Tag Archives: Bungay Town Ladies

Match Report – Bungay Town Ladies v Dersingham Rovers Women

Sunday 24th May

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

The season’s not done quite yet, there’s still a handful of games left and with them the not so small matter of a league title to be decided. In Norfolk Women’s Division Three, the title looks set to go all the way with 3 sides in contention, meeting in so vital clashes over the next 7 days, this Sunday the new leaders of Division Three, Bungay Town Ladies are hosting 2nd placed Dersingham Rovers Women

Dereham Town Women also in the mix in 3rd away to Necton FC Women this Sunday. One of the top 3 are still within a shot of becoming champions, Bungay Town Ladies with one left to play will finish on 52 points with a win, Dersingham Rovers Women have 2 left to play tough away trip to Bungay and then 3rd placed Dereham Town Women on Thursday win both and they will finish on 51 points and become champions themselves. Dereham Town Women win all 3 of there remaining games, away to 2nd bottom Necton this Sunday then away at home to Dersingham on Thursday and then away to 4th placed Waveney Ladies A next weekend and they will finish top, so some crucial games to decide the season.

top 4 in Norfolk Division Three

I didn’t think I’d be seeing Bungay Town Ladies this season at all, despite the fact they did the league and cup double in Norfolk Women’s Division One last season, that’s because that team has made the move over to the East coast to become the new Lowestoft Town Ladies side. Having been a stalwart of the Norfolk Women’s Football League for many seasons, the club approach Lee Wakefield one of the clubs youth coaches to help set-up a new women’s side, had young players coming through are elidable for women’s football from 16 in Norfolk, plus drafting in a few more with experience and a connection to the club, it is a miracle in itself that Bungay Town still have a women’s team, let alone be in a position to challenge for a league title. But I am glad to club has kept it’s women’s side starting a fresh, the league itself being patient giving the club time to get a new side cobbled together, having to forfeit the early games in the league and county cup started their league campaign on the 5th of October.

Starting with a loss and a draw went on to record 3 straight wins before losing to Dereham who are the only side to do the double over them, despite starting late with no cups to worry about have powered on losing just 4 games winning 16 moving to the top of the Division Three table for the first time last Sunday. A remarkable achievement to go from not existing a few months ago to potential league winners. Lila-Grace Eden leading the goal scoring charts for Bungay, 3rd in the league itself too scoring 23 times from 14 appearances. Both Marnie Jessop and Maisie Lay with 8 goals each.

Norfolk is a big county, made even bigger by the likes of Bungay, Beccles and the two Waveney sides competing from just over the border in Suffolk, one area of the county that has plenty of room to grow in the women’s game is the North West of the county, Dersingham Rovers FC (between King’s Lynn and Hunstanton, doing just that by establishing a new woman’s side for the 1st time in the clubs history, assembling a strong squad to compete in Norfolk Women’s Division Three. Dersingham keen to promote the women’s side as keenly as the rest of their teams.

 Losing just 1 of their opening 6 league games have been amongst the top 3 most of the season ending 2025 with a win hit the ground running in 2026 winning 9 on the trot before Bungay themselves put an end to that run winning 3-1 at Dersingham back in April. Two wins and a draw since with just 3 losses leading the table for a spell have 2 games left winning both clinch the title, those games against Bungay this Sunday and away to Dereham on Thursday. Emma Leech top scorer for Dersingham with 21 goals to her name, Eliza McDonald and Crystal Hart both closing in on double figures with 9 and 8 respectfully while Anne-Marie Harris has 7 goals.

  Great to be back at Maltings Meadows home of Bungay Town FC, hosting the football club and a variety of other sports, The carpark and clubhouse leading onto the main pitch itself with practise pitches either side, the bar open serving hot and cold drinks, not that the hot drinks will be in much demand with a mini heatwave upon us, more cricket weather bright and sunny 26 degrees in fact there was a cricket match on too. A hot day a lack of clouds which have been the feature of this season so far, a little breeze blowing across the pitch making being out in the sun more bearable, not that I should complain.

  Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Laura Beevor, Alana Bartley, Amari Whitaker, Erin Baylis, Lily Carman, Marnie Jessop, Jade Page (C) Maddie Flatman, Ava Eden, Sophie Turrell & Lila-Grace Eden. Subs – Rosie Beevor & Victoria Wakefield.

Bungay Town Ladies

 Dersingham Rovers Women starting XI – Shayla Kendle-Johnson, Molly Sands. Holly Melton, Loretta Burrell, Tiffany Ross, Eliza McDonald (C), Chloe Melton, Emily Rix, Crystal Hart, Lyndsey Bunn & Emma Leech. Subs – Leeanne Smith & Carolyn Flowerdew.

Dersingham Rovers Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Eliza McDonald and Jade Page with todays match referee Wlodzimierz Szczerba

Both sides with two substitutes to call upon from the bench it’s the hosts Bungay to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing sky blue shirts with black shorts and socks with Dersingham lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirt with black sleeves, black shorts and yellow socks. The ball played back into the defence lifted long out to the left wing with Sophie Turrell looking to attack it, Loretta Burrell winning it for Dersingham bringing the ball out of defence, closed down, the resulting coming together seeing the Dersingham player pulled up for the foul.

Turrell over the ball wide of the area 30 yards out, curls it in on goal, bouncing through to goalkeeper, Shayla Kendle-Johnson skips up off the grass, knocks it back down with her gloves grabbing hold of it at the 2nd attempt before Bungay can pounce. Bungay lively at the start quick to get the ball on into their wide players, Turrell in particular on the left taking it on has her captain, Jade Page ahead of her, sending the pass on up the line Page sees her cross attempt intercepted by Dersingham’s Burrell.

Erin Baylis snapping in to win the ball at the back for Bungay plays it long into the right for Maddie Flatman, played for into Lily Carman her cross cut out by full back Tiffany Ross away for the throw in. Kendal-Johnson kicking the ball clear, helped on finds it way all the way back to her opposite number, Laura Beevor, Bungay waste no time in getting the ball back up the other end, fed on for Turrell racing away left flank all the way to the by-line her looping cross caught by Kendle-Johnson.

Dersingham goalkeeper, Shayla Kendle-Johnson

Dersingham captain, Eliza McDonald getting hold of the ball in the middle sending it one for Emma Leech up top drives forward taking the ball into the left channel, looking to link up with Crystal Hart making a run central the ball cut out by Baylis. McDonald with the ball at her feet right side 25 yards out sends a shot wide across the area, retrieved by Emily Rix on the left her cross back into the mix claimed by Beevor.

McDonald stealing the ball back in the middle for Dersingham pushing forwards players looking to support her on the left turning inside, Baylis making the blocking tackle. Alana Bartley getting her foot in to defend for Bungay as Rix looks to get into the box from the left. Chloe Melton into Lyndsey Bunn right side up to Hart, her cross collected by Beevor.

GOAL! Bungay quick to get the ball on whenever the defence breaks up play at the ball the ball sent on up the left wing for Turrell to chase, stretching out a leg to stop the ball going out of play, in front of the Dersingham bench they immediately appeal even as play goes on pace form Turrell to get down the line sends a looping cross into the six yard box, Lila-Grace Eden making the far post run getting on the end of it to turn the ball over the line to open the scoring in the 8th minute, 1-0.

Lila-Grace Eden opening the scoring for Bungay

Bungay with the lead, Dersingham furious protesting saying the ball was out of play before the cross was delivered, didn’t get a clear view myself nevertheless the goal stands. Bungay waste no time getting the ball on through the middle into Carman on the right inside for Lili-Grace Eden, Holly Melton with the challenge for Dersingham the ball behind for a corner kick. Bungay going with a short routine working the ball back to the corner taker to open the angle up for the cross, send in over the bar.

Baylis throwing out a leg to intercept at the back for Bungay. Tackles flying in central, McDonald winning it back for Dersingham on for Leech plays it forwards for Hart into the right channel, knocking it on looking to attack her touch a little too strong giving Beevor the opportunity to close the ball down and claim. Dersingham a little unsettled still frustrated from conceding as another decision goes against them as Turrell gets on up the left, riding Molly Sands’ tackle inside her cross cut out by Burrell the corner conceded. Curled into the near post intercepted by Burrell, who is fouled as she attempts to bring the ball out of her area.

Dersingham’s Loretta Burrell with Bungay’s Ada Eden

Chloe Melton linking up with Rix left side running into Baylis as she brings the ball infield, Dersingham getting bodies up to pressure the ball in the final 3rd finds it’s way over to Hart right, Amari Whitaker closing her down well for Bungay. Marnie Jessop getting back from midfield to get hold of the ball at the back for Bungay, wastes no time in getting her side back on the attack the ball fed up into the right Lili-Grace Eden onto it wide 20 yards out unleashing a shot on the angle driven in Kendle-Johnson at her near post saving with her legs, back out to the right Bungay pressing the ball forcing a corner kick.

Chloe Melton in to tackle Bungay’s Lily Carman

 GOAL! The corner delivered into the near side, cut out by Ross, retrieved out on the wing by Carman even as Dersingham look to clear their box, the cross curled back in from the angle attacked at the near post by Lili-Grace Eden and turned in to double the lead 2-0.

Lila-Grace Eden in to double Bungay’s lead

The hosts getting themselves into a 2 goal lead inside the opening quarter hour, Dersingham again angry feeling they should have gotten an offside decision, clearly frustrated finding themselves on the back foot. Bungay remain lively in attack, Jessop into Turrell racing on left side, held up by Sands comes back inside to lay the ball in central for Jessop 25 yards out, leaning back into her shot sees the ball screw wide out past the right post.

Dersingham unhappy voicing their frustration feeling every decision is going against them, an attack broken up Whitaker back on through the middle for Page she lifts the ball on through the middle for Lili-Grace Eden breaking in behind into the left channel racing on taking the ball into the box, one on one with the keeper, closing in on the six yard box, Kendle-Johnson throwing herself down saves well at the strikers feet.

Bungay’s Sophie Turrell

 

Bungay winning a free-kick on the left for a hand ball which Dersingham felt should have been given the other way. Baylis over the ball sends it long to the far post, attacked but no telling touch out for a goal kick. Dersingham making a change Bunn coming off, send on Carolyn Flowerdew. Dersingham looking to impose themselves on the game getting some joy, Hart bundled over by Whitaker on the right winning the free-kick. McDonald to play the ball into the box goes long but retrieved on the far side the cross put back in cleared by Baylis.

Bungay with a rapid counter the ball into Jessop plays a give and go with Turrell on the right the return pass into Jessop fed on into the box, as Turrell races on looking to get in behind the pass too close to the keeper, Kendle-Johnson getting hold of it. A hot afternoon a drinks break called halfway through the first half for the players to take on fluids.

 GOAL! Dersingham with a throw up on the right as the game resumes. players forwards Hart with, Leech the ball played on across the top of the Bungay area, McDonald onto it in space left of the D, shoots putting the ball low across the keeper to find the bottom corner and pull it back to 2-1.

Eliza McDonald pulls a goal back for Dersingham

McDonald busy in the middle for Dersingham winning the ball back sends a diagonal ball into the left for Rix to attack, Baylis stretching out a leg to cut it out for Bungay. Flowerdew central seeing the ball into her feet going forwards taking on the strike from 30 yards out, Beevor back on her line right behind it to save. Page getting on well for Bungay on the by-line left side digging the cross out, Burrell defending for Dersingham.

Flowerdew giving Dersingham a little extra thrust though the middle taking the ball on, Baylis proactive in the Bungay defence out to close her down put in the challenge the ball won back Bungay waste no time getting it on into the right channel, Carman on for Lila-Grace Eden producing a fierce shot on the angle the ball beat down by Kendle-Johnson. The referee awarding Bungay another free-kick as Burrell tackles Lila-Grace Eden as she looks to link up with Turrell on the right. A good distance out the striker over the free-kick looks to play it in on goal, not troubling Kendle-Johnson sees it all the way.

Ava Eden on for Page 20 yards out to the right of the Dersingham area plays it out to Flatman on the wing sends it back into the area for Lili-Grace Eden to attack, Burrell blocking the cross/shot turned behind for the corner kick. The corner curled into the side netting. Hart over on the left for Dersingham looking to cut in from the wing, Baylis in to close her down the ball away for a throw in the corner. Flowerdew seeing the ball into her feet well turning to get into the box, Beevor moving towards the ball going to ground getting hold of it.

Bungay’s Amari Whitaker

A bit of pressure from Dersingham up on the left Flowerdew wide sending the ball in across the face of goal, Hart running in far post not quite able to get there, but as it runs out of play the corner is signalled. A dangerous ball in curled in under the bar, Beevor getting an arm up well to turn the ball away to the left, played back central into Hart looks to force her way into the box tackled by Jessop.

Bungay midfielder, Marnie Jessop

Bungay getting the ball up to Page moving left up with Turrell the ball played in central to Lila-Grace Eden shoots from 25 yards out right of the D her effort racing wide of the left post. McDonald winning the ball in the middle for Dersingham linking up with Hart ahead of her she in turn playing it into Flowerdew making the run into the left channel taking the ball on Baylis in to close her down with the blocking tackle.

Dersingham’s Carolyn Flowerdew

A competitive tussle now Dersingham still frustrated getting players on well in attack, need to remain careful at the back with Bungay using their pace to turn play around. Turrell threatening as she bursts away to deliver the ball into the six yard box, attacked by Lili-Grace Eden at the near post her attempt lifted up wide of the upright.

Pushing on through the middle McDonald playing the ball up to Leech in attack, Beevor out quickly to the top of her area to get hold of the ball.

Bungay goalkeeper, Laura Beevor

 Bungay straight on the counter, Ava Eden up to Page coming left has Turrell bursting on down the flank looking to get in behind looks to play her in the pass too straight, Kendle-Johnson getting to it first.

 GOAL! Late in the first half Dersingham getting more joy now though the middle McDonald on for Flowerdew the ball pushed in for Leech run in behind the Bungay defence taking the ball on to the top of the area, Beevor rushing out too try and close her down, going to ground the attacker squeezing the ball past her seeing it run to the far post gives chase the ball across the open goal and sees it over the line to score the equalising goal 2-2.

Half-time Bungay Town Ladies 2-2 Dersingham Rovers Women

  Dersingham finishing the half strong to see the sides level at the break, the two sides staying out on the pitch for the half-time interval, clustered around the meagre shade offered by the dugouts. Bungay with the early lead lively at the start getting players on attacking the flanks the goal coming in controversial circumstances Dersingham feeling the ball hadn’t been kept in play in the build up to the goal, were further frustrated as Bungay went onto to add a 2nd. The game settling down Dersingham starting to build some momentum in attack, competitive, the Bungay defence solid winning the ball quick to turn play around Dersingham getting it back to 2-1. Kendle-Johnson saving up the other end to deny Lila-Grace Eden a 1st half hat-trick before Emma Leech broke in behind the Bungay defence to fire in the equaliser at the ned of the half, still very much all to play for.

Both sides making a change at the break, Page off for Bungay on in her place Rosie Beevor. Chloe Melton off for Dersingham on in attack Leeanne Smith. It’s Dersingham to get the 2nd half underway played back to the defence lifted long to the left channel, Baylis defending for Bungay. Play turned around Bungay looking to get it out to Turrell left side, Sands into tackle the ball out for a throw.

Dersingham’s Molly Sands

Flowerdew central seeing the ball into her feet back too goal turning it out to the right for Hart, her cross cut out by Whittaker away for the throw. Flatman to hook the ball clear top of the area for Bungay as Dersingham work it inside from their right. Dersingham getting layers on better at the start of the 2nd half Flowerdew holding the ball up well, looks to turn it on for Leech, Jessop in the way to get the ball back for Bungay.

Bungay’s Maddie Flatman

Pressure from Dersingham Rix linking up with Flowerdew back to McDonald taking it right Bungay giving away the foul presenting Dersingham with a free-kick out towards the right outside the box. McDonald to hit it in struck well but wide of the far post. Bungay’s defence under a little pressure the hosts struggling to get the ball out of their half, Dersingham keeping players forwards McDonald on through the middle pushing the ball into Leech gives it back looking to spin in behind, McDonald with the through ball, Beevor stepping up to lay claim to the ball.

Jessop finding Lilia-Grace Eden in attack back to goal holding off Burrell turns the ball out to Turrell bursting on past her on the left, shooting on the angle from the left corner of the area blasts the ball over the bar. Lilia-Grace Eden linking up with Turrell well on the left the winger keeping Sands busy the full back lunging in to take the ball away from her, Turrell back on it squeezing it inside to Eden, Burrell with the tackle for Dersingham. Smith combining with Flowerdew for Dersingham, put out to the right for Leech, Whittaker challenging for Bungay.

 

Holly Melton out to close Flatman down before she can cross the ball as she gets on up the right combining with Lila-Grace Eden. Tackles flying in the ball rarely still, both sides expanding alot of energy despite the heat, Dersingham pressing on looking to find a goal, Turrell played on by Jessop on the left swinging the cross into the box, Melton getting her head on it for Dersingham. Bartley getting the tackle in on Flowerdew as the attacker looks to power her way on into the left channel.

Dersingham defender, Holly Melton

Dersingham looking to most likely to score at the moment getting players on well, McDonald finding Leech over on the right, doesn’t get the best connection with her shot,, Whittaker cutting it out. Beevor out quickly to the top of her area to slide onto the ball as Smith puts it across the top of the area from the left. Lili-Grace Eden moving across the final 3rd looking for an opening seeing the ball into her on the left from Turrell, her cross turned behind by Melton for the corner kick. Taken short returned to the taker the cross lifted on into the box, headed away by Melton.

Rix bringing the ball on up he left for Dersingham has Ross making the run ahead of her down the line taking the ball on squares the cross into the top of the area looking for Flowerdew’s run, Beevor again out fast to the top of her area to slide onto the ball.

GOAL! Just as Dersingham looked like they might get themselves into the lead Bungay get the ball on up the other end to retake the lead themselves a great ball out to the left for Turrell to take on flashes the cross into the six yard box, met by Carman at the near post a great touch to turn the ball inside the upright to score 3-2.

Lily Carman putting Bungay back into the lead

Bungay restoring their lead with just over an hour played a blow for Dersingham, McDonald getting hold of the ball putting it on for Smith into the left channel,, Beevor out of her area to clear slicing it away for a throw. Bungay making a change, Page returning to the pitch on for Ava Eden. Dersingham appealing for a handball inside the box, as the ball skips up played in from the right, don’t get it instead winning a corner kick.

Leech up on the right for Dersingham with Flowerdew the ball inside Whittaker blocking, the ball through for Beevor rushing out to claim. Flowerdew hitting the ball on across goal on the half volley as it comes into her from the left. Time for another drinks break and a chance for both sides to regroup with the result still very much in the balance.

McDonald with the ball as play resumes  sending it on for Hart on the right forwards for Leech, she commits the foul as she attempts to force her way past Whittaker on the wing. Jessop in to win the ball for Bungay taking it on forwards for Carman linking up with Eden the cross turned into the area from the left intercepted by Melton, Burrell heading the ball clear. Getting a little niggly, Eden hurt as she brought down play paused so she can receive treatment. Dersingham making a change, Chloe Melton back on replacing Rix. Players starting to tire.

Emma Leech

Bartley winning the ball back for Bungay getting it on up the left for Eden to take on bursting into the box closing in on the keeper Kendle-Johnson doing well with the blocking save to deny her. The ball out to the left back into the middle the clearance coming to Page top of the D plays it into the box for Carman inside the area right side lifts her effort over the bar. Bungay pushing up well applying a bit of pressure the ball Rosie Beevor with the ball into Flatman on for Carman back into the middle for Jessop sends it on up top into Eden, Burrell going over to close her down.

 GOAL! Bungay keeping the ball in the middle played into Page 25 yards out Eden lifting it into the box Eden attacking it left of goal getting in ahead of the defence to force the ball  home to score her hat-trick and open up a 2 goal lead for the hosts 4-2.

A hat-trick for Lila-Grace Eden

18 minutes left to play Bungay getting a 4th to open up a two goal advantage, Dersingham with a mountain to climb if they are to turn the game around. Bungay keeping up their energy levels however, Jessop snapping in to win the ball, Turrell ever ready to burst on up their left, play stopped as Burrell takes a heavy blow to her side. The defender alright to continue after another lengthy pause.

GOAL! Bungay a quick to get the ball back from the start Jessop taking it on support from Carmen going left the ball played on into the area Eden getting through onto the end of it to shot striking it past the keeper to fire her side into a 5-2 lead.

4 goals for Bungay’s Lila-Grace Eden

Two quick goals a hammer blow to Dersingham conceding a 3rd in the 2nd half with a little under 15 minutes to go. Bungay making their lead comfortable bringing Ava Eden back on, Hart up with Leech on Dersingham’s right the ball flashed in across the six yard box, Chloe Melton trying to cover the ground to get on the end of it can’t quite connect. Bartley calming things down at the back for Bungay as she holds onto the ball seeing it back to her keeper to clear.

Dersingham working hard to try and find a way through, Dersingham further frustrated as another tight offside goes against them with Leech looking to get in behind the defence onto the end of a pass through from Flowerdew. Lila-Grace Eden getting on with the ball into the left flank cutting it back towards the centre of the D, Page looking to get forwards, Holly Melton in to close her down clear the threat for Dersingham. 

Bungay captain, Jade Page

 Dersingham pushing on trying to create something with less than 10 minutes left on the clock, Bungay’s defence dropping deeper, Smith looking to get on down the left, Rosie Beevor tracking her making the challenge. Jessop seeing the ball on through the middle into Lilia-Grace Eden turns looking for Turrell, Sands getting her leg in the way to cut the pass out. 

 Burrell across to defend against Lilia-Grace Eden as she looks to take the ball on from a Flatman pass up the right wing. Rosie Beevor making way late on for Bungay as Victoria Wakefield joins the action. Dersingham overload the right flank, Hart on with Leech inside to Flowerdew cutting in from the right bearing down on the near post Beevor goes to ground making diving down to make the blocking save as she goes to shoot, the pair coming together the ball loose, Flowerdew trying to get it, Beevor trapping her leg, the referee pointing to the spot awarding the Penalty.

 GOAL! It’s Leech to take the penalty placing the ball on the spot, Bungay’s turn to be unhappy with a decision but the decision stands. Leech let’s her frustration out on the ball stepping in to strike it hard and fast to the left rising into the back of the net to pull it back to 5-3.

 3 minutes left to play, Dersingham keen to get going again, McDonald releasing Smith to break away with the ball on the left squaring a cross low into the six yard box, Flowerdew at the far post just behind it attempts to get her heel on it, as it runs out to the right, Bungay hooking it upfield. Turrell hasn’t stopped running all game breaking on with the ball wide left shoots on the angle the ball fizzed in on target, Kendle-Johnson behind it palming the ball down into the turf and holding onto it.

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 5-3 Dersingham Rovers Women

  The game ends, Bungay finishing their debut season, in Division Three with a win to move them onto 52 points. Will it be enough to clinch the title, they’ll have to wait and see, Dersingham’s own title ambitions quashed, they travel to Dereham on Thursday, their opponents winning away to Necton now need all 6 points from their remaining two matches to pip Bungay to the title by a single point anything else and Bungay are champions, will hope Dersingham can do them a favour in Thursday in their final match certainly won’t want to end their own positive campaign with another defeat a top 3 finish still there for the taking. A competitive 2nd half played in hot conditions the ball rarely still, Dersingham gave it a go starting the 2nd half brightly and for a while looked the more likely to make it 3-2. Bungay with high energy levels through always a threat on the counter breaking on the left to take the lead themselves and then scoring a quick 4th and 5th took the game away from Dersingham. Pulling one back from the penalty spot late on leave Maltings Meadow frustrated with some of the decisions. A competitive game between two contrasting sides can easily see why both are at the top of the league.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several strong performances out there and a few in contention but I had a fairly good idea of the award winner before I left the ground. A few performances top mention, firstly for Dersingham, Loretta Burrell defending well getting across to close players down and get out to intercept. Eliza McDonald with some strong tackling used the ball well got forwards and on another day her range of passing would open up a defence. Emma Leech working hard to find and opening through a well organised Bungay defence and when she did get in behind took her chance well. Carolyn Flowerdew came on from the bench and added more attacking thrust to Dersingham linking up the attack. For Bungay, Lila-Grace Eden led the attack make some great runs always looking for the ball and a way in behind scoring 4 goals to take her onto 27 for the season. Marnie Jessop got about the midfield, back to help in defence and carry the ball on kept the game flowing. Sophie Turrell full of running on the left wing a constant threat and ready outlet for the ball. The Bungay defence closing the ball down as a unit giving very little away in behind got into close the ball down, Amari Whittaker and Alana Bartley cutting out several crosses and quick to release it forwards. The award going to Erin Baylis made numerous interceptions and get out to close the ball down frustrating Dersingham as they looked to damage in behind.

