Tag Archives: Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Sunday 24th September

ERWFL Premier Division

 Travelling to Trafford Park this Sunday to take in my first game of the season from the ERWFL Premier Division, representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid is a strong league with plenty of talent on show today’s game featuring Wroxham Women taking on Essex side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. 

 A competitive title battle last season seeing Luton Town Ladies getting off to a flying start before the others hauled them in with newly promoted AFC Sudbury Women clinching the title to secure back to back promotions to reach the FAWNL for the first time in their history. With just one promotion spot up for grabs it’s sure to be another tense battle at the top. A new look Real Bedford Ladies side setting the early pace with 5 wins from 5 to sit 7 points clear of the rest… a long way to go however. 

  Today’s game featuring two sides long established in the ERWFL, both under going transformations along the way. Wroxham Women formerly Acle United Ladies merging with Wroxham in 2019, the club keen to build on a side pushing for promotion to the FAWNL themselves and go all the way. Covid coming along to disrupt every bodies plans, Wroxham haven’t quite found the consistency to push for the top in what is a highly competitive league. A new start for the club this season bringing in a new manager, Adam Race, previously with Long Stratton Women, having turned the Norfolk Division One side into a strong team ready to challenge at the top of the league.

 Have recruited strongly over the past couple of season’s bringing in a number of fresh faces under previous manager Joe Simpson with the likes of goalkeeper Megan Gowing joining last season from Beccles. Brought in several players from their one time league rivals Wymondham Town Ladies with more joining this campaign, defenders Leah Newcombe and Chelsea Clarke, winger Natasha Youngs and midfielder Rachel Cossey returning to the pitch after battling back from 2 season’s lost due to injury. Ella Gambell joining from Norwich City Women along with Lily Alexander. Race also bringing striker Luci Middleton with him from Long Stratton after finishing top scorer in the league with 35 goals from 20 appearances. Hit the ground running with a 12-0 demolition away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies on the opening day. defeats away to Luton and at home to Real Bedford were to follow before earning the 3 points with a good win away to Needham Market Women last Sunday.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies like Wroxham establishing themselves in the ERWFL under a different guise as Little Thurrock Dynamo’s before going on to become an integral part of the Bowers & Pitsea family in 2018, going on to secure promotion to the Premier Division that season. Having consolidated building into a strong team within tier 5 more than capable of beating anyone on their day. Robert Elmes coming in to manage the first team this season.

The first team backed up by a Reserves team playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division and a strong youth set-up with a number of new recruits to the squad promoted from their treble winning U18s side with the like of goalkeeper Hannah Stone, Libby Cooper, Darcy Drewitt, Ella Ford, Olivia Harris, Ellie Barrett and Chloe Bardsley all featuring today. Danielle Hindley also joining this season from Hutton Ladies with Isabella Darby also new to the squad joining from London Seaward. Came out on top in a 7 goal thriller on the opening day winning 4-3 at home to Royston Town Women that followed up by back to back draws both 2-2 at home to AFC Dunstable Women and away to newly promoted Barking FC Women. Losing out narrowly 1-0 away to leaders Real Bedford Ladies last time out. 

 Trafford Park the venue for today’s game home, the large grass pitch with a slight gradient a good test for players fitness space to exploit. A small covered stand on one side with the clubhouse housing the bar and kitchen on the opposite side serving hot food and drink. The weather still mild as we enter autumn, cloudy but warm whenever the sun breaks through, still with no chance of rain. Still nursing a soar knee but the most comfortable position is standing up a god cup of tea and cheeseburger all set for the game.

Wroxham Women

  Wroxham Women starting XI – Megan Gowing, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson, Albany Hodgson, Becky Russell (C), Rachel Cossey, Lara Densley, Lauren Bullard, Ella Gambell & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Jennifer Drummie, Ellie Overton, Luci Middleton & Lily Alexander.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Hannah Stone, Holly Moore, Libby Cooper, Natalie Strange (C), Olivia Bilson, Danielle Hindley, Megan Elwes, Ella Ford, Millie Isherwood, Whitney Locke & Darcy Drewitt. Subs – Olivia Harris, Isabella Darby, Ellie Barrett & Chloe Bardsley.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Couple of familiar faces in the Wroxham squad with new names this season both through marriage, midfielder Jennifer Codman now Jennifer Drummie while the Fuller girl who was scoring all the goals in pre-season like she was Hannah Waters, is Hannah Waters (now Fuller) although I’m so used to writing Waters in my notes it’ll take a while to adjust. A new captain too for Wroxham with Becky Russell taking over as captain. Natalie Strange captaining Bowers & Pitsea this season.

  It’s the visitors to kick off the 1st half attacking up the slope with Bowers & Pitsea wearing red and white vertical striped shirts with red shorts and socks. Wroxham opposite lined up wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball pushed back into midfield played out to the right into Millie Isherwood held up and Libby Cooper gets up in support moving inside the ball rolled into her is fouled presenting Bowers & Pitsea with an early opportunity to push players up into the opposition box. 25 yards out to the right of the area Isherwood on the ball clips a high ball in towards the far post, over everyone and out of play for the goal kick. 

  Bowers & Pitsea fast to close Wroxham’s defence down at the start preventing the ball getting upfield. Leah Newcombe on the right clearing the ball up to Lauren Bullard in attack moving into the right channel for Wroxham squares it inside 20 yards out for Ella Gambell who in turn attempts to thread the ball through the Bowers & Pitsea defence onto Fuller right inside the box, Danielle Hindley sticking a foot out getting a nick on the ball to divert it back for her keeper to claim. 

 Gambell rolling her marker well on the left as she looks to take the ball on down the wing, Cooper in to close her down for Bowers & Pitsea. Albany Hodgson winning the ball at the back for Wroxham sending it long up to Fuller in attack right outside the box held up plays it back to Newcombe with Lara Densley coming over to support, Hindley tackling for the visitors the ball out for a throw in.

  Gambell with the ball left for Wroxham, checks inside passing central for Russell she opens her body to turn the ball into Fuller outside the D, Hindley close in tackling to win the ball back for Bowers & Pitsea cleared releases Whitney Locke, carrying the ball forwards well as they counter sends the ball inside for Darcy Drewitt making a central run in behind, goalkeeper Megan Gowing rushing out to close her down takes the ball wide of the keeper moving left looks to send the ball back across into the open goal, defenders racing back to try and clear their lines, the ball through rolls wide of the right post, an opportunity to open the scoring missed inside the opening 7 minutes.

Bowers & Pitsea’s Darcy Drewitt

  Ella Ford bringing the ball on for Bowers & Pitsea lifts it up to Locke breaking right, 20 yards out turns infield, Hodgson setting a leg out to tackle winning the ball well for the hosts. Gambell looking to get on down the left for Wroxham threatening to get onto the ball inside the box, Moore gets across her shielding the ball out of play Gambell hustling her is disappointed when a corner is given to Wroxham. A great in swinging corner from the left across the six yard box, Hodgson up to attack just a little too high gets her head to the ball but can’t direct it on target drops to the right of goal Bowers & Pitsea clear but can’t retain possession as Wroxham turn play around looking to carve their way through the middle, crowded, Bowers & Pitsea shut the door.

Wroxham defender, Albany Hodgson

  Strange playing the ball into midfield, helped on into Locke, has Megan Elwes making a run out to the right lays the ball into her feet reaching the top of the area crosses into towards the far post looking for Drewitt, too close to the keeper though, Gowing down well to lay claim to the ball in her six yard box. Bowers & Pitsea quick to build an attack getting the ball into midfield the diagonal pass fired up towards Isherwood left of the D, looks to control bring it down and spin off her marker, Newcombe though has read it backing off so she is ready to challenge as Isherwood turns.

  A intriguing contest both sides cancelling each other out to a degree, closing each other down, trying to use the width without getting any killer balls into the box. Bullard getting the ball into Fuller from the right 20 yards out over the ball sends her shot angling in towards goal straight into Stone’s gloves. Moments later a diagonal ball deep from the right from Wroxham wrong foots the Bowers and Pitsea defence leaving Fuller free inside the area one on one with the keeper, Stone staying big composed as Fuller trying to send the ball wide of her, saves well with the ball struck at her. 

Hannah Fuller with a one on one with the goalkeeper Hannah Stone

  Wroxham looking strong as they flood forwards attacking left the ball into Gambell drives infield 25 yards out curling a shot in towards goal looping up Stone again behind it backing up to claim the ball high.  Wroxham with two good chances to score in as many minutes. Bowers & Pitsea winning a free-kick the ball up to Drewitt outside the box, Rachel Cossey defending on her for Wroxham, the visitors press on the left winning the ball back send on for Drewitt in behind on the left, on her out looking for support Wroxham close her down en masse to clear.

Libby Cooper

Wroxham looking to counter with Cossey sending the ball out to Gambell on the left, good foot work to get away from her marker turning inside, Locke tracking back well to help her defence out regaining possession. Cooper up on the right with the ball at her feet for Bowers & Pitsea playing it on for Locke pulling wide moving into the corner fires a low cross into the six yard box Drewitt coming in central, Gowing down to save turning the ball behind for a corner kick. From the right dropping for Drewitt top of the area right side of the D. pulls the trigger, Bullard in the way blocks and clears.

Wroxham goalkeeper, Megan Gowing

  Bullard bringing the ball down well of her chest turning as it drops to lay the ball forwards for Fuller to attack bursting through the Bowers & Pitsea back line to the right of goal, Stone quickly off her line out to lay claim to the ball before it can be attacked. Hodgson sees the ball out for a corner as she defends with Cooper as Locke on the right lays the ball into her. The corner played into the top of the area from the right met in the air by Olivia Bilson a bullet header knocked down heading towards goal, Chelsea Clarke coming off the post to stick a leg out block the shot.

  Newcombe booked for Wroxham as Bowers & Pitsea are awarded a free-kick out wide on the left. The delivery sent long beyond the far post. The visitors winning another set-piece in a central position the ball fired up into the area, Gowing calls for it and coming claims well. Clarke breaking on the left for Wroxham with Gambell on the overlap, whipping a cross into the area intercepted by Bilson for Bowers & Pitsea. Fuller picking up a yellow card for Wroxham as they make a change with Densley coming off, Luci Middleton coming on.

  Elwes pushing up on the right with Locke as Bowers & Pitsea push forwards in attack looking to play a one two outside the box, Elmes can’t quite take the ball on past Wroxham’s Tigi Robson as Locke lays it back into her. Cossey charging down Harris as she lines up a strike from 20 yards out. Bowers & Pitsea upping the tempo towards the end of the 1st half but they are caught out as Wroxham turn play around sending a forwards pass long for Fuller breaking wide right fires the cross inside for Bullard in behind the defence Stone rushing out to the top of her area to close it down, Bullard dragging it wide of the keeper to put herself clear into the box rolls the ball in towards the open goal, defenders racing back to defend the line, between them Bilson and Hindley clear the ball for a corner on the left. In high to the far post Gambell rising heads the ball wide.

Wroxham’s Lauren Bullard

 

Hodgson playing a great ball out to Clarke on the left as the full back gets up the wing sending a good cross into the area, Stone getting up to catch it bring the ball down safely. The hosts building on the right Russell out to Bullard strikes the shot from 25 yards on the angle fired low wide past the far post. Both full backs looking to get on for Wroxham now Newcombe forwards on the right as Cossey and Russell link up trough the middle, Bowers & Pitsea defending seeing the ball out for a goal kick. 

Millie Isherwood

 Drewitt on through the middle for Bowers & Pitsea the pass out to Locke pulling right shoots on the angle a low drive in towards goal, Gowing down low to save. A change late in the 1st half for the visitors with Isabella Darby coming on for Hindley. Middleton combining with Bullard out on the right for Wroxham the ball fed back to Russell in the middle strikes from distance 30 yards plus fired wide across goal. Middleton with the ball on the right crossed in central Gambell not catching the volley cleanly the ball deflected safely into the box for the keeper to collect. 

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-0 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  All square at the break and fair enough on the balance of play however both sides with a gilt edged chance to score. Has been competitive with both sides cancelling each other out at times, enjoying good spells in attack looking to use the pitch without delivering too many killer balls both keepers called into action nevertheless looking comfortable. All set up for an exciting 2nd half.

  Both sides making changes at half-time a triple substitution for Wroxham with Jennifer Drummie, Ellie Overton along with Densley returning for Cossey and Newcombe and Bullard. A double switch for Bowers & Pitsea with Chloe Bardsley and Ellie Barrett on for Isherwood and Elwes. Wroxham to get the 2nd half underway put into Russell central sends it long for Gambell out left the visitors can see it safely out of play for a throw in, Wroxham taking it quickly down for Fuller knocks it inside for Middleton to strike on the volley from 25 yards on the angle her shot looping straight into the keeper. 

Luci Middleton lining up the volley for Wroxham

  Drummie bringing the ball on for Wroxham into space on the left lifting the diagonal ball into the box Stone keeping her eye on it taking it cleanly on the bounce not distracted by Fuller closing her down. Bowers & Pitsea get the ball down on the left, Locke now over on that side looknig to combine with Bardsley in attack shifting inside, Robson getting the tackle in for Wroxham top of the area. 

Tigi Robson defending for Wroxham

 Middleton seeing the ball into her 20 yards out flicking it out to Densley breaking clear into the box on the right, the flag going up against her as she chips the ball up over the keeper to cannon off the base of the far post. Bowers & Pitsea mount an attack on their left Cooper up with Locke the ball flashed across the top of the area collected by Drewitt right side, Clarke in to charge her down as she goes to shoot the ball deflected away for a corner. An in swinging ball high into the six yard box Gowing fouled as she rises to punch the ball. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Olivia Harris

  GOAL! Cooper carrying the ball forwards well for Bowers & Pitsea on the left covering the ground before flashing a shot wide across the six yard box as players pile forwards, retrieved by Bardsley out beyond the fire posts sends it back into the danger area, a spot of pinball ensues as Wroxham look to clear their lines rebounds straight to Ellie Barrett up on the right to strike the ball on the angle 20 yards out to race along the ground to find the bottom corner scoring her 1st senior goal to put the visitors into the lead 0-1.

Ellie Barrett with the opening goal for Bowers & Pitsea

  Bowers & Pitsea breaking the deadlock early in the 2nd half Wroxham straight on the attack from the restart the ball out left with Gambell and Fuller crossed into the area, Middleton inside the box looking to hook it over her shoulder from 12 yards out plants it wide of the far post. Cooper taking on the ball as Bowers & Pitsea look to counter taking it left fed on for Bardsley, Gowing though out to the edge of her area quickly to claim.

