A postponement hit fixture list across the 3 divisions in the Beds & Herts Leagues at the weekend with just 3 games surviving the weather. Two of those games Division One and with the top 2 not in action it all bunches up again with 3 points now separating the top 5 sides once again. 4th placed Sherrardswood Ladies continued from last weekends success against Bishops Stortford Ladies with a good result at home against 3rd placed Garston Ladies this Sunday. Goals from Laura Cousins and Manjinder Atwal seeing them into a 2-0 lead at the break. Laurie Marris was on target 2nd half to make it 3-0 before Camilla Holland scored a 4th goal in injury time to see them gain 3 more points to go level on points with Garston and close on the league leaders.
Bishops Stortford Ladies were also at home at the weekend recovered from last Sundays heavy defeat against Sherrardswood to win the 3 points this Sunday against Houghton Athletic Ladies. an own goal plus a goal from Lauren Maynard helping them to a 2-0 victory to keep pace with Sherrardswood in 4th make it all very interesting at the top of the table.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
The other game beating the weather at the weekend was in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three a clash between the bottom two with Wheathamsted Ladies bottom hosting Shefford Town & Campton Ladies. A double strike from Libby Quinn seeing Wheathamsted Ladies move above their opponents with a 2-0 win.
The battle for the title intensifies in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One with St Albans Ladies moving top of the table ahead of Sandy Ladies on goal difference with a 3-0 home win against Houghton Athletic Ladies on Sunday. Sandy Ladies the only side not in action in the league at the weekend. St Albans closed the 3 point gap with goals from Katherine Hatton, Suzanne Read and Megan Samuel.
The competition below St Albans Ladies is fierce however with all the sides down to 5th in the mix for the title all with games in hand it was also a 3-0 win away from home for 3rd placed Garston Ladies as the open up a 3 point gap over 4th placed Bishops Stortford Ladies. Made the trip up into Bedfordshire on Sunday to play Sharnbrook WFC. Goals from Jane Hales, Bobbi Rhodes and Lucy Zecchin seeing them return home with the 3 points in the bag.
A 2nd successive defeat in league for Bishops Stortford Ladies as they lost away from home to 5th placed Sherrardswood Ladies who made up for a heavy defeat of their own last weekend away to St Albans Ladies scoring 6 goals at home this Sunday Ellie Pickard with 2 early goals setting them on their way. Katy Jones, and Manjinder Atwal both scoring in the 1st half Laure Marris and Katie Rist deep in injury time adding further goals in the 2nd half. Brooke White and Kathryn Stanley from the penalty spot scoring for Bishops Stortford. The 6-2 win seeing Sherrardswood move level on points with Bishops Stortford.
At the other end of the table a 3rd successive league victory propels Letchworth Garden City Eagles off the bottom and up 2 places into 6th. Coming out the better in a high scoring match away to Hitchin Town Ladies who are now bottom after defeat. Scoring 3 goals in the game with Natalie Thompson getting a brace with Emma Chaffey also scoring for Hitchin Town it was’t enough to take anything from the game as Letchworth Garden City Eagles found the back of the net with 5 goals to win the match. Tayla Murray grabbing 2 goals along with a goal each for Anglum Jade, Louise Mylles and Chloe Ward.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
Watton Ladies move 4 points clear at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two as they extend their unbeaten run to 12 games with a 4-1 win over Flitwick Ladies on Sunday, Francesca Smithers continuing her fine goal scoring form with a hat-trick to take her onto 28 goals for the season. Beth Willing also scoring for the league leaders who have games in hand on those hoping to catch them below.
Panshanger Ladies climb back up into 2nd spot in the Division Two table but had to do it the hard way to earn a point at home after going 2-0 in the 1st half to visitors Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets who won for the 1st time in the league a fortnight ago. Charlotte Demmon and Lauren Revell with their goals inside the opening 15 minutes. Leading 2-0 at half time Georgina Harvey pulled back a goal for Panshanger midway through the 2nd half. Woburn & Wavendon unable to hold out for the 3 points conceded through an own goal to see Panshanger Ladies take a point from the game.
A 1st league win of the season too for bottom side Evergreen Ladies at home to Royston Town Ladies Reserves at the weekend a tale of two penalties with both sides scoring from the spot Lisa Nolan with the strike for Evergreen. Angelica Fachechi with the spot kick for Royston Town Ladies Reserves. Natalie Maher also scoring in the game to see Evergreen take the 3 points with a 2-1 win to move them onto 4 points with Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Just the one match played in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three this Sunday with leaders Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues away to Wheathamsted Ladies. The leaders extending their 100% winning record in the league 8 from 8 to go 6 points clear at the top with a 4-1 victory. Amy Gibbins scoring a brace with a goal a piece for Casey Chapman and Georgia Payne. Sophia Pidgeon scoring for Wheathamsted Ladies.