 An entertaining if hot match from Norfolk Women’s Division Three, glad I got the opportunity to see both sides, will see Dersingham again on Thursday as they take on Dereham. Bungay are done for the season can’t finish any lower than 2nd now, would love to go one better I’m sure. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – AFC Sudbury Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Tuesday 27th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

sponsored by MH Goals Ltd

Back to Suffolk this Tuesday evening to watch my final match of the season, at Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town FC, once again hosting the Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final, sponsored by MH Goals Ltd, AFC Sudbury Women the holders and overwhelming favourites, playing Bungay Town Ladies who have done the double this season.

  The Suffolk Women’s County Cup long dominated by Ipswich Town Women now promoted to FA WSL 2 (formerly the Championship). No longer competing in the county cup, since then AFC Sudbury Women and Needham Market Women have emerged as the leading sides in the county Sudbury winning 2 of the last 3 finals. Winning the trophy at Portman Road last time out. Bungay Town Ladies finalists against Needham Market Women at Colchester a couple of seasons ago, stronger now having won back to back league titles in Norfolk Women’s Division One. making it a double last weekend winning the League Cup.

This evenings prize

  AFC Sudbury Women come into the final as overwhelming favourites due to their league status and growth in recent season’s, finishing 7th in FAWNL South East Division One in their 2nd season in the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid. A rapid rise with back to back promotions to reach the FAWNL. I thought they might struggle in their 2nd season, however the club recruited well, mostly from rivals Needham Market to add experience to a young talented group. Goalkeeper, Nino Meollo a Filipino international, joining the club from Ipswich on loan for the season. Picking up some good results learning from their first season to have a trouble free mid-table finish.

 New challenges await the 4th tier only getting stronger year on year some big clubs in their and the FA demanding more from their member clubs. Sudbury will face these challenges financing a huge issue Sudbury finding it a struggle to get a front of shirt sponsor despite showing themselves to be a competitive force within the FAWNL. Have had their share of injury problems too with captain, Ronni Harrison only recently returning after a long injury lay off. One back one lost however with Amber Cantwell having made a huge impact since joining from Needham Market in the summer suffering a very serious knee injury. Jess Allen the top scorer with 13 goals recorded to her name from 15 appearances while, Jasmine Drake, Lina Nagib, Eva Frazzoni and Alex Penny all have 5 each.

Bungay Town Ladies come into this evenings final on a potential treble, know however that 3rd trophy will be a tough one to win, definitely the underdogs, still can hopefully relax and give it their all and enjoy the occasion getting the opportunity to play at a Premier League stadium. Building on last season’s Norfolk Women’s Division title, successfully defending it this time around winning it with games to spare, out in front for much of the season. Going one better in the League Cup final having missed out last season came back from a goal down to beat Aylsham FC Women 2-1 to lift the trophy and complete the double. 

Step 7 versus step 4 is a huge gap, Bungay have assembled an experienced squad with proven goal scorers, adding to that a crop of young talented players losing just one league game all season. New signings, Hazel Saddington and Beth Turner have 35 goals between them, 17 and 18 respectfully. Mia Rose scoring the winning goal in the League Cup final, has 13 to her name. Zoe Gibbons has 11 goals from her 9 appearances while Abi Bell also scoring in the League Cup final is also into double figures.

Road to the Final

  No seeding in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup so the higher placed sides enter in the 1st Round. Sudbury however handed a bye in the 1st round. Bungay on home soil taking on Bacton United 89 Ladies from the Suffolk Women’s Championship. Bungay rampant firing in the goals, Beth Turner netting 6 with Zoe Gibbons striking 5 times, Hazel Saddington bagging a brace with goals too for Lola Barbour-King, Porsha Renwick and Abi Bell in a 16 nil win.

Into the 2nd Round Sudbury at home taking on Suffolk Championship side, Leiston St Margarets. Getting the defence of the cup off to a dominant start racking up a double figure score line, Lina Nagib and Amber Cantwell both scoring hat-tricks. With Ella Edwards and Emily Newcombe both getting 2 each, Sophie Jeffery, Yasmine drake and Jess Allen also scoring in a 13-0 result. Bungay handed a tough tie in the 2nd round away to Suffolk Premiership champions, Brantham Athletic Ladies the champions of Norfolk and Suffolk drawing 1-1 at 90 minutes to send the tie into a penalty shoot-out Bungay edging it 4-3 to advance to the last 8. Selina Rowland with their goal.

Into the quarter finals, another strong performance in front of goal from Sudbury as they travelled to play Norfolk Division Two side, Waveney FC Ladies, Megan Edwards firing in a hat-trick. Daisy Canny on hand to score two goals, with Ellie Rossiter, Alex Penny Ella Edwards and Lina Nagib also amongst the goals in a 12-0 win. Bungay also away in the last eight taking on Suffolk Premiership side, Woodbridge Town Ladies. The hosts scoring twice, however Bungay advanced through to the semi-finals scoring 4 in reply with Brooke Osborne, Mia Rose, Turner and Rowland all on the scoresheet.

The semi-finals of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup held on neutral ground with Sudbury taking on their rivals Needham Market Women in the last 4 at Hadleigh United FC. Eva Frazzoni on target to strike home 2 goals for Sudbury with Leonnie Bezant also grabbing a goal in a 3-0 victory to see the club return to Portman Road. Bungay travelling to Stowmarket Town FC to play Sudbury Sports Women competing in Essex Women’s Division Two. Bungay getting into a 2 goal lead at the break going on to win the game 4-1 after a long injury break in the 2nd half. Gibbons on target for two goals with Saddington and Rose also scoring to send the club to Portman Road.

Heavy rain leading to last season’s final being suspended

Last years Suffolk Women’s County Cup  final having to be suspended for over an hour due to a huge amount of rainfall from a passing storm. A Premiership quality pitch however the Portman Road playing surface handing the game to continue. This evening no exception with another day of heavy rainfall affecting the area the pitch looking superb. The fans in the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand opposite the dugouts. Situated in the lower tier for media duties on this one rain still about little cover but enough for me to keep the camera and notepad relatively dry.

The Portman Road pitch in fantastic shape

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Sophie Jeffery, Ellie Rossiter, Aliyat Lambe, Leonne Bezant, Maisie Goodwin, Megan Edwards, Phoebe Guiver (C), Alex Penny, Lina Nagib & Jess Allen. Subs – Maddison Carpenter, Lily-Jo Hinton, Kate Edwards, Emily Newcombe & Jade Barrett.

AFC Sudbury Women

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Grace Storey, Charnelle Riggall (C), Ruby Roos, Fran Heaney, Selina Rowland, Ab Bell, Lauren Purling, Hazel Saddington, Beth Turner & Mia Rose. Subs – Maddie Flatman, Lila Eden, Sofia Serghiou, Brooke Osborne & Molly Webb.

Bungay Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final going straight to penalties.

Captains Phoebe Guiver and Charnelle Riggall with this evenings match officials

Ipswich Town Women’s legend, Natasha Thomas the guest of honour meeting the players from both sides a few who have played in the same side her. Playing in the newly renamed FA WSL2 next season. Phoebe Guiver playing her last game for Sudbury, captaining the side this evening. Using as many of the players that have played in the county cup this season as they can, Millie Carter in goal back with the club after a season out on loan at Royston Town Women. Bungay captained by Charnelle Riggall, missing a few key players tonight, notably attacking midfielder, Zoe Gibbons with attacker, Lucy Eagle cup tied, young talent Marseilles Will also unavailable.

Bungay wearing their all red away kit to kick-off the first half, Sudbury lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts and socks with blue shorts. The ball clipped into the left channel with forwards Mia Rose on the move, the ball quickly closed down, Sudbury snapping in to get hold of it swept out the the left, Abi Bell coming to close the ball down for Bungay send it out of play for a throw. Two attempts to cross the ball into the area cut out by Bungay centre back Ruby Roos. Sudbury busy in the opening minute the ball worked back to Aliyat Lambe at the back pushed up on half way the ball inside for Ellie Rossiter to fire long into the right wing for Alex Penny, Riggall at left back closing her down to force the ball out for a throw.

GOAL! Sudbury looking to press players on up an around the Bungay area early on Guiver putting the ball into Jess Allen’s path on the right, drives inside into the box before striking the ball hard looping up and over goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce, to cannon against the crossbar rebounding back into play inside the box, Sudbury pushed up, Maisie Goodwin left of the D getting hold of it to strike the ball low at hard into the left side of the net to put Sudbury into an early lead. 1-0.

Maisie Goodwin opens the scoring for Sudbury (photo credit Nick Flexman)

A blow for Bungay conceding inside the opening 3 minutes, Selina Rowland winning the ball in front of her defence trying to get Mia Rose on the move left side, Rossiter on half way defending winning the ball getting play turned around rapidly, fired forwards into Lina Nagib 25 yards out right of goal, can’t quite get the ball under control before being closed down. The full backs pushed on for Sudbury keeping Bungay pinned inside their own half, Megan Edwards taking the ball into her feet from a throw on the right turned across the top of the area pushing in on into the D, Goodwin latching onto it her low drive saved by Pearce back on her line.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Sophie Jeffery bringing the ball driving into the channel forwards into Allen up top right cuts inside, challenged by Bungay’s Fran Heaney. Edwards pushing on with the ball at her feet right side for Sudbury cuts in inside for Allen positioned right of the D, her shot whipped in on target claimed by Pearce going to ground. Sudbury winning the ball back quickly in the final 3rd stopping Bungay from getting out keeping the pressure on rolled on for Penny left side her cross cut out by Grace Storey for Bungay, Bell attempting to get it up field into striker Beth Turner on halfway, Aliyat and Rossiter quick to close her down get possession back with Sudbury.

Wave after wave of Sudbury attack, moving the ball about the pitch, Guiver to Leonne Bezant out to the left, the ball driven to the by-line the cross into the six yard box charged down by Roos. Allen running in on goal central getting her head onto the end of a cross placing her attempt straight at the keeper. Goodwin sending a pass into Edwards attacking right wing fed down the line for Allen, Riggall getting back at her to put the tackle in send the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner swept in long through the six yard box dropping to Aliyat at the far post, Bungay surrounding her quickly to close her down before she get release a shot on goal.

Jess Allen (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Rossiter defending on half way reading the ball moving it on win it before Bungay can get hold of it in attack denying Hazel Saddington as she looks to try and get Bungay on the move on the left, her pass forwards into Allen surging into the right wing, Riggall getting a toe on the ball to divert it away for a throw. The rain falling steadily making the pitch slick. Sudbury snapping in to win the ball getting it across the 18 yards box players fluid in their positioning.

Ell Rossiter with Bungay’s Mia Rose

The ball coming into Allen inside the box from the left, the attacker right of goa looking to turn and shoot closed down by Heaney the ball behind for a corner kick. Sent into the near post from the right, cleared, Sudbury quick to get it back the ball crossed into the middle a snap shot turned wide of the right post. Saddington taking the ball into her feet coming left as Rowland wins it back for Bungay looks to get on the move has Rose coming over to offer support, Rossiter tackling to halt the advance.

Goodwin lining up a strike for Sudbury left side outside the box 20 yards driven in low wide of the right post. Riggall challenging Jeffery for the ball in the right corner as she takes it on from an Allen layoff.

GOAL! The pressure tells as Sudbury double their lead on 16 minutes, Nagib into Goodwin left outside the box players running on into the area looking for the ball, Goodwin threads it through into the path of Guiver central bearing down on goal digs the ball out of her feet to strike it wide to double the advantage 2-0.

Phoebe Guiver scores Sudbury’s 2nd (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Bungay under pressure working hard at the back to try and slow Sudbury down, Saddington tracking back to put the tackle in on Penny as she takes the ball on down the right wing. Goodwin getting about the midfield to win the ball for Sudbury sending it into Jeffery in the right channel, inside Edwards, Heaney getting in the tackle for Bungay. Bezant linking up with Goodwin in the middle the ball fed into Allen inside the area right of goal, shoots in low with pace Pearce saves pushing the ball behind to the right for a corner kick.

Bungay’s Abi Bell (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Curled into the box, Rowland heading it clear for Bungay, Saddington looking to get hold of it bring the ball away left for Bungay, Jeffery putting the challenge in for Sudbury. Jeffery out on the right given the ball as Sudbury regain possession in the final 3rd down the line whips a cross in along the face of goal, attacked by Nagib at the far post, close in snatched up into her gloves by goalkeeper, Pearce.

Lina Nagib and Selina Rowland (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Heaney winning the ball inside the box for Bungay looks to bring it into midfield is quickly closed down by Goodwin. Sudbury keeping the ball moving it around crisply left to right a cross lifted into the six yard box claimed confidently by Pearce. Sudbury building on the right Edwards out to Jeffery wide bursting down the wing, as Jeffery feeds it into Allen corner of the area, she turns it on for Edwards taking it to the by-line, Riggall rushing back to get her tackle in see the ball behind for a corner.

Another delivery fired in long to the far post down into the mix scrambled away to the top of the area, Goodwin with Guiver looking to find a way through on goal, Bell getting it clear for Bungay. Bezant sending a diagonal ball through to Jeffery attacking right side, her cross from 25 yards out charged down by Riggall. Saddington fighting to get on the ball take it on left for Bungay lifts it on through the middle for Rose surging in behind the centre backs, Carter with little to do in the Sudbury goal alert as she comes out quickly to the top of her area to claim the ball before Rose can pounce.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

The keeper playing a great ball forwards, Allen pulling off the Bungay defence with a great touch to knock the ball down into her feet, moving right hits a rising shot in at goal, but not enough on it to beat the keeper, Pearce behind it all the way. Rowland with Bell coming on with the ball out of the back for Bungay fed up to Turner who knocks it on for Rose , Rossiter getting across her to see the ball back safely to her keeper.

Nearly half an hour played Sudbury ringing the changes, bringing off Rossiter, Guiver Penny, Allen and Goodwin, on come Maddison Carpenter, Jade Barrett, Lily-Jo Hinton, Emily Newcombe and Kate Edwards.

GOAL! Sudbury get the ball out to Megan Edwards on the left wing driving forwards bursts into the area and from the angle lashes a shot in across the keeper to land inside the far post 3-0. Sudbury 3 goals up on the half hour.

Megan Edwards scores Sudbury’s 3rd goal (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Newcombe working the ball on with Bezant through the middle for Sudbury, fed out to Hinton on the right her cross into the top of the area cut out by Bell for Bungay. Riggall getting hold of the ball for Bungay at the back sending it on for Saddington up to Rose on the left inside for Turner, looking to battle her way past Aliyat the central defender doing well to see the ball back to her keeper.

GOAL! Sudbury have the ball on the left Jeffery into Barrett the ball crossed into the area cut out by Heaney cleared outside the box, Newcombe latching onto it for Sudbury left of the D, puts her foot through the ball sending it flying back in on goal racing past the keeper before she can react 4-0.

Emily Newcombe off the bench to put Sudbury 4 up (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Bungay winning a free-kick on halfway the ball lifted into the top of the area defended cleared to the left Rose looknig to take it on into the corner for Bungay, Kate Edwards moving in to close her down. Little for the Bungay strikers to feed on the midfield pushed back onto the defence, Turner and Rose needing to be patient holding the line on halfway ready to attempt a counter attack. Barrett linking up with Jeffery on the left the cross from 20 yards out intercepted by Storey, cleared by Heaney.

Sudbury getting the ball out to the by-line on the left Nagib up with Newcombe the cross flashed in along the face of the Bungay goal cleared by Bell. Barrett taking the lay off from Newcombe down the left flank, Purling getting back to put in the tackle for Bungay. Sudbury remain lively players moving rapidly looking for the ball Bezant into Barrett left, Jeffery up with her the ball flashed in across goal, Carpenter racing in far post can’t quite get there.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Sudbury with a corner on the left taken short up the line to Barrett her initial ball into the box cut out by Roos, coming back to Barrett fires her effort over from the angle. A roar from the Bungay supporters as the ball is launched forwards, Rose looking to race in behind the defence chase it down, Carter rushing out the other way to the top of her area just about gets there.

Saddington cutting out the back back helping defend for Bungay top of the D as Kate Edwards looks to thread it forwards into Nagib. Bungay break right at the end of the first half the ball played into Turner up top lays it on for Rose as both turn to burst forwards Rose left channel rolling it back inside to Turner pulling out to the right getting into the area bearing down on goal ready to pull the trigger, Carter rushing out to slide in and save bravely at the attackers feet.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 4-0 Bungay Town Ladies

 A dominant first half display from Sudbury putting Bungay under pressure right from the start taking the lead inside 3 minutes. Getting players up and around the area, first to the ball moving it about crisply looking to find openings. Adding a 2nd before ringing the changes making it 3 on the half hour going on to add a 4th. Bungay battling hard in defence under pressure but getting in the blocks tough to get going the other way rare glimpses, an encouraging break at the end of the first half giving them something to take into the dressing room as they prepare for the 2nd half.

Guest of honour, Ipswich Town Women’s Natasha Thomas handing out medals at half-time

Sudbury to get the 2nd half underway the ball played into Jeffery on the left evading a tackle sending a cross into the area, cut out by Heaney out to the right, the 2nd  delivery cut out turned behind for a corner kick. The corner lifted into the crowded six yard box headed away to safety. Sudbury looking too get after the ball early in the 2nd half keep Bungay’s defence pushed back.

Lina Nagib with Bungay’s Fran Heaney

Rowland winning the ball back inside her D, lifted up to Rose attacking through the middle, Bezant going in to tackle hurt in the challenge the ball kicked out of play so she can be seen too. Sudbury press right the ball on for Megan Edwards crossed in low intercepted by Heaney, Bells clearing the ball out for a throw high on the right. Hinton on the move with the ball at her feet for Sudbury, closed down by Riggall the ball out for a corner kick. Dropped in near post, Bungay get it out to the top of the area.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

GOAL! Sudbury moving the ball quickly moving in to get the ball back shift it out to the flanks Carpenter in the corner with Edwards the cross flashed in near post, Nagib running in on the keeper, both missing it the ball rolling on straight to Newcombe central a yard out to poke home from close range for her 2nd of the game 5-0.

Sudbury adding to their lead 5 minutes into the 2nd half a strong start pressing the ball. Jeffery getting onto the ball racing on left wing drives into the area, Purling tracking her all the way lunging in to tackle sending the ball out for a corner kick. The corner played in from the left, Megan Edwards not quite able to pick out Nagib top of the area, Bell getting it away for Bungay.

Saddington seeing the ball played into her as the pitch suddenly opens up before her running forwards her cross swung in from deep cut out by Hinton. Bungay making their first change on 56 minutes bringing off Turner up top sending on Lila Eden. Bell winning the ball top of the area for Bungay sending it on for Rose attack, battling with Aliyat to get in behind comes away with the ball shooting from all of 25 yards out her strike straight at Carter who saves comfortably.

Bungay stirred into life looking to get players out from the back relieve the pressure on their defence, Bell on for Purling getting forwards on the right, Aliyat coming across to put in the tackle the ball out for a corner kick. The ball swung into the six yard box half cleared as Jeffery goes to attack it near post with Rowland, falling to Bell outside the area right of goal, strikes the ball back in seeing it race wide past the far post.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Aliyat picking up the first card of the game after bringing down Purling on the right as Bungy look to up things get after the ball higher up the pitch themselves. The free-kick cleared by Sudbury as it’s floated into the area. Eden snapping in to win the ball in the middle for Bungay into Bell going right, Jeffery closing her down. The game opening up Bungay allowed to get out with the ball Sudbury dropping off a little, opens up the pitch more, Jeffery getting on with the ball left combining with Newcombe but the ball cut into the area, cleared by Storey.

Sudbury’s Jade Barrett (photo credit Nick Flexman)

The game moving into the final half hour Sudbury ringing the changes once again, Rossiter, Allen, Goodwin and Guiver coming back on, Megan Edwards, Bezant, Nagib and Jeffery coming off. Riggall clearing a Sudbury free-kick played into the top of the area by Barrett. Heaney doing well in defence for Bungay cutting out another cross played in from the corner on the left.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Rossiter racing on with the ball on the right touch line sent into the area cleared to the top of the area, Barrett latching onto it outside the D, shifting the ball inside onto her right foot sending a strike over the bar. Bell fouled as she looks to take it on for Bungay. Roos moving out to the right to put the blocking tackle in on Allen as she drives into the box from the right for Sudbury. A different feel about the game now, more open Sudbury ringing the changes, Bungay looking to get hold of the ball higher, Eden moving in well to close it down Rose ready to burst forwards.

Bungay’s Mia Rose

Bell rushing in to close Carpenter down as she brings the ball inside from the left into the D. Rossiter away on the right cutting a cross back to the top corner of the area, Goodwin 20 yards out taking on the shot firing over the bar. Rossiter right feeding the ball into Allen’s path as she drives into the area right of goal, Heaney in to challenge well the ball turned behind for a corner. Curled into the area the ball knocked in cleared off the line out off the area to the left of the D, Carpenter striking it pulls her attempt wide of the left post.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Into the final 20 minutes, Aliyat coming off at the back for Sudbury, with Jeffery returning to the pitch. Bungay making a change too with Purling coming off, Molly Webb sent on. Saddington looking to get on with the ball chopped down in the middle. The ball out to Bell coming right linking up with Webb and Edan as Bungay look to get into the area the ball into the top of the box cleared into midfield.

GOAL! Rowland getting onto the end of a loose pass for Bungay sending the ball into the left wing for Saddington to attack, charging in behind turning into the area, from the angle drills a powerful shot past the keeper into the bottom corner, to see Bungay grab themselves a goal at Portman Road 5-1.

(Hazel Saddington pulls a goal back for Bungay (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Bungay responding well to conceding a 5th goal early in the 2nd half have showed no fear looking to get forwards the game opened up Sudbury looking to use the space to their advantage too as they press right side Barrett on for Allen, Riggall getting across her path to see the ball back to Pearce. Eden making an impact for Bungay snapping after the ball in the middle, giving Rose something to feed on as she looking to provide some probing runs left and right.

Sudbury overload the right side Rossiter taking the ball on the overlap squaring it back inside to Hinton right of the D, flashes a shot in low towards the near post Pearce across her line to save knocking it behind for a corner kick. Played into the middle of the box Bungay look to launch a counter attack, Barrett in to win the ball back for Sudbury putting it forwards into Goodwin who sends her strike from range onto the roof of the net.

Heaney moving in to tackle top of the area the ball deflected behind for a corner kick. Curled into the six yard box from the right missed by Pearce over her but Rowland is back on the line to head off the line and makes a 2nd block as the rebound it turned back in on goal. Storey coming off for Bungay with Maddie Flatman coming on as the game enters the final 6 minutes. A competitive 2nd half.

Sudbury keen to develop their young players using the final to enhance that football experience Allen on for Rossiter right side Riggall getting help from Roos as she races to the by-line the ball cleared for a throw in the corner. Goodwin lining up another strike from range her shot coming in under the bar Pearce up to save, landing behind her looks to be in for a minute, but no reaction, is actually behind the net turned over the bar by the keeper. Taken short on the right the cross from deep going long past the far post.

Riggall racing back to track Rossiter’s run blocking her cross, Bungay look to get on the attack with Eden and Bell through the middle but the final ball not finding Rose. Carpenter coming into the middle seeing her 20 yards strike blocked inside the box turned away to the right, Riggall then blocking to cross. Sudbury pushing for a goal late on attacking right an angled shot smashing down off the bar bouncing up inside the six yard box, Penny racing in central can’t get enough onto as she glances it over the top.