  Middleton releasing Densley racing away on right with the ball into space crossing into Russell central 20 yards out her shot blocked by Bilson well, and then again the defender sticking a leg out to deflect the ball as Russell retrieves it for a 2nd bite.   Changes for Bowers & Pitsea as they bring Isherwood and Drewitt back on for Locke and Moore. Game on with Bowers & Pitsea looking top extend their lead, the goal though sharpening Wroxham up as they look to close in for the ball. Middleton clashing with Cooper as they go up for the ball, a little blood to wash out of her mouth Middleton frustrated as she has to go off to come back on. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Whitney Locke with Wroxham’s Ellie Overton

  Off the resulting drop ball, Isherwood is put clear on the left to send a cross looping into the six yard box won and cleared by Clarke for Wroxham. Middleton taking the ball on from Drummie drives on central before being taken out the advantage played as the ball drops to Densley free on the right she swings a cross into the area, caught high by Stone. Hodgson with a word from the referee as she brings down Isherwood top of the circle the ball lifted into the area, Bowers & Pitsea appealing for a penalty as Bilson is sent tumbling but the protests waved away as the visitors press the ball high Wroxham scrambling it clear Russell sending it up to Fuller pulling left, Barrett doing the defending for Bowers & Pitsea. 

Olivia Bilson

   Moore back into the action for Bowers & Pitsea replacing Ford. Isherwood left putting the ball on for Harris for Bowers & Pitsea on the left, Overton in to close her down win the challenge for the hosts carries the ball into the middle forwards into Middleton who in turn sends it on for Densley peeling away right, Moore tackling well for Bowers & Pitsea. 

Wroxham’s Lara Densley

  Wroxham with a strong spell, Bowers & Pitsea a little disjointed on the back foot conceding a corner on the left defended at the near post. Lily Alexander on now for Wroxham replacing Gambell on the left. Into the final 15 minutes Clarke rifling a shot in towards goal from range held by Stone in the Bowers & Pitsea goal. The assistant referee raising his flag the keeper carrying the ball over the line… for a corner. Not spotted by the referee at first play goes on as Wroxham protest… play brought back for the corner Bowers & Pitsea not happy.

  GOAL! The corner played into the area half cleared a Wroxham player lining up a shot from the left on the angle 25 yards out driven in low Stone down sharply to save only succeeds in pushing the ball across her goal into the path of Middleton the striker reacting instinctively to smash the ball back across goal and in to equalise 1-1. 

Luci Middleton with the equaliser for Wroxham

 Bowers & Pitsea furious with the decisions that led to the equaliser, captain Strange going into the book for her protests. Heated from the bench too and as play build on the right the referee stops proceeding to issue the Bowers & Pitsea manager with a red card. Bowers & Pitsea need to regain their composure winning a free-kick 25 yards out right of the goal. Harris over it goes for the shot sending the ball over the bar. 

  More frustration for the visitors as Drewitt feeds the ball through for Isherwood breaking into the box right of goal to strike a low shot past the keeper into the back of the net nut throws her head up in dismay as she sees the flag raised against her. Hodgson winning the ball strongly at the back for Wroxham pinging the long pass forwards for Fuller pulling wide left drills an angled shot in low towards the near post, Stone getting her leg in the way deflecting the ball into her side netting. Gambell back on for Wroxham going to the right in place of Densley.

 Wroxham on the front foot pushing forwards Overton with Densley on the right taking the ball past her on the overlap, squares a cross into the box a dummied header from Fuller sees the ball drop past her into Drummie central, Bilson in to close her down can’t dig the ball out from under her feet. Strange furious talks herself into trouble once again, this time though she is sent to the sin bin leaving Bowers & Pitsea down to 10 for the final 10 minutes.

  Clarke getting on well for Wroxham in the 2nd half gaining ground with the ball, Bilson out to close her down. Russell striking a shot wide from distance as the hosts look to use their player advantage. Fuller holds the ball up on the left for Wroxham looking for support, Russell offering it laid into her 20 yards out, Bilson tackling to win the ball back. Don’t keep it for long as Overton find Gambell on the right to cross the ball into the area for Fuller central looking to see the ball down catch it on the volley, puts her effort wide of the far post.

Wroxham’s Chelsea Clarke

  Getting feisty a few tempers flaring Bowers & Pitsea unhappy with how the game has gone on the back foot in the closing stages the game moving into stoppage time Wroxham pressing forwards winning the ball inside their opponents half.

 GOAL! Wroxham with the ball on the left Clarke bring it on with an inch perfect past over the top to put Fuller though on goal one on one with the keeper composed with a finishers instinct sends the ball past her into the back of the net and turns with her arms raised in celebration moment before being piled on by her joyous teammates 90+3 2-1!

Hannah Fuller celebrates after scoring the winner for Wroxham in stoppage time

Fuller piled on by her joyous teammates after her goal at the death

 Strange allowed back on as Wroxham have the ball on the corner on the right Gambell with Fuller looking to keep it in the corner win a throw then a corner kick taken short into Fuller knocked off her behind for a goal kick. Bowers & Pitsea mounting one last attack going right Clarke defending but the free-kick conceded players forwards the ball flung into the area knocked out and launched clear by Middleton as the final whistle blows. Wroxham coming back from a goal down to win at the death.

Luci Middleton launching the ball clear at the final whistle

Full time Wroxham Women 2-1 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  Wroxham coming from a goal down to win the game 2-1 at the death. Both sides with good opportunities to score in the first half nevertheless going into the changing rooms goalless at the break. Bowers & Pitsea getting their noses in front early in the 2nd half with both sides looking to score after that, Wroxham livening up after conceding as Bowers & Pitsea looked to extend their lead. A spot of controversy leading to the equaliser Bowers & Pitsea not happy with the awarding of the corner in the first place, incensed when it led to the goal their captain booked and manager sent off. Wroxham pushing hard in the final 10 minutes, Bowers & Pitsea reduced to 10 with Strange sin binned used the advantage pressing to the end Clarke’s inch perfect pass sending Fuller through on goal in stoppage time to score the winner. The result lifts Wroxham into 3rd in the table.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’ Football East – Player of the Match award. As often is the case a tough on to call with several strong performances on the pitch. A few to mention firstly for Bowers & Pitsea. Goalkeeper Hannah Stone with some great positioning and composure. Olivia Bilson with a number of strong challenges at the back to win the ball. Darcy Drewitt taking the ball on well as did Libby Cooper with Whitney Locke looking to make things happen out wide. For Wroxham, Luci Middleton made a real impact coming on late in the first half looking to get onto the ball set up others as well as for herself. Ella Gambell with some strong runs out wide. Hannah Fuller (I’ve deleted the W a dozen tomes while writing this report) a force in attack taking on the defence and pulling out wide to set up chances, scoring the winner. The award though goes to defender Chelsea Clarke won the ball well at the back putting in the blocks and a threat carrying the ball forwards an inch perfect pass to set up the winning goal.

Another enjoyable trip to Trafford Park my thanks to both clubs for their help today and hospitality. As I’ve come to expect another competitive and well contested game from the ERWFL Premier Division plenty of talent on show.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Bedford Ladies v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Sunday 16th October

ERWFL Premier Division

Football action from the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday with a trip down into Bedfordshire to watch Bedford Ladies take on Essex side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies.

 Representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England the ERWFL Premier Division consists of 12 sides, looks once again to be a strong league. Luton Town Ladies currently out on front recording 5 straight wins at the start of the season the ultimate prize for all winning the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL.

  Bedford Ladies themselves have tasted life in the FAWNL a two season stay before dropping back down into the ERWFL, one of the leading women’s and girls clubs in Bedfordshire with 17 different sides across various age groups currently. Luton often their rivals, between them have dominated the County Cup in recent seasons, Bedford firmly with the upper hand currently successfully retaining the trophy against newcomers Biggleswade United last season. Currently in the process of finding a new manager with Simon Henry stepping down from the role, John Frost currently in charge as interim manager.

 Natasha Fensome a prolific goal scorer for Bedford over the season’s a very strong campaign last time out netting 30 of the 52 goals Bedford scored during the 2021/22 season with the club finishing in 6th spot. Is amongst the goals again this season with 3 so far, but not alone as top scorer with Zara Carroll and Aliya Bhatti also scoring 3 goals. Currently 10th in the Premier Division table with just the one win from the 4 league matches played. That on the opening day away to Harlow Town Ladies with Aliya Bhatti scoring both goals in a 2-0 win. Victory today getting Bedford back into the close tussle in the middle of the table.

 Heading that pack at the moment are Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, the Essex side currently in 5th spot on 6 points with 2 wins from their 5 league matches played so far. A change of management too for Bowers & Pitsea with vastly experienced coach Nikola Strizovic coming very early in the summer. Bringing in a number of new faces to the squad that has become an established side in the 5th tier since the women’s set-up became involved with Bowers & Pitsea. Maddie Thomas, Kesley Smith and Jodie Osborne all with Hashtag United Women previously joining the side. Goalkeeper, Margot Farnes coming to the club from West Ham United Women’s Academy set-up. Defender Mollie DeBell adding experience to the back line, Jessica Strizovic returning to football after a spell away most recently with Crystal Palace. Mia Lempiere moving up to the 1st team squad from the Reserves side. With the most recent signing being Millie Isherwood who won the FA Girl’s Youth Cup with Chelsea U16s last season.

 Have a reserves, U18s side and U16s side with players looking to progress throughout within the club. Goalkeeper Hannah Stone an example of that on the bench to day from the u18s squad. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies getting off to a flying start in the league with an 8-1 opening day home win over Colney Heath Ladies. Results very much up and down since a narrow home loss to AFC Sudbury followed by a good 4-2 away win at Wroxham, losing twice more in the league to Stevenage and Royston, beating Stevenage at home the following week 3-2 in the FA Cup. Will need to find more consistency if they wish to push for the top of the league. Several new players to bed in Maddie Thomas hitting the ground running with 4 goals leading the goals charts early on.

 McMillen Park the venue for today’s game situated right next door to Bedford Town FC where Bedford Ladies were playing last season. Real Bedford FC’s ground situated just off the A421 leading into Bedford easy to find. The clubhouse and changing rooms leading into the the ground itself serving hot and cold drinks. A small seated stand with a further covered viewing area beside. Standing available all around the large grass pitch. Trees  protecting the stadium from the busy road beyond. Staying warm and pleasant as we move into the middle of October, bright and sunny, dry with no chance of rain perfect playing conditions.

Bedford Ladies

Bedford Ladies starting XI – Erica Turner, Carol Cripps, Chloe Esposito, Gemma Franklin (C), Jasmine Ajayi, Zara Carroll, Ella Meadowcroft, Alyssa Revis, Destiny Pap, Natasha Fensome & Aliya Bhatti. Subs – Priya Bhatti, Ocean Gregory, Lauren Coppin & Katie Hunter. 

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Margot Farnes, Holly Moore, Kelsey Smith, Mollie DeBell, Danielle Styles, Natalie Strange (C), Kirstie Jackson, Maddie Thomas, Sarah Wilson, Millie Isherwood & Whitney Locke. Subs – Hannah Stone, Courtney Fraser, Georgia Fraser, Phoebe Keyes & Katie Whitehead.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Natalie Strange and Gemma Franklin with today’s match officials

  It’s the hosts Bedford to get the match underway kicking off first half wearing blue shirts with black vertical stripes, blue shorts and socks with Bowers& Pitsea lined up opposite wearing red shirts with white across the chest and down the sides and the end of the shirt sleeves, red shorts and socks. The ball played back to Zara Carroll in middle her crossfield pass picking out Destiny Pap on the left looks to go on tackled by Bowers &Pitsea’s Kelsey Smith the ball sent onto Sarah Wilson on the right the visitors getting on the attack the pass inside for captain Natalie Strange clipped onto Millie Isherwood tracking into the top of the box from the left, Bedford’s Chloe Esposito getting in close to make the challenge regain the ball.

   Bowers & Pitsea making a fast start to the game taking the game to Bedford hustling the ball inside their opponents half fed on for Isherwood she sends it on into Whitney Locke inside the D, Bedford captain, Gemma Franklin holding the striker up the ball not cleared lifted out to the left Isherwood flagged offside. 

Carol Cripps in to win the ball back for Bedford

  GOAL! The visitors strong in the opening 3 minutes the ball won in the final 3rd played forwards to Wilson attacking on the right Chloe Cripps going with her for Bedford gets in front of the winger to play the ball back to goalkeeper Erica Turner to kick clear. Her ball falling straight to Maddie Thomas unmarked 20 yards out right of the D, controls and smashes a shot into the middle of the net 0-1.

Maddie Thomas with the opening goal for Bowers & Pitsea

   Bedford losing the ball straight from the restart as Kirstie Jackson plays the pass forwards to Wilson breaking on the right her cross taking a nick off Franklin to go behind for a corner kick. An inswinging delivery an easy claim above her head by Turner. Bowers & Pitsea after the ball are soon on the attack coming right Wilson has Thomas moving on into the corner the ball played into her, her cross turned behind for another corner. Smith with a good inswinging ball, Turner getting up to get something on the ball with Thomas coming in on her looking to connect with the header, the ball cleared.

  Mollie DeBell winning the ball on halfway for Bowers & Pitsea out to Wilson on the right surging on winning a corner, Swung into the six yard box headed clear at the near post. Bowers & Pitsea forcing errors from Bedford  won 20 yards out Franklin charging down a shot the ball loose inside the D, Thomas getting hold of it dragging her low shot wide of the left post. Bedford very much on the back foot in the opening 10 minutes finding it tough to get anything up to their attacking players Bowers & Pitsea turning play around far too easily. The hosts get some joy on the right Alyssa Revis coming forwards looking for Natasha Fensome up top the pass put back to Carroll in midfield has a powerful shot on her lines up a strike from all of 35 yards out right of the D struck well bounces through the area not troubling the keeper wide of the far post. 

