Match Report – Newmarket Town Ladies v Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

Sunday 21st April

ERWFL League Plate

 Semi-final action this Easter Sunday on Women’s Football East from the ERWFL League Plate, Newmarket Town Ladies v Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies vying for a place in the final itself on Sunday 12th May.

 Histon Ladies already through to the ERWFL League Plate final with an extra-time win away to Stevenage Ladies Reserves last weekend. Newmarket and Hoddesdon meeting in the cup just 7 days after playing each other in the league itself. Away to Hoddesdon in Division One the Hertfordshire side 2-1 with Newmarket reduced to 10 with 25 minutes to play having goalkeeper Dominika Szary sent off nevertheless mounted a comeback late on to level the scores and win in with just 20 seconds left on the clock, 3-2 with 16-year-old Annabel Cuthbert on target for all 3 goals! 2-2 when they met at Newmarket earlier in the season, a tough semi-final to call this afternoon.

Newmarket are one of 5 newcomers to the regional league this season making the step up from the county league football, encouraged by an FA Cup run the season before that saw them beat two ERWFL Division One sides and take a 3rd to extra-time. Player departures over the close season left a bit of trepidation as they began at a higher level, had a large squad however and good recruitment has seen them flourish 3rd in the table in what has proved to be a competitve tussle in the top half in a great position to secure a top 4 finish, along with a cup semi-final.

Hoddesdon are currently fifth in the ERWFL Division One and established side playing at this level, reaching the semi-finals of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup are looking to go one better in the League Plate competition. A competitive tussle in the middle of the table a late run of 4 straight league wins has seen them climb the table, Newmarket’s late winner last weekend in Hoddesdon’s penultimate league match bringing the run to an end a trip to Histon to come who both sides will be hoping to face in the final.

The Bloorie Stadium the venue for today’s semi-final game home of Newmarket Town FC, a state of the art cork based artificial playing surface. The clubhouse beside the pitch housing a bar an kitchen serving hot food and drink, a covered seated stand beside. A beautifully hot Easter Sunday, needed to find myself some suncream out at home and that’s not an easy thing to locate on a bank holiday weekend. Still with the stuff liberally applied I was all set ready to go, watching two sides I’ve yet to catch up with this season. 

Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Ellie-Rai Quinn Nicholls, Yasmin Woodfield, Holly Dryland, Olivia Cafferelli, Beth Woodfield (C), Jess Linger, Antonia Smith, Jodie Woodfield, Brooke Wickens, Laura Bailey & Annabel Cuthbert. Subs – Olivia Orme, Chloe Slater, Hannah Rogers, Sarah O’Rourke & Eleanor McLeish.

Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies starting XI – Hannah Gilmore, Leah Dunnage (C), Charley Handley, Megan Davies, Jemma Collinson, Grace Leslie, Kristina O’Connell, Chloe Makepeace, Natasha Crick, Rosy Wodhams & Rebecca Scola. Subs –  Katie Kendle, Keeleigh Berry, Bridget Kirwan, Robyn Jones & Courtney Smart.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Dominika Szary suspended, Newmarket sort special permission from the league to play Ellie-Rai Quinn-Nicholls in goal. Newmarket to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing yellow shirts, with blue shorts and yellow and blue hooped socks, Hoddesdon lined up opposite wearing red and navy vertical striped shirts, navy shorts and socks. The visitors press as Newmarket play the ball out to the right won the diagonal ball is played in up towards the top of the area, for Rebecca Scola to attack, Olivia Cafferelli their first to clear for Newmarket. 

   Newmarket are quick to turn play around the ball fed through the middle with Annabel Cuthbert running in behind, Grace Leslie sliding in with a lunging tackle to take it away from her top of the area the ball deflecting off Cuthbert running behind for a goal kick. Hoddesdon awarded a free-kick inside the centre circle Leslie over it a good delivery long into the box, Newmarket heading it away from a throw in the left, Hoddesdon sending a cross into the six yard box the ball claimed by Quinn-Nicholls. Both sides looking for runs out wide in the early stages Jess Linger with a good diagonal ball long for Laura Bailey on the left, Hoddesdon captain Leah Dunnage defending the ball out for a throw.

Hoddesdon captain, Leah Dunnage

    Newmarket win a free-kick wide left inside the Hoddesdon half Linger a threat from any set-piece sends the ball into the area plenty of pace on it bouncing through bodies Brooke Wickens throws a leg at it inside the six yard box, Hoddesdon goalkeeper keeping her eye on the ball gathers it cleanly. Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield gets across her area right to put the tackle in to deny Natasha Crick as shot as she is played through on the right wing. Fairly even in  the early stages.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Yasmin Woodfield

  Jodie Woodfield back playing for Newmarket this season after 3 years out of the game after suffering a serious injury has the ball at her feet in midfield played it to her left on for fellow midfielder Antonia Smith 30 yards out, full back Holly Dryland bursting forwards, Smith sends the ball into her path, Dunnage sliding in puts the ball away from the throw. Kristina O’Connell after a long ball sent forwards into the left corner does well to keep it in play on the flank up the line to square a cross in along the top of the area, bites at it from Scola and Rosy Wodhams outside the box, both closed down by the Newmarket defence unable to get a shot away pops out to Chloe Makepeace on the right drives a shot in low from 25 yards out the ball racing wide across goal.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Brooke Wickens

  Wickens charging forwards with the ball on the right wing held up by Hoddesdon’s Jemma Collison, a throw won high up the pitch played into Wickens top of the area she turns well letting loose a shot the strike running wide across Gilmore’s six yard box. Newmarket forced into an early change Cafferelli coming off at the back on comes Chloe Slater taking up her position at centre back. 

  Hesitation between goalkeeper and defence inside the box for Newmarket sees Crick nip in to steal the ball takes it on into the six yard box left of goal, Beth Woodfield with a fantastic sliding tackle to take the ball away from Crick before she can get a shot away. Newmarket defending the corner on the left, Slater clearing a great ball up the pitch sees Cuthbert haring after it does well to win a corner up the other end. The delivery long to the far post missed by everyone. 

Hoddesdon’s Natasha Crick looking to bring the ball forwards

  Wickens turning inside from the right looking to attack the area is brought down a free-kick in a dangerous position for Newmarket, Linger over it goes for goal putting a high ball in towards goal, Gilmore thankful to see the ball drop narrowly over the bar. A hot day but good energy levels shown fro Newmarket quick to close the ball down Bailey and Wickens looking t make runs left and right. Bailey on the left the ball rolled into feet 35 yards out turns well knocking the ball on her next touch too strong however as she enters the box allowing Gilmore to claim.

Hannah Gilmore keeps an eye on Jess Linger’s free-kick

   Midway through the first half a drinks break called by the referee, hot out there in the middle. Play resumes Wickens attacking wide playing the ball inside to Cuthbert the young attacker brought down, players go forwards as Linger sets the ball down, a high delivery into the box, Charley Handley heading it out for Hoddesdon, comes straight back on high in the air, Gilmore coming jumps to claim. Dunnage with as good challenge to stop Bailey the ball up the line for Crick. Jodie Woodfield in to win the ball linking up with Smith looks to go left for Wickens, Collison intercepting for Hoddesdon. 

   Moving into a central position Wickens pushes the ball into Cuthbert back to goal top of the D, she spots right back Yasmin Woodfield breaking forwards into space on the right plays the pass out to her, Wickens getting in towards the top of the area demanding the cross has the ball at her feet strikes for goal the attempt racing low wide across goal. O’Connell with a clever back heel almost gets Scola away in behind through the middle, Quinn-Nicholls with a good starting position out to the edge of her area sharply to pick up the ball. O’Connell furthest forwards the ball bouncing Beth Woodfield on her shoulder it won’t drop kindly for the attacker to get a shot away on target outside the box. 

 GOAL! The deadlock broken late in the first half, from a set-piece Newmarket awarded a free-kick inside the Hoddesdon half central about 35 yards out, Linger on it looks a little too far out to have a go for goal but that is exactly what Linger does strikes it perfectly arrowing straight towards goal pace on it, Gilmore back on her line gets the faintest of touches on it not enough as the ball smashes down off the crossbar over the line 1-0.

Jess Linger opens the scoring for Newmarket Town Ladies

  Newmarket come close to adding a 2nd goal straight away, Jodie Woodfield winning the ball back from a Hoddesdon throw on the right inside their half sends it inside for Cuthbert who spots Bailey breaking on into the area in behind on the left, Bailey shooting sends her strike wide across the face of goal. Crick coming back well to help out her defence winning the ball back as Newmarket attack on the left Jodie Woodfield combining well with Smith again. 

   O’Connell played in left is pushed into the corner by Yasmin Woodfield, holds the ball up well getting back up the line to sweep a cross into the six yard box, Slater getting in front of Scola sees the ball back to her keeper. Leslie is hurt in a challenge in the middle of the park, hurt hasn’t recovered properly as she goes to take it herself an immediately pulls up. The trainer on she can’t continue, comes off with Bridget Kirwan sent on. Kirwan called into action straight away defending in the middle as Wickens swings a ball in from the right.  

Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 1-0 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

  A fair tempo to the game considering the temperatures, started off fairly evenly, however as the half has grown Newmarket started to get the upper hand, closing down well disrupting Hoddesdon all over the pitch, created the better openings although clear cut chances have been low. Linger with a superbly struck free-kick the difference between the sides. A narrow lead for Newmarket to take into the 2nd half, Hoddesdon will need to find a clinical edge in the final third to get themselves back into the game. 

Hoddesdon to get the second half underway. Won back straight away by Newmarket, Dryland on the left putting the ball on down the line for Cuthbert charging after it taking it into the area, Gilmore coming out to close her down Cuthbert taking the ball past the keeper, carries out to the by-line wide of goal cutting a cross back in towards the top of the area, a good idea but no one there to attack it, Hoddesdon launch it up field.