Riggall coming off for Bungay in the closing stages with Sofia Serghiou coming on a left back. Into added time Sudbury with a corner on the right, dropping over everyone at the near post comes at Allen unexpectedly doesn’t get hold of her header sending it wide past the far post.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 5-1 Bungay Town Ladies

  Full time and Sudbury win the game to successfully retain the Suffolk Women’s County Cup, 3 wins in the past 4 seasons to lift the trophy. A dominant first half the game effectively won in the opening half hour with 3 goals scored, putting Bungay’s defence under pressure getting players forwards moving the ball well. Ringing the changes adding a 4th goal before half-time. Bungay with little opportunity to get forwards themselves with as good break late in the half. Sudbury out of the traps fast too in the 2nd half to add a 5th goal. Bungay responded well prepared to give it a go themselves as Sudbury dropped off allowing the pitch to open up Bungay battling for the ball putting Saddington through on the left to fire in a goal. Defended resolutely throughout Pearce a good shot stopper with some vital saves, Sudbury coming close to adding further goals but Bungay pleased to hold them to a 1-1 in the 2nd period.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season, it’s a tough one as is more often the case but sticking with my original pick on the night. Great performances from both sides. In truth had to single out a Bungay player as they all played their part in a spirited performance looking to be in danger of getting over run responded well 2nd half prepared to take on their opponents get the ball forwards. Fran Heaney with a strong defensive display getting her blocks in and winning the ball. Captain Charnelle Riggall ran herself into the ground working hard at left back blocking crosses and trying to limit balls into the box. Abi Bell covering the ground box to box 2nd half looking to get Bungay something positive from the game. Hazel Saddington scoring at Portman Road worked hard to try and provide an outlet throughout the game despite the constant threat posed by Sudbury. Sudbury in turn with a fluid performance getting players on shifting the ball well winning it back quickly and had players constantly looking for openings. Ellie Rossiter composed and patient reading the game at the back 1st half adding to the attacking threat 2nd half. Sophie Jeffery got up and down the pitch well throughout winning the ball setting up attacks. Jess Allen making some great attacking runs. Megan Edwards with some great passes. The award though goes to midfielder Maisie Goodwin opening the scoring was hugely influential at the start of the game setting the tone winning the ball and keeping Sudbury on the front foot.

AFC Sudbury Women 2024/25 Suffolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Congratulation to AFC Sudbury Women on successfully retaining the Suffolk Women’s County Cup.

Last game of a long season completed and I can tell you I’m ready for a rest, the new season won’t be long in coming of course and I know it never really stops. Another great evening out a Portman Road, My thanks to both teams for their help this evening, The staff at Ipswich and Suffolk FA too, much appreciated. Thanks to Nick Flexman for letting me use some of his pictures in the report. Followed both sides some tie now and looking forwards to seeing how both progress into the new season.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Aylsham FC Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Sunday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

Moving onto the 2nd 11 aside final of the day the Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final. An in form Aylsham FC Women’s side taking on back to back league champions and runners-up in last season’s final, Bungay Town Ladies.

The competition fierce in Norfolk Women’s Division One this season, Bungay runaway leaders in the defence of their title, but below it’s all to play for with runners-up spot very much up for grabs. The League Cup likely to be no less competitive as Aylsham into their first final look to stop Bungay doing the double.

The Norfolk Women’s League Cup

Aylsham FC Women playing themselves into form coming into this afternoon’s League Cup final, 7 straight league wins to propel them up the Division One table into 3rd spot and amongst those challenging for runners-up spot. A stark contrast to the beginning of the season just one win in their opening 9 matches 6 points collected in the bottom two looking in trouble, so a complete turn around plenty of talent and experience in the squad players returning from injury even as manager Steve Kay feel unwell. Back with the squad now on the mend helping out as his side compete for silverware.

Australian Billie Myall making an impact joining the squad last season taking time out to have a baby. Her return coinciding with Aylsham’s much improved form, Scoring plenty of goals Christina Papadopoulou firing in 25 this season from her 18 matches. Shelley Woods a long time proven goal scorer bagging herself 16 goals this campaign. Twin sisters Vicky and Sophie Lubbock amongst the goals too with 15 and 13 respectfully.

Bungay Town Ladies suffering just the one defeat on their way to successfully defending the Norfolk Women’s Division One title this season winning it with games to spare. are enjoying another hugely successful season reaching both the finals of the League Cup and Suffolk Women’s County Cup where they will play AFC Sudbury Women at Ipswich Town FC’s Portman Road Stadium. Winning the league last season missed out in the League Cup Final against UEA FC Women, didn’t put in the best performance that day and are keen to make amends this time around.

 Have strengthened in the close season adding useful experience and goals to the squad, Bethany Turner and Hazel Saddington joining from Caister, have scored 33 goals between them, Turner 18 and Saddington 15 to date. Mia Rose also amongst the goals with 13 from her 17 matches. Zoe Gibbons also into double figures with 11 to her name. Beat Aylsham 5-0 early in the season the pair drawing 3-3 in the reverse fixture.

Road to the Final

  Aylsham at home to fellow Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies in the 1st round of the League Cup, Both Sophie and Vicky Lubbock scoring a goal with Jess Greengrass and Christina Papadopoulou also getting a goal in a 4-2 win. Bungay also taking on Division One opposition in the 1st round away to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves. Goals from Naomi Cooper, Porsha Renwick and a brace for Zoe Gibbons securing a 4-0 win.

Aylsham on home soil taking on Division Two side, Great Yarmouth Town Ladies in the 2nd Round of the League Cup, Papadopoulou running in 5 goals herself as Aylsham racked up the goals, Vicky Lubbock bagging herself a hat-trick, Molly Webb a brace along with goals for Cayla Brown, Jordan Arnoup, and Shelley Woods in a 14-0 romp. Bungay with tricky and twice postponed tie away to fellow Division One side, Sprowston FC Women, Hazel Saddington scoring twice in the game with Gibbons and Selina Rowland both getting a goal to see Bungay through 4-1.

Into the last 8 of the competition, Aylsham making the trip over to the east coast to player Division Two side, Shrublands Ladies. Olivia Baker, Vicky Lubbock ad Carly Allum scoring to se them through to the last 4 3-0. Bungay away to another Division One side, UEA FC Women. The sides playing out a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes to send the game into extra-time, Bungay getting the all important winner to see them through to the semi finals.

Aylsham taking on Waveney FC Ladies at home in the semi-finals of the League Cup, Sophie Lubbock scoring a brace with sister Vicky also bagging a brace. in a 5-2 win with Papadopoulou also getting on the scoresheet. Bungay at home in their semi-final taking on Division One, Bure Valley Ladies. Bethany Turner, Saddington and Rowland all finding the back of the net to send Bungay into their 2nd successive final.

Congratulations go out to Gorleston Rangers Ladies winning the 7’s League Cup, making it a treble with the Offside Trust Women’s Plate and Division Two title with 12 wins from 12!

Youngs Park a hive of activity with a host of Aylsham volunteers working in the kitchen and around the ground, The Offside Trust with a stall out by the pitch. Beside the barbeque. The clubhouse open the facility looking good developing all the time a new 3G pitch recently added. The min grass pitch looking fabulous with good grass cover if dry due to lack of rain recently but well watered. The sun out bright and sunny, great conditions for the match.

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mia Parker, Rachel Bussey, Jemma Riches, Sophie Buckley, Sophie-Jane O’Connor (C), Cayla Brown, Carly Allum, Ella Kruez, Vicki Lubbock, Shelley Woods & Billie Myall. Subs – Jess Greengrass, Elisha Nobbs, Ellie Snowling, Olivia Baker & Sophie Lubbock.

Aylsham FC Women

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Ruby Roos, Fran Heaney, Charnelle Riggall (C), Selina Rowland, Marseilles Will, Zoe Gibbons, Hazel Saddington, Abi Bell, Mia Rose & Beth Turner. Subs – Erin Galer, Maddie Flatman, Lila Eden, Lauren Purling & Sofia Serghiou.

Bungay Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Extra time and penalties if required

As with this mornings Plate final a minutes silence observed by both clubs in the centre circle before kick-off in memory of former FC Viking & Valkyries player Liv Martinez who very tragically took her own life after a long struggle with mental health. It’s a struggle many face and doing what we can to look out for one another is so important.

 A big blow for Aylsham missing their top scorer, Christina Papadopoulou through injury, damaging her knee in Aylsham’s last game. Bungay missing Brooke Osborne. A change of ends prior to kick-off first half, Aylsham to get the cup final underway wearing orange coloured shirts with blue vertical stripes on the front, blue shorts and orange socks, Bungay opposite wearing light blue coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played into the middle lifted out to the right for Rachell Bussey, sent on up the line for Billie Myall in attack to chase, Fran Heaney coming from defence to win the ball for Bungay send it out for a throw.

Carly Allum tackling Bungay’s Selina Rowland in the middle the ball clipped out to Vicky Lubbock wide left takes it on down the wing, Ruby Roos coming to close her do, Lubbock riding the challenge getting inside with the ball on towards the top of the area, Abi Bell getting her foot in to take the ball get Bungay moving the other way.

Hazel Saddington getting on the move with the ball on the left for Bungay plays inside into Zoe Gibbons top of the area, Aylsham captain Sophie-Jayne O’Connor closing her down but the ball not clear Bungay pressing high getting it out to Mia Rose peeling into the box right side her cross stood up cut out by Sophie Buckley.

Aylsham defender, Sophie Buckley

Rowland getting hold of the ball for Bungay through the middle driving forwards before sending in on for Rose in the right channel her shot from 20 yards out blocked by Aylsham’s Jemma Riches. Quite an open game both sides looking to get on with the ball use the whole pitch Ella Kruez taking the ball on from Bussey on the move down Aylsham’s right on for Myall in attack, Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall challenging to win the ball back.

Billie Myall

Myall seeing the ball into her feet coming to the right spins off her marker to get in behind to cross the ball into the area cleared by Rowland. An even contest both sides with players driving on with the ball, Rowland looking to get the ball into Beth Turner up top, O’Connor closing her down clearing for a throw on the left. Bungay launch a quick counter pushing players on in numbers through the middle Marseilles Wil 20 yards out right of the D, sending in a strike, dipping into goalkeeper, Mia Parker’s gloves.

Myall and Kruez linking up on the right for Aylsham, Heaney across to help Rignall defend. Aylsham winning a free-kick on half way to the right. The ball floated in towards the top of the area, Vicky Lubbock breaking clear into the area left side, lobbing the ball over the advancing keeper, but the flag goes up straight away for offside.

Aylsham’s Vicky Lubbock

Gibbons taking the ball on through the middle looking to attack the Aylsham defence jinking left and right unleashing a shot 25 yards out a deflection taking it wide of goal. Shelley Woods combining with Kruez and Myall on the right the ball fed back up the line to Bussey her cross curled in deep to the far post, Vicky Lubbock running in can’t quite reach it.

Rowland carrying the ball forwards through the middle, tries to put it over the top for Turner, Cayla Brown cutting it out for Aylsham, cleared to the right, won back crossed into the top of the D, Gibbons trying to force her way into the box winning her side a corner kick. Swung in near side Roos jumping up to attack it with her head twisting in the air the turn the ball wide past the far post.

 

Bungay getting players on well through the middle, Bell and Will pressing on to support Rose and Turner in attack. Saddington taking the ball on down the right for Bungay her cross scooped up into the area cleared by O’Connor away to the left for a throw. Rowland with a dipping effort on the half volley outside the D, claimed by Parker in the Aylsham goal. Bungay enjoying a spell of pressure getting up around the Aylsham 18 yard box, Gibbons into Turner left of the D, her shot flashed wide of the right post.

Bungay’s Hazel Saddington

Bussey putting the ball on for Kruez right side her early diagonal ball fired into the top of the D, Myall the target, Roos getting in front of her stooping down to head the ball away to safety. Bungay up on the right with a throw in try to work it on into the area Rose looking to slip in on goal, O’Connor winning it for Aylsham out for a 2nd throw. Aylsham regain possession look to counter Allum on for Woods in attack, Heaney defending for Bungay the ball coming to the right, Myall looking to get hold of it turn, Rignall staying close on her.

The ball never still Rowland getting it out to the right for Will to turn a cross in along the top of the area, Rose inside the D, looking to hit it first time pulling her shot wide of the right post. Bungay keeper, Chloe Pearce out to her penalty spot to clear as Aylsham send the ball over the top. All gone a bit frantic the ball pinging around passes not finding their mark. Aylsham breaking forwards the ball into Woods in attack stretching to hit it on the run through the middle, the ball rising up but well claimed by Pearce.

Kruez crossing from deep on the right into the area Woods looknig to get her head on it knocking the ball into Heaney marking her, the defender down play paused so she can receive treatment. Is ok to play on. Aylsham getting a free-kick on the left by the halfway line as Vicky Lubbock is fouled, fired up into the top of the box, defended but not clear, Brown sending the ball back into the box, Lubbock right of goal getting her leg up to turn the ball past, the defender going with her, but not the keeper beyond, Pearce grabbing hold of the ball.

Aylsham’s Ella Kruez

Aylsham’s turn to enjoy a spell of pressure moving the ball on through the middle, Woods caught on her achilles as she looks to turn on the ball 30 yards out. Bussey over the ball, lifts it in on goal but dropping before it reaches the keeper, Pearce dropping to claim it into her body untroubled. Aylsham pushing players on Heaney forced to give away a corner out on the left.

GOAL! The corner swung into the near post, players up from the ball defended by Bungay turned behind for another corner on the left, this delivery in deep attacked near side by Buckley jumping up looking to nod the ball down towards goal, hits a Bungay defender, referee Michael Clarke immediately blowing up for a penalty a hand ball spotted. Woods to take the penalty no hesitation strikes the ball low with pace to the left of goal the keeper wrong footed. 1-0.

Shelley Woods fires Aylsham into the lead from the spot

Aylsham opening the scoring on the half hour mark. The game getting a little feisty a few over exuberant challenges coming in, both sides competitive. Rowland brought down as she carries the ball on through the middle on halfway the ball floated up into the top of the area Turner up to head the ball on, Parker claiming it for Aylsham.

Vicky Lubbock on the right battling to get the ball inside before curling a shot in to the near post from 35 yards out, Pearce has it covered getting hold of the ball. Bungay send the ball into Gibbons on the move through the middle lifts it on for Turner 20 yards out right of the D, take on the strike putting her foot through the ball, arrowing over the keeper, looks in for a moment but has in fact flown just over the bar onto the roof of the net.

Selina Rowland taking the ball on for Bungay

Passes rushed and both sides put the work in to try and close the ball down, Brown closing Will down as she looks to link up with Rose in attack. Saddington breaking into the area from the left off of a Bungay throw in, falling as she goes to shoot the ball rolling harmlessly on into the keepers gloves. Aylsham powering on in attack, Myall over with Vicky Lubbock left channel the ball send on into Woods trying to burst clear off the defence inside the area, Heaney tackling well for Bungay.

Fran Heaney cutting the ball out for Bungay

Rose racing away with the ball down the left channel to the by-line whipping a tight angled cross/shot over the bar. Aylsham making a change, Myall coming off in attack, Sophie Lubbock coming on. Bell getting the ball into Roos advancing on the right her cross from deep targeting Rose making a near post run, Parker moving forwards can see it safely into her gloves.

Brown doing alot of work in front of her defence to deal with Bungay’s runs, tackling Gibbons as she breaks away into the left channel. Rose outside the box turning the ball inside to Bell bursting forwards, Riches getting her foot on the ball to cut the pass out for Aylsham. Bungay bring the ball on right side squared inside for Rowland look to drive forwards, the ball knocked on, Buckley going to clear, Rowland charging it down.

Aylsham winning the ball in the middle Allum to Kruez, threads in inside for Sophie Lubbock outside the D plays it into the box for Woods pulling clear right of goal her strike on the angle claimed by the keeper.

Aylsham’s Shelley Woods

A wild lunging tackle by Will in the middle, taking out Bussey caught on the ankle goes down, Will hurt to, the referee patient waiting her her to recover before issuing the yellow card. Bussey is some discomfort can’t continue, has to come off, Elisha Nobbs coming on going to the left of defence Riches over to the right. From the resulting free-kick the ball lifted into the top of the area comes through to Woods stealing into the six yard box and players rush in on goal, releasing a shot across the keeper, Pearce with a reactive save blocking with her leg the ball popping back up for Woods, getting her foot up attempts to put the volley past the keeper, Vicky Lubbock at the far post getting her leg up to divert the ball into the back of the net but even as Aylsham wheel away in celebration the goal won’t stand for offside.

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

 A lively end to the first half as both sides head into the changing rooms after a frantic first 45 minutes. Fairly even both sides working hard to close the ball down move it forwards a little rushed at times if anything, Bungay seeing a shot narrowly over the bar, Aylsham taking the lead from the spot on the half hour. Denied a 2nd goal late on in the half for offside. Aylsham keeping it tight through the middle, dropping off giving Bungay little opportunity to get in behind. 1 goal in it however still very much all to play for.

The sides emerging from the changing rooms for the start of the 2nd half, Aylsham unchanged from the side that finished the first half, Bungay making a change sending on Lauren Purling recently back with the squad after nearly six months out with an achilles injury, replacing Turner in attack, comes to the left. Bungay taking the kick off 2nd half the ball out to Rignall wide on the left her cross deflected through to the keeper.

Gibbons not happy with the first half getting hold of the ball for Bungay driving on through the middle, runs into traffic inside the D, O’Connor and Buckley closing her down, the ball popping free into Rose 25 yards out right of goal fires her strike over the bar. Bell taking the ball on down Bungay’s right wing turning a cross into Rose outside the D, skipping up off the surface won’t sit for her to get down before O’Connor moving in to put in the challenge.

Aylsham captain, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor

Bungay pressing the ball at the start of the 2nd half looking to get the ball on quickly Will out to Saddington on the left her cross spinning behind at the near post. Aylsham look for an outlet the ball from Vicky Lubbock up to Sophie on the left flank, Roos rushing on to close her down putting the ball out for a throw.

Vicky Lubbock getting on with the ball left wing for Aylsham her cross long into the area cleared by Riggall for Bungay. Bell carrying the ball on well for Bungay to the right cuts inside to give it to Will who tries to thread Rose in behind, O’Connor intercepting inside the D for Aylsham. Rose linking up with Will through the middle pushing on into the top of the area, Buckley with the blocking tackle on Will the ball loose coming back to Rose to strike the ball high in on goal, a good save from Parker to claim it high above her head.

Bungay’s Marseilles Will

Bungay asking questions 2nd half a different dynamic to their attack without the presence of Turner up top, Saddington pressing the ball on the left driving into the area her angled shot fired in low at the keeper, Parker saving with her leg turning the ball away behind for a corner kick. Swung into the middle from the left Rowland gets her head on the ball, turns it wide past the far post.

Kruez central for Aylsham laying the ball out to Sophie Lubbock pulling into the right channel looking to get into the box, Heaney getting across the attacker to see the ball back to her attacker. Bungay’s young players lively looking to take the ball on into their feet drive forwards, Bell getting on well on the right linking up with Rose up top, Greengrass throwing out a leg to cut out a diagonal ball.

Brown sending the ball into Kruez on Aylsham’s right getting on the move Rignall out to close her down the ball gone for a throw. Saddington winning the ball back wide on Bungay’s left flashing a cross into the six yard box, Will racing in beyond the far post turning it wide. Aylsham making a change Allum coming of, Myall back on. Gibbons tenacious with the ball at her feet fouled by Buckley outside the box 25 yards out to the right of goal.

Bungay’s Zoe Gibbons

Rose over the set-piece goes for goal her effort flashed wide of Parker’s left post. Riches coming off for Aylsham, Bussey recovering form her earlier knock, back on at right back. Gibbons surging on through the middle with the ball at her feet strikes the ball from the top of the area the ball rising on the keeper, Parker getting her gloves up almost knocks it down behind into her own goal but turns sharply to grab hold of the bouncing ball in the nick of time even as Bungay begin to celebrate…

Bungay pressing creating opportunities Aylsham continue to work hard to defend their leaf keeping players back limiting their own attacks going forwards. O’Connor cutting out Saddington’s left side cross into the box, back with the winger lifted in to the far post Buckley going in with Rose winning the ball. The game a little stretched Woods looking for the pass to release Sophie Lubbock in behind is a vital header won by Heaney for Bungay.

Sophie Lubbock

Parker going down with an injury off the ball, needing to be assessed a chance for Aylsham to have a breather as both sides head over to their respective dugout for fluids and instructions from the coaching staff. 20 minutes left to play. Rose darting into space on the right hooking the ball over Buckley into the box, Parker first too it before Bell can close it down.

Bussey defending for Aylsham on the right of defence as Saddington looks to drop her shoulder drive into the box. Parker the busier of the two keeper’s racing out to the top of her area looking to beat Saddington to the ball left of the box as Rose clips a diagonal ball in behind, the keeper sliding in getting their in the nick of time to save at Saddington’s feet.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Mia Parker

Parker out to the top of of her area to drop onto the ball as Gibbons sends it on through the middle. Buckley get her tackle in to deny Rose an opportunity to steal into the box of a Rowland pass. Bell winning the ball for Bungay 25 yards out gets her head down drives on to the top of the area, Buckley with the blocking tackle. Gibbons into Rose to the right drifts inside to shot on the angle driven into the near post, Parker behind it to save.

GOAL! A little over 10 minutes left to play, Aylsham’s working hard to defend, but the back line is finally breached as Rose takes the ball away to the right closing in on the by-line cuts the ball in through the corridor inside the six yard box, coming through into the middle of goal, Bell running in to turn the ball over the line to get Bungay back on level terms 1-1.

Abi Bell scores the equaliser for Bungay

Woods shown the yellow card as she brings down Will, the free-kick top of the circle, Roos floated the ball into the box, too easy for the keeper to claim. The game open Bungay pushing on winning the ball back inside the Aylsham half, Rose central putting a diagonal ball out to Bell inside the area wide right of goal lays it back up to Purling who sends a shot in on goal lacking any pace to trouble Parker, she takes it cleanly into her gloves.

Bungay’s Lauren Purling with Aylsham’s Elisha Nobbs

Buckley moving in to close Will down as she looks to head into the D off the left the ball cleared left won back by Saddington fed into the Gibbons top left corner her shot angled in on goal straight at the keeper. The game moving into the final 5 minutes Aylsham bringing on Olivia Baker joining the attack with Myall off. Bungay not sitting back waiting for extra-time pushing players on Roos, Heaney and Riggall well spaced at the back ready to deal with any Aylsham counter, as it is the forward players keep driving at the opposition defence Rose wide right sending her cross long through the six yard box picked up by Saddington left shot her angled drive over the bar.

GOAL! Bungay come through the middle, Gibbons on another of her marauding runs looking to push her way all the way through on goal defenders moving in to try and slow her down gets a shot away blocked by Buckley, the rebound dropping straight to Rose right of the D, unleashes a shot fired in across the keeper to find the bottom left corner to send Bungay into the lead! 2-1!

Mia Rose fires Bungay into the lead in the cup final

A huge blow for Aylsham having worked so hard to try and keep Bungay out the pressure though finally telling the chances mounting eventually taken, Bungay with their noses in front with little time left for Aylsham to find an equaliser themselves force the game into extra-time. Purling fed down the right by Rose puts the ball into the box for Will, near post, Buckley blocking the ball cleared to the top of the area Rose latching onto it pulling her shot wide.

Bungay with their tails up determined to keep the ball in the final 3rd Saddington on the left with Gibbons moving into the box, Brown with a clumsy challenge bringing her down right on the edge of the area but Bungay’s appeals for a penalty waved away. Aylsham get the ball upfield seconds left on the clock into Sophie Lubbock left forwards into Baker central, Riggall coming to close her down. Time up the final whistle blows and Bungay have done it winning the League cup to achieve the double.

Full time Aylsham FC Women 1-2 Bungay Town Ladies

 Bungay pushing hard in the 2nd half to find a late equaliser and an even later winning goal. Their extra bit of quality shining through in the finish. Created numerous opportunities in the 2nd period. Aylsham worked tirelessly in defence to hold onto their slender lead long into the game and for a while it looked as if they might hold on Bungay driving on to pile on the pressure capitalising.

