung in centrally, Andrew up well to meet it, her header directed wide of the far post.

   Breen has been upended several times during the match, Steward the latest to do so, earning herself a yellow card. The set-piece wide on the left lifted in towards the penalty spot put behind for a corner kick. The corner going through everyone attacking the far post. Doncaster with a 3rd change Scargill off for Jessica Price with 11 minutes left to play.  Steward with Perkins up on the left after the ball, Perkins back to Steward who shifts the ball between her feet before shooting on the angle her attempt wide across goal. 

 Both sides showing signs of nerves at the back as much as they want to score neither wants to concede so late in the game. Hurst is pulled back a free-kick wide right for Peterborough, Aylmer playing it into Steward inside the D lays it off of Driscoll is closed down quickly no room for a shot. Peterborough make a 3rd change Destiny Makenjuola on for Hurst. Lowder winning a poor kick out from the back goes forwards doesn’t get a clean strike away the ball running safely through to the keeper. 

Doncaster’s Jessica Price

 Connor with a great defending tackle inside the box on Saxton right of goal as the ball in clipped into her from Breen on the left. Price on the turn 25 yards out central to shoot as she gets hold of the loose ball, Butler coming across her goal can see it bounce wide of her left post. Driscoll-King turning the ball behind for a corner on the right as Doncaster get forwards with Bell and Saxton. Put into the middle isn’t cleared, a scramble seeing it hooked clear. Advantage played as Driscoll charging through the middle is tugged back. The ball running on for Perkins holds it up well picking out Steward to the right of the D, her shot charged down.

   Driscoll with another free-kick won 30 yards out, struck towards goal, strikes a Doncaster arm the referee with a better view of it awarding the hosts a free kick just outside the D to the right of centre. Lowder over  in the 88th minute curling a shot past the wall, Sharpe diving to her right can’t get there the shot cannoning back off the upright, then behind for a goalkick as a blue and white shirt flies in.

Kate Lowder’s late free-kick striking the post

 So close for Peterborough at the death, the hosts come on again Driscoll on for Hipwell picks out Steward right of the D, inside to angle a ball across to the far post, Perkins diving on can’t quite reach in goal kick. Into stoppage time a frantic final minute neither side giving an inch as the final whistle blows to see the points shared.

Full time Peterborough United Women 0-0 Doncaster Rovers Belles

 A hard fought point for Peterborough in the finish, frustrating Doncaster in an evenly fought contest. Defences on top for the most part a good opportunity at either end of the match for the hosts to score a goal. Both sides striking the woodwork. The later the game wore on nerves played a part. Peterborough as keen to keep the clean sheet than they were to score. Doncaster pushed forwards just couldn’t find a way through. As a neutral it was a great game to watch despite it being 0-0 and I don’t see too many of those.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. It’s another tough one ultimately to pick out an individual player but I have my notes to help me out. Defences were solid and worked hard throughout for both sides. For Doncaster, Nadia Khan posed a threat on the flanks going forwards. Lindsey Tugby through the middle with so dynamic runs. Lauren Breen got clattered several times for her efforts but such was the threat she posed to the opposition with some strong runs forwards. For Peterborough Beatrix Borque carried a threat in the wide areas and it is neck and neck between the other two Cassie Steward battling for the ball well in the middle getting forwards then joining the attack 2nd half creating chances both for herself and others. Just edging it though is Jess Driscoll was strong on the ball in the centre winning possession back and taking the game to Doncaster.

An entertaining trip to Peterborough (once I got there) Been looking to get over see a game for a while and it’s always great to catch up with Doncaster Rovers Belles. My thanks to both clubs for assisting me with the team details, much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge City Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Tuesday 22nd March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

 Hot on the heels of the 1st Cup Final of the season, comes the 2nd with a Tuesday night trip to the Abbey Stadium for the Final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup sponsored by S-tech insurance. Cambridge City Ladies the current holders taking on Newmarket Town Women reaching their 1st ever county cup final.

  Looking back to March 2020 the Women’s Invitation Cup on the 5th was to be the last final of the season with the Covid pandemic hitting, seeing the that and the following campaign cut short. Is great to have finals to look forwards to at the end of the season again a busy spell personally but opportunities to win silverware abound with some great contests to look forwards too.

  S-Tech Insurance sponsoring the Invitation Cup competitions have be proud supporters of the woman’s game for close to 15 years now. The Abbey Stadium once again hosting the final, home of Cambridge United FC who have been promoting the woman’s game heavily over the past month with a number of games played at the venue.

This evenings prize

Cambridge City Ladies of FAWNL Division One South East missing out in the final last time out back in 2019. Easing through to the final of the competition this time around. Are looking to become an established side in the 4th tier having been promoted in the season the pandemic hit following a rapid rise through the women’s football pyramid. Traditionally a side that thrives on youth bringing players up through the various age groups with 3 senior sides a Reserves and Development side backing up the first team. Getting themselves up into midtable early on are now 8th with recent results going against them find themselves closer to the relegation zone than they would like with sides gaining late season momentum below a win though and everything changes. Grace Stanley their top scorer with 21 goals so far from 24 appearances.

 Newmarket Town Women are on course for their highest ever league finish in the women’s football pyramid aswell as reaching the County Cup final for the first time. Plying their trade in ERWFL Division One North, are in 2nd spot in the league table having played out their fixtures with the division dropping down to just 7 sides. Can be caught by Biggleswade United Ladies but can finish no lower than 3rd. Again traditionally a young side bringing players up through there youth set-up with a Development side in the division below, have had to do a little rebuilding in recent seasons with players moving on. Have brought in attackers Katie Hayes from Mildenhall Town Women and Lydia Mykhaylechko from Cambridge University Women both with a good return for the season so far 25 goals between them with Katie Spiers also coming in netting 13 from just 12 appearances.

Road to the Final

  A bye for both sides in he 1st round of the Invitation Cup. Cambridge City advancing from the 2nd round without kicking a ball awarded the home win over Leverington Sports Ladies. Newmarket at home to Histon Ladies now of Cambridge Division One after losing a fair number of senior players over the summer. Newmarket strong on the day with Lydia Mykhaylechko scoring a brace along with goal for Jess Linger, Chloe Slater, Katie Hayes, Faith Entwhistle and Katie Spiers in a 7-0 win.

  Big wins for both too in the quarter finals of the competition. Cambridge City at home to Cambridge Division Two title challengers Cambridge Rangers WFC. 4 division between the sides Cambridge City racking up a double figure score line with Grace Stanley netting a hat-trick, a brace each for Lauren Tomlinson and Amy Reed whilst there were 7 other scorers in a 14-1 win. Newmarket drawn away to another Cambridge Division One side, March Town United Ladies. Katie Hayes scoring twice along with goals for Mykhaylechko, Katie Webb and Antonia Smith to see Newmarket into the semi-finals with a 5-0 win.

  The semi-finals saw Cambridge City drawn away from home to take on Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds of Cambridge Division One. Karly Tolentino scoring a brace with a goal each from Shannon Shaw and Grace Stanley securing Cambridge City’s place in the final with a 4-0 victory. Newmarket at home to Cambridge Division Two side Park Ladies in the semi-finals Katie Spiers bagging herself a hat-trick as Newmarket went on to reach their first ever county cup final in a 5-1 win. Linger and Mykhaylechko with the other goals.

The Abbey Stadium hosting this evenings Invitation Cup Final

  The Abbey Stadium the venue for this evenings final under the lights. Home of League One side Cambridge United FC. The club itself promoting the women’s game strongly over the past month with thier women’s side playing the first of 2 matches here beating Norwich City Women 1-0 and playing again this coming Sunday against Billericay Town Women. The pitch offering plenty of width a great occasion for both sets of players. The weather perfect for a cup final has been a warm day, dry and mild. 

Cambridge City Ladies

Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson (C), Amy Reed, Jess Evans, Ceri Flye, Mulheron Bronwyn, Hannah Bodily, Ellie Cullum, Lauren Tomlinson, Charlotte Gillies, Amie Fullwood & Grace Stanley. Subs – Karly Tolentino, Freya Goddard, Zynia Delglyn, Bella Ely & Rosie Mead.

