Match Report – Mildenhall Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women Development

Sunday 16th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

A local derby today on Women’s Football East from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South with Newmarket Town Women’s Development side heading east along the A11 to play Mildenhall Town Ladies.

  As mentioned in last Sunday’s report from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, the county leagues the only ones in the East to continue after the country emerged from the latest lockdown brought on by the ongoing Covid pandemic. The Championship South consisting of 8 sides with it looking likely to be a 3 way battle for the title at the top.

  Has been a while since I was last at Mildenhall Town FC for a women’s football match. The club adopting FAWNL side Cambridge United WFC for a number of seasons. The club embracing women’s football and when Cambridge eventually moved on I felt the town was ideally suited for a new women’s side and was very pleased to see the formation of Mildenhall Town Ladies a couple of seasons ago. 

  Got off to a flying start to emerging a strong contenders in what was then a large 15 strong single Championship picking up alot of good results before unfortunately the 2019/20 season was brought to an end. There 2nd season seeing the Championship’s split once more Mildenhall form up and down winning as many as they have lost before the long pause to proceedings. Looking to get thing’s going again now in midtable ran the leaders close in a 5-4 defeat last time out. Charlotte Nash the clubs top scorer with 19 goals from 10 appearances, Lauren Deller joining from Newmarket this season bringing experience to the attack has scored 8 goals in her  appearances so far. 

  Newmarket have always been a club with a strong youth set up running teams from U9 – U16 aswell as two women’s team the Development side and the 1st team competing in the ERWFL. Newmarket’s U15s winning the U15 B-league this weekend. Manager Shane Lebbon believing strongly in developing youth players and bringing them through the club and whereas some club have taken advantage of their 1st teams seasons ending early playing a stronger dev/reserves side Newmarket have resisted playing just 1 or 2 to help the younger players development. Lay third in the Championship table just a point behind joint leaders Cambridge Rangers Women and Histon Ladies Development. Like Mildenhall they two have a striker in prolific form in front of goal with Kaitlin Elsey finding the back of the net 24 times so far from 9 appearances. Backed up by Sarah O’Rourke who has 10 from 9 appearances.

  The pitch at Mildenhall was always a superb playing surface, a lush covering of grass. Slopes from one goalmouth to the other and is nice and wide. A new hospitality room added beside the main stand and clubhouse. The latest easing of restrictions will see fans able to return to watch from Monday. Many eager to get back. Quite warm and bright with a few dark clouds around, rain forecast, with heavy showers at times but thankfully these were never to materialise. 

Mildenhall Town Ladies starting XI – Tiffany Toynton, Rosalind Ramos, Alex Milner, Cassandra Carvalheira, Niketa Cartner, Eloise Gookey, Annalise Brown, Jasmine Luckett, Katie Haye, Lauren Deller & Charlotte Nash (C). Subs – Megan Hobson & Sara-Jane Langford

Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Dominika Szary, Lydia Mason, Rebecca Towler, Beth Woodfield, Kara Wayman, Cerys Crompton, Hannah Doyle, Grace Muffett, Leah Harper, Sarah O’Rourke (C) & Kaitlin Elsey. Subs – Hannah Lock, Emily Davey, Sophie Barrell, Amy Cayzer & Faith Winters.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Before the match the teams gather around the centre circle for a minutes silence to pay tribute to 9 year old Jordan Banks from Blackpool who was tragically killed this week being struck by lightning whilst training. Rest in Peace.

A minutes silence held before the game

Along with Lauren Deller, Cassandra Carvalheira starting at the back for Mildenhall has played for Newmarket. Goalkeeper Hannah Lock injured in the warm up for Newmarket sees a late change with Dominika Szary donning the gloves, an experienced goalkeeper in her own right having enjoyed a season in the FAWNL with Cambridge City Ladies. The captains, Sarah O’Rourke for Newmarket and Charlotte Nash for Mildenhall meet in the centre with the referee, Mildenhall opting to switch ends moving into position to attack up the slope in the first half. Newmarket to kick-off the match wearing yellow shirts with blue shorts and yellow and blue hooped socks. Mildenhall wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks.

A frantic start the ball pinging back and forth in the centre of the park as each sides closes down the other, the ball eventually being lung out to the right channel by Newmarket for striker Kaitlin Elsey to run down, takes it on into the corner before being challenged by Mildenhall full back Alex Milner an early corner conceded. The delivery swept into the near post cleared by the hosts. Mildenhall get hold of the ball central Jasmine Luckett sending it on through for Nash to attack central, Kara Wayman steps in winning the ball back and preventing Nash escaping in behind her.

Kara Wayman bringing the ball out for Newmarket

  Newmarket send the ball low through into Elsey’s feet 30 yards out she sweeps the pass out to the right channel for O’Rourke who attempts to dink it over the top of the defence for Elsey to run onto, too much on it as goalkeeper Tiffany Toynton comes to claim. Elsey has pace at her disposal as she gets the ball into her feet right side and powers forwards fizzes a ball in towards the near post, is dealt with well by Mildenhall’s Rosalind Ramos who clears upfield. 

  Mildenhall build out on the left Katie Hayes travelling with the ball, sending it on for Deller 20 yards out corner of the box has Luckett going on past her on the over lap diverts the ball into her run, Szary comes to close her down kicking the ball away before Luckett can reach it. Defending at the back Newmarket quickly counter left side the ball up to Leah Harper she fires it up the wing with Elsey peeling off the full back to get in behind, Ramos recovers well to get back on her sliding in to tackle take the ball away from her wide, Elsey going after it turning to fire in a ball along the top of the box, Eloise Gookey intercepting inside the D to bring it away from Mildenhall. 

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

  Newmarket’s pace in attack, unsettling the Mildenhall defence as the visitors are looking to quickly turn play around, Grace Muffett playing it through to O’Rourke looking to escape in the right channel 20 yards out, Milner manages to get across her to send the ball on into her goalkeeper for Toynton to clear. A throw deep on the left sees Newmarket go on to claim a corner kick, the ball played in near post defended by Niketa Cartner, Mildenhall go on the counter attack as Deller carries the ball upfield, sending a strong ball through for Nash leading the attack is clear after it, Szary though ever one to stay on her line is already on the move running out of her box to win the race for the ball launch it back towards her opponents area.

Mildenhall Town Ladies captain, Charlotte Nash

  Nash succeeds to springing the offside trap getting in behind the defence for Mildenhall on the right side pace taking her on into the box Szary comes to close the angle but is beaten top of the box, Nash’s touch sending the ball central but no one is up with her as Newmarket recover at the back. Mildenhall getting some joy out on the left Hayes getting the ball into her feet and looking to take players on, checks inside this time 20 out firing a cross into Nash inside the D hits a shot on the turn the ball running wide of the far post. 

 GOAL! Szary is quick to get play going again and Newmarket hit their opponents with a sucker punch as they go straight up the other end to open the scoring the ball helped on through to Elsey  20 yards out left of the D takes the ball on the bounce setting herself to shoot across the keeper low into the bottom corner from the top of the area 0-1.

Kaitlin Elsey opens the scoring for Newmarket

  A goal inside the opening 15 minutes from Newmarket, Mildenhall get forwards from the restart Annalise Brown into Deller who holds the ball up well in a central position, Nash offering her an option to the left, attempts to put her in on goal, Beth Woodfield stepping out of the back line to take the ball off her toes. Deller strong on the ball 25 yards out left of the D sends a ball into the six yard box, Lydia Mason holds Nash off the defender bringing the ball away on the left firing it forwards for Harper, with Elsey moving across to support, Ramos doing well defensively for the hosts.

 GOAL! Newmarket quickly double their lead the ball won at the back by Woodfield, played on through the middle driven along the floor the target Elsey up in the right channel, takes the ball on running at the defence, checking back to turn inside move central before shooting firing her shot back across the keeper for her 2nd of the game 0-2.

 Mildenhall come very close to pulling a goal back straight away as Hayes attacks with it at her feet on the left wing, shifting inside 25 yards out on the angle goes for goal a sweeping strike that is over Szary, cannons back off the far post, across goal staying in play, Rebecca Towler dealing with it for Newmarket the visitors going straight down the other end a shot from the right fired across the face of goal out for a corner kick. The delivery played into O’Rourke in space outside the area central shifts to her right opening up the angle fires a shot in towards the bottom corner, Toynton diving full stretch to her left making an excellent save.

Katie Hayes striking the woodwork for Mildenhall

  Midway through the 2nd half Mildenhall are looking to get Hayes on the ball left side, Deller holding the ball up well, Nash moving off her win a corner, players come forwards, the set piece played long no one gambling at the far post. Mildenhall’s, Brown is showing so great footwork moving the ball well skipping past players as she looks to get the ball into Deller and Nash up top. Newmarket up the other end always ready to play off the shoulder of the last defender, Elsey never still. Harper on the left comes on with the ball attempts the give and go with Crompton central Ramos tracking Harpers run sliding in to win the tackle for Mildenhall.

Mildenhall’s Annalise Brown with Newmarket’s Cerys Crompton

  A pause in play with Mildenhall having a player down, Gookey who comes off to be replaced by Sara-Jane Langford. Both sides taking on fluids the game being played at a fast pace under bright sunshine. As play resumes Newmarket play O’Rourke in on the right, Milner going with her for Mildenhall to challenge send the ball out for a throw in. Newmarket are pressurising the final 3rd better but Mildenhall’s defence dropping deep at times isn’t being carved open, only when Newmarket back off allow the defence to step out can they exploit Elsey’s pace, the striker sending the ball into the bottom corner, no goal however as the hosts defence stepped up well exposing her to be flagged offside. 

Lauren Deller comes out with the ball for Mildenhall

  Faith Winters joins the game for Newmarket in place of Harper on the left side. Is straight into the action a ball from Hannah Doyle fired through from the centre into her, chases the ball into the box, Ramos does fantastic lunging to tackle send the ball on through to her keeper to deal with. Carvalheiro too with a strong defensive tackle in on Elsey inside the D as the young striker attempts to take the ball in behind her. Langford plays the pass on for Deller who lays it off the Nash running into space on the right goes on into the box before firing a shot into the side netting. 

 GOAL! Mildenhall have been threatening on the left, good footwork from Brown in the middle seeing her release the ball to Hayes out wide on the flank, turns inside strong on the ball taking it into the area before clipping a shot high into the near post under the bar to make it 1-2.

  Newmarket go on the attack the ball fed down the line by Towler, taking the ball on down the right O’Rourke cuts the ball back inside for Elsey 30 yards out right of the D, gets plenty of power behind her strike as she smashes it across the keeper but also wide of the far post. The game has opened up Mildenhall having fallen two goals behind responding well to get themselves back into it go on the attack as Hayes is allowed time on the ball 30 yards out left side taking on the shot Szary scrambles across her goal thankfully sees the ball brush the side netting. 

 GOAL! Newmarket restore their 2 goal advantage and it’s Elsey who goes on to score a 1st half hat-trick. The visitors attacking down the left Ramos defending the ball out for a throw played inside a loose ball played on sees Elsey 25 yards out left of the D nip in to steal it take it on and fires a shot hard across the keeper into the bottom corner 1-3.

Kaitlin Elsey with a 1st half hat-trick

 Newmarket have a corner on the left coming forwards are pressurising the Mildenhall back line the delivery long across the box, Luckett can’t get it away, Cartner sees her attempt charged down, before Brown launches it upfield into Deller who lifts it on for Nash going for the box, Mason taking it off her toes. Deller doing well holding up the ball trying to bring others into play, Luckett away on the right, Wayman into her concedes the throw. Luckett seeing Ramos’ throw into her feet lay it back to her to cross 20 yards out the ball dropping on the penalty spot, Nash after it, Woodfield under it heading firmly away for Newmarket.  

Half-time Mildenhall Town Ladies 1-3 Newmarket Town Ladies Development

  Newmarket leading 3-1 at the break starting the match well opening the score after 15 minutes quickly doubling their advantage. Mildenhall coming back into the game well a couple of chances before pulling it back to 2-1. Newmarket quickly restoring their 2 goals advantage with Elsey’s pace up top a real danger as the young striker completed a first half hat-trick. The game beautifully poised for the 2nd half, Mildenhall know they can’t concede early however.

  The hosts to get the 2nd half underway attacking down the slope now. Newmarket with a change, Elsey off, Emily Davey taking up a position on the right on. The ball played out to the right the pass cut out, Brown regains possession well for Mildenhall passing back to Ramos wide fires it down the line for Luckett, Wayman slides in to tackle for Newmarket. The visitors attack let Winters up with O’Rourke goes inside her taking the ball on looks to be clear in on the box, Toynton comes rushing out to the top of her area makes a brave blocking save getting a bit of both the ball and player but comes off worse the ball put out of play needs treatment but is okay to continue. 

Mildenhall’s Jasmine Luckett

 Deller wins the challenge as the ball is dropped into her left side sending it on down the flank for Hayes, Towler moving across into her to make the challenge send the ball out of play. The pace of the 2nd half as intense as the first Newmarket running the ball on through the middle with Doyle a throw won high on the right is directed into Doyle right of the D her touch lifting it in behind for O’Rourke to spin in behind, picks up pace on the bounce however running out of play before O’Rourke can close it down.

  Mildenhall make a change Gookey coming back on replacing Brown. Winters drives on with the ball left side whipping a cross into the box which is launched into the carpark by Langford defending for Mildenhall. Play a little stretched Newmarket not getting so much of the ball up top, Deller linking up well in attack with Hayes for Mildenhall. Hayes spinning off her marker on halfway taking the ball on into the Newmarket half before angling a diagonal ball into the box looking for Nash peeling off the last defender, the bounce favouring the keeper however as Szary comes well to catch the ball.

Charlotte Nash attempts to flick the ball on spin in behind for Mildenhall

  Carvalheiro steps on the ball loosing possession 25 yards out right of goal presenting O’Rourke with a shooting opportunity the effort no carrying much conviction landing in the side netting. A change for Newmarket with Amy Cayzer joining the game. Winters fed the ball by Mason on the left takes it on firing her pass into O’Rourke who drills a low effort from 20 yards out wide of the near post. Mildenhall bring the ball right Luckett flashes in inside to Nash, attempts to play it across for Deller, Woodfield steps out to intercept. 

Newmarket’s Emily Davey looking for options as she goes forwards

  The host now applying pressure to the Newmarket defence have started the 2nd half well winning a corner, right side fired into the crowded near post Szary amongst it punching the ball away. Ramos up on the right into Luckett 20 yard out skips inside going for the area, Woodfield comes to close her down. Harper has come back on for Newmarket. Luckett on the ball central 25 out sends it out to Hayes attacking on the left, her touch deflecting it on into the box, Mason comes across to put it out for a corner. 

  Megan Hobson comes on for Mildenhall to replace Langford. The corner from the left played chest height into the near post, Cartner getting something on it from 3 yards out turning it goalwards, Szary is well placed saving with a well taken grab low between her legs and reacts quickly releasing it early. Mildenhall on top now pushing forwards winning the ball back in the final 3rd, Deller and Nash taking on the Newmarket defence another corner won on the left met low central but blasted back hard wide across goal. 

Dominika Szary well placed to save as Niketa Cartner turns the ball goalwards

  For all their pressing Mildenhall are vulnerable to the counter attack the ball brought clear left side fed on for O’Rourke getting clear central, bearing down on the area, Toynton comes to close her down, O’Rourke unleashes a shot looks certain to score, Toynton arms outstretched gets the merest of fingertips to it deflect the ball wide of goal for a corner, an excellent save! 

  Davey gets on well up the right to support O’Rourke for Newmarket the pair combining Davey inside attempting the return ball into the box for the attacker, Cartner gets across well to stop the move, pulls up immediately, can’t continue has to come off, Brown returning to the game. Doyle takes the ball on through the middle as Newmarket break from a set play Milner and Ramos combine to close her down win the ball back for the hosts. 

Mildenhall’s Alex Milner

  Wayman with a strong run attacking down Newmarket’s left brings her side a corner as Ramos comes across to tackle. Mildenhall defend but fail to break Newmarket attack again on the left the ball into the top of the area, Toynton comes doesn’t get the ball, the shot is sent past her central, Ramos backing off to cover the goal blocks the ball. The game moving into the final 10 minutes Newmarket bringing Elsey back on up top for O’Rourke. Elsey straight into the action left side given the ball by Winters into the box, Toynton comes making another great save with her legs deflecting the ball wide across her six yard box.  

 

  Deller 25 yards out fizzes a pass into Nash inside the D, her touch taking it wide to her left turns inside the angle going against her blasts her strike behind the target. The Mildenhall defence is tiring, Elsey rested back on has pace at her disposal, Doyle feeding her in central she drives on to the top of the area, Toynton coming out saving well against her. Up the other end Luckett’s pass sees Nash force a corner kick, Newmarket struggle to get it clear, Brown closing down wide right flashing a shot wide across the six yard box. Less than 5 minutes left to play.

GOAL! Elsey adding an injection of pace into the Newmarket attack picks the ball up 40 yards out powers forwards has Doyle up ahead of her to the right sends the ball out to her the midfielder taking in on into the box wide of goal strikes the ball sending a looping shot high to drop over the line behind the keeper 1-4.

Hannah Doyle scores Newmarket’s 4th

  Newmarket bring Sophie Barrell on for Lydia Mason late on.

 GOAL! A strong end to the game from Newmarket taking it away from Mildenhall, Elsey on the scoresheet for her 4th of the game given the ball central is closed down by the Mildenhall defence, tired one up ended Elsey powers on breaking clear to the top of the area, sets her sights planting a fiercely drilled shot wide to the right of the keeper 1-5. 

Kaitlin Elsey powering her way on into the box

 A late free-kick in stoppage time for Mildenhall 30 yards out central, Hayes on it up into the area tries to pick out Nash, Woodfield going with her shields the ball into Szary.

Full time Mildenhall Town Ladies 1-5 Newmarket Town Ladies Development

  Two late goals for Newmarket seeing them win the game 5-1 and keep the pressure on the leading pair. Started the game well taking the lead inside 15 minutes quickly going 2 up. Mildenhall fought back well having chances pulling a goal back. Newmarket hitting back straight away to lead 3-1 at the break. Final scores don’t always reflect games, no doubt Mildenhall had the better of the 2nd half for 40 minutes, Tiffany Toynton with some crucial saves however couldn’t find a goal, Newmarket hitting them with two late goals at the death to seal the win.

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. Some great goalkeeping from Tiffany Toynton kept her side in the game for a long period in the 2nd half. Katie Hayes out on the left with some impressive runs and took her goal well. Rosalind Ramos in particular at the back made several vital tackles. For Newmarket, Lydia Mason covered alot of ground at the back winning several tackles. The award though goes to Newmarket striker Kaitlin Elsey 28 goals from 10 appearances now and easy to see why, great positional play and pace troubled the Mildenhall defence first half scoring a hat-trick coming back on late on to get an assist and score her 4th.

  Enjoyed being back at Mildenhall again is a great club good to see it embracing it’s women’s side, an enjoyable match. My thanks to both sides for giving me those all important team details much appreciated.

 by Darren Gilham

Match Report – St Ives Town Ladies Development v Netherton United Ladies

Sunday 9th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

 The football action on Women’s Football East this weekend comes from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership with 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development hosting Netherton United Ladies currently in 6th place.

  Cambridgeshire the only county in the East to carry on with its playing season after the latest Covid lockdown as lifted at the end of March. Alot of football still to be played the FA extending the season to the end of June allowing clubs to get there fixtures in. Cambridgeshire featuring two Championship divisions a North and South with 7 and 8 sides competing respectfully and an 11 strong Premiership.

 All three leagues being hotly contested at the top the Premiership no exception, with just 8 points separating current leaders Ketton Ladies and 9th placed Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. The lead having been exchanged on several occasions throughout the season so far no one side has been able to break away at the top. Ketton are 2 points clear of 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development both though have played 4 and 5 games more than 3rd placed Cambridge University Women who have lost just once this season, face 4th placed Leverington Sports Ladies at home this Sunday both on 20 points. 5th placed Whittlesey Athletic Ladies (formerly ICA Sports Ladies) have been strong too making a good start to the season. Whilst Netherton United Ladies in 6th and Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves like Cambridge University have games in hand on those above.

 St Ives Town Ladies enjoying a rapid rise through the women’s football pyramid the first team now finding their feet in the ERWFL Premier Division. Started a Development side in the 2017/18 season finishing 4th in the debut season in the Championship South. The following season were impressive as they won the league winning all but one of their 15 games. Into the Premiership growing to 13 sides in the 2019/20 season more than held their own comfortable in 5th spot before the Covid pandemic saw the season declared null & void.

The ongoing pandemic causing more disruption this season, the league put on hold has affected all sides in terms of progression but could hardly be avoided, most I think will bounce back all the stronger as the women’s game continues to see healthy growth. St Ives Town Ladies Development currently 2nd in the Premiership table with 21 points from 14 played. Poppy Lyons their top scorer with 10 goals from 10 appearances whilst Jade Carpenter has 8 goals from 12.

 The Premiership title battle remains wide open and Netherton United Ladies are in a great position in 6th spot, 6 points behind leaders Ketton Ladies but have 4 games in hand. Have lost 2 of their 9 matches so far winning 5 of those. A good performance in the FA Women’s Cup partly responsible for Netherton having those games in hand. Claiming a memorable 5-4 win over Eastern region side Leigh Ramblers from Essex along the way. Are an established side in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership with an experienced squad, plenty of goal scorers in their ranks, Emily Johnson leads the way so far this season 14 from 11 appearances whilst Yasmin Green and Sasha Haw have 6 each.

The venue for today’s game the One Leisure Outdoor facility, boasting a number of sporting pitches, several grass football pitches along with the site accommodating, a cricket pitch, athletic track, astro hockey pitch and tennis courts amongst other sporting activities. All it did yesterday was rain as you all know was a little worried it might affect some pitches but the ground was so dry to begin with has done it more good than anything else. Today a total contrast up to 20 degrees, sunny but overcast a strong breeze building during the match.

St Ives Town Ladies Development starting XI – Faye Dunmore, Penelope Ford, Sophie Marjoram, Emily Stephenson, Georgie Astley, Molly Berryman, Jess Conyard (C), Tia Everdell, Fran Worrall, Angel Lyden & Poppy Lyons. Subs – Jade Carpenter, Arianna Andrade, Charlotte Hammond, Charlotte Noble & Elle Jefferson.

Netherton United Ladies starting XI – Ali Beel, Dita Upesjure, Amy Stanyon, Amber Parkinson, Jordan Sampson, Chloe Earth, Jess Perrin, Megan Strickland (C), Leah Stacey, Yasmin Green & Emily Johnson. Subs – Katie Barber, Ellie Hannon & Sasha Haw.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s the hosts St Ives to kick-off the 1st half, wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks, Netherton lined up opposite wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball sprayed out long to the right from the off as Angel Lyden breaks forwards for St Ives down the flank the pass too heavy however goes out for a throw. Netherton are quickly on the offensive Jess Perrin taking the ball on up the left lays it on for Yasmin Green, she plays it infield as Perrin continues her run into the D, the St Ives defence closing the door no way through.

A positive start from Netherton on the front foot taking the attack to St Ives, Perrin and Green combining once again, the ball sent into the box defended well by Molly Berryman back for St Ives. Perrin attacking right wins the away side the first corner of the game. Put long to the far post is headed goalwards, but straight Georgie Astley cannoning off her head at close range, didn’t know much about it but certainly felt it. The ball cleared for a throw out to the left, is gathered by Emily Johnson gets her head down and drives for the by line before flashing a low cross along the face of goal, cleared by St Ives captain Jess Conyard at the far post, play stopped Astley needs treatment, but is okay to continue.

Jess Perrin brings the ball on for Netherton

Johnson getting hold of the ball left side cuts inside before being brought down 25 yards out a free kick awarded, Leah Stacey over it for Netherton sends her delivery in towards the far post, players closing in but none can meet it as it runs out of play. Amy Stanyon getting forwards from defence for Netherton on the right delivers a cross into the area, is headed behind for a corner kick by St Ives Penelope Ford.

GOAL! Netherton open the scoring within the opening 10 minutes of the match from the corner kick the ball fired into the six yard box from the right goes long gathered by Johnson beyond the far post fires the ball back into the six yard box central captain Megan Strickland is there stooping to head the ball wide of goalkeeper Fay Dunmore to score her 1st goal of the season 0-1.