Would it be an all Stevenage Ladies final in this season’s Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final? With the 1st team already through to their 3rd successive final it was the Reserves side’s turn to try and join them drawn away to Royston Town Ladies playing in the ERWFL Premier Division a league above Stevenage Ladies Reserves in ERWFL Division One. It was the visitors who took the lead in the match, Royston Town coming back to equalise and then go on to score the winning goal to reach their 1st County Cup final in 3 seasons. Samantha Tinsley in great form in front of goal this season scoring both the goals to see Royston Town into the final
The Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup isn’t too far away the date for your diaries Sunday 12th March a 3pm KO between Stevenage Ladies & Royston Town Ladies at the County Ground in Letchworth.
Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup
County Cup semi-final day on Sunday in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup too and it’s going to be a repeat of last season’s final with both Cup Holders, Luton Town Ladies and runners-up Offley & Stopsley Women winning to reach the final.
Although it took a 90th minute equaliser and a penalty shootout for the County Cup Holders to progress. Luton Town Ladies were at home hosting Bedford Ladies, Nicola Henman gave Luton Town the lead in the 1st half scoring in the 34th minute. Bedford pulled it back to 1-1 7 minutes into the 2nd half, Charlene Moreton with the goal. The visitors going on to take the lead as the match closed in on the 70th minute Olivia-Rose Cunningham scoring. The lead lasting just 5 minutes before Rachel Carter headed home from a corner to make it 2-2 into the last 10 minutes and again Bedford edged themselves int a 3-2 lead Moreton with her 2nd of the game. Couldn’t see out the result Luton Town finding a reply in the 90th minute, Erica Byron firing the ball into the back of the net to see the game end 3-3 and go straight to penalties, Luton Town winning the shootout 4-3 to reach the final.
ERWFL Division One side, Offley & Stopsley Women were drawn away to Beds & Herts Women’s Division One side, Sharnbrook WFC in the semi-finals of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup. Gemma Franklin putting the lower placed league side 1-0 up in the 10th minute of the game. Giselle Randell equalised for Offley & Stopsley on the half hour to see the sides go into the changing rooms level at 1-1 at half-time. Offley & Stopsley took the lead early in the 2nd half, Katerina Hamplova scoring to make it 2-1, Kelly Randall added another goal for the visitors 15 minutes into the 2nd half with Giselle Randall getting her 2nd goal of the game with 15 minutes left to see Offley & Stopsley into the County Cup final with a 4-1 win.
The Final for the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup between Luton Town Ladies & Offley & Stopsley Women is scheduled to be played Weds 19th April with a 7:30pm KO
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One leaders, Sandy Ladies were seeing the sides below them narrow the gap after they had suffered 2 successive league defeats, were looking to get back to winning ways thus Sunday with a tough away trip to in form Bishops Stortford Ladies who had moved into 2nd place 3 points behind them in the table. A hat-trick fr Kirstie Gavin along with a goal for captain Katie Seldon saw Sandy get back to winning ways taking all 3 points with a 4-2 win. Brogan McHale scoring for Bishops Stortford plus an own goal.
All very tight at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One and 3rd placed St Albans Ladies took full of Bishops Stortford Ladies defeat having lost to them just last Sunday to win big at home this Sunday against 4th placed Sherrardswood Ladies. The visitors took an early lead Laura Cousins on 6 minutes, however that was as good as it got for Sherrardswood. Ellie Lovelock scoring the equaliser midway through the 1st half. Sophie Monahan made it 2-1 before half-time. In the 2nd half St Albans went goal crazy, Kayla Johnson grabbing a goal 3 minutes after the restart. Monahan with her 2nd of the game plus an own goal put the home side 4-1 up. Johnson netting a 2nd goal in the 68th minute. Katherine Hutton joined the goalscorers on 77 minutes. Megan Samuel, Suzanne Read and Monahan completing her hat-trick all scoring in the final 10 minutes. Hutton had time for one more goal in injury to to seal an 11-1 win and climb back into 2nd in the table.
Garston Ladies also took advantage of Bishops Stortford’s loss to move above them in the table into 3rd spot. Were playing away on Sunday against 2nd bottom side Hitchin Town Ladies Jane Hales, Bobbi Rhodes, Lucy Zecchin and Kelly Kirwan all finding the back of the net plus an own goal sealing the 3 points with a 5-0 win.