Newmarket Town Women

 Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Jess Linger, Kara Wayman, Becca Towler, Liv Caffarelli, Antonia Smith, Chloe Slater (C), Katie Spiers, Katie Hayes, Katie Walker & Lydia Mykhaylechko. Subs – Grace Joslin, Katie Webb, Annabelle Herring, Alex Milner & Faith Entwhistle.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A decent atmosphere building before kick-off the teams walking out onto the pitch lining up in front of the main stand before shaking hands. It will be Cambridge to kick-off the 1st half wearing white shirts with black trim, black shorts with white trim and black and white hooped socks. Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts, blue shorts and white coloured socks. The ball played back to right back Amy Reed sent long up the line for striker Grace Stanley to chase, see out safely out of play by Newmarket’s Kara Wayman.

Katie Walker on the ball for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Cambridge up on the right a throw in pressuring the Newmarket back line. Winning an early corner players up from the back the ball fizzed in towards the near post cleared out to the right for a throw, as good as a corner with the throwing ability of Lauren Tomlinson. Cambridge building on the left the ball out Tomlinson throwing it long into the box for Stanley, Jess Linger getting in close to defend see the ball out for a goal kick. Bronwyn Mulheron with a commanding defensive header to clear the ball for Cambridge at the back as Newmarket play it long up through the middle.

Newmarket midfielder Antonia Smith (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Pace evident in both sides Newmarket looking for the run of Katie Spiers on the right the pass cut out fed into midfield a quick counter launched the ball in behind for Stanley moving into the left channel into the box brings the ball inside before attempting to curl a shot around the keeper, the ball angling into Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary who catches cleanly. A lively start Cambridge quick to turn play around, Ceri Flye winning the ball at the back out to Tomlinson on the left, Spiers coming back to slide in take the ball away from her.

   Tomlinson gets away moment later down the left flank running on with the ball into the box, Linger getting in close to pressure, the ball running out of play. Pressure in attack from Cambridge midfielders Hannah Bodily and Ellie Cullum playing the ball out to the wings Charlotte Gillies and Tomlinson providing good width forcing Newmarket back into their own box. Becca Towler intercepting a cross from the right starting from deep, Spiers on the right and Katie Hayes on the left are trying to provide passing options on the wings but all too often Cambridge are closing the ball down before the pass can be attempted.

   Jess Evans heading the ball clear from the top of the area as Katie Walker attempts a diagonal pass long from the left for Newmarket. Spiers through the middle quick on for Hayes who plays it on through aiming for Lydia Mykhaylechko the pass intercepted by Mulheron outside the area cleared forwards. Antonia Smith in front of her defence getting in a timely tackle on Stanley as she snatches the ball and looks to drive forwards break through the defence. Cambridge getting numbers forwards in attack out on the right Gillies cross flung in towards the back stick, Newmarket captain, Chloe Slater there to bring the ball down and clear. 

Newmarket defender, Becca Towler (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 Linger from distance puts a free-kick wide of the Cambridge goal. The ball regained in the final 3rd Spiers on the right drives on before striking a shot on the angle fired in low towards the near post, Cambridge captain and goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson dropping down to easily gather the ball. Spiers looking lively on the right for Newmarket Slater lifting the ball into her, Evens getting across her the ball back with her keeper. 

  The game quickly switching from one end to the other as both sides break with purpose and pace Newmarket charge the ball down outside their area the clearance seeing Spiers racing after it, Evans with her blocking her early cross. Newmarket’s defence under more pressure with Cambridge regaining possession in midfield with 20 minutes played. Newmarket with a free-kick inside the Cambridge half on the right Linger to float the ball in towards the left, Cambridge defend and hit their opponents on the break, Gillies away on the right with support from Amie Fullwood the pair exchanging passes before Gillies scoops a cross in across goal from the by-line claimed high by Szary.

Cambridge City’s, Hannah Bodily (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Cullum is clattered in the middle trying to bring the ball on referee Ramona Bria playing a good advantage as the ball runs on through to Gillies right of the D, both Towler and Wayman are quick to close her down, Gillies held up getting the ball across to Fullwood inside the area left of goal, strokes a shot low beyond the far post.

  GOAL! Midway through the 1st half and the deadlock is broken Cambridge pressing the Newmarket defence, a misplaced past latched onto the ball fed diagonally out to the left Fullwood getting hold of it turning into the area and moving forwards drilling a shot home on the angle 1-0.

Amie Fullwood with Newmarket’s Liv Caffarelli opening the scoring for Cambridge City

  Cambridge quick to get the ball back from the restart keeping the ball inside Newmarket’s half Mulheron stepping forwards to claim it over half way connecting with the shot some 30 plus yards out, dipping late Szary stretching to make a top draw save tipping the ball over her crossbar for a corner kick. A low shot turned goalwards from the resulting corner Szary can see it out. 

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 GOAL! 2 minutes after taking the late Cambridge go on to double their advantage. Coming from an error at the back the ball played out to the left by Szary, lost as Fullwood nips in to get hold of the ball powers her way on into the box then smashes a strike across the keeper into the back of the net 2-0.

Amie Fullwood scoring a quickfire double for Cambridge City (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 A frantic few minutes to say the least Newmarket rocked by two quickfire goal against them find themselves under more pressure getting out of shape at the back as Cambridge’s Bodily puts the ball out to Reed on the right on for Gillies forwards her cross looping into the six yard box scrambled away by Liv Caffarelli back to the right Gillies inside the box catching it on the half volley sending her effort wide across the face of goal. 

Slater on the ball through the middle for Newmarket gains ground looking to link with Spiers in front of the Cambridge defence no way through as Mulheron wins the defensive header. Slater looking to try and take the game to Cambridge picking the ball up battling her way on through to the top of the area her scuffed shot running harmlessly through to Hudson. Caffarelli winning the ball at the back well for Newmarket takes it on into midfield, gaining some ground before Bodily closes in with a strong challenge to win the ball. 

  A double switch for Cambridge then with Tomlinson and Gillies coming off, Karly Tolentino and Bella Ely coming on. Newmarket settling down again after conceding getting players further forwards Slater combining with Walker 30 yards out driving forwards into the left channel riding a tackle sending the ball on into the box for Mykhaylechko to attack, Flye shielding the ball for Hudson to gather.

Katie Spiers getting forwards for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Spiers using her pace getting back quickly to slide in tackle Ely as she threatens to take the ball on for Cambridge down the left flank. Spiers has space to run into on the right herself as the midfield lift the ball into her path taking it down on towards the Cambridge area unleashes a shot from 25 yards out on target, however Hudson is behind it all the way. Wayman getting up to support Walker and Hayes on the left winning a throw in the corner Cambridge have numbers back preventing the cross coming in launching a counter play spread to the left Linger blocking Ely’s attempted cross. 

  Smith conceding a free-kick out on the left as she comes across to tackle with Ely linking up with Cullum on the wing. Stanley over the set-piece a good delivery launched in high to the far post a runner late to arrive the ball there to be attacked bounces out of play. Stanley comes off then replaced by Zynia Delglyn. Hayes on the left for Newmarket into Mykhaylechko inside the box back to goal closely marked by Mulheron lays the ball out across the D to Slater bombing on from the middle on the run strikes the ball on target straight at Hudson though the keeper untroubled.

  Into the final 5 minutes of the first half Cambridge with a corner on the right, Newmarket defending but not clearing there line put back into the box the shot finding the back of the net, however it won’t counted the flag raised. Cambridge come again on the right another corner played in near side defended sent back out to the taker cut back towards Delglyn 20 yards out right side her shot bouncing through to goal held by Szary.

Spiers continues to look a threat for Newmarket on the right, Slater in the middle picking her out with space to run into pushing forwards from 25 yards sends a shot on the angle over the crossbar. A short back pass to Szary puts the keeper under pressure top of her box as Fullwood comes streaming in her kick charged down flies up, the bounce favouring Szary who is able to get it into her gloves before Fullwood can capitalise. Delglyn with Cullum through the middle plays the ball into Ely’s path as she breaks into the area left of the D, clipping a shot in towards goal rising, Szary batting it away well to concede the corner.

Cambridge City defender, Amy Reed (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  From the left the corner falling far post his defended by Mykhaylechko. Cafferelli across to challenge winning the ball as Fullwood and Ely link up on the left for Cambridge. Szary with another quality save at her near post tipping the ball over the bar, as Tolentino charging forwards on the right drives in a vicious rising shot. The corner from the left fizzed into the six yard box into Cullum’s chest, difficult to get under control before Newmarket scramble it away. 