  Wilson has picked up a knock for Bowers & Pitsea the trainer on can’t continue the visitors making an early change Wilson off with Katie Whitehead the player coming on taking Wilson position on the right. A throw high on the right contested the rebound skipping down the line straight to Thomas free to turn and run down the line before sending a cross racing along the top of the 6 yard box, Esposito getting to it before Isherwood can pounce. The clearance falling straight to Whitehead top of the area right side the Bowers & Pitsea substitute lifting her effort over the bar. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Katie Whitehead

  Franklin winning the ball at the back for Bedford plays it out from defence travelling into midfield sending the pass on for Jasmine Ajayi who in turn plays it on for Fensome moving left of the D with Ella Meadowcroft, a burst of pace seeing Fensome escape to the by-line wrapping her foot around the ball to send a vicious cross past the Bowers & Pitsea goal over goalkeeper Margot Farnes, Aliya Bhatti attacking the ball at the far post her header over. Bedford beginning to up their tempo get players forwards.

  GOAL! Just as Bedford start to get players forwards higher up the pitch they get themselves back level the ball won back high on the right driven low into the box finding Fensome stealing in unchecked left of the penalty spot to fires in a low strike, Farnes down sharply can only brush it with her fingertips as the ball nestles in the back of the net 1-1. 

Natasha Fensome levelling the scores for Bedford

 Bedford on the attack the ball played out to Pap on the left wide sends it inside for Fensome up top left of the D, getting a quick strike away pulls the ball wide of the near post. Thomas with Whitehead attacking on the right for Bowers & Pitsea, in behind the Bedford defence Thomas looking to turn and cross, Carroll tracking back for Bedford closing in to block the ball. A throw in the corner on the right deflected behind for a corner to Bowers & Pitsea. Played long across the six yard box retrieved out wide left the cross back in intercepted by Franklin, her clearance coming straight to DeBell inside the D squares it to Thomas to the right her angled strike charged down behind for a corner on the right,

  GOAL! The corner balls from Smith on the right have been a threat so far and as she plays in another inswinging ball into the box, Isherwood steals in unmarked centrally to get her head onto the ball nod it down into the goal to restore the visitors lead 1-2.

Millie Isherwood heading home Bowers & Pitsea’s 2nd goal

  Turner coming out well to the right corner of her area needing to get to the ball slide in to claim at the feet of Whitehead as Thomas plays her in behind with a well timed pass from the middle. 

  GOAL! A quickfire double from Bowers & Pitsea as Locke nips in to rob the defence 20 yards out and break into the area moving forwards plays her shot across the advancing keeper to score 1-3. 

Whitney Locke stealing the ball to break into the box and score Bowers & Pitsea’s 3rd goal

  GOAL! Bedford their own worst enemy as they are caught in possession at the back with Isherwood nipping in to take hold of the ball 25 yards out putting the ball on a plate for Thomas breaking in behind to the right of the D, into the box the keeper coming to meet her Thomas waits till she’s committed to play the ball around her to the right the angle closing as se wraps her foot around the ball to score her 2nd of the game 1-4. 

Maddie Thomas celebrating after putting Bowers & Pitsea into a 4-1 lead

  Midway through the first half Bowers & Pitsea capitalising on mistakes at the back from Bedford to score 3 quick goals to race into a strong lead. Bedford with the ball in midfield played up to Fensome 25 yards out turns to nudge the ball forwards out to the right Revis getting the hosts a corner kick Drops into the box, no one able to attack it before Bowers & Pitsea scramble it away. Franklin onto the ball top of the her strike charged down then cleared.

  Revis coming on with the ball right lay it back into the middle for Carroll who hits it long for Fensome looking to get into the box left of goal, getting it on the by-line wrapping her foot around the cross, the ball claimed well by Farnes. Bedford looking to take the game to Bowers & Pitsea more now with Revis attacking right laid back to Carroll winds up another long range strike miscued though is deflected out favourably for Pap getting on into the box her cross flashed across the face of goal.

  Ajayi on for Bhatti coming left with support from Pap wide taking the ball on delivering a dangerous cross in towards goal over the keeper, headed clear at the far post by Bowers & Pitsea left back Holly Moore. Danielle Styles in the middle of defence for Bowers & Pitsea defending on Fensome top of the area as Meadowcroft plays the ball on. The visitors are quickly on the counter the ball fed on by Strange through the middle with Locke looking to break in behind, Franklin lunging in to try and get the ball just about gets enough on it to take it away from Locke allow Turner to clear. 

  Carroll comes to her captain’s rescue moments later as Franklin slips going to attack the ball from a Bowers & Pitsea throw on the right, Locke immediately after it, Carroll round on the cover getting across her to see the ball back to her keeper. Cortney Fraser coming on for Bowers & Pitsea replacing Isherwood. Fensome seeing the ball into her feet right of the area with a turn and hit striking the ball over for Bedford. Thomas coming on through the middle with the ball for Bowers & Pitsea laying it on for Fraser attacking left side, Esposito coming out to close her down tackling for Bedford. 

Bedford defender Chloe Esposito

  The clock running down the the first half the game a little stretched with Bedford looking to get another goal late on Bowers & Pitsea counter Whitehead carrying the ball on right side 20 yards out sending a cross in towards the far post, both Locke and Fraser attacking it neither can get a touch before the ball runs out of play. Pap up on the left winning Bedford a throw the ball brought down controlled the cross swung into the area headed clear by Styles. Bowers & Pitsea attack on the right side Thomas playing the ball on for Whitehead her cross fired into the top of the six yard box cut out by Franklin, Thomas hustling to regain possession inside the box right side turns to shoot drags her shot wide across past the far post.

Aliya Bhatti going forwards for Bedford

  Bowers & Pitsea finishing the half the stronger Whitehead bursting on down the right wing sending her cross long past the far post, Fraser looking to bring it down under control rushed into her shot lifts the ball over the bar. Bedford with one last attack in the first half the ball on by Carroll into Fensome right outside the area combining with Bhatti and Revis the ball played into the area left side finding Pap clear top of the six yard box left of goal lifts her shot over.

Half-time Bedford Ladies 1-4 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

 Mistakes at the back costing Bedford dear in the first half as their opponents capitalised to take a strong 4-1 lead into the break. Bowers & Pitsea making a brilliant start getting after the ball inside the opposition half scoring the opening goal inside 3 minutes looking to build on it creating chances. Bedford on the back foot digging in clawing at back to 1-1 were then underdone by mistakes forced by Bowers & Pitsea to concede 3 quickfire goals. Found a goo response with a couple of half chances as they got to see more of the ball Bowers & Pitsea though remained a threat able to sit back and pick their moments to attack. A mountain to climb if Bedford are to get back into the game 2nd half. Bowers & Pitsea playing a game on Friday evening although not all of today’s squad were involved will tiredness be a factor 2nd half. 

  Changes for Bedford at the start of the 2nd half with Cripps and Meadowcroft the players off, Priya Bhatti and Lauren Coppin the players on Pap dropping into the back 3. Bowers & Pitsea to get the 2nd half underway. The ball played out to the right dealt with by Pap, the visitors pressing the ball in the middle Jackson on for Thomas out to the right the diagonal ball into towards the top of the area cut out by Franklin for Bedford. 

Lauren Coppin on for Bedford in the 2nd half

 Bedford looking to make a stronger start to the 2nd half as Carroll brings the ball on played out to the left for Coppin, Smith defending for Bowers & Pitsea. Bedford snapping in to win the ball back Ajayi to Carroll attempting the through ball for Fensome in behind, Styles across her run shielding the ball back to her keeper. Aliya Bhatti passes the ball out to Revis wide on the right does well to dig a cross out into the area cleared by Styles a throw won high up the pitch Bedford lose possession Bowers & Pitsea launching a rapid counter attack Whitehead through the middle to Thomas wide right laid back inside for the advancing Strange she sends it out with to Smith her cross/shot from deep claimed by the keeper.

   Bowers & Pitsea with the ball through the middle up to Thomas out to Smith advancing on the right forwards for Whitehead, Priya Bhatti getting across to make the tackle for Bedford. The hosts get the ball forwards on the right a throw won Priya Bhatti on for Aliya Bhatti moving down the line firing a cross into the box, Fensome taking a swing it it not connecting as it runs across her. Moore defending for Bowers & Pitsea as Bedford come forwards Aliya Bhatti sending the ball on for Revis, Moore coming to close her down top of the area. Fensome dropping into the middle her lay off into Carroll 30 yards out puts her foot through the ball her strike over the bar. Bedford encouraged by their start to the 2nd half.

  GOAL! With the hour mark fast approaching as Bowers & Pitsea break way to further extend their lead getting the ball forwards on the right stretching the Bedford defence Thomas sending a cross angling in across goal past the keeper with Courtney Fraser running in far post to turn the ball in from close range at the far post 1-5.

  A hammer blow for Bedford they pick themselves up go again winning a throw inside the Bowers & Pitsea half on the right, Ajayi with a clever touch and turn to send a cross angling it to the far post, Coppin closing in can’t reach it before Farnes can lay claim to the ball. Bedford get players forwards Revis to Fensome into Priya and Aliya Bhatti top of the area inside put back inside cleared by a defender on the ground, looked like a hand might have been involved but no one appeals the ball coming to Revis right off goal scoops her shot over.

   Turner out well to the right of her box again to slide in a claim the ball at the feet of Whitehead as Locke attempts to feed the ball from Thomas on centrally.

  GOAL! Out of no where Bedford pull a goal back. I say out of no where, it’s always possible whenever Carroll gets onto the ball from distance and is allowed to strike it a good distance out 40 or so yards connects with it well lifting the ball in towards goal dropping Farnes back peddling in trouble can’t get anything on it as it sails over her into the back of the net 2-5.

Zara Carroll with a 40 yard strike pulling a goal back for Bedford

  Georgia Fraser coming onto the pitch for Bowers & Pitsea on the right side. Ajayi with a well played diagonal ball into the box for Revis right side into Aliya Bhatti central her shot dragged across the six yard box retrieved by Fensome on the left on the by-line squeezes a cross back across the face of goal the ball headed clear by Styles. Bedford making a change with Revis coming off on the right Katie Hunter coming on. The game opening up as players begin to tire Georgia Fraser sending a shot over the bar from wide on the right. Another change for Bedford with Aliya Bhatti off in attack Ocean Gregory coming on.

Turner reacting quickly again to rush out to the top of her area as Locke steals in past Franklin to break into the box claims at her feet. Fensome catches DeBell a little flat footed outside the box nicking the ball attempting a quick shot with the outside of her boot held by Farnes. Fensome racing in to put pressure on Farnes as she is sold sort on a back pass sliding in the ball deflected behind off target. Esposito with a fantastic piece of defending at the back for Bedford the last player has to win the ball as Locke escapes in behind right channel, racing for the box Esposito stabbing a leg out to take the ball away from the attacker before she can shoot.

Chloe Esposito with he tackle to deny Locke a shot on goal

   Bowers & Pitsea winning a corner out on the right taken shot played inside to Locke hits it on the turn from outside the area angled in held into her midriff by Turner. Locke’s last action of the game as she comes off to be replaced by Isherwood returning to the game for the final 15 minutes or so. A more even 2nd half Bowers & Pitsea with a healthy lead to defend able to pick their moments to get players forwards. Another blow for Bedford with Esposito down looks to have rolled her ankle needs to come off Cripps sent back on.

 Bedford attacking a shot wide a deflection seeing a corner awarded, swung in near post Moore getting her head on it miscued played across goal to drop wide far side a 2nd corner awarded. Again form the right, another good delivery fired into centrally Carroll attacking it with her head, roars in frustration as her effort goes over the bar with a little over 5 minutes of regular time left on the clock.

Bedford’s Jasmine Ajayi

   Bedford pushing on looking for a goal late in the game Fensome has put in a shift up top getting onto the ball left channel plays in into the box to the right looking for Gregory, Moore defending for Bowers & Pitsea cleared out to the left the cross then intercepted by DeBell. Ajayi with a strike from distance drops wide of the right post. Bowers & Pitsea bring players on through the middle Thomas lifting it into the Isherwood 25 yards out to the left of the D attempts to lob the keeper with Turner off her line, not enough on it however with the keeper about to scramble backwards to catch the ball safely.

Bedford’s Ocean Gregory

   Isherwood with a strike on the turn as the ball flashes into her from the right outside the area struck over the bar. Franklin with a last ditch block with Isherwood playing the ball on. Bedford bring the ball on late in the game Fensome moving right with Hunter ahead of her looking to get into the box, the pass put on, Moore getting on Hunter’s shoulder to time her tackle send the ball away for a corner. Taken short up the line the cross sent in missed as it is attacked far post. Thomas with a shot from distance in the closing seconds for Bowers & Pitsea crashing into the side netting.

Danielle Styles winning the ball at the back for Bowers & Pitsea

Full time Bedford Ladies 1-5 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  Bowers & Pitsea Ladies travel back to Essex with their 3rd win of the season in the back to maintain the pressure on the top 4 sides. A strong performance starting the game well straight on the front foot scoring a goal inside 3 minutes. Looking to get hold of the ball inside the Bedford half and attack as a result had Bedford on the back foot early on the hosts doing well to get it back to 1-1 but mistakes at the bac were to cost them dear as they went on to concede 3 quick goals. Bowers & Pitsea creating further opportunities, Bedford rallying towards the end of the first half with a mountain to climb 2nd half. Making a good start looked better getting players on to support Fensome in attack but were hit with a 5th goal from their opponents. Again responded well a long distance strike from Carroll to pull it back to 5-2. The game more even 2nd half with opportunities for both sides but in the end Bedford will rue the errors they made.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – player of the Match. Isn’t always the case that I leave the ground being fairly confident with who that is going to be but despite a late challenge am sticking to my decision. A few performances of note first though, for Bedford Natasha Fensome worked tirelessly up top to find space and get onto the ball bring others into play scoring one while creating a number of other opportunities. At the back Gemma Franklin made a number of vital tackles and blocks as did Chloe Esposito. A strong team performance from Bowers & Pitsea. Millie Isherwood with some clever runs and movement out on the left in attack. Holly Moore at the back with some great defensive work, while Danielle Styles was superb in the centre of defence. Today’s award though goes to Maddie Thomas had a fantastic game taking the ball on and setting the tempo early on with some powerful runs from midfield linking up the attack and scoring a brace.

  Always enjoy a game from the ERWFL Premier Division is a competitive league and rarely disappoints. Good to catch up with both sides, my thanks to both for the team details as is always the case much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Royston Town Women v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Sunday 3rd October

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

A trip to Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch a game from the 2nd Qualifying Round of the Women’s FA Cup. An all ERWFL Premier Division clash between Royston Town Women and Bowers & Pitsea Ladies.