8 league games in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One without a single point on the board bottom side Letchworth Garden City Eagles caused something of an upset 2 weekends ago beating the league leaders Sandy Ladies at home 3-0 to record their 1st win of the season, now like a bus two come along at once as they win at home for the 2nd successive league game to move level on points with Hitchin Town Ladies. Taking on Houghton Athletic Ladies Tayla Murray’s brace was enough to win the 3 points with a 2-1 result, Holly Thomson scoring for Houghton Athletic.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
Remains as tight at the top as ever in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two with the top 5 still separated by just 2 points. An ever changing picture the league has a new leader this week with Watton Ladies going top after inflicting a heavy defeat on previous leaders Hitchin Belles. Having gone top of the table themselves a depleted squad suffered defeat last weekend at home to Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets, were short on numbers again as they travelled to play Watton Ladies. The home side taking full advantage to lead 6-0 at half-time going on to get the 3 points with a 8-1 win, Francesca Smithers scoring 4 goals to move onto 25 for the season. Chloe Jones with 17 goals to her name so far this season also grabbing a goal with Beth Willing, Gemma Penny and Kirsty Richardson on the scoresheet. Emma Wells with the consolation goal for Hitchin Belles. Watton go top level on points with Hitchin Belles however Watton have 3 games in hand.
Panshanger Ladies move back up into 3rd spot a point behind the leading pair with an away win against bottom side Evergreen Ladies on Sunday. Ellie Burke giving the visitors the lead in the 1st half Chemise Huitson added another goal in the 2nd half to secure a 2-0 win but not before both sides had a player red carded late on.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Two matches in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three at the weekend. 2nd placed Evergreen Eagles winning away from home to close the gap on leaders Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues to 3 points. Were taking on Wheathamsted Ladies who scored twice in the game captain Sophia Pidgeon with both the goals. Samantha Takis netting twice for Evergreen, an own goal the decider the 3-2 win for Evergreen giving them the 3 points.
3rd placed Potter Bar United Ladies also won away from home at the weekend a single goal from Janiece Allen seeing the 3 points won at Shefford Town & Campton Ladies.
Finally and sadly it appears the leagues in the East have lost another side this season with Hatfield Town Ladies in Beds & Herts Division Three showing in the table with 0’s all the way. The 18th side to disappear from the regions leagues this season very concerning and I’m getting tired of reporting it. Hope everyone at Hatfield stays involved in the game in some format.
A limited fixture list across the Beds & Herts Women’s Division’s this weekend with 2 games beating the weather in both Division One and Two a wipe-out of games in Division Three. Division One was as competitive a league as any last season and again this season it is proving to be the case with leaders Sandy Ladies losing for the 2nd successive match having lost out to bottom side Letchworth Garden City Eagles last Sunday lost away from home this weekend against 5th placed side Garston Ladies beating Sandy 2-1 to move onto 15 points in the middle of the table now 6 points behind the leaders with 3 games in hand.
Above Garston Ladies 2nd placed side St Albans Ladies 3 points behind leaders Sandy were on the road taking on Bishops Stortford Ladies 3 points further back in 4th spot. Bishops Stortford scored twice in the 1st half to take a 2 goal lead before Sophie Monahan and Ellie Lovelock pulled it back to 2-2 for St Albans Ladies a late goal in the 1st half seeing Bishops Stortford leading at half-time the home side going on to score 2 more in the 2nd half to win 5-2 a brace each for Rosee Golding and Yasmin Smith with Brooke White also on target in the win, the 3 points see Bishops Stortford move up 2 places above St Albans Ladies both on 18 points, Bishops Stortford like Garston have 3 games in hand on leaders Sandy with the gap just 3 points now. More twists and turns to come at the top no doubt in the next few weeks.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
Equally intriguing in the battle for top spot in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two with 2 matches being played at the weekend. Hitchin Belles have been on an excellent run of late jumping all the way up to the top of the table. Collecting 10 points from their last 4 league games unbeaten. Were at home against bottom side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets on Sunday had beaten them 4-1 in the reverse fixture 3 weeks ago. Hitchin Belles only had 10 players available for this Sunday’s fixture were to fall 2-0 down inside the opening 15 minutes Woburn & Wavendon with 2 quickfire goals from Dominique Hull and Charlotte Demmon. Demmon went on to score her 2nd on the half hour mark, Emma Payne seeing the visitors leading 4-0 with 5 minutes of the 1st half left. Ruth Fox pulling a goal back for Hitchin Belles just before half-time. It was 4-2 early in the 2nd half with Amy Jack striking the ball home for Hitchin Belles. Demmon extended Woburn & Wavendon’s lead as she completed her hat-trick 15 minutes into the 2nd half. Another goal for Fox late on seeing the league leaders succumb to a 5-3 defeat, the 1st points on the board for Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets moves them off the bottom of the table. You can read Hitchin Belles report from the game by clicking on the link below to take you to their website.