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies 2-0 Newmarket Town Women

  That the final action of an exciting 1st half. Cambridge going in with a 2-0 lead at the break. Scoring 2 quick fire goals midway through the 2nd half. Could have added more if not for some fine saves from Dominika Szary in the Newmarket goal. Newmarket holding their own against there higher league opponents have been forced back defending deep more often than not making it harder to counter but have soaked up alot of pressure, getting forwards with pace to create a few opportunities of their own none of them troubling Sarah Hudson in goal. A two goal lead at the break as is often the case in a cup tie the next goal could prove crucial.

Cambridge with a triple switch during the half-time interval, Stanley and Tomlinson back on along with Freya Goddard for Evans, Fullwood and Bodily. Newmarket getting the 2nd half underway. Look to play it long through the middle Hayes after it, Flye stepping out of defence the pair collide, Flye coming off the worse, it okay after a pause for treatment. Spiers attacking with the ball at her feet on the right pace her cross in cut out. 

Katie Walker and Freya Goddard battling for the ball (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Tolentino getting the ball into her feet on the right side for Cambridge driving on, twists and turns getting free to lift a cross on the angle into the six yard box Stanley central chesting it down taking it out to the right of goal turning into the shot charged down by Towler out for a corner kick.

GOAL! An early goal at the start of the 2nd half and it goes the way of Cambridge. From the resulting corner the ball is cleared long out to the left side, retrieved by Cambridge possession kept well played into the box from the top of the area, Szary coming for it, Stanley closing in taking the ball past her and slotting it into the bottom corner 3-0.

Grace Stanley scoring early in the 2nd half for Cambridge City Ladies (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 A huge blow to Newmarket at the start of the 2nd half, Cambridge showing there intent coming forwards with determination Tolentino right side looking for Stanley, won well by Smith. A free-kick won by Cambridge top of the D, a dangerous position, Stanley on it drags her attempt wide of the far post. Newmarket’s defence under pressure, Linger defending, the ball quickly won back a corner won on the right. Floated into the six yard box Cafferelli clearing to the left, put back in, the offside flag giving Newmarket some respite.

  Tolentino looking to drive on with the ball, Wayman stopping one attack, Tolentino is soon after her again into the corner squeezed a cross into the near post from the by line, Ely near post close on goal trying to turn it inside the post, Szary there to bat it away her defence clearing. Newmarket make their first change of the game Mykhaylechko coming off for Katie Webb. The substitute with a good tackle 25 yards out to regain possession right side Walker up with her, curling a shot from outside the box wide of the far post. 

Katie Webb with Cambridge City’s Lauren Tomlinson (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Working the ball into the box from a throw on their right Cambridge attack it near post a corner awarded. Defended at the near post cleared outside the box a shot from distance struck back in caught by Szary. Getting out of their half proving difficult for Newmarket Cambridge pressing to quick regain the ball. Newmarket with a 2nd change, Annabelle Herring on for Spiers with an hour played. A free-kick at the back for Cambridge, Cullum helping it on through to the top of the area, Towler does well defending for Newmarket as Stanley closes in.

 Tolentino winning a corner on the right, goes long out to the left a shot from distance on the angle driven wide across the face of goal. Cambridge with a double switch bring Rosie Mead on along with Gillies. A deep cross from the left finding Gillies free inside the box, she puts the ball into the back of the net the flag though is already up. Faith Entwhistle joins the action for Newmarket on for Smith. Cambridge strong in the 2nd half dominating play in the final 3rd.

GOAL! That pressure bringing them a 4th goal a corner on the right side played into the mix cleared at the far post falls to Goddard outside the box 25 yards out, wastes no time getting her shot away the ball rising towards goal, Szary stretching to reach it can’t get enough on it as the ball falls beyond over the goal line 4-0.

Freya Goddard congratulated by her teammates (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Few opportunities to get forwards for Newmarket so far in the 2nd half, getting the ball off a thro on the left Walker turns infield sending it out to Hayes on the right of the area, tries to punch her way through the Cambridge defence but too much traffic her progress halted. Cambridge come left winning a corner kick. The ball flighted into the six yard box turned down towards goal, defended well by the defender on the far post the ball skipping up off her foot into Szary’s gloves. 

 A fluid attack from Cambridge from back to front 4 one touch passes sending the ball on through to Gillies getting free on the right into the box a shot fired in low on the angle Szary down smartly to save push the ball away the the left. Tolentino on that side now getting hold of the ball wide curling a shot back in Szary can’t doing anything saved by base of her far post before being cleared.

Newmarket captain, Chloe Slater (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Into the last 15 minutes another triple switch for Cambridge with Evans, Bodily and Fullwood all returning on for Mulheron, Flye and Stanley. Webb on the right looking to get past Evans sending the ball on for Hayes, Hudson able to claim it, play stopped with a player down on the far side. It’s Evans only just on can’t continue, Mulheron’s rest last all of a minute is sent back on. Evans unable to walk unaided with an ankle injury helped round the pitch. 82 minutes played.

GOAL! The changes opening up the game somewhat, Newmarket’s Slater closing the ball down well in the centre coming on before laying it through for Hayes moving left of the D, moving the ball on to get her shot away sends it low under Hudson to score 4-1.

A cup final goal for Newmarket’s Katie Hayes (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Hayes last action of the game however has picked up a side injury in the process of scoring the goal, with Mykhaylechko coming back on. Alex Milner on too. Cambridge get straight on the attack running down the right a dangerous ball whipped in across the face of goal, Linger with the clearance. Newmarket struggling to clear there lines as Cambridge come on with renewed vigour.

GOAL! Tomlinson getting up on the left to support Tolentino the full back taking the ball on into the corner swivelling well to lift a shot from a acute angle in over Szary to fall inside the goal at the far post 5-1.

Lauren Tomlinson adding a 5th for Cambridge City (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Walker getting onto the ball left side for Newmarket sends it on for Mykhaylechko inside the area, looks to shift inside make room for a shot but can’t shake off Mulheron the centre back tackling to clear the ball away to the left. A crossfield ball for Gillies on the right in cut out by Wayman, Fullwood though is quick to snatch the loose ball but attempting to return it to Gillies catches her offside. 

 Into stoppage time play spread Newmarket giving it a go late on Webb with support from Walker on the right whose angled cross lifted high into the box is claimed securely by Hudson. Caffarelli down having received a head injury but after treatment is okay to come back on. Cambridge with possession on the left see the game out  a shot from distance wide across the area.

Full time Cambridge City Ladies 5-1 Newmarket Town Women

 A strong 2nd half performance from Cambridge in the 2nd half seeing them retain the Invitation Cup with a 5-1 over Newmarket. A two goal lead from the 1st half quickly extended early in the 2nd half with a 4th goal coming past the hour. Newmarket on the backfoot defended stoutly but struggled to get anything going in attack. A well won ball from Slater putting Hayes through on goal giving them the goal they deserved on the balance of play. Cambridge going on to add a 5th. Looked composed throughout getting players forwards using the flanks well and taking the game to Newmarket who can be proud of their performance in their first County Cup Final a great occasion, mistakes seeing Cambridge score, the defence battled hard throughout Szary with a number of quality saves to keep them in it.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, and boy is this a tough one. Some great performances all over the park. Let’s begin with Newmarket can’t single out a single defender as they all put in a shift keeping Cambridge at bay. Dominika Szary with some great saves. Chloe Slater winning the ball in midfield looking to take the game forwards, Katie Spiers on the right a willing runner with pace offering a pass whenever Newmarket could break. All round it was a strong squad performance from Cambridge which will give them confidence going forwards. Bronwyn Mulheron was strong at the back didn’t give anything away. Ellie Cullum and Hannah Bodily prevented Newmarket getting out through the middle on several occasions. Used the flanks well particularly strong in the 2nd half, and a good portion of that dominance was down to Karly Tolentino with some forceful running on the ball creating a number of chances. This evenings Player of the Match.

  Congratulation to Cambridge City Women on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

 An enjoyable evening at the Abbey Stadium an entertaining final. My thanks to both sides with their help tonight along with that of the Cambridgeshire FA, Abbey Stadium staff and particularly, Chris Abbott much appreciated. Updated with photo’s courtesy of Sean Doyle again much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

 

Cup Final Special – Colney Heath Ladies v Stevenage FC Women

Sunday 20th March

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final

At Letchworth’s County Ground this afternoon for the 1st cup final of the season. Back after a 2 season hiatus the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup. Plenty of massive fixtures across the region this weekend but this will see the 1st bit of silverware lifted with Colney Heath Ladies featuring in there first ever county cup final taking on Stevenage FC Women who have featured in every final covered by Women’s Football East to date.