A record number of entries into this season’s competition, 120 ties pulled out of the hat for the 2nd Qualifying Round. For many it’s the first step to Wembley regardless of how long the journey might be. A historic competition that stirs up emotions. Last season’s competition still ongoing delayed due to the ongoing COVID pandemic the quarter finals played in midweek see FAWSL sides Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Brighton reach the last 4. For those sides competing today it’s the beginning of a new adventure.

An all ERWFL Premier Division clash between Royston Town Women and Bowers & Pitsea Ladies as both begin this season’s Women’s FA Cup having met already once this season with Bowers & Pitsea Ladies having home advantage in a 2-0 win.

That loss aside Royston Town Women have made an excellent start to the season in the league, winning 4 of their 7 games so far including a 5-1 midweek win at home to Haringey Borough Women that saw them climb up to 2nd in the Premier Division table. Emma Slater, Royston’s top scorer so far netting 7 times in 7 appearances whilst Bella Simmons, dual signed to Royston with Cambridge City Ladies has 5 goals to her name including a midweek hat-trick against Haringey. Also coming into the squad are 3 former Histon Ladies players, Becky Charter and Lauren Martin with Abby Laughlin also returning to the club. Matt Phillips formerly head coach at Histon joining Lewis Endacott’s coaching team.

Change’s at Bowers & Pitsea in the management department too. Darren Fraser and Daniel Foord bringing Little Thurrock Dynamo’s to the club to become Bowers & Pitsea Ladies the club has grown successfully. Fraser moving on whilst Foord is now ladies chairman aswell as looking after the media. John Levy now managing the 1st team assisted by Adam Sinclair. The ERWFL Premier Division not an easy league to get established in getting stronger year on year Bowers & Pitsea have made a solid start to the season pitching up some useful results. Sit comfortably in mid-table well placed to push on as the season progresses. Have a largely settled squad backed up by a Development side. Amber Amey coming in from Hutton Ladies whilst, Phoebe Keys and Talisa Bruton come up from the Development side.

Garden Walk the venue for today’s game home to Royston Town FC aswell as the women’s side. A large clubhouse and bar area serving hot and cold drinks. A small seated stand on one side of the pitch opposite the dugouts. The pitch itself looking immaculate the grass lush and green offering good width whilst sloping slightly from on end to the other. After a day of heavy rain yesterday the pitch has drained well, the weather much calmer today clouds around but the sun still ale to offer a little heat when it breaks through as we enter October.

Royston Town Women starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Fran Gough, Abby Laughlin, Tally Miles, Amy Cooper (C), Sammy Edgar, Georgia Miller, Charlotte South, Becky Charter, Emma Slater & Bella Simmons. Subs – Paris Coldicott-Stevens, Grace Georgiou, Anny Chambers, Hattie Bourne & Ellie Pickard.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Violet Hickman, Natalie Strange, Phoebe Keys, Danielle Sillitoe (C), Katie Whitehead, Amber Amey, Sarah Wilson, Sophie Rhodes, Holly Moore, Talisa Bruton & Georgia Fraser. Subs – Danielle Styles, Courtney Fraser, Eloise Ives & Sophie Dowman.

A change of ends to begin the game with Bowers & Pitsea kicking off the 1st half wearing and all red strip with white trim and white across the breast of the shirt. Royston in their home colours of white shirts and socks with black shorts. Played back to Danielle Sillitoe in defence, Bowers & Pitsea’s captain sends it long out to the left looking for the run of Holly Moore, has the pace but so does the ball as it skips on along the surface enabling Royston’s Fran Gough to get across Moore and see it out of play for a goal kick. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Sarah Wilson with Royston’s Fran Gough

 

   The ball quickly closed down in the centre of the park Bowers & Pitsea look for width again out to the right this time with Katie Whitehead getting up the pitch to support Talisa Bruton looks to get infield towards the box, Tally Milles getting in on her shoulder defending for Royston the ball running behind for a corner kick. Fired in central Royston captain Amy Cooper gets up highest to head it clear of the six yard box, Bowers & Pitsea reclaiming left side put back in central, Charlotte South blocking a shot at close range before a strike comes in off the deflected ball outside the box runs wide of the left post.

  Royston bring the ball up the pitch right side on for Emma Slater peeling out to the wing squares it inside for Bella Simmons outside the box right of the D, Sillitoe sliding in to cut the ball out puts it away for a throw. South links up with Simmons on the right for Royston laying the ball on into the area for Simmons to chase Phoebe Keys getting across the striker to guide the ball out for a goalkick. Bowers & Pitsea looking for runners right and left as they break up play in the middle. Cooper has to come across to deal with Bruton as she jinks her way inside from the right the ball cleared for a throw.

Bowers & Pitsea defender, Phoebe Keys

 Is competitive both sides putting in the challenges early on Bowers & Pitsea frustrating Royston harrying the defence, South unhappy as a decision goes against her presenting Bowers & Pitsea with a free-kick in a central position 30 yards out. Georgia Fraser over the set-piece the attacker having an attempt on goal the shot looping over the bar. Sammy Edgar clatters into Sophie Rhodes out wide right giving the visiting side another free-kick some 40 yards out. 

  GOAL! Sillitoe on the set-piece as Bowers & Pitsea load players into the box, is a fantastic delivery whipped in towards the fair post attacked well, Sarah Wilson at the back stick amongst those running in gets her head to the ball powering it past the keeper into the back of the net to score her 1st goal of the season 0-1.

Sarah Wilson opens the scoring for Bowers & Pitsea

  Tally Miles defending well at left back for Royston carrying the ball out from the back plays a one two with Georgia Miller in the middle before taking the ball on up the line sending a early ball into the box looking for Slater, Violet Hickman out of her six yard box early coming to claim the ball. Play a little stretched at times Bowers & Pitsea quick to get on the counter attack the ball won by Rhodes out to Bruton breaking away down the right drawing players to her Gough finds herself outnumbered in the box as the cross is fired in Georgia Fraser can’t reach it central in bounces through to Moore beyond the far post clips her half volley over the bar from 10 yards out. 

Royston’s Emma Slater

 

  Bowers & Pitsea have started the game well getting on the front foot, Royston haven’t really settled the Essex side using Moore and Bruton well on the flanks. Rhodes busy in the middle of the park breaking up play. South turning on the ball sweeping a pass out wide right to the advancing Charter crosses early the ball taking a deflection favouring the goalkeeper. Edgar battling for possession in the middle for Royston lays it into Miller who flicks it out to the right for South, attempts to thread it through for Slater, too much on it Hickman can come and gather. A vicious bounce on the ball inside the box as Moore attacks on the left for Bowers & Pitsea sides Mia O’Brien coming to close the angle deceived the ball looping over her turns relieved to see it run wide of her far post.

   Royston are getting frustrated some decisions going against them, Rhodes mopping up in the middle once again for Bowers & Pitsea rolls the ball back to her defence who are straight away looking to get their wide players on the attack. A throw inside the Royston half on the right for Bowers & Pitsea inside for Rhodes turns and puts a great diagonal ball in behind the defence for Georgia Fraser to attack, O’Brien sharp off her line to slide in and save at the attackers feet.

  GOAL! Midway through the first half and Royston come back to level the scores the ball played out of the back quickly to Charter on the left wing breaks forward well laying it inside for Slater to take on into the area, Hickman rushing out to close her down, saves well at close range blocking Slaters attempt the ball still alive in the area, Simmons racing in on the follow-up first to it strikes the ball Hickman on the floor throwing herself at it making another save the ball though dropping straight back to Simmons who keeps her composure to lift her 2nd attempt over the stranded keeper into the back of the net beyond 1-1. 

Bella Simmons (centre) getting Royston back on level terms

  Royston get straight back on the offensive after the restart attacking right, Keys winning it back for Bowers & Pitsea into the middle play turned around rapidly Moore away on the left Georgia Fraser breaking central as the winger gets to the by-line turning to flash a rising cross in near post Fraser meeting it on the volley around six yards out clipping her attempt over the bar. Neither side looking to dwell on the ball wanting to move it forwards quickly Royston finding Charter on the move left side has support from South inside she turns playing the ball along the top of their opponents area for Edgar on the right who sends it up the line for Gough making the overlapping run, Natalie Strange stepping in to win the challenge for Bowers & Pitsea. 

Charlotte South attempting to win the ball for Royston

  Whitehead getting up the pitch with Bruton right side a dangerous cross whipped in near post Georgia Fraser throwing herself at it can’t quite make contact. The game opens up suddenly one moment Bowers & Pitsea are on the attack with Moore on the left, O’Brien holding onto the ball put into the box is played out rapidly to Charter on the left, Slater providing a good left channel run seeing the ball rolled into her path strikes it on the angle Hickman down low saving well the ball loose though Simmons in on the follow up sees her strike blocked by the keeper this time the Bowers & Pitsea defence getting back to block another goal attempt. 

Bowers & Pitsea captain, Danielle Sillitoe

  Key fouls South out wide left a free-kick to the hosts, Edgar on it plays an inviting ball in long to the far post, Sillitoe doing well defensively for Bowers & Pitsea the ball carried out of the area by Rhodes the counter attack is on as the midfielder spreads play long to the left for Moore breaking away down the wing sending it through for Georgia Fraser, O’Brien quick off her line to the edge of the area to slide in and smother the ball. 

 Bruton gets herself into a central position taking the ball on travelling at pace looks to plough her way through the Royston defence, Laughlin holding her up, the ball rolls back to Rhodes closing in with Bruton, Cooper though stepping in quickly to charge the ball down as Rhodes goes to shoot. Bruton causing problems for Royston is central still attempting a through ball right to left for Georgia Fraser to run onto, O’Brien sharp out quickly to meet her once again. 

  Wilson in the middle for Bowers & Pitsea threading the ball through to Bruton inside the D, Cooper getting in a foot to stab the ball away for a throw on the right. Key playing a long diagonal ball out to Moore advancing on the right, an ambitious attempt striking the falling ball on the volley connects with it well enough the strike though whistling over the bar. Bruton on the right wrestles the ball off Gough at the back sends it inside for Georgia Fraser some 30 yards out a scuffed effort doesn’t trouble O’Brien running wide of her near post.

  Royston with a throw high on the left Laughlin into South puts it infield for Slater 25 yards out lays it back for Edgar to lift into the box to the right looking for Simmons who can’t quite get it down with her head to direct a shot on target. Royston attacking late in the first half on the left inside for Slater who lays it back central for Miller 25 yards out. leaning back into her shot puts it up over the crossbar. Whitehead bringing the ball on for Bowers & Pitsea right side crossing for Georgia Fraser central, Miles in ahead of her to head the ball clear for Royston.

Half-time Royston Town Women 1-1 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  A lively first half that has seen plenty of action certainly has a cup tie feel about it. Bowers & Pitsea starting the game well going on to open the scoring inside 10 minutes. Were on the front foot early on whilst Royston seemed to take a while to settle were frustrated at times as thing’s didn’t appear to go their way. The visitors using the width of the pitch quick to get attacks going. Royston coming back to level the scores though settling better the game open at times as both looked to get on quickly the hosts coming closest to having the lead, as it stands it remains all square with both sides creating opportunities. Has to be settled on the day either with a goal through open play or penalties. 

A change for Bowers & Pitsea at the start of the 2nd half with Courtney Fraser coming on for Katie Whitehead. The sun making a appearance at the start of the 2nd half low in the sky a potential problem for the team defending that end, Bowers & Pitsea goalkeeper, Hickman donning a cap as the players return to the pitch. Royston to get the 2nd period underway. The visitors getting hold of the ball with Strange at left back able to travel forwards into space on for Moore, is tackled by Cooper play quickly turned around put into the middle with Simmons on the turn putting it over the top for Slater, Hickman needs to come racing out of her box, just about wins the race getting her foot on the ball before Slater can nick it past her.

    South with the ball on the left passes inside to Edgar who in turn places it central for Miller to line up a low strike from 25 yards out angling in low Hickman dives to her left to make the save inside her six yard box turning the ball behind for a corner kick. Royston looking to get on the offensive early on in the 2nd half a throw left inside for South battles her way infield to pick out Miller top of the D she lays it back to Edgar who hits the shot 1st time blasting the ball wide of the right post. A double change for Royston with Miller and Laughlin coming off, on come Ellie Pickard and Paris Coldicott-Stevens who recently celebrated making her 100th appearance for the club.

Royston’s Paris Coldicott-Stevens

  Simmons in on the ball right of the box as Edgar wins it high up the pitch, whips in a strike on the angle always rising goes over the bar. South tussling for the ball does well to win a corner on the right for Royston following good work from Charter up the wing. In low towards the near post Wilson defends well for Bowers & Pitsea. Regained on the left by Charter players turning back towards goal as she whips a cross into the area Cooper up trying to get her head on the ball knocks it down, too close to Hickman who can snatch it to safety. 

 Royston with all the pressure in the 2nd half, Bowers & Pitsea pushed back, the ball put in from the left Simmons central gets a strike away defended comes out to the right another strike blazed in Hickman with a spectacular diving catch at her near post. Bowers & Pitsea finding themselves on the back foot at the start of the 2nd half.  The trainer on as both Moore and Rhodes are down. 

Becky Charter looking to send Emma Slater away for Royston

  Both up on their feet play resuming Wilson putting it out to the right Bruton racing forwards getting in behind fires in a shot on the angle driven in low races across the six yard box Moore closing in far side can’t get there as it runs out of play. Royston make another change bringing on Hattie Bourne for Gough. Rhodes central up to Bruton right of the D 20 yards out Georgia Fraser close to her, Miles in between both seeing the ball safely back to her keeper. Refereeing decisions still causing Royston some frustration as they feel they are not getting the rub of the green. 

 Bowers & Pitsea with a free-kick on halfway to the right of the centre circle. Sillitoe to play it up into the area Royston head it away drops to Rhodes outside the D her shot is charged down runs back to Georgia Fraser central leaning back into her shot sends a curling effort narrowly wide of the top corner. Rhodes last action of the game as she is replaced by Sophie Dowman.

  A busy few moments for Key in the Bowers & Pitsea defence as first she sees the ball back to her keeper as Slater gets on her bike in the middle. Then the defender makes a double block as both Slater and Simmons have a go from outside the box. With Royston getting players forwards much better in the 2nd period Moore is called into action at the back tracking back well to slide in and take the ball away from Charter as she gets past Strange. 