Evergreen Ladies are now bottom of Division Two after they lost at home to Garston Ladies FC 96 on Sunday. Goals for Lauren Berryman, Leah Crocket and a brace from Jade Roberts seeing Garston going into the half-time break leading 4-0. Connie Coombes scoring a 5th goal for the visitors in the 2nd half before Natalie Maher pulled it back to 5-2 scoring twice for Evergreen Ladies. The win sees Garston Ladies FC 96 leap from 6th to 3rd in the Division Two table. Incredibly tight with 4 points separating the top 5 sides and in 6th 2 points further back Royston Town Ladies Reserves have games in hand on most of the sides above them the title is there for the taking.
Stevenage Ladies are through to their 3rd successive Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup final after overcoming Watford Ladies (Youth) U17s Hornets beating a determined and spirited group of 16 & 17 year old’s 2-1 with Donna McGuigan scoring both the goals for the FAWPL South East Division One side. Could be an all Stevenage Final too with their Reserves side away to Royston Town Ladies in the other semi-final being played this coming Sunday.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
A huge result in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One at the weekend in the only match taking place in the league Letchworth Garden City Eagles bottom of the table without a point on the board were hosting league leaders Sandy Ladies and beat them 3-0 to finally get 3 points on the board. A minutes silence and applause held before the match in memory of Letchworth Garden City Eagles Life President, Vince Paige who passed away recently.
Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup
This weekend also saw the quarter finals of the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup being played and both last season’s runners-up and the cup holders were knocked out of the competition on Sunday. League Cup holders, Garston Ladies were away in the quarter finals playing fellow Division One side, Bishops Stortford Ladies. Garston took a 2-0 lead into the changing rooms at half-time, going on to make it 3-0 in the 2nd half before Bishops Stortford staged an epic comeback with a little over 6 minutes left to play, Hannah Mead puling a goal back for the home side, Brooke White scored to make it 3-2 with 3 minute left on the clock then Kathryn Stanley (pictured) put the ball into the back of the net to level the tie at 3-3 to send the match into extra-time. Stanley scoring again in the 2nd period of extra-time netting the winning goal to send Bishops Stortford through to the semi-finals.
Also knocked out of the League Cup are last season’s beaten finalists, Sherrardswood Ladies were at home in the quarter finals against fellow Division One side, Hitchin Town Ladies. Francesca Novelli in the 1st half and Laura Cousins in the 2nd half scoring for Sherrardswood, Hitchin Town scoring twice in the 90 minutes the ties all square at 2-2 went into extra-time both sides scoring again Katy Owens for Sherrardswood. Shaan Hayre, Bethany Page and Kayleigh Saunders the 3 goals scorers for Hitchin Town. The quarter final headed to penalties, Hitchin Town the side emerging with the shootout win taking it 3-1 to reach the League Cup semi-finals.
Also through to the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup semi-finals are Division One side Houghton Athletic Ladies after they edged a 7 goal thriller away to Division Two side, Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets. Carlie Aldridge and Charlotte Demmon scoring 1st half goals for Woburn, Dominique Hull with a 3rd goal in the last 5 minutes. Houghton Athletic winning it 4-3 with Ciara Craig scoring a brace. Emily Peat and Holly Thomson with the other goals to see them into the semi-finals.
Watton Ladies from Division Two make up the semi-final line-up in the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup after they beat fellow Division Two side, Evergreen Ladies 3-1 away from home on Sunday. 2 goals fro Samantha Edgar along with a strike on target from Francesca Smithers seeing them win the tie. Natalie Maher with Evergreen Ladies goal.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Three matches in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three at the weekend. Leaders, Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues were at home playing Shefford Town & Campton Ladies. A 2-0 win seeing them extend their 100% winning record to 9 matches at the top of the table.
It was a match 2nd & 3rd at Evergreen FC as Evergreen Eagles hosted 3rd placed Potters Bar United Ladies both side level on 12 points going into the game. Potters Bar United had beaten Evergreen Eagles 1-0 in the reverse fixture at the start of the year, this time around Evergreen Eagles won the 3 points to move 3 points clear in 2nd with a 2-0 victory, Samantha Feeney and Samantha Takis with the goals.
Plenty of goals scored in the other game in Division Three with Wheathamsted Ladies recording a double figure scoreline to beat bottom side Hatfield Town Ladies at home on Sunday. Sophia Pigdeon scoring a double hat-trick netting 6 goals in the match. Marie Dennehy scoring a hat-trick too. Jackie Sheridan grabbing herself a brace with Sandra Knias also wading in with a goal in a 12-0 win.