Women’s Football East  Player of the Match

 Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, this one not quite so easy a couple of strong contenders but ultimately the notes pushed one out in front. Several performances of note was another well contested final. Firstly for Aylsham the defence all playing a vital part putting in some vital tackles in interceptions, full backs Jemma Riches and Rachel Bussey along with Sophie Buckley and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor. Cayla Brown worked hard in front of the defence getting in to win the ball, Ella Kruez taking the ball on well down the right. Vicky Lubbock out on the left and Shelley Woods up top looknig to create an opening. Goalkeeper Mia Parker with some good work in goal to keep Bungay at bay long into the final. For Bungay, Fran Heaney with some great ball winning in defence. Selina Rowland getting hold of the ball and driving forwards to link up with the attackers. Marseilles Will with good movement and pace on the ball. Mia Rose getting into the channels making some good runs to pull defenders out of position, scoring the winning goal. Abi Bell covering the ground getting up and down the pitch, getting into the box for the levelling goal pushed Zoe Gibbons all the way but ultimately the number of midfielder runs she made on the ball counted, came out 2nd half in a frustrated mood and looked to set thing’s right with the ball at her feet getting Bungay going.

Bungay Town Ladies 2024/25 Norfolk Women’s League Cup winners

Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup and doing the league and cup double. 

 A county cup final to look forwards too, on the 27th May at Portman Road will be there to see them in action, enjoy the occasion. Two fantastic finals, my thanks to all involved for their help today. Thanks to the Aylsham volunteers helping make the weekend a success, the clubs involved in the final and the officials. Not forgetting the NWGFL committee a lot of work put in behind the scenes to make the leagues and finals days a success, a busy weekend no doubt but hugely rewarding. Three more games to go then my season’s done, and boy could I do with the rest.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Sprowston FC Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Wednesday 22nd May

Norfolk Women’s Division One 

After a run of 9 cup finals, a brief pause this Wednesday evening for a spot of league action in my penultimate game of the season, a trip into Norwich, to watch a potential title winning clash between the top two in Norfolk Women’s Division One, Sprowston FC Women 2nd a point behind the visitors, leaders Bungay Town Ladies. 

 Bungay Town Ladies climbing to the top of the table having finally caught up with their games in hand a point clear knowing a point or better this evening will see them crowned champions. Sprowston’s last game of the season have to win to keep their own title hopes alive and then hope Caister FC Ladies can do them a favour by beating Bungay in their final game on Sunday. Bungay keen for that scenario not to arise, both sides bringing in the big guns for the game with their dual signings available with their parent clubs season’s having concluded. Whatever the outcome of this evenings match the pair have guaranteed a top two finish. A great season for both.

 Sprowston amongst the chasing pack all season picking up some great results developing a squad of young players, Sprowston FC with a strong youth policy. Lost just one of their opening 12 league matches pushing the leaders all they way and when Caister FC Ladies were deducted 12 point for playing a banned player the Division One picture changed with themselves and Bungay emerging as the title contenders. Reaching the last 4 of the League Cup too will b aiming to end the campaign on a high. Mollie O’Callaghan the top scorer for Sprowston scoring 17 goals in 17 appearances. With Rosie Milligan on 13 goals Bailey Duffield with 12 and Holly Whayman and Lois Wright both on 9.

  Bungay Town Ladies emerging as the Division One leaders late in the season having been playing catch up with their fixtures all campaign. Never an easy task to have the games in hand and fulfil the potential they offer by getting the points on the board but have achieved it to put themselves within touching distance of winning another Division One title, albeit quite a while back. Have long been established in the league have build up a strong squad full of experience and a spattering of exciting young talent. A double within their grasp too, missing out in the final of this seasons League Cup. Mia Rose the clubs top scorer with 14 goals. Lauren Goulder has since moved on with 12. Brooke Osborne signed at the start of the season with 8 to her name.

  Blue Boar Lane the venue for this evenings league clash the Sprowston Sports and Social Club, home of Sprowston FC men and women. The social club leading to the main grass pitch. Surrounded by trees in a residential area. Viewing behind railings all round. The pitch certainly a contrast to the pitch at evening but unfair to compare it to Portman Road. Is uneven in  place the grass a little long, but with all the rain we’ve had in the past 24 hours hardly surprising good growing weather. A little slope to it too from one goal mouth to another a decent crowd too with a few keen observers to see how things will pan out. After that heavy rain yesterday that saw the Suffolk Women’s County Cup final suspended for 1hr 20 minutes it didn’t hit Norwich too bad and the threat to the game being on passed. A few spots of rain in the air clouds around but as the teams kicked off the sun broke through the cloud low setting behind the trees behind one goal.

Sprowston FC Women starting XI – Jade Knight, Courtney Leggett, Bailey Curtis, Holly Whayman, Brianna Rudd (C), Olivia Leggett, Chloe Shipman, Mollie O’Callaghan, Anais Winney, Phoebe Green and Bailey Duffield. Subs – Rosie Milligan, Lois Wright, Lola Hallam & Aimee Dickson.

Sprowston FC Women

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Grace Storey, Marcie Prettyman, Chloe Ellis, Ruby Roos, Charnelle Riggall (C), Selina Rowland, Brooke Osborne, Lily Alexander, Lauren Bullard & Mia Rose. Subs – Naomi Cooper, Kate Pasque, Lauren Purling, Abigail Bell & Zoe Cossey.

Bungay Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Charnelle Riggall and Briana Rudd with this evening’s referee, Norwich’s, Alice Parker.

Sprowston having midfielder Chloe Shipman available with Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women historic title winning season in EWFL Division One North finished. Played a big part for the club collecting both the Players players and Managers player of the year awards. So too Anais Winney, she and twin sister Lily-Ann joining now relegated FAWNL side Cambridge City Women both having played for the first team. Bungay have midfielder Ciera Flatt out injured but have some of their dual signings available too to this evenings crucial game, Lauren Bullard recently signed on in the starting line up along side fellow Wroxham player, Lily Alexander who netted a goal in Wroxham league cup final defeat at the weekend. Naomi Cooper on the bench. Norwich’s, Alice Parker, refereeing this evenings game.

Sprowston opting to switch ends at the coin toss with the sun appearing low behind one goal. Bungay to kick -off the game wearing light blue shirts with black shorts and socks. Sprowston wearing orange shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball played into midfield comes out to the left captain, Charnelle Riggall looking to get forwards on the flank lays the pass inside into Mia Rose up top, Bailey Curtis closing in holding the attackers up inside the D, Rose getting room to turn putting the ball into the far post collected by goalkeeper, Jade Knight.

Bungay looking to make a positive start, Selina Rowland winning the ball in the middle, putting the pass out to Riggall wide left, 30 yards out unleashes a shot the ball brushing the side netting as it runs wide of the near post. Rose winning a throw for Bungay up on the left, Grace Storey putting it into Rose’s feet, wide spins inside to cross, the ball headed clear by Sprowston captain, Briana Rudd.

Bungay’s, Selina Rowland

Riggall pushing on well up the left for Bungay as side win another throw in the corner played into Riggall, sends a crossed arrowing into the far post, players closing in, Marcie Prettyman up with Brooke Osborne, the header turned wide. The game being played at a frantic pace the ball won back and put forwards quickly. Bungay pushing players on, Sprowston clearing into Mollie O’Callaghan in the middle puts a diagonal ball into the right channel for striker, Bailey Duffield to attack Bungay goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce out of her area quickly to put her foot through the ball to clear.

Osborne laying the ball into Rose’s feet as the attacker pulls out to the right 20 yards out spins in behind to flash a cross in along the face of the Sprowston goal, Bullard can’t quite reach it to turn home. Chloe Shipman carrying the ball out to the right lifts it on for Duffield to attack on the flank, Grace Storey back on her as the pair reach the by-line the defender seeing Duffield place her attempted cross behind for a goal kick.

Chloe Shipman

A frantic opening 5 minutes if anything both sides need to settle. Chloe Ellis playing the ball out from the back up to Osborne inside for Bullard, challenged by Sprowston’s Holly Whayman, cleared to the left, Sprowston’s Anais Winney sending the ball into the box for Duffield to attack, Bungay defender Ruby Roos getting across her to shield the ball back to her keep, Pearce picking it up Sprowston claiming Roos touched the ball implying a back pass but nothing doing.

Rowland giving the ball to Riggall getting on up the left flank looks to play Bullard in behind the flag though going up, halting her run. Winney taking the ball on right for Sprowston winning a throw as Ellis comes across to tackle. Off the throw Phoebe Green sees the ball into her feet right corner of the area and turning to shot sends the ball wide past the far post. O’Callaghan with time on the ball 40 yards out lines up a strike a good effort racing wide of the right post.

Rowland bringing the ball under control in the middle, laying it out to Riggall getting forwards on the left pushed into Bullard 20 yards out left of the D, has Osborne making a run across her going ide plays the ball into her, Osborne’s angled cross, claimed by Sprowston goalkeeper, Knight. A free-kick won on half-way to Sprowston, Olivia Leggett to play the ball up into the area, Roos heading it clear for Bungay.

Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall looking to get in behind Chloe Shipman

Rowland up ended in the middle, gets back to her feet quickly to take it spotting Riggall in space on the left, going forwards Sprowston out to close her down put the ball out for a throw. Alexander receiving the throw do onto her feet, spins in behind to cross the ball blocked by Whayman. Leggett heading the ball away from danger as Riggall whips a cross in towards the top of the area. Bungay pressing getting forwards well. Prettyman on the move right into Osborne racing on her cross/shot taken by Knight down low at her near post.

Knight has a good kick on her the ball launched up to the right has Duffield turning to attack up the line, is brought down as she reaches the corner of the area, winning her side a free-kick. O’Callaghan over it players up goes for the shot fires the ball over the crossbar. Duffield closing Roos down as the defender looks to see the ball out of play on the left forces the corner. Curled in to the far post knocked down drops to Green out beyond the post, sees her shot charged down.

Sprowston’s Bailey Duffield

Bungay look to break from the corner get away on the right, Sprowston snapping back to turn play around, Shipman on for Green her cross over everyone from the left, Duffield right looking to keep the pressure on, winning another corner. A dangerous delivery curled in under the bar by O’Callaghan, Pearce getting a fist on the ball to punch it away.

Bungay goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce

Duffield attacking the ball on the right as Knight boots it upfield, Riggall tracking back to help Storey at the back getting a challenge in on Duffield to see Storey clear. Both sides calling for a little calm passes rushed at times. Alexander bringing the ball on for Bungay played into Riggall wide left, spins in behind looknig to get down the line, Curtis back at her to challenge, clears the ball. Sprowston making a change, Duffield coming off in attack, Rosie Milligan coming on.

The ball put inside from the left into Rose inside the D, the Bungay attacker holding the ball up, looking to spin off Whayman marking her to get a shot away, Whayman ready lunging in with her leg to block the ball runs wide to the right of the D, Rowland running on looking to shoot first time blasts her 20 yard attempt wide. Osborne taking the ball on down the right seeing her low cross turned behind by Leggett.

The corner lifted in at the near post Roos up to head the ball twisting her body to angle the ball in down towards goal, blocked on the line, dropping down to the floor and hastily scrambled away, Bungay appealing that the ball had crossed the line but don’t get the decision. VAR not used if it wasn’t over there was only a fraction in it.

Bungay’s Ruby Roos

Good contest. lively, Bungay getting on quickly looking to force the tempo, too quickly at times players not ready for passes, Leggett winning it at the back up to Winney left has Green pulling wide picks her out, the attacker on the angle sending a shot wide across the six yard box.

GOAL! The deadlock broken Bungay bringing the ball on right side played into Rose form a goal kick, 20 yards out right corner of the box back to goal takes it to her left to spin away down the line lifting a cross into the box, over Bullard, dropping on the penalty spot, Alexander charging in unmarked hitting it on the volley driving the ball past the keeper into the back of the net 0-1.

Lily Alexander celebrates as she fires Bungay into the lead

Bungay taking the lead with just under half an hour played. Winney gets the ball up to Green pressing on the left sends a cross into the area, Milligan making a central run, Roos intercepting to head the ball clear. O’Callaghan looking to line up another rocket from 30 yards out, Rowland throwing her self in to block the ball at close range. Rose moving across the Sprowston back line to receive the ball, Rowland taking the ball out to the left rolling her in down the line, Rose and Whayman tangling on the edge of the area, the Bungay attacker winning a free-kick, Whayman shown a yellow card.

Mollie O’Callaghan

 

 Osborne over the set-piece on the left just outside the box, flighted in towards the far post Roos jumping to nod the ball down into the six yard box, the shot is taken, the ball gratefully grabbed up by Knight put straight into the keeper. O’Callaghan with Shipman bring the ball on through the middle for Sprowston, Shipman sending it up the right wing with Milligan racing in behind the full back firing a cross into the area, won by Riggall over on the other side of the pitch now. A few uneven bounces on the pitch wrong footing plays, there are definitely a few nerves out there the senior plays trying to get everyone to relax.

  Riggall over on the right attacking the ball on for Osborne releases Bullard down to the by-line cuts her cross back up into the box, Leggett snatching it back for Sprowston to clear. Roos comes over to support Riggall as she holds up Green’s progress on the left wing, sends the ball upfield, Rose looking to get it under control, has the ball taken off her feet by Rudd. Bungay pressing on the right, Riggall up with Osborne and Bullard the cross put into the area, Curtis going to clear it, Rose charging the ball down behind for a goal kick. 

  Rowland playing the ball into Rose over on the left 20 yards out controls the ball and shifts it inside to open up the angle to shoot, the ball fired straight at the keeper, back on her line. O’Callaghan angling a 30 yard pass into the right side of the Bungay six yard box, Green attacking it sends the ball over. Sprowston winning a free-kick wide on the left in the closing moments of the first half, O’Callaghan over the ball sends the ball into the area over everyone and out at the far post.

Half-time Sprowston FC Women 0-1 Bungay Town Ladies

  Bungay with the narrow advantage at the break, the teams staying out on the field with a short interval before the 2nd half. The game has been played at a frantic pace, Bungay keen to get the job done this evening. Neither side has settled, a nervous edge to proceedings. A few rash challenges but played in good spirits for the majority. Bungay creating chances getting players on well down the flanks. Sprowston limited in their attacks but proving a real danger on the counter and keeping Bungay on their toes a single goal in it all to play for 2nd half.

  Both sides making changes, Zoe Cossey and Abigail Bell on for Bungay in place of Osborne and Storey off. Duffield back on for Sprowston along with Lola Hallam, Green and Winney off. Sprowston getting the 2nd half underway, Bungay immediately in to close the ball down, get the ball up the right crossed into the box, drops for Rose stabs the ball over the goal. Bell closing the ball down in the final 3rd for Bungay out to the right, Courtney Leggett defending sending it out for a throw. 

 Sprowston up on the right getting a throw, played into Duffield top of the area lays it down the line for Hallam to lift a cross into the area, Pearce claiming the ball at the near post. Shipman tackling Rowland in the middle to bring the ball away right, for Hallam, Riggall challenging for Bungay to stop the attack. Courtney Leggett getting on with the ball left for Sprowston fires it forwards up into the box with Duffield the target, Roos goes with her foot instead of her head to clear the ball, slices the ball in behind gets away with it as it runs straight into the keepers gloves.

Sprowston’s Lola Hallam

  Bungay queuing up inside the box as Rose on the right looks to wriggle her was past three defenders, the cross coming in, Whayman winning it for Sprowston to clear. Rowland booked as she is late with her tackle, then clears the ball inside the box from the resulting free-kick. The game remains lively Cossey carrying the ball up through the middle for Bungay sending it on for Rose up the right flank, Courtney Leggett getting a foot on the ball, brings it on setting off a Sprowston counter attack, rolls into Milligan, pulls the trigger from 30 yards out her shot only succeeds in finding the keeper.

  Cossey getting up to the top of the D, laying the ball off to the left for the onrushing, Alexander to take on Curtis making the blocking tackle for Sprowston. Milligan with another attempt from distance 25 yards out on the right places the ball over the crossbar. Shipman wins Pearce’s goal-kick for Sprowston seeing the ball down lays it forwards looking to play Hallam through on goal right side, the pass a little too strong gives Pearce the opportunity to get the ball safely back into her gloves.

  Bungay defending their six yard box heading the ball clear as Sprowston pushing on the right win a corner. Bungay come on through the middle Rowland on for Cossey left of the D, 25 out looks to thread the ball into the path of Bullard ahead of her, not quite as Whayman clears, the ball going straight to Prettyman 25 yards out right of the D, shoots the ball racing wide of the far post. 

Marcie Prettyman tackling Rosie Milligan

 Curtis putting the tackle in on Rose as the Bungay attacker drives forwards with the ball at her feet in the left channel. Alexander on the move right plays the ball on for Rose bursting to the by-lie stabs her cross up into the near post, Curtis with a timely tackle on Bullard as she looks to attack it. Bungay upping the ante pushing on Roos lifting a pass into Bullard moving right back to Prettyman, inside for Rowland looks to turn, Milligan nips in to win the ball for Sprowston, they look to counter Milligan finding Shipman looks to release Hallam on the right, Riggall defending for Bungay. 

  Changes from both sides, Shipman coming off for Sprowston, Green coming back on. Bungay bringing off Rose, sending on Lauren Purling. Leggett needing to defend for Sprowston does well as Alexander picking up the ball 25 yards out drives on towards the box, left side of the D. Bungay giving the ball away in the middle, O’Callaghan snapping onto the ball letting fly from 30 yards out, the shot grabbed down by Pearce. 25 minutes left to play the score remains 1-0 to Bungay, the ball not sticking on the middle, but Sprowston can’t get it into their attackers. 

Bungay’s Zoe Cossey

 Cossey with a chance to double the lead as she breaks into the area central, riding a challenge stays on her feet moving to the left, taking the shot, not enough on it to evade the keeper, Knight down to make the save. Bungay pressing, Alexander on the drive with the ball at her feet central feeding the pass out to Purling on the right 20 yards out ends the ball arrowing into the box central, for Bell looking to attack it on the half volley, places the shot straight at the keeper. Cossey coming inside from the left to try her luck on the angle too can only pick out Knight in the Sprowston goal. 

Bungay’s Abigail Bell

Bungay looking to turn the screw, O’Callaghan nipping back in on Purling as the Bungay winger looks to get away on the right, out for a throw, Prettyman putting the ball up the line for Purling to attack driving to the by-line, Rudd going with her holding her up well eventually conceding the throw in the corner. Prettyman putting it long into Alexander inside the box, Olivia Leggett challenging to clear the threat. 

 Rowland bringing the ball down puts it into the path of Bells 25 yards out right of the D, unleashing a shot whips past the near post. Bungay with a free-kick on halfway lifted into the right side of the six yard box headed down into the mix, scrambled away to safety.

GOAL! Bungay having created a series of good chances make one count as the ball from the left is clipped into the top of the area, Purling seeing it down beyond the defence knocks it right heading for the six yard box and from the angle strikes the ball in across goal over the line at the far post 0-2.

Lauren Purling about to send Bungay into a 2 goal lead.

 Bungay getting a precious 2nd goal make a change bringing off Rowland with Naomi Cooper coming on. Bungay full of running in the latter stages of the game, one hand on the league title Alexander laying the ball on for Bullard, Curtis closing the attacker down top of the area. Bullard on the ball right side up to Purling inside the box, Rudd stepping in to win the ball back runs back out to Bullard places her shot into the side netting.

Lauren Bullard

  A triple switch for Sprowston as they bring O’Callaghan, Duffield and Whayman off, on come, Lois Wright, Aimee Dickson and Winney. The light starting to fade Bungay with a throw on the right make a change Prettyman having pulled up with cramp replaced by Storey. Cooper looking to play the ball into Bullard moving right, the pass cut out by Curtis. 

 Cossey looking to play a one two with Purling as she makes a central run towards the box, can’t quite get control of the return pass. Sprowston look to bring the ball away launch a counter long for Winney, Ellis defending for Bungay. The game stretched as Sprowston look to throw players forwards. Cossey hooking the ball forwards for Bullard on the right, Curtis going with her lunging in to play the ball out for a throw. The cross from the throw long to the back stick, Cooper rising to get her head on the ball nods it down into the keeper.

  Milligan strikes the shot from distance the ball swerving in towards goals caught by Pearce. The game moving into the final minute, Bungay working hard to limit Sprowston in possession a free-kick won lifted up to Purling on the right takes into the corner before winning a corner. Curled into the area and headed clear, the final whistle blows and Bungay have done it, are CHAMPIONS winning the Division One title.

Fulltime Sprowston FC Women 0-2 Bungay Town Ladies

  Lauren Purling has been with Bungay for a long time, her father Graham managing the side for a long period too, great to see her score the goal in the 2nd half to help secure the league title. Please for the club, great to see them win the league, know they have done it before but not in the WF East era. Have always been very supportive of my efforts to help promote the game. Leading 1-0 at half-time found an extra gear in the 2nd half to push on create good chances eventually making one count. Sprowston beaten by the better side on the night, have nevertheless secured runners-up spot. haven’t seen them this season until now, but have heard them talked about in high regards and have done fabulous to be in the title race right up until their final game of the season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the penultimate Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the season. Have to say this is a difficult one but the notes paint a picture of who done what help alot on occasion. A few performances of note, for Sprowston, Bailey Curtis made a number of crucial tackles at the back. Olivia Leggett in front of the defence getting across the pitch to win the ball. Chloe Shipman in the middle with some useful passes. For Bungay, Lily Alexander with some fantastic runs on hand to volley home the opening goal. Mia Rose got about the top of the area to receive the ball with some great link up play. Selina Rowland strong on the ball in the middle got Bungay moving forwards. Zoe Cossey and Abigail Bell coming on 2nd half pushed on to keep Bungay up the pitch to create attacking opportunities. The award though goes to their captain, Charnelle Riggall worked hard to win the ball down the left in the first half getting it on down the line linking up with her attackers then in defence 2nd half limited Sprowston’s attacks down the right well.

 Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on winning Norfolk Women’s Division One.

Bungay Town Ladies, 2023/24 Norfolk Women’s Division One Champions (photo credit Darrell Allen)

 An exciting game to end the Division One title race, and already you know it’s going to be just as good next season. My thanks to both teams for the team details. Great to see so many taking an interested in the outcome across the footballing community in Norfolk. One more game to go then the season’s done.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Bungay Town Ladies v UEA FC Women

Sunday 12th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

The football action coming from Norfolk this weekend, a busy schedule too with 3 finals in the space of 2 days starting this Sunday with a double bill from Norfolk Women and Girls League (NWGFL) starting with a 10:30am kick-off with Bungay Town Ladies taking on UEA FC Women for this season’s League Cup.

A busy weekend for all involved in the NWGFL finals with all the youth finals being played on Saturday at Aylsham FC and the venue hosting 4 women’s games today, as well as the League Cup & Plate finals, the Ladies 7 ‘s League Cup also taking place between Mulbarton Wanderers Women and Left Field FC Women plus a league match too from Division One with Aylsham FC Women taking on Costessey Sports Ladies in their final match of the season.

The Norfolk Women’s League Cup

Before all of that though the League Cup final. Bungay Town Ladies making it to another end of season cup final following their appearance in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup final last time out. That following a period of rebuilding the team at the start of the season that growth has continued into this season experienced players added to the squad that has propelled Bungay to the top of Division One with 3 games to play, looks to be between them and Sprowston FC Women for the title following the 12 point deduction to Caister FC Ladies for unwittingly fielding a banned player for 4 matches. 

  A busy end to the season Bungay playing catch up with their league fixtures powering their way to the top of the table with a 10-0 home with against Thorpe St Andrew Women on Wednesday evening to make it 6 straight league wins, unbeaten in 8 in total. There only league defeat to date against today’s cup final opponents UEA FC Women. Have plenty of goal scorers throughout the side with 18 different players on target throughout the campaign, Mia Rose top scorer with 13 goals, followed by Lauren Goulder who has since moved to Caister on 12. Zoe Cossey with 8 goals to her name along with Brooke Osborne who joined the club this season. 

  UEA FC Women (University of East Anglia) are into their 2nd successive Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final. Losing out to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women last time around will be aiming to go one better this time out, knowing they are the only Division One side to beat Bungay Town Ladies this season. Currently in 7th spot in the table with one game left to play has been an inconsistent season winning as many as they have lost, struggling for a squad at times too have battled on and are more than capable of beating anyone on their day as the campaign results and cup run have shown. Records are a little sketchy in terms of goals scored however, Ella Burnley top scorer last season is leading the way too this time around.