  Edgar plays a superb pass out to Charter getting clear on the right taking a run at the box Sillitoe gets across to put in the blocking tackle as she goes to unleash a shot. The ball running behind for a corner. A great delivery flashed in low to the top of the six yard box near side, Edgar digging out a goal bound effort, defended on the post by Wilson. Royston are quick to reclaim the ball out on the right Charter’s cross flying harmlessly through the six yard box as the game moves into the final 15 minutes. 

Royston’s Hattie Bourne

  Royston a pressing hard for a goal coming trough the middle Coldicott-Stevens then Edgar lifting an inviting ball in towards the top of the back on both occasions Sillitoe winning a vital header at the back for Bowers & Pitsea. The visitors away on the right Bruton with pace after the ball, O’Brien out to the top of her area sliding in to clear the ball out for a throw. Up on the right Bowers & Pitsea work the ball in central top of the area, a hand ball is spotted the referee pointing to the spot!

  GOAL! Royston disputing the decision arguing the infringement was outside the box the decision stands however. A penalty for Bowers & Pitsea, up comes the captain to place the ball on the spot a chance to fire her team into the lead with a little over 10 minutes to play, running up makes no mistake wrong footing the keeper to place the ball high to her left to score 1-2.

Danielle Sillitoe running in to score for Bowers & Pitsea

   A blow for Royston go straight on the attack from the restart, Slater bursting on winning a corner that frustratingly comes to nothing. Charter is causing problems on the right for Royston however Moore is tracking back with her constantly to slide in and defend putting the ball out for another corner. Comes in near side Miles getting something on it knocking it down into the middle, Amey fouled as she goes to defend Bowers & Pitsea with the free-kick. 

Holly Moore tackling Becky Charter

  Space opening up at the back for Bowers & Pitsea as Royston commit players forwards looking to get back on level terms Bruton away right firing in a cross/shot claimed by O’Brien. Simmons chases out to the right to nick the ball back of a defender turns back to attack the box flashing in a cross along the penalty spot picking out Slater falling back into the shot, sees her strike run wide of the right post. Cooper carries the ball out from the back for Royston before playing it on down the right for Simmons to the by-line her cross is plucked down confidently by Hickman. 

Royston midfielder, Sammy Edgar

  Royston piling forwards late in the game South battling to win possession right on for Charter who lifts a cross in to the far post attacked well by Edgar the ball seeming to take a deflection as it drops wide of goal, Edgar furious a corner isn’t awarded recieves a yellow card. Less than 4 minutes plus stoppage time left for Royston to find a goal. Bowers & Pitsea defending for their lives at times can’t get the ball to stick up top, Charter and South combining on the right before the cross is played into the top of the area Slater getting her head on the ball turns it over the crossbar. 

  A hand ball decision favours Royston this time out on the left a free-kick awarded 35 yards out a high ball played into the area is dangerous threatening to dip under Hickman’s bar, gloves up to claim it on her line as players close in the keeper falls to the ground keeping hold of it as Royston’s attack trying to get the ball over the line, the whistle blowing Royston claim the goalkeeper carried the ball over the line are dismayed when after consulting with the linesman the original decision that the goalkeeper was fouled stands.

 Into stoppage time Royston winning a corner send everyone up the delivery in to the far post hooked clear by the visiting defence, a strike from distance rattles back in wide of the left post. One last attack on the left for Royston, Coldicott-Stevens on for Miles breaking forwards, Courtney Fraser can get across her to guide the ball out safely for a goalkick.  

Full time Royston Town Women 1-2 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  The final whistle blows and it’s Bowers & Pitsea who celebrate as they win 2-1 to advance in the competition. Certainly had to put in a defensive shift 2nd half to keep Royston at bay. Scoring the all important goal with 10 minutes left to play. A proper cup tie Bowers & Pitsea getting off to a good start on the front foot early whilst Royston didn’t seem to settle find their rhythm the visitors taking the lead inside 10 minutes, Royston battling back to level midway through the first half both having chances to lead at the break. A different story 2nd half arguably Royston were the better side getting on the front foot straight away putting the Bowers & Pitsea defence under pressure. The Essex side stood firm however having few opportunities up the other end but when they had one they took it to get their noses in front and held on to claim the win. Royston will no doubt be hurting after that result a game they themselves might well have won just wasn’t to be their day decisions going against them adding to their frustrations. Bowers & Pitsea though advance in the cup and will be hoping for a home draw in the 3rd Qualifying Round scheduled to be played Sun 24th October. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, thought this was going to be a tough one but the notes I’ve taken present a clear winner. A few performances of note to mention first. For Royston, Becky Charter carried a strong threat on the both flanks throughout the game getting forwards and linking up with the attackers. Charlotte South got about the pitch battling for possession well, along with Sammy Edgar who put in a committed performance in the middle of the park. For Bowers & Pitsea, Talisa Bruton and Holly Moore caused plenty of problems on the wings whilst Sophie Rhodes was excellent in the middle especially 1st half. The award today though goes to Bowers & Pitsea’s captain Danielle Sillitoe a strong performance in the heart of the defence winning numerous balls, setting up the 1st goal and scoring the winning penalty.

An enjoyable trip to Hertfordshire today, an entertaining cup tie, could well have gone either way and shows what the ERWFL is all about even if this was a cup tie. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team line-ups today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Bowers & Pitsea Ladies v Luton Town Ladies

Sunday 8th December

ERWFL Premier Division

 Back on the road this Sunday, a trip down to Essex to watch a game from the ever competitive ERWFL Premier Division, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies v Luton Town Ladies.

Highly competitive in the ERWFL Premier Division this season, Harlow Town Ladies leading the way opening up a gap at the top with 9 straight wins unbeaten so far this season. Incredibly close behind with just 5 points between the sides 2nd to 9th in the table. The standard improving year on year. 

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies playing at the highest level the club has been at winning promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division last season following a 2nd placed finish in Division One collecting their first piece of silverware too the Essex Women’s Trophy. Going from strength to strength since becoming Bowers & Pitsea having previously been Little Thurrock Dynamo’s. The main club itself housing excellent facilities that ground undergoing redevelopment. The core of the squad made up of players who have been with the club since it started this season bringing in a few new faces to bolster the ranks, Donna Fletcher from Hatfield Peveral, also joining from Hatfield Peveral attacker Yasmin Cowley who scored plenty of goals for her previous club as Hatfield rose through the league injured for much of last season undertaking a scholarship in America come the end of the season. Danni Jennings and Megan Harley from Rayleigh Town Ladies also coming in  along with Sade Walters and goalkeeper Violet Hickman. 

 Made a promising start in the Premier Division winning three of their opening 4 matches a run of poor results followed but the club have improved getting back to winning ways back to back wins putting them back amongst the chasing pack well clear of the bottom. Announcing this week an addition to their management team, Terry Harrison coming to the club from Harlow to work along side Darren Fraser and Daniel Foord.  Brings with him coaches Scott Chickelday and Ray Wells as the club looks to kick on.

Luton Town Ladies suffering relegation from the FAWNL last season. Following a period of relevant success in South East Division One challenging for a top 4 finish on several ocassions. Lost a few experienced players blooding alot of young players. Continue to do so have a strong youth set-up with several doing well for the first team. Have brought in defenders Elly Wade and Tanya Blacksley to give experience at the back. Set the early pace in the Premier Division as they look to bounce back straight away. A run in the FA Women’s Cup seeing them fall away from the top, amongst the chasing pack have lost just the once this season. Jess McKay top scorer on 11 goals not available today. Missing a few other presenting opportunities for younger players manager Nikki Baker giving 16-year-old Ellie Sargeant her first start. The sides meeting already this season in the FA Women’s Cup, Luton winning 3-0.

The Len Salmon Stadium the venue for today’s match the ground undergoing redevelopment a state of the art 3G playing surface and surrounding barrier already installed plus seated stands either side of the dugouts. The new addition the main stand a new one being build. Covered seating above the new changing rooms with plans ongoing for more improvements. The old clubhouse with bar and large function room. The weather overcast but dry little threat of rain the sun low in the sky quite a strong wind blowing from one goal mouth to the other.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Violet Hickman, Keira Adcock, Holly Moore, Donna Fletcher, Danni Jennings, Taylor Adcock (C), Yasmin Cowley, Courtney Fraser, Ebony Moore, Georgia Fraser & Megan Harley. Subs – Danielle Styles, Sade Walters, Sophie Dowman & Atlanta Fuwa.

 Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Kezia Hassall, Rebecca Ferris, Tanya Blacksley, Anne Folan, Elly Wade, Zara Carroll (C), Ellie Sargeant, Erica Byron, Olivia Abraham, Funmi Babalola & Rebecca Kane. Subs – Jade Horsley, Kelsey Gibson & Leah Tomlin.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  An accident on the M25 causing heavy delays affecting Luton’s journey kick-off put back 10 minutes. Luton switching ends at the coin toss to have the wind at their backs first half, Bowers & Pitsea to get the game underway wearing red and white vertical striped shirts, red shorts and socks. Luton in their all navy away kit. The ball pressed in the middle Luton gain possession play the ball out to the left wing, Olivia Abraham looking to take the ball on Keira Adcock across to defend gets fouled in the process winning a free-kick. 

Bowers & Pitsea bringing the ball on through the middle Yasmin Cowley on for Courtney Fraser she spreads play to the right, Ebony Moore looking to get in behind is tackled by Luton’s Tanya Blacksley. Bowers & Pitsea getting players up to press Luton in their final third, captain Taylor Adcock in to win the ball Ebony Moore almost through to the right can’t quite take the ball in her stride. Cowley fouled inside the Luton half a free-kick to Bowers & Pitsea players up as Donna Fletcher sends it in towards the top of the area the ball running through to Georgia Fraser right of the D, aims to turn into the shot Rebecca Ferris throwing out a leg defending for Luton, Bowers & Pitsea press the ball not cleared out to the right Taylor Adcock winning a corner taken short a shot blocked on the edge of the area, Bowers & Pitsea keep the pressure on the ball put across to Georgia Fraser left of goal curls a ball in towards goal, Kezia Hassell with a low catch claiming the ball in goal for Luton.

Olivia Abraham battling for possession of the ball with Bowers & Pitsea’s Keira Adcock.

A good start from the hosts closing the ball down well spreading play. Luton come forwards Ferris on the right putting the pass on for Rebecca Kane running into the channel, Danni Jennings going with her for Bowers & Pitsea putting in a great tackle to win the ball back. Jennings called into action at the back moments later for Bowers & Pitsea again against Kane as a fortunate deflection sees the attacker run in behind taking the ball into the area forced left by Jennings recovering well the defender preventing the cross. Luton beginning to find some momentum of their own Ferris forwards as the visitors attack making a run into the box as the ball is helped on Bowers & Pitsea goalkeeper Violet Hickman down bravely to save at her feet.

Taylor Adcock captaining Bowers & Pitsea bringing the ball on

Courtney Fraser with a long range shot struck 30 yards out off target as a defensive clearance is put straight to her. The wind behind then Luton have pace in attack with Kane and Funmi Babalola looking to make runs central and into the channels. Erica Byron getting forwards from a central position as the ball is fed through to her left side outside the box good close ball control jinks inside getting a shot away as she is closed down the ball put wide across the face of goal.

GOAL! 15 minutes gone and Luton open the scoring with a goal that is as route one as you’ll ever get. The ball in the hands on Hassell at the back launches it forwards wind assisted the Bowers & Pitsea centre backs both go for it and both miss bouncing on in behind Kane is clear to take it on into the box and set herself to send it wide of the keeper 0-1.

The tail wind strong and Luton are looking to use it to their advantage, a high clearance from Ferris on the right puts Kane away on the flank and she races after it, the angle against her as she strikes the ball on the volley her cross/shot put across the face of goal. Byron left side strikes a shot from 25 yards out the ball racing wide past the far post. Bowers & Pitsea build through the middle Taylor Adcock out to Ebony Moore right side down the line cuts it back for Georgia Fraser to fire in a diagonal ball low towards the near post Cowley with the run, Elly Wade defending for Luton.

Courtney Fraser playing the ball for Bowers & Pitsea

 Kane a constant threat in attack for Luton getting in behind after the ball put long on the left wraps her foot around the ball crossing the ball in towards the near post, Hickman able to get her gloves around the ball first not put off by Babalola running in. Folan defending for Luton, firstly stepping out from the back to break up a Bowers & Pitsea move through the middle, the 2nd time heading behind for a corner as the ball is crossed in from the right. The delivery from the corner over Fletcher jumping near post falls to Georgia Fraser no shot on lays it back to the top of the area for Courtney Fraser her ball fizzed back in collected by Cowley can’t dig it out of her feet to get a shot away before being closed down.

Luton’s Funmi Babalola challenging for the ball

  Abraham is brought down on the left attacking for Luton a free-kick awarded. Luton captain Zara Carroll a dead ball specialist to take out wide players forwards into the box she takes on the shot struck well the ball smashing against the crossbar dropping down into the area presented to Byron outside the six yard box her instinctive shot sent over on the volley.

Zara Carroll’s free-kick striking the bar for Luton

 The game quite open Bowers & Pitsea enjoying the better possession getting the ball forwards well the final ball lacking at times Luton keeping a good shape at the back. Kane in attack for Luton getting hold of the ball 25 yards out drives on twisting and turning to get into the area, Jennings getting back on her lunging in to make the tackle prevent her shooting the ball loose comes to Abraham to strike outside the area fires it wide across goal 

Rebecca Kane breaking in behind for Luton Town Ladies

 Half an hour gone and Bowers & Pitsea make the first change Fletcher coming off at the back to be replaced by Danielle Styles. Hassell kicking the ball long again bouncing on through Kane looking to get it under control, Jennings having given herself space to adjust getting to her to make the challenge and win the ball back. Megan Harley taking the ball on down the left makes ground winning a throw in in the corner, the ball headed on from the side of the area looping up, Hassell can claim above her head no one coming in, her resulting kick up field running on getting Luton a corner. 

Megan Harley bringing the ball forwards for Bowers & Pitsea

  Ellie Sargeant solid in the middle along side Carroll for Luton gets forwards running into space right as players are attracted to the left firing in a low cross Hickman down well at the top of her six yard box to pluck the ball into her body. 

  GOAL! 35 minutes played and Luton double their lead, Byron making some useful runs from midfield forwards in the left as Luton build 25 yards out strikes the ball well, a looping shot that flies over the keepers head and into the back of the net 0-2.