St Albans Ladies scored 4 goals in the 2nd successive game this weekend to see them climb up into 2nd place in the Beds & Herts Women’s Division One table. Following on from last Sunday’s 4-0 home win over Hitchin Town Ladies, St Albans were again at home this Sunday taking on Sharnbrook WFC. Caroline Hughes, St Albans Ladies captain scored her 1st ever goal for the club. Suzanne Reid also scoring to give the home side a 2-0 lead at the break. Both sides scoring 2 goals in the 2nd have with Megan Samuel and Sophie Monahan on target for St Albans. Claire Smith with both the strikes for Sharnbrook WFC. 4-2 the final score.
Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup
Sharnbrook WFC have reached the semi-finals of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup where they will face last season’s beaten finalists, Offley & Stopsley Women after they over came another Beds & Herts Women’s Division One side at the weekend after the tie had been postponed twice. The ERWFL Division One side travelling to play Houghton Athletic Ladies. The lower league side holding Offley & Stopsley to 0-0 at half-time the visitors scored 10 minutes into the 2nd half Nicola Hollick with the goal. The win secured right at the death with Giselle Randell scoring in the 90th minute to see Offley & Stopsley into the semi-finals with a 2-0 win.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
Two matches in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two and Hitchin Belles are celebrating back to back wins in the league having climbed from 6th to 2nd last weekend take over at the top of the table with an away win against Evergreen Ladies, who you may have forgotten about as they haven’t played a league game since November 20th last year. The match at Evergreen the sides contesting a goalless 1st half, Shannon Page and Charis Wakefield both scored for Hitchin Belles in the 2nd half to see them win 2-0 and go 2 points clear at the top of the table.
In the other game in Division Two, Watton Ladies also climb up the league table with an away win against Garston Ladies FC 96. A hat-trick from Francesca Smithers taking her goals tally to 20 for the season, plus a goal each for Samantha Edgar and Chloe Jones seeing Watton to a 5-2 victory to move up to 3rd in the Division Two table. Hannah Burt and Holly Jury with the goals for Garston Ladies FC 96.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
No stopping Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues at the top of the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three as they won for the 8 successive match to make it 8 wins from 8 and maintain their 100% record since joining the league this season. Were at home taking on 2nd placed Evergreen Eagles plenty of goals in the game, Evergreen scoring 3 times through, Christine Brewer, Claire Hendry and Samantha Takis. However it wasn’t enough to take anything from the match with Woburn winning the 3 points scoring 5 times. Amy Gibbins netting for of the goals taking her to 14 for the season. Madison Drewett with the other goal that sees them go 12 points clear at the top of the league.
In the other game in Division Three it was a big win away from home for Wheathamsted Ladies against bottom side Hatfield Town Ladies. Sophie Pidgeon scoring 4 goals in the game with Carly Orme, Libby Quinn and Jackie Sheridan also putting the ball into the back of the net to see Wheathamsted win 7-0 climb up into 5th place in the table with their 2nd win of the season.
Sandy Ladies ended 2016 3 points clear at the top of Beds & Herts Division One a good end to the year have struggled in the league the season before. Were looking to build on last seasons form starting at home to Houghton Athletic Ladies newly promoted to the top Division this season in 7th place with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses a win would have pushed them into the midfield pack with games in hand. Ciara Craig scoring twice for Houghton Athletic in the match it wasn’t enough to take anything from the game as Sandy scored 3 times to win all 3 points to open up a 6 point gap at the top. A brace from Kirstie Gavin with Amber Williams also on target in a 3-2 win.
Bishops Stortford Ladies move up a place from 4th to 3rd with an away victory in Sunday. Were playing Sharnbrook WFC in 6th place in the Division One table the home side scoring a goal in each half through Gemma Franklin and Haley Traette-Reynolds. Bishops Stortford scoring 4 goals to win the match, Lauren Maynard with a brace along with a goal a piece for Brogan McHale and Kathryn Stanley. Move level on 15 points with 2nd placed Sherrardswood Ladies and have two games in hand on leaders Sandy.
Beds & Herts Division Two
3 games in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two to start the year. Is one of the most competitive leagues around with just 4 points separating the top six sides after this weekends results. Leaders Flitwick Ladies were held to a goalless draw away to Royston Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday that kept the gap between the side to 4 points, Royston Town however have 3 games in hand on the leaders.
So to do Watton Ladies after they beat 2nd placed Panshanger Ladies on Sunday to climb from 6th up to 4th in the Division Two table. A goal for Samantha Elgar, Francesca Smithers netting a brace matched by a hat-trick for Chloe Jones saw Watton Ladies start 2017 with 3 points. Chemise Huitson scoring a consolation goal for Panshanger Ladies in the 2nd half.