  Covid of course the reason for the 2 season hiatus, but it’s great to see end of season showpieces returning with a busy schedule looming, (wouldn’t have it any other way). Hertfordshire usually the first of the county cup finals to be held getting underway back in September with 35 entrants. The finalists with contrasting history in the competition.

  Colney Heath Ladies reaching the County Cup Final for the 1st time. Promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division in 2017 have gone on to become an established side in the league. Youth at the heart of their development an influx of talent the season before last has seen the side push on this season and although Wymondham Town Ladies already have the title sown up the race for runners-up spot is very much on Colney Heath currently 6th just 4 points off 2nd with games in hand on all the sides above them. Was at the County Ground I first saw Colney heath play in their first ever final the ERWFL Plate, this their greatest achievement to date reaching the County Cup Final for the first time.

  Stevenage FC Women playing in the league above are in a battle to avoid the drop from FAWNL South East Division One. Now run by the Stevenage FC Foundation, the restructuring seeing quite alot of player movement along with a managerial change with Fadi Mazloum now managing the 1st team. With 4 sides likely to go down this season Stevenage were struggling for points 2nd bottom however a run of 3 wins from 4 against the sides down there with them has put them right back into contention to wrestle free of the drop zone and given them momentum and confidence at a crucial stage of the season. have dominated the County Cup in recent seasons. This now Stevenage’s home ground too with the County Ground their base although for today’s game they are the ‘away’ side.

Today’s prize

Road to the Final

A bye for both sides in the 1st Round of the competition. Colney Heath were to take on Beds & Herts Division Three newcomers St Margaretsbury Women at home in the 2nd Round, a convincing win in the finish against a side who would go onto win their league, 13-0 with Lily Hall bagging a double hat-trick. Stevenage were at home to facing Beds & Herts Premier Division side Garston Ladies. Holly Greenwood with a brace amongst the goals in a 4-0 win.

Into the 3rd Round Colney Heath presented with a tricky tie away to ERWFL Division One South high flyers Cheshunt FC Women. Goals from Christina Freestone and Lucy Hancock seeing them edge the game 2-1 to progress to the last 8. Stevenage awarded an away win against Hitchin Town Women Canaries.

  Colney Heath at home to another Division One South side in the quarter finals taking on Wodson Park Ladies. A comfortable 4-0 victory putting them into the semi-finals. Stevenage at home to ERWFL Premier Division side Royston Town Women pushing for the title at that point, goals from Greenwood and Vicky Neal securing a 2-1 win to take them into the last 4.

  Coney Heath drawn to face cup holders Watford FC Women Development in the semi-finals, Sasha Manders firing them into an early lead. Grainne Kellet later on doubling the advantage to send Colney Heath into their first ever County Cup Final. Stevenage away to Bed & Herts Premier Division side Oaklands Wolves Ladies 4 divisions between the sides Stevenage were comfortable winners. Paige Pryor netting a brace with a foal each for Greenwood, Dionne Manning, Vicky Neal and Lucy Webster to take them into another final.

  Been a while since I’ve ventured to the County Ground, in Letchworth home of Hertfordshire FA. Today themselves launching a pledge to level up the gulf that still exists between the numbers of men and women registered to play the game within the county. Stevenage themselves amongst a growing number of clubs supporting the #HerGameToo initiative to tackle sexism within the game.

Stevenage supporting the #HerGameToo initiative

The ground with some redevelopment in recent seasons a new artificial playing surface, overlooked by the large main seated stand with terracing around the ground. The cafe/clubhouse upgraded too. The pitch a decent size, a great day for the final bright and sunny with no chance of rain as we enter spring. The sun low behind one goal may well cause issues during the game. 

Colney Heath Ladies

Colney Heath Ladies starting XI – Naomi Swift, Ella Holmes, Lucy Hancock (C), Kelly Hancock, Sofia Santangelo, Lauren Appleby, Esme Hume, Grainne Kellet, Tia Steadman, Sasha Manders & Terri Harvey. Subs – Lily Hall, Lilly Nellis, Daniela Monastero, Melissa Godino & Annie Hickey.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Tea Oldroyd, Kate French, Lucy Webster (C), Chloe Gunn, Vicky Neal, Holly Greenwood, Shianne Swarres, Jodie Southby, Jodie Bellinger, Emily Schofield & Amy Makewell. Subs – Poppy Bennett, Stef Paci, Dionne manning, Ailish Straver & Paige Pryor.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Ex-Arsenal and England player Sian Williams the guest of honour for today’s final, introduced to the teams before kick-off. A great sized crowd gathered around the ground for the match. It’s Stevenage to get this season’s County Cup Final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing red and white shirts with red shorts and socks. Attacking into the sun with Coney Heath lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts black shorts and socks. The ball clipped long out to the right wing Colney Heath defending seeing the ball out safely for a goal kick.

Kate French bringing the ball on into space on the left for Stevenage plays the pass into central midfield for Shianne Swarres, she in turn sweeps a diagonal ball out to the right with Jodie Bellinger bombing on, Colney Heath captain Lucy Hancock over on that side regaining possession. Colney Heath sitting back inviting Stevenage on somewhat in the early exchanges Kelly Hancock challenging for the ball lifted into Amy Makewell outside the D, spring a counter attack the ball fed out to Sasha Manders over on the left travelling on into the corner wrapping her foot around the cross lifting a high ball into the box is taken high by Stevenage goalkeeper, Tea Oldroyd inside her six yard box.

  Esme Hume nipping in to win the ball inside her own half lifting the ball forwards quickly for Terri Harvey to go after, Chloe Gunn  getting to the bouncing ball first to clear at the back for Stevenage. Grainne Kellet exploiting a gap on the right to run into taking the ball on for Colney Heath, doesn’t get far as Vicky Neal racing across to cover the ground puts in a strong tackle to send the ball out for a throw. A long throw put into the box from the right by Colney Heath bouncing up over Harvey at the near post, Oldroyd grabbing it into her gloves beyond.

Grainne Kellet bringing the ball on for Colney Heath

    Tentative start overall Stevenage allowed to come on with the ball Colney Heath deep keeping compact not easy to break down. Colney Heath’s, Kelly Hancock across to tackle Amy Makewell as she moves into the left channel looking to provide the passing option for Holly Greenwood winning the ball back in central midfield. Swarres is proving a formidable barrier in midfield for Colney heath to bypass, more often than not the beginnings of an attack is snuffed out by the central midfielder with Jodie Bellinger an Southby looking to provide options left and right to keep the pressure inside their opponents half. 

  French moving left with the ball spreads play diagonally out to the right Southby, tackled, Colney Heath look to counter Manders taking the ball up the line Swarres moving in quickly to tackle keep the pressure on down the right side Stevenage winning a corner kick. Players up from the back the ball in near side headed out of the area away to the right Swarres getting hold of it with support from Neal looking to work and opening, Kelly Hancock getting the tackle in Holly Greenwood onto the loose ball attempts to battle through the defence the box too congested no way through.

Esme Hume with the ball on the right helping to break up a Stevenage attack sets up a counter mover feeding the ball on for Grainne Kellet out on the flank, travels a long way with the ball holding off a challenge to get down to the by-line and fire a low cross in towards the near post met by Terri Harvey six yards out turns the ball goalwards, Oldroyd is right behind it to make the save. Colney Heath are compact making it a challenge to drive through the middle space available out with the full backs able to come on a corner won on the left. 

  An inswinging delivery to the near post the defensive header sending it out to the right side well beyond the far post, falling to Emily Schofield she shoots on the angel the ball looping towards goal. Colney Heath goalkeeper Naomi Swift back-peddling to reach it with a good save to glove the ball away to safety taking a knock in the process, play stopped so she can receive treatment. Colney Heath with a free-kick on the right out to Hume on the wing forwards her cross driven into Harvey arriving top of the area right of the D, Swarres rushing back sliding it with a strong challenge to win the ball.