Captain, Megan Strickland opens the scoring for Netherton

Netherton capitalising on a bright start, St Ives look for an immediate response from the restart get straight on the attack, Angel Lyden bursting into space on the right wins her side a corner. The hosts get players forwards into the Netherton half, Sophie Marjoram allowed time to cross from deep on the right sends in a dangerous ball to the near post, goalkeeper Ali Beel has the angle covered but spills the ball, Poppy Lyons breaking into the six yard box first to it smashes it at close range Beel making the blocking save. The game beginning to open up Netherton look a threat on the counter attack, Stephenson wins it at the back for St Ives hoping to turn play around her long ball over the top, Lyons is caught offside as the away defence step up well.

Poppy Lyons plays the ball on for St Ives

  Tia Everdell coming back to receive the ball powers her way through the midfield riding a challenge before angling a through ball on for Lyons making a left channel run, too much on it sees Beel off her line win the race for the ball. Perrin is making some great runs through the middle for Netherton, Green and Johnson providing good movement ahead of her. Emily Stephenson making a couple of vital interceptions at the back for St Ives. Up the other end Lyons is looking to put pressure on the Netherton defence one on one with Jordan Sampson tracking back into the area left of goal, holds the ball up checking back to lay off for Fran Worrall, she strikes it on the angle from all of 25 yards out her shot racing wide of the near post. 

Amy Stanyon winning the ball for Netherton

  Netherton break from a St Ives corner, Perrin away with the ball at her feet makes ground on the right, Lyden tracks back with her doing well to slow her down as Stephenson closes in to make the tackle. Brings Netherton a corner kick on the left flashed into the six yard box is turned goalwards but with little power, Dunmore in the right place to claim it. Stacey travels with the ball central into the St Ives half sends it onto Johnson to her right attacks the area, Stephenson defends well for St Ives. 

St Ives Emily Stephenson with Netherton’s Emily Johnson

 Netherton getting the better of the midfield battle at the moment are keeping St Ives penned in pushing bodies forwards, Sampson getting upfield on the right seeing her cross charged down. Lyons coming back into the middle to win the ball takes it forwards well, has Worrell and Lyden breaking ahead of her, Netherton once again spring the offside trap. Katie Barber is on the field for Netherton in an advanced position top of the area looks to break in behind the defence, Stephenson closing in takes the ball away from her toes. 

Netherton defender, Amber Parkinson

 St Ives get a throw in inside the Netherton half on the right, bodies forwards the crossfield ball is played into Berryman 20 yards out central lays it forwards for Conyard right of the D, Berryman continues her run past Conyard is given the return pass, puts her foot through the ball her shot blasted in at the near post Beel get’s a glove to it the ball behind for a corner kick. Fired into the mix in front of goal from the right s a brief scramble before Amber Parkinson launches it away. Netherton threaten another break however Green is flagged offside. St Ives play the ball left Lyons running into space behind into the box Beel coming to close her down, the ball knocked past her wide of goal, Lyons after it the angle is tight, defenders running back to cover the goal, the shot is fired into the side netting.

St Ives, Sophie Marjoram

  GOAL! A chance to level at one end for St Ives, is punished as Netherton get up the other end to score and double their lead, attacking on the right the ball played on for Johnson, is met by Stephenson slices the clearance the ball deflected on behind her looks to be running out for a corner except Johnson hasn’t given it up running to catch in collects on the by line lifting a cross in along the face of goal, Stacey has gambled through the middle getting their to meet it first time lifts her effort up to strike the crossbar, rebounding down does well on the follow up to adjust her feet and deflect the ball past the keeper 0-2.

Leah Stacey doubles Netherton’s lead

  Half an hour played St Ives bring the ball out from the back on their right Marjoram playing a diagonal ball inside for Lyden up top, Parkinson with her defends for Netherton outside the box. The away side look to counter through the middle, Berryman strong breaks the move up for the hosts. Sampson with Dita Upesjure on the left for Netherton play a good triangle going forwards with Johnson ahead of them, the striker attempting to storm inside Marjoram the full back putting in a timely tackle to regain possession. 

Angel Lyden bringing the ball forwards for St Ives

  Lyden inside for Berryman she brings the ball on through the centre before spreading play out to the left, Worrell chasing the ball to the by line flashing in a vicious cross along the face of the Netherton goal no one gambling however, Lyden closest at the far post retrieves it in the corner before launching a cross into the box, a handball spotted by referee Jack Badcock a penalty awarded to the hosts.

  An opportunity to pull a goal back before half-time. Everdell placing the ball on the spot, goes low to the right, Beel goes the same way diving to save the penalty! The ball pushed out to her right, it’s St Ives sharpest on the follow up Marjoram striking the ball back in on the angle Beel rising making another brave blocking save to deny the hosts. Netherton make another change Ellie Hannon coming on for Earth in the middle. St Ives make a change to bringing on Charlotte Hammond for Astley. 

Ali Beel down well to save the penalty for Netherton

  A corner won after the penalty on the right is defended at the near post a 2nd corner given this on cleared by Hannon. Netherton with a free-kick deep on the right Green playing it long Johnson up into the area Marjoram closest to her, neither can get hold of the ball as it pings between them before deflecting safely back into Dunmore’s gloves. St Ives send the ball from the middle into the left channel Upesjure finds herself exposed, outnumbered as Lyons and Lyden get after the ball top of the area however the full back keeps her composure does well to keep the attackers off the ball, nudging it behind for a corner. A cluster of players attacking the near post the ball is deflected up high across the six yard box dropping far post Lyons is there but can’t get a clean connection with her shot.

  Late into the 1st half Perrin carries the ball on for Netherton rifles a ball into the box for Johnson making a run to the left, a good first touch checks to move inside central takes on the shot puts it straight at Dunmore who holds comfortably. Moments later Dunmore is called into action to make an excellent save for St Ives Johnson with the strike in a similar position to her earlier move skipping inside the box off Perrin’s pass, further out goes to put it in the far corner, diving full stretch to her left Dunmore throws out an arm to bat the ball wide of the post. 

Half-time St Ives Town Ladies Development 0-2 Netherton United Ladies

  A strong start to the game from Netherton saw them take the lead inside the opening 10 minutes of the game. Have looked strong in attack since Perrin providing some great runs, Johnson and Green lively up top. Took St Ives a while to get themselves into the game on the back foot began to create opportunities Netherton finding a 2nd goal to hammer home the advantage. Both keepers making excellent saves, Beel a double save from the penalty. Dunmore’s late save seeing the lead stay at 2-0, which as many more than myself is never an easy score line to defend. 

  Change’s for St Ives in the 2nd period, Jade Carpenter on for Berryman and Astley is back on in defence. Arianna Andrade was a late edition in the 1st half too for the hosts. Netherton get the 2nd period underway the cloud cover seeing the breeze picking up. 

GOAL! The perfect start to the 2nd half for Netherton, are awarded a free-kick inside the St Ives half wide on the right, Green on the ball sends it high and long towards the far post players racing in to attack it, Perrin and Hannon close together, think Hannon got the final touch, smashing it home from close range, confirmed at the end of the game is her first goal of the season too 0-3.

Ellie Hannon puts Netherton 3 goals up

  Netherton 3 goals up within a minute of the restart extending their lead a further hammer blow for St Ives who now have a mountain to climb if they are to get back into the match. Perrin’s driving runs forwards continue to cause havoc, Johnson always an option ahead of her stretching the St Ives defence. Lyden a willing runner on the right for St Ives chasing the ball down into space flashes a cross in behind from the by line following good work by Lyons holding the ball up central. 

 Perrin traveling into the box from the left sees the ball into her body from Stacey out wide controls and hits it on the angle, Dunmore across her goal to close the angle making a comfortable save. Marjoram comes off for St Ives replaced by Hammond. Strickland with a deflected shot 20 yards out left of the D falls to Johnson out on the right takes on the strike am behind it so I can see it is going narrowly wide but Dunmore can’t take that chance gets a glove on it to send it wide behind for a corner. The delivery long to the far post Carpenter up well to head clear for St Ives. Doesn’t go far before a shot is flashed back in travels narrowly wide.

Tia Everdell on the attack for St Ives

 Everdell is covering alot of ground for St Ives coming back to win the ball and get up in support of Lyons in attack, goes forwards as Andrade brings it on left side receives the squared ball inside the Netherton half attempts to thread it through for Lyons central is read well by Sampson who steps up to intercept the ball. Hannon comes of for Barber for Netherton. Great work and more brave goalkeeping from Beel as Carpenter for St Ives lifts a pass over the top to the right for Lyden to attack, the goalkeeper out early to close her down Lyden smashes her shot at her at close range the keeper making two blocking saves in quick succession before scrambling to smother the ball.

St Ives captain, Jess Conyard

 Conyard defends for St Ives back to help Stephenson inside the D as 14 tries to get the better of the defender. St Ives make a change up top bringing off Lyons, Charlotte Noble joining the action. Everdell flicking the ball on through the middle playing it to Lyden out on the right chases it into the corner, Sampson goes with her the defender doing superbly to prevent Lyden getting free. Strickland attacking on the right for Netherton moves towards the area, Everdell tracking back well puts her foot in to regain possession. 

  More strong running on the ball from Perrin central lays it out to the right for Johnson into the area beating the advancing keeper the angle going away from her fires a shot in wide across the face of goal. Stephenson winning the ball at the back brings it on into the middle before sending it long for Lyden bursting free on the right 25 yards out releases a shot past the advancing keeper, so too however the wide of the far post. 

Arianna Andrade winning the ball back for St Ives

GOAL! 20 minutes gone in the 2nd half and St Ives find a reply, Everdell with the goal getting forwards well sees the ball fired into her feet 30 yards out from goal to the left of the D, hr touch taking it inside sets her sights and with her right foot lifts her shot wide of the keeper into the right hand corner of the goal 1-3.

Netherton make a change Perrin coming off for Hannon. Andrade off for St Ives, Elle Jefferson on joining Noble in attack. The hosts with a free-kick on halfway Astley up towards the top of the area Noble onto it inside the D strikes it with the outside of her boot, Beel back on her line claiming it. Noble on the left firing a cross into the area, Parkinson dealing with it at the far post for Netherton. A long ball forwards sees Johnson through on goal checks inside to her right see her strike blocked, after the rebound fires it across goal, cleared at the far post by Hammond. Upesjure comes off for Netherton replaced by Sasha Haw who joins the attack.

Jade Carpenter on the ball for St Ives

  Johnson finding space up top as the game wears on fires a first time strike across goal. Haw off a throw out on the left strikes a shot high over the bar on the angle. Noble getting some joy out on the left travels with the ball flashes it inside for Jefferson central, Sampson close on the attack winning the ball for Netherton. Sampson defending well for Netherton winning the ball again inside the D as Carpenter bringing the ball forwards looks to combine with Noble. The game moving into the final 10 minutes. Noble with a good touch turns the ball in behind the opposition defence on the left, 10 yards out flashes her shot wide across goal. 

Netherton defender, Jordan Sampson

Perrin back on the field for Barber, the midfielder flicking the ball on for Johnson to attack into the box left side evades a sliding challenge going to to smash the ball at the near post Dunmore saving at point blank range beating the ball down before conceding the corner. Dunmore able to claim the corner unopposed at her near post as Netherton finish the game strong Johnson creating chances looking to get on the scoresheet. Lyons re-joins the game for St Ives, Everdell trying to pick her out the ball bouncing through the the keeper. 

 Perrin coming forwards has Haw beside her as the pair travel into the area unopposed have almost too much time to line up a shot, which is eventually blocked. Pace from Noble on the left attacking for St Ives whips a ball into the area trying to pick out Jefferson, Sampson there again to defend for Netherton. Green with Strickland central attempt to play a give and go, Strickland’s pass on into the area, a little too heavy allows Dunmore to get out to it first. Shortly after Strickland is played into space on the right looks to be through one on one with the keeper until Astley recovers brilliantly sliding into take the ball away from her feet.

St Ives, Charlotte Noble

 Carpenter taking control of the ball central drives forwards has Noble and Jefferson ahead of her the pair looking to combine 20 yards out once more are thwarted by Sampson at the back for Netherton. Time running out for St Ives to pull a goal back apply late pressure to Netherton the away side defending well, Stanyon and Parkinson making good tackles getting the ball clear. The hosts with a last gasp corner on the right cleared long upfield. 

GOAL! With St Ives committing in attack late on the ball is cleared long upfield, Stacey giving chase on the left taking the ball down in the area smashes her shot goalwards, Dunmore can only beat it away straight back to Stacey opens up her body to send her 2nd attempt wide of the keeper strikes the inside of the left post and deflects into the bottom right corner to see Stacey net her 2nd of the match and confirm the win for Netherton 1-4.

Full time St Ives Town Ladies Development 1-4 Netherton United Ladies

  At the final whistle Netherton seal a 4-1 away win to close the gap to St Ives to a point, Netherton up to fifth as the Premiership table becomes all the tighter at the top with wins for Cambridge University Women seeing them go top, whilst Peterborough Norther Star Ladies Reserves go 3rd, just 3 points separating the top 6 now! Netherton deserved winners making a bright start to the game on the front foot taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. St Ives with chances before the away side went 2-0 that the score at the break both keepers saving well, Beel keeping out a penalty. The perfect start to the 2nd half Netherton extending their lead. Looked comfortable had further chances Johnson alone could have had a hat-trick on another day. St Ives kept at it however pulling a goal back had opportunities to score further goals before Netherton ensured victory at the death.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Once again a few contenders no easy decision. Firstly for St Ives Tia Everdell was full of running covering alot of ground back to help the defence and going forwards. Whilst at the back Emily Stephenson make several vital challenges. For Netherton, Jordan Sampson wasn’t letting anything through he middle especially in the 2nd period as she made a number of crucial tackles to regain possession. Goalkeeper Ali Beel was excellent making a number of saves, including the penalty and coming to close the angle when called upon. Just ahead of both today’s award goes to Jess Perrin felt she set the tone early on for Netherton driving forwards with the ball got her side on the front foot making plenty of surging runs on the ball from the middle of the park.

  Nice to get on the road again get out of Norfolk into Cambridgeshire for the first time in 2021. Great to catch up with a few football friends too. Appreciate all the help with the team details too.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Norwich City Women v Wymondham Town Ladies

Sunday 2nd May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup

 Sponsored by Harrod Sport

 The football action on Women’s Football East this weekend comes from the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup quarter finals and a match that should have been the final last season as Norwich City Women take on Wymondham Town Ladies. 

This weekend seeing the whole of English football and several other sporting bodies taking part in a social media boycott until 23:59pm Mon 3rd May in protest against the growing wave of racism and discriminatory abuse directed at players and clubs alike. Asking as one for the social media giants to do more about it. Social media can be a fantastic way for football to engage with fans and certainly women’s football has become a leader in this but for a while now for a minority it has brought out the worst and needs to be addressed. Women’s Football East supports the boycott hence no coverage of this weekends game.

 A tie between two of the leading sides in Norfolk, both will fancy there chances of going all the way. The quarter final draw pitting them together as both enter the competition at this stage along with ERWFL Premier Division side, Wroxham Women. Wymondham Town Ladies back to back winners of the County Cup looking to keep up the defence of the trophy they held onto back in the 2019 final against King’s Lynn Town Ladies played at the first time at Carrow Road the home of Norwich City FC. The Covid pandemic seeing the competition ending before that final could take place last season. 

Norfolk FA pushing on with their County Cup competitions as most leagues have been declared null & void with football only able to return at the start of April due to a 3 month lockdown and too much of the season being lost. A boost for the women’s county cup too as it is sponsored for the first time Harrod Sport one of the world’s leading sports equipment manufacturers signing a 3-year deal to support the competition.

 Norwich City Women playing in the FAWNL South East Division One having reached the final last time out after a period away from the competition. Dominated the county cup early on in it’s inaugural season back in 2010/11 winning the trophy and defending it successfully for 4 seasons before stepping away. Returned three of season’s ago, reaching the final last time out before seeing the season curtailed. Like most leagues the FAWNL was declared null & void and whereas others have set-up temporary competitions to fill what weeks remain of the season the FAWNL didn’t leaving sides to organise post-season friendlies. Thus the County Cup presenting a great opportunity for Norwich to challenge for silverware something the club having been in something of a transition period hasn’t done for a while.

  Standing in Norwich’s way however are the current holders Wymondham Town Ladies, back to back winners the club has risen through the pyramid of women’s football in Norfolk to become one of the leading sides. Reaching the ERWFL Premier Division, were in a strong position at the top of a competitive table before sadly seeing the season end. The ERWFL setting up a Challenge Cup competition to fill the gap, teams form both divisions drawn into 4 groups with the winners going on to compete in a finals day featuring semi-finals and final aswell as a 3rd place play-off match. Wymondham drawn into what would be the group of death if you follow the leagues along side fellow Premier Division sides St Ives Town Ladies, Colney Heath Ladies and Luton Town Ladies along with Division One North side Needham Market Women. 2 wins and a draw including a 2-1 win against Luton Town Ladies last time out putting Wymondham in a strong position to finish top of their group with just Needham Market Women to play. Have been playing competitive football which may just give them an edge over Norwich 

The Nest the venue for today’s quarter final. The new home for Norwich City Women who were keen to get involved with the project from the very start. Was still being build the last time I was here one a very wet and windy day for Norwich’s semi-final with Wroxham back in 2020. Progress has been rapid. A new state of the art facility constructed, with cafe clubhouse and function room leading out onto a new 3G playing surface. Situated on the outskirts north of the city past the airport, features multi-sports pitches and is aiming to become another leading community sports facility within the county. A better day weather wise this time round a few clouds around but otherwise sunny and pleasant.

Norwich City Women starting XI – Elli-Rai Quinn-Nichols, Anna Larkins, Alice Parker, Kate Parsons, Izzy Collins, Millie Daviss (C), Ellie Smith, Megan Todd, Aimee Durrant, Kathryn Stanley & Natasha Snelling. Subs – Brooke Osbourne, Reeanna Cook & Jess Harper.

Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Chelsea Clarke, Leah Newcombe (C), Lauren Kett, Chardonnay Johnston, Katie Knights, Jennifer Codman, Freya Symonds, Natasha Youngs, Rebecca Russell & Hannah Waters. Subs – Laura Nicholls, Francesca Catchpole & Mary Croft.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Good to see players returning from long term injuries featuring with Megan Todd in the starting line up for Norwich and Chardonnay Johnston starting in defence for Wymondham having both suffered from ACL’s. It’s Norwich to kick-off the game wearing yellow shirts and socks with green shorts. Wymondham lined up opposite wearing red shirts and shorts with black socks. The ball put out to the right for Aimee Durrant to have an early run at the Wymondham defence is soon closed down the ball cleared up field.

Aimee Durrant brings the ball forwards for Norwich

Hannah Waters leading the attack for Wymondham, is looking to break in behind the Norwich central defence the ball threaded through for her to gather 30 yards out, she is closely marshalled by both centre backs, Kate Parsons in to tackle with Izzy Collins around on the cover the ball won back Norwich look to push players on captain Millie Daviss on the ball in the middle of the park playing the pass out to Kathryn Stanley moving into the left channel knocks it forwards but can’t get the better of Wymondham right back and captain Leah Newcombe.

Norwich captain, Millie Daviss

   Newcombe defends again moments later as Daviss playing a give and go with Alice Parker on the left attempts to run in behind a throw conceded inside the Wymondham half , into Todd’s feet she turns and drives towards the box, shoots left of the D takes a deflection off a defender sending it behind for a corner kick. The delivery long from the left towards the far post his headed over. Dropping deep at times Wymondham are allowing Norwich to come on with the ball, Todd dribbling the ball on combining with Natasha Snelling up top winning a throw. 

Norwich’s, Megan Todd

 Parker and Anna Larkins at right back have space to run into as Wymondham drop everyone bar Waters into their own half. The game cagey at times passes rushed, Wymondham anting to play out from the back Norwich’s attacking players closing down well snapping at the ball, Stanley putting Newcombe under pressure, Chardonnay Johnston closing in challenging to prevent her taking the ball on into the area. Freya Symonds getting hold of the ball on through for Waters, Collins and Parsons however staying tight on her, finds no way through.

Norwich attacker, Natasha Snelling with Wymondham defender, Chardonnay Johnston

   An opportunity for Newcombe to get out from the back on the right for Wymondham crosses the halfway line before delivering a high diagonal ball into the top of the Norwich area, Collins heading it to safety for the hosts. Norwich moving the ball quickly, passes not always finding there mark, the energy high, Todd and Stanley making forwards runs to support Snelling up top, Wymondham defending deep are keeping a solid shape, no one able to find a way through. Larkins puts a high diagonal cross into the box, Todd furthest forwards on the penalty spot getting her head on the ball, loops it up towards goal, Wymondham goalkeeper Chloe Pearce with a confident take under her bar. 

Wymondham’s Hannah Waters with Norwich’s, Kathryn Stanley

   Space for Natasha Youngs to run into playing on the right for Wymondham as she is fed the ball from Rebecca Russell in the middle takes it on, Parsons racing across to close her down, takes the ball as Youngs checks back inside. Having soaked up some pressure Wymondham are beginning to find some joy on the flanks, Chelsea Clarke left side playing the ball long towards the top of the area with Youngs providing the run her shot blocked by Parker on the edge of the box. Katie Knights playing the ball on for Symonds as Wymondham build from the back play spread to Youngs out wide right whips a cross back in across the top of the Norwich area, Russell racing into the D, the ball taken off her toes by the defence. 

Wymondham’s, Rebecca Russell

  Pearce is forced into making a quality save as out of nowhere a long distance strike in fired into the area bouncing up off the 3G surface threatens to creep in under the bar, Pearce back peddling tipping it up over her crossbar. Swung into the area Parsons up highest near side looks to head it on across the area, Snelling gathers it but is forced out of the box by the Wymondham defence. 25 minutes played a pause as Symonds receives treatment inside the Norwich area.

  Stanley is brought down by Newcombe giving Norwich a free kick 30 yards out on the left. Parker to deliver. Played into the far post Todd looks coming round the back stretching can’t get there. Looking to play out from the back almost costs Wymondham a moment later as Pearce’s ball rolled to the top of the area is pounced upon by Stanley nipping in ahead of the defender takes it inside into the D, striking it well a curling effort flying towards the top corner, Pearce recovers well however as she dives across at full stretch to make the save beating the ball away to the right.

Wymondham goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce

  With Parker and Larkins able to come forwards at will for Norwich they have plenty of bodies inside the Wymondham half, Ellie Smith linking with Daviss in the middle, Jennifer Codman stretching a legs cutting out the pass intended for Snelling 20 yards out. Stanley travels with the ball through the middle, pushed onto Snelling she sees Parker making a run of the left the diagonal ball fizzed into her, Parker can’t quite get the intended touch to knock it inside and behind Newcombe as the full back reclaims possession. Durrant takes aim from 25 yards out on the right her shot taking a wicked deflection favours Pearce however the keeper getting down low to claim on her line. 

Wymondham’s Jennifer Codman

 Norwich allowed to come on have been forcing the pace of the game, get caught out as Codman releases Youngs on the right has Waters ahead of her moving into the right channel takes the ball on into the corner turning to send it in towards the top right of the box the ball behind Russell however, Norwich regain possession and are straight on the offensive Todd playing in on for Smith she has Daviss up with her, the Norwich captain spreading play out to Parker surging on down the left pots Stanley bombing into the box crosses, Lauren Kett stepping up to take hold of the ball carry it clear of the box for Wymondham to relieve the pressure.

  Waters is isolated in attack for Wymondham at times but always a willing runners and a constant threat pulling off the shoulder of the last defender, so far she has been well marshalled by Parsons and Collins at the back for Norwich. Russell looking to get on in support whenever she can finds herself up into the final 3rd left of the D, Symonds making a run to her right squares it to her, Parker closing her down defending well for the hosts. Todd comes left on the ball has Stanley in front of her rolls the ball into her path, knocks it inside looking to escape Newcombe but can’t as the full back lunges to take the ball from her feet before she can line up a shot.

Norwich centre back, Izzy Collins

 Wymondham make the first change of the game having taken a knock earlier on it’s Symonds who comes off with Mary Croft coming on. Both Parsons and Youngs are hobbling after the Wymondham winger goes in to make a strong tackle. The game paused again as Youngs needs treatment. Norwich with more of the ball but aren’t really making it count, Wymondham aren’t leaving any gaps at the back, but starting from so deep a position they are finding it hard to get anything going in attack can’t find Waters who has started coming back to get hold of the ball.

Ellie Smith bringing the ball on for Norwich

  Norwich come right the ball squared into the D, Snelling with the back heel helping it on for Parker behind her her tough taking it into the box, shoots bodies in front of her is deflected through to the keeper. Smith joining the attack from midfield adding to Norwich’s threat is upended outside the box but doesn’t get the decision. Norwich with a corner kick however in the right load the six yard box a sweet delivery played in Pearce does superbly under pressure to claim the ball. 

Wymondham goalkeeper Chloe Pearce with a confident take inside a crowded box.

Croft charges down Stanley at the top of the D as the Norwich attacker looks to put her foot through a dropping ball fired in from the right.   Wymondham with a chance to put the ball into the box late in the first half as they are awarded a free-kick inside the Norwich half in the right, Johnston over it aims for the far post runners coming in drops in front of goal, Youngs takes a swing at it is blocked by a Norwich body spinning away to the left. A coming together between Knights and Smith the free-kick given in favour of the visitors a talking too for Smith receives a yellow card but talks herself into further action as she is sin binned. Just the 2nd time it’s been recorded on WF East (and incidentally the first time was for a Norwich player in the County Cup too).

Norwich’s Ellie Smith bemused as the decision goes against her.

 Norwich to end the half with 10 on the pitch, Clarke to play the free-kick wide left forwards into the area bounces through to Youngs at the far post not easy to get under control rising stabs it goalwards, a block put in before goalkeeper Elli-Rai Quinn-Nichols grabs it. 

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

  Goalless at the break. Norwich with more of the ball have had Wymondham under pressure at times but have yet to create many clear cut opportunities, the best coming from a Wymondham error. Have been able to press the attack get bodies forwards closing down the back line forcing the midfield back leaving Waters isolated up top. Passing has been somewhat loose though that first touch not quite there. Wymondham have kept a solid shape pushed back have left no room in behind for the likes of Todd, Durrant and Stanley. Whilst soaking up the pressure have looked for opportunities creating a couple of half chances themselves. A cagey game it might take an error to give one side the advantage all to play for 2nd half.

  Norwich of course still down to 10 with Smith still sin binned as Wymondham get the 2nd half underway. Norwich quickly regain possession Durrant on the right flashing a ball in to the D, spotting the run of Stanley on the opposite side, the ball bouncing just behind her. Parsons slides in with a strong tackle to take the ball away from Waters as she attempts to knock it on into the box from inside the D on the right. Snelling gathering the ball on halfway drives on with the ball, making ground is eventually hauled down Norwich awarded the free-kick, flashed into the far post on the angle Pearce back peddling is able to claim it unopposed.

Norwich’s Kate Parsons

Parsons with the ball at her feet tries her luck with a long distance strike all of 40 yards out, skipping along the ground finds it way through to the keeper. Clarke checking inside from the left sweeps a diagonal ball into Waters central bringing it down turns straight into Collins. Knights gives herself the room to adjust and make the tackle as Durrant drives on from the right looking to get into the box.

Wymondham make a 2nd change Laura Nicholls coming on to replace Youngs in the right. An early opportunity to run with the ball at her feet right side squares it across the D into Waters, Parker on the cover around to defend for Norwich. Smith returns to the action for Norwich back up to their full compliment get up the right to win a corner. Headed clear at the far post cleared out to the left a shot comes flashing back in on the angle to land in the side netting. Norwich make a change bringing off Durrant, send on Reeanna Cook. Parker smashes the ball in from the angle sees her effort charged down.

Wymondham’s, Freya Symonds

Russell takes the ball on through the middle nudges it on for Waters who plays it back to the advancing Codman she puts her foot through the shot, on target skips up in front of Quinn-Nichols who saves smartly with her feet having so far seen little action. Norwich quick to get up the other end looking sharper with there passing now, Smith looking to get on the offensive through the middle almost steals through into the box, Clarke taking it away from her, Smith on the rebound however sends a shot wide. The additional runs made from midfield starting to stretch the Wymondham defence gaps starting to open up everyone back finding it tough to get out of there half.

  Waters leading the line for Wymondham remains a threat, the visitors comfortable soaking up pressure ready to break, the passes sent forwards Waters a willing chaser, Collins needing to get across to clear 30 yards out. Knights with a talking as she brings down Smith charging on with the ball central. A few strong challenges creeping into the match neither side wanting to give the ball away. Daviss with a hand ball presents Wymondham with a free-kick in a dangerous position central 25 yard out. Croft placing the ball, the wall does its job as the ball is deflected through to the keeper. 

Wymondham’s, Mary Croft

 Russell gets forwards up to support Waters inside the D, Parsons defending well for Norwich clears the threat. Pearce with another solid take from a corner for Wymondham despite the close attention from Todd. Kett stretching cuts out the ball top of her box as Smith surges into the D from the left, a shot flashed in from the other flank goes wide. Kett hurt going for the ball stays down. Needs treatment, a blow as she can’t continue, Symonds returns to the field. The clock ticking down moving into the final 15 minutes.

Norwich right back, Anna Larkins

 GOAL! The deadlock is broken at last as Norwich press the attack, Smith who has been more proactive going forwards in the 2nd period attacking central with Snelling 20 yards out, she spots Larkins racing clear down the right fires the ball into her path taking it on Larkins smashes a diagonal ball in to the near post the defence back tracking Smith moving across Knights gets her head on the ball a glancing touch aiming to put it into her keepers gloves, coming at her quickly Pearce can’t get it under control and to her despair pops out behind her into the back of the net 1-0.

  Norwich ecstatic as they take the lead a cruel goal for Wymondham to concede. The hosts come on from the restart catching Wymondham at the back as Smith steals in to take the ball of Croft outside the box moves to her right shooting on the angle, Croft recovers well to get in the block, Norwich claiming handball but it clearly struck her backside. The rebound falling to Daviss 25 yards out left of the D sends a shot back in swerves wide of the post. 

Laura Nicholls getting forwards to support Hannah Waters in the Wymondham attack

 Smith is everywhere at the moment moving to the right has Larkins with her exchange passes Smith down to the by-line is clumsily brought down. Players into the box for the free-kick put in at an inviting height central, Snelling is up well to connect with the header sending it across goal, for a moment looks certain to score only for the ball to be cleared excellently by Johnston at the far post.

Natasha Snelling sends her header goalwards. Chardonnay Johnston clearing the ball off the line

  Wymondham looking to get more bodies up and around Waters now as they chase the game, Nicholls and Russell making good runs Symonds attempting to pick Russell out as she breaks into the right channel, but can’t take the ball on in behind as she is dispossessed by Collins. Up the other end Todd breaks in behind to the by-line on the right dragging the cross in to the near post Pearce well placed to gather in front of Snelling. The Norwich no10 with a great chance to double to score-line moments later as a cross is played into the box from the left, seeing it drop in front of her Snelling opens up her body to strike the ball back across goal, sees her effort race wide of the post. Francesca Catchpole comes on for Wymondham to join Waters in the attack with Knights off. Norwich bring on Brooke Osbourne for Kathryn Stanley.

Norwich win a free-kick on the right played short to Smith she flashes a cross into the area, Johnson with a strong header to launch clear defending for Wymondham. Parsons firing a shot over the top from distance as the hosts prevent Wymondham getting the ball out of their half. Stanley back on for Norwich late on replacing Todd puts the ball on for Snelling right side, Croft defending clips the attacker to give away a foul. Norwich fail to make the most of the opportunity.

Natasha Snelling on the drive for Norwich

 Time is running out for Wymondham to get themselves a levelling goal, Clarke has time and space left side 30 yards out lets out a cry of frustration as her shot flashes wide. Into the closing moments of the match Wymondham attacking Clarke picking up the ball on the right has time to line up her cross, players rushing on as she sends a diagonal ball in takes a deflection turning it across goal to the far post Nicholls coming in behind sliding onto it inside the six yard box turns it goalwards but lacks the pace to beat Quinn-Nichols getting down low to stop it. Parker picking up a knock in the attack coming off for Norwich, Jess Harper comes on. One last attack for Wymondham a hand ball spotted 25 yards out giving the visitors a free-kick, Clarke over it sends it goalwards on target, Norwich clear the threat over as the final whistle blows.

Full time Norwich City Women 1-0 Wymondham Town Ladies

  Norwich coming out on top in the finish scoring the winner in the final 15 minutes to send them through to the last four of the County Cup. Strong in the first half, improved in the 2nd launching a constant barrage at the Wymondham defence, getting players forwards from both the middle of the park and wide positions keeping there opponents penned in the final 3rd. Passing sharper moving the ball well. Again clear cut opportunities rare largely due to the Wymondham defence, battled well keeping tight, too deep maybe but left no room in behind. Waters isolated up front is a deadly as anyone in a one on one situation, Norwich defending from the front limiting the balls Wymondham could play into her. A single goal in the end enough to decide it, on the balance of play Norwich deserved the win, nevertheless was a cruel way to lose a game for Wymondham.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Once again not an easy choice. Wymondham worked hard as a defensive unit with Leah Newcombe making several tackles to deny Norwich on the left. Rebecca Russell getting forwards with some good positioning whenever she could to support Waters in attack. The attack from Norwich was lively showing great movement and runs, Kathryn Stanley especially first half testing the Wymondham defence. Megan Todd and Natasha Snelling combining well. Whilst at the back Kate Parsons and Izzy Collins kept close tabs on Waters all game. The award though goes to Norwich’s Ellie Smith putting herself about in the first half came into her own 2nd half making some dynamic runs from midfield and applying more pressure to the Wymondham defence.

  Norwich will be at home for the semi-final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup there opponents will be King’s Lynn Town Ladies finalists last time out back in 2019 after they emerged 4-3 winners away to Dereham based side Tavern Ladies. The other semi-final will be an all county league affair with NWGFL side Sprowston Athletic Ladies who beat division two opponents 4-0 at home to rivals Mulbarton Belles Ladies who produced a shock in the quarter finals beating ERWFL Premier Division side Wroxham Ladies 1-0 away from home. Both games due to be played next Sunday 9th May.

 Better weather this time at The Nest. Is a great facility, an intriguing game to watch unfold, cagey took a late goal in the end. My thanks to everyone at the The Nest for their help today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Long Stratton Women v North Walsham Angels Ladies

Sunday 25th April

NWGFL GiveToLocalUK Challenge Cup

A trip down the A140 in Norfolk this Sunday for the featured game on Women’s Football East. The NWGFL in Norfolk setting up a new competition to see out what’s let of the season with the regular one being declared null & void due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. An opportunity to see one of the few sides yet to appear in a match report for the first time Long Stratton Women as they host North Walsham Angels Ladies.

 The new competition the @GiveToLocalUK Challenge Cup seeing the teams entering from both Division One and Two drawn into 4 groups of  to 5 in a Champions/Europa League format playing each other once with the final standings seeing the teams positioned for the knock-out stages.  

Long Stratton Women and North Walsham Angels Ladies drawn in Group B along side Division One sides Dussindale & Hellesdon Women and Sprowston Athletic Ladies, both of who were amongst the title challengers before the season was curtailed. 

Long Stratton Women are an established side within the NWGFL, promoted back to Division One a couple of seasons ago were comfortable in mid-table before the season ended, the addition of Sam Walker to their attack adding a potent goal threat to an experienced group of players. As I said despite seeing them in action in a couple of pre-season friendlies with Bungay I’ve yet to see Long Stratton in competitive action and was keen to do so before the end of the season. Long Stratton beginning their Group B campaign away to Dussindale & Hellesdon last weekend without their goalkeeper, Walker donning the gloves herself was missed up front as Long Stratton went on to lose the game 5-0.

North Walsham Angels Ladies are too a side I yet to see play… at least this Angels side as the first side folded up at the end of the 2016/17 season having enjoyed a brief yet successful spell in the NWGFL. Missing for a couple of seasons North Walsham returned for the 2019/20 campaign a young squad with barely anyone from the original side left. Were finding their feet in Division Two just as the pandemic hit, Rhianne Holt top scoring with 10 goals. Keira Brown joining this season having had a fantastic season in front of goal for Bure Valley the season before, were looking to put pressure on the top three before seeing another season end. Placed into a tough group with three Division One sides. Will face Group rivals Sprowston Athletic Ladies two weekends in a row as the only Division Two side to reach the Norfolk Women’s County Cup quarter finals.

Has been difficult for anyone to develop a side during these past 12 months and hopefully better times are around the corner.

  Manor Road the venue for today’s match the council pavilion overlooking a multi-sports recreation ground, featuring numerous grass pitches, a skate park and playground. A public facility in the heart of Long Stratton. Fairly overcast making it feel cooler than in previous days, but when the sun could break through plenty of heat in it. A large pitch plenty of grass cover, even a sprinkling of dandelions.

Long Stratton Women starting XI – Kathryn Critchell, Emily Farmer, Karmen Harvey, Megan Vincent, Kate Ransome, Milly Cawcutt, Beth Stratton, Rachel Bussey, Annie Mayes, Sam Walker (C0 & Ellie Sostman. Subs – Harriet Hunwicks-Rush Megan Bird & Ellie Lyon

North Walsham Angels Ladies starting XI – Emily Penrose, Shannon Owen, Rhianne Hindle, Grace Hanley, Sophie Hall, Megan Briggs, Rhiannon Holt, Marth Wittrick-Riley, Jade Starling, Keira Brown & Lucy Taylor. Subs – Gracie East, Rio Dobbie & Mia Harris.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Emily Farmer and Rachel Bussey both starting for Long Stratton were regulars for the first incarnation of North Walsham Angels. Kathryn Critchell in goal for Long Stratton today seeing captain Sam Walker back up front leading the attack. The hosts wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts to kick-off the first half. North Walsham lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball put back to the defence sent long out to the right side for Beth Stratton to chase early on, bounces once in the box before being safely claimed by North Walsham goalkeeper Emily Penrose. 

North Walsham play out from the back the ball helped on through the middle dropped in behind on the left with Keira Brown giving chase, Farmer forced to play it out for a throw deep inside the half. 

GOAL! Long Stratton win the ball back from the throw and launch a rapid attack down there left Farmer playing it down the line into the feet of Stratton 30 yards out she completes a neat triangle turning the ball forwards central to Walker making a run in the box gathering it inside the D, stapes to go left before checking back on her right to curl her shot past a defender and into the top right corner of the goal 1-0.

Long Stratton captain, Sam Walker on the ball opening the scoring

A great start from the Division One side taking the lead inside the opening 2 minutes of the match. The hosts on the front foot Farmer with a high ball from halfway, Ellie Sostman central tries to bring down under control, doesn’t quite manage it the ball running through to Penrose. Bussey lively in the opening minutes nipping into her challenges winning the ball moves into space on the right as Long Stratton counter Stratton central receiving the ball spinning her pass out to the left picked up by Bussey drives into the box, Grace Hanley getting onto her shoulder for North Walsham preventing a shooting opportunity taking it behind for the first corner of the game.

Long Stratton midfielder, Rachel Bussey

The corner is played long invitingly through the six yard box cleared at the far post Long Stratton close down quickly to keep the attack alive a cross turned in from the right dealt with by North Walsham captain Sophie Hall. Megan Hindle right side puts the ball on for Martha Wittrick-Riley as North Walsham attack up the wing Brown racing onto the forwards pass looking to take players on closed down by two defenders Long Stratton re quick to turn play around, Milly Cawcutt clearing the ball long Stratton on the shoulder of the last defender beating the offside flag strikes the bouncing ball early 20 yards out right of the D her attempt running wide of the post.

  Long Stratton getting attackers forwards in numbers Stratton and Annie Mayes out wide getting forwards to join Walker and Sostman putting the back four of North Walsham on the back foot. Megan Briggs with a crucial interception as the last defender for North Walsham to cut out a dangerous through ball from Bussey as Walker threatens to steal in behind. North Walsham’s opportunities limited up top are getting joy down the right with Brown on the ball and the bouncing ball is causing the Long Stratton defence problems.

 GOAL! A little over 10 minutes played and North Walsham come back to level the game a ball hit in behind bouncing sees Rhiannon Holt race through from midfield onto it showing a great turn of pace to out manoeuvre the Long Stratton defence takes the ball on into the area right side of goal, Critchell coming to close her down, Holt fires her shot past her and running towards the open goal beyond is an agonising chase for the defence as it rolls over the line 1-1.

Rhiannon Holt levelling the scores for North Walsham

  North Walsham having got themselves back on level terms defend at the back Hanley clearance up o the right collected by Brown, drives forwards before being clattered into as she makes the cross her diagonal ball just to close to the keeper at the near post as Holt makes the run to intercept, play brought back however for the foul on Brown. Nothing coming from it North Walsham win possession back in midfield Jade Starling picking out Wittrick-Riley breaking right flashes in a cross/shot over the crossbar.

North Walsham’s, Martha Wittrick-Riley

  Long Stratton defending a high line at times gives them the platform to press forwards in numbers as Walker moves out to the right, taking the ball on whipping a dangerous ball in across the top of the six yard box narrowly misses Sostman central, Hanley behind her attempts to clear for North Walsham doesn’t get it away the hosts pressuring to top right of the area, a scramble for the ball pops up for Ransome attempts to scoop her shot up wide across the keeper Penrose’s gloves up sharply to pluck the ball down into her body.

  Play at a rapid pace no one settling one allowed to settle on the ball, Bussey determined to travel with it whenever she has it at her feet, coming right is tackled well by Shannon Owen for North Walsham. Rio Dobbie joining the action for North Walsham. Hall coming to the left for North Walsham on the ball has Holt bolting past her looking for the past in behind, up the flank, Ransome stays on her into the area well to prevent her turning inside and getting a shot away. Hanley in to clear a bouncing ball central again sees Holt up in attack run clear of the defence 25 yards out has more time than she realises as she slices her first time effort wide.

Grace Hanley clearing the ball for North Walsham

  Holt moving into a more advanced position as given North Walsham the attacking impetus, isn’t pretty at times however the bouncing ball is being pressured well, Holt linking up with Wittrick-Riley right side he ball swung into the box is intercepted by Stratton coming all the way back into her box. Stratton running with the ball looking to power her way forwards covers the ground well, Walker moving left Sostman ahead of her, Hall putting the the tackle allowing North Walsham to regroup Bussey has it back spreads play to Stratton now on the left travels towards the area Hanley standing her up Stratton shoots the ball deflected by Hanley away for a corner.  

Beth Stratton on the attack for Long Stratton

  Is a very dangerous delivery from the corner bouncing through a crowded six yard box evading everyone Holt sending it behind for a corner on the opposite flank. Again the delivery from the right catches everyone out again even the taker is apologising thinking sees put into the near side netting but instead it stays in passing right in front of the goal line without now one moving. Collected by Long Stratton in the left corner put back to Walker who strikes it hard from the angle her shot going over the top.

 GOAL! Half an hour played and the hosts retake the lead the 2nd goal as with the first involving great link up play between Stratton and Walker. Stratton inside the North Walsham half seeing the ball played into her feet is aware of Walker making a run central merely helps the ball on into her path the striker taking it on towards the box right of goal has Briggs on her shoulder holds her off getting free to pick her shot send it angle across the keeper into the far corner of the net 2-1.

  From the restart North Walsham get the ball up the right winning a corner kick. Swung in near side the ball attacked in headed in across the face of goal, Stratton defending the far post heading the ball clear. 

 GOAL! As North Walsham commit more forwards they risk getting hit on the counter, Long Stratton quickly moving the ball forwards whenever the back four gain possession back, comes to Walker free on the left holds onto it gaining ground drawing players towards her before whipping in a fantastic cross into the middle of the area that falls invitingly to Sostman arriving unmarked, has tome to control the ball before scooping a rising shot high wide of the static keeper 3-1.

Ellie Sostman makes it 3-1 to Long Stratton

  Walker causing issues for the North Walsham defence with her movement drawing players to her creating space for Sostman and Stratton in particular to run into. 2 goals in 5 minutes seeing them gain the advantage.

 GOAL! 3 goals rapidly become 4 Long Stratton quick to bring the ball out from the back over half way into Sostman coming to the right opens up her body to send the diagonal ball angling into Walker making a left channel run gathering the ball runs at the area, Penrose off her line quickly coming to close her down, Walker experienced staying composed getting her shot away just into time beating the keeper, little power on the shot but placed perfectly as it trickles over the line Walker scoring a first half hat-trick 4-1.

   GOAL! The hosts running riot in the closing minutes of the first half to take total control of the game as they deliver another sucker punch to North Walsham. A throw inside the visitors half taken quickly into Walker’s feet she sweeps round to play the ball into Stratton racing in towards the top of the box who strikes it hard rifling her shot into the back of the net 5-1.

Beth Stratton adds a 5th goal for the hosts

 North Walsham blown away with 4 goals in quick succession from Long Stratton have made changes with Mia Harris and Gracie East coming on prior to the 4th goal look to regroup have a free kick on the right wide players up, Hall to put the ball in, Hanley gets a shot away on the angle the keeper misses it however the ball bounces wide of the far post. Harris central carries the ball on for North Walsham his clattered into the advantage played as the loose ball falls to Dobbie beside her lifts it forwards with Holt breaking in behind the bounce of the ball seeing it run through to the keeper before she can get there.

 GOAL! A late goal in the first half as North Walsham pull one back, Holt staying forwards is well placed right of the box as Hanley’s clearance bounces in behind the defence. Holt racing onto it pushes for the area into the top corner Critchell starts to come to close her down Holt releases her shot early putting it past her into the far corner 5-2.

 Time for one more attack from Long Stratton look a threat every time they go forwards Walker out wide with Mayes, a shot is driven in on the angle Penrose down low to her left stretching saves with her gloves managing to push the ball wide onto the post comes out and is cleared by Hall. 

North Walsham goalkeeper, Emily Penrose

Half-time Long Stratton Women 5-2 North Walsham Angels Ladies

 No doubt about it scoring 4 goals in quick succession late in the first half have seen Long Stratton take control of the game putting them in a solid position. Started well taking an early lead and looked a threat going forwards throughout the half. North Walsham however under pressure at times fought back to level the match and were causing problems of there own bypassing midfield at times the bouncing ball no easy to deal with. Play from back to front rapid from Long Stratton, Walker back up front always a clinical finisher, scoring 3 and setting up 2. North Walsham scoring a 2nd goal late in the half to give them some belief as they look put some pressure on 2nd half.

 The sun has been doing it’s best to break through the clouds has become a pleasant afternoon to play a game of football, both sides putting alot into the first half will be interesting to see if the tempo can be maintained 2nd half as North Walsham get things underway. Long Stratton though are straight on the front foot Bussey closing the ball down, into Harvey long up to Stratton on the right the cross swept in claimed by Penrose.

 North Walsham’s goalkeeper called into action moments later as she makes a brave save sliding in at the feet of Long Stratton’s Mayes as she receives a crossfield pass from the right, driving into the box from the left, the ball deflecting between attacker and keeper cleared by Hindle getting back to clear. A few positional changes for North Walsham in the 2nd half, Wittrick-Riley furthest forwards on the right in support of Holt central getting hold of the ball travelling into the box keeping possession to check inside and send a ball into the near post claimed well by Critchell low at her near post any mistake and Holt was racing in behind her.

  Long Stratton frustrated as a decision goes against them offside a free-kick to North Walsham inside their D the keeper hitting it long threatens to send Holt clear in behind but a good starting position from Critchell sees the keeper out of her area to send the ball back up field. A good contest in midfield shaping up Bussey busy as ever rives on only to be tackled well by Harris. Is physical too although without any obvious malice, both sides getting on with it. Hanley over a free-kick wide on the right, headed clear out of the Long Stratton Box, drops to East 30 yards out looks to ding it back over the top for Holt, the host defence stepping out well seeing her flagged offside.

  Harriet Hunwicks-Rush comes on for Long Stratton to replace Harvey. The hosts winning s free-kick 30 yards out on the left side Walker on it goes for goal her effort claimed high back on her line by Penrose. North Walsham are doing well to keep Mayes and Stratton quieter now Long Stratton sitting back comfortable with a 3 goal cushion however. Holt working hard up top but too often isolated does well on the right to win a free kick on the by-line. Hall playing it in across the face of goal is headed clear at the far post. North Walsham get it back the ball fired into Holt central outside the area her snap shot lacking power runs wide.

  The game has become a little scrappy both sides hitting it long looking for there attackers to break away. Holt with space to burst into in the left channel, Critchell comes charging out of her area to challenge Holt misses it is stranded as the loose ball is claimed out wide on the left red shirts racing back to close down angles prevent any attempt on goal. Vincent comes back on for Mayes for Long Stratton. Bussey taking the ball out to the right swinging in a deep cross too close to Penrose the keeper plucking the ball down safely.

  Good work from Long Stratton off a throw inside their own half on the left Bussey away up the wing comes inside, playing it on for Walker to take on top of the area 20 yards out moves across the D looking for an opening to release a shot, cutting it back in across goal Penrose comfortable on her line down to smother it. Cawcutt has picked up a knock needs to come off for Long Stratton, Harvey coming back on.

Harriet Hunwicks-Rush winning the ball back for Long Stratton

 Quieter in the 2nd half, North Walsham putting alot of effort in, Long Stratton able to sit back. Holt with a snap shot from 35 yards out left side not troubling the keeper. Sostman has been playing in a deeper role 2nd half, finding herself up with play exchanges a one two with walker 25 yards out that almost sees the latter slip in behind Hindle the defender with a timely lunge to take the ball. 

  Walker always looking for an opening drifts to the left the ball clipped into her surges forwards into the box East tracking her, Walker wants to check back on her right 8 yards out East setting in to nick the ball away from her. Walker nevertheless gets a 2nd bite at it crossing to the far post Stratton bringing it down is closed down quickly forced to play it back Harris winning it back. The game entering the final 20 minutes. Brown returning to the action for North Walsham.

North Walsham’s Gracie East

 GOAL! Long Stratton extend their lead Ransome on the ball central playing a great ball forwards for Walker to attack right side into the box on the shoulder of the last defender leans back as she strikes the ball putting power into her shot rifles it home for her 4th of the game 6-2.

 GOAL! Just as it was in the 1st half one goal quickly brings a 2nd another hammer blow for North Walsham as Long Stratton full of confidence now press forwards a throw high up the pitch left side played across the North Walsham defence. Walker snapping in to close the ball down steals the ball to cut in behind into the box and blast high into the back of the goal to claim her 5th of the game 7-2.

  Long Stratton find a renewed level of energy as they press the advantage have North Walsham on the back foot. Hanley having made several good challenges at the back doing well as Sostman pushes forwards left side. Starling returns to the action to replace Hindle for the visitors as the game enters the final 15 minutes. Wittrick-Riley up top along side Holt the pair are released in behind by Hall, Critchell coming out of her area again smashes her clearance against her own defender Harvey the deflection favouring the keeper however as she reacts to kick away before either attacker can turn.

  Hanley running towards her own goal doing well to deal with a long ball played up field by Long Stratton with Walker on her shoulder deftly heading it into her keepers gloves inside the box. Soon after Penrose carrying the ball out of her area gives away a free kick just outside the area. Walker placing the ball, Long Stratton making a change before it is taken Mayes back on for Sostman.

North Walsham’s Grace Hanley with Long Stratton’s, Kate Ransome

 GOAL! A free-kick in a dangerous position for Long Stratton left side inside the D, Walker on a double hat-trick takes on the shot, the North Walsham walk jumping as she looks to clip the ball over towards goal takes a wicked deflection knocking the ball downwards, Penrose wrong footed attempting to get down to it is unfortunately as it evades her clutches to cross the line 8-2. 

A double hat-trick for Long Stratton’s Sam Walker

 Walker is proving a real handful for the tiring North Walsham defence continues to create chances prods a shot wide across goal, takes a slight deflection off a defender however to see a corner awarded. left side swung in North Walsham defending at the far post have no one up can’t break. Hall nevertheless getting hold of the ball plays it up the line for Holt to chase the attacker doing what she can nut outnumbered is closed off the ball by Hunwicks-Rush. 

North Walsham captain, Sophie Hall

 Wittrick-Riley breaking free right side for North Walsham does well to get into the box checks inside before crossing the high ball collected by Critchell. Hanley right charges down Stratton ending the ball up top for Holt to attack, Critchell coming out of her box again to close her down top of the D does enough to put Holt off forcing her into an early strike that lacks power and accuracy. 

 Despite conceding three goals late in the 2nd half North Walsham keep up their efforts to find another goal from a throw on the right inside the Long Stratton half Holt lays the ball inside for Starling she in turn feeds a diagonal ball through the middle for Wittrick-Riley to race onto, Critchell has come committed drops to close the angle deflected the ball away, Wittrick-Riley’s momentum sees her collide with the keeper, a moment of concern but both players are okay, Critchell undoubtedly feeling it more. One more chance comes to Wittrick-Riley right to cross the ball in find Holt near post but once again Critchell is well placed to intercept the ball.

Full time Long Stratton Women 8-2 North Walsham Angels Ladies

  Long Stratton win the Group B match comfortably to claim their 1st points in the Challenge Cup. The Division One side starting the game well taking an early lead. Never what a lower division side wants however North Walsham fought back well the level the game. Long Stratton always looked a potent threat going forwards and creating openings took their chances hitting in 4 quickfire goals to leave North Walsham with a mountain to climb. A late goal giving the visitors some belief reshaped 2nd half containing Long Stratton whilst never finding the goal they needed to exert some pressure of their own. In the end a repeat of the 1st half Long Stratton finally scoring a 6th were quick to add 2 more. An 8-2 score line maybe harsh on North Walsham a young side with lots of potential  Will give Long Stratton plenty of belief going into their final group game against Sprowston Athletic.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Often a difficult choice however not the case today I suspect you’ve already picked her yourself. Before that however a few notable performances to mention. Firstly for North Walsham, Rhiannon Holt was superb in attack doing well to lead the lone when called upon took her chances well. Sophie Hall and Grace Hanley too with some good challenges throughout the match. For Long Stratton, Beth Stratton was superb especially first half and for a while was neck and neck with the eventual winner. Rachel Bussey too put herself about in the middle of the park never letting North Walsham settle on the ball. The award though has to go to Sam Walker scoring a double hat-trick and assisting with the other 2 goals showing fantastic movement leading the attack throughout the 90 minutes.

A pleasure to see both sides in action today, a good match despite the final score line another new side checked off, and I’m sure I’ll be seeing both in action again soon. As always the help with the team details is much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Bungay Town Ladies v Woodbridge Town Ladies

Sunday 18th April

Suffolk Women’s County Cup

  At last! After 126 days since the my last match report was written Women’s Football East is back covering the game. Going to be extremely rusty but it’s good to be getting the notepad out again. The action this afternoon coming from the 2nd Round of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup as Bungay Town Ladies host Woodbridge Town Ladies.

  Will unfortunately be mentioning the Covid pandemic for a while yet and it has once again played havoc with the women’s football leagues, the latest lock down ending 3 weeks ago saw leagues being declared null & void with various cup competitions and mini-leagues being set-up to provide games to close out what remains of the season. Suffolk FA along with their counterparts in Norfolk and Bedfordshire keeping their county cup competitions on place. 16 sides playing today in the 2nd Round of the county cup.

Ipswich Town Women have long dominated the Suffolk Women’s County Cup and remain very much the team to beat and are only getting stronger. But as Ipswich have grown so to has women’s football in Suffolk with a host of new sides formed in recent seasons, seeing the county league gaining a 2nd division this season. Covid curtailing what would have been two exciting title battles in that time.

Bungay Town Ladies close to the border with Norfolk play there football in the NWGFL are a long established side in the top division in Norfolk with a strong group of players often challenging for honours in recent seasons. Like all clubs have suffered from a long lay off only now returning to action with the NWGFL’s replacement competition the GiveToLocalUK Challenge Cup beginning next weekend. One warm-up match in preparation for the resumption of competitive football the squad is nevertheless rearing to go.

Woodbridge Town Ladies newly formed joined the SWGFL in Suffolk along with a host of other new sides a couple of seasons ago. The two season’s since then affected by the Covid pandemic stifling Woodbridge’s potential, we placed to contest for silverware in both campaigns particularly the first as able to get there games in when others didn’t surged to the top of the table, a healthy lead the season finishing. Likewise this campaign a strong start saw Woodbridge at the top once again as the league gained a 2nd division, only to see it curtailed again. Woodbridge’s rise up the table especially in their first season spearheaded by Jenna Liverpool the attacker racking up and incredible 52 goals before the season ended. Keira Hines also amongst the goals along with Lucy Eagle joining the club from Leiston St Margarets. The SWGFL having already started a group based competition, Woodbridge have won there opening 2 matches away to Stowupland Falcons and Needham Market Reserves respectfully and have the edge on Bungay in terms of competitive action played.

 The venue for today’s game Malting’s Meadow, no spectators able to attend due to the latest government guidelines which is a real shame and disappointing too as clubs at this level have shown viewing can be done safely. Nevertheless some football to watch at last. One advantage of no football for 126 days is I’ve missed the entire winter in terms of weather. A bright spring afternoon, sunny and dry. I’m as rusty as a bag of nails having not been to a match in so long but here we go.

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Joanne Pipe, Kelly Collins (C), Leah Shepherd, Lyndsey Adams, Charlotte Power, Lauren Purling, Charnelle Riggall, Selina Rowland, Katie Walker, Alice Flatt & Emily Leach. subs – Erin Galer, Sofia Serghiou, Porsha Renwick & Lauren Hellier.

Woodbridge Town Ladies starting XI – Georgie Bryant, Alice Agar (C), Chloe Stopher, Grace Knock, Lauren Jacobs, Tasha Williams, Caitlin Howe, Ali Rampling, Sasha Jamieson, Stacey Hadley & Lucy Eagle.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Woodbridge travelling to Bungay with several players unavailable, have just the bare 11, whilst Bungay can name 4 on the bench. Captains Kelly Collins and Alice Agar wander to the centre to get the match underway the hosts taking the kick-off, Bungay wearing light blue shirts, black shorts and socks, with Woodbridge wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. played back to the defence Charlotte Power plays in centre into Lauren Purling she attempts to turn drive forwards, Woodbridge’s Ali Rampling putting in the tackle winning the ball spreads play out to Sadie Jamieson making a run on the right side Collins into tackle her the ball out for a throw.

 Charnelle Riggall bringing the ball out for Bungay pushing on through the middle looks to play it wide right for Alice Flatt, Chloe Stopher cutting it out for Woodbridge has Rampling making a run out into the left channel ahead of her sends the ball forwards, Leah Shepherd at right back keeping her eye on the flighted ball, clears confidently to deny Rampling a chance to get in behind. A positive start from Woodbridge pressing the ball in the middle of the park making runs down the flanks pushing Bungay back somewhat. No time to settle on the ball inside the centre circle players on both sides closing down Riggall knocks it on for Selina Rowland looking up she tries to lift it over the top for striker Emily Leach, a little too much weight on the ball allows it to run safely through to Woodbridge goalkeeper, Georgie Bryant.

  Bungay win a throw high on the left, tossed into Leach left side of the area takes it onto the by-line before winning her side a corner kick as Agar cutting out the ball prevents the cross coming in. Sadie Jamieson is getting so joy on the ball down the right wing for Woodbridge carrying the ball on looking to get inside pick out Lucy Eagle playing central in attack. The threat of both players getting in behind keeping the Bungay defence on there toes. With Woodbridge looking to get on down the right space is opening up for Alice Flatt out on Bungay’s right, Riggall picking her out Flatt cuts inside aiming a diagonal ball into the D for Leach, Grace Knock getting her foot in to clear it for the visitors.

Bungay’s Alice Flatt holding off Woodbridge’s Grace Knock

 Rowland with a powerful run with the ball right side into the area is tackled the ball running behind for a corner. Katie Walker across to take it sends the delivery in head height at the near post, Bryant doing will amongst bodies to get her fists on the ball knocking it down, before Agar sends it clear for a 2nd corner. In at the near post again this time Bryant claims it unchallenged. Bungay are inviting Woodbridge on somewhat, Lyndsey Adams making a strong tackle to regain possession pushed into Riggall played forwards to Rowland on half way the counter attack is on as she slides a diagonal ball out to the right for Flatt to run onto, takes it on into the area before striking a low shot into the side netting.

  Stopher on the ball brings it on left side looking up aims to catch Bungay out with a high ball central on for Eagle to attack, Adams is the last defender and has to win the dropping ball, does well  knocking it down for Purling to pick up and run into the midfield congestion. The opening 15 minutes played at a good tempo, Woodbridge getting bodies forwards well.

GOAL! Woodbridge’s bright start pays off as they open the scoring in the 15th minute Rampling making some fantastic runs from the middle getting in behind as she closes the ball down well left side takes it in behind to the by-line before whipping in a dangerous ball to the near post Jamieson racing in to turn the ball into the back of the net from close range 0-1. 

Sadie Jamieson timing her run into the box perfectly to open the score for Woodbridge

Bungay get straight on the attack from the restart Flatt right side seeing her diagonal ball into the top of the area cut out once again by Tasha Williams this time out for a throw in. Eagle covering alot of ground leading the line for Woodbridge claiming the ball central puts it long for Jamieson to chase on the right on the shoulder of the last defender, goalkeeper Joanne Pipe comes out of her area to clear the ball, but Woodbridge press the advantage Jamieson on the ball once again 25 yards out on the angle her shot brushes the side netting. 

Charlotte Power clearing the ball for Bungay

Rowland with a rallying cry to encourage Bungay to commit more forwards in attack, her short pass into the feet of Leach 25 yards out left of the D, holds it up before turning an attempting to side Walker running into the box on the left in on goal, Bryant able to gather it before she can strike the ball. Rowland takes up the attack bringing the ball on left side strikes it on the angle her effort bouncing wide across the six yard box before being cleared, left side.

Lauren Purling playing the ball forwards for Bungay

 GOAL! Bungay have players up reclaim the ball inside the Woodbridge half on the right Flatt with Purling in support the latter rolling it into Rowland who has come across the area to receive the pass turns into the area strong on the ball into the six yard box holding of the defence, before slotting the ball across the keeper into the far bottom corner 1-1.

25 minutes played shaping up to be an exciting prospect both teams playing at a good tempo not letting anyone settle on the ball, Bungay getting themselves back on level terms.

 GOAL! No sooner have Bungay drew level however and Woodbridge come back to retake the lead, Jamieson on the ball right side knocking in infield to Eagle all of 35 yards out takes on the early strike getting plenty behind the ball, struck beautifully arrowing in on target straight at Pipe the goalkeeper will be hugely disappointed as she gets her gloves on the ball aiming to tip it over be instead sees it deflect up into the roof of the net and down into the back of the goal 1-2.

Lucy Eagle with a long range strike restoring Woodbridge’s lead

 GOAL! However as one beautifully struck ball goes in at one end Bungay match it straight after from the restart pressing on left side congested the pass through to Leach wide is heading for the corner before she whips a fantastic strike from the tightest of angles in towards goal looping over the keeper and under the crossbar 2-2.

Emily Leach firing in a long range strike of her own putting Bungay straight back on level terms

 GOAL! Moments later Bungay turn the game on its head having fought back to level it only to concede straight away, then levelling just as quick score a 3rd to take the lead! Play resuming with Flatt on the ball right side plays it central to Riggall, Rowland is away making a run into the right channel, Riggall picks her out before making a run towards the area herself. Rowland drives into the right side of the boss marshalled wide by Williams preventing her shooting she checks back towards the top of the area, squaring the ball into the D where Riggall meets it first time angling her low shot wide of the diving keeper to score 3-2.

The game very even now both sides looking for opportunities, Stacey Hadley rolling it out left for Rampling to take on down the line in behind her looping cross is claimed by Pipe with Jamieson racing in far post. Power plays in on into Rowland who picks out Flatt clear to attack on the right checks inside into the box setting herself for the shot, puts it straight at the keeper as Bryant stays big in her six yard box. 

  A double change for Bungay then with Walker and Flatt coming off to be replaced by Erin Galer and Lauren Hellier. The hosts more confident getting players forwards no creating chances a ball whipped into the Woodbridge area dangerous across the six yard box comes to Galer far post 8 yards out, Bryant across her line has the near post covered Galer’s shot put straight into her midriff. Bungay ending the half on the front foot a couple of knocks for Woodbridge, Williams lunging in to cut out a left sided cross as Purling comes forwards.

Ali Rampling on the attack for Woodbridge

Jamieson dribbling the ball on the right checking inside has the Bungay defence backtracking before seeing her 20 yard shrike blocked, the loose ball gathered and fired over from distance. Howe with a ball central up top for Eagle to run after bouncing on into the box Pipe is off her line sharply out to claim it before the attacker can pounce. Up the other end Rowland is finding pockets of space, lets loose from 30 yards out her shot wide of the left post. Stopher able get free on the left for Woodbridge late in the first half comes over halfway plays her pass inside of Eagle who releases it quickly long out to the right spotting Jamieson on the move, Adams back peddling able to intercept and clear first as the half-time whistle blows 

Half-time Bungay Town Ladies 3-2 Woodbridge Town Ladies

  An energetic display first half the game played at a good tempo, no one allowed to settle on the ball. A few cobwebs from Bungay early on allowed Woodbridge to come onto them as the visitors started the game well Rampling and Jamieson looking to get up the pitch to support Eagle in attack. Took a deserved lead, Bungay needed to up there game get players forwards and did so as Rowland got them back on level terms midway through the 1st half. That led to a flurry of goals well struck too. Eagle firing Woodbridge back into the lead. Lasted seconds as Leach returned the favour in kind. The hosts then surging forwards to take the lead themselves. The game poised beautifully but signs Woodbridge are tiring a few knocks picked up and with no options from the bench can they get themselves back on level terms.

   Bungay making changed at the start of the 2nd half Collins off with Sofia Serghiou coming on going into the centre of defence with Adams out to right back. Positional changes for Woodbridge too with Jamieson moving to the left in attack, Knock further up the field. The visitors to kick-off the 2nd 45. Purling quickly winning it back for Bungay play spread to Hellier out on the left takes the ball on Agar defending for Woodbridge the ball contested hotly in the middle before Galer is found on the right pressing on into the box succeeds in winning a corner kick. The ball in from the right knocked on to the far post Hellier chipping it back in across goal Bryant jumping to claim it.

Woodbridge captain, Alice Agar

Bryant making an excellent save for Woodbridge as Rowland 25 yards out rolls it forwards into the path of the turning Leach a powerful run with Williams on her shoulder, she strikes the ball well Bryant down sharply inside her six yard box to glove it away behind for a corner. A strong start to the 2nd half from Bungay as the hosts look to press their advantage both Galer and Hellier injecting pace down the flanks. Hadley plays the ball on for Eagle up top to attack for Woodbridge but finds herself isolated as Power and Serghiou crowd her off the ball.

Woodbridge goalkeeper, Georgie Bryant

Hellier after the ball down the left for Bungay as Adams sends it long in behind has Purling coming top of the area left side squares the pass into her Purling turns, the Woodbridge defence back showing no way through her effort is eventually blocked before rebounding loose to be struck over from distance. Jamieson with a chance to let fly from distance on the angle her strike gathered cleanly by Pipe. Rampling on the right able to make ground wins a throw inside the Bungay half into Howe she takes it on towards the right corner of the area before being brought down by Serghiou to see the visitors awarded a free-kick.

Bungay’s Lauren Hellier looking to get in behind

Jamieson over it plays it in towards the near post Bungay clear and look to break quickly Purling dispossessed, the cross swung in from the left towards Eagle , Serghiou slides in to deny her the shot giving away a corner. Comes to Rampling top of the area left side clipped back in Bungay head clear. Woodbridge though having soaked up some pressure from Bungay regaining some belief that they can get back into the match.

Bungay respond with more changes, Galer and Shepherd replaced by Porsha Renwick and Walker returning to the action. The tempo remains high starting to take it’s toll on Woodbridge. Jamieson sees her deflected shot on the left run through to the keeper after she gathers it following a blocked effort from Eagle inside the D. 

Lyndsey Adams bringing the ball clear for Bungay

 Leach on the attack up the other end making a run into the right channel is given the ball from Rowland takes it on into the area striking in the angle tight a riding ball, Bryant with an acrobatic leap knocks it down into the ground and is sharp to pull it into her body as Hellier central comes charging in. Howe gets the ball on Woodbridge’s right going on towards the area, Serghiou with her slides in attempting to block the cross, succeeds but Howe is able to gather lift it high towards the top of the area, Eagle there leaping to attack it has no control with her header as Power clears for Bungay. 

Caitlin Howe on the ball for Woodbridge

 Woodbridge temporarily down to 10 as Knock having picked up a Knock needed to come off for a moment. Agar with a lunge takes the ball away from Leach attacking into the area conceding a throw in the corner. Jacobs defending for Woodbridge the visitors move the ball well up there left break as Rampling plays it on for Jamieson the pair combining before Riggall gets back to break up the attack. Good combination play too from Leach and Rowland on the right for Bungay the shot on the angle dropping wide across goal. 

Woodbridge’s Stacey Hadley

The game entering the final 15 minutes just a goal remains in it both sides fancying there chances to add another now, even down to 10 Woodbridge push on Jamieson looking a threat on the left has Eagle with her she plays a high ball forwards into the top of the area with Howe running on awkward for Serghiou and Adams to deal with bouncing the sun bright in there faces won’t fall kindly for Howe and they scramble it away. Knock is back on for Woodbridge as they make a final push to draw level.

 GOAL! Then the hammer blow, had just written in my notes a goal for Bungay kills it now and the hosts go and do just that, the ball won back in the middle pushed into the feet of Leach central turns Rowland making a run to her right played into her feet takes it on, Jacobs attempts to hold her up Rowland checking back to turn inside to her left swings in a low shot that races wide into the bottom corner evading the diving Bryant 4-2.

Less than 10 minutes left to play and Bungay have a vital 2 goal cushion. Bring Flatt back on for Hellier. Rampling is brought down in the middle by Purling resulting in the first yellow card of the game. On halfway Woodbridge send almost everyone forwards to the top of the area as they look to score straight away. Put in to the box left of goal Eagle does well going after it to whip a cross through the six yard box, Knock running across it at the far post looks to volley it, fires her shot over

  Woodbridge committing players forwards risking exposure at the back from a throw on the left Riggall turns plays it down the line for Leach, presses inside into the area driving for the six yards box fires her shot in low, Bryant down smartly to make another great save sending it behind for the corner. Whipped in from the left evades everyone including the tall Leach, leaping up on the penalty spot. Bungay finishing the game strong Riggall putting herself about, a mistake at the back seeing Rowland onto the ball 30 yards out hits it well angling towards goal, Bryant up to defend her crossbar tipping it over. The corner headed wide past the far post the final action of the match as Bungay advance in this season’s County Cup.

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 4-2 Woodbridge Town Ladies

  In the end it turned out to be a valiant effort from the bare 11 of Woodbridge started the game brightly taking the lead in the 15th minute. Bungay taking a while to get going coming back to level in the 25th minute leading the a further 3 goals being scored in quick succession, the game turned completely around as Bungay took a 3-2 into the 2nd half. Pressed the advantage at the start of the 2nd period looking for an additional goal, some smart saves from Bryant in the Woodbridge goal keeping them in the game but just as the visitors got the believe back they could pull in back themselves, Bungay got that all important 2 goal cushion in the final 10 minutes to win the game. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

    Now onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match for 2021. I have a clear winner for a change but before that several good performances to mention. For Woodbridge, Tash Williams was solid at the back. Ali Rampling with some great runs from midfield especially first half, whilst Sadie Jamieson was impressive attacking down the right. Some superb saves too from Georgie Bryant kept her side in it 2nd half. For Bungay Charnelle Riggall was strong in the middle chasing down the ball rarely letting Woodbridge settle. Overall though the award today goes to Selina Rowland from the moment she gave her rallying cry demanding more from her side going forwards she led by example making some fantastic runs linking up with Emily Leach in attack and scoring the first and last goals aswell as setting up the third.

  A joy to be back after so long, have missed it and believe it or not was nervous about starting all over again. Good to get the camera and notepad out again. An enjoyable match helps too, a competitive return you never know what’s going to happen and that’s what makes it special. My thanks to both sides for helping me with the team details. A pleasure to be back.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Peterborough Northern Star Ladies v AFC Dunstable Women

Sunday 13th December

ERWFL Premier Division

  Finally back on the football trail this Sunday after five Sunday’s off. Lockdown 2.0 halting the playing season for a month, several sides returning to action last weekend albeit I was again unavailable having to wait another week so glad to be back this weekend, making a trip over to the Branch Brothers Stadium in Peterborough to watch Peterborough Norther Star Ladies v AFC Dunstable Women in the ERWFL Premier Division.

The Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Premier Division always a highly competitive league and this season proving to be no less the case. As Christmas fast approaches the 12 strong league is breaking into two clear halves with 6 sides looking strong challenging for top spot, Norfolk side Wymondham Town Ladies leading the way by 3 points. With their match called off away to Royston Town Women due to a water logged pitch it presents a great opportunity for 2nd placed Peterborough Norther Star Ladies.

 Todays hosts laying 2nd in the Premier Division table going into today’s game just 3 points behind the leaders and with one goal between them on goal difference too a win would see them go top for the first time this season. An established side at this level Peterborough Northern Star lost a few senior squad players in the close season but in return have brought in some good younger players used to playing with one another at Leicester aswell as securing the signature of Jessica Driscoll who was with FAWNL Southern Premier Division side MK Dons Women last season along with fans favourite Cassie Steward who is back playing after giving birth. Staring the season with a narrow 2-3defeat to Essex side Harlow Town Ladies then went on a 3 game winning streak before again suffering a narrow 2-1 loss to Wymondham. Returned from this latest lockdown with a 3-1 win away to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Steward and Driscoll between them have scored 16 goals so far this season (8 each)

AFC Dunstable Women came close to folding at the start of last season struggling for players it was touch and go for a while before bringing enough new faces in to begin the rebuilding process under manger Ashley Pead. Gaining promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division in 2014/15 season were pushing hard to catch up with Bedfordshire’s other to leading female sides Luton Town Ladies and Bedford Ladies. Now having to rebuild find themselves towards to bottom of the Premier Division however with 2 win from their 7 games so far are leading the pack in the bottom half and gaining confidence all the while. During pre-season Dunstable were mentioned more than once as a side that looked vastly improved. Have added to the squad recently bringing in experienced player Mollie Burgess from MK Dons Women, she makes her debut today. Has been quite a while since I’ve seen Dunstable play were still known as AFC Dunstable Ladies in fact. Chelsea Jeffery their top scorer so far with 5 goals in 8 games.

  The Branch Bros Stadium the venue for todays game. Knew it would be a wet one rain forecast and with a few games around them getting called off did wonder if this one would survive the pitch however seeing no standing water would be slick but playable. The food hut open to get a cup of tea much needed. Heavy rain before kick-off making for a wet warm up a little cover to be found around the ground. Dull and gloomy, a heavy shower prior to kick off the rain stilling as the teams came out risked heading into the open albeit donning my furry hat which I have finally managed to relocate to keep the ears warm all set.

Peterborough Northern Star Ladies starting XI – Molly Bull, Samantha Davies, Larissa Frederick, Tilly Fantom, Chanade Henderson (C), Faith Horner, Jessica Driscoll, Katie Steward, Megan Breakwell, Jessica Price & Evie Driscoll-King. subs – Alexa Hunter, Amy Magnus, April Pearson & Olivia Smith.

AFC Dunstable Women starting XI – Nicole Raffermati, Louisa Sexton, Chloe Esposito, Mollie Burgess, Carrie Mancini, Gemma Darvill, Rachael Mumford, Louise McCay, Jodi McClelland, Lori Wilson-Phillips & Darcy Collins. subs – Hannah Ring, Shauna Smith, Rebecca Devereux & Chelsea Jeffrey.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Somehow I always manage to turn up at the Branch Bros Stadium when Cassie Steward isn’t playing and today is no less different, a chance for someone else up to. Peterborough to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half, wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts, along with black socks with white trim. Dunstable opposite lined up in an all blue kit. The ball played out to the right, knocked back inside for Jessica Driscoll she gets her head down and drives on with the ball three Dunstable players all converging on her to regain possession 25 yards out. Faith Horner quickly winning the ball in the midfield for Peterborough plays it right, Katie Stewards whipping in an early diagonal ball for Jessica Price to attack, Louise Sexton in well for Dunstable at the back to close her down and win the tackle 20 yards out. 

The hosts starting well getting hold of the ball inside the Dunstable half putting their opponents under pressure working the ball up the left side before Megan Breakwell’s cross angled in is seen safely into the side netting by Dunstable goalkeeper Nicole Raffermati who had her near post covered. A free kick given away in the middle of the park gives Dunstable a chance to relieve the early pressure they’ve been under played forwards down the right channel for Louise McCay to chase down does well to forces Peterborough into conceding a throw deep in their territory the visitors can’t capitalise however and Peterborough break quickly the ball fizzed forwards a good ball into the feet of Evie Driscoll-King controls it well before turning spotting Driscoll racing on plays the ball into her path sliding into the shot outside of the area the low ball runs on straight into Raffermati who drops onto the ball. 

  Peterborough are making good use of their wide players Breakwell left and Steward right offering got options. Breakwell this time out wide left angling a cross into the box defended well by Burgess her interception seeing the ball come left picked up by Chloe Esposito who sends it down the line for McCay bombing forwards into space, Peterborough captain Chanade Henderson at centre back getting across on the cover to charge in and clear the ball for a throw. Dunstable keep the ball inside their opponents half winning a corner on the left. A inswinging delivery the ball is dealt with by Henderson heading clear at the near post. The hosts break Steward away on the right wing into space, Burgess coming across sliding in with a no nonsense tackle to nullify the threat.

GOAL! 10 minutes on the clock and Peterborough open the scoring the hosts awarded a free kick wide on the left 30 yards out. Steward on the ball strikes it well going for goal the ball angling in has a great arc on it just enough to beat the keeper as she jumps for it dipping late to creep under the bar at the far post a nestle into the side netting 1-0.

Katie Steward’s fee-kick loops over the keeper to see the hosts take the lead

Conditions aren’t great very muddy out on the field passing difficult the ball bobbling the rain now returning Dunstable look to thread a ball through the middle the Peterborough defence passing it back to the keeper, Molly Bull spooning her clearance up into the air headed back to her by a defender, Bull almost loses it with Darcy Collins putting her under pressure for Dunstable top of the area, her catch not clean the keeper is able to pounce on the loose ball. Horner is busy in the middle of the park for Peterborough often the first to intercept as Dunstable look to feed it through the centre into heir attackers. 

  Steward advancing with the ball up the right wing flashes a squared cross into the six yard box cut out by Burgess to concede the corner kick. The delivery going long is reclaimed far side and fired back into the mix scrambled away Dunstable have a chance to counter attack the ball put on up top for Lori Wilson-Phillips to chase has plenty of pace, Larissa Frederick close enough to get to the ball first send it on into her area for her keeper to clear up field. 

Chloe Esposito gets in ahead of Katie Steward to defend for AFC Dunstable Women

Price I think with a shot clipped over from the top of the box as a clearance falls to her taking a nick off a Dunstable player a corner awarded. Steward playing the ball in from the right cleared back to her from inside the six yard box her 2nd attempt headed clear by Burgess. 

 GOAL! Peterborough extend their lead the ball kept in play on the left played on for Driscoll getting into an advanced position inside the box on the angle Raffermati coming to close her down gets her shot past the advancing keeper Driscoll-King sliding in unmarked centrally setting the ball over the line from close range to score 2-0.

  Dunstable look to get straight on the attack from the restart, captain Jodi McClelland in space on the left hitting the ball early her cross/shot angled dangerously across the top of the six yard box no one can get a touch on it to divert it towards goal. The visitors keep it in play Peterborough defence regrouping conceding a throw before preventing a cross coming in. 

 GOAL! Dunstable having committed numbers forwards are caught out at the back as Peterborough break quickly the ball fed into Driscoll-King racing clear on the left pace taking her on with the ball sends a diagonal ball into the area Steward having raced up the pitch from the right getting into the box free to met it inside the six yard box and send over the line for her 2nd of the game 3-0.

  2 goals in 2 minutes seeing Peterborough race into a 3-0 lead with less than 20 minutes gone. A free-kick for Dunstable inside the Peterborough half players forwards into the box as the delivery from the right is put into the area, Collins up well to get her head on the ball knocks it down from inside the six yard box to drop wide of the far post, the angle tight Sexton nevertheless attempts to square it back into the near post, Bull with an acrobatic safe diving to push the ball behind for a corner. Is a vicious delivery in from the left racing across the face of goal, frustration shown from Rachael Mumford at the far post as she comes close to getting a telling touch. 

  Peterborough continue to gain ground on the flanks winning a series of corner kicks left then right. Dunstable defending but unable to get it clear the pressure stays on Steward on the right sees another corner cleared back to her the ball played into the congested crowd inside the D, Driscoll gets hold of it bringing it down shifting it half a yard to her right opening up room for a shot gets her foot up over the ball to send it in towards goal, an excellent save from Raffermati is shifting across her line readjusts well getting a glove down to knock the ball down and smother it. 

  Tilly Fantom getting forwards with the ball for Peterborough sees her cross into the box go behind for a corner kick off Burgess. Pressure inside the six yard box as Steward plays it in cleared back to her a high ball in Raffermati up but spills it stabbed wide for another corner this time Mumford defends to send it clear for the visitors near post. Dunstable can’t retain the ball however and are getting a little disorganised at the back as Peterborough press the advantage. Alexa Hunter comes on for Peterborough. Esposito forwards as Dunstable win a throw on halfway left side plays it on into the box, Wilson-Phillips inside the area attacking it Frederick slides in strongly to put the ball out of play.

  Hunter fresh into the action has the ball at her feet on the right spins inside 20 yards out before lifting a dipping cross into the area for Peterborough, Driscoll meeting it centrally six yards out lifts her first time strike up onto the crossbar the rebound falling at the far post headed wide.

 GOAL! Isn’t long before Peterborough add another goal catching their opponents on the break once more the ball won at the ball played forwards with pace through the middle for Steward to chase in behind is clear to attack with Raffermati racing out to close her down Steward getting there just ahead of the keeper to stab it past her to score a 1st half hat-trick 4-0.

 37 minutes played Peterborough dominant for a large portion of the 1st period having control of the score line attacking with purpose stretching Dunstable at the back. The visitors on the back foot still prepared to commit players forwards Gemma Darvill spinning inside on the right playing a ball into Mumford who lays it forwards for Wilson-Phillips, who is quickly closed down by Fantom. Steward in particular causing problems out wide for Peterborough, Dunstable haven’t been able to get their wide players into the game at all. 

  Wilson-Phillips pace is the one thing troubling the Peterborough defence getting joy as she moves right her touch knocking it in behind the advancing keeper has Bull stranded at the top of her box as she attempts to get hold of the ball before it can run out of play wide of the near post sends it flashing across the face of an open goal, collected far side is fired back in , short of wearing a cape Bull flying in appears out of nowhere to send it behind for a corner kick.

 GOAL! From the set piece unstable pull a goal back have offered a threat from corners the initial ball cleared is collected by Esposito to launch a cross in from the top corner a great delivery into the six yard box comes perfectly for Mumford free at the far post to nod into the back of the net 4-1.

  Steward advances with the ball right side for Peterborough late on in the 1st half gets her side a corner. Plays in the ball is cleared by McClelland for Dunstable, can’t get the counter attack going conceding a free-kick on halfway, taken shot to Horner 40 yards out nevertheless goes for a audacious strike on goal lifting the ball in on target is collected safely by Raffermati. Devereux plays the ball on right side for Wilson-Phillips her pace taking her in behind the Peterborough defence flashes a cross in Bull at her near post making no mistake bringing it down safely, Collins closing in behind her ready to capitalise if she hadn’t.

  A good triangle inside the final third played between Wilson-Phillips, Devereux and finally Sexton as the visitors look to find a way into the box the attack broken up by Peterborough’s Fantom. Peterborough come forwards left side Driscoll on for Driscoll-King who sends it on further for Price breaking into the box her shot blocked by Burgess goes bend for another corner kick the ball headed long wide across the six yard box as the whistle blows.

Half-time Peterborough |Northern Star Ladies 4-1 AFC Dunstable Women

  A strong 1st half from Peterborough sees them leading 4-1 at the break, starting well opening the scoring inside 10 minutes 2 quickfire goals seeing the hosts 3-0 up inside 18 looked strong in attack particuarly on the flanks creating chances as Dunstable struggled to get a foothold in the game. The visitors kept pushing players on however and were always looking to score before Peterborough added a 4th late in the half. Dunstable grabbing a lifeline from a corner in the closing minutes giving them something to take into the 2nd period. You would think they would need an early goal to give them something if they wish to take anything from the game.

Chanade Henderson brings the ball away for Peterborough Northern Star

 The weather very dull and gloomy pictures on the camera unlikely in the 2nd half the rain clearing but getting decidedly chilly as the players return. Dunstable to get the 2nd half underway. Win a free-kick wide on the right early on as Darvill is shoved in the back trying to hold up the ball from a throw. Sexton not capitalising from the set-piece as Bull sees it safely wide. A scrappy start to the game has gotten a little physical, Wilson-Phillips through the middle now looks to get onto the end of a great pass through the middle from Mumford, Fathom across to put in the challenge send the ball away for a throw in. 

Out of no where Dunstable have a penalty!  A cross from the left put into the top of the area referee Andy Phillips spotting a handball everyone caught unaware it seems Dunstable surprised. Words have been exchanged a pause before the penalty is taken. The referee having words with Darvill. Wilson-Phillips to take goes for height looking to send it into the top corner, is agonisingly wide of the post missed.

  Despite all the attacking play offsides have be surprisingly rare this afternoon but one goes against Dunstable as Mumford’s long range past looks to send Wilson-Phillips in behind. It’s pretty muddy out there and it’s a great opportunity for a sliding challenge as a few players can’t resist on both sides, wouldn’t want to be the one washing that kit tomorrow. Dunstable have came out intent on attacking 2nd half Mumford backed up by McCay winning the ball centrally.

 GOAL! The visitors strong attacking start paying off as they pull a goal back get forwards well on the left players overloaded through the middle on of those Darvill clear into the box left side as the ball is rolled into her by Esposito, slides in on the keeper attempting to get to the ball as Bull advances trying to close down the angle the pair collide the ball loose past her players in blue shirts racing in McCay there to pounce and put the ball over the line 4-2.

   Dunstable pull a goal back 12 minutes into the 2nd half having committed players forwards, Bull is down injured and needs treatment however after a short spell the goalkeeper is able to continue. Peterborough having sat back a little at the start of the 2nd half are still a threat Steward put clear on the right dinks a ball into the box Price coming in can’t get a telling touch as Burgess gets close in on her. 

 Darvill with an ambitious effort at goal for Dunstable clips a ball goalwards as it falls to her a long way out Bull scrambling a cross her goal is forced to knock it wide for a corner. The visitors come forwards winning a corner on the right, Henderson defending near post her clearance across the area falling to Burgess far side 8 yards out swings a leg at it the shot screwed wide of the far post. Price comes off in attack for Peterborough.

  Davis with a ball in diagonally from the left for Driscoll is fouled 25 yards out central the free-kick given. Driscoll over it a low ball fired into the mix blocked before being scrambled away comes back to Driscoll who then sends her strike wide of the target. Collins goes down after a challenge is in some pain her ankle I think can’t continue for Dunstable needs to come off Chelsea Jeffrey on. Breakwell getting clear in behind on the left for Peterborough flashes a cross into the six yards box Raffermati down spills it Steward racing in from the right centrally arrives to smash it goalwards over the faintest of touches by the keeper as a corner is awarded. In from the left Henderson with the stooping header turning it goalwards near post, blocked the hosts appealing for handball, nothing given as Dunstable clear their lines. 

 Very dark now cloudy the floodlights coming on Mancini tackling to deny Driscoll as she goes beyond Driscoll-King in the middle for Peterborough. Mumford with another great pass forwards but frustration from the visitors shown as no one is able to get onto the end of it Henderson bringing it on for Peterborough. Steward in central into the box cant get a telling touch as a high cross is lifted in from the right. Rebecca Devereux comes on for Dunstable replacing Mancini with 20 minutes left to play.

 Raffermati getting up well to glove down a high ball from the right the ball loose inside the box however, Burgess puts in the block the ball spinning away for McClelland to clear high. Peterborough make another change April Pearson on for Breakwell. 

 GOAL! Out of nothing the goal of the game is scored. A beauty of a strike from Driscoll-King to extend Peterborough’s lead. The ball into her feet all of 30 yards out right of the D isn’t closed down she takes her chance striking the ball perfectly arrowing it in across the static keeper to make it 5-2.

  Dunstable respond with a double change McClelland and Esposito off with Sexton back on along with Shauna Smith. 

 GOAL! As soon as they’ve conceded a 5th goal however Dunstable a hit with a further hammer blow as Peterborough add another quickfire goal a superb ball from the middle out to Steward peeling away to the right side getting on into the area to send a shot low across the ground past the diving keeper into the bottom corner of the net 6-2.

  Frustration from Dunstable thier confidence taking a hit continue to battle Horner breaking up play in the middle before giving away a free-kick. McCay with the ball forwards defended by Frederick at the back. The hosts able to break Steward on the ball centrally carrying in forwards options to ahead of her and to the left opts to go for goal 30 yards out her effort drops wide of goal. 

 GOAL! Peterborough take the game totally by the scruff of the neck late on as they add a 3rd quick goal to hammer home the score line. The ball contested strongly in the middle, Steward now central in attack in moving into space taking advantage of a tiring defence as the ball is fed into her path left channel taking it on into the box shots on the angle Raffermati down looks to have it covered but to her agony the ball squirms under her to roll on into the goal beyond 7-2.

5 goals in the match for Peterborough Northern Star’s, Katie Steward

Despite being clearly frustrated at conceding three goals so late on Dunstable are still willing to give it a go getting on well on their left a diagonal ball fired into the area Bull drops well to hold onto the ball. Devereux on the right sends her pass on for Wilson-Phillips right side in the closing moments Horner coming across sliding in to play the ball out for a throw. Dunstable with on last effort attempt to get a cross into the box goes long as the final whistle blows.

Full Time Peterborough Norther Star Ladies 7-2 AFC Dunstable Women

  A 7-2 win for Peterborough Norther Star sees them go top of the ERWFL Premier Division. Started the game well on the attack taking an early lead creating chances and adding a further 2 goals in quick succession. Going 4-0 up Dunstable had few chances of their own but kept going and pulling a goal back late in the 1st half gave them something to take into the 2nd period. The Bedfordshire side starting well chances created getting bodies forwards, a missed penalty before getting it back to 4-2. Had it been 4-3 what then we’ll never now. Peterborough looked good going forwards and attacking created opportunities all game confident in her finishing after a first half hat-trick Steward fired in two more late goals to give her 5 for the match along with a superb strike from Driscoll-King to wrap up the 3 points a tough game at home to Luton Town Ladies to end 2020 next Sunday, whilst Dunstable head to Hertfordshire rivals Royston Town Women. A tough afternoon for the visitors in the finish no doubt a talented squad but early goals cost them leaving a mountain to climb still they fought back well and created chances off their own.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East  Player of the Match. A few performances to mention although the final decision is an easy one for a change. For Dunstable Mollie Burgess had a solid debut at the back making a number of important tackles  and blocks. In attack Lori Wilson-Phillips looked a threat her pace testing the Peterborough defence. For Peterborough Faith Horner was strong in the middle of the park. Jessica Driscoll making some great runs too. Molly Bull in goal with some vital saves. But with 5 goals in the match their and a fantastic 90 minutes all round the award this Sunday goes to Katie Steward took her chances well and created plenty.

  Good to be back at it if I was a little more rusty than I expected, enjoyed the game the ERWFL rarely disappoints. Have to say and I suspect it’s the same for alot of use spectators and players too those 90 minutes are about as normal as it gets in 2020, been a tough year nice to forget about those woes for a while. My thanks as always to both sides for the team details.

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 1st November

ERWFL League Cup

Cup action this Sunday in the featured match on Women’s Football East with a trip down into Suffolk to watch a game from the 2nd Round of the ERWFL League Cup, AFC Sudbury Women v Newmarket Town Women.

  The two ERWFL Division One sides meeting at the Kings Marsh Stadium a little under a month since a dramatic game in the FA Women’s Cup that saw Newmarket edge Sudbury out 4-2 on penalties after the 90 minutes finished all square at 3-3. Victory today for either seeing them reach the last 16 of the ERWFL League Cup one o 4 sides from Division One to join the 12 Premier Division sides in the next round.

Has been quite a while since I last saw AFC Sudbury Women in action were still Sudbury Ladies in fact. Has been something of a rebuilding of the side since it was relegated from the ERWFL Premier Division. Playing in ERWFL Division One South this season having been in the North previously. AFC Sudbury football club featuring an academy for both boys and girls have been one of the leading forces for women’s football in Suffolk in recent seasons and Suffolk as a whole has seen a healthy grow for women’s football of late. A strong start to the season for AFC Sudbury Women despite a narrow 3-2 defeat on the opening day are 3rd in ERWFL Division One South are unbeaten since 5 league and cup matches if you don’t count the penalty shootout loss to Newmarket. Two league wins out of three lay 3rd in the table a point behind title contenders Millwall Lionesses and Hutton Ladies. Beat Suffolk rivals East Bergholt United Ladies 5-0 in the 1st Round of the League Cup. A new Reserves sides entering the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division this season.

That penalty shootout win part of a fantastic run for Newmarket Town Women in this season’s FA Women’s Cup beginning with a memorable win in the extra preliminary round over higher league opponents Wymondham Town Ladies form the Premier Division, again drawing after 90 minutes winning the resulting shootout. Advancing through two more rounds with wins against Bungay Town Ladies and Sudbury before the run was ended by FAWNL South East Division One side Norwich City Women. One of just six sides now competing in Division One North is a league where all six sides are capable of challenging for the title, have won one and lost twice in the 3 games played so far. A strong youth section within the club, with a Development sides several players have stepped up to the first team in recent seasons. Won 4-1 away to Division One South side Stevenage FC Women Development in the 1st Round of the League Cup.

The game being played at AFC Sudbury’s, King’s Marsh Stadium. The large 3G pitch surrounded on all sides a large newly built clubhouse and kitchen to one side with a covered seated stand, a terraced stand opposite with the viewing area’s behind both goals covered. Covid restrictions well in place. A youth game taking place as I arrived an hour before kick-off a nasty injury in the game seeing it running late delaying the kick-off for today’s cup clash. Alot of rain recently but I didn’t think the ground would be affected. Dull and overcast with a little rain in the air a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch would affect the flight of the ball.

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Ciara Roberts, Faith Candice, Jodie Donely, Amanda Short (C), Brogan McHale, Maisie Goodwin, Megan Partridge, Georgia Thorpe, Amber Provan, Amy Thompson & Tye Smith. Subs – Teigan McHale, Hannah Stephenson, Rebecca Stephenson, Evie Creaton & Isabella Crawford.

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Layla Weston, Beth Woodfield (C), Rebecca Towler, Jess Linger, Chloe Slater, Katie Webb, Katie Hayes, Gemma Moore & Annabel Cuthbert. Subs – Tash Patten, Kaitlin Elsey, Liv Caffarelli, Hannah Doyle & Megan Spurrell.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  The game eventually able to get underway a little after 2pm, it’s Newmarket to get the first half in their change strip as both sides wear yellow, the visitors in an all red kit today with Sudbury in their all yellow kit featuring an array of squad numbers from 3 to 57. Annabel Cuthbert playing the ball back to midfielder Chloe Slater she plays it long out to the left looking for the run of Katie Hayes, Sudbury full back Faith Candice in quickly to close her down prevent her skipping in behind her challenge taking the ball out for a Newmarket throw. A positive start from the visitors Newmarket pressing high closing the Sudbury defence down forcing a throw deep on the right.

 Newmarket’s Katie Webb fresh from riding her first winner at Leicester Races earlier in the week combines with Gemma Moore up the line on the right exchanging passes before Moore attempts to pick out Cuthbert making a near post run, the Sudbury defence blocking can’t get it clear Newmarket push numbers into the final third, Cuthbert central 20 yards out unable to get a Jess Linger ball down under control and hit on the turn as Brogan McHale closes her down for Sudbury, Slater pressing keeping the attack alive the ball played out to Layla Weston getting forwards on the right the full back sending in a cross from 25 yards out Cuthbert getting hold of it this time inside the area takes it to her right intending to shoot, Sudbury captain Amanda Short at centre back getting on her shoulder tackling to send the ball behind for a corner kick. 

Sudbury defender, Brogan McHale

   GOAL! Newmarket hammer home there fast start opening the scoring inside 4 minutes. The corner put in by Linger from the right defended by McHale at the far post, the hosts can’t break however as Newmarket are quick to close the ball down turn play around the ball played out to the left side nudged on for Cuthbert finding space inside the box top left corner, opens up her body to send a curling effort high across the diving keeper into the far corner of the net 0-1.

Annabel Cuthbert with the early strike to give Newmarket the lead

  Sudbury yet to have any meaningful possession inside their opponents half fire a warning shot across their bow straight from the restart the ball out to Amy Thompson running clear on the left has support from Tye Smith the ball put across the top of the Newmarket box, Georgia Thorpe running with it before putting her foot throw the ball from the top of the D, her shot straight at Dominika Szary, the Newmarket keeper catching it cleanly. Newmarket left back Holly Dryland finding herself in space strikes the ball across field as Webb makes the run on the opposite flank, picks her out superbly (if catching her on the side of the head and sending her sprawling was the intention) nevertheless having been poleaxed Webb is okay to continue. 

Newmarket’s Holly Dryland playing the ball forwards

  Newmarket regain possession in the middle Slater taking it on with Moore ahead of her peeling right attempts the diagonal ball into the box for Cuthbert, Candice intercepting setting up a Sudbury attack forwards for Maisie Goodwin taking it on plays it forwards towards Smith, Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield defending at the back, plays it long for Hayes away to the left her touch knocking it on gets in behind before checking back inside to take on the strike from the angle 20 yards out lifts her strike over the crossbar. A good battle shaping up in the centre of the park Linger winning it for Newmarket passes to Hayes out on the left, crosses early too close to the goalkeeper, Ciara Roberts with a confident claim high at her near post.

Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield clearing the ball ahead of Sudbury attacker Tye Smith

   Goodwin’s turn to get the better of the midfield battle coming away with the ball at her feet into the Newmarket half lays it on for Thompson left side, a clever touch seeing her take the ball in behind the Newmarket defence into the area but can’t win the race to the ball before Szary can come off her goal line lay claim to the ball. Newmarket continue to press the Sudbury defence on the ball McHale with limited options as she is closed down by Cuthbert outside the box turning back into the box the striker nipping in to take the ball off the centre back 8 yards out gets a shot away but is a tame effort along the ground Roberts down to smother it inside her six yard box. 

Gemma Moore looking to get away with the ball for Newmarket in attack

 Goodwin tracking back tackles Webb inside her box bringing the ball away plays a fantastic long range pass up to Smith in attack the striker getting hold of the ball looking to take on the Newmarket centre backs Rebecca Towler slowing her progress as Woodfield comes in to make the tackle. Candice stepping up wins the ball intended for Hayes from Dryland at the back space to run into has good vision to pick out the run made by Smith peeling off Towler’s shoulder to get into the box right of the D, pulls the trigger early her strike racing wide behind at the left post. 

Sudbury’s Amy Thompson

 Thompson with a powerful run with the ball on the left in attack does well to win Sudbury a corner kick. A cluster of players gathered at the top of the box Newmarket keeping 3 up to occupy the Sudbury defence. The delivery from the left in central Thorpe jumping nodding it down towards goal, Weston defending the post scrambling the ball away to safety. 20 minutes played the game starting to level out Sudbury finding more time on the ball have to stay alert, Jodie Donley doing just that at left back as Cuthbert coming deep to receive the ball into her feet turns brilliantly to send it forwards for Webb attempting to run clear on the right side, Donley cutting it out. 

Newmarket’s, Katie Webb

 Newmarket having make a fantastic start, unsettling Sudbury the hosts starting to get hold of the ball centrally, Goodwin tenacious supported well by Megan Partridge locking horns with Linger and Slater. Goodwin’s pass long for Thompson left plays it inside for the advancing Smith who in turn plays a diagonal ball into the area looking for Thorpe far side, running in with Dryland on her shoulder the Newmarket left back defending well. Thompson and Smith combining as they come forwards for Sudbury left side Thompson inside to Smith bombs on up the wing Smith picking her out gets into the area near post to receive the cross flashes a ball across the face of goal Thorpe running in far post can’ t quite get there. 

Newmarket’s Jess Linger and Chloe Slater combine to win the ball

 Partridge getting forwards to the edge of the area as Sudbury win a throw high on the right sees the ball rolled into her feet lets fly from 20 yards out right of the D fires her shot over the bar. Amber Provan nips in to regain possession for Sudbury 30 yards out, attempts to play in Thorpe to her right, goes on into the area, Dryland lunging in with and outstretched leg taking the ball away from her.

  GOAL! Newmarket double there lead on the half hour getting forwards win a corner on the left. Push players forwards into the box the delivery put in across goal into the six yard box Cuthbert, Webb and Slater all gathered at the far post the ball knocked down to the floor is loose for a second, Woodfield closest the quickest to react stabbing the ball in over the line at close range 0-2.

Beth Woodfield (5) quickest to the loose ball to put Newmarket 2 nil up

 Sudbury ring the changes using all five substitutes as Evie Creaton, Hannah Stephenson, Teigan McHale, Isabella Crawford and Rebecca Stephenson enter the game coming on for Smith, Provan, Brogan McHale, Candice and Thompson. Other players moving position too the intent to cause an impact Sudbury are on the attack Creaton central onto the ball rolled out to Crawford on the right side firing in an early cross into the box, Woodfield tracking back clearing inside her own six yard box. Newmarket clear their back line left side long with Cuthbert moving into the channel does well getting the bouncing ball under control holding it up as team mates races forwards in support slipping inside lifts a cross into the area, Slater arriving on the penalty spot stooping to head the ball wants to loop it over the keeper, not easy and succeeds in dropping it into Roberts gloves instead.

   GOAL! The substitutes having the desired effect as Sudbury pull a goal back injecting pace into side clear there defence the ball played on into the middle Crawford racing onto it taking it on plays a superb ball through to Partridge leading the attack now having peeled into the right channel sees the ball into her run sets herself and lets fly from inside the box keeping it low races pass Szary into the back of the net 1-2.

Megan Partridge moving into attack pulls it back to 2-1 for Sudbury

 Sudbury have sharpened up are pressing Newmarket at the back as much as the visitors were to them at the start of the game forcing errors. Goodwin in the middle tackling to get another attack going comes left on for Creaton, looks to go on Weston getting back on her doing well to force her run away from goal Creaton still managing to square a cross into the six yard box, Szary at full stretch diving to get her gloves on the ball with both Partridge and Crawford coming in. 

  Newmarket bringing players forwards for a corner Sudbury defending look to break Thorpe outside the area getting hold of the ball taking it forwards covering alot of ground before sending it out to Partridge away to her right, 25 yards out comes back inside closing in on the area, strikes the ball her shot angling wide across the face of goal. Into the last 5 minutes of the first half. Teigan McHale blocking a cross fired into the box from the left fired in by Dryland as she goes beyond Hayes. The game intense both sides closing each other down looking for openings both defences being kept on their toes. Rebecca Stephenson bringing the ball under control centrally 25 yards attempts to thread it through for Partridge, Towler throwing a leg out intercepting outside the box.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 1-2 Newmarket Town Women

  Newmarket with a fast start putting Sudbury under pressure at the back closing the ball down capitalising with an early goal. Unsettling the hosts took Sudbury a while to find their rhythm, before the game settled into a more even contest Newmarket continuing to create chances doubling their lead on the half hour. Sudbury responding with 5 changes, making an immediate impact pulling a goal back setting up an intriguing 2nd half.

Maisie Goodwin bringing the ball away in midfield for Sudbury

   Newmarket’s turn to ring the changes at the start of the 2nd half making 4 substitutions, on come Kaitlin Elsey, Tash Patten, Hannah Doyle and Megan Spurrell, replacing Webb, Moore, Hayes and Linger. Sudbury to get the 2nd period underway. Look to get the ball left, find no joy as Weston gets control of the ball plays it inside for Woodfield to launch upfield. Elsey peeling into space on the left for Newmarket in attack checks back inside to attack the box her cross cut out the loose ball gathered by Doyle 20 yards out central hits it hard, Short with the block. 

 The visitors pressing at the start of the 2nd half keep the pressure on in the final 3rd Doyle into the box left side shooting on the angle Roberts on her line down to make the save. Short does well inside her box defending against Elsey as the Newmarket attack looks to take her on entering the box left of the D.

  GOAL! Defending one end Sudbury get straight on the attack the ball out from the back wide to Crawford in space attacking right side plays a great diagonal pass into the box for Partridge making the run in behind advancing on the keeper, slots the ball along the ground wide of her to equalise early in the 2nd half 2-2.

Megan Partridge equalises for Sudbury early in the 2nd half

  Tash Patten is brought down in a dangerous position for Newmarket 25 yards out from the Sudbury goal the referee awarding a free-kick. With Linger off, it’s Slater on the set piece takes on the shot over the wall dips too soon making it a straight forward catch for Roberts. Minutes after equalising Sudbury are celebrating once again thinking they’ve taken the lead, almost a carbon copy of that goal today Crawford racing clear on the right sending the ball through to Partridge inside the box in behind the defence, the flag is up straight away however even before the ball nestles in the back of the net, the celebrations cut short.

  Crawford and Creaton lively on the right side for Sudbury, the former pushing on into the area from the wing, Towler coming across to slide in take the ball away for a corner. Defended Newmarket attempt to break, Sudbury close the ball down well centrally press the attack to win a corner on the right. Rebecca Stephenson with an inswinging delivery trying to use the wind to her advance goes long through the crowded six yard box to strike the far post, rebounded out towards the top of the area a shot fired back in is blocked spins away for a corner on the left. Another good delivery inswinging towards the near post, Szary with a good leap punching it away to safety.

  Patten with a risky but nevertheless good sliding tackle just inside the box against Partridge denies the attacking a shot on goal as the ball is send into her feet from the left. Sudbury with the brighter start 2n half keep the ball inside the Newmarket half Goodwin onto Rebecca Stephenson. A free kick awarded 30 yards out to the right of goal, Rebecca Stephenson on it blasts over. The host pressing well in the final 3rd win a corner on the left, the delivery long over everyone retrieve by Goodwin beyond the far post flashes a cross through the six yard box Partridge far post can’t get a telling touch runs through to the corner taker, Rebecca Stephenson shifting it onto her right foot inside the box shoots on the angle the ball bulging the side netting.

Sudbury’s Rebecca Stephenson coming forwards with the ball

 An hour played a lively contest between two battling sides no let up from either, Patten on the wrong end of a strong challenge in the middle, Slater to play the free-kick into the box taking a deflection on it’s way past goal winning Newmarket a corner. Elsey up attacking the far post can’t get her header on target. Sudbury ring the changes once again, Brogan McHale, Provan, Candice, Thompson an Smith back on for Goodwin, Partridge, Short, Thorpe and Donely. Newmarket making a change too Woodfield off at the back on comes Liv Cafferelli. The flood lights coming on as the light starts to fade. 

Newmarket’s Chloe Slater

  Newmarket get on the attack Slater on for Cuthbert getting clear in the middle running clear on goal opening up for her has Elsey running with her to the right opts to cross set her up the weight of the ball a little to heavy evading her. Patten having picked up a couple of knocks for Newmarket is replaced by Linger. The visitors get an attack going the ball out to Spurrell on the right peeling off the shoulder of the last defender into the box shoots low Roberts well placed to drop onto the ball make the save. A triple change for the visitors Newmarket bringing off Weston, Cuthbert an Slater, Webb, Hayes and Moore retuning to the action. 

  Creaton getting hold of the ball well for Sudbury causing Newmarket problems on the right sees the ball into her feet off a throw in turns inside to play in a cross to Smith centrally outside the area, Cafferelli getting in front of her well to win the ball back. Creaton skipping on past her marker right side sends a diagonal ball into the area long for Thompson far side, closing in on goal from the left, Szary closing down the angle down smartly to save low, her defence scrambling the loose ball away. 

GOAL! Into the final 20 minutes Sudbury have upped their game 2nd half pushing on in attack win another corner on the left, players gathering at the top of the area to make runs as Rebecca Stephenson places the ball, flights it in towards the near post six yards out, Creaton has snuck in unchecked leaping to nod the ball down into the ground and bounce up over the line into the roof of the net 3-2.

Evie Creaton scores to put Sudbury into a 3-2 lead

  It’s competitive there are some strong challenges out there a little niggle too creeping into the game. Elsey is hurt in one such challenge and needs to come off, Cuthbert retuning to the action as the game enters the final 10 minutes. Provan gets back well to tackle Hayes as she looks to gather the ball into her feet in attack on the left drive at the defence for Newmarket. The host win a free-kick in a dangerous position left of the D a yard outside the box, Rebecca Stephenson placing the ball, strikes it well racing in on target, a superb attempt, an equally superb save by Szary getting across her goal diving to her right throwing out a glove to palm the ball behind conceding the corner. 

  The corner defended Newmarket can’t get the ball forwards Sudbury are closing everything down working hard to regain possession. Hayes threatening to run in behind catching Sudbury with a high line, goalkeeper Roberts comes running out of her box to win the race and clear the danger. Szary at the other end has to come racing out to the top of her box to as a looping ball is played forwards, to risky to attempt handling it ha to get her head on the bouncing ball cleared but not far Crawford 30 yards out attempts to take advantage catch the keeper off her line the shot however off target dropping wide of the post. Dryland across to dive in halts a Sudbury attack as they press numbers on through the middle.

 Moments later Dryland pulls up looks like cramp but very painfully the Sudbury bench helping her off the pitch, Slater is sent back on with 5 minutes left to play. Rebecca Stephenson a threat in any dead ball situation Sudbury are drawing their fair share of free-kicks aswell as giving them away. This though is adding up to time lost as Newmarket frustratingly cant get the ball into their attackers late on. Creaton on the ball good close control as she dribbles towards the Newmarket area taking players on is clipped right on the edge of the area. Rebecca Stephenson placing it right of the D, strikes it early, Szary not set but the attempt is wasted racing wide past the left post. Stoppage time being played Rebecca Stephenson left rolls it on for Smith in attack, puts Cafferelli under pressure as she attempts to shield it back to Szary, the clearance put straight to Stephenson she strikes it wide across goal. Creaton holding it up in the corner as the final whistle blows.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 3-2 Newmarket Town Women

  Sudbury come back from 2-0 down to win the game 3-2 in the 2nd half to reach the last 16 of this season’s ERWFL Cup. A highly entertaining contest between two evenly matched sides. Newmarket quick out of the blocks taking an early lead going 2 up on the half hour. Sudbury ringing the changes pulling a goal straight back to trail 2-1 at half-time scored early in the 2nd half and maintained there strong start to the 2nd period to go on and find the winning goal whilst doing well to limit Newmarket’s opportunities up the other end.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Again another tough one to decide, rarely are they easy, but that’s the nature of the game. A few contenders for Newmarket, Beth Woodfield was strong at the back making several important tackles as was Chloe Slater in the middle, getting forwards well too. For Sudbury Megan Partridge came into her own taking over in attack getting into some great positions, scoring twice to level the scores. Evie Creaton too with a great performance getting hold of the ball setting up numerous attacks and keeping the momentum with Sudbury scoring the winning goal. The award though goes to Maisie Goodwin had an excellent game in midfield, battling hard winning the ball and when she did having the vision and range of passing to find her attackers.

  If it is to be my last game for a while an excellent match to leave it one highly entertaining from the first minute to the last plenty of talent on display a great advert for the ERWFL. My thanks to both sides for the all important teams details as always much appreciated. 

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Sprowston Athletic Ladies

25th October

Norfolk Women Division One

The action this Sunday on Women’s Football East comes from Norfolk, a game from Division One, Fakenham Town Ladies hosting Sprowston Athletic Ladies.

Another game close to home for myself with Fakenham just 25 minutes up the road. Norfolk Women’s Division One looking strong again this season with 10 sides competing in the top tier of the county league this season. A match today between two sides who will be aiming to push for a top 5 finish at least.

  Fakenham Town Ladies begin the new season under new management with Ben Binder moving on to take charge of Norwich City Women’s Reserves side. Thomas Bulley and Ed Savage taking on the running of the women’s side at the club. A good set up with in the club Fakenham returning to Division One last season bouncing back from Division Two at the first attempt last season of course cut short by COVID. Olivia Baker and Shelley Woods amongst the new faces joining the squad have experience at a higher level and in Woods in particular a player with an eye for goal. Lost their opening two league fixtures before registering their first win last time out a good result away to rivals Tavern Ladies winning 6-1. 

  Sprowston Athletic Ladies have themselves had their best start to a season yet in Norfolk Women’s Division One winning 3 of their opening 4 matches to lay 2nd in the early table. Have recently merged with Sprowston FC who have a strong tradition in youth football both boys and girls and are now part of one of the biggest clubs in terms of sides present in the county. Have scored 13 goals so far in 4 matches with Bryony Brierley top scoring with 5 from 4. Katie Fray to often amongst the goals for Sprowston has 3 in 3 so far. A match today between two sides who are high in confidence.

  Clipbush Park the venue for today’s match (The Daly Group Stadium as it’s also known) usually the match is played on the main pitch, however for the first time I’ve known it the game today to be played on one of the grass pitches behind the stadium the raised pitch where the reserves play, Is smaller than the main pitch offering less width, not so energy sapping as the larger pitch with is always a good test of fitness. The pitch railed off all round with brick dugouts. Despite the heavy rainfall overnight the pitch is in great shape, the weather set to be dry a few clouds around but breezy and mild. The clocks going back the sun already on it’s way down could cause issues later on in the game.

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Easter, Amie Hutchison, Gina Pooley, Sian Sands (C), Maddie Smith, Holly Davies, Vicky Lubbock, Jemma Riches, Sophie Lubbock, Shelley Woods & Chantelle Ketteringham. Subs – Olivia Baker, Chelsea Thomson & Karina Townsend.

Sprowston Athletic Ladies starting XI – Jade Knight, Georgia Bryant, Zuleika Laffitte, Maria Braithwaite, Keri Boorman (C), Katie Fray, Kate Morris, Olivia Leggett, Rebecca Kirby, Courtney Leggett & Bryony Brierley. Subs – Laura Jenkins, Tabby Mileham & Hannah Taylor.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   Sprowston to take the kick-off 1st half wearing blue shirts with navy blue sleeves, blue shorts and socks. Fakenham opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks. Fakenham in to close Sprowston down right from the off chasing down the defence as the ball is played back passes rushed possession quickly regained Vicky Lubbock for Fakenham onto the ball central moving right pushed out to Jemma Riches on the wing attempts to thread it in behind, the pass cut out by Sprowston’s Courtney Leggett. 

  Fakenham making a bright start pushing 3 in attack, Sophie Lubbock and Chantelle Ketteringham either sides of Shelley Woods central rushing at the Sprowston back line defended by captain Keri Boorman the ball put straight to Riches closing on from the right her touch knocking the ball high into the air dropping 20 yards out central Vicky Lubbock closing in to strike it on the bounce through on target bouncing in the six yard box Jade Knight drifting across her goal catching it cleanly. 

  Sprowston come on through the middle Olivia Leggett carrying the ball forwards into the Fakenham half a good pass out to the right finding Kate Morris her cross looping up high into the box close to goal is collected high by goalkeeper Chloe Easter at her near post. Fakenham get straight on the counter attack the ball into Amie Hutchison on for Holly Davies left side players from both sides drawn over to that side of the pitch as Sophie Lubbock takes it on Woods in close support a vicious cross fired in low towards the near post Zuleika Laffitte does well coming across to win it and take it away from danger.

Sprowston Athletic Ladies, Zuleika Laffitte

   Intent from Fakenham early on press forwards looking to get players in left and right, Ketteringham in behind on the right this time spin back on the by-line to send a cross racing along the face of the Sprowston goal. Is scrappy with players rushing in to close each other down throws being given away by both sides unable to make headway up the flanks. Georgia Bryant stepping in to tackle Sophie Lubbock as Woods turns the ball on into her path. Bryony Brierley has pace in attack for Sprowston ready to go get in behind the Fakenham defence, the flag going up against her as a ball in threaded into her through the middle. 

  Rebecca Kirby on the ball for Sprowston coming left plays in on for Brierley left of the D, holding it up the striker looks to turn inside, Fakenham captain Sian Sands closing in on her  lunging to make the tackle the ball going away for a throw in. Morris getting in some advanced positions with the ball for the visitors moves right her cross spinning behind for a goal kick. Vicky Lubbock jumping in to win the ball centrally nods it out to Riches on the right she takes a touch laying it on for Ketteringham ahead of her, a little too much on the ball, however Woods racing into the box beyond her almost reaches it Knight unfazed by her run gathering the ball safely.

Vicky Lubbock heads the ball on for Fakenham Town Ladies

 Laffitte with a good stop at the back to cut out a through ball intended to put Ketteringham in behind to her right from Davies. Fakenham setting the tempo Sprowston not settled yet the visitors push on through the middle Maddie Smith stepping out of the Fakenham back line to clear the ball long upfield, turns into a great ball for Woods to exploit taking it on towards the opposition area right side under challenge from Laffitte manages to get a shot away on the angle a tame effort however lacking the power to trouble Knight. Sophie Lubbock left side plays it inside 20 yards out looking to play it into Woods path, Boorman sticking out a leg nicking the ball away from her.

Fakenham captain, Sian Sands with Sprowston Athletic striker Bryony Brierley

   A good battle forming between the Sprowston full backs Bryant and Laffitte as Fakenham push Sophie Lubbock and Ketteringham on left and right. Sophie Lubbock on the angle smashes in a shot from all of 25 yards out the ball wide at the near post. Olivia Leggett comes away with the ball at her feet left side for Sprowston travelling up the wing looking for crossing options as Brierley comes to make herself available, Riches though tracks back for Fakenham to regain possession for the hosts.

Fakenham’s twin sisters, Vicky and Sophie Lubbock both causing problems for Sprowston, Vicky making some strong runs through the middle getting the ball down chasing into space on the right swings in a high cross into the six yard box, Knight leaping excellently getting up to glove the ball up and reacts well as she comes down getting across her goal to smother the ball at the far post before any Fakenham attacker can latch onto it. Knight busy in goal for Sprowston with another double save as Fakenham overload the left a diagonal ball angled in towards goal kept out spins away to the right Riches rushing onto it hits it hard from close range, Knight back on her line doesn’t know much about it as she saves with her legs deflecting the ball away behind for a corner.

Courtney Leggett carrying the ball forwards for Sprowston Ladies

   The delivery from the corner on the right angled in towards the top of the area a shot comes in taking a deflection sending it away for another corner. This delivery attacked far post ends with a goal kick awarded. Bryant is busy in defence on the right for Sprowston, Vicky Lubbock getting support from Woods and Davies as se comes forwards the full back standing up against her putting in the blocking tackle to stop the hosts advance. Smith brings Brierley down 35 yards out from goal right of centre Sprowston awarded the free-kick. Boorman plays it on for Kirby right side outside the area looks to come inside getting a shot away through bodies on target low lacks pace Easter seeing it into her gloves. 

  Fakenham are straight on the attack the ball on for Riches right side her cross in half cleared loose 25 yards out a shot coming in from distance Knight safely behind it. Vicky Lubbock coming down the left cuts inside getting past Boorman flashes a ball into the six yard box, cleared by Laffite comes to Davies 25 yards out takes on the strike dipping in front of goal is caught by Knight. Strong tackling between Fray and Morris in the middle for Sprowston sees the visitors getting on up the right as Kirby takes the ball on coming infield runs into trouble as Smith comes to close her down win the ball outside the box. 

Vicky Lubbock on the ball for Fakenham Town Ladies

   Sprowston starting to gain some momentum in the final third as Morris gets further forwards with the ball looking to link up with Brierley in attack winning a throw high on the left lifted into Brierley the attack spins in behind her marker making a move for goal inside the box, Smith comes across with a strong but well timed challenge to take the ball away. Fakenham continue to attack with pace and purpose, Vicky Lubbock on for Woods left channel has Sophie Lubbock ahead of her feeds the ball on into the area, Knight out saving bravely at Lubbock’s feet as her momentum takes her on.

  A good triangle between Olivia Leggett, Morris and Fray in the centre for Sprowston as they gain momentum inside the Fakenham half, the final ball into Brierley outside the D see’s her closely marked by Sands, Fakenham’s captain winning the ball back. Morris bringing the ball on 30 yards out on to Brierley moving to the right inside the area latching onto the ball swings in a cross from the by line a dangerous ball flashing across the face of goal scrambled away for a corner at the far post by Hutchison. The set piece going long Fakenham get hold of it press forwards, Sprowston giving away a free-kick central Fakenham push players up to the top of the area a Hutchison places the ball. Vicky Lubbock getting a head on the delivery under challenge the ball put back to Hutchison all of 40 yards out takes a wild swing at it her attempt off target.

Sprowston Athletic Ladies, Olivia Leggett

  Fakenham press down the left after Davies wins possession back central Vicky Lubbock pushing on down the line fires in a low cross on the angle, Knight down onto it at her near post with Ketteringham racing in. Morris strong on the ball comes left into space 25 yards out squares her pass inside for Olivia Leggett, Davies closing in wins the 50/50 the loose ball running behind Leggett to Fray she looks to loft it up into the area spotting Brierley peeling off her marker, Smith though intercepts the pass for Fakenham. 

  Boorman cuts out a cross inside the area as Pooley gets away down the left for Fakenham the Sprowston centre back conceding a corner. The set-piece delivered towards the congested near post is half cleared to the top of the area, Smith latching onto it for Fakenham sends her shot up over the crossbar. Into the final 5 minutes of the first half. Sprowston’s defence have been the busier Braithwaite deflecting a cross flashed in from the left out towards the top right hand corner of the box, Ketteringham rushing onto it sends her strike over the bar. 

 Brierley continues to look a threat in attack for Sprowston has had to go it alone more often than not does well to shake of Sands get after a threaded ball laid into the area right of goal, Smith though produces a risky but well timed tackle to deny her a shot. Throw in’s have been a constant feature in the first half no one afforded any tie to settle on the ball. Riches trying to race away after the ball right side, Knight rushing out of her area clearing the danger for Sprowston. 

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 0-0 Sprowston Athletic Ladies

  The first 45 minutes end goalless the game played at a furious pace Fakenham attacking throughout creating the better opportunities forcing a couple of excellent saves from Jade Knight in the Sprowston goal. Pushing on against the visitors full backs looking to take on the defence have had the better of the half but frustratingly haven’t broken the deadlock. Sprowston dealing with alot of pressure at the back have stood firm put in some vital tackles when needed didn’t settle early on and haven’t been afforded much time on the ball keeping a clean sheet began to create opportunities of there own and if they can get closer support to Brierley in the 2nd period will create more chances of their own.

A change for Fakenham at the start of the 2nd half with Olivia Baker on in midfield for Vicky Lubbock. The hosts to get the 2nd half underway Chloe Easter donning a cap with the sun now low in the sky facing her goal. A scrappy start to the 2nd half a few niggly challenges too free-kicks given away in the middle. Sprowston getting hold of the ball centrally Fray sending it up towards the box Smith back peddling chesting it down to her keeper, just enough pace on the ball for Easter to claim with Brierley rushing in to close her down.

Fakenham scramble the ball clear off a Sprowston corner

  Fakenham play the ball up the line left side Pooley racing forwards doing well to not only keep it in play but put it in diagonally into Sophie Lubbock inside the area, attempts to turn Boorman close in on her preventing her going anywhere with a good challenge putting the ball away for a corner. An inswinging delivery from the left into the six yards box Smith getting her head on the ball placing it over, however a goal kick is signalled. 

GOAL! 6 minutes into the 2nd half and Fakenham find the break through pressing forwards through the middle the ball lifted on Boorman looks to head it back to her keeper inside the box doesn’t get enough weight on the ball with both Woods and Sophie Lubbock racing in to close down the advancing keeper, Woods doing well getting a touch before Knight can reach it knocking it past her presenting Sophie Lubbock with an open goal to tap the ball home 1-0.

Sophie Lubbock opens the scoring for Fakenham Town Ladies

  Braithwaite comes across from the centre to support Laffitte as Baker plays Ketteringham in behind on the right hand side sending the ball away for a corner. Fakenham placing a cluster of players at the top of the area as the corner is played into the box, Smith and Hutchison are on top of one another as they attack the ball not sure which one got the final touch driven in towards goal however is straight at and a comfortable height for Knight to hold onto. 

Fakenham defenders Maddie Smith and Amie Hutchison

 Sprowston play the ball out from the back into Courtney Leggett getting on down the left side advancing down the wing squared it inside to Morris her reverse ball sending it on into the area as Brierley peels off Sands in behind, Easter off her line quickly out to claim it before the striker can shoot. Laffite sliding in does well to deny Ketteringham an opportunity to skip in behind on Fakenham’s right. Chances for both sides with Fakenham making a double substitution bringing on Chelsea Thomson and Karina Townsend for Davies and Pooley. Sprowston making their first change bring on Tabby Mileham for Courtney Leggett.

Tabby Mileham playing the ball forwards for Sprowston Athletic Ladies

  Laffite conceding a corner as Ketteringham pushes on right side off a Baker ball from the centre. The delivery in from the right towards the top of the box is meet by Baker left of the D hit hard and low races narrowly wide of the far post.

GOAL! A little over an hour gone and Sprowston draw level pushing on well through the middle Morris up with Brierley as the ball comes into the striker left outside the area turns well the ball taken on by Morris, riding the challenge from Smith gets into the box left of the D and smashes the ball hard and high across the keeper 1-1.

Kate Morris levels the scores for Sprowston Athletic Ladies

  Fakenham get straight on the attack from the restart playing the ball out to the right winning a corner of Laffite. The ball played into the box cleared by Braithwaite the visitors looking to get forwards quickly Olivia Leggett is taken out by Smith on half way a strong tackle in from behind leaves Leggett floored in some pain. Smith recieves a yellow card. Leggett up gingerly on her ankle hobbling a little is keen to get back on the pitch and is allowed too. Sands produces a good tackle to stop Morris turning inside the D as Mileham gets a cross in from the left. 

 Sophie Lubbock often the most advanced in attack for Fakenham in the 2nd half drifts inside to receive the ball centrally dribbling on takes on the defence gaining ground before Fray back tracking puts a foot in to stop her outside the D. Up the other end Smith slides in well to deny Brierley an opportunity 20 yards out as Morris plays the ball on the ball going away for a corner kick. An inswinging ball in towards the near post sent behind for another corner. Fakenham defend well and attempt to break the ball up to Ketteringham spinning away right side is brought down by Laffite conceding a free kick.

Sophie Lubbock getting past the Sprowston defence

  Woods over the ball some 40 yards out as players head up into the box from the back. lofts a ball in dropping six yards out right of goal Sophie Lubbock with the cushioned header back across goal Sands with a bullet header to drive the ball home into the back of the net… however the celebrations are cut short by a raised offside flag in won’t count. Sprowston make a double change with Laura Jenkins and Hannah Taylor coming on for Olivia Leggett and Boorman. The hosts keep up their pressing on either flank Riches sending in a cross from the right forcing a corner. In towards the top of the area gathered into her feet by Baker turning into a strike has too any bodies to go through Sprowston blocking with a little over 15 minutes left on the clock.

   Sands is fouled bringing the ball out from the back for Fakenham the advantage played though as Woods spins away into space with it left into the box, doesn’t make the most of it dragging her shot wide. Vicky Lubbock returns to the game for Fakenham replacing Riches. Straight into the action centrally playing the ball out to Thomson racing on up the left wing goes on checking back to spin in behind Bryant before lifting a cross into the area the ball headed clear by Fray.

  Smith sends the ball up field finding Sophie Lubbock on the left gets in behind riding a sliding challenge on into the area the angle going against her left of goal  drags her shot wide across the six yard box Woods running in far side almost capitalising. Courtney Leggett back on for Sprowston with 10 minutes left to play for Kirby. The hosts push on through the middle Baker onto Vicky Lubbock her diagonal ball picking out Thomson high on the left into the box shoots Knight reacting smartly gloving the ball down and away from danger. Townsend getting on with Ketteringham on the right the ball fired in along the face of goal Thomson close in at the far post can’t get a telling touch. 

GOAL! The game stretched both sides looking to find opportunities late on Fakenham winning it in midfield lofting the ball up to Woods making a run into the right channel into the box the keeper coming to close her down narrow the angle Woods does well to lob the ball over her to bounce on into the empty net 2-1. 

GOAL! Fakenham regaining the lead with 7 minutes left to play Sprowston however hit back straight away from the restart playing the ball out to the left side sent down the line with Jenkins peeling away in behind checks back inside skipping past a challenge to get into the area the angle tight hits it well low and fast across the keeper to find the bottom corner and equalise 2-2.

Substitute Laura Jenkins scores straight away to level the scores for Sprowston Athletic Ladies

  Late drama the hosts regaining the lead but pegged straight back, Olivia Leggett retuning to the action the game stretched now Sprowston finding renewed energy to push forwards. Has been a physical game through out the referee needing to have a word calm thing’s down, Sands playing the ball on for Sophie Lubbock left inside the area, Olivia Leggett back on her to tackle and concede the corner kick.

 No advantage as Brierley is pulled down on half way play brought back for the free-kick, Olivia Leggett to play the ball in towards the top of the area headed clear by Vicky Lubbock comes bac to Leggett who takes a wild swing it it falls well wide of the mark. Jenkins offering a threat on the left in attack for Sprowston now taking on the Fakenham defence getting a cross into the area Smith heading it clear for a throw. Sprowston press forwards numbers around the edge of the box win a free-kick in a very dangerous position outside the area. 

GOAL! Right on the edge of the box left corner of the area Mileham placing the ball, hits it beautifully rising with power and pace behind it finds it’s way through to strike the back of the net 2-3. Sprowston coming back for a goal down twice to lead the match with just stoppage time left.

Tabby Mileham hits the winner for Sprowston Athletic Ladies

 Fakenham suddenly on the back foot for the first time in the match get forwards on the left Thomson fouled by Courtney Leggett giving away a free-kick 25 yards out, a threatening position on the angle as Woods advances to take it. Angles it in high across goal to be attacked far post, a little too much height on the ball sees it run out of play.

 Sprowston get hold of the ball, Courtney Leggett in the middle comes inside form the right is encouraged to run it into the corner runs into traffic instead 30 yards out Fakenham defend the ball loose latched onto by Morris, goes for the shot blasts it wide of the right post. 

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 2-3 Sprowston Athletic Ladies

 Sprowston win all 3 points to make it 4 wins out of five and remain 2nd in the Division One table level on points with Bungay Town Ladies at the top. Grinding out a win at the death having fallen behind twice in the 2nd half. Weren’t at their best and they will be the first to admit it would no doubt have been happy with a point but to win when you haven’t played so well is often the sign of a good team a battling performance to keep Fakenham at bay 1st half showed good character to get back level twice before going on to find the winner at the death. Fakenham in contrast will feel gravely unfortunate not to take anything at all from the game created by far more opportunities in front of goal had the Sprowston defence on the back foot for large spells of the game. Perhaps should have held a lead at half-time and will rue misses chances getting the lead twice and not holding on disappointing a late goal conceded tough to take.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and once again several contenders tough to single out one but you know I have to. For Fakenham the Lubbock sisters were both superb, Vicky in particular 1st half the driving force in midfield, Sophie in attack on the left a threat throughout. Maddie Smith making several tackles at the back strong in defence. For Sprowston Kate Morris made some good runs in midfield getting forwards and bringing others into play. At the back the full bacs had a busy afternoon stuck to their tasks well making several important challenges never made it easy for Fakenham, Georgia Bryant at right back is narrowly edged out and it is narrowly (two tackles according to my notes) by Zuleika Laffitte.

  An entertaining game, expected nothing less, Division One certainly looks strong this season of these two sides are anything to go by. Crazy times we live in but it has to be said the football provides a much needed and welcome piece of normality for all playing and spectating. My thanks to both sides for the team details as always much appreciated. 

Match Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Histon Ladies

Sunday 18th October

ERWFL Division One North

Back on the football trail this Sunday afternoon with a relatively short trip for me up the A47 to King’s Lynn to watch a game from ERWFL Division One North, King’s Lynn Town Ladies hosting Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies.

  A game between two sides that have barely got their season’s started, in fact for Histon this is their first league game of the season, whilst King’s Lynn themselves have played just the one. ERWFL Division One North now with just 6 sides in it after the withdrawal of newcomer Thorpe St Andrew Women and with their Division One South counterparts also losing a side in Hoddesdon taking them down to just 7 it is frustrating for all sides as most express a preference for a larger single division. Of course ideally and the aim is to have the two divisions up to their full compliment of 12 each. The county leagues are growing that should become a reality in the near future.

 Along side King’s Lynn Town Ladies and Histon Ladies. Cambridge City Ladies Development, Newmarket Town Women, Needham Market Women and newly joined Haverhill Rovers Ladies are six sides competing in Division One North. As thing’s look that is a strong line-up with all of those sides capable of mounting a title push to get themselves into the Premier Division. COVID-19 curtailing last season ending early declared null & void King’s Lynn Town Ladies had gotten themselves into a strong position to challenge Cambridge City Ladies Development at the top, whilst Histon were we placed with games in hand to mount a late push.

  A new season and changes in management for both. Joe Simpson a former assistant coach returning after a spell at Wroxham Women to take the helm of the women’s team amongst his other roles at King’s Lynn Town. Taking over from Michelle Stewart whose hard work for the club over the previous 6 years has build a strong foundation for women’s football in King’s Lynn While at Histon, Matt Phillips moves up to take charge of the 1st team with Matt Payne who has put a great deal of work over the years into ensuring Histon has a great set-up to improve the women’s game. 

  A winning start to the season for King’s Lynn Town Ladies when they eventually got their league campaign underway two weeks ago. A good result 3-0 at home to Suffolk side Needham Market Women. That followed up last weekend with a 2-0 win at home to Wodson Park Ladies in the League Cup 1st Round. Have made a few signings over the summer to strengthen the squad, with Jade Kelly, Emma Bunton and Bryony Russell-Smith all returning to the club this season have also recruit 3 players who were with Peterborough Northern Star Ladies last season, Catherine Ray, Kim Fairweather and Fran Peeling. Also worth noting the club had a number of young players ready to push for a regular place prior to the previous season ending.

 A frustrating start to the season for Histon… or rather no start at all as is the nature of the times with COVID there first game of the season at home against King’s Lynn amongst those called off. There only competitive match to date on the 20th September playing ST Ives Town Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup losing to the ERWFL Premier Division side 4-2. Another frustrating period with the squad needing to isolate. Finally getting their league campaign started today.  During the summer there was some upheaval within the club with several on the Reserves side going with thier manager to form the new Histon Hornets WFC. However the club retained a healthy number of players and adding several new faces have enough to establish what is a new Histon Ladies Development side for the new season. amongst the new signings 4 feature in todays squad, Daisy Barns, Becky Charter, Ester Mctrusty and Abi Molloy.

  King’s Lynn Town Ladies now playing their home fixtures at Lynnsport on their 3G pitch behind their old River Lane grass pitches. The leisure facility host to a number of clubs and sporting activities. The club keen to play here, will no doubt have a few more games at The Walks were times return to normal. The pitch caged can be viewed all round with a small area inside for standing spectators. A cloudy overcast day, shouldn’t be any rain, reasonably mild.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Bryony Robinson, Chloe Burch, Fran Peeling, Georgia Freeman, Shanice Burch, Kirstie Smith, Deva Rawlings, Rachael Skinner, Jodie Hopkins, Tiffany Forshaw (C) & Emma Corbyn. Subs – Amy Cropley, Kim Fairweather, Jade Kelly, Zara O’Neill & Oksana Imanalijeva.

Histon Ladies – Alison Wright, Amie Flack, Abby Laughlin, Brie Baker (C), Tessa Shaw, Lauren Martin, Sophie Lanham, Becky Charter, Daisy Barns, Kirsty Geal & Molly Blair. Subs – Abi Molloy & Ester Mctrusty.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Histon with the kick-off to get the 1st half underway wearing red shirts with black shorts and socks. King’s Lynn opposite wearing blue shirts and shorts with yellow trim with blue and yellow socks. The hosts pressing their opponents from the start closing down their defence preventing the ball going forwards deflected centrally spins to Jodie Hopkins on the left her touch taking it in behind however racing for the ball can’t quite keep it in play to get a cross into the six yard box. 

King’s Lynn fast to close on the Histon defence right from the off forcing passes to be rushed miss their mark the attack coming back, Tessa Shaw central clearing as a deflected ball central threatens to escape in behind with Emma Corbyn looking to go in attack for the hosts. Abby Laughlin defending at right back for Histon preventing King’s Lynn captain Tiffany Forshaw spinning in behind her she recieves a Kirstie Smith pass from midfield having drifted to the right. 

Tessa Shaw clearing the ball for Histon Ladies

 Histon get hold of the ball left a fantastic cross field pass picking out Kirsty Geal outside the right corner of the King’s Lynn penalty box she fires a ball into the box blocked King’s Lynn defence back to Geal has support out wide with Sophie Lanham head of her again the ball fired into the area is blocked then clear King’s Lynn look to break Hopkins on the ball down the left with ground to run into crosses the ball in but races wide across goal. Becky Charter gaining ground with the ball on the left her low ball into the air cut out by Shanice Burch the ball played up to Corbyn on halfway holds it up well as Rachael Skinner comes racing down the right wing attempt put it on for her Histon captain Brie Baker able to get to it first.

  The hosts looking lively early on are quick to get numbers forwards when they regain at the back not let the Histon back line settle on the ball. Forshaw in the right channel 25 out puts it with for the advancing Skinner, plays the return ball to Forshaw top of the area, Hopkins making a superb run in from the left isn’t tracked as she runs into the D, Forshaw looking to roll the ball into the path the Histon defence just get there first to clear. Forshaw lines a shot up from all of 25 yards out her effort not troubling Alison Wright in the Histon goal.

  Charter nips in to win the ball high on the left for Histon getting away from her marker into the ox strikes it low towards the near post Bryony Robinson in the King’s Lynn goal has her angles covered down to get behind it and save. Daisy Barns rolling it into the feet of Molly Blair in attack for Histon, has Geal on her right, Chloe Burch getting in on her to cut out the pass King’s Lynn getting straight on the attack the ball put into the middle with Skinner making a run does well to leap and get her head onto the bouncing ball knocking it on for Corbyn finding a gap in the left channel in behind into the area, Baker getting across her close her down defending well the see Corbyn concede a goal kick. 

King’s Lynn’s Rachael Skinner up to head the ball on

 Chloe Burch coming to close down on the flank gets the ball put straight into her funny bone as she goes to block (it’s not funny when you get struck with a ball at close range), a painful one an as the new handball rules go a free kick to the opposition. Burch okay to continue. Blair getting hold of the ball taking it into the area under challenge, off balance doing well to put a dangerous cross in for Histon the hosts clearing. King’s Lynn advance down the right draw another free kick a chance to float a ball into the area Peeling playing it in a good delivery landing centrally Skinner up to strike first time on the volley doesn’t get a clean connect bounces harmlessly in towards goal for Wright to catch. 

Histon Ladies goalkeeper, Alison Wright

  King’s Lynn keep up their pressing game Smith getting forwards this time form a central position up with Forshaw inside the D, Smith tackling getting hold of the ball nudges it to Forshaw going on looking for the return pass Forshaw quick to react opting the back heal, Shaw between the pair reading it getting her leg out to intercept the ball for Histon. The visitors getting the ball up the other end winning a corner on the left can’t make it count. Is being played at a fast pace King’s Lynn as working hard to close the ball proving hard to get through at the back. Forshaw recieving a pass from the right 30 yards out plays it ahead for Skinner on the move her low strike from the top of the D is straight at Wright.

  Lauren Martin up the other end striking the ball first time from outside the box left of the D as Histon get bodies up on the left the ball spinning into her path directs it on target however Robinson is right behind it down low to save. The hosts making the first change of the game Corbyn coming off in attack with Oksana Imanalijeva. Histon though have a free-kick deep on the right more or less a corner a good delivery in across the face of goal players up to attack in far post, Robinson up well to glove it away from danger. Imanalijeva on the left has pace as she runs to get onto the end of a long pass , puts it cross the top of the area with Hopkins now on that flank closing it, Baker on top of her getting the better of the challenge bringing the ball out. 

Histon Ladies, Lauren Martin

  Deva Rawlings busy in the middle for King’s Lynn challenging for the ball and getting fouled too, the free-kick this time going against her 30 plus yards out left of the area. Sophie Lanham over it has got a good strike on her takes on the shot, not enough loop on it to trouble Robinson drifting cross to her right post to catch high. King’s Lynn winning a free-kick right side of the circle inside Histon’s half, Peeling playing it across to Imanalijeva on the left outside the area a good touch putting her away in behind turning towards the box to close the angle hits it hard more likely meant to be a shot than a cross nevertheless very nearly comes of as Forshaw lunges for it far post can’t deflect it inside the post wide. 

Deva Rawlings bringing the ball on for King’s Lynn

  Histon finding it a little frustrating are getting players in the flanks to cross the final ball not coming off. Charter with excellent work on the left riding a challenge takes the ball on up the line her diagonal cross into the area goes long. King’s Lynn looking the more likely to score Chloe Burch getting the ball at the back the left back on for Imanalijeva top of the area has Skinner in close support the two combining to get Imanalijeva away in behind to deliver a cross in dropping near side Wright stooping to claim, as Forshaw with Baker on her shoulder close her down the keeper does get there in grounded as Forshaw keeps the ball in on the by line the angle against her tries to chip Wright the ball looping up dropping beyond the far post.

Histon Ladies, Amie Flack

 Histon coming close up the other end as Amie Flack wins it on the left sends a diagonal ball up towards the area, Lanham up pressuring the defence getting a shot away from inside the D across goal, Robinson diving at full stretch pushing it wide of a corner. All action King’s Lynn rushing forwards Imanalijeva left side crossing early bouncing in towards Forshaw right of the D, can’t get there before Shaw her slicing clearance pole axing her centre back partner Brie inside the box, Laughlin though round on the cover to put behind for a corner before the hosts can capitalise. From the resulting corner the ball worked short comes to Skinner 25 yards out left side her shot drilled back on runs wide of the near post. Hopkins with a shot over the crossbar from distance right side as Histon are not allowed any time to settle on the ball.

  GOAL! Into the last 5 minutes of the first half and the deadlock is broken. Rawlings up to support on the right side has the ball at her feet strong to hold off her marker as she comes infield nudges it on before reversing the ball into the area laying it on a plate for Forshaw peeling clear into the area to slide the ball wide of Wright who doesn’t move 1-0.

Captain Tiffany Forshaw opens the scoring for King’s Lynn

   The hosts with a strong spell at the end of the first half, Rawlings winning her tackles on for Skinner right is finding space well crosses the ball in Forshaw attacking the near post sends the ball across the face of goal. Rawlings central picks out Imanalijeva’s run on he left in behind has the pace, Wright though stepping up can get her gloves around it safely first. Imanalijeva injecting pace on the left crossing early late in the 1st half her ball dipping as it arrives at Hopkins strikes on the volley just inside the box, too many bodies to get through Histon block.

Half-time King’s Lynn Ladies 1-0 Histon Ladies

      A good first half from King’s Lynn playing with a high tempo from the start closing the ball down creating chances eventually making it count scoring late in the half to lead the match. Have gotten forwards well perhaps not really making it count probably should have another 1 or 2. Haven’t let Histon settle on the ball and pressing high has made it difficult for the visitors to get their own attacks going have found some joy on the flanks with Lanham getting into some good positions central forcing a good save from Robinson so the visitors will know they are by no means out of the game and with just a single goal lead more than capable of turning it around in the 2nd period. 

   Two changes for Histon at half-time with Laughlin and Geal the players off, Abi Molloy coming on at right back whilst Ester Mctrusty takes up position on the left wing. King’s Lynn getting the 2nd half underway. Get straight on the offensive Rawlings up to Imanalijeva left side knocking it on races in behind to cross a high ball in close to goal claimed high by Wright.

King’s Lynn defender Georgia Freeman winning the ball

  The ball rolled on into the feet of substitute Mctrusty left for Histon her first touch taking it beyond Burch looks to get on into the box Freeman coming across obstructing her the free-kick given. A dangerous position 25 yards out left side Flack over the ball her delivery towards the far post long, between them Charter and Lanham keeping the attack active, Charter firing a ball in on the angle, blocked comes back to Lanham she whips a vicious cross through the six yard box, Mctrusty throwing herself at it far post can’t get a touch.

Histon Ladies captain, Brie Baker

   Up the other end Hopkins getting into the box with the ball left side checks back inside to shot leaning back sends it wide of the far post. Mctrusty giving Histon an option on the left taking the ball on jinks left then right, Shanice Burch standing her ground lunging in to nick the ball before the cross can be executed. Skinner off a throw high on the right turns inside on the angle lobs the ball onto the roof of the net. Baker prevents Hopkins getting in behind on the right giving away the free-kick. Forshaw on the delivery high into the air Wright with a confident take. The hosts with a strong start to the 2nd half half prevented Histon gaining any momentum with Hopkins, Skinner and Imanalijeva pressing the defence Forshaw coming back to regain possession.

Jodie Hopkins looking to get past Histon captain Brie Baker

  Skinner from all of 30 yards with a strike fired wide of the target. Forshaw with a similar effort moments later. Hopkins leading the line now. A good contest shaping up between her and Baker, Histon’s captain has been busy in defence but winning her fair share of the ball prevents the King’s Lynn attacker spinning off her inside the D getting in behind with a lunging tackle. King’s Lynn quickly back on the ball winning a throw dropped into Imanalijeva inside the area right corner by the by line holds it up, knocking it back wide to Peeling to fire in the cross chest height near post Wright behind it but under pressure from Forshaw  spills it, Flack clearing the danger.

Fran Peeling with Histon’s Sophie Lanham

   Hopkins shrugging off her marker turning to get into the box right of goal prepares to line up a strike, Baker back on her superbly has to get her tackle right and does to see the ball deflected away. Skinner racing away with the ball at her feet right down the line swings a cross back in towards the top of the area Hopkins bringing it down with her left foot striking the shot, the effort once again finding Wright the Histon keeper saving. Histon making a change bringing Geal back on for Barns with 25 minutes gone in the 2nd half. King’s Lynn also making a change Chloe Burch having picked up an injury a few minutes earlier unable to continue on comes Amy Cropley going it at right back with Peeling switching to the left.

  Forshaw spinning into a shot close range at the near post left sides sends it over the top as she makes the run for Imanalijeva coming down the left. A 2nd change for King’s Lynn sees Hopkins coming off in attack to be replaced by Zara O’Neill. The substitute almost with a immediate impact controlling the ball in space outside the box 20 yards out turning and striking the ball screws wide of the left post. King’s Lynn continuing their pressing in the final 3rd sees Skinner going for the lob 25 yards out, back peddling Wright knows she is beaten if it drops but to her relieve drops over the bar. 

King’s Lynn’s Rachael Skinner

 Forshaw attacking right into the area goes down under challenge with Baker wants a penalty the appeal waved away. Mctrusty taking on the King’s Lynn defence getting a deflected cross into the six yard box Robinson onto it before Charter can make up the ground. Forshaw comes deeper Rawlings picking her out lays it forwards for O’Neill to attack drifting right, Baker cutting the pass out. 

  GOAL! Looking the more likely to score King’s Lynn get a 2nd goal in the 75th minute a surging run on the ball from Imanalijeva wide on the left closing into the corner whipping a dangerous ball in across the face of over the keeper falling far post Forshaw racing in with the lunge to turn it over the line from close range 2-0.

Tiffany Forshaw doubles King’s Lynn’s lead

  Histon respond with a change Blair coming off in attack, Laughlin coming on into an attacking role as the visitors look to find a way back into the match. Forshaw stealing in to win the ball back 25 yards out drives into the box left side Baker covering across to challenge sending the ball out for a corner. A dangerous inswinging delivery into the six yard box dealt with well by Shaw heading it away wide to the right. 

  O’Neill and Skinner combining for King’s Lynn in attack, the striker with the ball at her feet top of the D shifting left then right Skinner the option to her right on the flank sends the ball out wide Skinner looks to go alone her initial effort blocked  rebounds to her sending  a cross in along the top of the six yard box O’Neill arriving looks to turn it wide of Wright not enough to beat the keeper at close range. Kim Fairweather comes on for King’s Lynn.

  Histon haven’t had much to feed on in attack 2nd half, winning a corner on the left through Mctrusty have a chance to put pressure on the hosts inside the box. The corner though goes long beyond the far post his kept alive well headed down to drop inside the six yard box, Laughlin is there lunging to get her foot on it deflected goalwards hasn’t the power behind it to carry it past the defence before the block comes in and it is cleared. 

Histon’s Abby Laughlin with a late chance to score

  King’s Lynn come on Smith forwards for Skinner on for Forshaw in the area left side cuts it back inside for Skinner running in to attack the near post Wright down smartly pulling the ball into her body. Lanham playing a long pass on for Mctrusty to attack through the middle, Burch closing her down to clear the ball. Forshaw blasting a shot behind on the angle from 25 yards out in the closing minutes . Jade Kelly coming on late in the game for King’s Lynn sending a shot wide from the right of the D outside the box as Forshaw coming on with the ball left side rolls a diagonal pass into her. Kim Fairweather and Corbyn back on to see out the final minutes ensure King’s Lynn keep a clean sheet replace Rawlings and Smith. 

Full time King’s Lynn Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

  King’s Lynn keep a clean sheet and secure the 3 points with a 2-0 victory. Playing a pressing game right from the off, kept Histon on the back foot for much of the game. Rarely letting the ball settle a good test of fitness. A deserved lead at half-time albeit only by a single goal would need another started the 2nd half strongly giving Histon no chance to gain momentum eventually scoring a 2nd. Had more chances so you could argue should have won by a higher score line. Histon can’t argue with the result found it hard to get a foothold in the match the ball coming back all too often keeping their defence busy still at 1 nil at half-time they were never really out of it the 2nd goal coming with 15 minutes to play had they found that all important goal the game might have been turned on it’s head.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a few contenders as always to mention. Brie Baker was kept busy in the Histon defence but did her best to rally her side and covered the ground to make some vital tackles. For King’s Lynn it was a solid team performance from back to front pressing high making life easier for the defence. Diva Rawlings putting herself about in midfield with some good runs and tackling. Oksana Imanalijeva made an immediate impact injecting pace on the left. Rachael Skinner was superb pushing the eventually winner all the way until she scored the 2nd goal, therefore today’s award goes to Tiffany Forshaw. Hard for any single player to mark as she moves well across the final third always ready to make a run into the box setting up several attacks too.

 An enjoyable trip to King’s Lynn this afternoon getting back into it after a much needed week off. Still feel this is a league where anyone can take points off anyone else on their day… will that be the case will be interesting to see. My thanks as usual for the clubs for the team details much appreciated.

Match Report – Netherton United Ladies v Leigh Ramblers Ladies

Sunday 4th October

Women’s FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying

Back on the FA Cup trail this Sunday with a game from 1st Round Qualifying. Cambridgeshire Premiership side Netherton United Ladies reaching this stage of the competition for the first time hoping to cause an upset hosting ERWFL side Leigh Ramblers Ladies.

  The Women’s FA Cup now sponsored by Vitality, and whilst Everton Women will face Manchester City Women in the final of last season’s competition at Wembley on the 1st November. This season’s competition is now into it’s 3rd round of games, 84 sides reaching 1st Round Qualifying. 42 ties to be played with Storm Alex blowing in bringing with it alot of rain, promising a wet afternoon everywhere, several games falling by the wayside.

  Netherton United Ladies play on 3G however so there would need to be a heck of a lot of water to see it called off. Has been quite a while since I last visited The Grange to see Netherton play, alot of changes since then. Lee Martin now in charge of the women’s side. A long established side competing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership and aiming to challenge for the top positions. Made history in the Preliminary Round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup winning convincingly away to Northamptonshire side Desborough Ladies 10-0. Drawn at home to higher league opposition in 1st Round Qualifying know it will be a tough challenge, recieving video messages of support from Jimmy Bullard and Paul Merson to give the squad added motivation before the game.

  A long journey in the rain from Essex for Leigh Ramblers Ladies. Have made some good memories in the Women’s FA Cup themselves in recent season’s as a county league side knocking out higher league opposition. Successive promotions those results no doubt going a long way in seeing them promoted to the ERWFL themselves. A solid debut season at that level before Covid brought thing’s to an end. Began this season with a 2-1 away win against Chelmsford City Ladies in the Preliminary Round, Rhiana Castle and Chloe Gilligan with the goals. 

  Peterborough a hot bed for women’s footballing talent boasting a number of sides competing at various levels. The venue today The Grange, situated behind a new build estate the facility boasts a number of grass pitches alongside the main 3G pitch, a small stand offering some cover for spectators. A food truck on hand serving hot food and drinks. Various measures in place to make the facility Covid secure. The weather crap, dull and overcast rain forecast and to fall heavily during the match. Multi-tasking skills to the fore today, a notepad and camera to juggle aswell as an umbrella, thankfully little wind about so the umbrella can be stuffed down the jacket

Netherton United Ladies starting XI – Ali Beel, Lucy Johnson, Dita Upesjure, Carmen Giles (C), Klinta Kulite, Megan Strickland, Lauren Laws, Jenna Nairn, Yasmin Green, Emily Johnson & Katie Barber. Subs – Amy Stanyon, Chloe Earth, Sasha Haw, Ellie Gaston, Amber Parkinson, Natalie Gibbs, Tayla Harris & Clare Noades.

Leigh Ramblers Ladies starting XI – Emily Mackler, Rhiana Castle, Jess McGarva, Paige White, Jordan Castle, Rebecca Dalgarno, Georgia Holdaway (C), Rhianne Cunningham, Ria Toovey, Amber Denton & Elisha Turner-Powell. Subs – Chloe Gilligan, Connie Mashford, Molly Giles & Lucy Dalgarno.

  The rain has been steady but the worst is on it’s way. Leigh to have the kick-off in the first half wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. Netherton lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and red socks. Played back to Rebecca Dalgarno she passes it into captain Georgia Holdaway who spreads play out to the left wing with Ria Toovey after the ball, Lucy Johnson back on her in defence the full back conceding an early corner. Put in towards the top of the area Netherton clear and look to break with Emily Johnson racing on with the ball left channel the ball knocked on as she tries to get in behind, Leigh can see it out for a goal kick. 

   Netherton captain Carmen Giles gets across from centre back to tackle Toovey as she attempts to get in behind the full back on the right. Leigh making a bright start winning another corner on the right. A good delivery in from Dalgarno inswinging towards the far post, goalkeeper Ali Beel stretching getting a glove on the ball to punch it away to the left side the visitors winning a 3rd corner in as many minutes. Netherton not settled.

 GOAL! Leigh score from the corner, take it short up the line, the cross then played in along the top of the area runs through to Rhianne Cunningham right of the D 20 yards out striking the ball 1st time lifting her shot up and over the keeper to find the back of the net 0-1.

Rhianne Cunningham opens the scoring for Leigh Ramblers Ladies

  An early blow for Netherton get on the offensive as Emily Johnson on the left has support through the middle with Megan Strickland. Johnson controlling the ball well passing it inside for Strickland to head on into the gap opening on the left Emily Johnson racing into it gathering the ball puts a diagonal ball into the box looking for Yasmin Green coming in far side the ball though ahead of her goalkeeper Emily Mackler not troubled.

  Amber Denton getting hold of the ball travelling down the right for Leigh putting it inside for Toovey 25 yards out goes to strike the ball, Klinta Kulite close into her blocking the ball. Leigh on top in the early exchanges moving the ball through the middle well finding Denton out on the right Toovey along side fellow attack Elisha Turner-Powell making some threatening runs through the middle. Dalgarno attempts to thread a pass through the middle both attackers on the move a vital interception from Kulite. Giles is down in need of treatment after a coming together on the left. Walks off gingerly, the referee allowing her back on as play resumes.

Leigh Ramblers, Jess McGarva defending against Netherton’s Emily Johnson

  Denton with a strong run gets clear on the right into the corner pivots to put a cross in along the face of goal misses Toovey attacking near post, Turner-Powell right behind her connecting lifts her attempt over the bar. Holdaway allowed time on the ball left side sets her sights and takes on the strike from all of 30 yards out, dipping late drops over. Emily Johnson looking to carry the threat in attack of Netherton in the early exchanges wins her side a corner. The ball played in from the right comes through to Emily Johnson far side bringing it back up to the top of the area plays it across, Rhiana Castle getting there to clear before Lauren Laws can arrive from midfield.

Rhiana Castle clearing for Leigh Ramblers

   Giles can’t shake off her knock has to come off handing the armband to Strickland on comes Amber Parkinson at the back. Holdaway scoops a ball over the top for Turner-Powell to chase, a god starting position from goalkeeper Beel allows her to get out to it first and launch clear. Jenna Nairn playing the ball up to Green in attack on the right wins the hosts a corner kick. A good inswinging delivery from the right under the bar, Mackler though is able to claim it high in her gloves without challenge. Leigh a quickly in the attack up the other end as Holdaway releases Turner-Powell into the left channel, challenged by Lucy Johnson the ball spinning behind for a corner. 

  The game is opening up both sides looking to get it on through the middle, Nairn puts Katie Barber in at goal, Jess McGarva on her shoulder, Barber gets the ball out diagonally to the let with Emily Johnson bombing forwards plays it early into the box, Mackler advancing scooping the ball up into her gloves. 

 GOAL! Denton is finding room out on the right the ball played into her takes it further into the corner stretching play drawing players with her as Toovey and Turner-Powell break centrally into the area. Denton’s cross on the money dipping as it arrives into the six yard box straight to Turner-Powell seeing it into her feet turns to guide the ball over the line from close range. 0-2.

  Leigh doubling there lead with a little over 15 minutes played. The visitors making a strong start. Jordan Castle breaking up a Netherton attack at the back gets Leigh going forwards the ball into Dalgarno central she has Cunningham to her left sends it through for Turner-Powell breaking in behind left side, Beel out quickly to the top of her area claiming the ball. Emily Johnson pace on the wing left side gets in behind taking the ball on to the by-line looking to get into the box evades a tackle reaching the top of the six yard box angling to shoot across the keeper, Mackler down sharply to make the save pushing the ball wide, Cunningham and Green coming together far side as the midfielder attempts to clear the ball. Put out as Cunningham recieves treatment back on her feet the corner has been awarded. Sportsmanship from Netherton however as they acknowledge the ball was played out given back to the visiting goalkeeper.

   Nairn brings the ball on from the middle for Netherton left side has Emily Johnson ahead of her as Strickland hugs the line, Johnson spotting her sends the ball out to her as she races forwards to get into the box, Strickland attempts to return the ball read by Jordan Castle who slides in on Johnson to regain possession for Leigh. The rain has eased enough to abandon the umbrella (for now). A free-kick for the hosts on halfway played up for Green right side she crosses early. Mackler holding it cleanly into her midriff at the near post with Emily Johnson running in. Nairn with an ambitious attempt from all of 35 yards out central, clipping the ball up lands on the roof of the net. 

  Denton continues to make good runs into the right has Cunningham making a run across her to get into the right corner picking her out her cross into the area is held well by Beel at her near post. Netherton gaining some momentum as they look to get a foot hold back in the game Emily Johnson recieving the ball inside the area from the advancing Nairn, back to goal lays it back to the midfielder struck on the run from 20 yards her effort straight at the keeper.

 GOAL! Leigh deliver a sucker punch as Netherton go forwards they are hit on the counter the visitors moving the ball quickly lifted over the top as Toovey breaks in behind towards the box, Beel starting to come Toovey connects early striking the bouncing ball to lob her and score. 0-3.

  Chloe Earth is on for Netherton as Nairn puts it on through the middle for Barber strength tries to bulldoze her way through into the area before being stopped by Jordan Castle tackling her inside the D.

 GOAL! Just as Leigh race into a 3 goal lead Netherton hit back with an immediate reply as Emily Johnson is played in on the right side as the hosts spread play across the middle, Johnson taking the ball in into the area head down angling in towards goal has one intent as she smashes it hard over the keeper to pull a goal back 1-3.

  Half an hour played and the game has been all action, Leigh with a strong start capitalising scoring 3 goals Netherton pulling one back.

 GOAL! One becomes two Johnson causing havoc in the Leigh defence the ball played through the middle splitting the two centre backs, the keeper coming Johnson closing her down, takes the ball away from her wide of goal to the right the defence can’t get back as she strokes the ball into an empty net 2-3.

Emily Johnson pulls it back to 2-3 for Netherton

Leigh push forwards winning a corner on the right the delivery dangerous swung in towards the far post Turner-Powell can’t get a telling touch as the defence scramble clear. Nairn getting hold of the ball in the middle for Netherton now setting up an attack coming on through the middle out to Green to her right she switches it to the left for Strickland coming on attempts to play her return ball across the box for Green to run onto, puts it too far ahead of her allowing White to clear. Netherton make another change with Sasha Haw coming on for Barber up top. 

  Leigh find Denton moving clear on the right whips a dangerous ball into the box, players rushing back as Turner-Powell sees it into her feet on the penalty spot, turns into the strike sending it towards the far post, Beel hasn’t much time to react does superbly diving to her right to get her glove to the ball saving well sending the ball away to the left. A race between Turner-Powell and Parkinson through the middle the defender tackling to win the ball outside the box. Good link up play between Emily Johnson and Strickland on the left side attempting the one two outside the area Jordan Castle though has read it for Leigh and gets in between both in intercept the pass.

  GOAL! 3 minutes of normal time left in the first half and Netherton turn things around, fighting back from 3 goals down to level the scores. Emily Johnson playing a big part in all the goals scoring twice turns provider this time setting up Green inside the box to score as the hosts race up the left wing carving open the Leigh defence Johnson’s early cross dissecting the centrebacks as Green central steals into the box to gather the ball into her feet and shoot low wide of the advancing keeper, Mackler terribly unlucky getting a glove on the ball not enough as it escapes to run on behind over the line 3-3.

  One last attack in the half for Leigh the Essex side building with purpose through the middle Cunningham inside to Dalgarno on for Turner-Powell up top spinning lays it in behind for Toovey, Beel quickly out off her line to gather the ball.

Half-time Netherton United Ladies 3-3 Leigh Ramblers Ladies

  An exciting first half of cup football. Leigh starting well on top getting into a 3 goal lead looking strong, Netherton on the back foot and for a little while you’d be concerned they might be overwhelmed but showed good character to get back into the game quickly pegging it back to 2-3 finished the 1st half strong to level the scores. Terrible conditions to play in both sides have coped well showing attacking intent the game open, you feel there are more goals in it yet. Both sides stay out on the pitch during the half-time interval

 Netherton making a 4th change at the start of the 2nd half a change of goalkeepers with Beel off replaced by Amy Stanyon. Netherton to get the 2nd half underway if the scores are level at 90 minutes the tie goes straight to penalties. Leigh comfortable in defence as Netherton put it forwards mount an attack up the right Denton winning a corner. Molly Giles on for McGarva for Leigh. 

GOAL! The perfect start to the 2nd half as Leigh restore their lead. Scoring straight from the corner. Dalgarno’s deliveries have looked menacing all through the first half her inswinging ball whipped in with pace going straight in as the rain starts to fall more heavily 3-4.

Rebecca Dalgarno scores straight from a corner to restore Leigh Ramblers lead

  Has been a good contest in the middle of the park between Dalgarno and Holdaway and Laws and Nairn, the ball exchanging heads outside the Leigh area Nairn directs one down for Emily Johnson to skip onto inside the D, her snap shot looping in low parried away by the diving Mackler. Turner-Powell taking the ball on 25 yards out evading a sliding challenge from Noades shoots the ball put straight at Stanyon. 

Netherton United Ladies, Amy Stanyon

  Green clear out on the right side as the crossfield pass finds her can see it run across her body before hitting it angling in, Mackler moving across her goal looks to be threatening the top corner however she can see it safely over… just. 

GOAL! Again Netherton come back to level the scores, Lucy Johnson with the ball on the right allowed to bring it on before knocking it forwards for Green stealing in behind right of goal the angle closing hits it hard smashing the ball past the keeper to make it 4-4.

Yasmin Green with her 2nd of the game for Netherton makes it 4-4.

 Getting a little niggly out there Leigh certainly frustrated having held a 3 goal lead and getting pegged back. The rain falling heavily now making playing conditions all the harder. Nairn nipping in to regain possession central rolling her pass out to Green right side hits it early sending her attempt wide across the six yard box. The game could go either way Leigh make another change bringing Lucy Dalgarno on for White. Emily Johnson and Greens movement stretching the Leigh defence. Turner-Powell always ready to make the run at the other end. Giles stepping in to tackle Haw as she turns inside the D with the ball rolled into her feet.

Netherton United Ladies, Jenna Nairn

   Turner-Powell central holding the ball up well 30 yards out spins putting in on for Toovey into the right channel Parkinson sliding in forcing her wide top of the area her angled shot back in held by Stanyon at her near post. It’s a good contest despite the weather both sides up for it. Kulite in to block Rebecca Dalgarno as she meets a cross from Rhiana Castle on the left 25 yards out. A double change for the visitors with both Connie Mashford and Chloe Gilligan coming on Toovey and Cunningham coming off.

  Defending one end a hopeful ball forwards see Haw in the clear for Netherton 25 yards out blasts her shot over the crossbar. Holdaway makes a move up the left is picked out by Gilligan holds it up as Gilligan gets up to support her rolled into her feet she crosses into the corridor an inviting ball Turner-Powell is caught static doesn’t move. 

GOAL! midway through the 2nd half and the hosts take the lead for the first time in the tie, pile players forwards in the pouring rain, into the box as the ball out on the by-line right side is flashed into the six yard box players attacking it in front of the goalkeeper, Mackler grounded a shot put in cleared on the line by Lucy Dalgarno pops loose straight back to Haw to smash over the line 5-4!

Sasha Haw fires Netherton into the lead for the first time in the game

  Netherton are full of energy now Nairn laying the ball out to the right Green away down the wing whipping a cross in near post Haw nipping in in front of the keeper lifts her touch over the bar. Mashford lays the ball forwards for a moment Turner-Powell in clear a yard in behind Kulite with the legs to get back on her to tackle and take it away from her before she can get into the area. Lucy Johnson intercepting as Turner-Powell comes into the left channel looking to get onto a Holdaway pass.

Netherton’s Lucy Johnson with Leigh Ramblers Rhiana Castle

  Holdaway herself bursting through the middle into the box as a cross comes in from the right lobs the keeper only to see her attempt land on the roof of the net, however the flag is up against her. Netherton are looking the better side now, pulling Leigh out of shape as the visitors clearly frustrated look to find a response of their own. Are more than capable the rain falling heavily impacting both sides horrible out there. Denton moving clear right side up the line lifts a dipping cross in near post, Turner-Powell lunging for it can’t direct it across the face of goal out for a goal kick.

Leigh Ramblers, Lucy Dalgarno

 Rhiana Castle looking to get forwards more on the left with Lucy Dalgarno behind her. Has the ball at her feet charging into the box, Lucy Johnson sliding into the tackle Castle rides it, had she gone down the referee would have had to make a decision as it is Castle wins a corner. The delivery put in central headed over for another corner, Netherton clearing their lines this time. I’m sure the pictures tell you how tough it is playing out there, hardly what both sides need, Leigh pushing hard risking it at the back, Rhiana Castle and Holdaway looking to join the attack. 

  Mashford central plays it to Lucy Dalgarno advancing up the left her ball played infield finding Rebecca Dalgarno top of the D striking the ball her shot races wide of the post. Haw races onto a pass from Emily Johnson centrally 25 yards out, Lucy Dalgarno getting up with her sticking a leg out to knock the ball on for her keeper to clear. Rebecca Dalgarno coming forwards into the right channel swings a ball into the area, a yard ahead of Turner-Powell. Leigh regain possession quickly Mashford out to Rebecca Dalgarno has space to move into left her diagonal through ball picking out the run of Turner-Powell free to shoot lacks power straight at the keeper from inside the box.

Leigh Ramblers captain, Georgia Holdaway

  The game moving into the closing minutes Netherton bring on Ellie Gaston for Earth as they look to see out the game. Are inviting Leigh on somewhat, the final ball just not happening for the visitors as they try to square things up. The ball missed by the Netherton defence centrally Turner-Powell after it, Kulite gets back in just the nick of time to lung in take it away from the strikers feet. Frustrations boil over as Rhiana Castle and Lucy Johnson get involved in a shoving match after going for a 50/50 ball Johnson ushered away quickly by her teammates both she and Castle receive the first cards of the game.

  Into stoppage time a Leigh attack breaking down Netherton come on with the ball but are reluctant to commit to an attack slow things down the clock ticking down. Leigh get the ball back out with Rhiana Castle right inside for Holdaway through for Turner-Powell, Stanyon out to the top of her area to launch clear as the final whistle blows and the Netherton team rush towards the centre circle to celebrate a memorable victory.

Netherton United Ladies celebrate at the final whistle

Full time Netherton United Ladies 5-4 Leigh Ramblers Ladies

  What a game a nine goal thriller, Netherton United Ladies coming back from 3 goals down to win the tie 5-4 to advance to 2nd Round Qualifying of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup. An exciting tie to watch (there are advantages to being neutral). Entertaining despite the awful weather, what an advert for the cup there is something magical about it. Leigh Ramblers will leave the ground highly frustrated at 3-0 up they were cruising and looked in control threatening to pull Netherton apart. The hosts showing great character getting 2 goals back quickly before turning it around to level at 3-3 at half-time. Leigh responding brilliantly to score straight away 2nd half but again Netherton came back to level and from that point with their tails up looked strong threatening the Leigh defence and going on to take the lead for the first time in the match, 5-4 the winning score in the finish as the heavens opened playing conditions hard Leigh pushed them all the way just wasn’t to be.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as per usual several contenders from both sides, starting with Leigh Ramblers, Elisha Turner-Powell never stopped running in attack carving out several opportunities for herself and her teammates. Rebecca Dalgarno too in midfield with some good running and a threat with her delivery on corners. For Netherton Jenna Nairn was influential in midfield getting hold of the ball to set up attacks playing the ball forwards. Yasmin Green a threat on the right scoring two goals. The award though goes to Emily Johnson. No doubt her goals to bring it back to 2-3 were the turning point in the tie a threat taking on the Leigh defence on the left was strong on the ball throughout.

  Despite the awful weather I thoroughly enjoyed the game a highly entertaining contest between two attacking sides. Good to visit The Grange again and will have to do so again when the sun is shining I did fancy something from that food truck bar a cup of tea. My thanks as always to both sides for those all important teams details good to catch up with both sides. Netherton will be eagerly awaiting the draw for the next round.