Goals galore in the other game in Beds & Herts Division Two at the weekend with 3rd placed Garston Ladies FC 96 travelling up to Hitchin Belles. Garston had just the 10 players available but that didn’t stop them from finding the back of the net, Lauren Berryman scoring a hat-trick. Dion Lewis also scoring. Hitchin Belles had their shooting boots on to however with both Shannon Page and Charis Wakefield both scoring 2 goals each to see the match end all square at 4-4 the points shared Hitchin Belles on 13 points in 6th now along with Royston Town and Watton having games in hand can’t be dismissed from the title challenge. A point above the trio, Garston Ladies FC 96 also have a couple of games in hand on leaders Flitwick.
Beds & Herts Division Three
It is in Beds & Herts Division Three where I have to report another side lost to the league, probably not a surprise either as Hertford Town Ladies Reserves have disappeared from the table. Had managed just a handful of fixtures, newly formed at the start of the season it is always tricky getting a reserves side up and running always set up with the best intentions players available at the beginning of the season then the numbers fall. A shame but then not to be to critical I know Hertford Town Ladies are committed to the game and the 1st team is finding its feet now in the ERWFL.
Three matches also in Division Three this Sunday to start 2017. League leaders Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues new to the league ended 2016 with a 100% winning record 6 wins from 6 started 2017 on the road playing bottom side Hatfield Town Ladies who had played just 3 league games before the New Year. Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues extending their lead at the top of the table to 9 points with a crushing win. Lauren Stewart the pick of the goalscorers with 4 to her name. Amy Gibbins wasn’t far behind with a hat-trick moving her into double figures for the season. A goal each for Casey Chapman, Madison Drewett, Millie Glenn and Carrie Mancini sealing an 11-0 victory.
2nd placed Evergreen Eagles Ladies also finished 2016 in Division Three with a 100% winning record had played just the 4 games however were on the road themselves at the weekend taking on 3rd placed Potters Bar United Ladies new to the league this season, 3 points the gap between the sides a single goal scored by Janiece Allen was enough to see Potters Bar United win to end Evergreen Eagles unbeaten record and move level on points have however played 2 games more.
Ending the Beds & Herts Round-Up with an away win for 4th placed Crawley Green Ladies beginning 2017 with an away trip to Shefford Town & Campton Ladies a place below them in the table. Nina Service giving Crawley Green the lead inside the opening 10 minutes she went on to score her 2nd of the game 2 minutes from the end of the 1st half to move her onto 11 goals for the season so far. 2-0 the advantage at half-time Shefford Ladies did pull a goal back midway through the 2nd half however Crawley Green held onto their lead and get the 3 points.
Just a handful of games across the 3 Beds & Herts Women’s Division’s to end the year. Two games in Division One with Garston Ladies getting a good result at home to end the year to see them climb up to 3rd place in the league. Were taking on bottom side Letchworth Garden City Eagles. 2 goals each for Vikki Duffy and Gemma Curtis (pictured) plus a goal each for Robyn Blanchard and Bobbi Rhodes helping them to the 3 points with a 6-1 win
A trip to north Bedfordshire in the other Beds & Herts Women’s Division One game at the weekend with St Albans Ladies travelling to play Sharnbrook WFC. The visitors ending 2016 with a great result to pick up the points for their 4th league win of the season moving up to 5th in the table level on 12 points with 4th placed Bishops Stortford Ladies and Garston Ladies as mentioned above in 3rd. Ellie Lovelock giving St Albans Ladies the lead in the 1st half, Katie Grehan scoring in the 2nd half to see St Albans Ladies to a 2-0 victory.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
A good result to end the year for Hitchin Belles in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two. Were away for their last match of the season playing league leaders, Flitwick Ladies. A brace from Emily Field plus a goal for Shannon Page seeing them edge the win 3-2 to move onto 12 points in 5th spot in the table.
2nd placed Panshanger Ladies a point behind Flitwick Ladies after defeating them last weekend were away from home for their last match of the year taking on Royston Town Ladies Reserves who they lost too at home 3-2 a fortnight ago. Panshanger started the game brightly creating chances before taking the lead Chemise Huitson scoring to put the 1 up, added a 2nd goal 12 minutes later to see Panshanger extend their lead, Royston Town came back into the game scoring in the last 10 minutes of the 1st half to pull the scores level and go in front with goals from Zoe Quinn, Amber Murray and Charlotte Riley to lead 3-2 at half-time. Both sides found the opposing goalkeeper hard to beat 2nd half no more goals in the game Royston Town doing the double over Panshanger to move up to the Division Two table.