  Is a close contest, Stevenage with more of the ball able to come on Coney Heath soaking up pressure. Schofield moving out to the right taking the ball on from Bellinger drives on with the ball at her feet lets fly from the angle her shot fired in across the face of goal wide, Southby closing in can’t quite reach it to deflect in at the far post. Swarres sliding in to halt another Colney Heath advance, lifting the ball over to Bellinger on the right, the flag up however ha strayed offside. Hume putting the ball on into Harvey up top for Colney Heath combines with Tia Steadman looking to release Manders on the left in behind the pass short intercepted by Gunn.

Stevenage midfielder, Shianne Swarres

  Swarres winning the ball 25 yards out threads it through the defence, Schofield breaking clear into the box, Swift advancing it lay claim to the ball first. Amy Makewell with a strike from outside the D moments later, held by the Colney Heath keeper. Hume charging down Greenwood’s attempted cross as the gathers the ball from a throw on the left. French forwards on the left inside to Swarres some 35 yards out time and space to line up a shot sent in on target but at a comfortable height for Swift to catch. 

Colney Heath’s Sasha Manders

 Colney Heath competing for the ball well enough but deep back defending there box getting out in numbers is proving difficult, Stevenage regaining possession coming straight back at them, Bellinger over on the left now going in to challenge for the ball deflects favourably to let her run in behind. Towards the area turns inside looking for an opening to shoot, Colney heath captain, Lucy Hancock closing in to make a great tackle to thwart her. Kelly Hancock in turn out to tackle Bellinger, Hume taking up possession on for Kellet on the wing a race with French, the full back getting across her to roll the ball back to her keeper to clear.

   GOAL! Midway through the 1st half and Stevenage’s pressure brings the opening goal attacking on the left the ball at Bellinger’s feet she drills a great ball across the six yard box with Schofield wriggling free to connect and turn the ball past Swift into the back of the net 0-1.

Emily Schofield fires Stevenage into the lead

  Changes then for both sides, Dionne Manning coming on for Stevenage, Melissa Godino for Colney Heath replacing Appleby. Kellet has pace out right for Colney Heath looks to travel with the ball whenever she can, French needing to stay alert getting back on her to lunge in to tackle. A free-kick won for Stevenage wide right top of the area the ball lifted in near side headed out to the top of the D put back inside Kellet heading it away, falling to Gunn who sends a curling diagonal ball back into the far post Colney Heath in again to win the defensive header clearing the threat.

Colney Heath’s Melissa Godino

Godino taking the ball on through the centre for Colney Heath has Manders moving into space over on the right picking her out French closes her down challenging to regain possession unfairly however Colney Heath with the free-kick. The ball into the box comfortably defended by Stevenage. Colney Heath with a 2nd change, Lily Hall on for Steadman. Webster advancing on the right for Stevenage with the diagonal pass inside for Schofield right of the D turns into the shot a low effort gathered by Swift back on her line. Swarres moving on through the middle with the ball unleashing a shot from 20 yards out right side of the D runs wide of the far post. 

  Stef Paci a recent signing for Stevenage from London bees comes on replacing Greenwood in the midfield. Makewell battling for control of the ball 25 yards out squeezes it through to Schofield top of the D, shifts to shoot pulling her strike narrowly wide of the right post. Colney Heath working the ball into their attackers, Harvey and Manders linking well in the middle rolled back to Godino who in turn sweeps a pass out to Ella Holmes free on the right getting into the box takes on the shot the ball angled low into the keeper at the near post. Hall running on with the ball top of the area her shot blocked by Gunn. 

  Kelly Hancock fouls Makewell as she tries to get the ball under control as it is cleared up to her from the back, the free-kick to the right. Makewell with Webster on the right the cross fire into the middle of the box Manning can’t get it down onto her feet before the ball is scramble away to safety. Colney Heath getting players further forwards late in the 1st half are hit on the counter with Bellinger coming away with the ball on the left. Plays in diagonal pass inside looking to pick Schofield, Kelly Hancock intercepting for Colney Heath. 

Stevenage’s Dionne Manning with Colney Heath’s Daniela Monastero

  Holmes central with space in midfield plays the ball on for Manders on the right of attack, shifts inside before taking on the strike top of the are, swerving through the air but doesn’t cause Oldroyd any problems. Into stoppage time at the end of the first half, Colney heath coming forwards left side the cross turned away to the right for a throw in, another long delivery in the box, bouncing Oldroyd claiming it high.

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

  A narrow 1-0 lead for Stevenage at the break, scored midway through the half by Emily Schofield. Colney Heath soaking up alot of pressure defending deep at time wanting to be hard to break down has allowed Stevenage to come on at will at times their full backs joining the attack whilst the midfield, Swarres in particular have prevented Colney heath getting the ball out up to their attacking players. Chances created without the keeper being overly tested, Stevenage will want to be more clinical 2nd half. Defending well Colney Heath will have to come out more 2nd half if they want to score and with 1 goal in it still all to play for.

  With roll on roll off substitutes it’s not always easy to keep track of who is on and who is off. Stevenage appear unchanged with Annie Hickey on at the back for Colney heath who get the 2nd half underway defending with the low sun in their eyes. Played out to the back Stevenage in quickly to pressure the ball, Paci out to Manning moving right her cross met by Schofield at the near post, takes a deflection as it runs wide of the post for a corner. Players up into the box the delivery from the right turned on to the left Gunn outside the area hooking it back in towards the near post Neal getting something on it heading the ball over the defence claimed by Swift beyond.

   Manders is fouled trying to get forwards for Colney Heath on the left side no advantage play brought back. The game looking more open now Colney Heath looking to get players into advanced positions take the attack to Stevenage. Swarres in the middle out to Bellinger on the left side runs into traffic forced back play spread to Webster right on up the line for Manning her cross angled in to the area headed clear by Hickey. 

Colney Heath’s Annie Hickey

Hickey then out of the area to charge down Swarres as she bursts forwards from midfield. Harvey moving out to the right for Colney Heath sending a cross long through the six yard box. Kellet back on the right for Colney Heath getting on with the ball cutting it back into Manders top of the box, is closed down quickly by the Stevenage defence. A different feel to the 2n half more open as Colney heath look to apply some pressure in the final 3rd. Paci turning on the ball centrally clipping a diagonal ball out to Manning on the right her cross dipping in front of goal headed away by Hickey. 

  Colney Heath break left side Hall bursting forwards her low cross for Harvey inside the are Oldroyd comes sliding out Harvey nicking it beyond her, caught by the keepers trailing leg, can’t get to the ball before it is cleared to safety, looked a good shout for a penalty but no one appeals play goes on. Stevenage making a change on the hour breaking on Paige Pryor up top for Makewell. Daniela Monastero on in midfield for Colney Heath moving on with the ball covering alot of ground before Neal moves out to close her down.

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

  Kellett right side plays the ball inside to Steadman free for a moment top of the area turns into the shot no power behind her strike however as it rolls harmlessly through to Oldroyd. Gunn holding off Hall at the back seeing the ball safely back to her keeper to clear. Harvey taking on the Stevenage defence looking to plough her way through into the area, Neal across her though shielding the ball well back to Oldroyd. 

Chloe Gunn winning the ball for Stevenage

 Pryor looks to be in on goal left of the D bringing a cross down from the wing, Lucy Hancock getting back on her well to deny the chance, Swift down to smother the ball as Manning goes in for it. Changes around as Southby returns for Stevenage along with Ailish Straver replacing Bellinger and Swarres. Appleby returning to the pitch for Colney Heath. Pryor nips in to steal a misplaced pass at the back from Colney heath on the left side 25 yards out takes on the shot angled in low saved by Swift at her near post. 

Colney Heath captain, Lucy Hancock

  Colney Heath gaining momentum feeling they can get themselves back on level terms risking leaving gaps at the back. Manders on the left space to take the ball into her cross won by Straver. The ball bouncing through the middle Neal finding herself under pressure between two Colney Heath attackers isn’t fazed dealing with the threat comfortably. Godino winning the ball in midfield into Steadman, turns into traffic the ball lost. Poppy Bennett coming on for Stevenage replacing Schofield with game moving into the final 20 minutes. 

Vicky Neal winning the challenge for Stevenage

Pryor moving across the top of the D left to right for Stevenage blazes a shot over the crossbar. The game stretched players tiring, the ball played into Manning top of the D spins it out to French clear on the right, Lucy Hancock recovering to slide in pressuring the ball back with her keeper. Stevenage pushing on looking to stretch Colney Heath at the back.