Road to the Final

  Bungay beginning their League Cup campaign away in the 1st round taking on newly formed Mundford FC Ladies in Division Two. Lauren Goulder on target with a hat-trick it was a comfortable 7-0 win in the finish with Mia Rose, Brooke Osborne, Lauren Purling and Porsha Renwick also scoring a goal each. UEA FC Women’s first round trip to another newcomer Martham FC Ladies was awarded as an away win.

Into the 2nd Round another potential banana skin for Bungay as they hosted early Division Two leaders, Bure Valley Women at maltings Meadow. Looked to be the case too with the game ending 2-2 on the final whistle and going into extra-time. However Bungay found the extra gear to power home 5 goals to take it 7-2 in the extra period. 7 different scorers too with Goulder, Cossey, Osborne, Purling, Selina Rowland, Ciera Flatt and Lola barber King all getting goals.

Into the quarter finals, Bungay were at home once again taking on fellow Division One side Caister Ladies. The result has since been declared Void and Bungay Town Ladies advanced into the semi-finals. UEA FC Women also taking on Division One opposition travelling to play Long Stratton Women. Marched into the last 4 of the competition courtesy of a 4-0 victory.

Bungay were to progress into the final without kicking a ball, having been drawn away to fellow Division One side Aylsham FC Women, their hosts were having some troubles getting a squad together during that period and ultimately the away win was awarded. UEA FC Women had a tough semi-final draw but home advantage taking on Division one title challengers Sprowston FC Women. A close contest the sides drawing 1-1 after 90 minute the game heading into extra-time it was UEA FC Women who would find the winning goal in the final minute of extra time from Ella Burnley sending them into the final.

Youngs Park, the venue for today’s Norfolk Women’s league Cup Final. The ground seeing a lot of construction taking place with a brand new 3G pitch being built beyond the main playing pitch. Earth from that construction moved to build up an embankment planted with trees behind the other goal hiding the allotments beyond. The clubhouse open the bar and kitchen serving hot food and drink with a barbeque being prepared for later in the day. A fantastic weekend weather wise, a bright sunny start to the day with a light breeze blowing across the pitch. The grass pitch one of the best kept in the county in great condition for today’s finals games.

The new 3G pitch under construction at Youngs Park

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Brooke Osborne Charnelle Riggall (C), Ruby Roos, Chloe Ellis, Laura Thacker, Ciera Flatt, Selina Rowland, Abigail Bell, Zoe Cossey & Mia Rose. Subs – Kate Pasque, Lucy Hood, Grace Storey, Porsha Renwick & Lila-Grace Eden.

Bungay Town Ladies

 UEA FC Women starting XI – Maisie Johnson, Evie Bloom, Tasha Harvey, Olivia Seeley, Lilly Brewer, Hannah Thompson (C), Abby Durrant, Cass Piejko, Katie Appleton. Neha Mann & Ella Burnley. Subs – Leah Edwards, Ellie Wilson, Pernille Nerland, Tegan Collier, Lashay Moses. 

UEA FC Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Charnelle Riggall (Bungay) and Hannah Thompson (UEA) with today’s match officials

  UEA having done a lot of preparation before today’s final naming a full squad with 5 on the bench. Bungay too with 5 to call upon from the bench as the sides are led out onto the pitch. UEA to take the kick-off in the 1st half wearing yellow coloured shirts with navy shoulder’s navy shorts and socks, with Bungay lined up opposite wearing their blue coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the defence, Bungay move to close the ball down UEA slow to get it out coming eft, Abigail Bell steals it and surges on into the right channel for Bungay looking to play it on for Mia Rose coming over to receive UEA goalkeeper, Maisie Johnson rushes out to the top of her area to kick the ball clear for a throw in.

  Bungay looking to press the ball early on Bell, tackling Abby Durrant, the UEA midfielder coming straight back at her to win the ball. Selina Rowland brought down in the middle as she attempts to get the ball moving for Bungay, no advantage play brought back for the free-kick. Ciera Flatt over the ball sends it high in towards the top of the area won by defender Olivia Seeley who carries it into the midfield. 

  UEA regain possession on the middle captain Hannah Thompson playing the ball out to the right, Ella Burnley up top linking up with Neha Mann on the right wing, probing down the line, keep the ball back up the line squared into Burnley’s feet is brought down winning a free-kick 30 yards out. Thompson over the set-piece has lifts it over the wall into the box, defended headed behind for a corner on the left. Defended at the near post knocked back out to the corner taker, played long out to the right, Mann keeping in alive in the corner winning a throw leading to another corner. 

 GOAL! The corner curled into the box dropping far post, scrambled clear but the referee spots a handball and points to the spot. Penalty! Burnley placing the ball on the spot ready to take the penalty, strike the ball hard sending it racing to the left side of the goal, Pearce diving the right way can only get the merest of touches not enough to keep it out as Burnley runs away in celebration having fired UEA into an early lead. 0-1.

Ella Burnley opens the scoring for UEA from the penalty spot.

  6 minutes on the clock a nervous start from Bungay haven’t get their passes going UEA sharp to close the ball down. Free-kicks being conceded. Clearing a Ruby Roos long throw at the back UEA play the ball long up the left with Burnley pulling wide looks to play it inside to Cass Piejko running in behind looking for the return ball, Osborne cutting the pass out for Bungay.

Bungay’s Brooke Osborne

  Laura Thacker on the ball central for Bungay lines up a shot from range her strike not having the power behind it to trouble Johnson. Lilly Brewer winning the ball at the back for UEA puts a diagonal ball into the middle Piejko helping it on for Burnley peeling right running down the wing takes on the shot on the angle her low drive covered by Pearce down at her near post to gather. UEA gaining confidence from their bright start moving the ball quickly. 

Cass Piejko on the ball for UEA

 Flatt playing the ball up the left for Zoe Cossey to attack runs into the corner before lifting a high cross into the box, Bell coming in far post, Evie Bloom defending for UEA turning it behind for a corner kick. Fired into the penalty box, Thacker getting something on the ball before Rowland attacks it but can only place the ball into the keepers gloves. A clash of heads between Thacker and Katie Appleton as they go to head the ball, play stopped by both are soon back to their feet.

Bungay’s Ciera Flatt with UEA’s Abby Durrant

  Bungay winning a free-kick deep on the left, played up into the box, knocked back out falls straight to Osborne to the right of goal, on the angle strikes the ball a good hit rising, Johnson though shifting across her goal line gets her gloves up to knock the ball down to safely catch. UEA getting the ball forwards Piejko to Burnley out to Mann wide right looks to drive on, Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall in to challenge the ball out for a throw. Osborne with the ball at her feet drives on up the left looking for Rose pulling across to the wing slides the ball on cut out by Bloom.

  GOAL! UEA double their advantage the ball helped on through the middle a fantastic ball to find Burnley back to goal top of the D, left, turns inside to get in behind and strikes the ball past the keeper before she can react to make it 0-2. 

Ella Burnley doubles UEA’s lead

Appleton is shown a yellow card after bringing down Bell in the middle. Flatt over the resulting free kick, lifts the ball into the box, easily gathered by Johnson in goal. Bungay clip the ball long up the left for Rose as she makes a run looking for the ball 20 yards out slides it across the top of the area looking for Rowland closing in to attack, Tasha Harvey lunging in with a foot to stab the ball clear. 

  Form the throw on the left, Riggall looks to dribble the ball into the box on the by-line lifts it high into the near post, Johnson there to pluck the ball down into the ground and snatch it into her gloves on the bounce. Bell latching onto a miscued goal kick from Johnson 25 yards out, looks for Rose as she turns to attack top of the areas however UEA hold their line catch the attacker offside. UEA making a change then bringing off Brewer, Ellie Wilson coming on. 

Bungay’s Abigail Bell

  Flatt on the ball coming across the midfield to play it into Osborne up on the left she sends it forwards into Bell just outside the box, looking to get the ball under control and turn inside, UEA get three defenders one her to crowd her off the ball. Flatt busy in the middle coming left putting the ball on for Bell her cross into the box is met by Rose, her attempt to shoot blocked at close range.

Bungay’s Zoe Cossey

  Bungay finding UEA’s defence tough to break down, Cossey coming into midfield with the ball puts it on for Rowland 25 yards out, puts her foot though the ball her shot whistling past the right post. 

Bungay’s Selina Rowland

  Bungay moving the ball sharper now looking to get forwards lifted over the top Rose breaks clear left channel, Johnson needs to come rushing out of her box to launch the ball upfield. Rose looking to link up with Bell as Bungay get the ball out to the right, Olivia Seeley helping out Bloom at the back the ball closed down well. Thacker up with Flatt in the middle the diagonal ball floated into the box right side with Bell making the run, Johnson out to challenge doesn’t get hold of the ball but on the floor is able to snatch it into her body before Bell can retrieve it.

UEA FC Women goalkeeper, Maisie Johnson.

  UEA making another change with Pernille Nerland coming on to take up a position on the left. Riggall battles her way forwards with the ball drifting in central before threading it on looking for Cossey, inside the D, looking to take the ball on a defender gets a leg in to deflect the ball out of her path. Flatt taking a heavy knock for Bungay, down in the middle, needing treatment a pause in play.

  Play resumes UEA win a free-kick on the right put into the box, cleared by Osborne. Bungay’s turn to win a free-kick out wide dropped into the box, scrambled away to the top of the area, falls to Thacker snatches at her shot lifting it over. Bloom gets forwards on the left for UEA, up with Nerland the pair exchanging passes, Nerland turning infield, Rowland getting out to close her down regain possession for Bungay.

Evie Bloom

  Nerland is brought down on the left UEA awarded a free-kick 30 yard out. Harvey to play it into the area, too close to the keeper, Pearce taking it high at her near post. Rowland winning the ball back high on the right played into 18 in the middle lifts it over the defence for Rose to attack, in behind, Johnson out quickly to get her fist on the ball knock it out of danger before Rose can meet it. Bungay a little rushed at time need to settle on the ball, Thacker on for Flatt plays it to Rose 25 yards out right of the D, sends her early strike wide of the near post.

Olivia Seeley

  UEA winning the ball at the back, Seeley clearing as Rose looks to see it into her feet off Bell. Thompson passing forwards onto Piejko, looks to play Burnley in on the right channel, a race into the box with Ellis on her shoulder the defender strong getting her body between the ball and attacker to see it back to her keeper to clear. 

  Riggall carrying the ball on well up Bungay’s left playing it into Rose inside the D, looks to bring it down under control off her cheat, Harvey knocking it away from her. Bell rushing in on the ball looks to take it on into the area but is quickly conversed upon, no way through. 

 Into the close moments of the first half Bungay attacking on the left Riggall on for Cossey comes inside and on the turn 25 yards out strikes the ball, her shot narrowly over brushing the roof of the net. Cossey inside with Flatt taking the ball on her shot, blocked 20 yards out.

Half-time Bungay Town Ladies 0-2 UEA FC Women

  Two strikes from Ella Burnley early in the first half seeing UEA holding a 2-0 lead at the break. Started the game well getting on the front foot in to close the ball down and move it forwards quickly. Bungay a little nervy at the start frustrated feel they haven’t got going yet, competing well enough not getting players up to support Rose in attack quickly the UEA defence comfortable closing down. Started to play better towards the end of the half creating a few opportunities and at 2-0 the game is far from settled an early goal in the 2nd half and Bungay are right back in it. 

  Changes for both sides at the start of the 2nd half. Bungay bringing on Grace Storey on with Flatt who had received a knock in the first half off. Storey going into the back line Osborne coming into the middle. UEA with Lashay Moses on up top in place of Burnley with Brewer back on replacing Wilson. Positional changes as Bungay get the 2nd half underway, UEA in the close the ball down straight away Bungay smuggle it out to Rowland coming left has Riggall on the move down the wing, Thompson coming across to close the ball down for UEA.

  UEA feed the ball up top into Moses helps it out to Mann on the right looking to get it under control, Ellis and Riggall combine to win the ball back.

UEA’s Neha Mann looking to get past Bungay’s Chloe Ellis and Charnelle Riggall

  Thompson on for Piejko lifts the ball out to Mann attacking on the right her cross squared into the top of the six yard box Moses stretching for it, Thacker blocking for Bungay. Mann working hard on the right winning UEA a corner kick. A determined start to the 2nd half from UEA. Durrant to curl the ball into the six yard box drops down into a crowd of players, Rowland scrambling it clear for Bungay.

Rowland seeing the ball into her feet 30 yards out left as Riggall storms on down the wing, looks to supply the return pass, Riggall, running into Harvey as she reaches the top of the area the defender playing the ball clear. Osborne over a Bungay free-kick on the right, lifted in towards the far post, Rowland stoops to head the ball, nods it wide of the upright.

UEA’s Tasha Harvey

  Cossey getting the ball on down the left looks to launch it up to the attackers, hurting herself as she goes down, is some concern as she receives treatment and has to come off a blow for Bungay, send Lila-Grace Eden on to join Rose up top. Harvey winning the ball well at the back for UEA coming forwards playing the ball up to Piejko moving left, Roos into defend for Bungay. 

Bungay defender, Ruby Roos

  A double change for UEA with Moses and Piejko coming off, Burnley back on along with Nerland with almost an hour played. Scrappy at times, the play and language colourful at times. UEA frustrating Bungay breaking up play keeping it solid at the back. Nerland taking the ball up the left wing cutting inside into the area playing it central for Mann, Ellis nicking it off her bringing the ball clear for Bungay.

Pernille Nerland

  Harvey picking up a yellow card for UEA, the free-kick to the right of the circle, Osborne floated the ball up into the area, Mann fighting to get hold of it getting it clear for UEA. Bungay frustrated things not happening, UEA working hard to get hold of the ball, Thompson breaking up play patrolling in front of her defence.

UEA captain, Hannah Thompson

 Appleton feeding the ball on for Burnley into the left channel knocks it up the line for Nerland to chase to the by-line just a little too much on it. Rowland knocking the ball on for Riggall powering up the left turned infield, the blocking tackle from Thompson, Osborne regaining possession of the loose ball right of goal drives into the box, Seeley challenging to win the ball for UEA. A drinks break called both sides over to the bench for fluids and instructions.

  Osborne with Rowland central for Bungay, playing the ball into Eden left of the box, turns inside running into the D looking for a shooting opportunity, Thompson sliding in to tackle for UEA. Changes for both sides, Tegan Collier taking up a position on the right for UEA, Flatt back on for Bungay. Osborne has her shirt pulled as she attempts to drive on through the middle for Bungay the free-kick awarded Flatt to send it into the box dropping far post cleared back out to the right, lifted back in high Johnson up to catch the ball. 

  The game opening up as Bungay commit players forwards UEA countering through the middle the ball on for Burnley to chase, Thacker on her shoulder as Pearce comes rushing out to the top of her area, just about wins the ball as Burnley goes down over her, the striker appealing but nothing doing. 

  Time running out for Bungay to get themselves back into the game winning a throw up on the right the ball comes into Riggall 20 yards out central, clips a shot in towards goal hr effort narrowly over the bar. UEA dropping everyone back now leaving Burnley up top on her own, Bungay getting down the flanks, but slow to get runners into the box. Brewer playing the ball up for Collier on the right attempts to thread the pass into Burnley’s path as she runs into the channel, Ellis going with her getting in the way to intercept the ball. Kate Pasque into the action for Bungay as they push players on looking for a goal.

  Rowland letting fly from range all of 30 yards out not troubling Johnson. Osborne inside on for Flatt 20 out, a defender getting something on the ball as she goes to shoot, enough to take the sting out of the ball see it run safely through to the keeper. Porsha Renwick coming on up top for Bungay, Eden coming off. Burnley seeing Appleton’s pass into her feet turns right of the D, looking to burst into the box, Ellis there to stick out a leg nick the ball.

Bungay’s Chloe Ellis

 Ellis bringing the ball on from the back played on for Flatt who in turn looks to set up Rose up top, Brewer tackling for UEA, Bungay pushing hard UEA proving stubborn to break down as the defence drops back, Osborne 25 yards out in the right channel screwing a shot wide. Into the last 5 minutes, with several minutes to be added for stoppages. Bungay pressing, attack right the cross send into the six yard box, UEA fight to get it clear. Seeley down in need of treatment.

  Renwick getting hold of the ball 20 yards out left side runs across the top of the D, tackled by Thompson the loose ball latched onto by Flatt, is charged down the ball screwed away to the right the shot on the angle fired back in across goal wide of the far post. Bungay applying pressure but UEA determined to hold out bring Burnley off, send Moses back on up top. Riggall inside for Osborne onto Ellis pushed up Roos available on the wing drives forwards, Bloom into challenge well for UEA.

 Johnson out to the top of her area a Roos lifts a hopeful ball in towards the box. Deep into stoppage time Renwick out on the right her cross into box cut out by Thompson with Pasque closing in beyond her. Lucy Hood joining the game at the death adding to the attack. Bloom getting hold of the ball with a foray forwards, eventually tackled by Roos, eats up valuable time. One last attack for Bungay Roos on the right, forwards for Osborne racing down the wing but the flag goes up to stall the move. The final whistle blows and UEA celebrate winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Cup.  

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 0-2 UEA FC Women

  A determined effort from UEA in the 2nd half, the defence solid soaking up pressure but rarely looking troubled, Bungay able to have the ball not finding a way through a frustrating game just couldn’t get going. UEA the better side started well, going 2 goals up and gaining confidence with it came the determination to keep Bungay at bay. Breaking up play well throughout. After missing out in the final last season, could see they wanted it this time around. Bungay disappointed but have to pick themselves up three huge league matches to come and a league title to play for. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Several performances of note to mention too. Firstly for Bungay, Chloe Ellis with some good tackling at the back. Charnelle Riggall getting forwards well to support the attack on the left looking to create opportunities. Ciera Flatt strong winning the ball and getting forwards. Selina Rowland too worked hard to get up around the box get onto the ball. UEA with a strong performance all round had a determination about them. The defence working hard to keep it tight throughout. Ella Burnley up top a menace her early goals securing the win. Neha Mann attacking on the right offering good support. The award though goes to their captain Hannah Thompson won the ball well, breaking up numerous attack and patrolled in front of her defence superbly in the 2nd half.

UEA FC Women 2023/24 Norfolk Women’s League Cup winners

  Congratulations to UEA FC Women on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Cup

  An entertaining start to the Norfolk Women’s Finals day, UEA celebrating their triumph, and students are usually skilled in that department the drinks already flowing. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details. Time to find something to eat and catch a little bit of action from the other two matches currently under way before the League Plate final kicks-off.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Needham Market Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Tuesday 16th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

sponsored by MH Goals 

 A Tuesday evening trip down the A12 to Colchester United FC’s JobServe Stadium to watch the final of this season’s Suffolk Women’s County Cup sponsored by MH Goals. Needham Market Women reaching their 4th final in 5 years taking on Bungay Town Ladies reaching the final for the first time in their history.

 A huge gap between the clubs, Needham market overwhelming favourites with a strong debut season playing in the ERWFL Premier Division, Bungay Town Ladies two leagues further down the pyramid playing in Norfolk Women’s Division One.

This evening’s prize

  The competition dominated by Ipswich Town Women since the Suffolk and Norfolk County Cups became separate competitions in 2010. Having featured in 9 of the last 11 finals victorious in all including a 7 game streak before withdrawing from the competition as their excellent growth saw the club reach the 3rd tier of the women’s game in 2021. AFC Sudbury Ladies the only other side to have won the competition in that time. The 2022 final held between a new AFC Sudbury Women’s side and Needham Market Women both emerging as leading clubs within Suffolk enjoying a rapid growth, Sudbury coming on top to beat Needham Market 3-1to complete a treble that season.

  Needham Market Women growing rapidly since they burst onto the scene 5 season’s ago, reaching the County Cup final in their debut season, have since gone on to appear in two more finals while reaching the last 4 in the other. Back to back finals against Ipswich and AFC Sudbury will be aiming to go all the way this time around. Rising through the women’s football pyramid achieving promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division last season, have had a strong debut season in the 5th tier, proving to be a competitive force in an already strong league, talked about as potential title challengers, are on course for a top 4 finish currently 3rd in the table. The women’s set-up part of the academy at Needham Market with a Development side playing in the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division. Striker Molly Hall their top scorer netting 16 goals so far this season, Lois Balfour scoring 13 with Lina Nagib and Eva Hubbard both on 9.

  Bungay Town Ladies making history reaching the County Cup Final for the first time in their history. A long established club playing in step 7 of the women’s football pyramid, competing in Norfolk Women’s Division One under Graham Purling, have produced several quality and talented players that have gone on to achieve success at a higher level. With Purling leaving the women’s side a turbulent spell followed with the side struggling a bit losing players. Darren Renwick heading up a new management team for this season Bungay have bounced back well building a squad with a great blend of experience and youth, competitive haven’t always been helped with injuries and again have a few carrying knocks on the bench, there fine cup run cementing their return to challenge at the top end of the table. Lauren Goulder top scorer so far this season with 13 goals. Selina Rowland finding the back of the net for 10 goals while new signing Zoe Cossey has 6 goals from 6 appearances.

Road to the Final

  A bye for Bungay Town Ladies in the 1st Round of the County Cup, Needham Market Women were drawn away to Suffolk Women’s Championship side, Leiston St Margarets Ladies. 3 League between the sides Needham Market were too strong as they piled on the goals with Molly Hall, Ellie Rossiter and Paige Wakefield all scoring hat-tricks in a 15-0 win with both Lina Nagib and Charlotte McGrath scoring a brace each a goal each too for Lois Balfour and Abbie Fisher.

  No seeding in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup and therefore the potential for the big guns to get drawn together in the early round, exactly what happened in the 2nd Round as we saw last season’s finalists and the two competition favourites drawn together Needham Market hosting AFC Sudbury Women, headed over to Bloomfields that afternoon and was treated to a classic. Sudbury opening the scoring on 20 minutes with Holly Kennard on target the visitors looking strong, Needham Market nevertheless got themselves back on level terms through Jo Brawn. Evie Creaton putting Sudbury back into the lead before Brawn again equalised for Needham Market. Creaton with 2nd goal late in the 1st half to see Sudbury lead 3-2. A different story 2nd half as Needham Market soon got on the front foot Paige Wakefield scoring a thunderbolt to fire them level for a 3rd time. Ellie Rossiter put in on goal to put Needham Market into the lead, Molly Hall securing the win with a 40 yard lob at the death. Bungay progressing with ease to drawn away to Championship bottom side Halesworth Town Women winning the match 7-0.

  Into the quarter finals, Needham Market drawn away to play Beccles Town Ladies struggling for results in Norfolk Women’s Division One. Goals through the side Needham Market were leading 3-0 at half-time before going onto win the game 7-0 with Hall again netting a hat-trick. Jodie Sharp bagging herself a brace with Eva Hubbard, Lois Balfour and Nicole Pannifer all getting on the scoresheet. Bungay drawn away to Ipswich Vale Exiles Ladies who would go on to win the Suffolk Women’s Championship in their debut season in women’s football. Selina Rowland on fire that day the attacking midfielder scoring 4 goals with Lauren Goulder finding the back of the net for 2 more in a 6-1 victory.

  Neutral venues for the semi-finals in Suffolk, Needham Market taking on East Bergholt United Ladies from the league below at Ipswich Wanderers FC. Needham Market again amongst the goals with Lina Nagib and Jodie Sharp both netting 2 goals, Molly Hall and Mia Etheridge with a goal apiece as they reached a 3rd successive final with a 6-1 win. Had to wait to see who their opponents would be with the other semi-final falling foul to the elements delayed with Bungay taking on Suffolk Premier Division Champions, Brettvale Ladies themselves reaching the County Cup Final 3 seasons ago. Played at Walsham le Willows, goals from Zoe Cossey and Selina Rowland saw Bungay make history as won 2-0 to reach the final.

  The JobServe Community Stadium, home of League Two side, Colchester United FC, once again hosting the Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final, a popular stadium for the women’s game with Essex FA also holding their women’s county cup final here and it has of course hosted the Lionesses in the past. A great experience for the players the main stand behind the tunnel and dugout being used. Needham Market bringing some noise with them with a drummer looking to liven up the crowd. A pleasant day the evening warm with the two sides out on the pitch warming up, dry with no rain forecast.

Needham Market Women

Needham Market Women starting XI – Daisie Gibbs, Nicole Pannifer, Eva Hubbard, Laura Bloomfield, Ele Catchpole, Paige Wakefield, Mia Etheridge, Lina Nagib, Ellie Rossiter, Lois Balfour (C) & Molly Hall. Subs – Charlotte McGrath, Jo Brawn, Jodie Sharp, Poppy Nunn & Niamh Thomas.

Bungay Town Ladies

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Maddie Flatman, Porsha Renwick, Erin Galer, Ruby Roos, Ciera Flatt, Charnelle Riggall (C), Gemma Foster, Selina Rowland, Lucy Hood, Zoe Cossey & Lauren Goulder. Subs – Lyndsey Adams, Lauren Purling, Sofia Serghiou, Poppy Fenn & Amber Leeks.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Needham Market without goalkeeper Daniele Clarke for much of the season out with an Achilles injury. Midfielder Abbie Fisher also a long term casualty with an ACL tear. Daisy Gibbs joining the squad doing well in place of Clarke in goal in her first season in adult football. Bungay picking up a couple of knocks at the weekend in their 3-3 draw away to Caister FC Ladies, Lauren Purling and defender Lyndsey Adams hamstring and ankle respectfully amongst the substitutes. Suffolk FA and the staff at Colchester putting on a show with the teams led out flagbearers either side, lined up and introduced to the guests of honour, Matt Harrod of sponsors MH Goals and Kirsty Smith, Suffolk FA’s Football Development Officer. Both squad getting a picture with the cup before the game… only one will be lifting it though.

  Needham Market wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts to get the first half underway with Bungay (also known as The Black Dogs) lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Wakefield in midfield put back to the defence, Needham Market keeping possession early on playing the ball across the back patient, across to the left played on for captain, Lois Balfour breaking on down the touch line sends the ball inside for Lina Nagib 20 yards out connects with the shot fired in towards goal coming straight at Bungay goalkeeper Maddie Flatman at a comfortable height brought down and claimed.

  Bungay winning a free-kick on halfway, don’t commit too many players forwards as the ball it launched up towards the top of the area, Mia Etheridge heading the ball clear for Needham Market push forwards a great diagonal ball releasing Ellie Rossiter to race in clear on the right side, pace travelling inside to the corner of the area pulls her shot wide past the far post. Eva Hubbard pushing up on the left attempting to play a long range pass into the attacks the ball won by Bungay central defender, Ceira Flatt. 

Bungay defender, Ceira Flatt

  Selina Roland bringing the ball on through the middle for Bungay has captain Charnelle Riggall ahead of her the ball rolled into her feet looks to hold off Nagib as she turns inside 25 yards out, Nagib getting a foot on the ball to win the ball. Zoe Cossey having been at Ipswich herself has played with several of the Needham market players previously with the club, picking up the ball 30 yards out drives forwards, stopped by Ele Catchpole at the back for Needham Market. Rossiter showing good pace out on the right a ready outlet as Needham Market look to get in behind the Bungay defence a cross from the right cleared by Gemma Foster.

  Hubbard coming into the midfield onto the ball has a go from 30 yards out sent over the crossbar. Needham Market slow in their build up happy to move the ball about a large pitch the ball being stroked from left to right. Attacking down the flanks a cross coming into the box from the left cleared by Ruby Roos for Bungay. 

 Needham Market push on through the middle Etheridge laying the ball out to Rossiter wide right, held up by Bungay’s Erin Galer, rolls it back up the line for Nicole Pannifer send back in central for Wakefield forwards into Etheridge top of the D puts it through for Rossiter to attack inside the box, Flatt blocking, the ball cleared out to the left of the area the shot from distance struck over. 10 minutes played Needham Market probing creating a few chances in front of goal, Bungay working hard to close them down the ball being sprayed about the pitch, Balfour attempting to slide Rossiter through from the right, but the flag goes up against her.

  Moments later Balfour succeeds in sending Molly Hall clear of the defence central after the ball, Flatman though rushing out to the top of her area getting to the ball first launching it clear. The pace of the game controlled by Needham Market with possession of the ball, Etheridge from the left curling a cross onto the roof of the net. Rossiter bursting on down the right to get after a long diagonal ball into the corner from the by-line sends a cross in near side Hall helping it on into Nagib on the penalty spot places her shot straight at the keeper.

Lina Nagib on the attack for Needham Market

  The Bungay defence back inside their box defending a Balfour’s high ball from the right drops for Nagib left, held up well by Roos inside the box, Hubbard running on to support, Roos stretching for the ball does well to the clear. Cossey looking to hold the ball up up top for Bungay closely marked turn her defender can turn to attack Needham Market regaining possession out to Rossiter on the right races on her cross squared into the area cleared by Roos.

  Rowland putting the ball into Cossey 30 yards out again closely marked this time however wriggles free turning right to pull the trigger, the shot clipped in towards goal, straight at Gibbs, gets down it claim it. Bungay finding a little joy in the middle as Foster puts the ball on for Rowland to fire forwards into Cossey, free 20 yards out looks to move inside before dragging the ball back with her left foot to turn and strike with her right a rising effort, again Gibbs it behind brings the shot down safely.

Molly Hall challenging for the ball on Bungay’s Selina Rowland

  A couple for chances for Bungay giving them encouragement with 20 minutes on the clock. Flatt making a timely interception at the back as Hubbard coming inside form the left looks to send the ball into Etheridge pulling into the right channel. Needham Market strong on the left the ball from Nagib into Balfour near post attempts to lay it back out into the middle of the box, Galer getting a boot on it to clear for Bungay. 

Erin Galer getting to the ball before Ellie Rossiter

 Flatman with a great save diving down to glance the ball wide of her left post as Pannifer strikes the ball in low and fast from 30 yards out, a corner for Needham Market. Flung into the mix in front of goal, a foul spotted by referee Tom Ling as Galer goes down. Hubbard getting on well with the ball for Needham Market left side flashing a cross wide across the face of goal. Roos again dealing with a ball lifted into the area from deep.

 GOAL! Needham Market have been knocking the break through finally coming in the 25th minute as they open the scoring, Wakefield in the middle playing a great ball through for Etheridge breaking on into the right channel in behind the defence into the box closing in on the six yard box fires her shot across the keeper into the bottom corner wheeling away in celebration 1-0.

Mia Etheridge celebrates after opening the scoring for Needham Market (photo credit Hannah Parnell)

 Bungay give the ball away from the restart Rossiter surging away with it on the right threatening to go all the way the Bungay defence recovering well the ball fed inside cut by Roos played back into Flatman to kick clear. Bungay falling behind looking to push on Riggall winning the ball in the middle up into Goulder shifts it inside for Cossey, Laura Bloomfield in to clear it for Needham Market at the back. Etheridge making some great forward runs for Needham Market into the right channel taking the ball all the way to the by-line before cutting a ball back across the face of goal, Balfour in at the far post the flag raised against her Flatman claims.

  Bungay continue to close down the ball in the middle, Needham Market though keeping the pitch wide Rossiter fed the ball on the right taking it on sends a cross flashing through the six yard box out to the left retrieved by Hubbard fired a stinging ball in to the near post, Etheridge there but coming at her fast can get an instinctive touch turns the ball wide. Half an hour played Needham Market pushing on down the flanks, Rossiter into the corner held up by Galer shifts the ball back up the line to wrap her foot around the cross in central Roos intercepts charged down going behind for the corner. A inswinging delivery put in high at the near post Flatman up well to get a glove on the ball glove it on across the box her defence clearing. 

  Rossiter away on the right for Needham Market sending another inviting ball across the face of the Bungay goal, Balfour coming onto it turns it over from close range at the far post. Riggall and Rowland scrapping for possession in the middle for Bungay on for Cossey, is bundled over. Rowland with a turn and hit from 30 yards out striking the ball on target, Gibbs seeing it all the way across her goal to catch the dropping ball. Etheridge with another dynamic run through the left channel getting onto the pass from Wakefield, running on Roos on her shoulder pressing her gets a low shot away but not troubling Flatman, down low to claim.

Bungay goalkeeper, Maddie Flatman

  Nagib getting the ball into her feet left corner of the area takes it on, Porsha Renwick stepping in to tackle for Bungay. The Bungay defence under pressure but battling to keep the score down Hubbard away on the left the cross long into the six yard box Hall rising at the far post not quite able to get her head to it drops into Rossiter wide right on the angle drives the ball into the side netting baking a knick off a defender corner awarded. 

Zoe Cossey holding off Mia Etheridge

 Riggall putting the ball into Cossey in attack turns sending it on for Goulder, caught a little flat footed, gives Gibbs time to come out to the top of her area and claim the ball. The game heading into stoppage time just a minute to be played, Catchpole putting the ball on for Wakefield in the middle picks out Balfour left of the area 20 yards out lays it into Nagib on the flanks her cross into the near post won by Flatt for Bungay. Bungay with one last crack at goal as they win a free-kick inside the Needham Market half cleared back to Riggall has a go from distance the ball high over the crossbar.

Half-time Needham market Women 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  Needham Market leading by a single Mia Ethridge goal at the break. Creating chances could and maybe should have been more, manager Warren Lewis-Claxton not looking overly happy as they head into the changing room. No doubt in control of the game moving the ball well if anything Needham Market have been wasteful in front of goal, getting forwards well lacking a clinical edge and no doubt will be looking to change that in the 2nd half. Bungay despite trailing will be pleased with how the first half has gone working hard to close the ball down stretched with Needham Market getting the ball across the park have defended well Flatman making a great save. while creating a few opportunities of their own.

 No changes for either side at the break Bungay to kick-off the and half played back into Rowland lifts it forwards into Cossey, Catchpole in to defend for Needham Market. Bloomfield getting back to defend on Goulder in attack as the defender is sold short on the pass at the back as the striker looks to take the ball forwards. 

Laura Bloomfield

 Nagib out left on the move with the ball for Needham Market on for Balfour to cross into the near post Hall the target, Roos into challenge clearing the ball for Bungay. 

 GOAL! Needham Market pressing forwards attacking down the left Rossiter sending the cross into the six yard box Hall rising in the middle connecting with the header her attempt crashing down off the crossbar bouncing on the line scrambled clear out to the right, players rushing on Pannifer latching onto the ball bursting into the area and smashing a shot on the angle low and hard past the keeper 2-0.

Nicole Pannifer striking home Needham market’s 2nd goal (photo credit Ben Pooley)

 Needham Market finding their clinical edge just 2 minutes into the 2nd half to double their lead. Pannifer getting forwards on the right now laying the ball forwards for Hall top of the area, Roos in on her close to defend, Wakefield looking to take on the loose ball 25 yards out, Riggall tracking back on her with a great tackle for Bungay  as they look to get the ball forwards themselves.

Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall

 GOAL! Won at the back Needham Market are quick to turn play around and hit Bungay on the counter attack the defence pressed high, Wakefield plays a superb pass in behind for Hubbard racing away to the left, taking it on into the box, strikes the ball low across the keeper into the bottom corner 3-0.

Eva Hubbard scoring Needham Market’s 3rd goal

Eva Hubbard

  Bungay undone by two quickfire goals at the start of the 2nd half, make a change bringing off Renwick with Poppy Fenn coming on. Rowland finding Goulder in the left channel for Bungay 25 yards out attempts to lift the ball across he area to Cossey on the right, Hubbard defending for Needham Market 

 GOAL! Needham Market hit Bungay on the counter again another great through ball seeing Nagib clear in behind on the left this time comes infield with the ball looking for an opening as she moves across the D, strikes the ball in towards the left post rising the ball smashes against the inside of the post and is deflected across goal o land inside the net on the right 4-0.

Lina Nagib’s shot in off the post to make it 4

  3 quick goals in an 8 minute burst at the start of the 2nd half seeing Needham Market blow Bungay away making up for the chances wasted in the first half a clinical start to the 2nd period seeing the ball buried into the back of the net with venom. How will Bungay respond will no doubt be shell shocked need to steady the ship as Needham Market come again down the left flank Nagib though offside as she goes to attack the cross at the far post colliding with the keeper, Flatman stays down needing treatment, both sets of players coming over to the benches to take on fluids. 

Needham Market captain, Lois Balfour

  Cossey stealing in on the ball central, drives forwards letting fly from 20 yards out her shot swerving away to the left coming at Gibbs at a comfortable height, wraps her gloves around the ball. 

 GOAL! Needham Market extending the score line in the 58th minute as Rossiter is sent clear on the right to take the ball on into the box closing in on goal strikes it hard on the angle to drive the ball home 5-0.

Ellie Rossiter through to score Needham Market’s 5th goal (photo credit Ben Pooley)

Bungay on the ropes pushed back, Flatt in to close down Ethridge as she looks to charge into the box with the ball on the left out for a throw in. Hubbard taking the ball on from Nagib left taking it down the line into the box attempting to cut it back up to Nagib, Rowland back to tackle for Bungay. A double change for Needham Market Charlotte McGrath and Poppy Nunn coming on with Wakefield and Hubbard coming off. 

  Needham Market pressing in the final 3rd the ball into Nagib in the left channel powers on with the ball cutting inside to shoot the ball angled in cross the keeper, Flatman saving pushing the ball out to the right. Etheridge playing the ball out to Nunn on the left drives on, Fenn on her shoulder putting her under pressure as she enters the box her strike put into the side netting. A triple switch for Needham Market with 22 minutes left to play, Nagib, Rossiter and Hall coming off, Niamh Thomas, Jodie Sharp and Jo Brawn coming on. 

Bungay defender, Ruby Roos

Needham Market winning a free-kick the ball played out to the right, Etheridge bursting on with the ball shooting on the angle the ball into held by Flatman at her near post. Bungay making a change bring on Lauren Purling for Hood. Etheridge pulling right coming inside top of the area, Foster closing her down has Pannifer racing on wide playing the ball out to her the cross in from deep claimed by the keeper. 

  Bungay feed the ball into Goulder getting half a yard on the Needham Market defence central pushing for the area hesitates not getting a shot away as Catchpole gets back on her to lunge in with a leg to tackle take the ball away to the left and clear. Needham Market with a corner on the right put into the mix headed out of the area by Roos who then blocks the follow up strike from range. Catchpole playing the ball forwards for Nunn running away on the left her cross in chested down by Roos and cleared.

  Bungay regrouping well after Needham market’s onslaught at the start of the 2nd half bring off Rowland, sending on Sophia Serghiou. Brawn sends Nunn away on the left as she races past her on the overlap getting down to the by-line to flash a cross into the box in at Balfour quickly does well to lay it back for Sharp racing in to attack her shot fired straight at the keeper high, Flatman instinctive getting her arms up to knock it down into the ground and grab up into her body. A free-kick for Needham Market out wide on the right, McGrath down with an injury can’t continue, Nagib sent back on. 

 GOAL! Needham Market add a 6th goal from the resulting free-kick the ball lifted in long across the face of goal red shirts rushing in to attack it Etheridge getting the telling touch to flick it on into the corner of the net 6-0.

Mia Etheridge scoring Needham Market’s 6th

  Into the final 7 minutes, Catchpole on for Brawn left turns to attack, Fenn getting back on her to challenge for Bungay. Bungay making another change bringing off Foster for Amber Leeks, playing outfield is an experienced goalkeeper in her own rights and interestingly played in goal for Needham Market in their first County Cup final appearance. Needham Market pushing on in attack Bungay tiring continue to work hard, Fenn stopping Nagib getting away on the left. 

Bungay attacker, Lauren Goulder

 Riggall getting the ball into Purling on for Goulder up top lays the ball out wide right for Fenn to lift a high ball into the far post, Gibbs seeing it safely into her gloves as Leeks closes in. Cossey very nearly pulling a goal back for Bungay late in the game as Goulder hooks the ball on for her to race onto central, a strong run before striking a low shot to Gibbs’ left, the keeper scrambling across her goal the ball though narrowly wide of the post. 

 Into the closing stages Nagib curling a shot wide of the right post as she comes inside form the left. Sharp trying her luck from range as the game moves into stoppage time. Brawn on the ball 25 yards out left of goal curling a shot wide of the far post. Nunn flagged offside as Catchpole sends the ball on from the back. Cossey seeing the ball into feet turns and drives for the Needham Market box right of the D, the defence has seen enough as 4 players converge to close her down. Brawn with one last effort flagged offside in the D as she strikes the ball from the right on the volley wide. Needham Market celebrate as they win their 1st County Cup.

Full time Needham Market Women 6-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  A 3 goal burst at the start of the 2nd half blowing Bungay out of the water, clinical in front of goal taking their chances, in control of the game throughout getting forwards well using the width spreading play. Adding a 5th and 6th goal to secure their 1st County Cup win and will be hungry for more. Bungay can certainly be proud of themselves working hard conceding just a single goal in the first half. The defence under pressure putting in some great blocks and tackles. The opening to the 2nd half putting them on the back foot but regrouped doing what they could to get forwards creating a couple of good opportunities.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A strong performance for Needham Market in attack a battling performance from Bungay in defence. Goalkeeper Maddie Flatman with a couple for good saves and positioning to frustrate Needham market in the 1st half. Ciera Flatt and Ruby Roos doing well at centre back winning the ball and putting in the blocks. Zoe Cossey in attack doing what she could with limited possession to turn and attack the defence. For Needham Market , Eva Hubbard got forwards well to support the attack and set up players, taking her goal well. As did Ellie Rossiter out on the right her pace causing Bungay issues all game a ready outlet going forwards. Paige Wakefield finding her range in midfield with some great assistants. The award goes to Mia Etheridge, opening the scoring made some fantastic runs into the channels, getting about the pitch winning the ball.

Needham Market Women 2022/23 Suffolk Women’s County Cup Winners

 Congratulations to Needham Market Women on winning this season’s and their 1st Suffolk Women’s County Cup.

  Another enjoyable final held at the JobServe Community Stadium, my thanks to Suffolk FA for their help and hospitality this evening put on a great event. Thanks to for photographers Hannah Parnell and Ben Pooley for the additional pictures used. The drive home not so much fun with the A12 being closed yet again, but got home safely, back into Suffolk again on Wednesday for some action from the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division a busy end to the season but wouldn’t have it any other way.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Bungay Town Ladies v UEA FC Women

Sunday 29th Jan

Norfolk Women’s League Cup

 Much improved weather this weekend and a host of exciting matches to choose from. Today’s football coming from the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s League Cup a tasty looking line up with a trip to Maltings Meadow to watch Bungay Town Ladies v UEA FC Women.

A strong quarter final line-up in this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Cup won last season in a penalty shootout with Fakenham Town Ladies coming out on top to beat Mulbarton Belles Ladies. Neither side in this season’s competition with Fakenham stepping up a level to play regional level football. Mulbarton one of the favourite’s knocked out by UEA  FC Women in the previous round. All 8 sides left will fancy their chances of reaching this season’s final.

Bungay Town Ladies have plenty of league matches left to play like Mulbarton only 5 played to date their last league match back in November, seeing them lay 8th with 2 wins and 3 losses will be hoping to build on their recent cup form to push on when the league campaign finally resumes. A long established side within the NWGFL enjoying strong support from their respective men’s club have come through turbulent off the field beginning the new campaign under a new management team headed up by Darren Renwick.

 While Bungay’s league programme might have stalled, have found form in the cup competitions reaching the last 4 of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup with wins over Halesworth Town Women and Ipswich Vale Exiles Ladies. Will face Suffolk Premier Division leaders. Brettvale Ladies in the semi-finals. Also reaching the last 8 of the League Cup beating North Walsham Town Ladies 3-0 at home in the previous round with Maddie Flatman, Lauren Goulder and Lauren Purling al on the score sheet. Selina Rowland often prolific in an attacking midfield role leading goal scorer with 5 to date. Met UEA FC Women on the opening day of the season away from home losing 3-2.

UEA FC Women (or at least a previous version of the side) was one of the main reason’s the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and then Women’s Football East evolved the way it did. Incidentally was also a league cup quarter final back in 2014 UEA hosting Fakenham coming out on top in a thrilling 4-3 encounter that made me realise I got as much excitement form watching a game at county level as I did the WSL, covered plenty of county league games since.

This UEA FC Women (University of East Anglia) team is into it’s 2nd season and proving to be a strong outfit. Winning promotion from Division Two in their debut season finishing 2nd behind Caister FC Ladies. Have hit the ground running in Division One win 3 straight wins to start the campaign, just the one defeat from 6 played so far. Freya Fuller with playing experience for Billericay and Norwich leading goal scorer with 11 from 6 appearances. Into the last 8 of the League Cup with a 7-0 away win against FC Viking & Valkyries FC Women in the 1st Round, going on to record a memorable result away to one of the cup favourites in the 2nd Round beating Mulbarton 2-1 courtesy of goals from Ella Burnley and Rachael Lawrence. 

Maltings Meadow the venue for today’s tie, has been a while since I last visited, pre Covid for sure but it remains a hive off activity very much a community feel about the place, several youth matches taking place on the grass pitches surrounding the man pitch. Over looked by the changing rooms and clubhouse. The grass pitch having suffered like so many others with the recent bad weather, a little soft under foot likely to cut up. Offers decent width, a small covered seated stand to one side fenced all round. Pretty gloomy and over cast prior to kick-off with a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch. 

Bungay Town Ladies

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Amber Leeks, Porcha Renwick, Ruby Roos, Ciera Flatt, Sofia Serghiou, Charnelle Riggall (C), Selina Rowland, Lauren Purling, Phoebe Wakefield, Lucy Wood & Lauren Goulder. Subs – Erin Galer.

UEA FC Women

 UEA FC Women starting XI – Anoushka Williamson, Katie Lee, Olivia Seeley, Maddison Goodenough, Darcey Coombs, Lucy Gooding (C), Prini Woods, Hannah Thompson, Mia Everitt, Cass Piejko & Ella Burnley. Subs – Lily Brewer, Emily Wilson & Amber Long. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Charnelle Riggall of Bungay and UEA’s Lucy Gooding before kick-off

  Bungay come into the game struggling for numbers with a few out trough injury and unavailability. Signing Ruby Roos on the day to give them more than the bare 11. UEA fresh from fielding two teams in midweek BUC’s fixtures naming 3 on the bench. Bungay also known as the ‘Black Dogs’ to get the tie underway wearing sky blue shirts, black shorts and socks. UEA lined up opposite wearing an all dark blue kit with yellow trim on the shirts.

The ball going all the way back to goalkeeper Amber Leeks, she sends the ball long out to the right for Phoebe Wakefield to attack, the threat dealt with by UEA full back Olivia Seeley put out for a throw in. UEA looking to get the ball moving across the pitch early on moving it from one full back to the other Katie Lee at right back bringing the ball forwards on for Cass Piejko down the flank, Porsha Renwick stepping in to tackle for Bungay prevent the cross. Piejko in possession again on the right putting the ball inside for captain Lucy Gooding her attempted through ball having a little too much on it for attacker Ella Burnley to run onto inside the box, goal kick.

Bungay’s Porsha Renwick

UEA keeping the ball moving it swiftly in midfield Gooding back to Hannah Thompson looks to send it on up top for Burnley to attack, Sofia Serghiou in close to defend for Bungay top of the D.

GOAL! UEA capitalising on their positive start getting forwards to score an early goal. The ball at the feet of Prini Woods on halfway passes it into Thompson out on the right, lifts the ball on up towards the top of the area right of the D, Burnley pulling off the defence, with a controlled header to knock the ball up and away from her marker to the right of goal catching it sweetly on the volley as it falls to rifle it home past the keeper to score 0-1.

Ella Burnley opens the scoring for UEA

An early blow for Bungay falling behind within the opening 5 minutes, have a free-kick over half way. The ball sent up towards the area UEA’s defence heading clear. Piejko looking to get forwards with the ball clattered into play brought back for the free-kick. Darcey Coombs over it the defender getting a bit of wind assist as she strikes the ball long past the far post. Bungay are a little static allowing UEA to find their passes Piejko getting away on the right driving for the corner Renwick gets back at her well to challenge win her side the throw in.

UEA FC Women’s Cass Piejko

Selina Rowland picking the ball up deep for Bungay driving forwards moving left cuts the ball back on the diagonal looking for Wakefield, Coombs with a timely interception at the back for UEA. Roos playing at right back for Bungay has a good throw on her as use tool to have as it will often draw more opposition players in towards the ball. Woods on for Gooding out to Burnley peeling away into the left channel looking to get into the box, Ciera Flatt back at her doing enough to halt the attack see off the danger.

Ruby Roos tackling UEA’s Ella Burnley

Burnley keeping the Bungay defence occupied moving across the back line sees the ball into her feet well right of the D, Piejko providing the run from the right the ball laid into her path struck on the angle, Leeks in the Bungay goal down sharply inside her six yard box to make the save. Bungay losing possession in the final 3rd out on the right Burnley stealing it powering into the box, getting away from tackle shifting right to strike the ball in low towards goal, put straight at the keeper, Leeks saving comfortably.

Bungay attacker, Lauren Goulder

   Little opportunity for Bungay’s attackers to test the UEA defence so far, Lauren Goulder having come into midfield for the ball turns and puts her foot through the ball all of 35 yards out, left of the goal, gets plenty of power races wide of the right post. The sun poking through now some blue sky doing absolutely nothing to improve the temperature mind. Bungay are giving UEA time on the ball allowing them to get forwards inviting pressure without applying any themselves. Rowland attempting to change things getting onto the ball and pushing forwards linking up with Goulder in attack the diagonal ball to the right has a little too much on it for Wakefield.

UEA FC Women’s Olivia Seeley

   UEA play the ball across the back from Seeley to Lee on the right coming on with the ball lifting the pass up top for Burnley turns into the shot 20 yards out her shot blocked by Serghiou, the rebound skipping up for Piejko to the right of the D to strike on the half volley leaning back does catch it as cleanly as liked the ball looping up brushing the side netting as it falls. The visitors winning the ball in midfield Woods into Thompson into Mia Everitt on the left takes the ball on down the flank, Roos tackling slowing Everitt’s advance 20 yards out sends the ball in across the top of the area, Burnley meeting it on the half volley struck in low skipping up in front of the keeper Leeks with an excellent save dropping low to her right to knock the ball behind for a corner kick. 

UEA’s Mia Everitt

  The corner played in from the left, met by Roos before the near post her header putting the ball back towards the UEA corner taker, crossed back in, Darcey Coombs coming onto it near post tuning inside the six yard box lifting her shot over from close range. Woods able to travel with the ball in midfield picking out Burnley in attack as the striker pulls away to the left, looking to get around Roos into the box, isn’t the cleanest of challenges but nevertheless gets the job done halting the attack.

  GOAL! Short lived as UEA continue press the advantage able to come on with the ball through the middle Bungay sitting off played on into Piejko moving inside from the right has Gooding up with her shifts the ball into her feet UEA’s captain realising the ball forwards before she is caught brought down with a late tackle, referee Ryan Starkey playing a good advantage as the ball runs through into the box for Burnley getting across her defender to put her foot through the ball slot it past the keeper before Leeks can react 0-2.

Captain Lucy Gooding releasing the ball forwards prior to being tackled

Two goals for Ella Burnley

   A strong opening 20 minutes from taking a 2 goal lead. A pause in play however as Gooding is still down from the tackle, after on field treatment she is up and hobbling can’t continue is brought off her replacement Amber Long a straight swap in the middle. The break in play an opportunity for Bungay to regroup, Rowland forwards from the restart looking to be aggressive on the ball brought down by Lee. Woods the next UEA player to up end Rowland as the midfielder looks to be pro active on the ball combine with Lauren Purling going forwards. 

Selina Rowland looking to take the game to UEA

  Certainly a more competitive Bungay side now looking to match UEA across the middle get into them. The fence could do with anther rail at the bottom to stop the ball sneaking out under it and players having to hurdle over it… plus myself having to collect it. Goodenough bringing the ball out from the back for UEA well, Purling tracking back to put the tackle in for Bungay, then Renwick comes to close down Long as the substitute breaks forwards from the middle for the visiting side. Piejko wide right whipping a dipping cross in towards the near post Serghiou lunging in to cut it out behind for a corner, Renwick coming on left side up to Goulder looking for Wood making a run up the left flank, Lee stretching out cut the pass out.

Bungay’s Sofia Serghiou

  Different game no since the loss of Gooding in midfield with Bungay regrouping becoming more competitive. Purling carrying the ball forwards from halfway for Bungay to the left has support with Wakefield play a one two before Purling lifts it into the channel for Wakefield to attack, Goodenough getting back at her to take the ball off her feet away to the right Wakefield closing in on the by-line sends her cross behind. 

Darcey Coombs and Lauren Goulder challenging for the ball

  Burnley continues to pull off the defence ready to run in behind waiting for the pass from midfield, almost picked out to the left, Flatt reading it well to get her foot it tackle take the ball from the striker Roos round on the cover to clear. Bungay with a free-kick won wide on the right Flatt on the ball as players go forwards into the box lifted in towards a crowded far post area Rowland up well inside the six yard box heading the ball down straight at the keeper, Anoushka Williamson with an instinctive save can’t hold onto the ball loose is grounded in the ensuing scramble the ball stolen away cleared. Williamson down needing treatment, is okay to play on.

Maddison Goodenough coming forwards from the back for UEA

   Bungay’s best chance of the game giving them the belief they aren’t out of this tie captain Charnelle Riggall passing into Rowland picks out Purling right inside the box goes to shot across the keeper find the bottom corner Williamson down smartly to smother the ball. Burnley beating the offside trap to run clear on the box to the right of goal shoots low, Leeks down well to block it the ball not claimed Burnley attempting to reach it challenged the ball swerving away for a corner. 

Bungay’s Phoebe Wakefield

  Late in the first half Woods with space finding Piejko out wide right, Riggall coming back to help defend winning the ball back for Bungay. Goodenough still up the pitch from an earlier set piece looking to get control of the ball wide left, Roos adjusting well the lung in win the ball back as the visitors look to mount a late charge. UEA with a free kick wide on the left flighted in towards the far post, bouncing not attacked Leeks able to take without challenge.

Half-time Bungay Town Ladies 0-2 UEA FC Women

  A strong start to the game from UEA, allowed time on the ball looking to move it crisply across the pitch exploit the flanks, Burnley a good foil up top moving about into the channels bringing the ball down superbly for the opening goal inside five minutes. Bungay static at times allowing their opponents to have the ball a 2nd goal coming on 20 minutes. That also seeing a pause in play with the withdrawal of Gooding from the UEA midfield. Bungay much more competitive after that matching UEA in the middle looking to get forwards better with a strong chance to pull one back before the break. UEA still very much a threat in attack with Burnley looking to find openings. Both keepers called into action. 2-0 often a tricky score line with the next goal having a meaningful effect either way.

  UEA to get the 2nd period underway neither side making a change. Bungay move in quickly t get after the ball won by Rowland in the middle turns to attack forwards into Goulder left inside the box crossed into the six yard box cut out Coombs turned behind for a corner. Floated into the near post UEA comfortable in defending it. Certainly a more aggressive encounter now a few pushes and shoulder barges the soft pitch favouring the sliding tackle, the mud stains building. Rowland wearing most of it. 

UEA’s Hannah Thompson with Bungay’s Ciera Flatt

  Bungay winning a free-kick on the flank deep put in to the top of the D by Flatt, Purling twisting her neck to try and get some power in her header, glances it on safely through for Williamson to catch high. The battle of the 8’s in the middle sees Rowland fouling Long UEA winning the set-piece players up to the top of the area a flare up between Burnley and Flatt a bit of pushing quick brought under control by Ryan Starkey both players with a talking to and a card shown. Lee to put the ball into the area Bungay heading it away safely. 

Selina Rowland

  UEA making a change out on the left bringing off Everitt with Lily Brewer coming on. Lee fouled as she travels forwards on the left. Over the set-piece herself lifted into the far post attacked the ball knocked down into the keeper Leeks down getting something on it the ball loose inside the box struck goalwards cleared off the line to the right and launched clear for a corner. UEA keeping the pressure on the ball sent into the box headed on by Coombs beyond the far post the resulting strike smashed over. 

  Very much a committed contest now several robust challenges more clumsy than malicious has the potential to flare up but the captains are keeping an eye on things. Rowland combining with Riggall as Bungay make progress into the final 3rd the cross in claimed by the keeper. Coombs cutting the pass out at the back as Rowland attempts to put the ball into Purling’s path. Purling getting forwards well for Bungay looking to get on pulling left Lee tackling to stop her getting in behind to cross.

Captain Charnelle Riggall bringing the ball on for Bungay

   Bungay putting pressure on the ball in the final 3rd Purling coming in from the left firing it across the D to Riggall forwards on the right, shifting the ball closed down can’t find room for a shot deflected up central Rowland latching onto it to break clear of the defence blasts a shot in Williamson with a smart instinctive save to deny her, Rowland adjudged to have handled the ball as she looks to get it back under control. 

UEA’s Katie Lee

  UEA with a rapid counter attack forwards into Burnley on the attack right channel Flatt getting back at her to win the ball back. A third change for UEA with Emily Wilson coming on for Woods in midfield midway through the 2nd half. Thompson getting onto the ball in midfield finding room now to attack forwards for Burnley right channel pulling away from the defence to shoot on the angle in low batted away well by Leeks getting to the floor sharply. 

  Riggall moving forwards on the ball laying it on for Purling linking with Goulder up top, Goodenough moving in to break up the attack. Renwick onto Woods on the left flank for Bungay on the attack finds Rowland in the middle, challenged by Goodenough. Bungay press well keeping numbers up in the final 3rd the ball coming to Purling 20 out her strike straight at the keeper. UEA can afford to sit back a little with a 2 goal lead to defend wait to hit Bungay on the counter.

Bungay’s Lauren Purling

 Rowland working well in the midfield on to Goulder in attacker finds Wood out wide has support from Purling on the over lap her cross in cut out by Wilson at the near post. Riggall pulling wide right floating a diagonal ball in close to UEA’s near post turned narrowly wide by the defence for a corner. The strong challenges remain a feature of the game Burnley tackling Flatt then Goodenough feeling one as she and Rowland lung for the ball. Thompson taking out Purling top of the circle giving Bungay a free-kick with less than 15 minutes left to play. The ball flighted in to the top of the area UEA clear threaten to counter, Wakefield back to cover defending on the right.

Bungay’s Lucy Wood

  A corner for Bungay on the right half cleared, Riggall collects puts it back to Flatt to strike a shot from 25 yards out right of the D sent wide. Piejko out wide right with a clever flick to take the ball inside wrong foot her marker, Flatt quick to react at the back able to cover the ground get to the ball before Piejko can steer it on into the box. A foul on Purling brought down on half way players up as Flatt launches it forwards, Purling’s deft flick on into the box not quite finding Goulder to the right of goal as Goodenough clears. 

 Riggall with a strike from distance sent over as the clock runs down. Bungay pressing for a goal UEA content to sit soak up the pressure. A clearance lifted up to Thompson in midfield opts to have a crack at goal from distance on target bouncing up sharply inside the six yard before Leeks but back on her line she has the room to adjust and claim. The final whistle blows and UEA celebrate as they book their place in the last 4 of the league cup.

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 0-2 UEA FC Women

  The opening 20 minutes proving decisive in the match a strong opening from UEA getting on the attack moving the ball well opening the scoring inside 5 minutes going on to make it 2 before Bungay finally got going have been static, were much improved getting after their opponents coming close to pulling a goal back. A tasty affair with some robust tackling a committed contest. Bungay pushing all 2nd half to find a goal taking a few risks at the back. UEA soaking things up well comfortable defending a 2 goal lead ready to counter try and score the 3rd to put the tie beyond doubt. UEA will be joined in the last 4 by Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women who came through extra time to beat Long Stratton 5-2. Thetford Town Ladies who won 2-1 against Sprowston FC Women and Caister FC Ladies who won 5-0 away to Division Two side Blofield United Ladies.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Is once again another tough one with 3 players vying for the award. Several performances of note to mention first. For Bungay Selina Rowland was strong on the middle battling for the ball taking it on and looking for goal scoring opportunities, as was Lauren Purling getting forwards making herself available for the ball. For UEA it was a strong team performance particularly through the spine of the side the midfield competitive Prini Woods passing well, Hannah Thompson covering the ground win the ball back get it moving forwards. At the back Maddison Goodenough put in a number of challenges and interceptions with great positioning throughout and narrowly misses out. With her goals proving the difference in the tie today’s award goes to Ella Burnley took the first goal superbly. With the nature of the game and Bungay sitting back was often left alone up top but showed great movement and running off the ball to find pockets of space between the midfield and defence always an option for the forward pass.

  Great to return to Maltings Meadow see both sides in action a competitive cup tie played in reasonably good spirits. Pleasure to meet the management teams off both sides and for the clubs help with the team details as always much appreciated. look forward to the semi-final draw.  

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies

Thursday 28th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

A spot of midweek football action on Women’s Football East this Thursday evening with a short trip to Thetford to watch a game from Norfolk Women’s Division One with Thetford Town Ladies hosting Bungay Town Ladies.

Both sides amongst a cluster of sides in the middle to the Division One table vying for a 4 finish in the league, with the season drawing to a close, plenty of points still to play for both Thetford Town Ladies and Bungay Town Ladies with 4 games left to play going into this evenings match.

  Thetford Town Ladies currently in 5th spot in Division One, looking to establish themselves in the league and push on to compete at the top on a regular basis. Have had a strong campaign to date maintaining a top half position throughout. Mulbarton Belles Ladies running away with the Division one title while Fakenham Town Ladies and Dussindale & Hellesdon Women look to be on course for 2nd and 3rd, 4th place remains very much in the balance and with games in hand on the sides around them Thetford are well placed to make one final push. Have been hampered with injuries and absences particularly to their defence. Have added to their squad with the dual signing of Becky Russell from Wroxham and Hannah Claughton from Norwich. Rebecca White is their top scorer with 15 goals so far with Melissa Boulton on 9.

  Changes at Bungay Town Ladies over the close season, a new manager coming in, Mark Forgarty players joining the squad with some departures. A strong start to the season with 6 wins in their opening 8 league games with just one defeat that against Mulbarton. In stark contrast the last 8 matches have seen just the one victory and 6 defeats that has seen them fall away from the tussle at the top of the table dropping to 7th in the table. During that time Mark Forgarty has stepped aside as first team manager with Jode Wells taking on the role. A solid platform to build on with a strong squad to take the club on a late flourish could yet see Bungay push back up the table. Have been scoring plenty of goals with Lucy Eagle coming in from Woodbridge Town Ladies netting 23 goals so far from 15 games with Gemma Foster closing in on 20 goals too for the season and Selina Rowland netting 14. 

  The sides have met twice this season already with Bungay defeating Thetford 2-1 in the league cup. Saw their 1st league meeting abandoned late on due to an injury to Thetford’s Courtney Musgrove. Hence the 2 sides have to play each other twice in their run ins. Starting this evening at Thetford Town FC. The large grass pitch sloping slightly, a game under the floodlights. The clubhouse open to serve hot and cold drinks beside the main seated stand. A rather chilly evening compared to recent April days cloud cover keeping the sun from warming the air during the day, nevertheless another dry day.

Thetford Town Ladies

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Lydia Ward, Courtney Musgrove, Ellie-Mae Davies, Rachel Lynch, Zoe Klimcke, Dayna Howard, Becky Russell, Hannah Claughton, Melissa Boulton (C), Rebecca White & Hannah Rogers. Subs – Abbie Corbyn, Emily Escreet, Sophie Burr-Walpole, Erin Lloyd, & Jessica Knight

Bungay Town Ladies

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Sofia Serghiou, Erin Galer, Molly Webb, Porsha Renwick, Lyndsey Adams, Charnelle Riggall (C), Ceira Flatt, Lyla Studd, Gemma Foster & Lucy Eagle.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Bungay at a disadvantage before the start of the game travelling to Thetford with just 10 players available due to a combination of injury, illness and work commitments, with Thetford able to name 5 on their bench. It’s the visitors to kick-off the game wearing light blue shirts, black sorts and black shorts. Thetford opposite wearing claret shirts with navy shorts and socks. The ball is quickly closed down in the middle of the park, before Thetford clip a long ball out to the left, Hannah Claughton getting forwards on the left flank, full back Erin Galer in to defend the ball going for a throw in the corner. The ball worked back into the middle Becky Russell lifting it out to the opposite flank with captain, Melissa Boulton  on the move one touch taking the ball forwards her angled ball into the box caught at her near post by goalkeeper Sofia Serghiou.

Thetford pressing the ball well on half way, Dayna Howard with Russell the ball put on through the middle for attacker, Hannah Rogers racing on towards the top of the area unleashes a shot from inside the D, her low effort running safely through to the keeper. Bungay looking to keep compact feed the ball out to the wide areas when won back, captain, Charnelle Riggall out to striker, Lucy Eagle drifting right, surges forwards with the ball at her feet, pushing on into the box right of goal, Rachel Lynch getting across her path to put in the block as she goes to shoot. The ball coming on t Ceira Flatt left of the D 20 yards out her 1st time shot lifted over the bar.

A physical battle as Bungay look to disrupt Thetford’s momentum going forwards, the ball fed on for Boulton running forwards on the right, again goes early with the ball crossed into the box, too close to the keeper caught by Serghiou. Played into the middle, Thetford close down to quickly regain possession threaded on for Rebecca White running forwards in the right channel, her shot charged down by Lyndsey Adams. Gemma Foster taking the ball on well down the left wing for Bungay a powerful run getting to the by-line comes inside before lifting a cross in towards goal, keeper Lydia Ward claiming with Eagle looking to attack the ball.

The ball pinging around in the middle as both sides close down, a favourable rebound seeing in run forwards for Rogers to attack moving right, Adams slowing her down, the ball put out to Boulton on the right, her cross claimed high by Serghiou. Eagle looking strong on the ball, ready to take on the Thetford defence whenever her teammates can pick her out. Russel with a great pass out to the right for Boulton going forwards, checks inside to get into the area, her strike cut out by Adams, before the cleared ball in sent over from distance.

Howard with a shot from distance for Thetford some 35 yards out as Thetford reclaim possession from a Bungay goal kick. Howard then on the left steals in on the ball to run in behind down the flank, Galer getting back on her to tackle see the ball out for a throw. A dangerous ball sent into the area off the throw, Serghiou up to punch the ball away from her goal as White closes in top of the six yard box.

Bungay with a counter attack on the left side Foster with the run taking the ball on pace moving inside as she closes in on the top of the area, plays it into Flatt left of goal her 1st time effort rebounding across to Eagle right side, shoots, Ward down to her right with a sharp save to turn the ball behind for a corner. Bungay are working hard at the back to contain Thetford as they press forwards, two banks of four dropping back, counter attacking proving tough as they look to get the ball into Eagle moving right and Foster on the left, Lyla Studd seeing a diagonal ball intended for Foster, cut out by Musgrove. 

 Boulton is a constant threat out wide on the right for Thetford played in by Russell a strong run seeing her turn into the box, jinking left then right before firing a shot wide across the face of goal. Eagle when she gets the ball into her in looking to drive forwards moving down the pitch right side fires a vicious ball in across the face of the Thetford goal, controlled by Studd beyond the far post is sent back in central, the ball cleared by Zoe Klimcke. 

GOAL! Midway through the 1st half and the dead lock is broken, Thetford getting bodies forwards the ball into Rogers out to the left, has Claughton making an overlapping run the short pass into her path Claughton taking it on down the wing delivering a pacy ball into the area, Serghiou with a instinctive save with her foot to turn it away out of her area, comes straight to Russell central top of the D, shapes to move right before checking back on her left foot to send the ball arrowing low into the back of the net 1-0.

Becky Russell opens the scoring for Thetford Town Ladies

   Eagle the outlet for Bungay from the restart taking the ball on right side, looking to get in behind, Davies stays with her well putting a foot in to take the ball away from the attacker. Thetford make their 1st change of the evening, bringing on Abbie Corbyn for Rogers in attack. Bungay win a corner out on the left, fires in near side Boulton defending heading behind for a 2nd corner. This delivery attacked at the near post, Flatt hurt going down as the ball is cleared to safety. After treatment okay to continue. 

  Russell getting forwards central looking to link up with White in attack, Renwick challenging for Bungay to halt their advance. Lynch looks to have picked up a knock for Thetford and needs to come off, Emily Escreet coming onto the field. White is looing to bring a great diagonal ball from Russell under control outside the area, can’t before Renwick closes in to tackle. Boulton coming on right with the ball for Thetford turning inside, her cross cut out by Galer. Foster running on with the ball left side for Bungay feeding the pass inside to Eagle left of the D 20 yards out, Thetford closing her down en masse, Claughton regaining possession for the hosts. 

Bungay Town Ladies captain, Charnelle Riggall (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Breaking, Thetford have White away with the ball to the left her cross whipped into the box looking for Corbyn inside D, cut out by Adams. Thetford’s forward players looking to get wide an every opportunity stretch Bungay, Corbyn into the left corner shakes off her marker to get inside the box, Renwick recovering to get back at her win the ball with a well timed tackle. The ball with Riggall in the middle for Bungay she spreads play out to Foster on the move down the left wing a powerful run, Musgrove going with her sliding into to tackle as they close in on the by-line, the ball out of play Bungay appeal for handball the decision going their way as they are awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the area. lifted into the mix inside the six yard box drops down turned goalwards, Ward on the line with a reactive save with her leg before the ball is cleared to safety.

  Both sides continue to find joy out wide, Foster with another strong run carrying the ball on left side for Bungay, drives inside from the by-line firing a stinging shot in at an acute angle, the ball rising, Ward with a superb save to turn the ball up over her crossbar. The resulting corner delivered from the left into Ward quickly knocking it up high into the air as able to claim it on the bounce unopposed. Moving into stoppage time at the end of the 1st half on come Thetford Howard into Boulton on the right taking the ball on her cross lifted into the box, White attacking it her header over the bar. Boulton again on the right flank cuts inside into the box sees her driven shot blocked by Galer.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  A strike from Becky Russell midway through the 1st half the difference between the sides going into the half-time interval. Thetford with the player advantage seeing more of the ball creating several opportunities going forwards. Pressing Bungay back, the visitors working hard to keep thing’s compact with two banks of four have nevertheless created some chances of their own forcing a couple of saves from Ward. Foster  out left and Eagle looking to drive forwards on the right, question now is can they keep it up for another 45 minutes or will Thetford’s superior numbers and with it fresh legs begin to tell.

  Lynch back on at the start of the 2nd half for Thetford lining up with Russell now at centre back. The hosts to get the 2nd half underway. Competitive in the middle the ball closed down not going anywhere fast, Bungay getting a free-kick a chance to put the ball up into the Thetford area, won by Lynch the hosts looking to counter quickly the ball on for Boulton racing on right side, can’t keep it in play. Lynch at the back for Thetford winning the ball then playing a fantastic pass over the top for White to run onto behind the defence, shooting from outside the D, her strike narrowly wide of the right post. 

  GOAL! An early goal for Thetford at the start of the 2nd half doubling their lead. Coming on through the middle, Corbyn thread the ball on along the ground for White in attack, moving towards the area halts her run to shake of her marker, 20 yard out strikes a looping shot goalwards, Serghiou getting a faint touch with her fingertips but not enough to keep it out 2-0.

Thetford Town Ladies, Rebecca White (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Adams in well to tackle Boulton as she and Escreet combine out on the right. White is taken off by Thetford shortly after scoring with Rogers returning to the attack. Corbyn pressing the Bungay defence top of their area nipping in to steal the ball, leaning back as she shoots her strike running wide of the left post. Thetford looking strong now piling players on forcing Bungay back little opportunity to get the ball out of their half, Boulton on the right using the width well getting a shot in on the angle, drops wide of the near post. Thetford’s captain continues to run at Bungay on the right getting to the by-line her cross fired in along the face of goal is turned over beyond the far post.

  GOAL! The hosts strong start to the 2nd half sees them extend their lead, with around an hour played, pressing as a team Musgrove right sends the ball on for Boulton out wide she bursts on moving inside shifts right to the by-line before sending the ball in across the face of goal for Rogers unmarked to score with a simple tap in 3-0.

Thetford Town Ladies Hannah Rogers (photo credit Richard Brown)

 Finding their attackers is proving difficult now for Bungay their defence under pressure the midfield pinned back, Eagle is isolated but continuing to carry a threat and willing to drive at the defence when given the opportunity. Coming through the middle, looks to get around Russell but her challenge sees the ball won back, Escreet sending it through to Boulton right side, Foster back to help Webb defending for Bungay. Boulton picking up the ball 20 yards out right of the D, plays it inside for Corbyn in the box, looking to bring it down on her chest get a shot away, Riggall lunging in with a tackle deflects the ball back to her keeper to clear.

(photo credit Richard Brown)

  Eagle is down for Bungay in attack after a coming together with Lynch appears to be her back, comes to the side of the pitch after a spell of treatment doesn’t look comfortable, waved back on as Bungay win a free-kick on the left. Put into the box won comfortably by Lynch. Eagle has gone down again is struggling, needs to come off for a spell of extended treatment, Bungay down to 9.

GOAL! The advantage with Thetford getting players on at will the hosts go onto extend their lead. Boulton again involved in the build up winning the ball in the middle running on towards the top of the area a strong run, Serghiou comes racing out to charge down/save her shot as she puts her foot through the ball, her momentum leaving her out of position as the rebound comes straight to Claughton up with Boulton inside the box to her left, controls the ball well before smashing she shot home 4-0.

  20 minutes left on the clock, Thetford in full control of the game leading by 4 goals against the 9 of Bungay, the visitors putting their all into the game but tiring rapidly continue to fight. Thetford with another change bring Sophie Burr-Walpole on for Klimcke. Russell moving back into the middle. Press forwards Russell to Escreet her through by for Boulton cut out by Adams. More changes for the hosts with a double change with Musgrove and Escreet coming off for Erin Lloyd and Jessica Knight.

Bungay Town Ladies Lyla Studd (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Russell playing the ball forwards into White inside the D back to goal holds it up well with Boulton on close support sends the ball into her, Boulton shoot’s the ball straight at Serghiou. Corbyn coming right feeding the ball on for Boulton, takes it on into the box, Webb back to defend getting the tackle in the ball loose to the top right of the box, Corbyn latching onto it turns, gets her shot all wrong as the ball screws well wide of the far post. 

  A rare chance for Bungay to get a player forwards sees Foster racing forwards on the right, shooting on the angle from distance her effort bouncing wide across the Thetford six yard box. The hosts with a throw high on the right put into Corbyn, bringing the ball under control right of goal, shifts then shoots the ball rising for the top corner, Serghiou with a brilliant save diving to her left to push the ball wide for the corner.

Bungay Town Ladies goalkeeper, Sofia Serghiou (phot credit Richard Brown)

 Corbyn breaking away with the ball for Thetford moving into the left channel, shoots across the advancing goalkeeper, the ball looks like it’s heading for the back of the net, but agonisingly bounces wide of the far post. Russell coming off for Thetford with Howard returning to the action. Eagle too returning for Bungay for the final 10 minutes. Straight away Eagle has a shot as soon as the ball is put into her right side some 40 plus yards out Ward safely claiming. 

  Breaking en masse through the middle the ball is lifted on through the middle, the flag going up as Corbyn left runs onto the ball, play halted, White through the middle reacting angrily as she is adjudged to have been offside complaining she wasn’t going for the ball. Those complaints becoming to vocal for the referee’s liking as she is yellow carded for descent and sent to the sin bin. 10 versus 10 now as Bungay get the ball on up top for Eagle who shoots over from 25 yards out, Flatt’s turn to say something out of turn to the referee and having already sent one to the sin bin for descent Flatt quickly follows as Bungay are again reduced to 9. 

  Bungay are willing to have a go late on the game stretched a little a shot from the angle on the right wide across the Thetford goal. 

GOAL! Late in the game in the 88th minute Thetford counter and Boulton gets the goal she deserves, the ball lifted up to her on the right by Lynch she drives on down the right channel bursting for the box, Serghiou coming out to close the angle, Boulton opens up her body to slot the ball wide of the keeper to send the ball into the goal beyond 5-0. 

Thetford Town Ladies captain, Melissa Boulton (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Little action to see out the game Thetford with possession in the closing moments with no further attacks, can celebrate their final home game of the season as the game ends with 3 more points courtesy of a 5 nil win that lifts them up into 4th in the Division One table.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 5-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  A strong performance form Thetford against 10 player Bungay keeping the pressure on throughout a 1 goal lead at the break they came out strong in the 2nd half using the width well. Adding an early 2nd goal before going on to score 3 more. Pressing well their numerical advantage eventually telling as opportunities were created a regular intervals. A great effort from Bungay nevertheless, travelling to Thetford with just 10 available on a Thursday night, was always going to be a tough ask, battled hard throughout creating some great chances themselves too in the first half. The pair meeting again at Bungay on the 8th May, both still aim the mix for a top 4 finish.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A clear winner but several performances to mention first. Hard to single out a Bungay players as all 10 put in a huge effort in their efforts to keep Thetford out. Lucy Eagle up top a constant threat when the ball was played up to her. For Thetford, Becky Russell was composed in the middle, with some great passes out to the flanks. Hannah Rogers with some great attacking runs. The award though goes to their captain, Melissa Boulton had a great game, out on the right using the width well stretching the game always an outlet moving forwards with the ball, setting up chances for others to score, topped the performance off with a goal herself.

  An enjoyable trip to Thetford, one of the shortest I have, always enjoy a game under the lights. A good crowd in attendance. My thanks to Darrell Allen for his assistance this evening, is working hard to  not only promote Thetford Town Ladies but the woman’s game as a whole. The Jode Wells for the Bungay team details and Richard Brown for the use of his pictures in the report much appreciated. Now for the madness that is May, going to be a busy month, but I’m excited by the games ahead.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Bungay Town Ladies v Woodbridge Town Ladies

Sunday 18th April

Suffolk Women’s County Cup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlotte Power clearing the ball for Bungay

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

Lauren Purling playing the ball forwards for Bungay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ali Rampling on the attack for Woodbridge

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

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

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

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

Woodbridge captain, Alice Agar

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

Woodbridge goalkeeper, Georgie Bryant

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

Bungay’s Lauren Hellier looking to get in behind

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

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

Lyndsey Adams bringing the ball clear for Bungay

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

Caitlin Howe on the ball for Woodbridge

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

Woodbridge’s Stacey Hadley

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

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

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

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

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 4-2 Woodbridge Town Ladies

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

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

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

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

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thorpe United Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies

Sunday 10th November

Norfolk Women’s Division One

 A top of the table clash from Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday on Women’s Football East, two sides defending a 100% winning start meeting for the 1st time this season as defending champions, Thorpe United Ladies host Bungay Town Ladies.

  Bungay themselves Division One champions the season before, leading the way with 6 wins from 6 so far, Thorpe keeping pace in the defence of their title with 5 wins from 5. Aren’t the only side with a 100% winning start with newly promoted Tavern Ladies in the mix too.

 Division One expanded in size this season up to 11 sides following an influx of new sides and a new to even up the two divisions. A strong start with 3 sides all with 100% records, Sprowston Ladies with 12 points from their opening 6 games well placed to capitalise should anyone slip up. One of those 100% records will fall this afternoon.

 Thorpe United Ladies finding their form once again last season a force in women’s football since entering the league a strong youth set up seeing a new crop of young players join the squad last season. The squad bolstered going on to win the league title along with reaching the semi-finals of both the County and League Cup. More young players coming in this season, new signing too, Megan and Melissa Belsey from Sprowston Athletic joining the club along with Alice Ladbrooke returning from Wymondham Town Ladies. A new Reserves side formed this season to add to playing opportunities within the club has made a good start to life in Division Two  amongst the front runners early on.

  A League and Cup double for Bungay Town Ladies the season before last, like Thorpe an established side within the league. A transitional season last time around, losing players took a while to get going bringing new faces in young talent results improving as the season wore on. More new face coming in during the close season experience at a higher level, a fantastic pre-season, winning all their games the momentum carried on into the season itself. 6 wins out 6 to top the league early on, know it will be a competitive campaign with Thorpe and Tavern Ladies matching them so far. Saw Bungay earlier in the season in the Women’s FA Cup in a 15-0 demolition of Riverside Ladies, am not expecting anything like that this afternoon.

  The Thorpe Recreation Ground the venue for today’s game, home of Thorpe United Girls & Ladies. A large playing field boasting a number of full-size pitches, a couple of youth matches taking place too on an adjoining pitch. The new clubhouse with a bar and kitchen serving hot and cold drinks. The pitch well used a good size, had hoped to get away with no rain this afternoon but as the teams warmed up it started to fall, light but persistent rain would disappear around 20 minutes into the game itself, thankfully no wind so juggling an umbrella, camera and notepad not as difficult as it could have been.

 The players gathering around the centre circle before kick-off, today Remembrance Sunday a minutes silence observed for those who have fought and fallen in armed conflict around the world. Lest We Forget.

Thorpe United Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Morgan Devine, Tash Levesley, Megan Belsey, Holly Peck, Laura Hedtke, Alice Ladbrooke, Melissa Belsey, Ellie Hunter, Sophie Jermy & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Molly Howes, Bryony Knights & Millie Cursons.

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Joanne Pipe, Kelly Collins (C), Hannah Jones, Charlotte Power, Lyndsey Adams, Charnelle Riggall, Selina Rowland, Nicola Hazell, Grace Storey, Samantha Penman & Leanne Smith. Subs – Porsha Renwick, Shannon Dade & Erin Galer.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Bungay to get today’s top of the table clash underway wearing their new kit, blue coloured shirts with a light green sash across the front, blue shirts and socks with green and white trim. Thorpe in their traditional pink coloured shirts, black shorts and socks. The ball played back towards the defence, midfielder Selina Rowland picking it up carrying the ball forwards over halfway sending it up the line for Samantha Penman to chase, Tash Levesley going with her for Thorpe the full back defending the ball put out for a throw. 

Thorpe captain, Rebekah Lake looking for a shooting opportunity early in the game.

 Thorpe captain, Rebekah Lake a constant goal threat has 12 goals already this season from 5 appearances, the ball played through the middle as she peels off the shoulder of the last defender, Hannah Jones doing well to get back against her shoulder to shoulder into the box right of goal, Bungay goalkeeper Joanne Pipe coming to close the gap sliding in both collide the ball spinning out to the left into the path of Thorpe’s Ellie Hunter she brings the ball under control before striking towards goal, Kelly Collins captaining Bungay round on the cover to intercept the ball and clear. 

Bungay Town Ladies captain, Kelly Collins

Bungay get up the other end the ball into the area, no shot on as Holly Pack wins it for Thorpe played out to the left wing Thorpe launch a rapid counter Hunter keeping the ball in play sending it on for Lake who has broken into space on the left plays it inside for the advancing Laura Hedtke through the middle, lines up a 25 yards strike, low in towards goal not troubling Pipe back on her goal line. Thorpe lively at the start of the match getting players forwards quickly when they have possession using the width of the pitch the ball on the right crossed in dangerously towards the near post, Pipe throwing herself up to keep the ball from creeping in pushing it behind for a corner.

   The high ball in from the right defended by Rowland, Bungay can’t get an attack going, Thorpe winning the ball back high up the pitch, keep the pressure on out to Melissa Belsey on the right wing another vicious cross whipped in near post, Pipe doing well to get herself in front of Sophie Jermy running in that side to punch the ball to safety. Bungay not settling well passes rushed no one taking time on the ball, Thorpe able to turn it around, competitive in the middle of the park, Alice Ladbrooke backed up by Hedtke not giving much away. Hunter on the left playing a one two with Jermy as she gets on down the wing, receiving the ball coming inside 20 yards out looking to go across the top of the box, dips her shoulder taking the ball inside to shot the ball narrowly wide of the left post.

Ellie Hunter getting on down the left for Thorpe United Ladies

  Jermy moving left with Hunter combining again,supported by full back Levesley the ball played back to her 35 yard out goes for goal, the ball on target dipping in front of Pipe, traps it well with her legs to bring it under control and claim on the bounce. Light raining falling up until now making it slick on top has finally stopped. Ladbrooke sliding in to regain possession inside the Bungay half setting up an attack out to Hunter taking it on down the left a cross fizzed in along the top of the area, Charlotte Power getting hold of it for Bungay. 

Charlotte power in ahead of Rebekah Lake to win the ball for Bungay

 The visitors have got little going in the way of attack so far in the match, kept on the back foot by Thorpe’s bright start, Rowland bringing the ball on a good threaded pass to find Grace Storey free on the right lifts it on into the box for Penman, Megan Belsey across putting in the challenge defending well for Thorpe the ball out for a throw. The ball continues to ping around, no one wants a 2nd touch it seems a little rushed at time passes not finding their mark. Melissa Belsey able to travel with it wide right inside for Jermy breaking forwards shoots early doesn’t get a clean strike the ball across the face of goal wide collected easily by Pipe. 

  Thorpe have the Bungay defence pushed back, the midfield needing to back up making it difficult when they regain the ball to get anyone up to support Leanne Smith and Penman in attack. The attackers combine as Smith takes the ball on with a marauding run on the left cutting the cross back inside to Penman inside the area her 1st touch seeing her beat her marker knock the ball on towards goal, but as the turns to give chase too much to do as goalkeeper Cara Anderson comes to gather for Thorpe. 

Samantha Penman bringing the ball out from the back for Bungay Town Ladies

  From a Bungay attacking opportunity off a throw on the left Thorpe win the ball and launch a fast counter attack, Jermy bringing the ball out playing it long for Lake always looking for an opening up top in space, bringing the ball inside closed down in front of the area, opts to cross instead of shot picking out Melissa Belsey far side on the right off the area, her 1st time effort blazed over. Thorpe coming on strong Hunter inside to Ladbrooke the ball knocked on through the middle into the box, Jermy looking to get onto the end of it, Bungay defending desperately, Lake getting a shot away from six yards out, Pipe down to make the save.

   Thorpe are using the width of the pitch well Hunter and Melissa Belsey staying close to the touchline the ball worked from left to right well, Jermy central finding pockets of space. with Lake always ready to burst forwards with the ball or to receive it, Lindsey Adams out to intercept on two occasions in quick succession for Bungay. Hunter from the left byline sending in a cross Lake running in far post unable to reach it, Pipe with an outstretched arm plucking the ball down a vital save with Jermy rushing in behind. 

Sophie Jermy bringing the ball under control for Thorpe United Ladies

  Adams once again across to head the ball clear from the box a Lake drives on down the right flank before attempting the cross. Hedtke up for a throw on the left high up the pitch for Thorpe swinging a dangerous ball low into the box, Power sticking a leg out to deflect it out of Lake’s path central before being cleared. Hunter put in clear on the left from a long ball out of defence races on before crossing a dipping ball into the six yard box, Adams cutting it out and launching clear for Bungay. 

Bungay Town Ladies, Lyndsey Adams

Bungay make a change a frustrating afternoon so far for Smith she is replaced by Porsha Renwick. Pipe sharp off her line out to win the race to claim the ball as Lake is put in behind from a lofted pass from Ladbrooke central. Bungay’s defence on the back foot, battling well Jones getting in front of Jermy to intercept a cross put in from the right. Thorpe make a change, Melissa Belsey coming off, on comes Millie Cursons, she goes out to the left side with Hunter coming right. 

  GOAL! 5 minutes left to play in the 1st half and all the pressure Thorpe have exerted brings them a goal. Lake hard to shake off the ball once she gets hold off it draws players towards her as Thorpe overload the right skipping inside into the area drives on towards the six yard box firing a cross in towards Cursons positioned central inside it, she shoots, close on Pipe manages to get something on the ball as she throws herself down by not enough to keep it out 1-0.

Ladbrooke fouled by Rowland top of the centre circle a free kick to the hosts players come forwards Hedtke to take lifted into the top of the area Riggall winning the header for Bungay, Rowland clears. Bungay make a 2nd change Erin Galer on for Storey on the right, Jones pushed forwards. Thorpe break Hunter right passing inside to Hedtke forwards into Lake she aims to thread it through into the box for the breaking Jermy, Pipe able to claim it. 

Thorpe ending the half strong a corner won on the right played up the line short for crossed in near post, Ladbrooke jumping can’t get a touch Rowland back on the post defending to clear for Bungay. A free-kick wide on the right to Thorpe, Hedtke to play into the area cleared by Riggall, the visitors attempt to break, Thorpe in well to break in down as they have all half. Levesley left on for Cursons to cross it caught by Pipe.

Half-time Thorpe United Ladies 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  A dominant 1st half display from Thorpe sees them leading at the break, just the 1 goal to show for all that dominance however, Pipe with some excellent stops to keep the score down, other chances not taken. Have hardly been troubled by Bungay in attack. Despite that Bungay battling have defended well often on the back foot struggling to get anything going forwards often starting from deep unable to get support up to their attackers. At 1-0 however they are far from out of the game and half-time a chance to regroup ad reorganise.

As well as serving the community as a sports ground, Thorpe Recreation Ground is a haven for dog walkers. Those attending the match and out for a stroll. The half-time entertainment provided by tiny jacket wearing Chihuahua with probably the squeakiest bark on the planet, not deterred by his size his little legs pumping after a much larger dog, his opponent unsure what to make of his cat sized attacker… it all ended peacefully.

Tash Levesley and Porsha Renwick battling for the ball

The overcast skies seeing the light fading fast as the teams entered the pitch for the 2nd half. Smith back on for Bungay Penman off. Thorpe to get the 2nd half underway attacking left, Power conceding an early corner. Thorpe take it short up the line the cross in from deep almost finds its way through near post. Bungay look to bring it out, Hedtke central in to win it back for Thorpe lifts it up towards the top of the area for Lake, the bounce not favouring the Thorpe captain she plays it instead out to Cursons free left side, her shot put over the bar. 

Thorpe United Ladies, Holly Peck

Thorpe beginning where they left off 1st half, Hunter attacking right putting it back central for Hedtke 20 yards out she plays it though to Lake left side of the area, Galer winning the challenge for Bungay a corner conceded. The ball cleared, comes straight back on Devine with a good ball forwards Lake with the opportunity won;t come down as she knocks it to the right, Pipe blocking as she slides in on the ball. Lake gathering the ball on the right played inside for Hedtke 25 yards out shoots over.

Morgan Devine looking for options after winning the ball back for Thorpe

Hunter gets hold of the ball on the right drives on down the line for Thorpe, Collins though stays on her well keeping pace and preventing the cross coming in eventually winning a goalkick. Bungay getting frustrated are far from done battling to find an opening Hazell left side has Smith running into space ahead of her the pass picking her down Smith looks to get on, Megan Belsey coming across to tackle the ball taken off Smith, Peck backing up as Renwick looks to pounce take it on into the area. The game starting to open up a little Thorpe need that 2nd goal. The hosts make a change Bryony Knights coming on to replace Hunter. 

Charnelle Riggall

Bungay starting to find a bit of rhythm Rowland and Riggall getting more joy through the middle. Rowland in to win it playing it up to Renwick, Peck preventing her turning in behind. Hazell left turns her marker well off a throw in plays it on to Rowland inside the box flashes a dangerous cross into the six yard box the ball cleared. Another throw won on the corner left side Smith gathering turning pushing on into the area, players closing her down it skips up for Renwick with her in the left to clip in towards goal with the outside of her boot, Anderson well placed to catch. 

Selina Rowland on the ball for Bungay Town Ladies

Bungay creating opportunities of their own taking more risks going forwards are further at risk of being hit on the break and Thorpe a quick to turn play around the ball long up to Lake already on the move left channel running with the ball into the area pulls the trigger, a brilliant save from Pipe throwing up a glove to tip the ball over the bar. The resulting corner in from the left knocked down inside the box a scuffed shot in on goal the ball trapped on the line and cleared.

Rowland looking to bring the ball forwards making a couple of strong runs without finding the final pass, the Thorpe defence under some pressure now Bungay fired up sensing they can get something from the game. Rowland on the left after the ball crossing from the byline, Smith sliding in near post, Anderson getting it away down to block. Thorpe bring off Devine to be replaced by Molly Howes with 25 minutes left to play. Smith sends a shot over from outside the ball as a ball is deflected into her path by Jones. 

  Smith off a quickly taken throw on the left puts it inside to Rowland top of the area, turns attempting to get inside to shoot, a lunging tackle from Ladbrooke denies her. Hazell out wide left takes on a shot from distance in on target Anderson back peddling getting her arms up to tip it away to the right. Bungay keep possession a low driven ball fired back in Anderson down to make another save the ball pushed away for the corner. In from the left inswinging Anderson in a crowded six yard box punching it away. 

Nicola Hazell gathering the ball for Bungay

Despite their earlier dominance Thorpe defending a 1 goal lead aren’t comfortable battling themselves now to keep their advantage intact. Lake strong on the ball bringing it forwards left side travelling at pace, Adams defending well for Bungay. Bungay bring on Shannon Dade for Riggall in the middle. Power intercepting a Thorpe through ball, looks to get Hazell away on the left, Ladbrooke regaining possession for Thorpe. Players committed forwards Thorpe counter played up to Cursons central 30 yards out her first touch pass setting up the advancing Lake moving across her into the area right side to shoot across goal, Pipe with another fantastic saving diving to her left arm out to push the ball behind. 

 The game end to end now the clock running down Bungay can’t clear from the resulting corner Thorpe put it back in Knights near side can’t fashion a shot forced to put it back out to the left the cross long this time Jermy up at the far post her header put cross goal. Bungay get the ball on through the middle Rowland forcing her way in behind clear for a moment looks to have the beating on the advancing Anderson as both slide in Rowland knocking it past the keeper but the power lost on the ball it rolls on to be safely cleared by the recovering Thorpe defence.

 Cursons into the Bungay box receiving a long diagonal ball from the left cuts across her shot firing the ball back across the keeper, Pipe with more acrobatics diving full stretch the push the ball behind her goal. A substitution for Thorpe before the corner is taken, Jermy off with Melissa Belsey back on. Lake remains a constant threat peeling away into the channels left this time racing on to shoot on the angle the ball held by Pipe low at her near post. Adams off late on for Bungay, Penman back into the action. 

  Into the closing minutes the light has almost gone very gloomy, Thorpe battling late on to hold onto their lead, keeping the ball well the youngsters encouraged to run it into the corner. A free-kick won slowing thing’s down Hedtke to play it into the box, headed up high by the Bungay defence play stopped a foul spotted. The ball played out the final whistle blows and Thorpe United Ladies end Bungay’s 100% winning start make it 6 wins out of 6 themselves.. ironically drop a place to 3rd in the table as the other 100% winning side Tavern Ladies go top win a big win against bottom side Freethorpe to claim top spot, all three sides on 18 points now, an intriguing title race that’s far from over.

Full time Thorpe United Ladies 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

 A 1-0 win for Thorpe in the finish Millie Cursons goal late in the first half proving the difference. Thorpe dominant in the 1st half having just the one goal to show for it could and perhaps should have been leading by more. Started the 2nd half well, Bungay frustrated fired up coming strong with opportunities of their own to level the scores as Thorpe grew nervous uneasy will just a single goal lead. Dangerous on the counter though as the game opened up, Bungay had Joanne Pipe to thank producing some fantastic saves to keep it to 1-0. Couldn’t find an equalising goal in the finish and that would have been harsh on Thorpe who in the end had to earn the win. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders, for Bungay huge credit to Joanne Pipe produced some quality saves to keep her side in the match throughout. For Thorpe, Rebekah Lake has had a few of these and rightly so a constant threat hard to shake off the ball and making great runs to get into scoring position setting up the winning goal. Sophie Jermy too early on especially finding pockets of space between defence and midfield, where Thorpe were strong, the notes will often help towards picking someone out and that is the case today, Laura Hedtke close but just beating her to the award Alice Ladbrooke. Won alot of challenges, breaking up play and setting up attacks.

Always a good rivalry between the two sides and had no doubt today would be a close fought game. 1 goal in it should have been more but kept the intrigue going to the end an entertaining fast paced contest, a good advert for women’s football in Norfolk. Thanks to both teams for the team details always appreciated.