A 2nd successive defeat for Flitwick at the top sees the table bunching up with just 6 points between the leaders and 6th placed Watton Ladies who like Hitchin Belles, Royston Town Ladies Reserves and 3rd placed Garston FC Ladies 96 all have games in hand on the leading pair. All to play for in 2017.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Just the one match in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three on Sunday with Potters Bar United Ladies at home to Wheathamsted Ladies both new names to the league this season. In 3rd place in the table Janiece Allen scored all the goals for Potters Bar United to move onto 16 for the season in a 4-1 win. Jackie Sheridan scoring late in the match for Wheathamsted. Potters Bar United join 2nd placed Evergreen Eagles on 12 points having played 3 more games.
The Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup has reached the quarter finals stage the last 8 vying for a place in the semi-finals, 3 of the 4 places decided this weekend, whilst holders Watford Ladies Development U19s will play Stevenage Ladies Reserves this coming Sunday after their match was postponed.
Stevenage Ladies 1st team are through to the semi-finals of the County Cup as they won away to Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three side, Evergreen Eagles. 6 leagues between the sides a tough test for Evergreen Eagles taking on FAWPL South East Division One opposition. 2 goals for Stevenage captain, Donna McGuigan with a goal a piece for Kristina O’Connell, Rosy Woodhams, Daniela Martucci and Bolu Fisher seeing Stevenage win the game 6-0 to make it into the last 4.
Watford Ladies have a side already through to the semi-finals of the County Cup after their U17s Hornets side beat Beds & Herts Women’s Division One side, Bishops Stortford Ladies 6-1 at home to reach the last 4 of the competition on Sunday.
It was the biggest win in the clubs history as Royston Town Ladies 1st team booked their place in the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup semi-finals. The ERWFL Premier Division side were at home playing Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two side Watton Ladies. 4 league between the sides, Royston Town proved too strong an opponent on the day. Samantha Tinsley moving onto 24 goals from 12 appearances netting 5 goals in the match. Both Rebekah Fisk and Paige Rolfe scored a brace each their 1st goals of the season. Amie Jones, Hayley Graham and Annie Chambers all scored their 1st goals of the season too with Gemma Croucher and Stephanie Hicks also on target with a goal each in a 14-0 win.
Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup
One more place in the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup quarter finals to be decided as Sherrardswood Ladies from Beds & Herts Women’s Division One took on Division Two side Royston Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday in the 2nd Round. Beaten on penalties in last years final (sorry to mention that) Sherrardswood made it into the quarter finals with a 4-0 win Katy Jones opening the scoring on 28 minutes, Laura Cousins made it 2-0 before half-time netting a 2nd goal early in the 2nd half, Melissa Wright scoring the 4th goal 5 minutes from time.
That completes the quarter final line up of the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup, the ties to be played Sunday 5th Februaryare listed below :-
Sherrardswood Ladies v Hitchin Town Ladies
Evergreen Ladies v Watton Ladies
Bishops Stortford Ladies v Garston Ladies
Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets v Houghton Athletic Ladies
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
A handful of league games this Sunday, in the end just the one in each division being played. A big win away from home for Hitchin Town Ladies as they open up a 6 point gap to bottom side Letchworth Garden City Eagles whom they met on Sunday to pick up their 2nd league win of the season. Getting the 3 points courtesy of a 3-2 win with Rachael Lewis, Jodie Nicholson and Natalie Thompson scoring the goals.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
A top of the table clash in Beds & Herts Division Two with 3rd placed Panshanger Ladies at home looking to end a run of 2 successive home defeats against the league leaders, Flitwick Ladies. It was Flitwick who took the lead in the match against the run of play, Taylor Adams putting them ahead. Panshanger were soon back on level terms Ellie Burke making it 1-1 on 35 minutes. Panshanger went to to take the lead Chemise Huitson with her 15th goal of the season making it 2-1 with 2 minutes left in the 1st half. A lead Panshanger held onto throughout the 2nd half to win the 3 points to climb back into 2nd spot go a point behind Flitwick at the top.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three 3rd placed Crawley Green Ladies were away from home on Sunday playing 4th placed Potters Bar United Ladies, the 2 sides switching places as Potters Bar United ran out 4-1 winners to win for the 3rd time this season. Nina Service scoring late in the 1st half for Crawley Green.
7 ties played this weekend in the 2nd Round of the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup. Holders, Garston Ladies were away playing fellow Division One side Letchworth Garden City Ladies. A brace from Vikki Duffy (pictured) with a goal a piece for Linda Watt and Lucy Zecchin seeing Garston through to the quarter finals with a 4-1 victory. Alyce Williams with the goal for Letchworth.