 GOAL! On 75 minutes Stevenage score a crucial 2nd goal, the ball put into Manning’s feet back to goal 25 yards out sees French breaking on her left, the ball rolled out to her right of goal she checks inside to strike a left footed shots around the keeper into the corner of the net 0-2.

Kate French doubles Stevenage’s lead

 Colney Heath with a series of changes Santangelo amongst those back on as Monastero plays the ball on for Harvey the cross in long Hall on the far side retrieving it on the by-line scooping a dangerous cross in near post, Steadman there close in on goal with Oldroyd, the keeper under some pressure bating it away before being cleared. French off for Stevenage, Makewell back on. Lilly Nellis on for Colney Heath for Steadman who has picked up a knock. 

GOAL! Stevenage go on to extend their lead late on the game a blow for Colney Heath, their opponents coming down the left the ball played into the middle for Makewell right over the D bringing the ball down carry’s it in field into Straver who strikes the ball in towards goal a fantastic strike to lob the keeper from outside the box fly in under the crossbar 0-3.

Ailish Straver making in 3-0 to Stevenage

  Stevenage scoring two quick goals late in the game taking control of the final. A free-kick won in front of the centre circle Gunn on it goes for goal her effort bouncing wide of the post. Hall on the drive with the ball for Colney Heath on the left whips in a cross far post, Bennett rising to head it away for Stevenage. 

GOAL! Into the final 10 minutes Monastero is fouled for Colney heath 25 yards out to the left of the Stevenage goal. Manders placing the ball down to take the set-piece. Takes on the strike is hit well sent up over the wall, to dip beyond beating Oldroyd rising on her line to drop under the bar and in 1-3.

Sasha Manders scoring from a superb free-kick

  Is there to be late drama in the game the tie going to penalties if the scores were to be level at full time. Stevenage though are an experienced side now comes down to ball management, Colney Heath looking to press the ball leaving gaps all over the pitch. Manning and Paci winning challenges in the middle the play spread. Neal and Gunn keeping it tight through the middle. Greenwood back on for Straver in the closing minutes. Kellett for Godino for Colney Heath. 

 Gunn playing the ball onto Greenwood eft of the D digging a shot out of her feet the dipping effort held by Swift. Space on the right Webster forwards crossing into the area the ball cleared turned back in cleared out to Greenwood top of the D lashes a shot in Swift up doesn’t get it as it comes crashing down off the crossbar before being scramble clear. Stevenage with the ball as 4 minutes of stoppage time is signalled. Colney Heath can’t find any meaningful possession in the closing moments Stevenage readily winning the ball back celebrate as the final whistle blows.

Full time Colney Heath Ladies 1-3 Stevenage FC Women

  Stevenage winning the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup for a 4th time beating Colney Heath 3-1. A game of two halves with Colney Heath soaking up alot of pressure 1st half allowing Stevenage to come on keeping it tight difficult to break down going in trailing by just a single goal. Was a more open 2nd half chances created for both sides, Stevenage scoring a quick double inside the final 15 minutes to take control of the game. 3-0 though harsh on Colney Heath a battling display getting a goal back to make it 3-1 a fine free-kick from Sasha Manders. Stevenage though were in no mood to throw it all away and kept the ball well to see out the closing stages coming close to adding to their score line. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. One player standing out a few performances of note to mention first though. For Colney Heath, Kelly Hancock was strong in defence with a number of tackles and interceptions. Sasha Manders out wide looking to take the ball on create openings up front scoring a superb free-kick. Esme Hume at just 16 years of age impressing too. For Stevenage Vicky Neal was solid and composed at the back unfazed and reading and dealing with threats. Up top Emily Schofield was strong getting into some great positions opening the scoring. The award today though goes to midfielder Shianne Swarres, broke up play on numerous occasions Colney Heath often seeing an attack broken up before it had begun. Used the ball well spreading the ball out to the flanks.

 Congratulations to Stevenage FC Women on winning this season’s Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup.

  Great to see a final back at the County Ground the first of many to report upon this season back to it on Tuesday night at the Abbey Stadium for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final between Cambridge City Ladies and Newmarket Tow Ladies. An enjoyable first final of the season to watch in front of a strong crowd. My thanks to Hertfordshire FA for there help today and both sides for the team details much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – East Bergholt United Ladies v Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

Sunday 13th March

ERWFL League Plate

 A trip down into Suffolk this afternoon to watch a match from the quarter Finals of the ERWFL Plate with East Bergholt United Ladies taking on Whittlesey Athletic Ladies for a place in the last 4 of the competition. 

  The ERWFL Plate contested between the Division One, North and South sides within the regional set-up taking place after rounds one and two of the League Cup have been completed. 

 Haven’t seen East Bergholt United Ladies in a while, not since joining the ERWFL  in fact back in 2019. Prior to that enjoyed a couple of very successive seasons in the Suffolk Women’s County League, back to back league and cup doubles in 2017/18 and 2018/19. A  strong youth set-up within the club it was a natural progression to take the women’s side up into the regional setup test themselves at a higher level. Of course we know what happened next 2 null and void seasons heavily affecting development throughout the pyramid. 2021/22 being much more settled and likely to go the distance now with some finals to look forwards too.

  East Bergholt United Ladies put into a strong Division One South this season with 9 sides completing have struggled for results 4 straight defeats to start the season, before recording victories over Billericay Town Ladies Development and Wodson Park Ladies. Another lean spell over Christmas however 4 points won in their previous two matches have moved East Bergholt clear of the bottom two giving them some momentum coming into today’s cup fixture. Elena Nitsche their top scorer with 13 so far from 9 played. Received a bye into the quarter finals.

  Taking my first look at Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Newcomers to the ERWFL having joined with the intake of new sides this season after the promotion pool was widened to allow more clubs to enter regional football. A new side altogether making their debut the season before in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, having formerly been ICA Sports Ladies U18s side. A strong start to the season one of the few league to complete it’s fixtures after the various lockdowns finished in 6th position. Close to Peterborough, the club joining the ERWFL Division One North featuring 7 sides. Opening the season with a 3-3 draw with eventual champions Needham Market Women. Have been involved in a tight contest for the mid-table spots throughout recent results seeing them slip to 2nd bottom with 2 matches will be look to gain a place or two.

 Involved the 2 more cup competitions have semi final in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup to look forwards too next weekend. In the ERWFL League Plate progressed to the quarter finals with a 2-0 away victory over Division One South side Wodson Park Ladies, with goals from Chelsea Burr and Holley Ross. Burr and fellow striker Annie Posnett scoring the bulk of Whittlesey’s goal this season with 28 between them, Burr scoring 13 from 12 played whilst Posnett has 15 goals from 11 appearances.

East Bergholt Sports Ground the venue for today’s match, the sports ground accommodating, bowls, cricket, football and tennis. Home of East Bergholt United FC’s adult and youth sides. The pavilion/clubhouse overlooking the grassed sports pitches. Well used today’s playing pitch offering good width, a strong breeze blowing across the ground with unfortunately rain forecast. Set-up with my back to it hoping the wind would calm enough for the umbrella to go up and I could perform my usual juggling act between that the camera and notepad.

East Bergholt United Ladies

 East Bergholt United Ladies starting XI – Zoe Adams, Jess Clarke, Katie Bruce, Deban Howlett (C), Jell Gill, Millie Wilding, Megan Partridge, Stacey Desborough, Kira Wealls, Jess Quinsee & Vic Hall. Sub – Shannon Cameron.

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

  Whittlesey Athletic Ladies starting XI – Danni King, Brooke Harley, Lauren Mapleston, Lauren Fort, Sophie Ellen, Maddison Moore, Hannah Murphy (C), Holley Ross, Hannah Johnson, Aliyah Palmer & Chelsea Burr. Subs – Megan Mapleston & Grace Spencer.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Both Elena Nitsche and Annie Posnett missing for both sides this afternoon, East Bergholt naming just the one substitute. Whittlesey with 2 on the bench and a change of keeper following the sending off of regular keeper, Milena Vygovskaja last time out serving a one game ban in between the sticks for today’s game is outfield player Danni King. The rain beginning to fall steadily a kick-off approaches the wind dying somewhat. East Bergholt to kick-off the first half wearing green shirts with black trim, black shorts and socks with Whittlesey lined up opposite wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks. The ball played back to captain Deban Howlett on central defence she sprays the ball out to the right looking for Kira Wealls, Holley Ross tackling for Whittlesey her pass sent long out to Aliyah Palmer over on the right in attack, Jess Clarke forcing her wide for East Bergholt the full back seeing the ball out for a throw in.