Erica Byron doubling Luton’s lead

  Harley with a great ball forwards cuts inside Luton defend, Cowley regains possession central presses on closed down top of the area plays it wide to Ebony Moore who wins Bowers & Pitsea a corner. Whipped in central taken confidently by Hassall. Attacking right side a throw in high up the pitch Keira Adcock plays in Ebony Moore tuning inside the box to get a shot away drilled wide at the near post. Bowers & Pitsea enjoying a strong spell towards the end of the first half another corner won left side Georgia Fraser putting in across the face of goal met on the volley at the far post by Jennings send over. 

 Entering the closing 5 minutes of the first half Bowers & Pitsea on the attack Harley on the ball left side playing the pass on for Courtney Fraser making the run into the channel cuts inside well to deliver a cross central into Georgia Fraser her first touch wrong footing the defender giving her space to shot set to pull the trigger Carroll dives in get a foot in to block the ball. Bowers & Pitsea keep the pressure on a throw won deep on the left Georgia Fraser crossing in Cowley can’t get it under control cleared out to the top of the box Keira Adcock latching onto it her shot held by the keeper. 

Luton Town Ladies captain, Zara Carroll.

  Luton always ready to break hit Bowers & Pitsea on the counter Kane peeling off the defence onto a through ball to turn and strike left of the D, Hickman making a good save with her legs keeping the ball out. Carroll fouled bringing the ball forwards 35 yards out picks herself up to take it put in on target Hickman behind it palming the ball up clattering into the post as she pushes it away from the advancing attacker chasing in on the follow up. Okay after treatment. Bowers & Pitsea with one last attack in the first half Courtney Fraser winning the ball her pass forwards unable to fin Georgia Fraser running clear on the right, cleared straight to Cowley right outside the area can’t get a clean strike of the ball her scuffed shot gathered by the keeper.

Half-time Bowers & Pitsea Ladies 0-2 Luton Town Ladies

  Luton leading 2-0 at the break have created the better opportunities in front of goal using the wind to their advantage. Solid at the back Bowers & Pitsea unable to get in behind have enjoyed the majority of the possession looking to move the ball around get players forwards the final ball lacking at times and the clinical finish lacking. Trailing by 2 goals pressure late on to try and find a goal to narrow the advantage Luton always ready to hit on the counter attack.

 A change for Bowers & Pitsea at half-time Sade Walters on for Courtney Fraser. The light starting to fade and with it the wind as Luton get the 2nd half underway. Taylor Adcock putting her foot in to win the ball in the middle for Bowers & Pitsea passes the ball forwards for Fraser she looks to release Ebony Moore on the right in behind the ball running into the box, Hassell quickly out able to claim first for Luton. Bowers & Pitsea pushing forwards at the start of the 2nd half Harley’s shot from outside the box taking a deflection as it runs wide across the six yard out out for a corner. The delivery into a congested six yard box, Luton scramble it away to safety. 

Tanya Blacksley looking to clear the ball for Luton

 Bryon takes hold of the ball in attack for Luton right side has support from Babalola out wide plays her in she takes on the shot on the angle Hickman down in front of goal central pushing the ball wide past the far post for a corner kick. Folan putting the ball in over.

  Jennings busy at the back for Bowers & Pitsea winning the race with Babalola to take the ball as Kane flicks it on. Kane beating the offside trap runs in behind central into the box, Jennings with a great recovery to get back on her putting in a challenge six yards out to prevent the shot getting the ball back to her keeper. Cowley up the other end 30 yards out with time and space not closed down encouraged to shoot puts the ball wide. Up the other end Kane is played through central into the box gets a shot away Hickman sliding in to block saving well the rebound out favouring her defence to clear. 

Ellie Sargeant battling in midfield for Luton Town Ladies

  Sargeant on the ball for Luton spots Abraham moving on the left the pass into her feet the flag goes up as she strays offside. Play stopped for an injury as Sargeant and Holly Moore collide the latter coming off worse is okay after receiving treatment. A higher line from Bowers & Pitsea now as they look to get a goal back Kane finding room in behind as she moves across the field away to the right strikes a shot on the half volley on target fizzed in Hickman palms the ball up into the air taking the catch even as Byron closes her down on the line. Hickman catching well from another Kane ball in from the right as she moves across the back line to get in behind beating the flag. 

  Sargeant putting the ball on for Abraham breaking left her diagonal ball into Kane top of the area, Styles in to make the tackle win it for Bowers & Pitsea. Luton make a change with just over 20 minutes left to play, Abraham coming off on the left, coming on Jade Horsley to make her Luton debut. Sophie Dowman on for Bowers & Pitsea replacing Ebony Moore. Jennings with more superb work in defence for Bowers & Pitsea first defending against Kane as she looks to get away then standing up to block Babalola as she looks to drive on with the ball. The floodlights needed are switched on. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Danielle Styles

 Horsley on the left picking out Kane as she makes the run ahead of her into the channel Holly Moore defending for Bowers & Pitsea. The hosts get forwards to win a corner the ball played in near post defended by Luton’s Blacksley. The game open both sides looking for the next goal Bowers & Pitsea to pressure Luton late on, the visitors to make the 3 points safe Luton’s Horsley adding pace to the attack runs into space on the ball whips a great cross in across goal Babalola racing in heads over from six yards out. 

  Carroll back to cut out a cross put in from the left, Harley getting a 2nd opportunity to put the all in lands on the roof of the net. Byron brought down in the middle a free-kick for Luton another opportunity for Carroll to put the ball forwards knocked down well by Kane central top of the area into the path of Babalola her shot from 20 yards out straight into the gloves of the keeper. Ebony Moore back on for Bowers & Pitsea with a good piece control central lays the ball back for Holly Moore to curl in a shot from 25 yards out doesn’t trouble the keeper the game entering the final 5 minutes.  

 The wind returning getting decidedly chilly too. Harley firing in a shot from range drops short controlled by Fraser turns to lay it back to Dowman top of the box leaning back her attempt put over the bar. 

GOAL! Into the final minute and Luton hit Bowers & Pitsea with a late sucker punch to kill off the game. Byron lifting a great pass forwards Kane having beaten the offside trap on several ocassions is offside this time but no flag raised continues her run carrying the ball to the top of the area right of the D puts her foot through the shot sending a fiercely struck low drive past the keeper 0-3.

2 goals for Luton’s Rebecca Kane

  From the restart Fraser takes on the long range effort in an attempt to catch the keeper off guard, falls short however Hassell gathering. Kane and Babalola combining in attack on the right winning Luton a corner kick, defended by Fraser, Bowers and Pitsea race forwards on the counter attack Holly Moore carrying the ball forwards on to Ebony Moore inside to Dowman 25 out lays it back to Holly Moore to hit first time the ball racing narrowly wide of the post. 

Full time Bowers & Pitsea Ladies 0-3 Luton Town Ladies

  Luton winning 3-0 to claim the 3 points lift them up the Premier Division table. A solid performance keeping it tight at the back waiting for their opportunities to attack, 3 clinical finishes to win the game. Tight at the back hard to break down. Bowers & Pitsea enjoying good spell of possession moving the ball well, just lacking in the final third, good opportunities created just not exploited. 

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several contenders as usual. For Bowers & Pitsea no doubting has to be Danni Jennings put in a real shift at the back on hand on several ocassions to put in the vital tackle. Overall hard to single out an individual for Luton the defence solid keeping a good shape. Carroll in the middle and Kane up front with some good runs the award though goes to Erica Byron several timely runs through the middle setting up Kane for her 2nd goal and a superb hit for her goal.

Always competitive in the ERWFL the Premier Division a strong league this year. Good to get a trip down to Essex in been a while. Safe to say I haven’t missed the M25 though. My thanks to both clubs for the team details as ever much appreciated.

Match Report – Cup Final Special

Sunday 24th March

Essex Women’s Trophy Final

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies v Lawford Ladies

More Final action this Sunday on Women’s Football East the 3rd in 8 days, a trip down south this time to Aveley FC for the Essex Women’s Trophy Final this season being contested by Bowers & Pitsea Ladies & Lawford Ladies.

  A later kick-off for today’s final as part of #FemaleFinalsDay Essex County FA hosting 3 finals in one day for the first time all 3 as the hashtag suggests female. An early start with the U14s Girls Cup Final kicking off at 10am followed by the U16s Girls Cup with the Essex Women’s Trophy Final kicking of at around 4pm. A celebration of girls & women’s football across the county.

A great day to for Billericay Town’s girls sides with the club winning both trophies. Their U14s beating Tigers Girls (Yellow) 2-0 with both goals scored by Elise Jennings in the 1st half. Billericay Town Girls U16s also enjoying success with 2nd half goals from Freya Fuller, Bryony Barron & Mya Turner securing a 3-1 win over C&K Basildon. A successful day for Billericay Town Ladies youth sides a bright future the women’s Reserves side top of Essex Women’s Division One whilst the 1st team will be aiming to win the County Cup itself on Thursday 18th April.

  Onto this afternoon’s final, a new format for the Essex Women’s Trophy brought in last season, the sides knocked out in the early rounds of the County Cup getting a 2nd shot at winning silverware entering the Trophy. ERWFL Division One side, Hutton Ladies winning the trophy last year. Once again it will be an all ERWFL Division One Final.

  Bowers & Pitsea Ladies are an established side in the ERWFL, A new name merging with Bowers & Pitsea FC, having been Little Thurrock Dynamos, a strong partnership growing between the clubs the ladies side having a state of the art 3G pitch to play on are amongst the sides gunning for promotion in Division One. Have plans to grow a new Development side and U18s in the pipeline for next season.

  Lawford Ladies made the step up to regional football this season. A baptism of fire with a heavy loss in their opening fixture. Rallied well as they went on to win their next 4 league & cup matches were undefeated in six as they proved they could compete well at this level have held their own since in what has proven to be a very competitve league this season. Injuries of late have taken a toll along with player departures but the club has a large squad to call upon. 

  The two sides have met once so far this season their league game at Bowers & Pitsea’s Len Salmon Stadium seeing the home side win 3-2.

Road to the Final

   A bye for both sides in the 1st Round of the competition. Into the quarter finals. Bowers & Pitsea were at home playing Essex Women’s Premier Division side, Southend United Ladies, goals from Georgia Fraser and Eloise Ives securing a 2-1 win. Lawford Ladies were on the road taking on another Essex Women’s Premier Division side, Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. A brace from Stacey Teager along with goals from Erin Hornby, Susan Jackson, Hayley Chapman & Daisy Canny seeing Lawford with the game 6-2.

  Into the last 4. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies were at home to another Essex Women’s Premier Division side Collier Row Tigers who can be a handful for anyone on their day. Drawing 1-1 at half-time Bowers & Pitsea scored twice in the 2nd half to book their place in the final with Georgia Fraser on target once again along with a brace for striker Sophie Dowman. Lawford Ladies were away to last season’s beaten trophy finalists Silver End United Ladies. The sides were drawing 2-2 after the 90 minutes were up heading into extra-time Lawford struck twice more to get through to today’s final,

The #FemaleFinalsDay taking place at Aveley FC. Is a smart new stadium boasting a fantastic looking clubhouse facility a large ground floor bar with suite upstairs both overlooking the pitch a kitchen serving hot food and drinks. Hosted the Essex Women’s County Cup Final last season. The finals day this Sunday, a glorious spring day bright and sunny, perfect weather (can’t say that very often). The 3G surface offering plenty of width. Seating on both sides of the pitch the clubhouse putting one side in shade as the sun begins to fall.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Charlotte Stephens (C), Courtney Fraser, Ebony Moore, Danielle Styles, Natalie Strange, Taylor Adcock, Abbie Simmonds, Holly Moore, Eloise Ives, Georgia Fraser & Sophie Dowman. Subs – Taylor Parrish, Kerrie Thomas, Alesi Harris, Keegan Russell & Emma Mackie.

Lawford Ladies starting XI – Jamie Newstead, Sheena Foley, Hayley Chapman, Chloe Butler, Ella Boyden, Megan Bamber, Claire Gauntlett, Tess Ryan, Jodie Sharp, Daisy Canny (C) & Susan Jackson. Subs – Michelle MacRae, Harriet Young, Erin Hornby, Jade Heath & Stacey Teager.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Bowers & Pitsea to get the final underway kicking off 1st half wearing red and white vertical striped shirts, red shorts and red and white hooped socks with Lawford lining up opposite in sky blue and white vertical striped shirts, navy shorts and socks. The ball played back towards the defend the attempted crossfield diagonal ball right to left intercepted by Lawford midfielder Megan Bamber. 

Bowers & Pitsea press forwards coming inside from the left Holly Moore plays a cross into the area the ball intercepted by the Lawford defence the clearance straight back to Bowers & Pitsea sent back into the box low for Eloise Ives top of the area she turns well getting a shot away the ball running wide across goal. Jodie Sharp carries the ball on for Lawford sends a long diagonal ball on for captain Daisy Canny to chase down as she peels away to the right, Courtney Fraser at left back doing well in defence for Bowers & Pitsea preventing her getting in behind. 

  A positive start from Bowers & Pitsea the ball with Georgia Fraser pushed into Sophie Dowman the striker shooting from range 25 yards left of the D her attempt safe in the hands of Lawford goalkeeper Jamie Newstead. Canny getting onto the ball likes to take players on makes progress down the left wing winning a throw in. The final ball in cut out by Natalie Strange at the back for Bowers & Pitsea who go straight on the offensive.

Lawford Ladies captain, Daisy Canny

  Play turned around as Bamber brings the ball on fr Lawford put forwards early up to the attackers, Susan Jackson putting pressure on the Bowers & Pitsea back line in an attempt to win it 25 yards out the ball deflected left straight into the path of Canny she takes it on into the area, goalkeeper an captain Charlotte Stephens out to try and close her down going to ground Canny taking the ball on around her left of goal the angle closing as she enters the six yard box her shot in cannoning away of the base of the near post. 

  Shaping up to be a lively game both sides looking to attack quickly, Ella Boyden for Lawford playing the ball up to Jackson, Danielle Styles winning it back for Bowers & Pitsea. Lawford are awarded a free-kick wide out wide, Sheena Foley to play the set piece the ball up towards the top of the area dealt with by Bowers & Pitsea’s Taylor Adcock. Courtney Fraser on for Holly Moore on the left her ball into the box for Dowman is closed down quickly no room to turn and get a shot away.

  Space on the right for Bowers & Pitsea as they counter the ball turned out wide to the wing by Dowman central she turns and bursts into the area as Ives takes it on getting into the corner her cross drilled in square towards the near post Dowman timing her run perfectly meeting it attempts to flick in on the ball put wide. Dowman and Georgia Fraser combine central 20 yards out the latter getting a shot in on target, Newstead right behind it. 

 Canny continues to cause problems for the Bowers & Pitsea defence in attack moving all across the back line coming right support from Tess Ryan, Styles moving out to close her down puts the ball out for a throw. Lawford gain ground on the left a throw put inside to Canny turning and pushing on inside the box wriggling away from her marker gets a shot away under challenge, Stephens down low to claim it at her near post. 

Chloe Butler clearing the ball for Lawford Ladies

  Ebony Moore with an opportunity to shoot as she gets forwards for Bowers & Pitsea drifting in central the ball coming to her following good work from Dowman on the left, her shot held by Newstead. Bowers & Pitsea are starting to stretch the Lawford back line find gaps in behind pull players out of position as they push players forwards, Adcock and Abbie Simmonds doing well in the middle of the park. Foley clearing for Lawford, they attempt to break Strange intercepts keeps the attack alive.

  GOAL! The ball played in towards Dowman who hassles the Lawford defence well trying to gain an advantage right outside the area sees Holly Moore free to her left the pass played into her Moore catches it sweetly her 1st time strike flying into the top corner to give Bowers & Pitsea the lead midway through the 1st half 1-0.

Holly Moore with a wonder hit to put Bowers & Pitsea into the lead

  Bowers & Pitsea regain the ball from the restart break with Ives away on the right her cross in high across the face of goal, Dowman jumping at the far post can’t get to it. Georgia Fraser has the ball fired into her 20 yards out, attempting to bring it down and get a shot away is closed down by Lawford’s Foley the defender winning the tackle. Sharp sends the ball on for Canny bursting away on the right, Styles across to challenge, the ball kept alive by Ryan who takes it on down the line before being fouled. The ball into the area cleared by Bowers & Pitsea. 

Lawford Ladies, Sheena Foley

  Simmonds central puts the ball in for Georgia Fraser turns infield 20 yards out lets fly with a shot rising, Newstead does brilliantly the goalkeeper throwing her hands up, getting a touch to push the ball up and onto the crossbar as she falls back. Lawford make a change with Claire Gauntlett coming off for Jade Heath. End to end action Georgia Fraser spreading play to the right for Ives bringing the ball inside, Bamber is back defending for Lawford, the ball up field quickly with Canny after it, Strange defending fr Bowers & Pitsea.

  The ball played forwards, Jackson after it, an error from the Bowers & Pitsea defence the clearance missed the ball in behind the attacker onto it right outside the box has Sharp free to the left of the D the ball rolled into her path her 1st time effort is dragged wide at the near post. 

  GOAL! Bowers & Pitsea double their lead with 33 minutes played the ball through the middle rapidly on for Georgia Fraser her run taking her in behind the defence closing in on the area shoots plenty of power behind the ball the strike over the keeper before she can set herself and on into the back of the net beyond 2-0.

Georgia Fraser double Bowers & Pitsea Ladies lead

   Bowers & Pitsea press the attack getting forwards Georgia Fraser linking with Ives on the right a clever back heel putting Ives on down the wing her cut back finding Fraser top of the area she cross in central headed clear. Holly Moore taking the ball on down the left comes inside Hayley Chapman getting back at her sliding in to win the ball. Sharp is quick with the ball at her feet brings it on for Lawford aims to release Canny on the right, Courtney Fraser making the tackle. 

Courtney Fraser tackling, Lawford’s Daisy Canny

  Late in the first half Bowers & Pitsea make their first change, Georgia Fraser the player off on comes Keegan Russell to join the attack. Soon after comes the first corner of the game to be played in from the left the ball finds Simmonds coming near side stooping into the header turns it goalwards her attempt straight at Newstead who gets her gloves firmly around the ball. 

Lawford goalkeeper Jamie Newstead saving from an Abbie Simmonds header

Half-time Bowers & Pitsea Ladies 2-0 Lawford Ladies

  Two clinical finishes from Bowers & Pitsea see them leading 2-0 at half-time. Have played well getting forwards in number, Down and Georgia Fraser leading the line well with good support on the wings from Holly Moore and Ives. Their movement dragging Lawford out of position at times. Lawford not out of it by any means have had fewer chances but opportunities to score themselves, Canny striking the post early on.

 Lawford out first after the half-time break have made a change Erin Hornby is on, Chapman the player off, a bit of reorganising with Jackson going over to right back Ryan up top with Canny. Bowers & Pitsea also making a change with Emma Mackie on for Simmonds. Lawford playing the ball straight up to the attackers from kick-off an early touch 2nd half for Stephens in the Bowers & Pitsea goal as she gives the call.

  An early corner for Lawford the ball hooked behind by the Bowers & Pitsea defence players forwards the delivery in high taken well by Stephens at the near post. Lawford with a positive start to the 2nd half the ball crossed into the area from the left cushioned down by Heath with Ryan in close support on the penalty spot her shot charged down the ball rebounding out gathered by Bamber 25 yards out her strike back in saved by Stephens. 

  Lawford attack left Sharp on for Canny down the line her cross in low, Styles getting in front of Ryan to clear the ball only finding Bamber she puts it back in towards Heath, central her shot smashed against a defender. Lawford getting bodies forwards, Styles busy in the Bowers & Pitsea defence out to charge down Sharp as canny central plays the ball out to her on the left the cleared ball gathered by Canny inside the D, is quickly closed down still manages to snatch a shot goalwards a deflection taking it wide for a corner. 

Megan Bamber coming forwards for Lawford Ladies

  A change for Bowers & Pitsea with Georgia Fraser returning to the action Holly Moore coming off. Lawford continue to cause Bowers & Pitsea problems winning the ball higher up the pitch now Bamber able to drive on with the ball. A free-kick in the middle for Lawford, Adcock dealing with the delivery towards the top of the area for Bowers & Pitsea. Taylor Parrish comes on for Bowers & Pitsea replacing Ebony Moore.

  Styles winning the ball at the back for Bowers & Pitsea play stretched as it’s played on to Dowman turns her marker getting away on the right wins a throw that brings a corner kick. A high ball into the six yard box attacked, played stopped with a Lawford player down. The game moving past the hour Lawford have Bowers & Pitsea on the back foot, win a free-kick in a central position 30 yards from goal right of the D, Hornby on it fires the ball into the box runs wide evading an outstretched leg.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, Danielle Styles

  GOAL! Moments later Canny is brought down attacking in a similar position more central this time a couple of yards closer. Hornby is there again with Sharp. Sharp to take is a superb strike over the ball dipping late to find the top corner little Stephens can do as she throws herself across her goal Lawford’s excellent start to the 2nd half brings a goal 2-1.

Jodie Sharp makes it 2-1 with a brilliant free-kick for Lawford Ladies

  Ryan turning central plays the ball on both Canny and Sharp after it left inside the box almost get in each others way Canny getting clear for Sharp to shoot the effort rising over the crossbar. Newstead comes out well to the edge of her area to close down Dowman as the Bowers & Pitsea striker runs in clear behind her defence. Lawford have Bowers & Pitsea on the back foot Ryan sending the ball on for Sharp getting away on the left her low driven cross cut out at the near post by Parrish a corner conceded. 

  The corner left side played in high Styles with the commanding header sends it behind for a 2nd corner. The 2nd taken short before being played in the delivery met by Boyden at the near post a glancing header taking the ball wide across the face of goal. Lawford bring off Ryan send on Stacey Teager to join the attack. Pushing on are taking risks at the back Bowers & Pitsea ready to hit on the counter Dowman spinning in behind to get into the box as she lays the ball off for Georgia Fraser left drives a cross in across the face of goal Dowman going for it can’t make contact. 

Sophie Dowman always looking for an opening in attack for Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  Mackie back to slide in win the ball break up a Lawford attack as they look to get forwards through the middle. Canny turning inside from a throw on the left she shoots Styles blocking the loose ball save quickly gathered by Stephens. Bowers & Pitsea win a series of corners, can’t get a telling shot away the 3rd delivery taken low on her line by Newstead. A double change for Lawford Jackson and Boyden off, on come Harriett Young and Ryan. 10 minutes left to play Bowers & Pitsea bring Holly Moore back on for Russell. 

  GOAL! Moore nearly returned to the action scoring her 2nd of the game to give Bowers & Pitsea a vital 3rd goal. The attack beginning on the right the ball squared onto Dowman positioned to of the area, her first time strike doesn’t quite come off still has possession sends it on to Moore clear to the left of the D, another clinical strike hit first time sailing into the top corner 3-1.

  GOAL! Game over! Not quite as Lawford push forwards numbers into the box as Canny takes the ball on down the right a cross driven high into the box met by Styles central the defenders header parrying the ball high into the the air a scramble for the ball inside the six yard box the ball smashed in inside the post to reduce the deficit once again. Ryan with the goal 3-2.

Tess Ryan gets it back to 3-2 for Lawford Ladies

  An ambitious effort from Moore 25 yards out, but why not when you’re on a hat-trick in a final her effort safely held by Newstead. A flare up in the middle of the park with Dowman and Young coming together quickly defused by referee Reece Morley, Young shown a yellow card. A frantic finish to the game Lawford trying for a 3rd whilst Bowers & Pitsea aim to put the game to bed, Moore playing it on for Dowman has Georgia Fraser ahead of her receiving the pass her cross into the box is won by Lawford’s Foley. Into injury time a free-kick for Lawford wide left for a push on Canny the ball played in central, Teager with it into her body back to goal, Styles on top of her preventing the striker from turning. The ball cleared the final whistle blows and Bowers & Pitsea win the Essex Women’s Trophy Final. 

Full time Bowers & Pitsea Ladies 3-2 Lawford Ladies

  That was a very entertaining final, a great contest and showcase for the game played on the whole in good spirits. Bowers & Pitsea having the better of the first half taking the lead with two clinical strikes looked comfortable, Lawford had opportunities however reorganising for the 2nd half began it well getting onto the front foot early and getting the goal that play deserved as they restricted their opponents up the other end. Into the last 10 minutes Bowers & Pitsea getting what would prove to be a vital 3rd goal again from another superb strike. Lawford though came straight back to make it 3-2 and ensure no comfortable finish to the final pushed Bowers & Pitsea all the way. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  On to this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders as is often the case. Holly Moore with two special goals. Georgia Fraser too with a well taken finish dong well in attack for Bowers & Pitsea. Daisy Canny a threat up front for Lawford all game. In the end goes to a player who has already won one of these already this season back then through it was for an attacking display this afternoon she was a commanding figure in the heart of the Bowers & Pitsea defence, getting in vital blocks, closing down well and reading threats Danielle Styles.

FAWSL star, Kate Longhurst present to present the players with their medals and the trophy itself.

Winning captain Charlotte Stephens with Kate Longhurst

Congratulations to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies on winning the Essex Women’s Trophy.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, 2018/19 Essex Women’s Trophy Winners

An enjoyable trip down to Essex for this afternoon’s final, an entertaining game Lawford pushing Bowers & Pitsea all the way. Essex FA doing a great job making the day a special occasion a fantastic programme too. My thanks as always to both sides for their help with the team line-ups today, the match reports don’t work without them.

Match Report – Bowers & Pitsea Ladies v Stevenage Ladies Reserves

Sunday 25th November

ERWFL Division One

A return to league action on Women’s Football East with a game from the top of ERWFL Division One, travelling down to Essex to watch 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies take on league leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves.

  Bowers & Pitsea Ladies a new name in the league this season but an established side having joined forces with a new club make the name change after previously been known as Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

  A 5 point league for Stevenage Ladies Reserves who won the ERWFL Division One South title last season. Ineligible to take promotion to the Premier Division as a reserves side ERWFL Division One the highest level they can reach, have started this season strongly too in what is a single Division One league this season starting with 13 sides but now sadly down to 12 following the withdrawal of Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. 4 straight league wins to start the season for Stevenage before suffering a 5-0 away defeat to newly promoted Newmarket Town Ladies. That their only loss in the league to date however a 100% record since sees them in a strong position at the top of the table. Daniela Martucci leading the goal scoring charts with 11 goals.

 Is an ever changing picture below Stevenage in the race to catch them at the top of the table a cluster of sides separated by just 4 points with from Bowers & Pitsea in 2nd down to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies in 7th and 8th & 9th placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies & Histon Ladies both have games in hand get a run going and both could yet threaten. 3 of the newly promoted sides starting well all amongst those tussling in the top half, St Ives Town Ladies, Newmarket Town Ladies and Essex side Lawford Ladies. Hutton Ladies with Vicky Kinsman leading the attack have started well too.

 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies unbeaten in their last 3 league games collecting 7 points get out in front of that pack this their 3rd game in a week having played last Sunday and then again on Thursday night taking on Charlton Athletic in the quarter finals of the Bostik Cup going down to a 7-1 defeat. Back to the league this time Sunday meeting Stevenage for the 2nd time this season a narrow 3-2 loss in the reverse fixture. Proving to be a league were anyone can beat anyone on their day.

 The Len Salmon Stadium the venue for today’s game a few changes since the last time I visited a brand new pitch, a state of the art 4G playing surface, Bowers & Pitsea always having a wide pitch the new pitch installed in September a good size railing all around two small seated and covered stands, a new dugouts, the first part of a planned redevelopment of the stadium that will see a new clubhouse, function room and changing facilities built. Very much a community club the ladies side now a part of that community. Final weekend in November a chilly and overcast afternoon, don’t need the hat on yet but it won’t be long. 

Stevenage warming up on the new playing surface at The Len Salmon Stadium

Bowers & Pitsea starting XI – Charlotte Stephens (C), Courtney Fraser, Natalie Strange, Jennifer Lyttle, Taylor Parrish, Taylor Adcock, Sabrina Campbell, Georgia Fraser, Danielle Styles, Emma Mackie & Sophie Dowman. Subs – Alesi Harris, Rebecca Cochoran, Eloise Ives, Ebony Moore & Louise Daly.

Stevenage Ladies Reserves starting XI – Keri Green, Hayley Wood-Thompson, Amelia Keown, Amy Notschild (C), Shona Chitate, Steffany Cowell, Sherrie Evans, Rebecca Brooker, Gemma Biggadike, Hannah Marshall & Emily Schofield. Subs – Naomi Sleator, Sydney Webb, Louise Sollis & Daniela Martucci.

   (roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Bowers & Pitsea to get the first half under way wearing red shirts with white and red vertical stripes down the front, red shorts and red and white hooped socks. Stevenage in an all blue kit with white trim. The home side moving the ball out to the right looking for Danielle Styles, Amelia Keown stepping in the make the challenge for Stevenage at left back. Stevenage counter attack Steffany Cowell getting hold of the ball in central midfield driving forwards out to Hannah Marshall on her right she lifts the ball over the top with Emily Schofield running through toward the box shoots early her effort lacking any pace as it runs safely through to Bowers & Pitsea goalkeeper and captain, Charlotte Stephens.

Bowers & Pitsea’s, Sabrina Campbell challenging Stevenage’s Rebecca Brooker

   Georgia Fraser attacking left side for Bowers & Pitsea looks to make ground is stopped by right back Hayley Wood-Thompson, Fraser getting back to the ball wins her side the first corner of the game, swung in near side lands on the roof of the net. Bowers & Pitsea are pushing players forwards defending a high line the diagonal ball left to right almost has Styles in behind on the right, Keown getting a vital header to clear the ball. 

  GOAL! A positive start from Bowers & Pitsea it’s the visitors who hit them on the counter and open the scoring inside the first 5 minutes attacking down the right side the cross squared in low central is picked up by Schofield taking the ball on across the top of the area Stephens comes to close her down keeps herself big Schofield sending the shot through her legs to give Stevenage the lead 0-1.

   Bowers & Pitsea push forwards from the restart Sabrina Campbell taking the ball on into the left channel on for Sophie Dowman ahead of her she slides the pass out to Georgia Fraser on the left wing she sends the cross in towards the near post, Amy Notschild captaining Stevenage getting back in defence to get her head on the ball clears. A few early refereeing decisions upsetting the Stevenage players. Schofield fed the ball through the middle has Rebecca Brooker looking to get away on the right, wins a throw in, the ball played up the line before a high cross is fired into the area, Jennifer Lyttle winning the header for Bowers & Pitsea. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s, Jennifer Lyttle

  GOAL! Bowers & Pitsea get themselves back on level terms attacking Campbell spots Styles run wide right sends the pass out to her, Keown gets back on her to put the ball out for a throw, deep, Bowers & Pitsea work the ball well from the throw-in the ball put back central comes straight back to Styles breaking into the box takes the ball on close to goal and from the angle six yards out smashes the shot into the back of the net 1-1.

   The home side enjoying a good spell break forwards in numbers yet again, Styles played in on the right again, rides a challenge keeping her feet before sending a looping cross in central, Keri Green in goal for Stevenage taking the ball low, catches well on the edge of her six yard box with Fraser charging in. Campbell pressuring the ball on the left side wins a corner, taken short the cross taken from a high angle into the area Taylor Parrish drifting in central headers the ball over the crossbar. Georgia Fraser with a 30 yard attempt power on the shot Green diving low at her near post probably had it covered as it runs wide.

Bowers & Pitsea’s, Taylor Adcock

   Taylor Adcock beating Sherrie Evans to the ball in the middle lays the pass on to Campbell, a power run with the ball out to Georgia Fraser left side her cross into the area claimed well by Green getting in front of Dowman’s run. Styles carrying a threat on the right for Bowers & Pitsea is in behind, Shona Chitate coming across to slide in and clear the ball for a throw. A corner on the left side as the home side attack the ball lifted in towards the top of the area central Dowman with the header, on target but too many bodies to get pass as the Stevenage defence head behind for another corner. Off the 2nd corner Styles putting a dangerous ball in across the face of the Stevenage goal a difficult one for the defence to deal with getting it out for a 3rd corner left side. Parrish up to head this one in the box for Bowers & Pitsea top of the area knocked back down towards the near post no-one can connect to turn it in.

Stevenage’s, Gemma Biggadike holding off Bowers & Pitsea defender, Natalie Strange

   GOAL! Again Stevenage come up with a goal against the run of play to retake the lead getting up the other end a corner won on the right side players come forwards as Schofield prepares to take, Gemma Biggadike up high at the near side headers the ball down into the Bowers & Pitsea defender jumping with her comes back out to Cowell top of the area back out right to the corner taker Schofield from the angle she strikes the ball hard sending it arrowing in past the keeper 1-2.

   Bowers & Pitsea make a change Eloise Ives joining the action, Emma Mackie off, Styles taking up a more central position. 

 GOAL! Stevenage get straight up the other end the ball on for Schofield to chase down in the area bouncing wide right of goal a race between her and Stephens, the goalkeeper appeared to get her gloves to the ball, as the pair come together Schofield up ended, the referee points to the spot a penalty awarded. Schofield herself to take a chance for a first half hat-trick makes no mistake sending the keeper the wrong way 1-3. Almost half an hour played.

A 1st half hat-trick for Stevenage’s Emily Schofield

   Notschild getting back to help Chitate as Dowman plays a dinked pass over the top to get Styles in behind top of the area. A throw deep on the left the ball played on into the area Dowman doing well to get her head on it turns it goalwards but straight into Green. Natalie Strange with a long pas on for Styles moving out to the right channel, Chitate getting back on her making a good challenge to regain possession the ball into midfield helped on with Schofield running on Brooker to her left Courtney Fraser tackling the ball going for a throw. 

   Campbell strong on the ball coming on with it for Bowers & Pitsea 30 yards out hits a tremendous strike in towards goal, Green no chance the ball smashing down off the crossbar into the six yard box, Stevenage clear. Lyttle winning the ball at the back played forwards high for Styles back to goal 20 yards out controls well before flicking it on for Ives going past her on the overlap, Keown doing well getting out to her to make the tackle for Stevenage a corner conceded. The ball into the area over the heads of Strange and Fraser, Wood-Thompson clearing it behind for another corner at the far post

  GOAL! A great ball delivered into the area finds Georgia Fraser sneaking in unmarked central meeting the ball low turning it goalwards the shot racing in through a crowded six yard box to nestle in the back of the net 2-3.

    GOAL! Two quickfire goals see Bowers & Pitsea right back on level terms as they score from another corner ball, on the left side the delivery long towards the far post defender Parrish rising unchecked far side 12 yards out sends a looping header up and in towards goal to drop under the crossbar and in 3-3.

Taylor Parrish heading home Bowers & Pitsea’s equalising goal

   Five minutes left to play in a fast paced and exciting first half the sides all square at 3-3 Styles making a nuisance of herself through the middle the ball on into the area Chitate doing well to defend close on her Styles grounded still managing to get a shot away little power on it as Green picks it up. Campbell central slides the ball on for Dowman in behind shots from the top of the area wide, but wouldn’t have counted anyway the flag up against her.

   GOAL! A complete turn around from Bowers & Pitsea, 3-1 down the take the lead late in the first half. Chitate caught in possession at the back 25 yards out Styles closing in to steal the ball bursts in behind into the area closing in on the goalkeeper, Notschild can’t get to her as Styles fires the shot past Green to claim her 2nd of the match 4-3.

  Chances have dried up for Stevenage late in the first half a rare opportunity to put the ball forwards a free-kick left side 30 yards out, Biggadike over it the delivery flighted in towards the far post Stephens can see it drop wide of her goal. Schofield pushing on with the ball central has Biggadike out to her left. top of the area is forced wide good defensive work from Ives. Biggadike getting a cross into the area, Lyttle dealing with in for Bowers & Pitsea.

Half-time Bowers & Pitsea Ladies 4-3 Stevenage Ladies Reserves

  7 goals scored in the first half an exciting 45 minutes has flown by, Bowers & Pitsea with a positive start falling behind to an early goal. Continued in that same vain getting forwards well levelling the scores but again against the run of play Stevenage did well get score two quick goals to go 3-1 up. Bowers & Pitsea kept creating chances and capitalised from 2 corners to level the scores. Styles firing them into the lead late in the half. 4-3 I’d be surprised if it stayed that way 2nd half.

Hannah Marshall looking to get forwards for Stevenage

   Stevenage to kick-off the 2nd half, have made a change Daniela Martucci carrying a slight injury on in attack, Biggadike off. Ebony Moore on in midfield replacing Adcock for the hosts. Bowers & Pitsea winning the ball central early on lift it forwards for Styles to try and bring down top of the area, Notschild getting in close on her to take the ball. Bowers & Pitsea build from the back Georgia Fraser bringing it on left sees Styles peeling out wide ahead of her sends her the ball the cross driven in towards the near post Dowman heading it down towards the top of the box with Campbell racing in meeting it first time her strike is deflected wide and behind for the corner. 

     GOAL! Bowers & Pitsea extend their lead early in the 2nd half attacking through the middle the ball fed into the run of Dowman bearing down on the box is about to be closed down, has Styles to her right slips her the ball and she sends the shot in across the keeper to score her hat-trick 5-3.

Danielle Styles completes her hat-trick for Bowers & Pitsea

   Stevenage are doing their best to push the Bowers & Pitsea defence back, Evans putting the ball on for Martucci, Parrish intercepting. Bowers & Pitsea counter break Fraser left puts the ball into the area Styles opening up her body sends the shot crashing into the side netting. Schofield operating more to the left of attack 2nd half gets the ball forwards squares it into Martucci top of the area, she looks to turn in behind but is quickly closed down. Wood-Thompson looks to get forwards for Stevenage into the area, Courtney Fraser defending for Bowers & Pitsea. 

Stevenage’s, Daniela Martucci

  Martucci central holding the ball up well outside the box lays it off for Evans to run onto a strike 20 yards out driven in low Stephens well placed in goal gathers safely for Bowers & Pitsea. The home side continue to pressure the ball well inside their opponents half, giving Stevenage little room to create as they try and up the tempo. Green sending the ball long from a kick out of the gloves finds Marshall running into space on the right crosses early the ball dropping central for Martucci, the striker not quite able to get the ball under control. 

Eloise Ives after the ball for Bowers & Pitsea

   Changes for both sides Dowman off for Bowers & Pitsea, Louise Daly on, Brooker off for Stevenage, on in her place Naomi Sleator. Moore bringing the ball down 25 yards out for Bowers & Pitsea a spin and a shot the ball held by Green in goal. 

  GOAL! Bowers & Pitsea open up a 3 goal lead Styles with her 4th of the match creating a goal out of nothing the ball out on the right a throw-in played back to her is a long way out but catches it well the ball clearing the keeper and striking the back of the net 6-3.

   Wood-Thompson coming off for Stevenage, Sydney Webb coming on. Martucci with the ball at her feet outside the area lets loose a shot the ball just a foot over the bar. Georgia Fraser on the ball for Bowers & Pitsea cutting inside from the left closing in on the box lifts a shot up over the bar. Styles comes off for Bowers & Pitsea, Rebecca Cochoran going on up front. Courtney Fraser with a long ball from the left into the area pressure on the keeper, Chitate around on the cover to clear.

   Bowers & Pitsea playing well getting forwards at will Courtney Fraser again on the left the ball in central Cochoran with support from Moore central tries to pick out Daly’s run on the right, Sleator intercepting for Stevenage. Chitate tackling Cochoran central as Georgia Fraser pushes forwards with the ball. Green taking the ball well at the feet of Daly as the cross field pass comes into the area from wide left. Campbell comes off for Bowers & Pitsea, Styles back into the action. A quiet spell the substitutions slowing things down. 

Stevenage’s, Shona Chitate

   Into the last 10 minutes Chitate with a crucial foot in to stop the ball as Ives heading the ball on almost sends Georgia Fraser in on goal. Biggadike back on for Stevenage left side lifts the ball into the area, Stephens gets her gloves firmly upon it with Martucci running in. 

  GOAL! Stevenage have picked up the pace in the last minute and the game has gotten a little stretched Schofield back into a more central role along side Martucci receiving the ball timing her run off the last defender perfectly bursts into the area and sends a low strike under the diving keeper to pull a goal back with 8 minutes left to play 6-4.

  GOAL! Straight away Stevenage score another to set up a nervous finish to the match, and it’s Schofield again with her 5th of the match almost a carbon copy of the last goal, the ball breaking favourably into her path after a committed tussle in midfield the striker in behind with the ball at her feet baring down on the keeper one on one she sends the ball wide of Stephens to bring the deficit back to a single goal 6-5.

Bowers & Pitsea’s Natalie Strange

   Their 3 goal lead in danger of being wiped out Bowers & Pitsea are suddenly on the back foot, steel themselves for the closing minutes, Strange with a vital interception at the back. Georgia Fraser breaks in behind for the hosts into the area Green coming out to meet her making a brave save at her feet the ball popping loose Fraser off balance with 2nd bite at it sends the shot over. A late fee-kick for Stevenage left side up into the box Martucci controls before sending a low shot in towards goal Stephens claiming in low at her near post.

 

Full time Bowers & Pitsea Ladies 6-5 Stevenage Ladies Reserves

  It’s rare you’ll read about a 0-0 on here and today was certainly no exception treated to 11 goals this afternoon, a good contest at the top of ERWFL Division One. Bowers & Pitsea winning 6-5 the 3 points closing the gap on Stevenage at the top to just 2 points. A good performance from the host side and overall they were the better side for larger periods of the game, Stevenage not at their best at all know that but still found the back of the net for 5 goals, Emily Schofield now top scorer by my reckoning. The visitors with the early lead, Bowers & Pitsea responding were the better side only to fall 3-1 behind kept going and got the goals back ending u with a first half lead. An early goal 2nd half went 6-3 up. Two late goals from Stevenage setting up a nervy finish, never really got going will be disappointed. A thrill for the neutral but I was probably the only one there.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to pick this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Got to give Emily Schofield a mention it’ll be unfortunate if you ever score 5 goals in a match and still end up on the losing side. All of them well taken. For Bowers & Pitsea I thought Sabrina Campbell had an excellent game in the middle of the park as did Jennifer Lyttle at the back. Overall all though with her 4 goals and the constant threat in attack and the vocal encouragement she offered her team mates today’s award goes to Danielle Styles.

   Always a warm welcome from Bowers & Pitsea, enjoyed my trip down this afternoon and entertaining game, 11 goals plenty to write but it’s the game that provides the contents I just put it into words. Pleasure seeing both sides again and thanks for the help with the teams always appreciated.