Bishops Stortford Ladies currently 3rd in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One also advance into the quarter finals of the League Cup with a 5-1 home win against Beds & Herts Division Three side Evergreen Eagles. Hannah Mead netting a 1st half hat-trick with Brogan McHale also scoring in the 1st half. Kathryn Stanley scoring the 5th goal 5 minutes into the 2nd half . Samantha Takis with her 10th goal of the season scoring the goal for Evergreen Eagles.
Houghton Athletic Ladies also advance through to the quarter finals winning an all Beds & Herts Division One clash at home against Sharnbrook WFC. Emily Peat scoring twice for Houghton with a goal each for Emma Hawkes, Rachel Spendelow and Holly Thomson in a 5-0 win.
Hitchin Town Ladies from Beds & Herts Women’s Division One needed extra-time to make it into the quarter finals of the League Cup playing at home against Division Three side Wheathamsted Ladies. Louise Gash was red carded for Hitchin Town as Wheathamsted held them to a goalless draw after the 90 minutes were up the match going into an extra 30 minutes, Emma Chaffey was the difference her goal seeing Hitchin Town win the match 1-0 and progress in the competition.
Plenty of goals scored elsewhere in the 3 remaining ties, 2 featuring all Beds & Herts Division Two clashes. Hitchin Belles were at home on Sunday taking on Watton Ladies, had just 9 players available but despite the disadvantage numbers wise were level at 2-2 at half-time, Watton with a strong 2nd half went on to win the tie 7-4. Francesca Smithers finding the back of the net with 4 goals for Watton with Emma Carter, Gemma Penny and Chloe Jones all getting a goal each in the win. Shannon Page with a hat-trick plus an own goal for Hitchin Belles.
A couple of goals less in the next game but a dramatic finish in extra-time in the other all Beds & Herts Division Two tie in the 2nd Round of the League Cup with Garston Ladies FC 96 at home to bottom side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets. The game ending 3-3 after 90 minutes. A Charlotte Demmon double plus a goal for Lauren Revell for Woburn & Wavendon. Holly Jury, Dion Lewis and a brace from Jade Roberts with the goals for Garston Ladies FC 96, one more coming in injury time, Revell scoring her 2nd of the match in extra-time for Woburn & Wavendon. The tie squared at 4-4 penalties looming Chloe Ayres popped up with a stoppage time winner to see the Clarets through with a 5-4 win.
Penalties were needed in the final League Cup 2nd Round tie with Evergreen Ladies from Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two travelling on Sunday to play Division Three side, Potters Bar United Ladies. The home side leading 2-1 at half-time Evergreen came back to see the scores level at 3-3 after 90 minutes, a brace from Janiece Allen plus a goal from Claire Evans for Potters Bar United. Natalie Mahir with a brace for Evergreen with Chloe Jones grabbing a goal to force the tie into extra-time no more goals it went to penalties, Evergreen Ladies winning the shootout 3-1.
One more 2nd Round tie to be played this coming weekend in the League Cup and I will bring you all the details of the quarter final line-up in The Round-Up next week.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
With several clubs across the 3 division’s in Beds & Herts involved in the League Cup 2nd Round it was a limited league fixture programme on Sunday. Just the one match taking place in all 3 division’s. A significant win for Sandy Ladies in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One as they beat St Albans Ladies away from home 2-1 to climb back to the top of the table, going 3 points clear of Sherrardswood Ladies with their 6th league win of the season. Katie Seldon and Chloe Reeves on target scoring the goals for Sandy to take the 3 points. Katie Grehan scoring early in the 2nd half for St Albans Ladies.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division One the league action was from the Moneyhole Playing Fields with 3rd placed Panshanger Ladies hosting Royston Town Ladies. The visitors getting themselves into a 2-0 lead in the 1st half, Grace Leslie scoring both the goals. Panshanger created chances had a goal ruled off for offside in the 1st half. Leslie went on to complete her hat-trick in the 2nd half. Panshanger 3-0 down were awarded a penalty with 10 minutes left on the clock, Sophie Mandel putting the ball beyond the keeper into the back of the net from the spot. Chemise Huitson who was brought down for the penalty scored for Panshanger in the closing minutes to make it 3-2, Royston Town holding out for all 3 points getting their 3rd league win of the season.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Thought there was something familiar about this result in Beds & Herts Division Three on Sunday with league leaders Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues away to Shefford Town & Campton Ladies. Opening up a 6 point lead at the top making it 6 wins from 6 in the league winning the game 4-1 the goals scored by Amy Gibbins, Rachel Moffat and 2 from Georgia Payne all 3 scored last weekend too in their 6-0 win away to Potters Bar United Ladies. Excellent form at the start of the season. Louise Grocott getting on the scoresheet for Shefford Town & Campton Ladies.