Both sides looking to get the ball out into the wide areas early on Clarke in again to deny Palmer as she looks to take the ball on down the right, East Bergholt playing the ball crossfield into Wealls, Lauren Mapleston at left back in to close her down for Whittlesey. With players drawn to the right, Mapleston has space to run into as the ball pops free out to her travels with it before Chelsea Burr up top provides the passing option drifting out into the left channel taking the ball on to the by-line whips a cross looping into the six yard box, East Bergholt keeper, Zoe Adams able to claim it unopposed.

East Bergholt captain, Deban Howlett with Whittlesey attacker, Chelsea Burr

  Howlett with a timely interception at the back, needed as Ross nips in to steal the ball centrally lifts it forwards for Palmer. A free-kick for East Bergholt in the middle played out to Clarke on the left powers on before laying it into the path of Jess Quinsee the attacker taking the ball down the left wing, whipping a cross into the six yard box caught cleanly by King in the Whittlesey goal. Whittlesey captain Hannah Murphy in to win the ball in the middle, linking with Ross the ball played forwards bouncing in front of Howlett a tricky one for the defender to deal with, with Burr chasing, experienced though composure to play the ball and clear. 

Holley Ross with the ball for Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

  Burr looking to take on the East Bergholt defence as play is turned around in the middle Palmer racing on with it right channel Burr moving to that side the ball rolled into her path lets fly from outside the box, her shot racing wide of the right post. East Bergholt attack on the right Wealls winning a throw high up the pitch, Vic Hall coming to head the ball on central top of the D into Quinsee she is upended the hosts awarded a free-kick. Quinsee over the ball 20 yards out right of the goal, the shot bouncing up in front of the keeper, King adjusting well to knock it away to her right allowing her defence to clear. 

   East Bergholt gaining some momentum in attack, Whittlesey switching off a little presenting the ball back to the hosts as they press the advantage out on the right the ball fired in central, Stacey Desborough playing it out to the left, Clarke advancing striking from distance her effort wide across goal. Playing 3 up front East Bergholt are looking for Wealls and Quinsee to provide width left and right, keeping Whittlesey’s full backs penned back. Desborough finds herself free on the right looking to drive forwards, Ross gets back on her to defend for Whittlesey the ball not cleared as Hall and Millie Wilding regain possession 25 yards out the shot from distance struck wide of the far post. 

Millie Wilding taking a shot for East Bergholt

  Clarke over on the left with a set-piece players up into the area for East Bergholt the ball floated in central, Howlett twisting as she heads the ball down towards goal, King right behind it able to collect on the bounce without challenge. East Bergholt pushing hard Megan Partridge on the ball central forwards for Quinsee her touch left taking her into the area on the angle wraps her foot around the ball a rising shot powerful smashes down off the cross bar bouncing before Quinsee as King comes to close stoops to head the ball from close range places it wide of the near post. 

 Up the other end Burr is working hard agianst the East Bergholt defence but is often forced wide, players not getting close to support. Desborough plays the ball out to Hall on the right going on her cross is lifted into towards the top of the area, defended by Whittlesey’s Lauren Fort, half hearted appeals for handball from East Bergholt but play continues. Ross with a strong tackle in the middle gets the ball out to Burr peeling left her crossed ball dropping for Palmer to drive at the East Bergholt box, she is denied by Jess Gill’s well timed tackle at the back.

Chelsea Burr holding off East Bergholt’s Katie Bruce

  A double save of sorts from King in the Whittlesey goal as East Bergholt running on with the ball through the middle let fly with a strike from distance angling in King leaps but can’t get there the ball though smashing against the crossbar for a 2nd time for the hosts dropping down hitting King on her backside as she lands pushing it out to the right, King quickly to her feet as Wealls comes surging in to smash the lose ball goalwards from six yards out on the angle, King saving with her gloves palming the ball away.

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies goalkeeper, Danni King

   Whittlesey definitely on the back foot errors at the back giving the ball back to East Bergholt the hosts buoyed as they press forwards, risk getting hit on the counter with Ross winning it back centrally putting it through for Burr taking on the strike on the right 20 yards out putting the ball over Adams crossbar. Ross and Murphy battling for the ball in the middle, Ross right on for Burr, Adams is quickly off her line out to the top of her area to deal with the threat for East Bergholt. 

East Bergholt’s Jess Clarke

  Palmer taking the ball on down the right side for Whittlesey 20 yards out cutting the pass inside for Burr, a cleaver back heel to wrong foot her marker turning into the shot her attempt straight at the keeper a straight forward save for Adams. The rain has stopped the umbrella abandoned which is just aswell as this is a thoroughly enthralling contest. Palmer twisting away right side on the ball squares it inside for Burr, Katie Bruce moving in to support Howlett, the Whittlesey striker finding no way through. 

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, Aliyah Palmer

  Partridge putting the pass out to Wealls racing clear on the right in behind taking the ball down the line whips a fantastic ball in across the six yard box, Quinsee flying in with an outstretched leg at the far post can’t quite reach it to turn it home. A great touch at the back from Whittlesey defender Sophie Ellen to control and clear inside her box as Howlett up the opposite end plays a dangerous ball forwards as she clears the ball. 

 Palmer on the right playing the ball over to Murphy in space on the left sends it forwards for Burr the striker taking the ball into the corner keeping possession well before digging out a looping cross into the box. Caught by Adams. Hall sends the ball out to Bruce on the right as she bombs forwards sending a high ball into the area looking for Wealls, too close to King though the keeper able to claim the ball. Bruce is replaced then as East Bergholt make there first change bringing on Shannon Cameron a straight swap at right back. 

East Bergholt’s Kira Wealls with Whittlesey’s Lauren Mapleston

  Whittlesey much more composed now taking the game to East Bergholt defending a high line Ellen chests the ball down on halfway then plays it on for Burr peeling away into the left channel on into the area striking the shot on the angle over the bar. Play back and forth, East Bergholt finding Hall over on the right in the corner holds the ball up then turns to deliver a cross into the box, turned goalwards straight into King’s gloves however. Murphy in to win the ball centrally strong moves to the right on for Palmer goes on before firing an angled shot in along the ground held by Adams down at her near post.

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, Maddison Moore

  East Bergholt winning the ball back on the left spray it diagonally forwards with Wealls clear of her marker right of the D. waiting for the ball to come across her to strike it takes a wicked bobble before her seeing Wealls catch it with the underside of her boot scuffing her shot harmlessly wide. A pause in play with Wilding having taken a knock for East Bergholt, okay after treatment Whittlesey make a change bringing Megan Mapleston on for Harley, Hannah Johnson moving to right back.

  GOAL! The deadlock is broken late in the first half, Whittlesey with possession in the 41st minute a good triangle between Lauren Mapleston, Ross and Murphy on the left Murphy feeding the ball on for Burr pulling free on the left drives forwards players bomb on in support. Taking the ball on Burr whips an angled shot in towards goal, dipping Adams gets up well to get a glove on the ball turn it down away to her left, unfortunate as Clarke goes to clear it she slips, Murphy arriving has the composure to get her foot up over the ball lift it over the defender and into the goal beyond 0-1.

Captain Hannah Murphy putting Whittlesey into the lead

  East Bergholt press the ball from the restart Wilding with Partridge on for Quinsee, Fort into defend for Whittlesey. The visitors break on the right Palmer racing forwards with the ball releasing an early strike angled in low, Adams down smartly with a fingertip save to deflect the ball wide of her far post. A corner on the left set in across the six yard box met by Palmer turned low towards goal, Adams saving back on her line. 

  Wealls and Quinsee switching flanks late in the first half the later over on the right now looking to take the ball on down the line tackled by Lauren Mapleston for a throw in the corner. East Bergholt work in a dangerous cross from the throw in near side spilt by King, Johnson able to scramble it to safety at the far post. The game moving into stoppage time at the end of the 1st half Ros putting the ball out to Burr moving left, Cameron defending well for East Bergholt. Burr strong on the ball checks inside from the left firing a ball across the top of the East Bergholt area Ross closing in right of the D, a vital interception from Gill to stop her stealing through on goal. 