   Handley with a strong tackle on Cuthbert well timed top of the box, is hurt, but okay to continue after treatment. Linger breaking up an attack through the middle for Newmarket pushes the ball out to Wickens on the right she sends it on for Cuthbert peeling away to make a run into the area, Handley back again to get a foot in to take the ball away from Cuthbert not out of play Newmarket close well to force a corner kick on the right. O’Connell up well inside her box to head the ball away. 

 Getting forwards in attack receiving the ball from Davies, O’Connell attacking left is brought down by Yasmin Woodfield the defender shown a yellow card a free-kick left outside the box for Hoddesdon, Scola over it blasts a shot in low through to the near post, Quinn-Nicholls saving well the ball pushed behind for a corner. Newmarket defending break the ball forwards however too much for Cuthbert to chase down. Crick is caught offside a half a yard ahead of the Newmarket defence as O’Connell puts the diagonal ball over the top. 

Hoddesdon’s Kristina O’Connell

  Davies putting in the block as Wickens shoots from the top of the area the ball sent into her from Bailey on the left. Wickens after the loose ball turning to play the ball back across the top of the area Bailey pushed inside the D, Newmarket awarded another free-kick. Linger over it keeps the ball low this time on target but Gilmore down on her line is right behind it. Dryland on the left brings the ball on the pass inside for Smith she helps it on down the line for Bailey, Dunnage getting in on her to put in the tackle regain possession for Hoddesdon. Linger on the ball central lifts it out to Wickens right top of the area takes the shot on the half volley struck over.

Newmarket’s Laura Bailey with Hoddesdon’s Jemma Collison

  Hoddesdon make a change, Scola coming off on comes Katie Kendle. Bailey left slides a ball in across the top of the area Cuthbert seeing it into her feet well turning taking it into the box, Handley marking back on her quickly to lunge in to take the ball away from her. Slater defending at the back for Newmarket as Dunnage sliding in to get the ball almost succeeds in playing Collinson in behind on the right. Gilmore dealing well inside her six yard box as Linger out wide sends a high looping ball into the area the keeper punching it down and claiming it on the bounce. 

  Another fee-kick given away by Hoddesdon central Linger to take another awkward ball for Gilmore bouncing before her skipping up off the surface inside the six yard box she pushes it wide for a corner on the left, the ball in long to the far post headed down, Hoddesdon scramble clear a shot fired back in from outside the box racing wide of the post. The game paused for drinks again both sides getting instructions from the bench. Leslie comes back on for Hoddesdon.

 Newmarket get forwards a corner won on the right the delivery in low hear post met the header driven towards goal blocked on the line, Hoddesdon penned back as Newmarket win another corner on the left this one long to the far post play stopped however with a Hoddesdon player down as the ball is cleared. Dunnage bringing the ball on plays a crossfield pass to Crick left looking up she spots Collison breaking into the box on the right lifts the ball on, too close to Quinn-Nicholls giving the keeper the chance to claim the ball. 

  Hoddesdon have a set-piece wide left players up from the back as they continue their search for an equalising goal. A good ball put into the box Handley rising on the penalty spot to meet it with her header drives her effort wide of the right post. Hoddesdon pushing on more now Dunnage forwards on the right wins a free-kick outside the area, O’Connell to play it in Quinn-Nicholls punching t out of her six yard box. Injuries and free-kicks disrupting play, a little bit of frustration creeping into Hoddesdon’s play. Bailey away on the left holds the ball up Smith providing support up the line getting the ball sends a cross into the box Handley heading it away for Hoddesdon. 

  Kirwan winning the ball central is knocked on through the middle in behind puts O’Connell away to run in behind clear of the defence into the box right of goal pulls the trigger gets her shot across the keeper but agonisingly wide of the far post.

Kristina O’Connell running behind for Hoddesdon

  GOAL! The game moving into the final 5 minutes Newmarket break to double their lead the ball fired into Woodfield 30 yards out right channel she sends the ball on through for Cuthbert to run in clear after it into the box closing in on the keeper a composed finish putting it to her left to score at the near post and runs away into the corner to celebrate her teammates close behind 2-0. 

Newmarket Town Ladies, Annabel Cuthbert

  Smith comes off for Newmarket as they send on another 16-year-old Eleanor McLeish. Hoddesdon push everyone forwards as they win a late corner, Newmarket defend the ball ending up on the roof of the net. A long range strike fired into the Newmarket box blocked the ball pinging back and forth put behind for another corner kick. Goes long but cleared straight to O’Connell top of the area her strike sent over. 

Full time Newmarket Town Ladies 2-0 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

  Newmarket win the game 2-0 to reach the League Plate final in their debut season at this level their opponents Histon Ladies. Ice lollies to celebrate as they walk off the pitch much needed with the sun still blazing down. Got the 2nd goal they needed in the end to make thing’s a little more comfortable. Later than they would have liked but with Hoddesdon pushing on trying to find an equaliser gaps would open. Hoddesdon frustrated not at their best had chances to score get back into the tie so long as it stayed a 1-0, Newmarket on the whole looking comfortable for the result and two very well taken goals see them through to the final.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Kristina O’Connell tried her best to get thing’s going for Hoddesdon. The Newmarket defence was superb in limiting attacks and putting in some vital tackles. Jess Linger’s set-pieces a constant threat, Brooke Wickens on the right with some great runs, over on the opposite side of the attack to Laura Bailey with some great runs and movement always an outlet on the wing coming close to scoring herself, she wins today’s award.

  Good to see both sides in action at last this season, congratulations to Newmarket on reaching the final. A hot day both put in alot of effort, my thanks for the help with the teams this afternoon.

Match Report – Cup Final Special

Thursday 18th April

BBC Essex Women’s County Cup Final

Billericay Town Ladies v C&K Basildon Ladies

  A trip down to Essex this Thursday night for this season’s BBC Essex Women’s County Cup, C&K Basildon Ladies reaching a fifth successive final taking in Billericay Town Ladies looking to win the trophy for the 1st time.

  A successful season so far for Billericay Town Ladies promoted to the FAWNL for the first time are a growing force within the women’s game in the county, well supported by Billericay Town FC, are 2nd in South East Division One, like Crawley Wasps Ladies have recruited well to strengthen their squad to compete at the higher level. A good number of those recruits from Basildon. Neck and neck with their fellow promoted side at the start of the season, fell away as Crawley continued to win going on to claim the title itself, losing just the one game that defeat at the hands of Billericay. Success for their U14s and U16s sides in their respective county cup finals the future looks promising.

 A fifth County Cup win puts C&K Basildon Ladies joint all time winners of the competition along side Chelmsford City Ladies. This Thursday their 6th county cup final winning it for the 1st time in the 2012/13 season, missing out on the final the following year have since gone on to dominate winning 4 successive finals two of those victories against Billericay. Under the fantastic support of Peter King and manager Steve Tilson have become on of the leading sides in Essex on the cusp of winning the FAWNL Southern Premier Division.

   This season heralding a new era for the club, with Peter King retiring, Steve Tilson leaving as manager and with most of the first team squad moving on the club was left with some tough decisions to make regarding the future. Firstly with essentially thier development side whether to continue playing in the Southern Premier Division or drop down a league. Chose to stay and contest has been a tough season finishing bottom without a win a huge learning curve the squad has grown and found more togetherness, will be stronger for the experience. A season of transition from the club as it begins a new chapter in it’s history under a new name as from the 1st June it will be known as AFC Basildon Ladies/Girls a new beginning playing in South East Division One along side Billericay. The underdogs this evening will be inspired by their U18s side who won their county cup final.

Road to the Final

  The top sides in the county given a bye in the competition until the quarter final stage, as two of the leading sides in Essex both Billericay Town Ladies and C&K Basildon Ladies entered at this stage. Billericay handed a home drawn again Essex Women’s Division One side Rayleigh Town Ladies, the away side scoring plenty of goals themselves the gulf between them showed as Billericay riding high in the FAWNL 5 league above were rampart as they won the game by a staggering 31-0. Home advantage too for Basildon as they began the defence of the County Cup against ERWFL Premier Division side Harlow Town Ladies. A 3-0 win seeing them safely through to the last 4.

Billericay at home in the semi-finals were up against last season’s finalists Brentwood Town Ladies. Again Billericay racked up a big score too strong for their ERWFL Premier Division One opponents winning their place in the final with an 8-0 win. Basildon were away in the semi-finals taking on last season’s Essex Women’s Trophy winners, Hutton Ladies. A 5-1 win seeing Basildon reach their 5th successive final.

The Len Salmon Stadium hosting this evenings final, home of Bowers & Pitsea FC whose own women’s side well supported by the club lifted the Essex Women’s Trophy earlier this season. A brand new 3G pitch the ground being redeveloped with lots planned starting with the playing surface, dugouts and two new small stands. The mainstand the next project incorporating a new clubhouse. The current one a good size offering plenty to the community. Hot food and drinks available. A good crowd building, a warm day extending into the evening in what promises to be a glorious bank holiday weekend.

Billericay Town Ladies starting XI – Alex Baker, Laken Duchar-Clark, Courtney Lumley, Danica Dougal, Esme Lancaster, Lucy Jones, Lindsey Morgan (C), Jay Blackie, Kerry Stimson, Zoe Rushen & Sam Pittuck. Subs – Gemma Crowe, Nicole Farmer, Sophie Vale, Karen Stephanou & Karissa Rodney.

 C&K Basildon Ladies starting XI – Sarah Walker, Grace Gillard, Tilly Deacon, Mollie de Bell, Jessica Horn, Sophie Rhodes, Alex Bailess (C), Gemma Abela, Molly Bowness, Katie Whitehead & Holly Turner. Subs – Sophie Spencer-Webb, Jodie Osbourne, Danielle Sillitoe, Courtney Clarke & Maddie Thomas.

 Billericay to get this season’s county cup final underway five of their starting line-up, Laken Duchar-Clark, Danica Dougal, Kerry Stimson, Jay Blackie and Zoe Rushen starting for Basildon in last season’s final with a sixth Karissa Rodney on the bench. Both side play in blue it’s Billericay in the change kit wearing all red with Basildon all in blue. The ball played out to the left wing Lucy Jones looking to take it on, Grace Gillard tackling for Basildon the ball out for a throw in.

   Billericay captain Lindsey Morgan getting hold of the ball central pulls the trigger from 20 yards out her shot taking a deflection off an outstretched leg taking the sting off it goalkeeper Sarah Walker collecting the ball as it runs wide of her goal. Holly Turner with Basildon’s first attack bringing the ball on central closed down as she enters the box the clearance collected by Basildon captain Alex Bailess she lifts it up to Turner back to goal outside the area she attempts to tee up Gemma Abela making a run to her right the ball won by Billericay’s Dougal at the back. 

  Blackie with a fantastic pass forwards through to Sam Pittuck in attack she is brought down as she looks to drive into the area a free-kick awarded in a dangerous area 25 yards out left of the D, Rushen to take goes for goal lifting the ball in high the ball dropping caught easily by Walker right behind it. Basildon get on the offensive Turner with the ball out wide left brings it on into the box shooting the shot saved pushed away by goalkeeper Alex Baker at her near post. The ball put out to the right good closing down from Jessica Horn sees her win the ball high on the right a diagonal ball into the box met by Turner her first time sent over the crossbar.

 Billericay launch a rapid counter attack Pittuck with good movement up to get into space right takes it forwards before laying it out to Esme Lancaster wide right her cross in behind. A good start to the game from both sides. Blackie in midfield playing some excellent passes forwards trying to release Pittuck the stadium packed for the occasion 578 here to watch. Billericay with a free-kick wide on the right inside the Basildon half the ball played into the top of the area defended, Duchar-Clark onto the loose ball run on taking the ball towards the box the door closing in front of her. 

 GOAL! An early chance for Billericay to take the lead awarded a penalty inside the opening 10 minutes the ball played into the top of the area form the right, Rushen up against a defender is floored the referee pointing to the spot. Dougal up from the back to take it a clinical finish high to the keepers right to put Billericay into the lead 1-0.

Danica Dougal scoring from the penalty spot to put Billericay into the lead (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

  The ball won in midfield Morgan up to Pittuck in attack looks to combine with Rushen the players exchanging passes making for the box, Molly Downes winning it back for Basildon. Good work from Abela on the right cutting inside 25 yards out playing the ball into Turner’s feet top of the D she tries to lift it over the Billericay defence with Katie Whitehead making the run in behind, Baker getting to the ball first. Pittuck with the ball as Billericay attack on the counter shooting from distance the narrowly strike over.

 Horn is tackled by Stimson as she attacks on the right, Stimson bringing the ball out for Billericay prods the ball inside looking to find Pittuck, Bailess intercepts. Basildon mount an attack, Sophie Rhodes making the run into the area right side the ball crossed in over to her meeting it on the volley wide of goal six yards out  stretching can’t turn it  back in across goal, wide. Basildon defending well high up the pitch, Whitehead and Horn in particular closing down as Billericay look to get the ball wide. Abela is pushed in the back a free-kick given out right the delivery into the area towards the far post Turner goes for it does’t get much contact the ball tamely rolling into Baker’s gloves. 

  Lancaster getting forwards out on the right fro Billericay the cross into the top of the area Jones coming in from the left looking to attack it, Gillard back with her sliding in with a great tackle, the ball loose however collected by Pittuck right of the D 20 out a snap shot the effort swerving away wide of goal. Basildon play the ball up to Whitehead left 20 yards out her touch laying it off central to Abela she shoots from 25 yards out the attempt over the bar. 

  Basildon are awarded a penalty midway through the first half a ball forwards central Turner running into the box is tripped. Turner setting it down goes for height too but too much the ball right wide of the goal. 

  Morgan with a firm tackle in the middle preventing Basildon breaking. Stimson has got plenty of pace making some mazy runs on the ball Billericay is fouled by Horn as she crosses the halfway line. Jones on the ball put long into the area headed clear by the defence. Courtney Lumley defending for Billericay clearing the ball for a throw as Basildon look to get on down the wing. An good contest lively both sides looking to get forwards, Stimson getting forwards spotted by Rushen plays the ball on too much weight on the pass. 

  Morgan with the ball played into her feet from the right turns outside the Basildon area an shoots the strike blocked, Basildon counter, Dougal defending. Less than 15 minutes of the first half left Billericay win the first corner of the game the ball out on the right a good delivery into the middle of the six yard box Blackie rising well to head the ball smashes it against the crossbar. Basildon regain it and look to break Turner on it through the middle brought down by Stimson who receives a talking too. The ball played long up towards the area defended by Morgan. 

Jay Blackie rising to head the ball from a corner her effort smashing against the crossbar (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

  The ball played out from the back to Jones on the left, Horn closing down well wins the ball but in doing so her momentum poleaxes Jones, a free-kick awarded. A delay however the referee talking to de Bell and captain Bailess, a straight red is shown Basildon reduced to 10 players de Bell sent off for something that was said foul or abusive language. The ball played on up the left for Stimson as she bombs on, Gillard defending. Jones taking the ball forwards left side tries the diagonal ball on for Pittuck through the middle Bailess tracking back well to intercept.

   Blackie’s passing continues to be spot on as they press forwards with an extra player now. Stimson with good movement getting forwards to support Rushen and Pittuck in attack. Stimson looking to link up with Pittuck in attack a one two the return ball meant for Pittuck as she enters the area cut out by Deacon. 

  GOAL! Into the final minute of the first half Billericay double their lead the ball put into Blackie inside the centre circle a superb pass forwards to release Pittuck in behind moving right takes the ball into the area, Walker coming to close the angle, the strikers touch taking the ball around the keeper and running in behind sends the ball into the empty net 2-0.

Sam Pittuck taking the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0 for Billericay (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

Half-time Billericay Town Ladies 2-0 C&K Basildon Ladies

  Billericay double their advantage right on the stroke of half-time a 2 goal advantage plus an extra player for the 2nd half to come. An entertaining contest in the first half both sides sowing attacking intent, Billericay edging the chances but Basildon have had opportunities of their own, the sending off a huge blow some reorganising to do for the 2nd period Billericay have plenty of attack minded players who will be looking for the extra space that may become available. 

  A double change for Basildon at the start of the 2nd half with Madelyn Thomas on to support Turner in attack, Danielle Sillitoe on at the back. Basildon to get the 2nd half underway. An early attack getting forwards on the right the ball fired into the area met and cleared by Billericay’s Duchar-Clark. Basildon getting it back try again this time the cross to close to the keeper Baker collecting. Gillard defending as Blackie spots Rushen breaking into space on the right. 

  Stimson pressing the ball high on the right plays it on for Lancaster her cross long to the far post the ball knocked down, the shot seen wide. Deacon defending concedes a corner, Jones to play the ball in from the right, Walker up well amongst bodies inside her six yard box to punch the ball, Basildon look to counter play pulled back Stimson down having taken a knock to the head. Duchar-Clark bringing the ball forwards pushed into Pittuck right back to goal sends the ball on in behind with Rushen getting into the box, her strike goalwards landing in the side netting.

   Rushen available for the pass right as Duchar-Clark brings it forwards the pass into her she helps it on for Lancaster ahead of both, looks to get in field, Sillitoe reading the move well getting herself into a good tackling position outside the box. Blackie’s shooting not as accurate as her passing as she puts an effort wide from all of 45 yards out. A different game 2nd half Basildon working hard at the back to stop Billericay having virtually none of the attack. 

  Pittuck leading the line well always looking to break in behind given the ball is into space on the right closing in on the byline fires a vicious ball across the face of goal Stimson throwing herself at it far post can’t quite make contact. Billericay make their first change of the game with an hour gone. Duchar-Clark coming off at the back Nicole Farmer. Gillard cutting out a through ball looking to send Rushen in through the middle. Bailess defending back at the near post for Basildon as the ball is crossed in from the left. Morgan getting forwards into the area seeing the ball over her shoulder strikes it on the volley, Basildon charging it down.

  GOAL! The game moving past the hour and Billericay extend their lead a great run from Stimson carrying the ball into the box left players getting forwards with her, the strike fired in across the goal Walker getting her gloves to it as she is closed down Rushen and Morgan, the ball, Rushen reacting quickest after the loose ball inside the six yard box, a 50/50 with Gillard the ball spinning out to the right met by Lancaster who thunders a shot into the back of the net 3-0.

  GOAL! Straight from the restart Billericay go on to score a 4th goal, Rushen coming to close down the ball in defence nicking it to run on central and get a shot away from 25 yards Walker not back on her line the ball curled wide of her into the goal beyond 4-0.

Zoe Rushen shooting to make it 4-0 (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

  That goal signals changes for both sides, Basildon bringing off Whitehead, on in her place Courtney Clarke. A double change for Billericay, Blackie and Stimson coming off on come ex-Basildon players Karissa Rodney and Karen Stephanou. Opportunities for Basildon rare in the 2nd period Turner carrying the ball on is brought down a free-kick awarded left outside the area Clarke doesn’t get the contact she wanted the ball sliced wide. 

  Pittuck away on the right a touch to get the ball out of her feet sends a cross into the box, the flag raised with Rodney offside. Billericay push on, Farmer with a brilliant ball put over the top for Morgan getting forwards into the area right of goal, Walker saving well at her near post as the shot comes in. Rodney left plays the ball in central to Pittuck she dummies with Rushen behind she lays the ball off to Lancaster right top of the area makes a run central Lancaster trying to pick her out with the return ball across the top of the area, Sillitoe sticking a foot out to steal it. 

  A dummy from Rushen right sees Lancaster run in behind on the right another cross flashed across the face of goal. Billericay very much on top Basildon defending hardly able to get the ball into their opponents half. Clarke wide on the left plays a good ball up to Thomas in attack, bringing it down well into the path of Abela looks to spin in behind, Abela can’t find her with the over the top ball as Dougal defends for Billericay. 

  Turner carries the ball on trying to force her way through the middle Dougal and Lumley converging to close her down outside the box. Farmer plays Lancaster in right side wins a corner kick, the delivery long met by Dougal on the volley squeezing under the diving Walker strikes the post, back out into the middle the defence scramble the ball away the game entering the final 5 minutes. 

 Backs to the wall for Basildon late on Billericay press, a corner left appeals for handball waved away the ball put back out to the left a high ball back in Walker back on her line getting an arm up to push the ball away as it threats to creep under the bar. Clarke defending as Rodney crosses in from the left side, the ball back out left with Stephanou, Morgan ahead of her receiving the pass a cross long to the far post, attacked by Lancaster and Clarke out behind a corner awarded. Rodney gets up well her header knocking the ball down in front of goal, a scramble ensues Basildon keep the ball from crossing the line  getting it up field. The final action of the game as Billericay celebrate winning the County Cup for the first time.   

Full time Billericay Town Ladies 4-0 C&K Basildon Ladies

  An entertaining start to the game the first 35 minutes lively 1 goal in it both sides competing well, the sending off changing everything, Billericay adding a 2nd goal late in the 2nd half in full control of the game from then on pressing the advantage getting a 3rd goal quickly followed by a 4th to secure the win with almost half an hour to play. Some great passes on display and flowing attacking moves. The crowd adding to a great atmosphere the stadium packed. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, another tough one a few contenders all wearing red. Morgan in the middle breaking up Basildon attacks, Pittuck up top some fantastic runs to get into goal scoring opportunities scoring late in the first half. Kerry Stimson with some god runs on the ball. Her passing was superb throughout the game however and turned quickly turned a Basildon attack into a Billericay counter, the award goes to Jay Blackie.

Billericay Town Ladies, BBC Essex Women’s County Cup winners (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

  Congratulations to Billericay Town Ladies on winning the BBC Essex Women’s County Cup

A enjoyable cup final this evening down in Essex between two sides that will be league rivals next season, two exciting derby games to look forwards to. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams this evening and to Nicky Hayes for the use of his pictures for this report.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 14/04/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 14th April

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

Following up from a comfortable 7-1 home win against Garston Ladies 2nd XI in midweek with both Bianca Hedgecock and Charlene Turturici-Clarke scoring a brace each, Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies closed the gap to leaders Northwood Ladies to 3 points. Due to play Garston Ladies 1st team n Sunday their opponents forfeited the game see Hemel Hempstead awarded the 3 points and move level with the leaders. One game left away to Houghton Athletic Ladies a point or better will see them crowned Division One champions, Northwood will be cheering on Houghton. 

  Garston Ladies 2nd XI bounced back from their midweek defeat to Hemel Hempstead to win at home against Sharnbrook WFC on Sunday and as a result move off the bottom of the Division One table. Ruby Jager scoring a hat-trick in their 6-0 victory with Lauren Berryman, Leah Crocket and Charley Kelsey also bagging a goal each. Sherrardswood Ladies go bottom having played all their games.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

One more Champion to celebrate this week with Hitchin Belles getting the point they needed on Sunday to become Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two Champions! Were playing their final game of the season away to local rivals and 2nd placed Hitchin Town Ladies. The match at played at Top Field home of Hitchin Town FC, Hitchin Town Ladies were 8 points behind Hitchin Belles with 3 games left to play needed a win to have any chance of denying Belles the title. In the finish it wasn’t to be with the sides battling out a 0-0 draw usually a frustrating result but not for Hitchin Belles as they win the title and promotion to Division One.

  Congratulations to Hitchin Belles on their title success.

   That 0-0 draw good news for Letchworth garden City Eagles as they move back up into 2nd place in the Division Two table with a home win over in form Evergreen Ladies on Sunday. Goals from Kate Tempest, Katie Smith, Emily Jamieson and a 1st of the season for Anna Argiros seeing Letchworth win the game 4-0, one game left to play, that against Hitchin Town Ladies now basically a shoot off for 2nd place with one point between the sides even though Hitchin have a game in hand.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

Three games played in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three on Sunday and with two games left for the top 3 it is going to go down to the wire. Leaders AFC Dunstable Ladies Development top of the table were unbeaten dropping just 2 points before this weekends home clash with 3rd placed AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies. The visitors inflicting the first defeat of the season on Dunstable to close the gap to them down to 4 points. Rachael Mumford scoring a brace for Kempston Town & Bedford College with a goal each for Taylor Kingston and Kayleigh Humphries plus an own goal securing a 5-1 win. Bianca Vassell with the goal for Dunstable the pair meeting again in a fortnight in their penultimate game of the season. A win then for Dunstable putting Kempston Town & Bedford College out of the title race, if it goes the other way thing’s get very interesting on the final day!

   That defeat for Dunstable good news too for Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses in 2nd place as they close the gap to the leaders to just a point with a big win away to bottom side Buntingford Town Ladies. Giselle Randall on fire with 7 goals in the game taking her onto 32 goals for the season, the visitors winning 10-0 with Victoria Harrold also on target with a goal and a brace for Laura Sephton. An intriguing contest between Dunstable and Kempston Town & Bedford College in a fortnights time Woburn & Wavendon are away to Kempston Town & Bedford College in the pairs final game of the season where all three sides could all still be in contention for the title!

One more game to bring you and it was victory in their final game of the season for Langford Ladies who secure a 4th placed finish in their debut season in women’s football. Were away to Biggleswade United Ladies in 5th spot. A brace from top scorer Amber Clark finishing on 25 goals plus one from Chloe Scott who ends on 21 goals for the season sealing a 3-0 win.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 14/04/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 14th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

Not one but two cup finals played in Cambridgeshire towards the end of last week, worthy of a mention in this weeks edition of The Round-Up. First up on Thursday it was the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup, Cambridge City Ladies Development taking on Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds at Histon FC. Cambridge getting off to the better start however it was Fulbourn who opened the scoring on 15 minutes a break Marie Stubbings playing the ball on for Stacey Kemp to strike past the keeper form outside the box. The lead not lasting long with Freya Standing given time and space to line up a shot from distance the ball bouncing inside the post to make it 1-1. Midfielder Emily Reed scoring from the tightest on angles on the byline to put Cambridge into the lead.

  2-1 up at half time Cambridge pressed for a 3rd goal at the start of the 2nd period Fulbourn with few chances Katie Luddy’s run and cross into the area seeing the ball presented to Stubbings at the top of the area she turned well to make it 2-2 with a clinical finish. Into the final 15 minutes a corner the ball cleared off the line the crossbar struck the ball dropping into the six yard bx players diving in the result a penalty to Cambridge. Bronte Rapley tucking it away to put Cambridge 3-2 up the goal enough to win the trophy, the first of a potential treble.

Cambridge City Ladies Development win the Junior Invitation Cup

 The match report can be found here:- https://womensfootballeast.com/match-report-373/

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup

24 hours later it was the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup competition played at Ely City FC, St Ives Town Ladies Development taking on Wisbech Town Ladies. The Championship North side soon on top against thier Championship South opponents, Wisbech getting forwards top scorer Sophie Swinden putting a one on one opportunity against the keeper wide. The deadlock eventually broken on the half hour Wisbech pressing the ball Chloe Stanborough carrying it into the box shooting the ball pushed wide across goal captain Faye Kowalewsky there on the follow up to nod the ball into the back of the net. Stanborough coming close again striking the bar.

  Wisbech remained on top for much of the game preventing St Ives getting forwards with any meaningful attacks in control but just 1 goal in it a 2nd would make thing’s more comfortable awarded a free-kick 35 yards out, Swinden over the ball goes for goal a well taken strike the ball high into the air dropped under the crossbar to put Wisbech 2-0 with less than 20 minutes to play. 2-0 the final score Wisbech Town Ladies winning this season’s Division One Cup.

Wisbech Town Ladies, 2018/19 Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup Winners

 The match report can be found here:- https://womensfootballeast.com/match-report-374/

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

Cambridge City Ladies Development are now just one win away from secured the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership title as they won 7-0 at home to March Town United Ladies this Sunday. Winning the Junior Invitation Cup one win from their last 3 games will see them crowned champions and win the double with the League Cup final also to be contested in May. Megan Tonks moving onto 30 goals for the season scoring a brace against March. There were goals too for Rachel Littlewood, Anna Kanz, Lucy Hurst and Ellie Cullum.

   ICA Sports Ladies finished their season this Sunday with a home win against Histon Ladies Reserves, currently in 2nd position in the Premiership table 8 points clear of 3rd placed Cambridge University Women who have 4 games yet to play. Stu Afford stepping down as manager ICA Sports Ladies will be managed by Shaun Harley next season. Ended this campaign on a high goals from Jessica Farchina, Carman Herridge and Donna Nicholls securing a 3-0 win. 

  Buoyed by a good performance in the Junior invitation Cup Final on Sunday Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds were at home to Cambridge University Women on Sunday. The bare 11 for Cambridge University they played their part in a high scoring game with the sides sharing 8 goals, Lu Liu, Bernice Wood and Amanda Wainwright on target for 3 goals for the visitors. A hat-trick from Marie Stubbings taking her onto 21 goals for the season plus a goal each for Katie Luddy and Krissie Taylor seeing Fulbourn win the game 5-3 giving them an advantage in the quest for 4th spot in the table.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

Like Cambridge City Ladies Development, Wisbech Town Ladies were soon back in action after their Cup success on Friday. Less than 48 hours later Wisbech Town Ladies were at home to Cardea Ladies. Sophie Swinden closing in on 40 goals for the season scoring a brace to take her to 38. Wisbech winning the game 5-1, Chloe Stanborough, Amy Newell and Yasmin Holmes on her debut with the other goals.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

A full fixture list in the Championship South this Sunday. Leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies maintaining their 9 point lead at the top of the table with a big away win against Isleham United Ladies. Joeli Kirby well ahead in the goal scoring charts bagging herself another 4 goals to take her onto 40 goals for the season. There were hat-tricks too for Kayleigh Nolan and Abbi Griffin with Kayleigh Steed also on the scoresheet.

  Like Wisbech, St Ives Town Ladies Development were also in action less than 48 hours after playing in the Division One Cup final the 2nd placed side looking to keep the pressure on Haverhill with victory at home to 3rd placed Cambridge Rangers WFC got over there final disappointment creating some good opportunities to win the game 3-2 to maintain the 9 point gap with 3 games in hand.

  A double header this Sunday between Park Ladies at home to Burwell Tigers Ladies, two 60 minute games played as they look to get their fixtures in. 6 points collected by Park taking them 6 points clear in fourth spot. The first game won 2-0 with Sherrie Martin scoring her 14th goal of the season and Francesca Plitsch finding the back of the net. The 2nd game won by 4 goals to 2, Sophie Fenner scoring a brace with 1st goals of the season for Victoria Brown and Charlotte Tweed.

The Round-Up – Suffolk 14/04/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 14th April

Suffolk Women’s Division

East Bergholt United Ladies are the Champions of Suffolk for a 2nd successive season winning back to back titles. Not quite the way they would have wanted to as the 3 points were awarded after opponents Walsham Le Willow Ladies forfeited their game at the weekend. Nonetheless a fantastic achievement defending their title with a long winning streak losing just the once to 2nd placed Needham Market Women. The aim now to make it a back to back league and cup double as they look to defend the league Cup on Tues August 30th at Hadleigh FC against Needham Market Women.

  Congratulations to East Bergholt United Ladies on this season’s league title.

  Needham Market Women newly formed this season pushing East Bergholt all the way to ensure they didn’t run away with things at the top of the table a runners-up finish confirmed and they are also in the finals of both the League Cup and County Cup two great games to look forwards too. This Sunday they were at home taking on another newcomer Brettvale Ladies who have improved as the season has gone on and things are looking positive for next season. This Sunday however they were soundly beaten by Needham Market who are way out in front in terms of goals this scored in the league 114 to date 5 of those added against Brettvale. Francesca Rainbird top scorer with another goal taking her tally to 29. Amber Sparks up to 20 for the season also on the scoresheet. Abbie Wilkinson, Jemma Wessels and Nicola Anderson also getting their name on the scoresheet.

   Another new side this season enjoying a successful campaign are Woodbridge Town Ladies climb up to 3rd in the Suffolk Women’s Division table with a narrow 2-1 win at home against Alresford Colne Rangers. Goals for Kimberly Edwards and a 19th of the season for top scorer Jenna Liverpool securing the 3 points, strong in 2019 with just 2 defeats from 12 played. Jo Harvey scoring the goal for Alresford.

   Leiston St Margarets Ladies are looking good now to secure a top half finish in the Suffolk Women’s Division as they  like Woodbridge enjoy a strong 2nd half to the season again just 2 defeats from 10 played so far this calendar year. Were at home this Sunday taking on Chantry Grasshoppers Ladies and despite Charlotte Archer scoring her 12th goal of the season for the visitors goals from Sarah Cooper and Justine Young saw Leiston St Margarets win the game 2-1.

  Coplestonians Ladies were away to bottom side University of Suffolk Women this Sunday and despite being short on numbers held a narrow lead at the break. A different story 2nd half as Coplestonians piled on the goals to win the 3 points with a 9-2 victory. Top sorer Abigail Eley scoring 4 of those goals taking her to 14 for the season. A hat-trick too for Sophie Maul with Chloe York an Lottie Aldous also getting a goal a piece.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 14/04/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 14th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

 Just a handful of fixtures left now in Norfolk Women’s Division One half the sides now completing their fixtures Thorpe United Ladies long ago crowned champions, a win from Gorleston Ladies would see them clinch runners-up spot in the league as they travelled to play bottom side Beccles Town Ladies on Sunday just a point behind 2nd placed Sprowston Ladies whose fixtures were done. Two games in hand for Gorleston they were 2 goals to the good at half-time, went on to add a further 2 in the 2nd period to win the game 4-1 and seal a 2nd place finish. Samantha Hunn scoring a brace with Sophie Gillett and Beth Turner both on target for a goal each. Lucy Robbens with the 2nd half goal for Beccles who despite a spirited finish bottom of the table following promotion last season. Haven’t had the luck with injuries throughout but still have a cup final to look forwards too.

 Has been a difficult season too for Bungay Town Ladies double winners last season, got off to a terrible start this time around the squad taking a hit players missing, injuries, results picking up recently as new players start to find their feet bolster the existing squad end the campaign unbeaten in 3 winning two including their last game of the season at home to Sprowston Athletic Ladies the 3 points lifting them into the top half of the table. At home Bungay leading 2-0 at half-time went on to win the game 3-0. Selina Rowland scoring a brace there was a goal too for Morgan Devine.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

 It was from Norfolk where this Sunday’s action came from Women’s Football East came from the top of Division Two a first opportunity to have a look at league leaders Taverham Women United’s young guns as they travelled to 3rd placed Fakenham Town Ladies knowing one more win would secure them the league title. Taverham with a very young side all U18 bar one making the step up from youth football often a big step Taverham drawing their opening game haven’t looked back losing just the one game and that only a month ago. Fakenham coming into the game hit by injuries and unavailability meaning they had just the bare 11.

  Taverham were on the front foot from the off the game soon becoming a classic of attack versus defence, Fakenham with their backs to the wall battling hard deep in their half ans Taverham poured forwards. Teigan Robinson getting the break through breaking into the area o score from the rebound to put the visitors into the lead. Chloe Easter making some vital saves in the Fakenham goal. It was more of the same 2nd half Fakenham rarely in the Taverham half, digging in battling as opportunities came and went for Taverham to put the game to bed, denied by the post, Easter again their to save, late into the game Fakenham got forwards forcing a corner on the right a goal bound shot blocked by an arm the referee pointing to the spot a last gasp chance for Fakenham to rescue a point, captain Sian Sands to take now mistake her strike just about eluding Taverham goalkeeper Laura Beevor to find the back of the net and see the game end 1-1. The title remains in Taverham’s hands victory in their final game of the season away to Hockering will see them crowned champions in their first season in women’s football.

 The battle for runners-up spot still very much alive with a 3 way tie on 37 points between 2nd placed Long Stratton Women and Fakenham Town Ladies pushed down to 4th on goal difference as Tavern Ladies nestle in between them in 3rd. A game in hand on Long Stratton too, Fakenham with 5 left to play having games in hand on both. Tavern were in action this Sunday on the East Coast taking on Gorleston Rangers Ladies. The Dereham based side scoring plenty of goals this season, none more so than Katie Hart-Copsey as she was on target once again at the weekend on fire scoring all 5 goals in the game to become the 2nd player (would have been the first but I started in Essex this week) in the East to rack up 50 goals for the season!

   Freethorpe Ladies move up the Division Two table once again this Sunday winning at home against Thetford Town Ladies to slot into 5th place in the table. A big win too against a Thetford side once again struggling for numbers. Andrea Colbrook scoring a hat-trick in the game for Freethorpe. Keira Squires on target for a brace, there were goals too for Claire Garner, Robyn Steele and a first of the season for Michaela Stordy in an 8-0 victory.

  At the other end of the Division One table it has been a long hard 1st season in women’s football for Bulldogs Ladies. Playing their final league game of the season this Sunday they ended on a high with a strong 2nd half shoeing against Horsford Women to claim victory for just the 2nd time this season. 2-1 up at half-time Bulldogs went on to add a further 6 goals without reply in the 2nd half to win the game 8-1. Emma Johnson scoring a hat-trick for Bulldogs. Also getting on the scoresheet were Stevie-Leigh Malkinson, Emily Hinsley, Sara-Jane Langford and Rachael Barrett with her 1st goal for Bulldogs. Lois Irving with the early first half goal for Horsford.

The Round-Up – Essex 14/04/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 14th April

Essex Women’s League Cup

  This season’s Essex Women’s Women’s League Cup Final will see Leigh Ramblers Ladies taking on Harlow Town Ladies Development for the trophy, two young upcoming sides both doing well in the Premier Division this season. Leigh Ramblers Ladies challenging for the title itself now into the final after overcoming fellow Premier Division side Southend United Ladies in the last 4 this weekend. A challenging draw to get t the final for Leigh Ramblers taking on sides 1st. 3rd, 5th and now 6th in the Premier Division. Kate Newton, top scorer for Leigh Ramblers this season netting a brace to see them win the game 2-0 taking her to 32 goals for the season. The League Cup Final taking place on Sunday 19th may at Runwell Sports FC.

Essex Women’s Division One

 4 games played in Essex Women’s Division One this Sunday and Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies hold onto top spot for another week at least as 2nd placed Billericay Town Ladies were beaten at home to 3rd placed Hutton Ladies Reserves on Sunday. A goal form Emily Wilton along with a 10th goal of the season for Baylie Kingsnorth enough to clinch the 3 points for the visitors winning the match 2-1 with Hollie Dimambro Bovington getting the goal for Billericay. The 3 points ensuring Hutton will continue to pressure runners-up spot right until the final day with 3 games left to play.

 The other side that can chase down league leaders Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies are Rayleigh Town Ladies up to 4th now with 6 games still to play are 15 points back from top spot likely t be awarded several points due to opposition due to games called off are scoring plenty of goals this season. Notably Isabelle Wallings, scoring 4 at the weekend as they took on Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves at home those goals pushing Wallings onto an incredible 50 goals for the season. Wasn’t the top scorer in the game however with Eleasha Reeves on target for 5 goals to take her own tally to 23 for the campaign. Also moving onto 23 goals for the season is Holly Gash with a goal plus 2 for Kristina Stavrinou her first goals for Rayleigh Town who ran out 12-0 winners. A big game to come with Rayleigh at home to Billericay Town Ladies Reserves in a fortnights time.

 Belhus Ladies climb back up to 7th spot in the Essex Women’s Division One table winning at home to bottom side Island Ladies this Sunday. Goals from Aimee Hunt, Hayley Freeman and a first goal of the season for Paige Pervaill seeing them to a 3-1 win. Ebonnie Williams getting on the scoresheet for Island.

  The points shared in the final match to bring you from Division One this Sunday with Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves holding 5th placed FC Clacton Ladies to a 2-2 draw at home at the weekend. Clacton leading 1-0 at half-time Leigh Ramblers scoring twice in the 2nd half as they battled back to get a point. Stacy Bott from the penalty spot and Emily Hamlin scoring for Leigh Ramblers. Charlotte Warren scoring for Clacton her 13th strike of the season with Lucy-May Cushway also getting a goal her first for Clacton in just her 3rd appearance.

Tiptree &District Charity Cup

Chelmsford City Ladies were at home to Frontiers Ladies in the semi-final of the Tiptree & District Charity Cup this Sunday. Two early goals for the visitors doing the damage seeing Frontiers reach the final. Anna Freeman and Jill Bartholomew with the goals to secure a 2-0 victory.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 14/04/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 14th April

ERWFL League Cup

Semi-final weekend for the ERWFL League Cup down t the last 4 sides vying for a place in the final on Sunday 12th May. Cambridge City Ladies looking to make it a league and cup double the Premier Division Champions were at home to Essex side Harlow Town Ladies. Goals from top scorer Erin Davies, Bronte Rapley plus and own goal sealing a 3-1 victory for Cambridge City to see them into their 2nd ERWFL League Cup final in 3 seasons. Harlow not happy with some referring decisions scoring through Hannah Smith her debut goal for the 1st team after impressing and scoring plenty of goals for their Development side this season.

Injuries and player unavailability affecting Peterborough Northern Star Ladies towards the end of the season, despite that have done well to reach the last 4 of the League Cup, drawn at home to play Bedford Ladies. The game officiated by Norwegian referees guests of Cambridgeshire FA this week. A close game in the finish with the game with goals from Amy Magnus and Jasmine Ajayi seeing Bedford through the the final courtesy of a 2-1 victory. 

ERWFL League Plate

Also a semi-final played too this Sunday in the ERWFL’s League Plate competition. Stevenage Ladies Reserves at home taking on Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies. The away side taking an 18th minute lead a corner returned into the area met by Katie Seagrave her header beating the keeper from close range to make it 1-0. Stevenage quick to reply level just 4 minutes later breaking with Histon appealing for a foul up the other end, Sherrie Evans getting the goal to make it 1-1. All square the game remained heading into extra-time. Histon winning the game in the 1st period of extra play, Kaya Haq scoring a superb goal from a 25 yard free kick sending a curled ball high to drop into the back of the net to send Histon into the League Plate final. Their opponents with be either Newmarket Town Ladies or Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies who met in the league this Sunday setting their semi-final up nicely. 

ERWFL Premier Division

 Royston Town Ladies returned to winning ways this Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division as they look to secure the runners-up spot in the league. The 2nd placed side at home to Haringey Borough Women. Royston taking the lead from the penalty spot Jo Rutherford making it 1-0, added a 2nd to double the lead with Eva Ramsey scoring from out wide to make it 3-0 Haringey puling a goal back before the break their keeper making some important saves to limit Royston to 3 goals. Francesca Smithers returning to action for Royston on target to bring up their 4th goal, Rutherford lobbing the keeper to complete her hat-trick to bring up her 19th goal of the season and see Royston win the game 5-1.

Royston Town Ladies, Jo Rutherford

A home win too for Colney Heath Ladies against Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday, goals from Charlene Moreton and Rianne Townsend-Brown securing a 2-0 victory the 3 points lifting Colney Heath over the Essex side into 8th position in the Premier Division.

ERWFL Division One

 With ERWFL Division One leaders St Ives Town Ladies not in action this weekend it was an opportunity for 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies to close the gap down to just 3 points in preparation for the two sides meeting this coming Sunday. A tough local derby this weekend away to fellow Essex side Hutton Ladies. Bowers & Pitsea in good form however unlucky in 13 games in the league a single goal winning a tough battle between the sides Sophie Dowman’s 14th goal of the season extending the run to 14. A trip to St Ives now where they will be looking to end the league leaders unbeaten record.

   2-2 when the sides last met in the league Newmarket Town Ladies 3rd in Division One were away 5th placed Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Goals from Rosy Wodhams and Becky Scola seeing Hoddesdon into a 2-1 lead with 25 minutes left Newmarket then reduced 10 with goalkeeper Dominika Szary sent off being adjudged to have handled the ball outside the area. Yasmin Woodfield donning the keepers gloves Newmarket having scored through Annabel Cuthbert kept battling getting themselves back on level terms Cuthbert with her 10th goal of the season, the visitors dramatically winning the game with seconds left on the clock Cuthbert lobbing the keeper to complete her hat-trick. The two sides meeting at Newmarket this coming Sunday in the League Plate semi-finals haven’t yet seen both this season and this is where I shall be.

   A big win for King’s Lynn Town Ladies at home this Sunday as they continue to build momentum going into the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final in just a fortnights time. This Sunday they were playing at The Walks home of King’s Lynn Town FC, taking on Hatfield Peverel Ladies. A strong first half performance seeing King’s Lynn leading 7-0 with hat-tricks for both Oksana Imanalijeva and Tiffany Forshaw along with a goal for Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse. A further two goals added in the 2nd half with Becky Russell scoring and Imanalijeva getting a 4th to her name. The win taking King’s Lynn into 7th and in a great position to challenge for a top half finish.

   Lawford Ladies were at home this Sunday in ERWFL Division One taking on bottom side Bishops Stortford Ladies. The hosts winning the game 3-1 thanks to goals from Stacey Teager, Jodie Sharp and a 1st of the season for Claire Gauntlett. Again like King’s Lynn well placed to push on up the table in their final 4 matches. Poppy Kelly scoring the goal for Bishops Stortford.

The Round-Up – FAWNL 14/04/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 14th April

Not one but two champions crowned this Sunday in the FAWNL, 3 in fact cause I’ll get wrong if I don’t mention Burnley FC Women who were also title winners at the weekend winning the Division One North title. Over to the FAWNL covered by Women’s Football East Coventry United Ladies and Crawley Wasps Ladies got the wins they needed to become champions of the Southern Premier Division and South East Division One respectfully.

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

Starting with the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, they have been amongst the title challengers for a number of season’s now and at last Coventry United Ladies are there top of the pile can’t be caught despite the late threat posed by Cardiff City Ladies racing up the table into 2nd spot. Just the one defeat in the league for Coventry a 10 point lead going into Sunday’s game at home to Cardiff with the reverse fixture to come as games in hand for the Welsh side, Coventry were in pole position knowing the win would secure the title. An early goal from Jade Brook scoring in the 7th minute putting Coventry into the lead. Cardiff levelling the scores 10 minutes later with Kylie Nolan finding the back of the net to make it 1-1. Coventry retaking the lead in 27th minute Amy Wathan heading home a Brook cross. A narrow advantage at the break so it remained for all of the 2nd half until Wathan struck again in injury time to giving Coventry some breathing room that dispelled a minute further into stoppage time with Marie Gauntlett scoring a wonder goal to see the game won 4-1 and the celebrations commence.

Champions! (picture credit Jeff Bennett)

Many congratulations to Coventry United Ladies on their title success, FAWNL Southern Premier Division Champions.

  Defeat for Cardiff ending their own slim title hopes they slip back to 3rd with Chichester City Ladies winning at home on Sunday to return to 2nd. Were taking on Watford Ladies. A single goal enough to win Chichester the 3 points their 14th win of the campaign. The goal coming late in the 1st half with Lauren Cheshire scoring from the penalty spot.

   A lat winner saw 4th placed Oxford United Women clinch the 3 points at home to Portsmouth FC Women this Sunday in the Southern Premier Division. Goalless after the 1st 45 minutes Oxford going on to open the scoring early in the 2nd half, Georgia Timms fouled inside the box stepping up to score from the resulting penalty kick to make it 1-0. Katie James firing home from a free-kick giving the keeper no chance to make it 1-1 in the 56th minute. Into the closing minute the scores still locked at 1-1 a ball played into the box from wide met perfectly by Emily Allen to volley home inside the six yard box to make it 2-1 and win the game for Oxford with her 17th goal of the season.

   Less than 48 hours after winning the County Cup in Devon, Plymouth Argyle Ladies up in the Midlands to play Loughborough Foxes Women in the league. Plymouth looking to continue their recent good form unbeaten in their last four in the Southern Premier Division, back to back wins looking for a 3rd Natasha Knapman firing them into the lead on 30 minutes. Loughborough with a quick reply Rebecca Knight equalising 3 minutes later. Level at the break Helen Bleazard scoring a minute after the restart to put Plymouth back into the lead. Jessie Charlotte Cooper pulling it back to 3-2 for Loughborough with 12 minutes left to play Jones adding her 2nd of the match sealing the win for Plymouth in the final minute 4-2.

Finally in the Southern Premier Division this Sunday it was a contest between the bottom two with Queens Park Rangers Women hosting C&K Basildon Ladies. both still without a win in the league going into the match. C&K Basildon taking an early lead 1-0 up inside 2 minutes Holly Turner capitalising on a defensive error to score. QPR getting the equalising goal late in the 1st half with Jo Wilson rounding the keeper in the 37th minute to make it 1-1 at half-time. The hosts taking the lead early in the 2nd half a 2nd of the game for Wilson firing home a long range effort. Wilson going on to complete her hat-trick with less than 20 minutes to go. The final score 4-1 with Sue Kumaning getting her name on the scoresheet. Finally a win for QPR. Basildon relegated to South East Division One have endured a difficult season, the club knowing it would be a struggle coming together, the squad growing in adversity battling week in week out.

FAWNL South East Division One

One win needed too for Crawley Wasps Ladies in South East Division One to win successive promotions, champions and fully deserved have lead the way from start to finish a 100% winning record long held. Tipped for the title by everyone I spoke including fellow clubs in South East Division One brief visitors on their way to the Southern Premier Division. Billericay Town Ladies briefly putting the celebration on hold the Essex club in 2nd beating Crawly for the 1st time in the FAWNL, they were here again at home knowing victory would see them finish champions, were taking on Enfield Town Ladies who have enjoyed a strong season themselves and were holding Crawley to a goalless scoreline going into the final 10 minutes, the winning goal finally coming in the 83rd minute a great pass from Naomi Cole sending Kemina Webber through into the box to send the ball into the back of the net and win the game.

FAWNL South East Division One Champions Crawley Wasps Ladies Photo credit: Ben Davidson, www.bendavidsonphotography.com

  Congratulations to Crawly Wasps Ladies on winning FAWNL South East Division One.

   Billericay Town Ladies finish runners-up in FAWNL South East Division One like Crawley making their FAWNL bow this season the Essex club recruiting well for life playing at a higher level neck and neck with Crawley early on. Kin Coster’s side were at home this Sunday taking on Cambridge United WFC in good form recently themselves. Drawing 1-1 at the half-time interval Billericay found the winning goal 2nd half to win the game 2-1 to secure the 3 points to guarantee 2nd spot. Danica Dougal and Zoe Rushen with the goals. Next up the Essex Women’s County Cup final this Thursday against C&K Basildon Ladies at Bowers & Pitsea FC. Cambridge’s goal scored by Mollie Coupar who moves ahead as top scorer with 12 goals for the season.

  A dramatic match between 3rd and 4th in the South East Division One table with Actonians Lades hosting Leyton Orient WFC. An early lead for the visiting side with Danielle Griffiths putting them 1-0 up in the 5th minute from the penalty spot. Actonians straight back into it Carla Williams with the goal to make it 1-1 a minute later. Actonians going on to take the lead in the 34th minute with Williams on target for her 2nd of the game. A late save from Paige Horsnell keeping it at 2-1 at half-time. Actonians striking the crossbar early in the 2nd period Leyton Orient coming back to make it 2-2 with 55 minutes played Valeria Moreno with the goal. 4 minutes later the visitors were in the lead Sophie Le Marchand scoring to make it 3-2. Just 3 minutes left on the clock and Actonians came back to level it a 3-3 to see the points shared, Alessandra Barreca netting for the 25th time this season.

   A fantastic start for Ipswich Town Women at home to Stevenage Ladies with Natasha Thomas scoring against the Hertfordshire side in the opening minute. Stevenage getting back into the game responding well coming back to level in the 21st minute Ellie Searle with the goal to make it 1-1. Level at the break the visitors were awarded a penalty within a minute of the restart, Erin Pope converting from the spot to make it 2-1. Ipswich found themselves down to 10 on the hour with Jordan Arnoup sent off. Despite that Ipswich pushed for a goal levelling the game with 5 minutes to go Lindsey Cooper scoring to rescue a point.

   Hope yet for Luton Town Ladies at the bottom of the league as they win for just the 3rd time this season to close the gap to 2nd bottom Denham United Ladies to 3 points with a game in hand and superior goal difference. At home this Sunday were taking on Norwich City Ladies. Goals from Rachel Kosky and Remi Bains seeing Luton holding a 2-0 lead at half-time. Norwich reducing the deficit with 20 minutes to play, Kathryn Stanley scoring from out wide. Luton defending held out to clinch the win and claim 3 vital points.

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Taverham Women United

Sunday 14th April

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

 A return to league action this afternoon on Women’s Football East a short trip today to Clipbush Park to watch a crucial top of the table clash from Norfolk Women’s Division Two leaders Taverham Women United one win away from clinching the title in their debut season away to Fakenham Town Ladies in 3rd whose own title hopes rest on winning the 3 points themselves.

 Due to be played back in December had it on the radar but the weather put pay to that outing, the rearranged fixture falling just right, both sides starting the season well under contrasting circumstances. Fakenham Town Ladies relegated from Division One looking to regroup and rebuild confidence within their squad. Taverham Women one of a cluster of youth sides making the big step up to women’s football this season.

  The two clubs neck and neck at the top of the table in the early stages of the season, both unbeaten Fakenham winning their opening 8 matches before the two sides met at Taverham in December, Taverham ending Fakenham’s 100% winning start in a close match winning 1-0. Since then Fakenham have fallen behind with fixtures hit by postponements and call offs have 6 games left to play. Injury and unavailable players affecting them too in the run in, 4 games in hand on Taverham down to 3rd now after a 2nd defeat of the season against Long Stratton Women in 2nd know they can’t afford to lose today if they want to finish top of the pile.

  Taverham making the step up into women’s football this season has seen several sides struggle to adapt recently, not in their case however their young squad all under 18 bar one Rebecca Sutton who is 18 hitting the ground running a 0-0 draw on the opening day went on to win their next 13 league matches before suffering their first and only defeat of the season to an in form Tavern Ladies side last month. An important 3-0 away win in midweek against Long Stratton Women sees them 12 points clear at the top knowing a win against Fakenham will see them clinch the league title.

  Taverham have a small close knit squad 16 players, manager Kevin Robinson with the squad since they were playing at U10 level, with 5 of that team still with the current group. Well supported by joint manager Bill Artis along with all the parents that make it a real family unit. Have scored an incredible 123 goals so far this season with Rebecca Sutton and Abbie Walker sharing 66 goals between them. Learning every game and with some strong sides in the league a credit to be where they are with two games left to play.

  Clipbush Park the venue this afternoon the ladies side sharing the main pitch with the mens side. A bar also serving tea and coffee along with hot food upon entry leading out onto the pitch a large surface plenty of width fitness levels need to be sharp. A seat stand along the opposite side of the pitch, a few dark clouds around a few spots of rain in the are sunny but chilly, took advantage of the cover just in case.

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Easter, Ellie Websdale, Karina Townsend, Jemma Riches, Sian Sands (C), Jennifer Codman, Holly Davies, Megan Spurrell, Tash Patten, Tara Betts & Sam King

Taverham Women United starting XI – Laura Beevor, Lucy Staff, Caitlyn Arnup, Jasmin Snelling, Hannah Artis (C), Summer Rogers, Rebecca Sutton, Maya Lawlor, Abbie Walker, Charlotte Hurren & Teigan Robinson. Subs – Laura Jones

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Just the bare 11 available for Fakenham with players out injured or unavailable, Taverham naming just the one substitute. Fakenham to kick-off the 1st half wearing amber shirts with black upon the sleeves, black shorts and socks. Taverham kitted out in white shirts with blue trim, blue shirts and white socks. The ball pressed straight away in the middle pops wide for Megan Spurrell to bring on down the right support inside from Holly Davies her diagonal pass driven into Jennifer Codman getting forwards to the top of the area she knocks the ball on into the box, the Taverham defence able to let it run out for a goal kick. 

Fakenham striker Sam King with the ball

  Taverham attack down their right the ball put on for Charlotte Hurren her cross swept into the area headed clear by Jemma Riches for Fakenham. Taverham pressing the ball high up the pitch a ball knocked forwards into the area, goalkeeper Chloe Easter trying to let it run out for a goalkick Teigan Robinson giving chase managing to win her side a corner, a good delivery in from the left towards the far post Karina Townsend getting it away for Fakenham. A positive start from Taverham very much on the front foot getting players forwards rapidly a throw high on the right Robinson crossing inside the box deflected out to the top of the area a shot drilled back in runs low wide of goal.

  Fakenham look to make ground on the left wing Tara Betts playing the ball on for Sam King, Jasmin Snelling putting the foot in to win the ball back for Taverham. Taverham full of energy pressing the ball ready to attack at will Fakenham pushed back into their box defending a two v two situation opening up as Taverham counter attack Sutton with the ball at her feet carrying it forwards left Robinson central tries to lift the ball into the box for her but too much on the ball Easter can let it go for a goal kick. Fakenham captain Sian Sands in the heart of the defence getting across to win the ball put it out for a throw in as Abbie Walker attempts to hook the ball on for Sutton down the flank. 

Sian Sands winning the ball for Fakenham Town Ladies

  Summer Rogers nipping in to rob the ball from the Fakenham defence 25 yards out pushes it into Sutton inside the area, can’t get it out from her feet and turn to shoot before being closed down. Taverham continue to press the attack a through ball threaded in behind sees Sutton clear on Chloe Easter coming to close her down making a great blocking save at her feet to push the ball away for a throw. The Fakenham defence putting themselves under pressure trying to play it out from the back with the Taverham attackers lively. 

Taverham captain, Hannah Artis

   Taverham captain Hannah Artis receiving the ball from a throw on the right plays a cross long into the area Sands getting her head on it to put it behind for a corner. The ball in from the left defended near post another corner this delivery dropping into the six yard box Maya Lawlor getting her head to it stooping a deflection knocking it wide.The attack Taverham’s early on Fakenham working hard to defend not creating anything up the other end. Walker and Hurren switch flanks. Lucy Staff stopping Spurrell as she tries to get in to cross wide right.

Fakenham Town Ladies, Megan Spurrell

  A handball spotted in midfield a free-kick top of the circle for Taverham, Snelling to take a great ball played in towards the top of the area, Rogers meeting it twisting her neck to head the ball goalwards her attempt bouncing wide of the right post. Fakenham busy in defence, Townsend sliding in gets the ball from Walker as she races forwards on the right. Ellie Websdale holding Hurren up on the left as Spurrell gets back to help her out. Robinson clipped as she drives forwards centrally a free-kick awarded 20 yards out Sutton over it gets a shot in past the walk, Easter gloving it down her defence back following it in getting it away Taverham collecting it a shot from 25 yards out racing wide across goal.

Abbie Walker holding the ball up for Taverham

   Taverham win a throw high on the left played quickly into Sutton she turns taking the ball on into the area level with the six yard box gets her foot over the ball to hit a shot in the ball bouncing wide across the face of goal. Taverham make a change Hurren the player coming off on comes Laura Jones. Fakenham with a rare attack Spurrell with the ball n the right played inside to King coming across to make herself available, Caitlyn Arnup on her shoulder the pair battling inside the area the defender winning the tackle, play brought back however for a foul on the edge of the area. Patten over it tries to lift a shot in near post the attempt off target.

Megan Spurrell with Taverham’s Laura Jones

   Rogers latching onto the ball 20 yards out after Fakenham fail to clear sends her strike over the crossbar. Fakenham with a free-kick out wide on the right Patten to play it in towards the top of the box King up knocks it down into her feet is quickly closed down by the Taverham defence can’t get a shot away. Fakenham seeing a little more of the ball in the latter stages of the 1st half having soaked up alot of pressure. Robinson looking a constant threat in attack for Taverham attacks right cutting into the area Riches with a great tackle to deny her.

 GOAL! The pressure from Taverham in attack finally bringing them a goal late in the 1st half, up the pitch on the right a throw won the ball put inside to Robinson she turns carrying the ball into the box the angle tight six yards out blasts a shot in Sands defending getting a leg out to block the rebound however falls straight to Robinson her 2nd attempt played past the defender across goal into the bottom corner 0-1.

Teigan Robinson scores the opening goal

  A chance to double the lead straight away the ball won by Rogers put on for Walker in behind right side one on one with the keeper attempts to lift the ball over her succeeds but her effort drops wide of the mark. Artis winning most of the aerial balls Fakenham try to put on through the middle. King with the ball at her feet willing to take players on, the Taverham defence proving very difficult to shake off.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 0-1 Taverham United Women

  Half-time, Taverham leading 1-0 a narrow advantage for all their attacking player have shown plenty of energy and positively getting numbers forwards in attack have had their opponents on the back foot for the entire 1st half. Just the one goal to show for it however the game far from settled a 2nd goal most definitely needed, Fakenham have battled hard in defence to keep Taverham at bay whilst creating very little in attack themselves.

  Taverham to get the 2nd half underway a change made Hurren back on Robinson off. Get forwards right from the off Lawlor played through into the box on the right blasts a shot in towards the near post Easter with a fantastic save to push the ball behind for a corner kick. The ball delivered into the box Fakenham just about deal with it knocked outside the area a shot back in well wide. Taverham starting the 2nd half off where they left the 1st have Fakenham penned inside their own 18 yard box.

  The pressure relieved as Fakenham are awarded a free-kick 40 yards out from goal, Sands to play it in towards the top of the area, Artis sticking out a leg to stop it. Sutton carrying the ball on down the right Sands across tackling well to deny her the opportunity to cross. Websdale winning the ball at right back for Fakenham on for Codman in the middle, Davies making a run ahead of her, Rogers sliding in to intercept the pass. King attacking on the ball left comes inside Arnup on her shoulder pushes her across the top of the area checking back King lifts a cross into the box headed clear falls straight to Codman a good 35 yards out takes on the shot the strike safely claimed by Beevor in the Taverham goal.

Fakenham Town Ladies, Holly Davies

   Taverham full of running first to most balls, Spurrell on the right for Fakenham up ended a free-kick played in central, Arnup in ahead of King, Taverham counter Sutton wide playing the ball inside right looking for Sutton, Riches with a timely interception. Taverham come again on the right Walker on the ball taking players on getting into the box lays it inside for Lawlor to take on towards goal shoots looking to play the ball across the keeper from where I’m standing it looks in all the way right behind it, but for Easter a great piece of glove work getting down to palm it wide.

Jemma Riches on the ball for Fakenham Town Ladies

  Taverham bring Robinson back on for Jones. Spurrell plays the ball on for Davies right in behind the full back too much on the pass allows Artis to get across and clear. Townsend with a great tackle to deny Robinson as she turns inside towards the top right corner of the area before she can line up a shot. Remains 1-0 for all their possession and attacking play Taverham haven’t put the game to bed Fakenham continue to battle hard have very little of the attack but one chance taken changes everything. Hurren with a dangerous run in from the left flashes a cross along the top of the area a shot taken the Fakenham defence throwing bodies in to block. 

    Walker coming inside from the right up against Townsend and Riches squeezes a ball between the pair on for Robinson in behind spins into the shot 8 yards out her strike running wide across the six yard box. Close again from Taverham the base of the post denying them a 2nd goal a cross put in low from the left met at the near post by Walker inside the six yard box. Taverham have a a small but passionate group of supporters vocal encouraging them on. Walker a threat on the wing cuts into the area right six yards out the ball pushed on for Lawlor she shoots, Easter getting across to cover her near post saving brilliantly again the ball behind for corner. 

Eyes on the ball Jennifer Codman looking to win the header

  The corner played in long to the far post Robinson under it lifts a shot up over the bar. Taverham regain possession high up the pitch Fakenham struggling to get out of their own half a corner won on the right the delivery in central headed up onto the roof of the net, that 2nd goal won’t come. Codman is down for Fakenham struggling with an injury having taken a knock has to come off for treatment with no substitute to bring on are down to 10. Townsend too taking a blow down but can continue. Hurren an excellent dribbler of the ball at speed bombs forwards into the box on the left closing in on the byline checks back attempts to lift the ball in across the face of goal, no one to meet it runs wide. Codman is back on Fakenham back up to their full compliment.

Caitlyn Arnup

  Davies is upended as she tries to bring the ball on up the right for Fakenham, the ball played on down the line quickly King after it, gets a cross into the area no one gambling however, Taverham bring it out from the back lost however deflected into Spurrell’s feet she lifts a shot back in from distance, Beevor safely gathering. A rapid attack launched the ball helped on through to Sutton wins a corner on the left as Websdale comes to close her down. The delivery in central headed away by Sands for a 2nd corner. This time the ball lands at Walkers feet six yards out a snap shot cleared on the line put out to the left players attracted to the ball the cross in over them all, Townsend doing a good job in front of goal to get the ball away before it can be attacked.

Taverham’s Charlotte Hurren

  Taverham continue to attack another corner won on the right, have played in some great deliveries again to the far post Robinson meeting it her attempt blocked on the post.  Into stoppage time Fakenham get on down the right Spurrell with King combining wining a throw put on down the line for King she does well to win a corner. The ball played in central a shot driven in towards the back post blocked on the line, hand ball! The referee pointing to the spot late drama PENALTY!

  GOAL! Fakenham captain Sian Sands placing the ball on the spot. The whistle blows a confident hit lifting the ball to the right pace on the ball Beevor gets a touch throwing herself in that direction but not enough to keep it out Fakenham level at the death 1-1.

Sian Sands scores from the spot in the closing moments of the game

  That’s it not time for Taverham to find a response robbed of the 3 points needed to win the title in the closing seconds of the game, Fakenham ecstatic having battled so hard all game to take a point from the match.

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-1 Taverham United Women

   That was most definitely a game off attack versus defence Taverham on the front foot right from the off getting forwards in numbers pressing the ball high and keeping a high level of energy throughout, taking the lead late in the first half had numerous chances in the 2nd half to put the game to bed but none were taken. Fakenham battling hard with the bare 11 players out of position defending battling and working hard to keep Taverham at bay, Easter pulling off some fantastic saves. At 1-0 they were never out of the game and in the end that cost Taverham all 3 points with a late penalty conceded and dispatched. 

  Fakenham keep there title hopes alive for now but a win for Taverham in their final game of the season will be enough to see them win the league away to Hockering. This point meant alot however to Fakenham and they can use it to spur them on for their remaining 4 games, promotion still not guaranteed some important games still to come.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoons Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, certainly a tough one to narrow it down to one but I’ll do my best. Abbie Walker a real threat on either wing for Taverham getting forwards and creating opportunities for herself and others in front of goal, Summer Rogers in the middle put in some good tackles was the player more often than not keeping Fakenham penned back in their own half. For Fakenham it was a battling display back to the walls with the bare 11 but credit to them especially the back for and Chloe Easter in goal making some great saves. Have chosen Sian Sands a captains performance at the heart of defence and of course the scorer of the all important penalty.

  Good to see both sides in action especially Taverham my first look at them having done enough positive reports in The Round-Up all season, appreciate the help form both teams this afternoon.