Half-time East Bergholt United Ladies 0-1 Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

  An entertaining first half draws to a close with Whittlesey Athletic Ladies holding a narrow 1-0 lead over east Bergholt United Ladies. Could have easily been the other way around with East Bergholt carving out a number of good opportunities in attack striking the crossbar twice. Playing three up top taking the game to Whittlesey the visitors switching off putting themselves under pressure still a threat on the counter attack, Burr working hard up top if lacking support at times. Whittlesey held out however and finding some good passages of play created chances to going on to take the lead late in the first half. The game still very much open as the teams emerge from the changing rooms hoping the rain will stay away for the 2nd half, extra-time and penalties if required.

  No changes for Whittlesey. East Bergholt making a switch, Bruce back on in the middle for Hall with Desborough moving forwards to join Wealls and Quinsee in attack. Whittlesey to get the 2nd half underway. The ball out to the right won by Quinsee for East Bergholt, back to Clarke she attempts to play the ball over the top, Whittlesey recovering in defence to clear the ball. Cameron right side bringing the ball forwards playing it inside for Desborough outside the area right of the D, Ellen in to close her down defending for Whittlesey. 

  The hosts looking to take the game to Whittlesey straight from the off Wilding winning it centrally with Bruce on for Desborough again closely watched by Ellen. Burr still leading the attack for the visitors, closely monitored by Gill on halfway stopping her getting in behind. Palmer over on the left twists inside travelling towards the box, Howlett stepping out to challenge winning the tackle. Murphy busy in the centre battling for possession for Whittlesey finds Burr on halfway lays it on for Ross getting forwards with Palmer on the left, taking the ball on Cameron comes to close her down well for East Bergholt. 

East Bergholt’s Katie Bruce

  East Bergholt are intent on pushing players on pressing Whittlesey on the ball inside their own half. Wealls on for Desborough shifting right her cross in not collected by King dropping loose inside the six yard box is scrambled away to safety. Quinsee on the left receiving the ball steals on into the area after the ball, Ellen getting across in the nick of time to slide in take the ball. Murphy in strong to regain possession support from Moore, then Ross out to Burr left of the area her cross back along the 18 yard line, cleared by Clarke with Palmer stretching for it.

 Ross comes off then as Whittlesey make a change looking to match East Bergholt with 3 up top, Grace Spencer on to join Palmer and Burr off comes Ross. Quinsee with the through ball to set Desborough away, just too much on it allowing King to claim it first. Whittlesey unsettled making mistakes as East Bergholt press. The hosts push on the right Wealls in her cut back to the top of the area missed before Partridge plays Desborough through on goal right side in the box, King coming sliding in the ball there to be won Desborough goes to ground sliding in catching King as she sees the ball into her midriff. The King down a pause on play as she recieves treatment. Looks to be a leg injury is up gingerly is okay to continue as Ross returns to the action for the visitors replacing Moore.

Stacey Desborough attacking for East Bergholt

  Howlett winning the ball at the back for East Bergholt her clearance finding Wealls out on the right takes the ball on down the flank whipping a good ball in near post, Desborough running in twists to try and connect her header, is taken well by King nonetheless. Clarke able to travel with the ball on the left for East Bergholt lifted on for Quinsee powers forwards to the by-line before lifting a cross into the near post Fort getting there before Desborough. Midway through the 2nd half and East Bergholt are knocking on the door as they search for an equaliser, Whittlesey’s defence standing firm.

  East Bergholt keep coming forwards, Clarke left inside for Wilding onto Bruce played out to Partridge right she shot from 25 yards out charged down by Ellen. Wilding with a shot from distance 30 yards plus, King with a faint touch taking it wide a corner on the right. Played in near side defended by Ross out for a 2nd corner. The 2nd delivery angled in near post Gill attacking it putting the ball wide for a goal kick.

Holley Ross looking for a pass for Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

   Wealls on the right with an angled shot driven in low from 25 yards out collected safely by King at her near post. East Bergholt on top piling forwards at will Whittlesey battling hard at the back unable to get any meaningful possession up top. Spencer moving out to the left to receive a pass from Murphy is tackled by Cameron at the back for East Bergholt. The visitors could do with another goal to take the pressure off Burr continuing to cause problems in attack getting hold of the ball from a throw in on the right outside the D unleashing a low strike put straight at Adams back on her line. 

Megan Mapleston

  Partridge playing the ball on for Desborough going left for East Bergholt taking the ball on to the by line lifts a cross into the box, no one attacking it as King catches the ball high. Palmer comes off for Whittlesey with Moore coming back on. Partridge brought down outside the box right side a free-kick won. The shot sent over the bar. East Bergholt are getting crosses into the Whittlesey box but all too often no one is there to attack them the perfect cross coming in from the right is put on a plate in front of goal six yards out but frustratingly the opportunity goes begging the ball missed. 

Jess Gill defending for East Bergholt

  East Bergholt keep coming, King with a magnificent double save to keep Whittlesey’s lead intact as Clarke free on the left comes on with the ball angling a dipping shot in towards the top corner King get up stretching to push the ball away to her left dropping beyond the far post the ball attacked blasted back in the keeper reacts to blocking to save the shot at close range!

Danni King with a brilliant double save for Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

  The game moving into the final 5 minutes has been all East Bergholt 2nd half but still no way through Whittlesey fighting to retain their advantage. The sun even trying to make an appearance late in the afternoon, as East Bergholt win a throw high up the pitch, Gill up to take a long one on for Desborough who has caused the Whittlesey defence a few issues, not this time as Johnson tackles to take the ball away from her. 

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, Hannah Johnson

 Pushing up the break still remains a threat as Whittlesey clear up to Ross central on for Burr in the middle, Cameron holding her up well forcing her wide as numbers get back to defend. Burr doing well however to win a free-kick out wide. Players come forwards, Ellen no able to get it under control before Clarke nips in to clear to the right. Murphy after the ball sends her cross/shot onto the roof of the net. Whittlesey are a very young side and they don’t as a rule run the ball into the corner to run down the clock. Burr clipping in a shot from the left saved by Adams as Ross snatches it back in the middle. 

  Into a very nervy stoppage time, East Bergholt doing all they can to win it going to 3 at the back late on with Gill pushed up into attack. Whittlesey have everyone back to defending no gaps to exploit Fort charging the ball down as it is played in across the top of the area before it is scrambled away to the right. The final whistle blows and Whittlesey win an enthralling cup tie by a single goal to move into the semi-finals of the ERWFL League Plate.

Full time East Bergholt United Ladies 0-1 Whittlesey Athletic Ladies 

  A thoroughly entertaining game in the finish won by Hannah Murphy’s goal scored late in the 1st half for Whittlesey. The visitors with a long trip home having another semi-final contest to look forwards too. Were made to work hard for the victory by the hosts as East Bergholt dominated the attacking play 2nd half taking the game to there opponents could find no way through however with Danni King pulling off a fantastic double save late on. A find effort from East Bergholt nonetheless who should be heartened by the number of chances they created if bitterly disappointed to come away with a defeat. Whittlesey had to battle to keep their clean sheet intact and were in need of a 2nd goal just couldn’t get enough of the ball in the final 3rd to get their attackers into the game. A great contest especially for the neutral.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A number of performances of note to mention first. Starting with East Bergholt, Stacey Desborough good in midfield 1st half, posed a great many problems for the Whittlesey defence joining the attack 2nd half. Out on the flanks both Jess Quinsee and Kira Wealls make some great attacking runs and created a chances both on another day would have been celebrating a goal. For Whittlesey, Hannah Murphy put in a number of good tackles in midfield winning possession and looking to set attacks going scoring the winning goal. Along side her Holley Ross had a solid game challenging for the ball and taking it forwards to  try and link with the attack. Chelsea Burr working hard up top alone at times moving across the East Bergholt defence to find openings. Today’s award though goes to goalkeeper, Danni King. May not be her natural position but she was superb pulling off a number of brilliant saves to ensure her side kept a clean sheet to progress to the last 4.

A thoroughly entertaining cup tie, great to catch up with East Bergholt 1st time seeing them at home too a fine effort just missing out. My first look at Whittlesey Athletic, a long journey home so much better after a win, had to work for it but rose to the occasion. My thanks to both sides for the team details as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham