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Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

Sunday 3rd November

Women’s FA Cup

Into the 1st Round Proper of this season’s Women’s FA Cup the tier 3 sides entering the competition as the road to Wembley hots up. A trip to St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus stadium also home to Cambridge United WFC as they host fellow FAWNL South East Division One side, Norwich City Women.

The prize fund to with today’s winners receiving £6000 a huge sum to any club competing at this stage of the cup. A run to the 3rd Round Proper and the prize for the winners jumps to £35000! A massive incentive with clubs aiming to make history along the way.

Todays opponents, well known to one another now the longest established sides competing in the 4th tier in the South East of the country stretching way back to the old Combination league days before the 3rd and 4th tiers of the women’s football pyramid became the FAWNL (FA Women’s National League) we know today. Both too growing stronger ties with their respective men’s clubs as they look to find the extra edge to push for the title and promotion to the league above. Today though it’s all about the cup.

FAWNL South East Division One couldn’t be any tighter, Cambridge United WFC may lay 9th in the table but the gap to themselves and top of the table Actonians Ladies is just 7 points! No one breaking clear looks to be highly competitive this season. Last time I saw Cambridge in action they were on the wrong end of a tough loss to London Bees in the league. Two successive cup ties to follow needed a positive bounce back. A tough home draw in the Women’s FA Cup 3rd Round Qualifying against Real Bedford, but having drawn 0-0 with them in the league produced the goods to win 3-1 t0 advance to the 1st Round Proper.

Backed that up with another cup victory in the FAWNL Plate a 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic Women Academy to reach the last 8 of the competition, having reached the final the season before. Injuries were a problem last season despite that cup run and unfortunately they have affected the squad again this season with new signing defender Ellie Finneran hurt in pre-season yet to play as she returns to fitness. While midfielders, Sammy Edgar and Alysha Stojko-Down are currently side lined along with defender Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris. Sarah Wiltshire though is back in the squad after having her 3rd child and suffering a broken arm in pre-season. Bella Simmons scoring the goals in her absence top scorer so far with 9 from 9.

Norwich City Women coming into today’s game off the back of 4 successive draws in the league. Frustrating following a run of 4 straight wins at the start of the season. Experienced women’s coach Andy Cook coming in to manage the side having enjoyed success with Newcastle United Women previously, looking to find the extra edge to push Norwich over the line to win promotion to tier 3 for the first time in their history. Despite the draws remain unbeaten 2nd in the table and like Cambridge are into the last 8 of the League Plate following a 2-0 home win against league rivals Actonians Ladies.

A comfortable 5-0 too in 3rd Round Qualifying of the Women’s FA Cup against ERWFL Premier Division side, Needham Market Women. Have their share of injury problems too. Losing talisman, Ellie Smith in injury in that match has been highly influential for Norwich since joining the club and out for an extended period will be missed. One player soon to make her return from a long term injury however is club captain, Megan Todd, named on the bench for today’s match. Shannon Shaw stepping in to provide the goals in Smith’s absence in the past couple of matches netting a winning brace against Actonians and a hat-trick in Norwich’s 3-3 draw away to London Bees last time out.

St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s FA Cup tie. Situated in the midst of a rapidly growing residential area on the outskirts of the town which is only growing. The grass pitched stadium with a 3G facility behind. Viewing on all sides a main covered seated stand with terracing behind both goals. The clubhouse and bar open beside the main stand. The weather mild and cloudy but no rain forecast.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Sophie Shults, Kelsey Smith, Emma Wallis, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Eva Hubbard (C), Serena Cobb, Rosy Wodhams, Charlotte Gillies, Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Lauren Webb, Gisela Otten, Mollie Coupar, Ella Marden & Marta Rodriguez.

Cambridge United WFC

Norwich City Women starting XI – Sarah Quantrill (C), Ellie Bishop, Tamsin Medd-Gill, Ceri Flye, Hope Strauss, Eloise Morran, Isabelle Moore, Millie Daviss, Holly Kennard, Natasha Snelling & Shannon Shaw. Subs – Amber Locker, Megan Todd, Katie Knights, Lara Densley, Freya Symonds & Sienna Booty.

Norwich City Women

Captain’s Sarah Quantrill and Eva Hubbard with today’s match officials

Norwich have new signing Ellie Bishop lining up in their defence, dual signed from Watford FC Women. Sophie Shults in goal for Cambridge having joined from Ashford over the summer coming into goal with Lauren Webb picking up an injury, Webb back on the bench today. Goalkeeper, Sarah Quantrill captaining Norwich, Eva Hubbard, Cambridge’s new captain this season having joined in the summer. It’s Norwich to kick-off the first half wearing light pastel green shirts and socks with green shorts. Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Isabelle Moore driving forwards with the ball for Norwich, tackled by Cambridge’s Rosy Wodhams the ball out to the left played forwards by Ellie Bishop up the line, Norwich looking to get players on quickly, Kelsey Smith defending to see the ball out for a throw in.

Isabelle Moore bringing the ball forwards for Norwich

Norwich looking to get on the front foot right from the off take the game to their opponents, Hope Strauss from the back sending the ball up top into Natasha Snelling. Abbie Jackson with her defending to win the ball at the back for Cambridge under challenge losing her boot in the process. Bishop on the left up to Holly Kennard powers forwards, Smith in to close her down for Cambridge launching it up the line for Bella Simmons on the right wing, Norwich quick to close her down turn play around.

Cambridge’s Abbie Jackson challenging Norwich’s Natasha Snelling for the ball

The early tempo frantic, Cambridge reacting well, realising they need to match Norwich for intensity look to get after the ball chase players down, won back on the middle the cross field ball finding Sarah Wiltshire pulling away on the right flank, taking the ball on down the line cuts a cross back into the near post, cut out by Strauss, the ball back out wide with Wiltshire she fires it back in towards the defender knocking it off Strauss behind for a corner kick.

The corner swept into the near post knocked up and falls down into the mix in the centre of the six yard box, players going for the ball, a hand ball spotted by the referee, Norwich getting the decision. Play intense Norwich with a determined mindset to get the ball forwards, Cambridge responding well, Wodhams moving in to close Ceri Flye down as the defender looks for a forwards pass, nicking the ball off her running in behind lays the diagonal ball into the box with Wiltshire pulling away to the right post, Strauss going with her to cut the pass out clear the ball away to the left.

Cambridge up high on the left Wallis getting up the pitch to support Charlotte Gillies fouled outside the box, players up from the back as Wiltshire lines up the set-piece swung in central attacked knocked down to the far post and turned behind for a corner kick. Played in long from the right dropping far post Norwich hook the ball clear. Norwich threaten to it Cambridge on the break, Shaw after the ball, Sophie Shults though well out of her area from the corner in a good starting position to react and reach the ball first to kick it clear of the Norwich attacker.

A pause in play as Simmons collects a painfully blow from the ball into her face as the midfield battle continues to be intense. Millie Daviss on the right for Norwich providing some good runs for the defence to send the ball forwards taking the ball on down the wing sends a cross into the near post, Jackson there to head clear for Cambridge. Eloise Morran playing the ball into Moore to race on with the ball through the middle for Norwich, threads a pass in behind to the right with Daviss beating the offside trap to steal into the area, Shults rushing out to close her down doing enough as Daviss snatches her attempt wide of the near post.

Isabelle Moore holding off Cambridge’s Emma Wallis

No let up in the tempo, Tamsin Medd-Gill fouled by Cambridge captain, Eva Hubbard, 30 yard out to the right, Snelling to loft the set-piece in towards the far post, defended turned out to the left, 15 minutes played the game a little testy a few free-kicks given away as both sets of players snap at the ball, Cambridge giving away a free-kick wide on the left, Norwich sending players up from the back.

GOAL! Bishop the player fouled to take the set-piece for Norwich, curls the ball into the box, a lovely height, it’s Flye rising highest in the middle to get her head on the ball and drill the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner, 0-1.

Ceri Flye heading Norwich into the lead

Ceri Flye win Norwich’s goal

Cambridge behind look to get on the attack from the restart the ball with Gillies coming through the middle sends the pass forwards out to Simmons wide on the right, held up by Bishop lays it back down the line for Smith who clips the ball high into the near post area, Strauss back peddling for Norwich getting under the flight of the ball her head it out for a throw in.

Daviss strong as she brings the ball on down Norwich’s right winning a throw in the corner, dropped into Shaw edge of the area turns to hook the ball on into the box dropping beyond the far post, Smith getting it away before Kennard can latch onto it. The ball put forwards into Gillies central powers on towards the Norwich box before laying the ball out to Wiltshire on her right her cross swept into the box, Wodhams bursting forwards making a run towards the penalty spot, Strauss with a vital interception.

Norwich defender, Hope Strauss

The game end to end at times, Cambridge over load on the left as Norwich clear the ball threaten to break outnumber their opponents, the final pass not quite happening as Smith regains possession for the hosts. Daviss brought down on the right wide on halfway, Strauss over the Norwich free-kick, clipped high into the box, Wallis heads clear for Cambridge. Daviss causing Cambridge some concern on the left drawing her marker in and rolling in behind whipping a pacy cross into the since yard box, very nearly and own goal as it strikes Lauren Rouse looping up off the defender dropping near post, Moore looking to leap get her head on the ball turn it down into the back of the net Shults aware of her angles allowing it to bounce wide of the post.

An entertaining contest highly charged both sides not sitting on the ball, Daviss moving on down the right laying the ball back up the line for Snelling to smash a high ball long into the far post, players rushing in looking to attack it Smith going with them getting their first for Cambridge turning the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner curled into the near post high from the left, Shults jumping to punch the ball getting fouled in the process the call late however as the keeper gets a hands out to block Morran’s close range strike as she attacks the loose ball.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Sophie Shults

Norwich pushing players on Bishop and Medd-Gill providing support getting on well as the visitors send the ball forwards, Moore into Shaw, looks to play in Snelling right of the D, Jackson closing in to prevent the turn stab the ball away for Wallis to clear. Wiltshire central for Cambridge holding up the ball allowing Wodhams to run forwards take the ball on past her before threading it into Simmons attacking the box right of the D, pulls further wide to create a shooting chance her attempt rising Quantrill across her line well to get behind the ball to make the save.

Norwich on the ball Morran through the middle lifting it into Snelling right of the D 20 yards out up to head the ball twisting in the air to turn it across the area into the path of Kennard, her first touch however a little too strong allowing Shults to chance to step forwards and snatch the ball into her gloves. Wiltshire seeing a Hubbard ball into her feet back to goal turns well to feed the pass on for Simmons to attack wide on the right, Bishop getting across the path of the ball to see it safely back to her keeper to clear.

Cambridge captain, Eva Hubbard

Wodhams making several good runs through the middle to link up with Wiltshire through the middle for Cambridge, keeping the Norwich defence alert Strauss and Bishop cutting out a couple of dangerous through balls. Bishop on turn linking up with Kennard and Shaw on the left Norwich winning a corner kick, lifting into the penalty spot, Jackson winning the header for Cambridge to clear.

Shaw combining on the right with Daviss off of a Norwich throw, angling a dipping ball into the near post, Shults getting down to catch the ball into her body beating Snelling to the ball. Daviss taking the ball on down Norwich’s right player racing forwards to get into the box Daviss’ cross flashed across the six yard box, Moore steaming in far post can’t quite take it in her stride the ball turned wide of the upright.

Millie Daviss

Wallis going past Gillies on the left on the overlap for Cambridge playing the ball inside for Wodhams, Morran getting the foot in to win the tackle deny the hosts an attacking opportunity. Moving into injury time at the end of a fast paced first half the ball fed on for Shaw outside the box to the left of the Cambridge area takes on the strike from distance the shot flashed over the crossbar.

Norwich attacker, Shannon Shaw

Wallis picking up a yellow card after a coming together with Daviss on the right, the pair enjoying a good battle in the first half. Snelling with another good knock down to the far post, Bishop pushing up looking to keep the ball alive for Norwich, Rouse can see it safely out of play for Cambridge.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

and breathe! That was an action packed high tempo first half. Highly entertaining between two strong sides. Norwich setting the pace right from the start looking to get on the front foot straight away. Cambridge had no choice had to match them and rose to the challenge well. Both sides looking to get the ball moving Norwich pushing players on creating the better chances but both defences putting in a shift winning the ball with some vital tackling. Enjoyable to watch although spare a thought for my hand writing it’s terrible at the best of times end to end more than one diagram has had to replace a passage of play. Norwich edging it with the opening goal after 15 minutes Ceri Flye getting up to head home a superb delivery from an Ellie Bishop free-kick. Cambridge responding well creating chances themselves makes for a intriguing 2nd half.

No changes for either side at the break as Cambridge get the 2nd period underway the hosts looking to make a fast start to the 2nd half themselves Wodhams racing out to the right as the ball is played forwards, Bishop defending for Norwich. the ball out for a throw.

Cambridge’s Rosy Wodhams with Norwich’s Ellie Bishop

Cambridge pressing early on Hubbard playing the ball into Wiltshire 25 yards out right channel sends it out to the left for Gillies, closed down by Medd-Gill plays it back up the line to Wallis to cross into the box, Strauss winning the header for the visitors. Wodhams pulling right for Cambridge fouled by Bishop. Hubbard on the free-kick out wide clipped into the box, players rushing in to attack but to close to the keeper, Quantrill grabbing hold of the ball.

Holly Kennard

Kennard turning on the ball as it is played into her as she comes inside from the left looks to feed it through to Snelling up top, Jackson getting in the challenge to regain possession for Cambridge. Norwich winning a throw high on the left the ball with Kennard crossed into the near post, Shults claiming for Cambridge. Remains lively little time on the ball in the middle Morran shifts well to feed it through to Shaw up top plays it across the D into Snelling right side, Wallis getting across her to shield the ball back to her keeper.

Norwich midfielder, Eloise Morran

Wodhams with a strong run on the ball through the middle for Cambridge played forwards into Wiltshire back to goal 25 yards out lays the ball out to Simmons on the right before spinning to run into the box, Simmons looking to pick her out with the return pass, Flye getting back on Wiltshire to stretching into the tackle timing it perfectly to win the ball. Wodhams falling as she goes to strike the ball from 25 yards out sees it drop early giving Quantrill a straight forward catch.

Red card! Norwich pressing the attack on the right getting players on up into the box the cross lofted up to the near post, Shults going going for it not getting a clean punch the ball knocked down into the middle the keeper out of position the shot struck on the half volley angling in on target, Rouse back on the line has her arms up to protect her chest the ball striking her full on the referee pointing to the spot Penalty and shows Rouse a straight red card for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. Tough on Rouse not sure she could gotten her arm out of the way in time but Cambridge are down to 10 with Norwich having an opportunity to double their lead from the spot.

Strauss to take Norwich’s penalty, Shults facing goes to place it to the right of goal, Shults going the right way diving across her goal to save the penalty to push it away for a corner on the right.

Sophie Shults saving Hope Strauss’ penalty

Cambridge defending the resulting corner down to 10 with 35 minutes left to play needing a goal to get back into the tie. Straight to penalties should the sides be level after the 90. Cambridge sowing their intent needing a goal keep their attackers on place going to three at the back looking to press on Wodhams pulling out to the left seeing the ball into her feet spinning off her marker to run in behind to sweep a cross into the near post, Wiltshire racing in to attack, Quantrill vastly experienced aware of the threat to the ball first to claim the catch.

Wodhams getting about the park fouled outside the box to the left of the area, the free-kick fired in towards goal, Quantrill missing her punch the ball however racing wide of the far post. Cambridge fired up after being reduced to 10 energy as they press through the middle Cobb with Hubbard fed forwards evading the Norwich defence Wiltshire alert peeling onto the ball inside the box taking it away to the right before shooting on the angle, Quantrill right behind the ball to make the save.

Cambridge striker, Sarah Wiltshire

Gillies taking the ball on left for Cambridge laying it inside for Wiltshire left of the D, Strauss in to close her down, the loose ball rolling back to Cobb who shoots over from distance. The hosts determined with a player short Wodhams right inside for Wiltshire 25 yards out pushed over by Morran the Norwich midfielder, yellow carded. Wiltshire on the set-piece 25 yards out put in high drops kindly for the keeper to claim.

Great tempo Cambridge responding well to falling a player behind asking the questions, Norwich in need of a 2nd goal to kill them off attack down the right Daviss swinging a cross into the near post attacked by Shaw turn her header over the bar. Norwich making a double change with 67 minutes played bringing off Moore and Shaw on come Lara Densley and Freya Symonds. Cambridge making a change too bringing on Mollie Coupar to replace Gillies on the left of attack.

Snelling pulling away with the ball to the right sending a cross/shot on the angle wide of the far post for Norwich. A hotly contested game a few tackles pushing the limit both sides committed Cambridge’s 10 asking Norwich a few questions. Jackson and Snelling have enjoyed a good battle all game the Norwich striker getting the edge on her counterpart this time to release Daviss on the right her cross turned behind by Wallis for a corner kick. Played in long across goal, Cambridge clear beyond the far post.

Symonds taking the ball on for Norwich on the right her cross deflected behind by Wallis. Put in long once again but Norwich keep it alive on the left put bac in central the shot from distance taking a deflection turned behind for another corner on the right. Strauss up at the near post to head the corner delivery down into the six yard box the shot from close range blocked on the line and launched clear.

Symonds out to the left for Norwich whipping a cross into the top of the Cambridge box, looking for Snelling right of the D, Shults out smartly to the top of her area with the blocking clearance. The game stretched a goal for Norwich almost certain to secure the win, Cambridge keeping players up looking for a chance to equalise, Kennard stealing in on the ball left whipping a cross into the Cambridge area, Wallis intercepting for Cambridge.

Ellie Bishop winning the ball for Norwich

Cambridge counter Wodhams given the ball inside the circle driving forwards a marauding run eating up the ground 25 yards out slips the ball through for Wiltshire holding her run right channel takes the ball on shifting inside to shoot a low dive from outside the box Quantrill diving full stretch to her left across her goal saving pushing the ball wide of the post for a corner kick.

Rosy Wodhams surging forwards for Cambridge

The corner curled into the box, Symonds central up well to defend head the ball clear for the visiting side. Norwich needing to work hard at the back spring the counter attack Flye bringing the ball on with a brilliant ball forwards for Densley attacking through the middle racing into the box shoots early as the keeper come to close her down, the ball flashing past Shults who may have got the faintest of touches, but also agonisingly for Densley wide of the right post. Norwich claiming the corner, dismayed when a goal kick is awarded instead.

Norwich looking for the 2nd goal know they need to sap Cambridge’s spirit, Symonds strong on the right taking the ball on her shot from the angle striking the cross bar on its way over. Siena Booty coming no for Norwich as the game moves into the 81st minute, on to replace Strauss. The game stretched both sides intent on scoring. Cambridge bring of Cobb, send on Marta Rodriguez.

The clock ticking down the game remains wide open Snelling looking to run the ball into the corner as the game moves into injury time. Norwich making another change and it sees Megan Todd making her return to the pitch the fans welcoming her on as she replaces Snelling.

Megan Todd making a welcome return to the pitch for Norwich

Players pulling up with cramp have given it their all both sides, one last push for Cambridge to find a goal to potentially send the tie into a penalty shootout. Simmons getting hold of the ball for Cambridge surging down the right winning her side a corner kick.

Bella Simmons on the attack for Cambridge

Everybody bar the keeper up into the box for Cambridge as Wiltshire swings the corner from the right in towards the near post headed down into the six yard box a snap shot is blocked on the line Norwich scrambling the ball clear, Shults getting hold of it for Cambridge inside the Norwich half firing the ball back into the mix the pass threaded through sees Wallis pulling free to attack at the right post close in Quantrill throwing herself in to block Wallis strikes the ball on the half volley firing it under the keeper but agonisingly the ball strikes the side netting the wrong side of the post as the final whistle blows! Norwich win to advance in the Women’s FA Cup.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

Damn that was exciting a thrilling game, Cambridge mere inches away at the death from forcing the tie into a penalty shootout. Norwich’s players letting out a roar of celebration were made to work hard for that win and nothing pleases a defence more that a hard fought 1-0 win. A game played at a high tempo through out Norwich setting that pace and Cambridge up for it to match their opponents little time allowed on the ball end to end at times. Amazing really that one goal settled it but after 4 consecutive draws in the league Norwich worked hard at the back for the win. A 2nd goal would have knocked the stuffing out of Cambridge but having fallen down to 10 players the hosts were arguably the better side for a spell just couldn’t find a goal. Took risks at the back needing to push players on and Norwich had chances themselves to put the tie beyond doubt but today was a day where defenders earnt their crust. A fantastic game credit to both sides.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. How do I pick one…um? It’s a tough one no doubt but I do have a clear winner although their are several contenders… on both sides. Let’s mention a few although both sides put in a strong team performance. First up for Cambridge, Abbie Jackson was superb at the back making several important tackles. Likewise Kelsey Smith and Emma Wallis. Sophie Shults with some stops, including the penalty save. Rosy Wodhams with some powerful runs from midfield linked up well with the attackers particularly Sarah Wiltshire who found some great positions up top. For Norwich, Millie Daviss was a threat out on the right provided a good outlet for the ball put in some useful crosses. Eloise Morran got about the pitch both to support the attack and help out in defence. Norwich’s defensive line strong Hope Strauss with reading the game well getting back and making some crucial interceptions and tackles. Likewise felloe centre back Ceri Flye used the ball well from the back and scored the winning goal. Edging it today though is the cross provider for that goal Ellie Bishop a superb delivery from the free-kick. Worked hard though out winning the ball and covering the ground to win the ball and help ensure Norwich kept the clean sheet.

That was a thrilling cup tie, great entertainment for those in attendance. Cambridge and Norwich have developed a good rivalry over the seasons and gave it a good go this afternoon. Norwich edging it in the finish, advancing to the 2nd round of the Women’s FA Cup. Cambridge so close, a great effort will be disappointed but should use that to fuel them going forwards. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups. Yes I might know who everyone it by now but it helps to be sure. Good to, too catch up with a few footballing friends it’s a great community.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v London Bees

Sunday 6th October

FAWNL South East Division One

A trip over to St Neots this Sunday to catch some action from FAWNL South East Division One with Cambridge United WFC hosting London Bees.

FAWNL South East Division One representing tier 4 of the women’s football pyramid looks to be really competitive this season with no single side breaking away from the pack, closely bunched with Cambridge United in 5th just 4 points behind leaders Norwich City with London Bees 7th just a point further back. Some surprise results already this season and no doubt a few more to come, will be an intriguing title contest.

Cambridge United WFC one of the longest established clubs within the South East Division One set-up and now with closer ties with their men’s club are looking to find that extra edge to get them p amongst the title challengers vying for promotion on a regular basis. Reaching the FAWNL League Plate final last season are hungry for more success. A few new faces added to the squad over the close season. Ellie Finneran and Kelsey Smith from fellow South East Division one side London Seaward. Eva Hubbard the clubs new captain and midfielder Rosy Wodhams joining from local rival Cambridge City with goalkeeper Sophie Shults coming in form Ashford Town (Middlesex). Emma Wallis another strong addition to the back line.

Injuries to key players throughout last season were a bugbear last season with manager Darren Marjoram rarely able to call on a settled line up. Making their run to the Plate final all remarkable. Injuries too at the start of this season with striker Sarah Wiltshire only just back into the squad after having her 3rd child breaking her arm in pre-season, only now back playing while Ellie Finneran has missed much of pre-season slowly working her way back to playing again. A frustrating 1-0 loss to one of the early pace setters Actonians Ladies on the opening day was followed by a 2nd loss away to Norwich. Responded well in the league after that going on a run of 3 consecutive wins to propel them up the table into 4th spot. Mixed results in league and cup since but in a strong position to kick on. Bella Simmons out of the traps early to lead the goal scoring charts with 8 to her name.

London Bees were one of the founding clubs to join the newly formed FAWSL 2. Now the FAWSL Championship. Came in with a large budget (at the time) and high expectations. Made many a trip to The Hive way back then beginning my support of the women’s game proper when the WSL was formed, wrote a few reports which can still be found on the old Supporting Women’s Football blog site. Have since struggled as financial demands in the top two tiers increased like a few of the founding clubs have since fallen out of the league dropping into the FAWNL Southern Premier Division back in 2021 the club seeing many changes of coaching staff and playing personnel since then struggling in the league last season without a win relegated to the 4th tier.

That said the club begins this season with a new wave of enthusiasm. A new manager joining the club, Daniel McKimm, a young coach with plenty of experience within the women’s game. Highly thought of after his spell with London Seaward FC also playing in South East Division One. Brings with him some of his coaching staff and a host of players from London Seaward. Too may to mention here, but nevertheless is a virtual rebuild of the squad recruiting players who have good experience at competing at this level. Others joining include goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien from Stevenage. Millie Isherwood was at Chelsea as a youngster coming to the club via a period at Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Aimee Durn is the new captain the midfielder at Ashford Town (Middlesex) last season.

St Neots gets bigger every time I visit with on going building work taking place on the way to the ground, St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium in the heart of a busy residential area close to the railway station. Offering two pitches, an artificial surface beside the main grass pitch stadium. A good playing surface with lots of grass cover a good width, terraced viewing behind both goals with the main seated stand housing the changing rooms and clubhouse beside the bar opening offering hot and cold drinks. An overcast day with a few spots of rain in the air, a slight chill as we enter October but should stay dry for the game.

Cambridge United WFCC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Emma Wallis, Kelsey Smith, Ella Marden, Gisela Otten, Rosy Wodhams, Eva Hubbard (C), Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Sophie Shults, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Marta Rodriguez, Mollie Coupar & Holly Plummer.

Cambridge United WFC

London Bees starting XI – Tia Gunn, Mira Hoteit, Aria Heil, Cheyenne Flynn, Rebekah Wozniak, Megan Burrows, Aimee Durn (C), Hayley Hoare, Sophie Lee, Sam Lanza & Millie Isherwood. Subs – Millie Constantine, Sarah McDermott, Aaliyah Charles, Olivia Bartlett & Shamoy Campbell.

London Bees

Captain’s Aimee Durn and Eva Hubbard with today’s match officials

Further injuries for Cambridge heading in to today’s match with midfielders, Sammy Edgar and Alysha Stojko-Down not in the playing squad. Nevertheless both fielding a strong starting XI with useful replacements waiting on the bench. Cambridge wearing Amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks to take the kick-off 1st half, London Bees wearing similar colours in their away strip today, purple shirts with white trim, along with white shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle for captain Eva Hubbard to clip out to the right with Kelsey Smith on the move, Mira Hoteit seeing it out for a throw in for the visitors.

GOAL! London Bees captain, Aimee Durn gets hold of the ball in the middle of the ark and goes on a driving run forwards sending the ball on for Sophie Lee breaking clear on the right wing down the line whips a dangerous cross into the box with players piling forwards, defended at the near post, but not cleared out to the left inside the box Hayley Hoare pressing the ball knocked on for Millie Isherwood inside the six yard box at the left post turns on the ball and blasts her strike into the back of the net to open the scoring inside the first minute! 0-1.

Millie Isherwood firing London Bees into the lead inside the opening minute

An early blow for Cambridge and before they can pick themselves up London Bees are lively nipping in to win the ball putting Lee into an attacking position on the right goes on a forceful run tracking in field, before attempting to slide a ball into the box for Isherwood making a run across to the near post, a little heavy runs out of play. Rosy Wodhams onto the ball for Cambridge passed forwards into Sarah Wilshire looks to chip the ball into the right channel for Bella Simmons, Rebekah Wozniak at the back heading the ball clear for London Bees.

Gisela Otten snapping in to win the ball for Cambridge in the middle playing a direct ball on up top for Wiltshire to attack, a good starting position from London Bees keeper, Tia Gunn sees her onto the ball first. London Bees on the front foot early on, Durn taking the ball on well, Hoare and Lee providing good pace and options on the flanks. Lee getting on down the right, Abbie Jackson in to close her down for Cambridge slows her up blocking one cross Lee with a 2nd bite firing it in low to the near post cleared this time by Cambridge’s Lauren Rouse.

Cambridge’s Gisela Otten

London Bees causing Cambridge issues early on pulling the hosts out of shape with players pressing well and taking the ball on. Durn with the ball for the visitors driving on sending a cross from deep into the far post, Sam Lanza looking to attack it for London Bees, Emma Wallis getting in front of her to head the ball away for Cambridge.

Lee marauding down the right for London Bees getting in behind pulling players across allowing openings for midfield runners to exploit. Jackson blocking a cross attempts to clear the ball up the left into Wiltshire, Aria Heil coming to close her down, Hubbard coming over to support Wiltshire turns to put the ball central for Wodhams, tries to lay it into the left channel for Wiltshire bursting forwards, over hits the pass, runs out of play.

Eva Hubbard moving in to tackle Cheyenne Flynn

GOAL! Isherwood turns provider this time as London Bees surge forwards getting onto the ball 20 yards out top of the D sends a low ball on for Lee tracking into the area from the right, closing in on the near post shoots early firing the ball under Webb before the keeper can get down to save from point blank range 0-2.

Sophie Lee firing home London Bees 2nd goal

A blistering start from London Bees, goals up inside the opening 10 minutes Megan Burrows playing the ball forwards out to Lee on the right combines with Lanza the ball squared back across the top of the Cambridge area, Durn running onto it volleys over. Cambridge most certainly on the back foot, struggling to get the ball out, London Bees sharper to close down the 2nd ball get play turned around. Their wingers able to get in behind at will. Isherwood attacking down the right forcing Cambridge into conceding a corner kick.

London Bees captain, Aimee Durn

Hoare across to take it on the right side fired in to the top of the area collected by Wozniak eft of the D, Simmons in to close her down no shooting option instead plays it out to the right for Hoare to deliver the ball into the box from the angle half cleared at the far post drops to a London Bees player, struck back towards goal a vicious drive on target, a brilliant save from Webb instinctive throwing a glove up to tip the ball over the bar!

The corner swept long beyond the far post knocked goal wards claimed by Webb moving across her goal. Cambridge finding attacking opportunities in short supply, Hubbard looking to mix things up in the middle sending the ball on for Wiltshire in attack, turns on the ball 0 yards out, Wozniak closing her down for London Bees. Lee fouled on the right inside the Cambridge half a free-kick to the visitors. Players up from the back a good delivery angled in at the far post attacked by Cheyenne Flynn headed over. Cambridge forced into a formation change going to a back four with Smith dropping in at right back, Wallis across to the left of defence.

Hoteit winning the ball from Simmons sending it up the left for Hoare racing on to attack her cross cut out by Rouse at the back for Cambridge. London Bees working the ball between them well Durn often the linchpin on for Hoare coming inside form the left has Lanza ahead of her back to goal outside the area sees Hoteit making a run from the back slides the ball into her path the full back in turn looking to thread it into the area for Isherwood, overcooks her pass Webb can see it run safely out of play.

London Bees, Sam Lanza

Smith getting the ball on for Simmons high on the right for Cambridge, has Wiltshire over that side to link up with the cross swept in across the six yard box, Marden looking to attack it beyond the far post can’t get over the ball turns her attempt wide. Lee bursting on down the right flank for London Bees, Wallis going with her into the corner, blocking her cross behind for a corner.

Cambridge’s Emma Wallis

Swung in from the right, Wodhams defending at the near post for Cambridge, knocked back out to the corner taker the 2nd attempt to cross send behind for a 3rd corner.

GOAL! Played long by Hoare from the right falls to Durn top of the area clips it back out to Hoare out wide on the wing for her to deliver a pacy ball in across the face of goal, high Webb looking to punch it clear, instead Wozniak comes steaming in to head the ball from point blank range hurting herself as she lands in the Cambridge keeper as the pair go down 0-3.

Rebekah Wozniak steaming in with the header to score London Bees 3rd goal

Wozniak heading London Bees into a 3 goal lead on the half hour. Hurt from her goal scoring heroics a pause in play players going to the benches for drinks and instruction. London Bees looking strong into a commanding position, Cambridge with a mountain to climb need to regroup. Wozniak okay and able to play on needing to come off having received treatment wait to be called back on.

Burrows linking up with Hoare out on London Bees left wing, Simmons giving a foul away another opportunity to launch the ball into the box, fired in to the far post, a glancing header taking the ball wide. Simmons turning on the ball right side to get on down the flank crossing the ball in from deep, Hoteit getting the faintest of touches to deflect the ball into the side netting conceding the corner. The ball curled onto the roof of the net.

Hubbard using the outside of her boot to launch the ball forwards for Cambridge, Wiltshire the target, Gunn able to press up due to her teammates forcing the play almost acting as a sweeper getting to the ball first to clear for London Bees. Hoteit playing Hoare on down the left for the visitors her cross angled into the near post claimed by Webb. Marden putting the ball into Hubbard to play forwards up to Wiltshire making a left channel run, Flynn in to close the striker down for London Bees.

London Bees defender, Cheyenne Flynn

Isherwood spinning off her marker top feed the ball on down the right wing for Lee, Wallis getting a foot on the ball to turn it out for a throw in. The visitors pressing the ball forcing Cambridge into misplacing their passes, Burrows forwards into Isherwood, Otten sliding in to tackle for Cambridge, Durn onto the ball out to Lee wide right, Wallis stopping the cross.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-3 London Bees

A strong first half performance from London Bees racing into an early lead setting the pace overwhelming their opponents getting players forwards and in return comfortable at the back. 2 goals up inside 10 minutes added a 3rd on the half hour. Cambridge’s opportunities s up top limited with one shot off target have a mountain to climb but the half-time break giving them a much needed chance to reset and regroup see if they can salvage anything 2nd half. London Bees in control on the front foot from the start and haven’t looked back creating chances pulling players out of position and winning the 2nd ball.

No surprise to see Cambridge ringing the changes 2nd half with a triple switch. Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Marta Rodriguez and Mollie Coupar coming on in place of Smith, Otten and Marden. London Bees unchanged to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back into the defence, Flynn and Wozniak exchanging passes, Wiltshire rushing in to close her down the ball clipped long up to Isherwood in attack the ball bouncing safely through to the keeper.

Rodriguez looking to put some fight into the play for Cambridge battling her way on through the middle combining with Hubbard, the pass into Wiltshire cut out by Flynn. The ball played out to Burrows moving left for London Bees sent on up the line for Hoare. Wallis now back on the right with Cheal-Ferris left sliding in to tackle for Cambridge.

Cambridge’s Abbie Jackson

Coupar taking the ball on left side for Cambridge knocking it inside looking for Simmons, Heil defending for London Bees, Simmons onto the loose ball taking it into the corner, Heil back on her blocking the ball to turn it behind for the corner. Cheal-Ferris on the corner from the left is a sweet curling back in across the six yard box, unfortunately no one attacks it at the far post the ball running out of play.

Hoare doing well out on the left attacking for London Bees pace taking the ball on fired forwards into Isherwood pulling left inside the box whips a cross in along the face of goal, Lee looking to met it first time at the far post not getting the contact she wanted her shot screwed wide.

Hubbard goes into the referees book picking up a yellow card for a foul on Durn. Out on the left from deep, Hoare over the ball, curls the ball into the box angled in too close to the keeper Webb can claim it untroubled. Hubbard lifting the ball over the top as London Bees play a high line, Wiltshire staying onside to burst in behind, Gunn though is positioned outside her box and onto the ball first. Cambridge snapping back in to regain the ball Wodhams out to the left Coupar on for Cheal-Ferris racing to the by line her cross lifted into the area cleared by Lee.

Mira Hoteit on the ball for London Bees

Rodriguez playing the ball into the run of Wodhams as she breaks into the right channel, Hoteit in to close her down well for London Bees get her side on the attack by playing Hoare in on the wing with Isherwood ahead of her the striker sweeping her cross into Lanza on the penalty spot is closed down going down appeals for a penalty but nothing doing as the ball travels on to Lee on the right smashes her strike into the near post, low, Webb getting down well to bat the ball behind for a corner kick.

The corner curled in across the six yard box, Lanza beyond the far post stretching for the ball can’t direct the ball back inside. London Bees pushing up Cambridge defending at the back Wallis right lifting the ball forwards finding Wilshire 30 yards out turns onto the ball looking to lob the keeper knowing Gunn is way off her line, however stretching to meet the ball can’t direct her attempt on target.

GOAL! London Bees win a free-kick in a dangerous position out wide on the left, Hoare over the ball as players come up from the back. angling her delivery in central the ball is headed clear to the left of goal, Wozniak getting hold of it looking to keep the attack alive laying the ball back out to Hoare who controls then curls a shot in towards goal struck beautifully over the keeper under the crossbar to make it 0-4.

Hayley Hoare curling home London Bees 4th goal

London Bees extending their lead on the hour. Rodriguez winning the ball for Cambridge taking it forwards trying to fed it on up to Wiltshire in attack, Wozniak up well ahead if her with a deft header glancing the ball down safely into her keepers gloves. The hosts winning a corner on the right as Simmons presses the ball, Gunn surrounded on her line as the ball is curled into the six yard box, Flynn defending it at the near post. Back out to the right floated into the area falling beyond the far post Rodriguez with the attempted shot fired back across the six yard box wide of the right post.

Burrows fouled wide left high up the pitch as she moves forwards for London Bees, Hoare on the set-piece swung into the mix, defended by Wodhams cleared out to Hoteit some 30 yards out central, takes on the strike her low effort taking a couple of deflections on its way through to the keeper. Wodhams pulling up for Cambridge down with an injury, another pause in play and another blow for Cambridge as she can’t continue, Holly Plummer coming on.

Isherwood is fouled 30 yards out to the right of the D giving London Bees another free-kick. Durn and Wozniak over the ball. Wozniak doesn’t do subtle running in to strike the ball fires her bullet of a strike wide past the far post. Simmons picking up a knock for Cambridge in some discomfort but can continue. London Bees making a triple switch as they bring on Sarah McDermott, Olivia Bartlett and Shamoy Campbell to replace, Flynn, Durn and Isherwood with less than 15 minutes to play.

Simmons after the ball from Wallis on the right playing it on for Wiltshire to chase into the corner, Wozniak coming over to close her down for the visitors. Burrows coming left for London Bees, Plummer in to close her down holding her up well, Burrows forced back infield gets the cross field pass out to Lanza on the right 20 yards out on the angle fires a shot up over the bar. Lee coming off for London Bees on in her place, Aaliyah Charles.

Campbell getting after the ball in attack for London Bees, Rouse in to challenge well for Cambridge outside the box. Rouse in to defend on Campbell again moments later as she is found by Hoare in the left channel as the winger spins off her marker on half way to launch the ball into her. Wilshire picking up the ball on the right for Cambridge shifting it well between her feet tracking inside 25 yards out closed down rolls it back into Wallis breaking forwards she hits it on into the box for Rodriguez right side, can’t dig it out of her feet before Hoteit can close her down.

Hoare with some strong running on the left for the visitors firing the ball into Campbell back to goal left side inside the box drags the ball inside looking to shift it onto her right foot the goal opening up before her, angles her shot in low towards the right corner, I’m looking at this from behind through my camera, looks a goal all the way, but Webb comes from nowhere to diving full stretch across her goal line getting down to the ball with her outstretched arm and turning the ball wide of the post for a corner kick.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

Swept in from the right goes long but won back on the left the cross angled in to the near post turned behind for a corner on the left. This one defended at the near post put back into the taker the ball lifted high into the six yard box, Webb getting up to punch the ball away to safety on the right. Webb keeping the score line down for Cambridge as London Bees continue to push on the substitutes keen to get in on the action, Campbell racing onto the ball inside the box right of goal, Webb rushing out to close her down staying big to make the blocking save as Campbell fires her shot into her.

Cambridge United striker, Sarah Wiltshire

Plummer escapes with the ball into the right channel for Cambridge, squaring the ball back inside for Wiltshire 20 yards out central, looks to strike it early, leaning into her attempt as Wozniak comes to close her down, screws her effort off target. The clock ticking down into stoppage time Simmons brought down giving Cambridge one last opportunity to play the ball into the box, Cheal-Ferris from the left sending it in angled in straight, Gunn up to claim it looks to get her team on the attack. Heil right side up the wing her cross into Lanza outside the box defended.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-4 London Bees

The final whistle blows and London Bees claim the 3 points to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 5 matches moving above Cambridge in the process into 5th spot. A strong away performance from start to first. Aimee Durn’s run from midfield leading to the opening goal inside the opening minute, put Cambridge on the canvas and they never recovered, the visitors winning the ball well getting players forwards, Lee and Hoare attacking down the wings at will early on a 2nd goal inside 10 minutes from Lee, Wozniak with a charge to head home the 3rd on the half hour. Hoare curling home their 4th in the 2nd half. A day to forget for Cambridge, looked a lose one on paper and on another day this is a performance they themselves are capable off, can only move on to the next one look to put thing’s right.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders as is often the case but had one name in mind leaving the ground and the notes have confirmed that. Some performances to mention, firstly for Cambridge, a hard day at the office, however goalkeeper Lauren Webb pulled off some brilliant saves to keep the score-line down in both halves. Eva Hubbard battled hard in the middle without the reward. Bella Simmons getting back to help win the ball trying to turn play around. For London Bees both centre backs were composed, Cheyenne Flynn and Rebekah Wozniak with some good challenges the latter scoring. Aimee Durn setting the tone early on with her bursting run through the middle setting her team on their way, got about in the middle to win the ball, making several strong attacking runs. Sophie Lee a threat on the right surging on in behind kept Cambridge on the back foot, on the score sheet. So too her opposite number on the left flank, Hayley Hoare with some strong running on the left, skill on the ball and a threat with her set-pieces throughout is the winner of today’s award.

Results elsewhere see the league bunch up even more with Norwich drawing with real Bedford and 2nd placed Actonians losing out Dulwich Hamlet. Cambridge down to 9th but still just 2 points from the 3rd placed side, 5 behind the leaders. London Bees themselves now just 3 points behind the leaders. This is going to be an exciting title contest can’t wait to see it all unfold.

A great performance from London Bees. Having seen them struggle so much in recent season’s it’s fantastic to finally see the club in a positive place, and I hope a positive future will certainly be up there based on what I saw today. Cambridge will be hurting, but I know what they are capable of too and am confident they’ll bounce back. My thanks to both clubs for there assistance today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Actonians Ladies

Sunday 18th August

FAWNL South East Division One

And just like that the new football season is here! Feels like that nut in truth I have enjoyed a good break away from the game over the close season. Needed it as I celebrated covering women’s football across the East for a decade. Has been alot of changes in that time, while quite a bit remains the same. The game continues to grow and with the new season beginning across tiers 3-6, national and regional level looks to be the most competitive it has ever been. Looking forward to the season ahead.

Beginning the football coverage with a game from FAWNL South East Division One, a trip to St Neots Town FC home of Cambridge United WFC as they take on Actonians Ladies in their opening match of the season. Representing tier 4 in the women’s football pyramid, South East Division One looks to be very strong this season. Norwich City Women finishing runners-up last season behind AFC Wimbledon Women are the favourites to clinch the title this time around. Who will be the other challenges remains to be seen, Worthing FC Women pushing the top two last campaign now moved across to South West Division One. Chatham Town Women relegated last season will be looking to bounce straight back, while London Bees have rebuild with a new squad following their relegation from tier 3. Real Bedford Ladies and Dulwich Hamlet Women the promoted sides, know little about the latter, however the former are ambitious with a new coach and new squad set to compete at a higher level. Others will fancy their chances and certainly today’s opponents are capable of competing amongst the clubs in the top half of the table.

Cambridge United WFC have been a stalwart in South East Division One all through the FAWNL years and the Combination league before. Finishing 7th last season, a little disappointed with that finish nevertheless enjoyed a successful season the high being reaching the League Plate Final, and that despite suffering an injury hit campaign missing key players throughout the season. Into the new season Cambridge will use that cup run to galvanise the squad as they look to build on that run. A few players departing with a new crop of players joining the side.

Welcomed back striker, Sarah Wiltshire towards the back end of the season after missing much of the season pregnant with her 3rd child. A prolific goal scorer leading Cambridge’s attack. Amongst those joining Cambridge this season, Eva Hubbard with rivals Cambridge City, after spells with Needham Market and Ipswich Town is a versatile player, experienced an a natural leader. Also coming in from Cambridge City, midfielder Rosy Wodhams another strong addition who has featured in a few Women’s Football East – Player of the Match summaries in the past. Defender, Ellie Finneran joins the club from London Seaward as does full back Kelsey Smith. Goalkeeper, Sophie Shults added from Ashford Town providing strong competition and cover that position. Emma Wallis another defensive addition joining from Middlesbrough.

Actonians Ladies like Cambridge have been a competitive force in South East Division One for a while now, often finishing in the top half of the table, punching above their weight at times capable of causing an upset. Have a strong set-up from youth level through to first team with a women’s Reserves and Development side competing too. Finishing in the top half of the table last campaign clinching 6th spot.

Actonians Ladies begin the new season under a new head coach with a host of new faces joining the club. Oliver Yazdi leading the 1st team coaching team this season has alot of experience coaching girls and women’s football leading into his new role at Actonians. Takes on a squad that sees 10 new signings tis season. Added to the attacking line up are strikers, Dior Knorr and Abigail Igbavboa. Defender, Olianna Bishop. Prudie Todd Warmoth can operate in both defence and midfield. New to the midfield are Hana Lalani, Dulcie Gray and Megan Page. Khyri Mackenzie, Merle Redhead Ling and Amanda Reimer complete the new additions.

Cambridge United WFC winning all three encounters between the sides last season 2-1 twice at home in the league and away in the cup. With a 5-1 victory at Actonians in the reverse league encounter. St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the home for Cambridge United WFC these days. Situated in an ever growing residential are on the outskirts of the town. A grass pitched main facility with a 3G pitch beyond. The pitch in great shape as it always is. Offering good width the main stand housing the changing rooms and bar on one side with small covered terracing behind each goal with viewing all round. A bright sunny day with no rain forecast early twenties a good day to start the new season.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Lauren Rouse, Gisela Otten, Emma Wallis, Kelsey Smith, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Sammy Edgar, Rosy Wodhams, Eva Hubbard (C), Alysha Stojko-Down & Bella Simmons. Subs :- Abbie Jackson, Charlotte Gillies, Marta Rodriguez & Holly Plummer.

Cambridge United WFC

Actonians Ladies starting XI – Elisa Dogor, Prudie Todd Warmoth, Amber Dredge, Mara Bramwell (C), Jennie Brereton, Naomi Graham, Hana Lalani, Amina Hanif, Merle Redhead Ling, Dior Knorr & Abigail Igbavboa. Subs :- Olianna Bishop, Megan Page, Khyri Mackenzie, Dulcie Gray & Keishia-Farah Luboya.

Actonians Ladies

A blow for Cambridge in there final pre-season game last weekend with Sarah Wiltshire breaking her arm seeing her out of action for a little while. Four of Cambridge’s new signings debuting in the starting line-up, defenders Kelsey Smith and Emma Wallis with Rosy Wodhams in the midfield alongside new captain Eva Hubbard. Five of Actonians new faces in their starting line-up, Prudie Todd Warmoth, Merle Redhead Ling, Hana Lalani, Dior Knorr and Abigail Igbavboa. Along with Olianna Bishop, Megan Page, Dulcie Gray and Khyri Mackenzie on the subs bench.

Captains Mara Bramwell and Eva Hubbard with todays match officials

It’s Cambridge to get the new campaign under way kicking off the 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Actonians line-up opposite wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle clipped long out to the right wing with Kelsey Smith looknig to get up the line, Prudie Todd Warmoth covering that side at the back for Actonians defending to see the ball out of play for a throw in. From the resulting throw Cambridge gain a free-kick presenting them with an early opportunity to get players up into their opponents box, the ball swept in with pace at a decent high, Mara Bramwell captaining Actonians the centre back meeting the ball with a firm headed clearance.

Actonians look to counter with pace midfielder Amina Hanif bringing the ball into her feet looking up to play the ball over the Cambridge defence with Merle Redhead Ling providing a left channel run in behind, Cambridge goalkeeper Lauren Webb positioned at the top of her area out to the ball quickly to deal with the threat. Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris providing the width for Cambridge on the left looking to get up the pitch with pace run onto any long pass out of the defence, Jennie Brereton coming across to close her down winning the ball back for the visitors.

Cambridge with a positive start looking to move the ball forwards quickly use the flanks keep Actonians pinned back. Eva Hubbard onto the ball in the middle for Cambridge has Rosy Wodhams to her right picks her out with the pass Wodhams in turn sending it out to the wing with Wallis bombing on sends a looping ball into the Actonians box dropping far post six yards out Alysha Stojko-Down attacking it, Brereton gets across her to make the challenge deny her the shot.

Cambridge’s Gisela Otten

Gisela Otten with the ball under her control at the back for Cambridge plays a delightful long pass up the left flank for Cheal-Ferris to run onto to taking it on whips a cross into the six yard box, Actonians goalkeeper, Elisa Dogor getting her gloves behind it on the bounce, snatches it up in the nick of time with Stojko-Down stealing in. A competitive collective of players operating in the midfield, little quarter given, Amina Hanif bringing Wodhams down 30 yards out as she looks to get away with the ball on the right.

Abigail Igbavboa and Dior Knorr look to combine in attack on the left side for Actonians the former sending the ball on for Knorr, Lauren Rouse getting in the headed clearance before the attacker can take the ball in behind her into the box. Dogor coming out to the left of her area to deal with the ball is closed down by Bella Simmons charging the ball down steals it away from the keeper playing in across the top of the area looking for Stojko-Down, can’t get it out from under her feet as Dogor recover diving in front of her to lay claim to the ball.

Sammy regaining the ball in the middle for Cambridge on for Hubbard into Simmons has Stojko-Down moving right receiving the pass, Hanif getting a leg out to win the ball back for Actonians 20 yards out. A lively opening 15 minutes, Kelsey Smith’s turn to play the pass up the line for Cheal-Ferris left side, Brereton again across to support, Redhead Ling in defence. Naomi Graham battling for possession in midfield looking to hold of Edgar, ends up fouling the Cambridge midfielder 30 plus yards out in a central position, Stojko-Down has a crack at goal lifts her shot over the crossbar.

Actonians, Hana Lalani battling for possession with Cambridge’s Sammy Edgar

Actonians defending their box pushed back inviting Cambridge on still look a threat on the counter attack and are ready to pounce at any opportunity, Knorr coming to the left to receive the ball from Amber Dredge turns, fouled by Wallis winning a free-kick out wide, the delivery fired in with pace towards the near post through everyone, Webb though is right behind it takes the ball into her midriff as she falls forwards. Cambridge’s turn to break with pace the ball played out to Smith left side sends a fantastic ball into the left channel for Simmons to take into her path running into the area strikes the shot on the angle across the face of the Actonians goal wide at the far post.

Bella Simmons holding off Actonians, Prudie Todd Warmoth

Igbavboa receiving the ball from Lalani in the middle attacks on the right strong on the ball turns inside to play the ball into the mix top of the Cambridge area, half cleared comes onto Graham 25 yards out strikes the ball her effort blocked. Hanif sending the ball out to the left for Actonians, Dredge on for Knorr the cross lifted into the box, Redhead Ling on the penalty spot, Smith in front of her winning the ball heading behind for Cambridge to concede the corner. On the left taken short as Hanif comes towards the taker payed back up the line for the cross to come in from deep, Webb taking it cleanly at the near post.

Tempers flaring a decision going against Actonians, Dredge show a yellow card and sent to the sin bin for apparently throwing the ball away. The visitors to play the next 10 minutes with a player disadvantage. Knorr strong with the ball for Actonians turns well in attack looking to get in behind the defence, Otten recovering well diving in to win the ball with a well timed tackle. 25 minutes played a drinks break called.

Cambridge struggling to make their player advantage count as Actonians get everyone behind the ball, Edgar upended top of the central circle winning the hosts a free-kick. Played into the box, finds its way through to the keeper. Hubbard with the ball central plays it on for Stojko-Down right channel has Wodhams advancing past her on the overlaps rolls the ball into her her strike from outside the box charged down the deflection taking it behind for a Cambridge corner.

Rosy Wodhams

Cheal-Ferris to curl the ball in from the right dropping beyond the far post Simmons stooping to attack it with her head drives the ball down into the ground at the post, Dogor across her line to knock the ball away for a corner on the left. Again the delivery is long beyond the far post attacked by two Cambridge players, a clash of heads as the ball is cleared outside the box, Wodhams looking to latch onto the shot, Hanif out quickly to making the blocking tackle before play is stopped to access the injured players.

Actonians midfielder, Amina Hanif

Cambridge pressing looking for a goal getting on with the ball, Actonians marshalling their box well, remains a tussle in the middle, Edgar carded for a foul on Lalani. The game a little scrappy as Actonians defend looking to get Dredge back on the pitch with her 10 minutes up. Cambridge seeing the ball into Simmons off a throw high on the left looks to take take the cross down beyond the far post and take the shot on the turn from the angle places the ball wide as she sends the shot across the goal.

Bella Simmons with Hana Lalani

Cheal-Ferris seeing a shot blocked from 30 yards out as she receives the past in a central position from the right. The hosts looking the most likely to open the scoring Igbavboa and Knorr though patient up top ready to attack should the opportunity arise for the visitors. A flowing move from Cambridge through the middle Hubbard up to Stojko-Down has Simmons out to the right lays the ball into her Simmons in turn looking to play the return ball into Stojko-Down as she runs into the D, Brereton lunging in to make the challenge before a shot can be unleashed.

Cambridge winning another set-piece out wide on the left Hubbard to play the ball into the box and a good pace and height towards the far post Wodhams getting up well to header the ball back towards goal turned behind a corner signalled. Bramwell defending the corner for Actonians look to counter Lalani with Hanif, can’t quite get the ball into Igbavboa. The game moving into stoppage time at the end of the 1st half.

GOAL! Cambridge pressing for a goal at the end of the half Actonians hit their opponents on the counter, Knorr looking a threat he ball played into her in the middle takes it down of her chest well knocking it on and bursting into space on the right acing in behind heading for the box, Webb coming out to close her down one and one with the keeper, Knorr with a composed strike sending the shot past the diving keeper, and on into the goal beyond, letting out a roar in celebration as she opens her account for Actonians putting them into the lead! 0-1.

Dior Knorr bringing the ball down setting up her chance to score the opening goal for Actonians

Dior Knorr opens her Actonians Ladies account

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Actonians Ladies

That the final action of the first half, Actonians jubilant as they head into the changing rooms in the lead the goal coming on the stroke of half-time. Have looked dangerous on the counter throughout many of their attacks coming from such moves as they defended deep inviting Cambridge on at times. The hosts arguably creating the better chances with out being clinical, but that’s football for you. Actonians have worked hard at the back and in the middle to break up Cambridge’s attacks the hosts using the width looking to get players on through the middle a positive first half without the reward. Actonians with a vital lead with something hold onto 2nd half and with that advantage can use their counter attacks wisely.

The players out for the 2nd half, neither making any changes as Actonians get the 2nd 45 underway. Hanif sending the ball up to Igbavboa in attack, Hubbard in to win the ball back for Cambridge. On for Wodhams the midfielder fouled as she looks to take the ball forwards. Hanif winning the ball back for Actonians plays a diagonal ball from deep on the left into the area, Rouse heading the ball back into the middle or Cambridge, Igbavboa looking to run onto the ball, shoot, Wodhams diving in to make a good blocking tackle.

Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris ringing the ball on for Cambridge

Cambridge moving the ball into the right channel, Simmons pulling away getting onto the ball sweeping a cross in towards the top of the area. Cheal-Ferris looking to see it down of her chest at the far post, slips as she goes to take the shot, Actonians scrambling the ball away. Todd Warmoth holding Simmons up in the right corner as Wallis plays the ball on down the flank for Cambridge, Bramwell coming across to help her teammate out.

Actonians Naomi Graham

Wodhams in to win the ball high for Cambridge sends the pass into Simmons right takes on the early cross blocked inside the box, Cambridge appealing for a handball, nothing doing. Remains as competitive in the middle as ever Igbavboa back to defend fouling Wodhams top of the circle. The free-kick clipped up into the area Cheal-Ferris up on the six yard line to head the ball up over the advancing keeper, towards goal however, Bramwell is back on the cover to head the ball off the line.

Actonians captain, Mara Bramwell

Actonians with an attack Redhead Ling released out on the right powering forwards cuts the ball back inside for Hanif to strike on the angle, blasts her strike into the side netting. Cambridge continue to press the attack passes forwards rushed at times Actonians solid in defence deep not allowing any gaps in behind. The visitors clear the ball at the back Graham up to Redhead Ling on the right driving forwards is on her own does well to win her side a corner. Lifted into the near side Hanif gets up well to head the ball turning it down into the mix, blocked Actonians turn to appeal and this time the referee points to the spot for a handball despite Cambridge’s protests.

Lalani placing the ball on the spot for Actonians an opportunity to double their advantage takes the run up and sends the spot kick up over the cross bar much to her dismay.

Hana Lalani with her head in her hands as she sends the penalty over

The game more scrappy in the 2nd half, Cambridge with a desire to get the ball forwards quickly, Actonians determined to stop it at every opportunity, Hanif covering alot of ground across the park getting after the ball the most likely to free up her attackers. Cambridge making a change bringing off Otten at the back bringing on Marta Rodriguez to join the attack, the switch seeing Cambridge go to a back 4. Simmons putting the ball on for Wodhams as she breaks forwards into the right channel her cross into the area taking a deflection of Graham to see it safely claimed by Dogor in goal beyond.

Hanif winning the ball in the middle for Actonians as usual looking to release the attackers, Knorr central just straying offside as she breaks in behind. Knorr seeing the ball into her feet back to goal right channel has Redhead Ling moving up the wing the ball rolled into her her cross blocked by Smith for Cambridge. Lively as Edgar puts the ball into Stojko-Down 25 yards out hooks it on looking for Simmons, Brereton getting her head on the ball to clear Actonians with the counter attack Redhead Ling racing away with the ball on the right sweeping a cross into the near post claimed high by Webb.

Actonians break up another Cambridge attack turn play around Hanif with a great diagonal ball into Knorr bursting away on the right channel running towards the top of the area, clear Webb comes rushing out to meet her sliding in at her feet to make the save turn the ball away for a corner kick.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

Comes to nothing as a 2nd drinks break is called. Hot out there and both sides are working hard Actonians resilient in defence frustrating their opponents. Play resumes Cambridge getting the ball on the left on for Rodriguez has Wodhams breaking on to get into the box ahead of her the ball lifted forwards, Bramwell getting to it first to head clear for Actonians. Gaps at the back with Cambridge pushing on Knorr looking to exploit it as the ball runs into her path driving on down the right Webb comes rushing out once again can’t get there the ball played across the area, Lalani closing in at the far post, Rouse manages to find the extra yard to dive in take the ball away from her.

Cambridge defender, Lauren Rouse with the last ditch tackle

Wodhams taking the ball on right for Cambridge on for Simmons the cross into the area won by Bramwell. Cambridge with a throw on the left knocked on into the D falling to Wodhams goes to strike the ball inside the D, Todd Warmoth charging it down for Actonians. Cambridge pushing hard for an equaliser, Edgar in the middle with a neat past into Wallis on the right 30 out takes on the shot a low drive, Dogor on her line right behind it to make the stop.

Cambridge midfielder Sammy Edgar

Actonians with a double change bringing on Olianna Bishop and Khyri Mackenzie for their debuts off come Todd Warmoth and Igbavboa. The substitutes linking up straight away Bishop forwards for Mackenzie the latter strong on the ball holding off a challenge sending the cross-field ball into Knorr right side, Webb seeing the threat out sharply to the edge of her area to slide in lay claim to the ball.

Knorr receiving the ball from Hanif on the attack left channel surging into the box, closing in on the near post Webb stands up to her making the blocking save. Actonians remain compact difficult to break down Bramwell leading the defence well deep but winning crosses. Hubbard fires over from all of 25 yards out for Cambridge as she links up with Edgar through the middle. The game moving into the final 10 minutes. Edgar out to Wallis advancing on the right, turns inside her marker to deliver the cross into the area, Bramwell winning the header for Actonians.

Cambridge captain, Eva Hubbard

Cambridge pressing hard Bishop tackling Simmons on the right conceding the throw. Simmons 25 yards out seeing the ball into her feet strikes it on the turn the low effort put straight at the keeper. Knorr strong with the ball at her feet powering on down the right fires a vicious cross into the Cambridge six yard box, Wallis with the last ditch tackle to prevent the ball being turned into the back of the net.

The clock ticking down Cambridge bringing the ball on Simmons central out to Wodhams moving right down the line plays it back up to Wallis to play into the top of the area Stojko-Down meeting it her looping header dropping wide taking a deflection the corner awarded. Frantic defending in the box as the ball comes in Bramwell with 3 blocks in quick succession twice with her head as Cambridge look to turn the ball home inside the six yard box, then blocks with her feet as Hubbard gets a shot away from the penalty spot turned out to the left post off the keeper for another corner.

Cambridge sending on Charlotte Gillies to join the attack in the closing stages Wallis with a slight knock coming off. Actonians determined with the ball looking to run it into the corner. Tired legs out there as Cambridge get the ball back up the right for Gillies plays it across the top of the area looking for Rodriguez on the opposite side, Redhead Ling finding the energy to get past the attacker to get hold of the ball inside the box. Actonians fighting till the end get their campaign off to a winning start, Knorr’s finish late in the first half the difference.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Actonians Ladies

Actonians with a determined and resilient performance at the back seeing them win the 3 points to get their season up and running. Kept it compact throughout soaking up alot of pressure breaking away to score the all important winner in the first half, that gave them vital confidence and belief to go onto defend their goal in the 2nd period and hopefully take another chance if it fell their way. A competitive tussle throughout Cambridge with a positive start taking the game to Actonians using the pitch well getting players forwards came up against a opponent prepared to drop deep not relinquish any space in behind. For all there attacks never had clinical edge to unlock the door, Actonians mostly attacking on the counter taking the chance when they had it.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season and as is often the case is another tough call. I certainly had a contender in mind leaving the ground and haven’t changed my mind despite a couple of other players putting themselves in contention as the notes from the report unfolded (I write too many notes I know, but it’s the players fault they create the drama, and it’s great drama!) A few performances to mention firstly for Cambridge a strong debut for Rosy Wodhams in the middle of the park winning the ball and looking to make attacking runs. Bella Simmons in attack coming for the ball created an number of opportunities. Gisela Otten, Emma Wallis and Lauren Rouse all making vital tackles at the back. Actonians with a goal and a clean sheet put in a strong defensive performance kept it compact at the back with good back up from their midfield. Mara Bramwell strong in defence winning the ball throughout. Dior Knorr in attack took her goal well patient up top making some dangerous runs on the counter. Today’s award goes to midfielder, Amina Hanif covered alot of ground getting about the pitch to win and close the ball down and more often than not it was her vision and passes that led to Actonians launching their counter attacks with such venom.

Great to be back and a fantastic game from the FAWNL to start the season promises to be a great campaign ahead. More teams to see in action than there are weekends to cover them. Doesn’t matter how many off these reports I write I still get nervous but once the notes start flowing it all falls into place. My thanks to both clubs for the help with the team details today as ever much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Barnsley FC Women

Sunday 25th February

FAWNL League Plate

Heading over to St Neots this Sunday afternoon to watch Cambridge United WFC play in a huge game, playing for the opportunity to reach a National League final as they take on Barnsley FC Women in the semi-final of the FAWNL League Plate.

A fantastic opportunity for both sides having played their way into the last 4 of the competition along side Exeter City Women and Derby County Women who are contesting the other semi-final. A Determining Round taking place between all the sides competing in the FAWNL representing tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid with the winning sides going on to compete for the League Cup the losing sides going on to play for the League Plate.

Cambridge United WFC climbing up to 5th in the FAWNL South East Division One table with a midweek 2-1 home win over AFC Sudbury Women. The squad coming together well needing to adapt with the early season loss of their main attacking threat Sarah Wiltshire, pregnant with her 3rd child. Signing off with 4 goals it was a big hole to fill and Cambridge found the answer in playing Alysha Stojko-Down in a false number 9 position, quickly finding an eye for goal and scoring some important strikes along the way, 12 in total so far from 19 matches, backed up well by her follow attackers pushing off the flanks Bella Simmons scoring the winning goal in midweek moving onto 10 for the season while Ruth Fox has 7 to her name.

Well placed in the league have enjoyed a fantastic run in the League Plate beginning with with 2-1 away victory over fellow South East Division one side, Actonians Ladies in the opening round with goals from defender Rachel Kosky and Stojko-Down. Drawn at home to South West Division One side Keynsham Town Ladies, was likely to be a tough tie and proved to be the case with the sides drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes. Ruth Fox striking in the dying moments of extra-time to send Cambridge into the last 8. There they were drawn away to another South West Division One side, Maidenhead United Women, another close game with a single goal deciding it, Stojko-Down hitting it home to send Cambridge on into the final 4 of the competition.

FAWNL Division One North is the only league with the FAWNL that has not featured a team on Women’s Football East (for obvious reasons) but I always like to see a new side in action and no doubt Barnsley FC Women are an ambitious side recruiting a good squad looking to win the league title and gain promotion to tier 3. Currently 2nd in the league are in a tussle for top spot with 3 others, Middlesbrough currently leading along with Durham Cestria and Hull City Ladies. Like Cambridge were in action in midweek drawing 1-1 at home to Stockport County. Emily Pierrepont their top scorer with 9 goals to her name. with both Abi Housecroft and Amy-Leigh Barringham-Beck on 6 a piece and their is a healthy number of goals spread out throughout the rest of the squad.

Barnsley beginning their FAWNL Plate campaign at home running out comfortable winners, beating Solihull Moors Women 7-0. Back at home for the 2nd Round taking on another Midlands Division One side Brooke Marsden was on target for 2 goals in a 4-0 victory, Abi Housecroft and Charlotte Stuart also scoring. The quarter finals saw them again on home soil with a tough tie against fellow title contenders Hull City, Housecroft, Stuart and Pierrepont all scoring, their opponents also scoring 3 however saw the game goal all the way to penalties, Barnsley claiming victory in the shootout 4-2 to see them drawn away to Cambridge in the semi-finals.

Cambridge keen to get a big crowd to their home base at St Neots FC the Premier Plus Stadium within an ever increasing residential area that does boast huge potential to grow attendances and interest in the game. The grass pitch inside the stadium with a 3G pitch beside. The ground filling up nicely a good atmosphere building. The weather a little more reliable this weekend despite more midweek downpours a settled weekend, overcast and somewhat chilly the pitch in good nick as the sides walked out onto the pitch.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Rachel Kosky, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Abbie Jackson, Lauren Rouse, Gisela Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Zoe Wood, Ella Marden, Bella Simmons & Alysha Stojko-Down. Subs – Mayzee Seymour, Charlotte Gillies, Harley-Jean Simpson, Serena Cobb & Ruth Fox.

Barnsley FC Women

Barnsley FC Women starting XI – Serena Clarke (C), Alayna Millard, Katy Woodcock, Autumn Housley, Jodie Michalska, Charlotte Stuart, Ruby Jex-Oldfield, Abi Housecroft, Brooke Marsden, Emily Pierrepont & Louise Biggins. Subs – Natalie Watson, Nat Shaw, Courteney Csomor & Amy Beck.

Both sides having players unavailable through ineligibility for the competition. Cambridge without new signing Abbi Smith on loan from Ipswich. Barnsley rotating their squad a little with a busy run of games coming up. Cambridge to get the semi-final underway kicking off the first half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks, Barnsley in their white away kit shirts and socks with black shorts. Alysha Stojko-Down playing the ball back to captain Gisela Otten who clips it long out to the right for Bella Simmons racing forwards, Barnsley seeing it out for a throw in.

The visitors getting hold of the ball looking to move it across their defence build patiently before sending it out to the left with Emily Pierrepont tracking inside, tackled by Cambridge’s, Lauren Rouse outside the box. Barnsley closing the ball down getting back on the offensive keeping possession on the left before the shot comes in from range, Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb back on her line right behind it to catch the ball.

Cambridge midfielder, Sammy Edgar

Shaping up to be a competitive tussle in the middle with some tough tackles coming in, Sammy Edgar never one to shy away from a tackle winning the ball back for Cambridge playing it on for Stojko-Down who is quickly closed down by Jodie Michalska before she came turn on the ball.

GOAL! Edgar tackling well in the middle, is cleaned out on the halfway line by the retaliatory tackle the referee awarding Cambridge the free-kick. Players going forwards as defender Abbie Jackson stands over the set-piece, struck long to the right of the D, Rachel Kosky is perfectly placed to meet it as she connects with the dropping ball to clip it up over the keeper and into the back of the net to open the scoring on 6 minutes 1-0.

Rachel Kosky runs away in celebration after firing Cambridge into the lead

The perfect start for Cambridge who see themselves very much as the underdogs going into the game. Barnsley looking for an immediate response build strongly on their left bringing the ball on Pierrepont back up the line the shot from range held by Webb. Zoe Wood turning on the ball getting space as she comes left before lifting it on for Ella Marden to chase the Cambridge attacker looking to get in behind on the left, Charlotte Stuart getting across to slide in take the ball off her feet, Wood up with Marden the pair getting the ball back, Marden’s cross claimed by Serena Clarke captain and goalkeeper for Barnsley.

Louise Biggins up top for Barnsley putting herself about making some useful runs across the Cambridge defence looking for the ball and to create space for her teammates to run into. Jackson getting a blocking tackle in as Ruby Jex-Oldfield sends the ball into the striker. Webb down sharply to her right to glance the ball behind conceding the corner as Barnsley send another vicious strike in from range. Fired in near side Housley coming towards the ball looks to twist her body turn her header into the six yard box, the ball attacked flies up over the crossbar.

GOAL! Barnsley push players on the diagonal past picking out Pierrepont free on the left travelling into the area, shapes to go right before dropping her shoulder and heading for the by-line sending a low cross into the six yard box, the Cambridge defence blocking only succeeding in deflecting the ball out to Alayna Millard racing into the box to mash into the goal to level things up 1-1.

Alayna Millard levels the scores for Barnsley

Barnsley getting themselves back on level terms just 5 minutes after conceding the opening goal. Wood again finding Marden running clear on the left the defence getting back at her the ball deflected behind for a corner kick. Barnsley bring the ball on down the right winning a throw high up the pitch Housley giving Abi Housecroft the ball she turns inside looking to power her way across the top of the area, however fouls Jackson in the process giving Cambridge the free-kick. Housley on the move with the ball right on for Woodcock, Cheal-Ferris in to close her down.

Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris

This is a lively contest, Barnsley looking to take the ball on, Cambridge with a nervous energy that is seeing them compete for everything in the middle, Otten into Stojko-Down looks to play in Simmons on the right, Millard closing her down to regain possession for Barnsley. A few strong tackle being pulled up both side competitive. Edgar passing the ball to Simmons on the right, Kosky getting up the wing to support Cambridge winning the throw, looking to get it into the final third, Katy Woodcock getting the tackle in Barnsley threatening to counter quickly on the right, Jackson well positioned to intercept the ball.

Barnsley’s Katy Woodcock

Pierrepont causing Cambridge problems down the left with some forceful runs down the line and as equally prepared to track inside winning a corner on the left. The referee needing to speak to the players as they jostle for position inside the box, Stuart looking to get away from Otten as the ball curls into the six yard box, Stojko-Down winning it knocked down then again Stojko-Down snaps in with the tackle before launching the ball clear.

Alysha Stojko-Down

Barnsley getting players on threatening to overwhelm Cambridge at times the defence putting in some vital challenges to prevent the final ball exposing Webb. Pierrepont taking the ball inside of a mazy run top corner of the area left of goal lets fly, her shot striking her own player before the referee blows up for a handball. Jex-Oldfield linking up with Woodcock coming right, Rouse coming out to close her down blocking her attempted cross.

No quarter given both sides fighting for the ball, a frantic pace set, Michalska coming on with the ball for the visitors threading the p[ass out to the left, Millard getting up to support Pierrepont, Otten tracking back to help Kosky in defence the pair doing well to prevent anything reaching the area.

Barnsley moving the ball about crisply amongst themselves as Cambridge stand off, played into Autumn Housley at the back the right back goes on a surging run through the middle before threading a fantastic ball in behind the hosts defence for Brooke Marsden bursting into the right channel, after the ball, Webb comes rushing out to the top of her area to slide in and save at her feet.

Autumn Housley breaking forwards for Barnsley

Lauren Webb sliding in to claim the ball at Brooke Marsden’s feet

Barnsley win the ball in the middle clipped long for Pierrepont in space on the left, turns inside running into the area striking the ball with her right foot through bodies escapes out to the left the ball turned home, however the goal won’t count the offside flag raised. Edgar giving away a free-kick on the left all of 30 yards out, Barnsley sending players up into the box with Marsden standing over the ball with Pierrepont the the former with step over before Pierrepont strikes the ball over the wall in towards goal, Webb getting up well to make the save turning the ball behind for the corner.

The corner driven in at the near post, Edgar defending for the hosts. Cambridge looking to break however Barnsley regain possession sends the ball out into the right wing for Housley to whip a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, attacked by Biggins rushing in at the far post turned over the bar. Cambridge working hard doing a good job in frustrating Barnsley Wood getting free up the left linking up with Marden the cross floated into the area cleared by Michalska for Barnsley.

Autumn Housley beating Ella Marden to the ball

A pause in play as Housley and Jackson come together on the left as Wood looks to play the defender on. Both up okay Cambridge with the free-kick. Barnsley not hanging about quickly getting on with the game Kosky stealing possession back on the right going forwards looking for Stojko-Down, closed down by Millard. Played on for Pierrepont racing forwards on the left, Rouse coming across to defend for Cambridge.

Stojko-Down central playing the ball to Marden left for Cambridge, crosses for Simmons racing on right of the D, the ball cut out by Stuart gets it back to her keeper. Millard getting forwards on Barnsley’s left playing the ball inside for Biggins outside the D, turns into the shot firing the ball straight into Webb’s midriff.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

Barnsley keep pushing players on pushing Cambridge back Rouse across to deal with Pierrepont on the by-line left side the ball played back up the line for Millard 25 out comes inside rolling in on for Michalska to turn and curl a shot in towards goal, Webb leaping up making a tremendous save top getting a arm up to turn the ball away for a corner on the right. The corner delivered in with pace into the six yard box a good attacking height Stuart and Michalska for Barnsley a heavy collision between Stuart and Jackson leaving both players floored as the ball is cleared the referee quickly stopping play for the physio’s to race on to administer treatment.

The game paused concern for both players not moving immediately time taken, Jackson dazed, Stuart bleeding. Both up thankfully, blood on the pitch to be cleaned up as both walk to the side-lines before being allowed back on. No doubt the crowd are playing their part getting behind Cambridge looking to wind up Barnsley who having created some good chances have been unable to get their noses in front. Kosky lunging in to deny Biggins as she takes the ball inside from the left.

Kosky with a vital interception then as Michalska driving forwards through the middle nearly picks out Pierrepont racing clear on the left. Barnsley winning a free-kick in a central position late in the half Pierrepont into the area Michalska up to head the ball across the top of the six yard box cleared to the left, the shot struck on the angle sent over the bar. Barnsley’s frustrations boiling over as Stuart talks herself into a yellow card after fouling Wood on the left.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Barnsley FC Women

The game all square after the first 45 minutes a lively and combative contest, both sides competing for the ball. Cambridge taking an early lead before being quickly pinned back by the visitors. Barnsley playing the ball across the ball breaking forwards well creating some good chances to get into the lead themselves, Cambridge though defending well, Webb making some excellent saves. A lot put into the first half will be interesting to see if these energy levels can be maintained in the 2nd half.

Getting decidedly colder as the two sides return to the field for the 2nd half, neither making any changes, extra-time and penalties to come if required as Barnsley et the 2nd period underway. The visitors playing the ball forwards pushing players on right from the start, Pierrepont picked out on the left in behind to the by-line sends the ball racing in across the face of goal, defended beyond the far post knocked back inside for Webb to snatch into her gloves.

Barnsley setting there stall out early doors, their intention to take the game to Cambridge find an early goal to take the lead in the 2nd half breaking right the ball crossed in onto the roof of the net. Cambridge under pressure at the back, Otten and Edgar pushed back to help the defence the hosts getting the ball cleared up to Simmons in space on the right plays it inside to Stojko-Down 20 yards out right of the D, her attempted shot charged down by Michalska.

Otten shown a yellow card after a strong tackle on Jex-Oldfield on halfway. Jex-Oldfield playing the ball up the wing for Pierrepont who turns inside to lay the ball into Millard, Stuart up with her, back to Pierrepont who wins Barnsley a corner kick. An in-swinging delivery headed clear by Jackson for Cambridge.

Barnsley’s Charlotte Stuart with Cambridge’s Zoe Wood

Wood nipping in to take the ball back for Cambridge. Wood with some good ball control looking to twist and turn get forwards for Cambridge link up with the attacking trio. Woodcock and Michalska defending solidly for Barnsley who continue to press forwards. The heavy tackles continuing both sides giving as good as they get Cambridge’s tenacity still frustrating Barnsley.

Barnsley’s Abi Housecroft

Barnsley powering on down the right Marsden crossing low, Jackson running back in defence cutting out the cross carrying it behind for the corner. Cambridge defending the corners Barnsley putting in some great deliveries. The hosts getting on down the right winning a throw 25 yards out put inside to Simmons positioned top of the D, Housley throwing herself into the blocking tackle as she lines up the shot.

Cambridge making the first change of the game bringing off Otten whose on a yellow card bringing on Serena Cobb. Barnsley with their first switch too bringing Amy Beck to replace Marsden. Rouse racing back in defence as Barnsley attack down the leg traps the cross between her legs to take it out of play for a corner. Lifted in near post a Barnsley player rising to head the ball drills her header wide past the far post.

Emily Pierrepont continues to take the game to Cambridge

Pierrepont dribbling inside from the left pushes the ball inside to Jex-Oldfield 25 yards out, Edgar lunging in with a firm tackle to get the ball back for Cambridge. Pierrepont heavily involved in the game pulling left seeing the ball into her feet aiming to clip it over the top send Stuart through on goal the flag up however brings an end to the move. Barnsley on top but unable to find the break through as a few spots of rain begin to fall. Pierrepont sees the ball come into her feet in a central position strikes a right foot curler in on goal from range, Webb throwing herself it it can’t get there as the ball dips smashing onto the crossbar.

Louise Biggins getting hold of the ball for Barnsley

GOAL! Cambridge’s opportunities to break forwards limited in the 2nd half the ball cleared on for Stojko-Down central makes a great run forwards before delivering a cutting pass in behind for Simmons to attack top of the area, Michalska sliding in with her to try and win the ball, knocked on towards goal racing past Clarke to roll over the line a fire the hosts back into the lead in the 66th minute 2-1.

Bella Simmons putting Cambridge back into the lead

Cambridge back in front after dealing with a sustained Barnsley onslaught at the start of the 2nd half. A huge blow for Barnsley as Wood getting hold of the ball travels into the right corner holding it up well before Kosky racing beyond her is pulled up for offside. The visitors rattled making a change Natalie Watson coming on to replace Jex-Oldfield. The game opening up as Cambridge find renewed energy breaking through the middle, Wood to Stojko-Down on for Simmons in attack, a crucial interception by Millard to prevent her getting clear to attack Clarkes goal.

Stojko-Down on the half-volley from outside the area placed straight into the keeper as Cambridge attack on the left. Watson with a heavy tackle sending Simmons to the ground earning the substitute a yellow card. The tackles keep coming Stojko-Down getting bundled over outside the area aggrieved as play goes on. Cambridge winning a corner nevertheless out on the right. In near side Clarke up to punch the ball behind for a 2nd corner. The 2nd delivery into the six yard box defended by Michalska

Jodie Michalska

Rouse the next player to go into the box as she brings Biggins down 40 yards out to the left as both turn to chase after the ball. Pierrepont over it, does have a hell of a strike on her and going for goal her attempt isn’t too far wide of the left corner. Cambridge making a change in the 79th minute bringing on Ruth Fox in place of Simmons up top. Is a tense game now Barnsley pushing players on Cambridge nipping in to close the ball down

GOAL! With Barnsley pushing on looking to get themselves back on level terms Cambridge winning the ball break on the left bringing the ball on players racing back to defend, the ball crossed into the box Fox central, Pierrepont getting there first gets a glancing touch on the ball can’t get it away instead presents it straight to Fox who show cool composure ( at least that’s what it looks like now doubt the heart was pounding ) as she picks her spot lifting it past the keeper and into the goal beyond immediately turning to race away in joyous celebration eventually caught by her teammates as Cambridge extend their lead with 10 minutes to play 3-1.

Ruth Fox runs in celebration after sending Cambridge into a 3-1 lead

Barnsley respond straight away with a double switch bringing on Nat Shaw and Courteney Csomor. Falling 2 goals behind with a little over 10 minutes to play. Winning a free-kick wide on the right the ball swung into the area headed clear Cambridge look to counter Stojko-Down on for Wood who uses her experience to take the ball down into the corner at up valuable time.

Watson with the ball for Barnsley on for Housley travelling on down line in behind to the by-line her cross fired in across the six yard box cleared by Cheal-Ferris at the far post. Wood coming on with the ball combined with Stojko-Down as Cambridge look to keep the ball up the pitch, Michalska getting it back for the visitors up to Stuart has Housecroft inside her played out to Pierrepont on the left the cross whipped into the box cut out by Jackson for Cambridge.

Cambridge determined in defence as Rouse clears a chipped ball forwards intended for Shaw.

GOAL! The game moving into stoppage time Barnsley getting themselves a free-kick inside the Cambridge half on the right, Pierrepont to play it into the area a fantastic ball cutting through the six yard box running out to the far post met by Michalska running in to turn it home from close range 3-2 game on!

Jodie Michalska pulling a goal back for Barnsley in the closing stages of the tie

Michalska taking no time to celebrate grabbing the ball hasting back to the centre circle to get it restarted, Cambridge finding Wood on the right takes the ball into the corner, nothing silly now from the hosts keep Barnsley off the ball. Barnsley with one last push Millard on for Pierrepont wide left returns it inside for Millard to float a ball into the area attacked the header planted straight at Webb the keeper holding onto the ball.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 3-2 Barnsley FC Women

The final whistle blows and Cambridge celebrate as they reach the final of this season’s FAWNL Plate. Beating Barnsley 3-2 with goals from Bella Simmons and substitute Ruth Fox in the 2nd half. Cambridge having to deal with a lot of Barnsley pressure in the 2nd period as the visitors came on strong looking to take the lead themselves looking to build on the good chances they had created in the 2nd half. Barnsley let themselves get frustrated by Cambridge’s tenacity and couldn’t get their noses in front. Cambridge had to work hard for the win and took their chances when they fell their way to set up what is sure to be a historic day for the club. The date and venue for the final to be announced.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to pick this Sunday’s Women’s Football east – Player of the Match. As with last weekends winner it’s another tough call to single out one player as it was a strong team performance all round. Several performances of note, firstly for Barnsley, Emily Pierrepont was the stand out player, worked tirelessly on the left, a ready outlet taking the ball on to the by-line or tracking infield created several good chances. Jodie Michalska strong at the back and getting forwards winning the ball and passing superbly. Autumn Housley winning the ball well at the back with several strong runs forwards. For Cambridge credit to the whole team for a battling display, were determined from the start, Abbie Jackson and Lauren Rouse with some vital tackles at the back. Rachel Kosky too as well as making some excellent attacking runs opening the scoring. Zoe Wood showing good skill on the ball got forwards well bringing others into play. Gisela Otten competing for the ball in the middle of the park getting back to help the defence. Goalkeeper Lauren Webb with some brilliant saves to keep Barnsley out n the first half. The award today though goes to the player who summed up Cambridge’s performance to a tee and that is midfielder Sammy Edgar, fought for everything getting across the park to tackle and frustrate Barnsley throughout.

I know I’m supposed to be neutral but I do have my favourite team and it’s fantastic to see Cambridge reach a national final. Had a sneaky feeling they might. Even so the FAWNL is full of strong teams. Congratulations to Cambridge. My thanks to both sides for there help today with the teams. Best of luck to Barnsley in their hunt for the league table will keep an eye out for your results.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Worthing FC Women

Sunday 3rd December

FAWNL South East Division One

Two weeks later than originally advertised heading west into Cambridgeshire to St Neots to watch my final game of 2023, between Cambridge United WFC and Worthing FC Women in FAWNL South East Division One.

A clash between 4th and 5th in the league with Worthing FC Women moving above Cambridge United WFC winning 4-0 at home to Cambridge City Women last weekend. The two clubs enjoying a great first half to the season amongst the chasing pack looking to apply pressure to the leading pair of AFC Wimbledon Women and Norwich City Women going into the new year.

Cambridge United WFC without last season’s top scorer Sarah Wiltshire as she announced she was pregnant with her 3rd child, at the beginning of the campaign, signing off by scoring all 4 goals in Cambridge’s 1st league win of the season. That seeing the management team having to device a new strategy for the season, and so far has paid off playing midfielder Alysha Stojko-Down as a false number 9, scoring 9 goals to date to push Cambridge United WFC into a strong position in the top half of the FAWNL South East Division One table.

Ruth Fox netting 7 goals and Bella Simmons on 6, a run of 3 wins and a draw coming to an end last time out with a narrow 3-2 loss to QPR FC Women. Building a competitive squad the club backed well by Cambridge United FC itself with a number of games to take place at the Abbey Stadium itself. St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus stadium remains the clubs main home, situated in an ever growing residential area on the outskirts of the town. Winger Charlotte Gillies to most recent player to join their squad often a thorn in United’s side when playing for rival Cambridge City her pace and skill will add to the sides attacking flare.

Worthing FC Women newly promoted to the FAWNL after winning the London & South East Premier Division last season losing just one match along the way. Managed by ex-Lewes FC Women’s manager, John Donohue assisted by Kelly Newton, who is Lewes FC Women’s record appearance holder. The South Coast side the latest addition to a number of clubs sharing rapid growth in the area. Donohue recruiting a strong squad of players from, Lewes itself with FAWNL and Championship experience, such as goalkeeper Lauren Dolbear and captain Rachel Palmer along with some ex-Portsmouth FC Women players, such as Danielle Rowe, Tierney Scott and Samantha Quayle amongst others.

That has seen them hit the ground running as Worthing plays in the 4th tier for the 1st time, winning 5 of their 6 opening league games to put themselves right in contention with the leaders. A slight dip in results seeing them fall back down to 6th before a 4-0 home win over Cambridge City Women saw them leap frog Cambridge United back into 4th. Becki Bath leading the goal scoring charts so far this season netting 13 goals in 12 appearances while Samantha Quayle has 9 goals from 11 games.

St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s match, the way into the stadium seeing an ever growing residential development. The ground very much in the heart of the community the main grass pitch in good condition with plenty of green offering good width. A seated stand on one side housing the changing rooms beneath and clubhouse beside the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. A cup of tea definitely needed a bitter bite to the wind blowing, but a vast improvement on last weeks WET and miserable weather. One more game for 2023, lets go…

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Rachel Kosky, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Gisela Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Zoe Wood, Ella Marden, Ruth Fox & Alysha Stojko-Down. Subs – Mayzee Seymour, Natasha Collins, Niamh Day, Serena Cobb & Bella Simmons.

Worthing FC Women

Worthing FC Women starting XI – Lauren Dolbear, Katie Young, Rachel Palmer (C), Emma Blakely, Chloe Winchester, Danielle Rowe, Tierney Scott, Chloe Humphrey, Shannon Albuery, Samantha Quayle & Becki Bath. Subs – Rebecca Bell, Niamh Anderson, Izzy Glass-Oliver, Gemma Worsfold & Katie Cooper.

The game rearranged from a fortnight ago, Cambridge ending the year nursing a few knocks with a few missing including midfielder, Fran Steele who has been a strong addition to the side since joining from Cambridge City this season. Gisela Otten captaining Cambridge, Rachel Palmer, Worthing joining the match officials in the middle to decide kick-off. Cambridge to get the 1st half underway wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Worthing in their all blue away strip lined up opposite. The ball rolled back for the midfield to play a ball out to the left with the advancing Ruth Fox the target, Katie Young instead intercepting at the back for Worthing knocked on into the middle for Danielle Rowe lays the diagonal pass out to the right for Chloe Humphrey pushing on, Lauren Rouse across to close her down the ball out for the throw in.

Worthing FC Women’s defender, Katie Young

The throw dropped short laid back up the line for Rachel Palmer to send a deep cross in towards the top of the area, Sammy Edgar under it to head clear for Cambridge. The hosts looking to break on the left the ball played on for Fox to attack, Young though is quickly across o kick clear for Worthing.

GOAL! Cambridge win the ball on the right Rachel Kosky getting on up the wing to support Ella Marden the ball crossed into the six yard box, Young getting head head on it to intercept for Worthing, knocks it back out to the right of goal, falls straight to Alysha Stojko-Down and she lashes the ball back in across the face of goal to open the scoring inside the opening two minutes 1-0.

Alysha Stojko-Down firing Cambridge into the lead with her 10th goal of the season

Worthing push players on from the restart looking to recover quickly from their early set back Tierney Scott linking up with Rowe the ball on for Shannon Albuery making a run into the box right side, Rouse getting in the challenge to take the ball away to the touchline. Zoe Wood with quick footwork taking the ball on left for Cambridge knocking it on for Fox chasing in behind taking the ball on to the by-line her cross low to the near post, adjudged to have gone behind before goalkeeper, Lauren Dolbear gets down to it.

Cambridge with a bright start to the game lively on the flanks lose the ball on the left Worthing finding Quayle out on the wing knocks it into Albuery running into the area on the left, evading a couple of defensive challenges before squeezing a shot away on the angle, lacks the power to trouble Cambridge goalkeeper Lauren Webb as she has her angles covered getting down to claim the ball.

Wood causing Worthing a few issues early on is brought down by Quayle the hosts awarded a free-kick. Moments later Scott fouls Cheal-Ferris as the pair tussle for possession. Proving to be a competitive tie between two sides closely placed in the top half of the table. Wood skipping free on the left with a diagonal ball long into the area looking for Stojko-Down, Dolbear can safely come out to lay claim to it. Kosky powering forwards on the right for Cambridge, Emma Blakely coming across to tackle for Worthing halting her run in the corner.

Worthing’s Emma Blakely

Abbie Jackson with the tackle for Cambridge inside the D, as Albuery seeing the ball into her feet looks to turn into the box. Young on the ball at the back for Worthing time to look up pick her pass sends a dangerous diagonal ball forwards with Humphrey making a run into the area, Kosky tracking back with her the pair tangling, going down, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty! The Cambridge bench furious with the decision. An opportunity for Worthing to level things up from the spot. Bath to take the spot kick, strikes the ball to the left of goal, Webb diving the right way to make a fantastic save her right arm outstretched to push the ball wide of goal behind for a corner kick.

Lauren Webb saving Becki Bath’s penalty.

Lauren Webb

Lifted in high from the left a Cambridge head gets a touch near side but can only help it on into the middle, falls for Blakely, stabs the ball goal wards is trapped between her feet by Jackson in the six yard box before scrambling the ball clear of danger.

Cambridge’s Abbie Jackson

Worthing look to build through the middle Rowe on for Albuery, Humphrey entering the area likely to be flagged offside if the ball found it’s way through to her but the Cambridge centre backs close the door on Albuery the ball cleared. Rouse coming across on two occasions to stop Worthing on the left as they threaten to get in behind. Scott lining up a strike from distance, the Worthing midfielders shot not troubling Webb.

Worthing’s Tierney Scott

Lively in the middle, both sides working hard to close down the ball, Worthing pressing forwards as Cambridge drop off at time to defend their area. Albuery linking up with Zoe Winchester going left, Rouse tackling, Cambridge countering right side Kosky them Marden inside for Stojko-Down 25 yards out looks to play the ball across the top of the D for Fox, can’t quite turn into the shot but keeps the attack alive pushing for the area, Blakely closing her down for Worthing.

Cambridge not happy with the earlier penalty decision only further aggravated as they question other decisions. Wood winning a corner for the hosts on the right Worthing clearing their lines attack through the middle, the ball fired forwards into the area, Rouse not getting hold of it evades her as Bath steals in beyond her, striking the ball, Webb moving forwards to close the angle making the blocking save at close range.

Fox high on the left breaking the ball down well off her chest knocking the ball into the area, Blakely in to block as she shapes to shoot the ball deflected clear. Emotions rising the referee stopping play to have a word with Cambridge manager Darren Marjoram, settling things down… for now. Wood and Fox liking up well on the left the former lifting a long diagonal ball forwards for Marden to attack on the right, Dolbear alert to the danger out to the edge of her area to drop onto the ball.

Worthing have the ball in the back of the net in the 26th minute as Scott free at the back post taps in Quayle’s pass to her from the left as Winchester and Albuery combine top of the area, however it won’t count as the Worthing attack breaking forwards with pace is flagged offside. Cambridge putting themselves under pressure dropping off allowing Worthing to come at them.

Worthing midfielder, Zoe Winchester

Scott shifting the ball well between her feet sending the ball on into the left channel for Quayle, looking to get into the area, Kosky tracking back to tackle the ball deflected back across the D, Albuery rushing in looking to latch onto it, Otten diving in for Cambridge, just about getting to take the ball out of her path.

No advantage, play brought back as Wood is pulled back for Cambridge out on the left inside the Worthing half, players forwards as Cheal-Ferris sends the set-piece angling into the far post attacked, Worthing defending the ball cleared, won back 30 yards out the shot taken struck wide, over the bar (and by bar I mean the stand behind the goal). A pause in play with Dolbear down in the Worthing goal, a chance for the coaches to get instructions to their players.

Scott evading a tackle on the right getting forwards opening up her body attempting to thread a pass into the area for bath to run onto, too close to Webb however the keeper getting her gloves wrapped around the ball. Albuery turning on the ball in the middle sending a clipped pass out to Humphrey wide on the left, Marden tracking back for Cambridge putting in the tackle to clear the threat. Worthing though pushing players on force Cambridge back, Palmer sweeping a deep cross into the area, Fox heading clear for Cambridge.

Worthing winning a free-kick central 25 yards out, Young running in to strike the ball smashes it into Cambridge’s wall. Cambridge attacking on the left Wood laying the ball back for Cheal-Ferris to hit long up towards Fox moving into the area, Blakely instead under it to hook clear for Worthing.

Dolbear miscuing her goal kick putting the ball straight at Fox inside the box to the left of goal looking to control with her head get the ball down to strike, is closed down quickly by the Worthing defence. Moving into the final 5 minutes of the 1st half, pressing Cambridge back Edgar sends the ball back into her keeper coming at Webb with pace the keeper looking to try and adjusted her feet screws her clearances straight into the path of Bath charging in through the middle, the shot though fired straight back into the keeper, Webb falling back grateful to get the ball into her body.

Worthing’s Becki Bath

Cambridge’s turn to appeal for a penalty as the ball is rolled in towards Fox inside the box from the right, a heavy challenge but well timed I think the appeals waved away. Cambridge getting a free-kick inside the Worthing half out to the left Cheal-Ferris over it again flighting a ball into the area headed clear, Edgar tackling stopping the visitors from breaking away keeping the pressure on around the area Kosky pushing on to the by-line on the right is closed down by Blakely preventing her from getting a cross into the box.

Ruth Fox

Winchester out to Albuery moving to left her strike on the angle to the near post saved well by Webb with Quayle bursting forwards looking to attack. Worthing to the attack Rowe to Quayle on for Humphrey left side keeping the ball in play on the by-line laid back to Bath left of the D, her low strike in towards goal blocked by Jackson for Cambridge.

Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris beating Worthing’s Tierney Scott to the ball

Into stoppage time, Cheal-Ferris and Scott continue to enjoy a lively contest as they look to win the ball the former fouled, the free-kick taken quickly Worthing quick to win it back forwards for Scott on the right lifts a diagonal ball towards the area looking to cut a hole in the Cambridge defence, Jackson coming across, throwing up a leg catching the ball with her heel a vital touch as she deflects the ball away from the advancing Bath into the arms of her keeper.

Stojko-Down bundled over as she looks to bring the ball on through the middle for Cambridge halfway inside the Worthing half. Jackson over it, sends a teasing strike in towards goal bouncing narrowly wide of Dolbear’s right post. Young forwards for Worthing on the right inside for Bath central lays it into Quayle right of the D, Cheal-Ferris close in, Quayle goes down, Cambridge not pleased with the decision a free-kick to Worthing 25 yards out in a dangerous position, Palmer across to take it curls her attempt straight against the wall. Wood looking to break clear on the left for Cambridge, Blakely out well to close her down for Worthing.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Worthing FC Women

Cambridge with the early goal go into the break leading 1-0 at half-time have worked hard for their lead. Defending at the back, dropping off at times inviting pressure. Worthing have gotten forwards well moving the ball across the pitch winning a penalty, seeing the chance to level the scores saved whilst the offside flag has denied them another opportunity. The interval a chance to put a few thing’s right a competitive tie between the sides placed 4th and 5th in the league, set up nicely for the first half.

No changes for either side at the break, the light beginning to fade the floodlights coming on. Worthing to get the 2nd half underway. The ball put out wide, Wood moves in quickly to close it down for Cambridge, the visitors move in to regain possession get on the attack pressing up the left winning a throw high, knocked onto into the Cambridge area, cleared by Rouse. Worthing showing attacking intent at the start of the 2nd period winning a corner on the left, swept in low to the near post defended knocked on across the six yard box cleared by Kosky at the far post.

Worthing looking to impose themselves on the ball, Albuery getting about the park to win the ball. Another corner won on the left, rolled in shot played back to the taker the ball crossed in towards the far post Kosky defending for Cambridge before the shot is struck over on the angle to the right of the box.

Worthing on the charge through the middle Rowe on for Humphrey inside the area, Quayle ahead of her looking to tee her up, Jackson comes in to close her down in the nick of time to clear the ball away from a throw on the left. Worthing making a strong start to the 2nd half keeping Cambridge penned inside their final 3rd winning another corner on the left whipped in across goal the ball cannoning down into the six yard box off the far post before Cambridge’s defence scrambles it away.

Worthing’s Chloe Humphrey

Under the cosh in the opening exchanges little opportunity to break for Cambridge, Wood though with a fantastic flick on from a throw on the right sending Marden on give chase to the ball, ahead of Blakely, can’t quite get there before Dolbear comes rushing towards her to clear the ball.

Cambridge under pressure needing to dig deep. Humphrey attempting to get onto the end of a cross field pass from the right as she attacks on the left, Rouse needing to come out to challenge conceding a corner. Kosky adjudged to have fouled Humphrey on the wing, looked more like a tangle of legs as the pair crossed paths, nevertheless the decision goes Worthing’s way.

Cambridge feeling aggrieved with the decisions, as Worthing continue to press the ball, Winchester latching onto Rouse’s clearance 30 yards out, her 1st time strike angling wide past the left post. Fox clattered into out on the left the free-kick swept into the area cleared by Worthing’s Young. Another decision causing consternation amongst the Cambridge ranks as Wood is penalised for a foul on Humphrey. That leads to the ball being played up the line passed inside to Albuery pushing inside appears to be sent tumbling, the set-piece awarded again Cambridge livid at the decision…

Shannon Albuery winning Worthing a free-kick in the 61st minute.

GOAL! The free-kick outside the area to the left of the box everyone back for Cambridge to defend, Worthing lining up at the far post ready to attack the ball is put right on the money players running in met by a blue shirt headed home across goal to put Worthing back on level terms, Albuery the player on the mark 1-1.

Shannon Albuery fires home Worthing’s equaliser

Cambridge incensed by the decision to award the free-kick in the first place are further penalised, Edgar furious talking herself into trouble shown the yellow card by the referee and sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes. Cambridge down to 10 just as they look to make a change bringing on Simmons to replace Marden. Worthing though on a high looking to push home the advantage as Cambridge look to adjust personal to cover their missing players.

GOAL! And take advantage they do closing the ball down in the middle, the through ball cutting open the defence to see Quayle break in behind to the left of goal closing down the six yard box, strikes her shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner to fire Worthing into the lead 1-2!

Samantha Quayle puts Worthing into the lead

A big spell for Cambridge the game going against them need to rally unhappy with the referee as another foul is given against them as Quayle is fouled. Worthing on top pushing on Rowe out to the right the cross lifted in near posted defended by Kosky, drops to Quayle on the angle sends her attempt at goal over. Bath running onto the ball in the middle with a wild strike on the ball, in towards goal easy for Webb.

Scott 25 yards out to the right corner of the Cambridge box hesitates as she brings the ball down expecting like Cambridge to be pulled up for a hand ball, when the decision doesn’t come however she turns to take a shot sending her effort up over the crossbar. Worthing with a strong performance in the 2nd half, Cambridge having to battle hard at the back to keep them at bay struggling to make anything stick up top. Wood looking to get hold of the ball make things happen for the hosts but is quickly closed down.

Edgar back on for Cambridge as the game moves into the final 15 minutes, Worthing making a change bringing on Rebecca Bell in place of Scott. Worthing with a set-piece Rowe to curl the ball into the area, Rouse heading it clear for Cambridge. Wood strong on the ball coming right is sent tumbling the advantage played however as she finds Simmons clear to the right, Kosky breaking past her on the overlap to cross the ball into the box, Blakely getting her head on the ball to clear the threat for Worthing.

Zoe Wood bringing the ball on for Cambridge

Another switch for Worthing with Gemma Worsfold coming on Quayle. Worthing on the attack on the left a low cross flashing into the six yard box, Bath attacking the ball far post crashed down off the crossbar the ball then scrambled clear by the Cambridge defence. Worthing looking to put the game to bed the ball with Bath 30 yards out has time to line up a shot strikes the ball wide of the right post as Webb throws herself across her goal.

Cambridge making a change bringing on Serena Cobb for Otten in the 85th minute, Worthing replacing Bath with Katie Cooper. Wood is brought down wide on the right inside the Worthing half. Jackson to swing the ball into the area, Worthing with a solid defensive line clearing the top of their area. Cambridge attack down the left Cheal-Ferris forwards for Wood turns into the area left corner appears to be sent tumbling but to Cambridge’s disbelief she is the player penalised Worthing awarded the free-kick… outside the area.

Worthing come strong on the right a cross whipped in near post, Webb doing well under challenge to get hold of the ball. Cambridge with a free-kick out to the right. The ball lifted into the area knocked down into the ground, Blakely getting it clear for a throw for Worthing. Into stoppage time Worthing with a change slowing Cambridge down as they try and push for a late equaliser, Humphrey coming off, Niamh Anderson coming on. Worthing getting everyone back behind the ball to see out the closing moments of the match keep Cambridge at bay and celebrate as they come back from a goal down to win 2-1 in the 2nd half and claim the 3 points seeing them end 2023 in 3rd spot.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-2 Worthing FC Women

A strong 2nd half performance from Worthing making adjustments at the break to come out looking to impose themselves on the game right from the start put Cambridge on the back foot. Taking the lead and then with Cambridge reeling from the first goal striking fast to add a 2nd take the lead and press for a 3rd goal. Closing the ball down in their opponents half making the counter attack hard in turn allowing players to keep high to outnumber the midfield. Cambridge will no doubt feel hard done by, by some questionable decisions that ultimately cost them, but worked hard throughout and were good value for their 1st half lead, competing with Worthing. Under the cosh at the start of the 2nd half couldn’t get the ball to stick up top inviting pressure.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football east – Player of the Match, had someone in mind leaving the stadium and although a few contenders have put themselves into contention in the notes will stick with that call. Several performances of note however in what was a highly competitive game. Firstly for Cambridge, Lauren Rouse and Abbie Jackson were strong in the middle of the Cambridge defence making a number of vital tackles and interceptions. Zoe Wood was looking to get the ball down and make thing’s happen constantly throughout the match. For Worthing, Emma Blakely had a strong game at the back getting across to close the ball down and win it inside her box. Tierney Scott was lively out on the flanks winning the ball and looking to play it forwards, Danielle Rowe with a controlled performance in the middle, good control shifting play across the pitch. Samantha Quayle bursting forwards finding some great positions to attack scoring the winner. The award though goes to Shannon Albuery, covered a huge amount of ground getting across the pitch to get hold of the ball with some fantastic link up play, a constant threat to the Cambridge defence.

My final game of 2023 complete as entertaining as any watched highly competitive between two sides enjoying a strong season in FAWNL South East Division One. My first time seeing Worthing in action (although I know of most of their players having seen several in action for their previous clubs) a strong side that will be a threat to everyone in the league in 2024. A hard one for Cambridge to take will feel hard done by by the decisions but should use it as fuel to drive them on in 2024 remain well placed to push the side above them. My thanks to both for their help with the team details as always much appreciated… time for a rest over the festive period. Merry Christmas and enjoy the celebrations with friends and family.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge City Women v Cambridge United WFC

Sunday 15th October

FAWNL South East Division One

Derby match action this weekend on Women’s Football East a trip to Haverhill to watch the Cambridge showdown between Cambridge City Women and Cambridge United Women in FAWNL South East Division One.

Originally set to be the season opener, the game postponed due to the not so small matter of the Lionesses reaching the World Cup final. A historic day for women’s football in the country and testament to how much the game has grown in recent times. The FAWNL representing tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid the talent playing with in it getting stronger season upon season. Along with it the challenges clubs face to remain competitive and succeed.

Cambridge City Ladies promoted to the FAWNL back in 2019 after enjoying a rapid rise through the leagues to join their fellow Cambridge side in the 4th tier. The clubs sharing a turbulent history having once been one before Cambridge Women as they were back then broke away eventually merging with Cambridge United FC. Cambridge City are now Cambridge City Women. Have always been a club that has put youth at the forefront of their pathway to the first team and have produced many talented sides over the years. Have seen many changes over the past few season’s from the very top with a new chairman to a total overhaul of the senior team losing a lot of experienced players as they have moved on to other clubs. Management changes too that have seen the club struggling for points at the bottom end of the league.

More changes over the summer with more player departures, a new manager brought in Fadi Mazloum the ex-Stevenage FC Women’s head coach to lead the 1st team, overseeing a virtual rebuild of the squad. A number of new signings joining the young retained players. Eva Hubbard dual signed with Needham Market last season joining on a permanent basis. Rosy Wodhams joining from Stevenage FC Women. Sophie Mulvihill signing on with the club having experience with both Nottingham Forest and Leicester. Tilly Fidler another bringing valuable experience to the side. Striker, Libby Fraser joining from Cambridge United along with defender Abi Davies. Goalkeeper Nina Meollo comes in on loan from Ipswich Town Women. Jade Barrett back in the game after a spell out with injury. Jade McGibbon, Patience Ndlovu, Belle Shannon, Sakina Dhirani & Leila Awan also joining the club. A lot of new faces to bring in and form into a team over the summer and despite a opening day win in the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup have struggled in the league losing their opening 6 matches to sit bottom of the table. Fadi Mazloum since setting down from his role sees the club on the look out for a new 1st team manager. Got a much needed boost with their 1st point secured at home against newly promoted AFC Sudbury Women in midweek.

Cambridge United WFC amongst the longest established sides playing in the 4th tier, but would love to shake of that accolade and strive for promotion. Since taking on the United mantle in their name have enjoyed closer ties with Cambridge United FC, forming a women’s board within the club last season and playing a number of matches at The Abbey Stadium. Setting up a better player pathway in the process with the aim of producing talent to compete for places in the senior team. Bringing in new players to bolster an experienced squad, Fran Steele joining from Cambridge City a driving force in midfield. Zoe Wood returning to football is an ex-England youth international. Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris also joining with Wymondham Town Ladies amongst her previous clubs. Mistie Fox-Barker another addition joining from Royston Town Women. Annie Posnett top scorer in ERWFL Division One North last season also aiming to make an impact. Serena Cobb, Eleanor Townsend and Niamh Day stepping up from the old Development squad.

Shaking off a lethargic loss in the opening days Determining Round match. Came back to record a 4-0 win in their opening league fixture against Haywards Heath Town Women with last season’s top scorer Sarah Wilshire netting all 4 goals. Was to be Wiltshire’s last appearance for Cambridge for now as she announced she is pregnant with her 3rd child. A big gap to fill in the attack would be interesting to see how the squad responded… and they have responded excellently, playing Alysha Stojko-Down in a false number 9 position has found the back of the net for 5 goals with Bella Simmons hitting 4. Followed that win with back to back and a win, suffering their 1st loss against Wimbledon bouncing back well with 3 successive wins on the road in league and cup the latest in midweek with Bella Simmons spectacular bicycle kick clinching a 1-0 at London Seaward FC. Sees them in 4th place just 3 points behind leaders Norwich City Women.

The New Croft in Haverhill the venue for today’s match, Cambridge City Women’s new home while they await the completion of Cambridge City FC’s new stadium in Sawston. Boasting a top class 3G facility as well as the main grass pitch with the clubhouse, bar and kitchen hatch in between. A small seat stand on one side. Quite open to the elements is a somewhat chillier day to those we’ve been used to, but they had to arrive sounder or later. Still bright the sun moving around one end of the pitch would cause issues but otherwise dry.

Cambridge City Women

Cambridge City Women starting XI – Nina Meollo, Jess Fitzpatrick, Eva Hubbard (C), Sophie Mulvihill, Abi Davies, Paige Gardiner, Rosy Wodhams, Libby Fraser, Jess Wood, Jade Barrett & Becca Stephenson. Subs – Georgia Anderson, Hannah Simpson, Milly Struthers & Theresa Kooh.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Ella Marden, Tash Collins, Lauren Rouse, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Gisela Otten (C), Fran Steele, Ruth Fox, Bella Simmons & Alysha Stojko-Down. Subs – Sammy Edgar, Abbie Jackson, Annie Posnett, Serena Cobb & Mistie Fox-Barker.

United captain Gisela Otten and City captain Eva Hubbard with today’s match officials

You know the drill from here on in it’s City and United when these two meet (I write enough as it is without adding 300 references to Cambridge) It’s United to get the derby match underway wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and white socks. With City opposite wearing white shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks. The ball rolled back to Fran Steele in midfield clips a long pass out to the left, Ruth Fox harrying the City defence bringing the visitors an early corner.

Played into the near post area City half clearing out to United captain Gisela Otten positioned central strikes the ball from distance taking a deflection of a City defender to take the power out of it easily gathered by goalkeeper Nina Meollo. City look to drive through the middle, Paige Gardiner picking up a head of steam laying the ball on for Becca Stephenson pulling into the right channel the pass intercepted by Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris at the back for United.

Cambridge City attacker, Becca Stephenson

Competitive in the middle from the start with United looking to get the ball out to the flanks Fox left and Bella Simmons right willing runners. United winning a free-kick inside the centre circle Cheal-Ferris sending a diagonal ball out to Simmons on the right 25 out her feet slide out from under her as she goes to strike the ball the shot running harmlessly through to the keeper.

Libby Fraser getting hold of the ball on the right for City looking to drive at the defence cutting inside losses possession as she runs into traffic. Another quick United free-kick sees Simmons skip in behind the defence on the right. Sophie Mulvihill coming across to put in the challenge for City clearing the danger away for a corner on the right. Swept in long across the six yard box Fox rising at the far post heading the ball down into the ground scrambled clear comes out to the left Ella Marden sending a strike from distance wide of the right post.

United pressing into the City half the defence up on half way at times looking to be aggressive get after the ball turn play around. The ball won centrally United’s Simmons finds half a yard on the right wing to take the ball on down the line whipping a cross in central Fox closing meeting it with her head turns the ball wide of the right post.

Cambridge United WFC’s Ruth Fox

Lauren Rouse at the back for United putting in a strong tackle to win the ball against Rosy Wodhams as she looks to travel forwards. Playing a high line City find the pass to release Stephenson in behind right side racing after the ball, United goalkeeper, Lauren Webb closing in the opposite direction sliding in to lay claim to the ball.

Another free-kick goes to United as Simmons is brought down outside the area 25 yards from goal. The ball curled into the box, Meollo punching it clear, City look to break with Jess Wood getting on down the wing before Collins closes her down challenging to put the ball out for a throw. City push players on for the throw in played inside to Stephenson left corner of the area tackled by United’s Steele. City with a good spell regaining possession centrally the pass forwards setting Stephenson away right side powers into the box before hitting the ball across the top of the six yard box, Fraser getting hold of it stealing past a couple of United defenders before rifling a shot wide past the right post

Wodhams dumped to the ground as she takes the ball forwards, City awarded the free-kick centrally, Fraser on the ball as players line up for a right sided delivery, instead Fraser whips the ball into the near post looking to wrong foot the keeper, Webb getting across her goal can see it safely wide. Remains a competitive tussle in the middle both sides battling for the ball. Rouse strong at the back for United winning her tackles.

Cambridge City’s Rosy Wodhams

Steele and Stojko-Down exchanging passes as they bring United on through the middle the ball clipped out to Simmons attacking right is sent tumbling, referee Lorraine Catchpole playing the advantage as Zoe Wood up with Simmons takes the ball forwards squaring a cross into the six yard box cut out by Mulvihill.

Cambridge United WFC’s Zoe Wood

Cheal-Ferris booked as she comes to close the ball down out on City’s right, the set-piece floated into the box from deep taken by Webb at her near post. City look to counter on the right, Collins with a great interception to hook the ball back into the middle for Stojko-Down back to goal turns well to lay the ball into the path of Fox coming on from the left striking the ball on the run Meollo diving across her goal with the merest of touches the ball behind for the corner. The ball swung in towards goal headed over.

United captain, Gisela Otten battling for possession with City’s Paige Gardiner

Stephenson running the ball down for City into the left corner, holds it up as Fraser gets forwards to support played back to her up the line stabs it forwards looking to attack the area, Rouse in her path winning the tackle. Both sides looking to up the tempo get after the other into each other Jade Barrett coming into the middle to win possession for City, Otten snapping back at her to play the ball into Stojko-Down who in turn sets Wood away on the right her cross swung in from deep blocked by Fitzpatrick corner given. City defending their lines look to break the advantage played as a player is fouled in the middle the ball running on for Stephenson to knock forwards, can’t get to it before Webb as it runs on into her box.

Jess Fitzpatrick

City gaining a little confidence having been defending deep earlier on are themselves pushing up as a unit into the middle, play there very congested with the ball pinging around. Wodhams bringing the pass from Gardiner under control on the left plays it forwards into Stephenson, Rouse in to close her down the ball gone for a throw in. Level with the top of the area the ball dropped into Barrett looks to turn corner of the area blocked at close quarters the rebound coming to Wodhams behind her 25 yards out curls her shot wide of the top corner.

Jade Barrett with the ball for Cambridge City

Gardiner battling for the ball in the middle for City getting a favourable break surging forwards attempts to thread the ball in behind for Stephenson, Webb rushing forwards to gather it first. United come left Marden on for Fox wide outside the box jinks left then right before angling a shot straight at the keeper. United holding their line catching Stephenson offside on a couple of occasions.

Cambridge City’s Paige Gardiner

Cheal-Ferris with a long clearance out to the right finding Simmons holding the ball up top corner of the area before laying it out wide to Wood who sweeps a cross in towards the far post Stojko-Down up to meet it wide her head nods the ball wide. Simmons taking the ball wide right side sending a cross looping into the box caught by Meollo. Otten picking up a yellow card for United as the midfield battle continues.

Wood winning City their first corner of the game on the left played in near post beat back out to the corner taker the 2nd attempt to play the ball into the box cleared by Rouse. City looking to build some momentum with Barrett and Wodhams linking up in the centre the ball out to the right intercepted well by Cheal-Ferris. Wood out on the right swinging a cross into the box caught high by Webb, United with a player down Fox hurt in the City build up down the right is okay after receiving treatment.

Cambridge United WFC defender, Lauren Rouse

Gardiner on the move with the ball through the middle played on for Stephenson in attack, Rouse getting a foot in to cut it out for United. Fitzpatrick on the stretch with a vital interception at the back for City as the diagonal ball threatens to see Simmons race in clear to attack the box on the right.

Moments later the ball put into the box from the United right rebounds straight to Simmons top of the D, her snap shot taking a deflection behind for a corner on the right. Played long across the six yard box is headed back across wide of the post for a 2nd corner. This delivery to the top of the area, Simmons hauled down right of the D, Fraser receiving a yellow card. Wood and Cheal-Ferris over the ball, Wood with the dummy as Cheal-Ferris curls a strike in towards goal, Meollo behind it making the save as it dips late palming the ball over the bar with both hands.

City goalkeeper Nina Meollo tipping the ball over the bar

Nina Meollo

The resulting United corner played into the near post low, Meollo stabbing a foot out to block sending it behind for another corner. Put in towards the top of the area a strike towards goal wide of right post from 25 yards. Steele carrying the ball into the right channel has Wood with her on the overlap sending the ball into her feet the cross is whipped in central, Meollo with a confident claim taking the ball low into her midriff as Stojko-Down closes her down.

City with a free-kick on the left late in the first half Hubbard over the ball put in to the top of the are knocked down into the path of Barrett top of the D, blasts a shot in towards goal, blocked by Marden inside the six yard box, Rouse clears for a corner on the right. The delivery goes long missing everyone in the six yard box, Barrett after the ball to regain on the left firing it back into the mix, the ball hotly contested before United scramble it away to safety.

Half-time Cambridge City Women 0-0 Cambridge United WFC

A goalless first half in the finish of what has been a competitive Cambridge derby so far with the game highly competitive in the middle of the park. United getting off to a positive start looknig to get at the City defence spread play out to the wide attacking players. Creating a number of opportunities. The City defence busy pushed back, United up on halfway play gradually swinging as City gained confidence to push their own defence up gaining momentum towards the end of the half to create a few chances themselves. The game lacking that one quality pass that could see someone through on goal.

No changes from either side at the break, as City get the 2nd period underway the ball put back into defence as United race forwards to hustle the ball won on the right the visitors send it cross field out to the left Fox looking to get forwards, Meollo out to clear the ball. United looking to get on the front foot early in the 2nd half the ball rolled into Wood right of the D her shot low straight into the keeper. Fox cutting out a City pass on the left knocks it forwards into Stojko-Down coming inside from the left curls a shot from outside the box onto the roof of the net.

Alysha Stojko-Down lining up the shot

United looking to be aggressive get after the ball. Barrett looking to bring the ball down for City as she moves to the right, Marden in to win the tackle for United. The sun low behind one goal now City with it at their backs, Webb donning a cap. United get on well down the left Marden on for Fox wide of the area shifts left then right before whipping a ball into the six yard box, won by Mulvihill for City.

Sophie Mulvihill

A free-kick won by City central, Hubbard over it launching the ball into the area, Webb up well to claim it. Barrett getting about the pitch for City looking to disrupt United regain possession for City. Stojko-Down coming left fouled by Mulvihill giving United a free-kick. Cheal-Ferris having Wood up with her plays it short as Wood breaks down the left to sing the cross into the area, blocked by Davies for City.

Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris

Wood fouled on the left for City, Hubbard drops the ball into the mix from deep, chaos ensues for a moment as both side scramble for the ball, United eventually sending it clear. Marden getting forwards well on the left as she and Fox combine on the left her cross headed out for a throw by Mulvihill. United making a change on the hour with Sammy Edgar coming on for Otten in the centre of the park. The game settling down a little scrappy at time as neither prepared to give any quarter in the midfield.

Ruth Fox on the attack for Cambridge United

Davies defending at the back for City against Fox the ball cleared up to Wood attacking on the right flashes a shot wide across the six yard box, retrieved on the left by Fraser strikes her shot from distance over. City working hard to stretch United winning a free-kick on the right the ball swung in under the bar Webb getting her gloves up to turn the ball wide for a corner on the left. Fired in low to the near post Collins launching it clear for United.

United on the drive through the middle Steele advancing plays in through for Edgar to take on and put Simmons away to attack on the right striking the shot from 25 yards, the ball smashing against the bar and over.

United’s Bella Simmons striking the crossbar

United pressing right side winning a throw, Simmons attempting to put the ball into the box cut out comes back to Wood strikes wide of the left post from range. United knocking on the door with a little over 15 minutes left to play. City fighting for the ball looking to get it into Stephenson in attack the striker twisting and turning 25 yards out squeezing a shot away, Webb down low to gather.

Cambridge City captain, Eva Hubbard

Wood adjudged to be offside as she breaks in behind the City defence as Meollo rushes out to clear off a Stojko-Down pass. City winning a free-kick central inside the United half 30 plus yards out the sun at her back Hubbard lines up a strike at goal, hit well, Webb throwing herself to the right making a fantastic one handed save pushing the ball behind for a corner on the left.

Cambridge United WFC goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

Fired into the box from the left, Steele up to defend for United heading the ball over for a 2nd corner. Another vicious in swinger, Webb up to punch the ball away to the left back to the taker fired back into the box too many bodies to evade the strike is blocked and cleared. The United bench infuriated as Fox is judged to have handled the ball as she looks to break away down the left. Fox’s last action of the game as she is replaced by Abbie Jackson the defender joining the back line with Cheal-Ferris going to full back and Marden pushed forwards.

Cambridge United WFC’s Ella Marden

Edgar battling for the ball for United the visitors looking for a strong finish, City working hard at the back to keep them out with the clock ticking down. Wood with the diagonal ball from the right looking for Marden breaking left, frustrated as the flag halts her run. Davies in to defend on Wood as she looks to bring the ball down of her chest and turn to strike the ball goes behind for a corner. Fired in from the left into the six yard box knocked down for Simmons sees her shot blocked turned away from another corner on the left. Taken quickly the cross into the box into Jackson back to goal looks to shield the ball looking for someone to lay it off to, but City close the ball down get it away from danger.

Into the last five minutes of regular play United pushing on looking for a goal, Marden off a throw on the left firing a cross into the box, but no one there to attack it. Edgar bursting forwards for United looked to already have slipped as Barrett clatters into her the free-kick awarded to United central 25 out. Stojko-Down over it goes for goal strikes her shot over the crossbar.

Alysha Stojko-Down

United pour forwards Cheal-Ferris left with the cutting pass inside into Stojko-Down outside the D looks to bring the ball down hit on the turn catching the ball with the outside of her boot, not troubling Meollo. City hanging on towards the end players back to defend. A corner won in the dying minutes on the right to United.

Cambridge United midfielder, Fran Steele

Played high into the box, Wood knocking the ball down towards the far post, Meollo able to grab as Mulvihill and Steele come together in front of her, the game ending in controversy as the grounded defender kicks out towards Steele catching her in the chin, Steele retaliating with a shove, the referee blowing up immediately, calling both players up to her as the United bench scream for a penalty. One thing at a time as a red card is shown to both players, both stunned, Steele sporting a cut on her face. Now the referee goes over to consult with her lineswoman before pointing to the spot Penalty! City’s turn to surround the referee but it does them no good the decision is made. Stojko-Down with a chance to win the game for United with what would surely be the last kick of the game with all the commotion needs to settle down. Strikes the penalty over, missing as the final whistle blows, City joyous, Stojko-Down distraught on her knees.

Full time Cambridge City Women 0-0 Cambridge United WFC

United’s Zoe Wood with City’s Jade Barrett

On the final whistle the game is drawn but for both sides very different emotions, for United it almost feels like a loss, for City it feels like a win! The Cambridge derby ending goalless United by far the stronger in the 2nd half creating numerous chances started well looking to get after their opponents coming close to scoring but City’s defence battling hard. Webb needing to save at the other end to ensure the visitors weren’t caught out. A busy 7 days for both sides and they can both have reason to be positive, 7 points for United who remain 4th. 2 successive draws for City gives the squad some much needed confidence and something they can use to build on as they continue their search for a new manager.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A derby match very competitive there are a few contenders and narrowing it down to one wasn’t easy. Performances of note from both sides. For City, Paige Gardiner had a strong game in the middle of the park getting hold of the ball and driving forwards. Jade Barrett putting herself about, strong coming back to win the ball get City going in attack. Becca Stephenson lively in attack making some good runs. For United Ruth Fox and Bella Simmons were great outlets in attack wide and into the channels. Alysha Stojko-Down holding the ball up well getting into some fantastic positions to set up others. Fran Steele powerful in midfield closing the ball down, putting in the tackles. Came down to the numbers 5’s however and a close run contest too. Sophie Mulvihill with a strong defensive performance for City at the back, with some great tackling and interception play. The award though goes to United’s Lauren Rouse read the game well especially when United were holding a high line dropping off well and timing her tackles throughout.

Might have ended goalless and I don’t cover many of those but this was as exciting a game as any I’ve watched this season, both sides working hard competitive in the middle of the park. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details. On to the next one time to get the coat out I think.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

Sunday 27th August

FAWNL Cup Determining Round

Sadly it wasn’t to be for our Lionesses, losing 1-0 to Spain in last Sunday’s Women’s World Cup Final. Nevertheless they have inspired the nation and the future most definitely looks bright for the game across the nation.

Back on my travels this weekend to take in a game from the now traditional Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup, the sides representing tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid drawn together with the winning sides going on to contest the League Cup itself with the losing teams going into the League Plate competition. Cambridge United WFC getting their season underway at home taking on fellow Division One South side, Norwich City Women.

The FAWNL gets stronger season upon season as the talent base grows and the clubs competing in it are needing to grow too. Cambridge United WFC and Norwich City Women both long established at this level are now enjoying closer ties with their respective men’s clubs to enable players to enjoy better facilities and support along with enhancing the player development pathways and ultimately challenge for the league title itself.

Cambridge United WFC establishing a women’s board within Cambridge United FC itself, benefitting from playing a number of games at the League One sides Abbey Stadium. Regaining the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup as well as the Development side winning last season’s Junior Invitation Cup the club has been busy recruiting new faces over the close season adding depth to squad. Midfielder, Fran Steele joins having been with local rivals Cambridge City Ladies previously vastly experienced a strong presence in the middle of the park. Also joining from City is defender Bronwyn Mulheron recovered now after suffering a dislocated knee last season.

Zoe Wood (formerly Cross) an ex-England youth international comes back into football with Cambridge after most recently featuring for Lewes in the Championship. Another defender joining with plenty of experience is Jess Morley who has spent the last couple of seasons with Wroxham FC Women in the ERWFL Premier Division. Mistie Fox-Barker is another defensive option joining the squad having been with Royston Town Women in the ERWFL Premier Division. Brooke Cheal-Ferris again adds good playing experience to the squad with Wymondham Town Ladies amongst her previous clubs. While in attack striker Annie Posnett will be looking to make an impact having finished joint top scorer with St Ives Town Ladies in ERWFL Division One North last season. Sophie Marjoram comes in to provide cover and competition for goalkeeper Lauren Webb. With three players stepping up into the 1st team squad from the Development side, Serena Cobb, Beatrice Rogers and Eleanor Townsend.

Norwich City Women now fully integrated with Norwich City FC itself with ex-Bristol City WFC player Flo Allen joining as General Manager. The women’s side at long last getting the opportunity to play at Carrow Road in front of a record breaking crowd with more matches planned there for next season including their league match against Cambridge United WFC in a fortnights time. Also won the Norfolk Women’s County Cup in front of a record crowd for that competition at Carrow Road last season. That game manager, Shaun Howes last in charge for the club. Martin Herdman form the North East gaining plenty of experience in England and abroad chosen to take on the role as Norwich look to push on from a resurgent campaign last time out that saw the squad pressing the top two for much of the season.

Having retained a strong core with a good blend of youth and experience Norwich have like Cambridge been busy during the close season bringing in new faces, most notably goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill who played an important role in East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town Women’s title challenging campaigns in tier 3 most recently with lots of experience playing at a higher level having been with Norwich several season’s back. Another coming in from Ipswich is U21s player Lauren Hailes. Winger Rachel Lawrence who was at Leicester City for 8 seasons joins from Peterborough United Women. Hope Strauss is another strong addition to the squad the defender most recently with Loughborough Lightning. Striker Shannon Shaw joins Norwich having played for Cambridge City Ladies along with full back Lauren Tomlinson who is now doubt fed up with me mentioning she has one of the longest throws in the women’s game. Norwich opening their season with a late goal in a 2-1 win away to Division One South East newcomers AFC Sudbury Women.

St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus Stadium serving as Cambridge United WFC’s regular home for the past couple of season’s, the main grass pitched stadium along side a artificial playing surface beyond. Situated within an ever growing residential development on the outskirts of St Neots with huge potential to grow the fanbase of both Cambridge United’s women’s sides and St Neots Town FC itself. The grass pitch looking perfect at the start of the new season lush and green the main covered stand running along one side of the ground with the changing rooms and clubhouse and bar beneath. Covered terracing behind both goals too. Another overcast but warm afternoon with the threat of an odd down pour forecast during the match.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Natasha Collins, Rachel Kosky, Abbie Jackson, Beatrice Rodgers, Gisella Otten (C), Fran Steele, Alysha Stojko-Down, Zoe Wood, Ruth Fox & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Mayzee Seymour, Jess Morley, Harley Jean-Simpson, Sydnie Naylor & Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris.

Norwich City Women

Norwich City Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Alice Parker, Lauren Tomlinson, Ceri Flye, Anna Larkins (C), Katie Knights, Eloise Morran, Megan Todd, Freya Symonds, Olivia Cook & Shannon Shaw. Subs – Millie Daviss, Jodie Drake, Natasha Snelling Hope Strauss & Rachel Lawrence.

Norwich to kick off this afternoon’s cup action wearing the clubs all purple third kit with Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into Ceri Flye in defence puts the pass out to the right to be launched up the wing, Natasha Collins getting her head on the ball to clear for Cambridge.

Norwich rush in to close the ball down in the middle of the park as Alysha Stojko-Down squeezes a ball out to Zoe Wood on the left wing, looking to take it on, Megan Todd tracking back for Norwich to dispossess her. The visitors getting into Cambridge early looking to win the ball high, the ball lifted over the top into the right channel with Freya Symonds chasing the ball down before putting a low ball in across goal, Cambridge goalkeeper down quickly to get hold of the ball with Shannon Shaw chasing in far post.

The ball hotly contested in midfield Fran Steele coming up to Alysha Stojko-Down as she battles for possession, fouled Cambridge take the free-kick quickly played out to Wood on the left turns inside before sending an ambitious pass out to the right looking for the run of Ruth Fox, Norwich win it back Alice parker sending it on up the left for Lauren Tomlinson to take on down the line sending a cross in central the ball cleared by Cambridge defender, Abbie Jackson.

Abbie Jackson clearing the ball for Cambridge

Katie Knights and Eloise Morran pressing the ball inside the Cambridge half a good contest developing between Knights and Steele a free-kick given away out deep on the right players up to the top of the area as Parker floats the ball high into the box, appeals as a Norwich player goes down, but waved away. Norwich spreading the ball about the pitch going left to right looking to stretch Cambridge inside their own half. Olivia Cook racing into the left channel with the ball is tracked well by Cambridge’s Beatrice Rodgers the defender getting a toe on the ball to take it out for a throw in the corner.

Norwich midfielder Katie Knights

GOAL! The opening goal comes as Norwich exploit the space left on their right as Rachel Kosky looks to get on in support of Wood up the left the ball taken on into the gap open on the right by Todd. crossed into the box, not dealt with Larkins sending it back in for Shaw who turns to slot it past the keeper at close range to score her first Norwich goal 0-1.

Shannon Shaw opening her account for Norwich

Cambridge falling behind inside the opening 10 minutes looking for a response press the ball Stojko-Down into Wood, closed down by Larkins. Getting hold of the ball on halfway Todd with a powerful run driving into the middle, on towards the box eventually challenged by Rodgers, the hosts attempt to counter the ball played out to Kosky advancing on the left forwards for Sarah Wiltshire coming out to the left, Flye racing across to lunge in take the ball off her for the throw in.

Norwich captain, Anna Larkins

Tomlinson getting on well for Norwich on the left dinking a deft ball over the top for Olivia Cook in attack for Norwich coming central, Jackson does well to get back on her to get a foot in take the ball away from her before she can attempt a strike. Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten with a good turn on the ball sending a great pass forwards into Wiltshire 25 yards out from goal, bringing the ball down she turns and shoots the strike held comfortably by Bryony Williams in the Norwich goal.

Cambridge striker, Sarah Wiltshire

The heavens open up for a brief but steady shower as Norwich continues to get after the ball put Cambridge under pressure the hosts guilty of giving the ball away a little disjointed at the back Norwich prepared to bring players on, Wood and Kosky looking to combine on the left wing for Cambridge the ball sent on for Wiltshire pulling out wide but as before Flye goes out with her to snuff out the ball.

Knights with Morran in the middle for Norwich playing the ball on for Shaw and Cook up top moving to the right corner of the area exchange passes before sending a dangerous cross racing across the top of the six yard box, Symonds racing in far post not quite able to reach it to deflect it home. Wood taking the ball inside lifts the pass out t Fox on the right gets her head on the ball to push it up for Wiltshire closing down the right channel looking to get the ball under control take it on into the area, Flye gets across her to win the ball back for Norwich.

Cambridge’s Zoe Wood with Norwich’s Freya Symonds

No advantage play brought back for the free-kick on half way after Todd pulls Wood’s shirt, Jackson to send the ball forwards Norwich win the header, the game competitive with Norwich getting numbers forwards better pressuring Cambridge into some rushed passes presenting the ball back to their opponents. Knights with the pass to release Tomlinson on the left delivers a high cross into the near post, plucked down well by Webb.

Cambridge trying to get the ball into their attacking players a pass fed on for Wiltshire in attack right side looks to flick it over her shoulder spin in behind her marker, Flye though reads it giving herself room to stretch a leg out knock the ball out of Wiltshire’s path. Morran winning the ball from Wood in the middle lifts it forwards into Shaw, looking to chase it down Rodgers going with her the defender getting a toe on the ball to take it out for a throw in the corner. Cambridge struggle to get the ball out of their area as Norwich push numbers on flashed in from the left, Cook throws a leg out inside the six yard box, can’t quite connect.

Norwich’s Eloise Morran

Norwich winning the ball inside the Cambridge half Symonds central releasing Todd on the right taking the ball on Symonds making a run inside the box to the near post Todd cross just behind her still manages to play it back for Knights positioned top of the area to the right of the D stabs her effort wide. Fox has had to be patient on the right old position ready to receive the ball, fed on well by Collins the attacker drives on for the by-line looking to cross Parker getting back on her defending the ball coming off Fox for the goal kick.

Jackson with a strong tackle at the back for Cambridge to beat Shaw to the ball after Cambridge lose the ball in the middle, the game scrappy and feisty at times Norwich frustrating Cambridge with some good duels all over the park. Wood latching onto a clearance from Williams shifting inside from 30 yards out to shoot can only pick out the goalkeeper with her effort.

Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten

Cambridge getting players forwards better pushing on the right Fox winning her side a corner players coming forwards the delivery over Jackson at the near post cleared back out of the area to the right, Steele latching onto the shot hit hard, Shaw in the way more than anything else making the block, will feel that one.

Cambridge caught out in possession high up the pitch Norwich quick to turn play around the ball fired forwards into Shaw looking to run in behind the defence, Jackson just getting there ahead of her to toe the ball back into the box for Webb to clear. Flye is reading the game excellently at the back for Norwich getting into some great positions to win the ball strong as she gets ahead of Wiltshire to win the ball as Wood and Kosky look to link on the left.

GOAL! And from that attack Flye leads the charge to set Norwich on their way to double the lead taking the ball on all the way to halfway the centre back sends the ball through for Cook racing into the gap open on the right and swings a low and fast cross into the six yard box for Shaw to drive onto and send home for her 2nd of the match 0-2.

A 1st half brace for Norwich’s Shannon Shaw

Norwich doubling their lead late in the first half exploiting the space left at the back by Cambridge. The hosts battling for the ball in the middle Steele on for Stojko-Down plays the pass out to the right for Fox looking to combine with Wiltshire, Parker does well at the back to knock the ball out of play for a throw.

Alice Parker

Norwich comfortable at the back the ball out to Larkins on the right brings it on lifting the ball on for Cook central looking to charge forwards to attack, Rodgers has half a yard on the attacker vital as she stretches for the ball getting it back to her keeper. Otten winning the ball for Cambridge played on for Stojko-Down out to Fox wide right up the line sends it inside for Wilshire to strike on the angle in low saved by Williams.

Cambridge applying a little pressure back on Fox combining with Wiltshire as they look to chase down the keeper as Williams looks to clear a back pass cleared straight to Collins the full back looks to shoot from distance as defenders rush back into the area, the shot though put straight into Williams who has quick recovered her positioning.

Cambridge’s Beatrice Rodgers

Steele threading the ball through the middle into Stojko-Down outside the area is tackled by Morran before she can adjust to shoot. Cambridge pressing late in the half getting players on Norwich ready to spring the counter.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-2 Norwich City Women

Norwich leading 2 nil at the break, and good value for it too getting on the front foot committing players forwards have pressed Cambridge high leading to some unforced errors and have exploited the space left exposed at the back to full advantage scoring both goals spreading play while not allowing themselves to be exposed at the other end. The visitors with a competitive 90 minutes under their belts looking to have settled quickly under their new manager. Cambridge with several new signings looking a little disjointed in the first half have work to do if they are to turn the game around second half.

Neither side making a change at the break as Cambridge get the 2nd period underway the ball played back into the defence Norwich rush forwards to put the ball under pressure straight away leading to the ball being given away, Shaw puling out wide right whipping a cross into the near post, Otten back to head clear for Cambridge.

Olivia Cook moving in to challenge Cambridge’s Beatrice Rodgers

The visitors with a high tempo start to the 2nd half won by Knights inside the Cambridge half on for Symonds taking it on into the left channel plays it forwards into Shaw pulling left of goal smashes in an angled drive low to the near post, Webb down smartly to make the save turn the ball behind for the corner kick. Whipped in high from the left, Webb does well to get a glancing fist on the ball take it away to the left, the ball is returned with interest smashing down off the ball before being scrabbled out of the box, Morran onto it left of the D 20 yards does get a clean connection the ball angling wide of the right post caught by Webb.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

Kosky advancing with the ball down the left for Cambridge playing it inside for Wiltshire outside the D, turns but Parker is there to stretch a leg out take the ball from her. Parker’s turn to bring the ball out of defence for Norwich finding Symonds well as she makes a run into the right channel, Jackson defending well up against her for Cambridge. Tomlinson races on down Norwich’s left after winning the ball high her cross snuffed out by Rodgers.

Cambridge looking to get forwards risk the counter as Parker gets hold of the ball for Norwich finds Symonds on the move wide left whips a cross out to Cook on the right puts in infield for Todd who in turn finds Knights inside the D, Rodgers quickly in to close her down prevent the shot for Cambridge. Stojko-Down sending the ball through to Wiltshire and Fox up top looking to link up get in behind Flye gets in to tackle wins the ball back well for Norwich.

Ceri Flye bringing the ball on from the back for Norwich

Both sides making their first change with 10 minutes of the 2nd half played, Cambridge bringing on new sighing Jess Morley for her debut after Rodgers picks up a knock at the back. Norwich bringing on Natasha Snelling to replace Cook in attack. Norwich pushing up getting a throw high on the left cleared by the Cambridge defence, the visitors quickly have it back with Symonds strong on the left driving into the corner sending a low ball into the box Webb down to claim it.

GOAL! Snelling making an instant impact from the bench as she scores Norwich’s 3rd. The visitors on the attack on the left with Tomlinson powering on with the ball sending a cross into the six yard box Shaw going for it close on the keeper not quite getting there instead deflecting the ball wide into Snelling’s path to smash home at the far post 0-3.

Natasha Snelling making an instant impact coming off the bench to score Norwich’s 3rd and her 1st of the season.

Norwich making a change straight after the third goal bringing off Tomlinson and sending on another of their new signings, Hope Strauss. A hammer blow for Cambridge as they look to get themselves back into the match now with a mountain to climb pressing on a caught on the counter with Parker sending the ball long on the left for Shaw to attack, Morley needing to get across to slide in take the ball out for the throw.

The cross claimed by Webb off the throw, Norwich make another change bringing off Shaw in attack as they bring on another of their new signings Rachel Lawrence. Norwich on top pressing on in attack the ball whipped into the box from the left, Webb going to claim it getting the decision as she is caught by Todd sticking a leg out trying to reach the ball. Cambridge making another change as they bring off Otten to be replaced by Mayzee Seymour.

Symonds getting forwards well from the middle for Norwich bursting into the left channel flashing a cross in near post Kosky racing across to head the ball away to safety. Stojko-Down staggered as she is shown a yellow card having been on the receiving end of a number of strong challenges throughout the game. Parker follows close behind as she goes into the referees book. Norwich make a change bringing off 16-year-old Morran to be replaced by Millie Daviss.

Norwich’s Hope Strauss

Cambridge winning a free-kick deep on the right, Jackson to send it in Stojko-Down with the lay back into Wood to dink over the top into the area for Wilshire to attack, Williams though out well to gab hold of the ball first. Norwich finding pockets of space out wide Lawrence attacking left sending a ball into the box met near side by Knights her shot saved well by Webb getting down to the floor quickly to smother.

Norwich looking sharp as the game moves into the final 15 minutes, Cambridge making a change bringing on another of their new signings Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris for Collins. Daviss blasts wide after winning a tackle on Stojko-Down. The visitors making another change bringing in bringing on Jodie Drake to replace Symonds. Wiltshire has been closely marked up top throughout for Cambridge always looking for an opportunity however pulls away to the left breaking into the channel with the ball at her feet is frustrated as she is adjudged to have fouled Flye as she closes her down to try and regain possession.

Norwich’s turn to get a little sloppy in possession late in the game Cambridge pressing looking to get something from the game Wood winning a free kick high on the left inside her opponents half more or less a corner players up the ball instead played short to Wood outside the box to the left blasted a shot in towards goal stings the goalkeepers hands Williams reacting sharply gloving the ball up into the air, Todd beside her with a strong headed clearance.

Cambridge attacking right Wiltshire on with the ball into Seymour played back into the middle for Wood, Knights sliding in to tackle win the ball back.

GOAL! With Cambridge committing players forwards they are caught on the counter the ball given away played through the middle on for Lawrence breaking through the middle to attack the box the defence back peddling puts the ball out to Drake bursting on right of the area to hit a low drive across the keeper and into the bottom corner 0-4.

Jodie Drake blasting home Norwich’s 4th

7 minutes of regular time left Norwich in control of the tie Cambridge hurting looking for a reply Fox strong to get the ball down on the right sending a cross into the area cleared by Flye for Norwich.

GOAL! 4 quickly becomes 5, Drake getting onto the ball in the middle for Norwich sending a fantastic ball on to pick out Lawrence breaking clear wide on the left bursting forwards fires a vicious cross into the six yard box giving Webb no chance as Snelling comes sliding in turn the ball over the line for her 2nd of the game 0-5.

2 goals for Natasha Snelling

Norwich break to send the back home for what they think is a 6th goal with Snelling playing the ball out to Todd right before she breaks into the box Todd sends the cross in to the near post Snelling throwing herself at it to volley the ball high into the net but she’s denied a hat-trick by a raised offside flag. Cambridge get onto the ball central played on for Seymour up top to attack the area in a race with Flye as Williams comes rushing out the keeper colliding with the pair nevertheless laying claim the the ball.

Norwich goalkeeper Bryony Williams claiming the ball after rushing out to close down Mayzee Seymour and Ceri Flye

Cambridge fighting to the end Stojko-Down on for Wiltshire tries to knock it down for Fox rushing on behind her central but the move doesn’t quite come off. Wood advancing on the left whipping a high ball into the area Williams confidently claiming it. Norwich ready to pounce in attack as Cambridge lose the ball lifted on for Snelling outside the area left of the D drags her shot wide of the near post. The visitors determined to keep a clean sheet as the game moves into the dying seconds Williams rushing out of her area to clear a hopeful ball over the top.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-5 Norwich City Women

Norwich through to the League Cup proper with a convincing 5-0 win over Cambridge who now go into the League Plate competition. A strong performance from Norwich, coach Martin Herdman must be pleased with his sides performance, asked for attacking flowing football and they certainly delivered today getting after the ball committing players forwards and in turn forcing errors from their opponents while remaining solid at the back. A few thing’s to work on so he can keep the squad on the ground but a pleasing start. Cambridge with plenty to work on when they return to the training pitch, a disappointing loss but overall not the end of the world several new faces to bed it and manager Darren Marjoram hasn’t had a full squad to work with during pre-season will take a little time for everyone to gel, but will be looking for a response heading into their league campaign.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and unlike last time out this one is a tough one with several contenders. A few performances to mention. A difficult day for Cambridge however under pressure at times defenders Beatrice Rodgers and Abbie Jackson put in a number of vital tackles. Zoe Wood looked to make thing’s happen with the ball at her feet, with Alysha Stojko-Down playing some good balls on into the attackers. Norwich were strong all over the park, Freya Symonds got about the pitch well getting into some great positions to receive and take the ball on. Likewise Katie Knights and Eloise Morran were strong in the middle. Natasha Snelling with an instant impact from the bench coming on to score a brace. Alice Parker and Ceri Flye strong in defence. The line led well by Olivia Cook and Shannon Shaw who narrowly clinches it for me from the off getting after the Cambridge defence opening her Norwich account with a 1st half brace that set Norwich on the path to victory, provided great runs throughout.

An exciting encounter form the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup, provides plenty of drama without ultimately giving much away to the outcome of either competition now it begins in earnest and both sides will want to do well. A good day out at St Neots getting used to the new car and it will be clocking up plenty of miles. Thanks to both teams for their help today and good luck with the competition going forwards.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Cambridge City Ladies

Tuesday 25th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Cambridge City Ladies

Wednesday 22nd February

FAWNL South East Division One

Midweek football action from The Abbey Stadium this Wednesday evening with a game from FAWNL South East Division One the Cambridge derby with Cambridge United WFC hosting Cambridge City Ladies.

One time together the Cambridge Women breaking away from City to become an established club in the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid merging with Cambridge United FC with the link between the clubs male and female sides becoming closer with a new women’s board at the start of the season. Cambridge City building on their strong youth set-up to rise rapidly through the pyramid themselves to join their local rivals in South East Division One.

A healthy rivalry exists between the two, a local derby always bringing with it an extra bit of spice into any league campaign. City often a thorn in United’s side over the past few season’s United have had the upper hand so far this campaign beating City both in league and cup competitions.

Cambridge United WFC now fully integrated with Cambridge United FC, with a new women’s board and better youth development through the centre of excellence. Playing a number of matches at The Abbey Stadium this season including this evenings derby, have games against London Seaward FC and Actonians Ladies to come. Currently 7th in the FAWNL South East Division One table have lost ground on the top six over recent games and will want to improve their points tally get back amongst it. Several players coming and going over the close season with Sarah Wiltshire the marquee signing with lots of experience playing in the FAWNL the striker netting 15 goals so far this season. New players joining all the time as they look to build a strong competitive squad one of those ex-City player Bella Simmons who was at United before enjoying a successful spell with their local rivals. Hitting the ground running with 2 goals in 4 matches plus player of the match displays.

Cambridge City Ladies themselves appear to be in something of a transitional phase with several changes to the management team and playing personnel over the past months. The club build on a strong youth set-up that still remains the foundation with plenty of young talent coming through. Of late though have lost several senior players including Simmons and top scorer Grace Stanley moving to QPR. Young players pushed up to meet the challenge of playing in the FAWNL, have added Eva Hubbard, ex Ipswich captain, Sarah Payne formerly with Harlow Town Ladies and striker Haile Richards from Biggleswade as they look to get away from the bottom of the table with just one win on the board before this evenings game lay 2nd bottom. Although bottom side Hounslow Women are struggling to fin a side let alone a win you don’t want to e in that position. Far from ideal preparations for the match to with City travelling to Hounslow on Sunday only to find their opponents couldn’t field a team!

This evening seeing a tribute to Cambridge United WFC’s, Kayleigh-Anne Burt. Retiring from football after playing for the club for17 years, coming through the centre of excellence at 16 with 300 appearances going on to become club captain, winning several county cups along the way. The defender a much loved member of the club. From a personal point of view, one of my favourite players have enjoyed watching her play. From my early days of coming to watch Cambridge Women made me feel welcome and always helpful and approachable. A leader on and off the field loyal to the club, a true legend. Wishing Kayleigh all the best for for whatever comes after football. Enjoy your footballing retirement.

Kayleigh-Anne Burt retiring after 17 years playing for Cambridge United WFC

Tonight’s derby match one of a number of Cambridge United WFC matches to be played at The Abbey Stadium as they look to get more people watching the woman’s team showcase women’s football within the county and beyond. A League One stadium with a fantastic playing surface. The main stand open with hot food and drinks available. The weather remain unusually mild and pleasant for February, dry and still.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Mayzee Seymour, Carrie Bennett, Rachel Kosky, Lauren Rouse, Sammy Edgar, Gisela Otten (C), Sydnie Naylor, Ella Mardon, Francesca Partridge & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Abbi Griffin, Abi Davies, Abbie Jackson, Libby Fraser, Kaylen Gerkey.

Cambridge City Ladies

Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson (C), Emily Struthers, Amy Reed, Bronwyn Mulheron, Fran Steele, Paige Gardiner, Erin Davies, Rebecca Stephenson, Jess Fitzpatrick, Eva Hubbard & Haile Richards. Subs – Sarah Payne, Ellen Marson, Rose Sparrow, Alexandra Pryke & Sophie Billing.

United losing Bella Simmons and midfielder Alysha Stojko-Down due to injuries picked up in the weekends friendly match in preparation for tonight’s match. Both ides with 5 available on the bench. It’s City to kick-off the first half wearing white shirts with back shorts and black and white hooped socks. United lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played long out to the left side for Eva Hubbard seen safely out of play by United’s Mayzee Seymour.

City work the ball inside from the throw in the diagonal pass put long into the box for attacker Haile Richards right side heads into the corner played up the line for Amy Reed drives towards the right corner of the area a strong challenge from defender Rachel Kosky for United seeing the attack quelled the ball cleared.

Rachel Kosky (photo credit Sean Doyle)

City with a free-kick wide left an early opportunity to send players forwards attacked left of the D, deflected towards goal, goalkeeper Lauren Webb right behind it to claim safely. Kosky with a long range pass forwards from the back looking for Francesca Partridge on the left side, intercepted by City’s Emily Struthers at the back. United rush in to close the ball down in the middle of the park played on by Sammy Edgar to Partridge has full back Carrie Bennett racing on to support the ball rolled into her path crosses it in towards the top of the area central headed clear by City’s Fran Steele.

Women’s Football East sponsored player, Francesca Partridge (photo credit Sean Doyle)

United looking to get the ball moving rapidly take the game to their opponents Kosky forwards for Edgar looking for Partridge making a left channel run. Struthers getting their first to cut out the ball. Partridge with good footwork to get inside her marker on the left, has Sarah Wiltshire coming across as she turns infield finds her with the pass Wiltshire heading for the area held up, United get numbers up to press the ball back to Partridge left her cross claimed by City goalkeeper and captain, Sarah Hudson.

Certainly has a derby feel with United working to close the ball down keep possession in City’s half of the pitch Wiltshire running at the defence, both Steele and Bronwyn Mulheron putting tackles in to deny her an opportunity to shoot. Cleared from the back into Jessie Fitzpatrick central City mount an attack played on for Richards up top turns playing it out right to Reed racing up the pitch, her cross squared back across the top of the area intercepted and cleared by Edgar for United.

Bronwyn Mulheron tackling United’s Francesca Partridge (photo credit Sean Doyle)

United seeing more of the ball in the early exchanges but City are working hard at the back prevent anyone getting in behind. Steele with a vital touch to head the bouncing ball out of the marauding Wiltshire’s path at the top of the box as she attempts to run onto a well placed ball clipped on from the middle. Fitzpatrick taking the ball right for City getting on before sending a cross into the United box, won by centre back, Lauren Rouse.

Bennett finding space to run into on the left giving good support to Partridge looks to play the diagonal ball forwards into Wiltshire as the United striker, Hudson alert to the threat out of her six yard box to get to the flight of the ball first. United pressing on Sydnie Naylor combining with Ella Marden on the right, Hubbard breaking up play for City. United captain Gisela Otten closing the ball down to keep the pressure on City on for Naylor lifted on for Wiltshire, Hudson again out to the top of her area early to grab the ball.

Sydnie Naylor on the attack (photo credit Sean Doyle)

United looking to dictate a high tempo the full backs able to get on keep City pushed back inside their own half. Wiltshire dispossessed, City try to mount a quick counter on for Fitzpatrick through the middle into Richards, Rouse quickly into her to tackle prevent the potential attack. Wiltshire getting her own back moments later stealing the ball off Steele at the back 20 yards out knocking it on into the area, racing after it, Hudson advancing to the ball throwing herself down to slide in bravely at the attackers feet getting her body behind the ball to save.

Wiltshire always lively up top moving about the back line a willing runner and outlet for the forwards pass, Partridge attempts to pick her out with diagonal ball, Steele winning it for City. United with a free-kick inside the City half to the right players up lined up across the top of the rea fired in, Otten seeing it into her feet 20 yards out with the turn and volley deflected through bodies into the six yard box. Wiltshire after it but can’t quite get to the ball as it skips up in front of Hudson and is caught.

Cambridge City’s Fran Steele

United advance left a throw won Bennett into Wiltshire drags the ball inside lining up a strike from 25 yards out rising is straight to Hudson and claimed by the goalkeeper. 20 minutes played United pressing the advantage Wiltshire collecting the ball from a deeper position lifting it on for Naylor racing on through the middle, City get back en masse to deny her a route through towards goal.

GOAL! United maintain the pressure in midfield as City attempt to clear their lines, Wiltshire sharp pulling off to the right inside the box as the ball is won back and lifted forwards seeing it drop over her smashes it past the keeper into the back of the net to score the opening goal 1-0.

Sarah Wiltshire on target for the opening goal for United (photo credit Sean Doyle)

United leading 1-0 (photo credit Sean Doyle)

16 goals from 16 games for Wilshire now putting United into a deserved lead the hosts coming onto City. Mulheron getting a foot in in the nick of time on Partridge as United break through the middle, the ball running away for a corner kick. The delivery into a busy six yard box headed away to the right, before play is stopped by a raised flag.

Kosky getting her foot in to deny Richards up top for City as she attempts to see the ball roll across her body and turn from a Hubbard pass from the left. Richards and Fitzpatrick combining as the pair come on for City right channel, Bennett defending for United. Erin Davies frustrated in the centre of midfield for City with a good tackle to get the ball forwards into Fitzpatrick, her threaded pass forwards unable to find Richards up top. A few fouls being given away by City as they look to get themselves going.

Mulheron getting back well on Wiltshire to defend for City as the United striker takes the ball off Marden on the right and turns inside making a run for the box. Kosky allowed time on the ball at the back able to pick a pass goes long with Wiltshire pulling off the defence, too much on it however Hudson taking it safely. Steele cuts the ball out at the back as Wiltshire drifting over to the left looks to find Partridge through the middle, the clearance as has been often the case quickly coming back with Edgar, Naylor and Otten in this case winning the ball back for United.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

Bennett bombing on left side her pass on catching Partridge offside. Otten central out to Marden on the right has support from Wiltshire the pass inside, shifts to go one way checking back inside Mulheron adjusting to get her foot in to take the ball away from her. Hubbard drifting into a central position with a telling pass forwards for City cutting the United defence open Richards running on, Webb though sharp to respond out quickly to the top of the area to lay claim to the ball.

Cambridge United captain, Gisela Otten (photo credit Sean Doyle)

City battling for possession Davies with the ball long on the diagonal to Richards making a run into the area, Kosky getting across her the defender shielding the ball out for goal kick. United with the ball high on the left Bennett up with Partridge and Wiltshire playing a short triangle the ball coming to Wilshire outside the box left of the D, Davies tracking back from midfield getting the block in to deny the shot.

City with a few encouraging signs towards the latter stages of the first half the ball played into Richards feet 20 odd yards out central does well to roll her marker shift the ball right and turn onto the shot a vicious drive on target low comes onto Webb quickly improvises well with a fantastic save with her shins as she falls back to deflect the ball away to the right. Pressure from Partridge sees the ball lost on the City right picks out Naylor central forwards to Wilshire, Fitzpatrick with the challenge for City.

Cambridge City captain Sarah Hudson sliding in to deny Sarah Wiltshire in the 1st half (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Cambridge City Ladies

United with the lead at half-time Sarah Wiltshire’s 16th goal of the season the difference between the sides scoring in the 20th minute. A dominant first half from the hosts with City sitting back soaking up alot of pressure. Have battled well to keep their opponents chances limited with Wiltshire getting on clear chance in behind the defence to score. City have been frustrated but showed signs towards the end of the first half that they are far from out of the game and with the lead just a single goal the result is far from certain.

No changes for either side at the break with United to get the 2nd half underway in front of a crowd of 371. The ball played back into midfield, City straight in the close the ball down the action frantic at the start as the ball in hustled all over the pitch. City working the ball across the pitch out to the right claimed by Wedd in the United goal.

Partridge on through the middle with a good touch to send the ball on towards the box, Hudson out well to clear. City get the ball on through the middle Hubbard more central on for Richards a race with Rouse towards the box the United defender getting to the ball to clear. Bennett still getting forwards on the left for United on for Wilshire, Reed coming back at her to win the ball back for City. A much more even start to the 2nd half City getting into United higher up the pitch to disrupt play a little bitty at times with passes being forced and possession lost.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

United have a break on Wiltshire moving right on for Naylor, Mulheron stretching to make the challenge getting hold of the ball. Richards frustrated as she gives away a foul kicking the ball away, a word from the referee. City getting into United higher up the pitch is seeing the passes forwards into Wiltshire restricted. Hubbard linking with Davies in the middle on for Richards, Kosky getting in close to challenge for United.

Stephenson out left for City seeing the ball into her feet back to goal spins off her marker well to check inside the pass for Richards intercepted by Edgar for United. Stephenson with another clever turn this time frustrated as the flag goes up against her. Edgar coming forwards with the ball at her feet right channel on for Wiltshire making a run down the line checking back on the by-line up towards the corner of the area getting a looping shot away looking for the top corner drops into Hudson’s waiting gloves.

Haile Richards with Rachel Kosky (photo credit Sean Doyle)

City much improved with Hubbard in with Davies allowing the visitors number 8 more time to pick a pass give the attacking plyers something to run onto. United under a bit of pressure now themselves at the back. Richards on the run with the ball right side bundled over City with the free-kick 35 yards out, Hubbard over it an ambitious effort going for goal, out straight at Webb the goalkeeper untroubled.

Erin Davies (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Edgar fouled coming forwards for United inside the City half. Naylor playing the ball low in towards the top of the area Wiltshire putting it across the D, City scramble it clear. City with a set-piece launched into the box, a firm header from Kosky to clear for United. Bennett left up to Partridge attempting to flick it on behind and run onto the ball gives herself too much to do as Hudson rushes out to claim the ball. City making their first change bringing on 16-year-old Sophie Billing for her first team debut, for Struthers going up top sees a shift of personnel, City feeling they’re right back in the game.

Kosky pushing up on Richards the striker doing well to drag the ball wide and spin in behind feeding the pass on for Billing up top clear to attack, Webb out to get to the ball top of her area. Billing combining with Stephenson in attack on the left, Seymour seeing it out for the throw, the cross played into the top of the area hooked clear by Edgar. Steele appears to have picked up a knock for City coming off to be assessed.

GOAL! City with a strong start to the 2nd half get themselves back on level terms with a top quality finish from Hubbard from all of 30 yards out. Gardiner forwards to Stephenson on the left comes inside playing the pass into Hubbard central, sees the opportunity making great contact with the ball sending it up towards goal Webb back on her line can’t get a touch as it dips under the bar to make it 1-1.

Eva Hubbard striking the ball to make it 1 all for Cambridge City (photo credit Sean Doyle)

City celebrate their equaliser (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Steele has come off replaced by Ellen Marson. City full of confidence now pressing the ball winning a free-kick on the left as Stephenson is bundled over. 30 yards out Hubbard to flight it in towards the top of the area Richards stretching for it can’t get enough of a touch to knock it past the defence United clear. United with a double change on the right bringing off Seymour and Marden for Abi Davies and Abbie Jackson. City too making another change bringing on Sarah Payne for Gardiner.

City winning a corner on the left players up as the ball is flung in across the six yard box, Webb up well amongst the crowd to glove the ball away to drop behind to the right for another corner. Put in near side Fitzpatrick attempting to knock it in towards the near post too many bodies to get through cleared.

Lauren Webb gloving the ball away

City looking energized now up for it as the crowd try to gee up United with a little over 15 minutes left to play. Richards gathering the ball right of Reed turning for goal 30 yards out clattered over winning the set-piece. Over it herself goes for goal the attempt straight at Webb held. United aren’t finding it as easy to get the balls into their attackers 2nd half with City more competitive in the middle Hubbard and Davies pressing the ball finding Stephenson out left Richards with support from Billing moving about to get onto the ball.

Abi Davies with Rebecca Stephenson (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Richards game done however as she comes off for Alexandra Pryke late in the game. Davies with a shot from distance off a eft side throw for City on target but straight at Webb. United making a change Kosky off at the back replaced by new signing Kaylen Gerkey. Naylor coming through the middle for United a powerful run riding a challenge driving threaded into the area for Wiltshire moving left on into the six yard box rapidly losing room for a shot gets an angled ball in low but taken by Hudson.

City finishing the game the stronger pressing the ball not giving United any time fighting to keep what they’ve got at the end Jackson cutting out Payne pass on for Billing outside the box.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Cambridge City Ladies

All over and the points are shared. A game of two halves literally. United the better side in the first half getting into City pushing on and spreading the ball about the park controlling the middle taking a deserved lead. City battled hard to keep them at bay not wanting to expose any gaps in behind conceding were encouraging signs towards the end of the first half. A few tweaks to positioning a a much improved 2nd half on the front foot competing for the ball in the middle while limiting United passes into their forwards a more even contest did feel another United goal might kill it off but it didn’t come and City found the equaliser through a wonderful finish from Eva Hubbard, giving them renewed energy and confidence might well have gone either way at the end after that. Will meet again this season in the upcoming Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup final, City the current holders. United back in the competition after a year out where they went on to win the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Cup, on the basis to this evenings game a mouthing game awaits.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. No easy one this with several contenders putting themselves forwards. Carrie Bennett had an excellent game out on the left for United relishing a derby got herself about the park, putting in a number of tackles. Rachel Kosky too at the back with a several key challenges and interceptions, showing a good range of passing. Sarah Wiltshire’s movement causing City’s defence problems especially first half as she moved across the back line looking to create openings and receive the ball, took her goal well. For City, Fran Steele was strong at the back getting in to win the ball and clear threats. Haile Richards impressed up top working hard running into the channels and linking up play. Although Erin Davies was a frustrated figure in the first half the 2nd half adjustments saw her have more influence in the middle and won her fair share of the ball. Tonight’s award though goes to Cambridge City’s Eva Hubbard was a sublime finish to get City back on level terms. Working hard for the team both tracking back to defend and get forwards moving more central 2nd half to get amongst the midfield.

Another enjoyable evening at The Abbey Stadium, my tanks to both teams for this assistance tonight and my thanks to Sean Doyle for using his pictures in the report. A great advert for football in Cambridge long my the rivalry continue.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

Sunday 8th January

FAWNL South East Division One

Wishing you all a Happy New Year! A huge personal milestone to kick-off 2023 with this report being the 500th! Come along way from what was initially just a go at trying something new as I looked to continue my coverage of woman’s football following the folding of my WSL team Lincoln Ladies. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog eventually growing into Women’s Football East as I felt all of the teams across all leagues in the region deserved and needed more coverage. Hopefully have played a part in that and there’s plenty more games let to cover.

Today’s game comes from FAWNL South East Division One a trip to St Neots Town FC to watch Cambridge United WFC take on newly promoted Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women.

Both sides with a comfortable firs half of the season placed in mid-table looking to push on up the table in 2023. The 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid getting ever stronger, but with the sad demise of Wymondham Town Ladies leaving the league a side down it highlights how fragile that growth remains and the hard work clubs have to do to play at this level.

Cambridge United WFC now a long established club at this level growing strong links now with their respective men’s side with 4 games to be played at The Abbey Stadium throughout this season. A stark assessment of the squad taking place at the end of last season seeing some players moving on Cambridge United have steadily been recruiting looking for the right players to build the side going forwards with Sarah Wiltshire the stellar sighing during the summer has weighed in with 15 goals so far top scorer from 11 appearances. Francesca Partridge another new addition to the attack scoring 6 to date.

Defender Abbie Jackson coming in from Ipswich Town Women before Christmas, Cambridge have continue to recruit building a large squad with Sydnie Naylor joining having had playing experience with Arsenal and Notts Forest. Another 2 new addition announced before today’s match too with defender Mayzee Seymour coming in from Harlow and Bella Simmons re-joining the club after spells away with Royston Town Women and rivals Cambridge City Ladies. 11 points from 8 played will be aiming to push into the top 5.

Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women are newly promoted to the FAWNL for the first time in their history having won the London and South East Regional Premier Division like the ERWFL an extremely tough league to get out of. That said Ashford made it look easy last season winning all but 2 of their 20 league games and those ending in a draw. Have several familiar names in the side with experience at this level having played for Denham United Ladies, most notably Alissa Down who captains the side. Ashley Cheatley top scorer for the Middlesex side so far this season netting 13 goals from 12 appearances with Alissa Down on 7 from 12 played. Collecting 10 points from their opening 8 matches are well clear of the bottom two just a point behind today’s opponents and well placed to challenge for the top 5 themselves. The points shared between the sides when Cambridge United visited Ashford at the beginning of the season the game ending 3-3.

St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s league encounter the grass pitch looking in great condition with a 4G pitch situated behind the main stadium. Viewing all round with covered terraces both ends and a seated stand housing the changing rooms and clubhouse beneath. The wind fairly blustery prior to kick-off dull and overcast a strong down pour coming minutes before kick-off retreated to the stands to take my notes, as it was the rain would stop the instant the players walked out onto the pitch taking the windy weather with it. The sun even poking through for a moment.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Abbi Griffin, Abi Davies, Abbie Jackson, Rachel Kosky, Gisela Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Sydnie Naylor, Ella Marden, Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Alysha Stojko-Down, Francesca Partridge, Libby Fraser & Mayzee Seymour.

Cambridge United WFC

Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women starting XI – Sophie Shults, Ellen Clarabut, Jade Johnson, Hannah Duncan, Laura Huse, Aimee Durn, Alissa Down (C), Kayleigh Currivan, Millie Constantine, Elizabeth O’Callaghan & Ashley Cheatley. Subs – Eman Kassem & Ellie Luscombe.

Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

Bella Simmons is in the starting line-up for Cambridge today with the other new signing Mayzee Seymour on the bench, Abbi Griffin a late change to the starting line-up coming in for Carrie Bennett at left back. Ashford travelling up from Middlesex with 5 players unavailable naming just the 2 on their bench. Having left the pitch after the warm-up to some pretty unsavoury weather the players return to bright sunshine prompting a change of ends with Ashford switching ends to put the sun in Cambridge’s faces in the first half (not that it was going to last long) Cambridge to get the game underway wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Ashford also known as The Tangerines in their away kit to day a very nice looking all purple affair.

The ball played back to the defend, Ashford rush forwards to close down pressure the ball centre backs Rachel Kosky and Abbie Jackson manoeuvring the ball out for Cambridge into midfielder Sammy Edgar who sends it long to the right for Ella Marden, Ellen Clarabut heading it away for Ashford. The visitors bring the ball on up their left the diagonal ball into the box intercepted by Cambridge’s Jackson cleared away to the right. The recent rain making the pitch slick the ball skipping on players sliding in. Ashford presenting a solid back line with the midfield close not allowing Cambridge any space to exploit through the middle.

Cambridge United WFC defender, Abbie Jackson

Cambridge look to get the ball out wide Abi Davies passing it on for Marden on the right wing presses forwards breaking into the area holding off her challenger closing in on the near post pulls the trigger, Ashford goalkeeper Sophie Shults down smartly to save push the ball wide across her six yard box, Bella Simmons retrieving the ball beyond the far post turns back inside see’s her shot blocked by centre back Laura Huse the rebound straight to Sarah Wiltshire her first time shot similarly blocked by Hannah Duncan.

Coming on with the ball through the middle Ashford captain Alissa Down opens up her body attempting to thread the ball through to Ashley Cheatley in attack, Jackson with a timely interception for Cambridge. Ashford sitting back a little allowing Cambridge time on the ball at the back a clever pass from Davies brought down well by Wiltshire in attack she flicks it over the top on the right for Marden to attack can’t quite get to it before the ball runs out of play.

Cambridge’s Sarah Wiltshire

Marden with a strike from 25 yards out coming in from the right wing fired straight at the Ashford keeper. Shults untroubled. Sydnie Naylor looking sharp on the ball in the middle for Cambridge moving left to combine with Simmons, the forwards pass, cut out for Ashford’s Huse. The defender hurt is down needing treatment after assessment is allowed back on. Cambridge applying some pressure now as Naylor comes on with the ball well plays it on for Wiltshire 20 yards out left of the D is forced out wide the keeper initially coming towards her back peddling as Wiltshire wriggles free of her marker to play the ball back across the top of the box for Naylor positioned inside her strike rising Shults is back in position to catch it cleanly.

Cambridge’s Sydnie Naylor up against Ashford captain Alissa Down

No advantage for Ashford as referee Richard Fullicks brings play back for the set-piece a free kick some 35 yards out, Down on the ball plays a teasing ball in across the far post, no one there to attack it. Cambridge get caught on possession as they play it between themselves at the back Kayleigh Currivan stealing it then threading a pass into Millie Constantine pulling away right of the D to shoot, Lauren Webb shuffling across her goal though has it covered seeing it safely wide of her right post.

Jackson finds Simmons out wide on the left on half way, turns pulling neatly away from her marker on the ball to run in behind and send the low pass into Wiltshire central, carries the ball wide left into the area before cutting back inside to scoop a lobbed shot up over the keeper, the ball landing on the roof of the net. Ashford are a little slow to close Cambridge down as the defenders look to get the ball into the midfield with Edgar, Naylor and captain Gisela Otten attempting to speed things up get the ball into Wiltshire to run at the visitors defence.

Cambridge’s Bella Simmons

A late flag see’s Simmons waved offside, as Wiltshire lifts the ball in to the middle from the right wing, Shults rushing out to save bravely at her feet unaware of the raised flag. The goalkeeper down for a moment able to play on. Jade Johnson bringing the ball on for Ashford on the right passing it forwards for Constantine the ball cut out by Griffin for Cambridge. Constantine getting involved in the action in a central position with a clever turn on the ball 25 yards out looking to find Elizabeth O’Callaghan in the box as she breaks inside from the left, Kosky with a fine headed clearance for the hosts.

Ashford’s Millie Constantine

The game settling down Ashford’s attackers looking to press Cambridge’s defenders as they linger on the ball at the back now force an error win a free-kick just outside the box to the left of the D. Down is something of a dead ball specialist over the free-kick a packed penalty box ahead of her strikes the ball well low and hard through bodies Webb would have seen it late but close to her adjusts quickly to get down to make the save with 20 minutes gone.

Down’s free-kick saved by Lauren Webb

GOAL! Having had a free-kick moments before Cambridge have players up as they get the ball out to Simmons on the left inside the area has support with Wiltshire plays the ball back into her the Cambridge number 7 taking the ball across the top of the area looking for an opening, well tracked instead sees Otten free to attack the ball central lays it into her path, Cambridge’s captain running in to strike the ball 20 yards out rising with a bit of swerve Shults may well have got the faintest of touches as she throws herself up at it the ball cannoning down into the six yard box off the crossbar, players rushing for it, Naylor first to arrive smashing the ball into the back of the net to score 1-0.

Sydnie Naylor opens the scoring for Cambridge

Ashford looking for a quick response from the restart as Cheatley gets on the move with the ball through the middle attempting to release Constantine into the box from the right side the pass a little to heavy Webb able to claim. Ashford battling for possession in the middle Aimee Durn breaking clear 25 yards out, Jackson reading her intent rushing out to charge her strike down the ball deflected up into the air over Jackson into the box, scrambled away at the far post for a corner kick. Down to take an inswinging delivery to the far post Duncan under it sends her header up over the crossbar.

Ashford defender, Hannah Duncan

The Cambridge goal livening Ashford up as they look to better compete for the ball Naylor escaping with it to the left for Cambridge sends it on for Wiltshire pulling into the channel turning inside with the ball pulling the trigger from 20 out can only pick out Shults in the Ashford goal. More good footwork from Constantine as she comes away with the ball in the middle support from Durn the ball lifted into the box as Cheatley bursts forwards can’t quite take it before it runs out of play. Marden moving inside from the right feeding the ball across the area 20 yards out for Wiltshire her effort sliced runs narrowly wide of the far post.

Ashford win a corner on the left players coming up from the back with 15 minutes left in the first period, Down with another inswinging delivery beyond the far post turned back across goal inside the six yard box attacked, Kosky throwing her body up to block the ball deflected away for another corner.

GOAL! Ashford have looked a threat from set-pieces and from the 2nd corner they score another potent delivery from Down this time her inswinging ball in low at the near post wrong foots Webb, the Cambridge goalkeeper unable to adjust as she struggles to keep it from crossing the line, Ashford equalise the players rushing to Down to celebrate 1-1.

Alissa Down with Bella Simmons

Cheatley with a strike from outside the box for Ashford left of the D swerves wide of the far post. Durn seeing the ball into her feet central goes on for Ashford not closed down pulls the trigger her strike from distance racing wide of the far post. The visitors on the front foot in the latter stages of the 1st half. Getting a little ragged in the middle a few late challenges coming in. Otten with the ball for Cambridge into Naylor going forwards with Wiltshire plays it out to Simmons wide left into the area attempts to get a shot away off the outside of her right boot, the ball cut out by the back tracking Huse behind for a corner kick.

Ashford attacker, Ashley Cheatley

Ashford with plenty back for the corner clear as the ball is played in to the top of the area. Edgar with a great times pass forwards for Cambridge to Wiltshire in attack carrying it forwards Huse gets on her shoulder to defend see the ball back to her keeper. Johnson needed in defence too to deal with the threat of Wiltshire as the Cambridge striker evades a tackle on the top of the area comes left.

Ashford with a free-kick wide on the right as Otten pulls down Cheatley. Down to play it in a dangerous cross in through the six yard box, met by Huse at the far post headed home however it won’t count as the offside flag is raised against her a close call. Another free-kick for Ashford this one 30 yards out to the left, Down goes for it this time her shot rising over the bar. Into stoppage time Cambridge on the attack the ball into Wiltshire 20 out finds Simmons wide left to the by-line cuts it back up to Edgar to play across the area into Marden right corner, Down back to put in the tackle before she can get a shot away.

Ashford midfielder, Aimee Durn

Edgar with a crisp pass into Wiltshire racing forwards in attack her touch sending the ball out to the left, tempting Shults to come for it, Wiltshire winning the race however, the goalkeeper caught out of position as players rush back to defend the goal the angle against Wiltshire shifts it between her feet to create a better one, not much to aim at Shults back to cover her near post Wiltshire looks to place it no power the goalkeeper can claim it.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

An intriguing first half, a bright start from Cambridge allowed the ball, a cautious start from Ashford allowing their opponents to come on kept a solid shape slow to close Cambridge breaking the dead lock in the 20th minute taking the lead woke Ashford up as they looked strong in reply getting set-pieces to trouble the hosts finding the equaliser from one. Both creating other opportunities Cambridge closest to getting a 2nd level at the break set up perfectly for the 2nd half.

The weather remains settled the suns brief appearance over the clouds returning. Ashford to get the 2nd half underway neither side with a change. Down with the ball her pass forwards into Cheatley is tackled by Edgar. Ashford get the ball into Cheatley as she breaks into the box on the right, Jackson defending the ball off Cheatley for a goalkick.

Marden with the ball at her feet on the right for Cambridge turns infield 25 out lifts a diagonal ball into the area is over Wiltshire falls to Simmons breaking in behind at the far post the flag up denying her a shot. Durn is brought down 25 yards out giving the visitors another free-kick to the right of the D. Down’s shot striking the Cambridge wall deflected up and behind for a corner on the left. The delivery swung in across goal, Jackson up decisively at the far post to head the ball clear for Cambridge.

Abbie Jackson heading clear for Cambridge

Ashford making a lively start to the 2nd half a more open game. Naylor controlling the ball well moves wide picking out Simmons on the left flank can’t find Wiltshire with her lay off. Naylor with a good win taking the ball high on the right forwards for Wiltshire wide of the area the angle acute can only send her shot across the face of goal. Ashford with a throw on the right Cambridge looking to defend it, won by Otten her well struck clearance catching teammate Davies on the side of the head knocking her to the ground. Play stopped, Davies needing a few moments to get her bearing is made of tough stuff however and able to play on.

Gisela Otten about to knock out her own teammate

Both sides looking to get the ball moving faster in the final 3rd Wiltshire moving about the defence coming right has Simmons over on that side with her as she sends the ball on Simmons in a race to the box with Duncan the central defender doing enough to get a touch on the ball take it away from the attacker allowing her keeper to claim. Wiltshire does well to spin off the defence break into the area left of the D, swings her foot through the ball looks certain to score, not sure if Shults got a touch on the ball as she throws herself down, the ball runs wide however and a goal kick is given.

Cambridge turning the screw as they look to retake the lead the Ashford defence starting to tire. Cheatley in attack however retaining a good turn of pace breaking towards the box forcing a block from both Jackson and Kosky before the ball is cleared to safety. Naylor into Simmons left plays in on for Wiltshire a fraction ahead of the defence, shoots from the left of the D her effort brushing the side netting. Cambridge making the first change of the game bringing off Naylor in midfield, replacing her with Alysha Stojko-Down.

Cambridge’s Ella Marden

Stojko-Down straight into the action with a diagonal ball for Marden to chest down bringing her inside 20 yards out then strikes the ball on the volley goalwards attempting to chip the keeper a fine attempt but an equally good pluck down from Shults. Marden with the ball out on the right squaring it into the six yard box for Wiltshire won’t sit for the attacker as both Huse and Duncan get a blocking tackle in to deny a clear shot. Shults down needing treatment in the Ashford goal, the bench calling the rest of the players over for instruction with 20 minutes left to play.

Ashford defender, Laura Huse

Both full backs are tiring for Ashford, Johnson stretching to make the challenge, does well to deflect the ball off Simmons for a goalkick as she attempts to break on the left. Cambridge with the momentum getting the ball into her attackers, Currivan with Down winning it back on for Constantine up with Durn and O’Callaghan on the right the shot struck from outside the box over. The visitors regrouping to battle for possession higher up the pitch Down out to Johnson on the right Down breaking forwards right of the area Johnson picking her out with the pass cuts back inside to shoot, her strike knocking another Cambridge defender to the ground, but again up and okay.

Ashford’s Jade Johnson

Marden has picked up an injury for Cambridge needs to come off Francesca Partridge on to join the Cambridge attack. Cambridge win a free-kick out wide on the right inside the Ashford half an opportunity for players to come forwards from the back Wiltshire to play it in superb flighted towards the far post Kosky bursting from the pack up to head it, a glancing header sent wide wouldn’t have known it but her fellow centre back Jackson beyond would have had the better chance.

Another chance for Cambridge moments later as the hosts feed the ball through the middle into Simmons in attack going forwards rides a challenge to get into the area before pulling the trigger Shults down smartly making an excellent save to turn the ball wide of her left post for a corner kick.

GOAL! Cambridge with plenty up for the corner looking to press the advantage, the ball fired into the area Ashford get it clear out to Cheatley holding position halfway left side sees the ball into her feet and turns the counter is on as she races forwards Cambridge’s defenders frantically racing back as Cheatley turns inside getting past one inside to send the ball out to O’Callaghan right in the clear, Webb makes the call to come out to the top of her area and try and close the attacker down can’t get down in time as O’Callaghan slots the ball under her to send it through into the open goal beyond 1-2.

Elizabeth O’Callaghan firing Ashford into the lead

15 minutes left to play and Ashford having been under some pressure from Cambridge find themselves in front with a superb break from a corner. Cambridge get after the ball from the restart looking for a quick reply, Wiltshire winning a corner on the right. Played into the area headed out to the left retrieved by Simmons her strike back in blocked at the near post. Simmons over on the right now sending the pass inside for Wiltshire 25 yards out moves across the area looking to curl a left for shot into the top corner sails wide of the post.

Huse with an interception at the back for Ashford as Davies attempts to play a diagonal pass into Partridge. Simmons inside form the right with the turn on the ball top of the box to clip a cross into Wiltshire attacking the six yard box the flag raised even before Wiltshire buries her header into the back of the net, no goal. Davies breaking up the pitch on the right for Cambridge sending a dangerous cross into the six yard box, Johnson rising at the far post to head clear for Ashford. Duncan in to close Wiltshire down as she attempts to get onto a Davies pass.

Ashford with their first change late in the game Constantine comes off with Ellie Luscombe coming on. A much needed injection of pace Luscombe after the ball inside to Durn tackled by Otten into Stojko-Down on for Simmons right her cross cut out by Huse inside the six yard box. Cheatley alert to any chance Ashford have to counter, finding the ball at her feet 30 yards out moves inside before shooting putting the ball straight at Webb.

Simmons winning Cambridge a late corner on the right before it’s taken a change for Ashford, Clarabut struggling needs to come off on comes Eman Kassem. The corner into the mix the header powers over the crossbar. Ashford working hard to defend their own goal alert whenever a counter in on to relieve the pressure breaking forwards Down into Cheatley across the top of the area her shot drilled wide. Davies coming off for Cambridge with Seymour on for her debut at right back. Down shown a yellow card for Ashford late in the game.

A free-kick to Cambridge left side flighted into the near post area, Shults up amongst bodies getting her fist n the ball knocked down the keeper is grounded as Cambridge attempt to get a shot in along the ground Shults able to snatch it into her midriff.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-2 Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

A battling performance from Ashford sees them come away with the 3 points and their first win of 2023. The result seeing Ashford climb 3 places to move up to 5th in the FAWNL South East Division One table. Level at the break Cambridge looked to be turning the screw 2nd half getting forwards well creating chances coming close to taking the lead themselves before being hit with a sucker punch a break form their own corner, taken well by Ashford to take the lead themselves with 15 minutes left to play. On another day might well have been 2-1 the other way but that’s football you take your chances Ashford working hard throughout had to dig in as a team at times and their defence was superb. Cambridge will be disappointed had the chances to win the game themselves just weren’t taken on the day.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of 2023. It’s not often they’re easy and today is not exception some fine performances all round. Firstly for Cambridge, Sarah Wiltshire did everything she could to get a goal with some great runs and movement on and off the ball. Bella Simmons was impressive on her return to Cambridge United lively on the flank looking to combine with Wiltshire create chances. So too Sydnie Naylor in midfield good control and movement throughout. Ashford with a hard working team performance had to dig in at the back at times. Alissa Down dangerous on the ball be it in play or dead. Sophie Shults strong in goal with a couple of crucial saves, the centre backs superb too. Hannah Duncan with several strong challenges and well timed interceptions is just edged out by fellow defender, Laura Huse, again work hard throughout tacking and winning the ball when called upon.

That’s it then the 500th match report written and as exciting as the first. Been doing it for a while now and it’s knowing that every game is different that makes it so special after all I only write the words it’s the players who make the content. 500 down and plenty more to come still lots of teams I want to see in action. Another enjoyable game good to get the new year started my thanks to both teams for their help today.

by Darren Gilham

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST

Covering Women's Football in the East of England

Tag Archives: Cambridge United WFC

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Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Worthing FC Women

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Match Report – Cambridge City Women v Cambridge United WFC

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FAWNL South East Division One

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

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Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Cambridge City Ladies

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Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

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Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Cambridge City Ladies

Wednesday 22nd February

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Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

Sunday 8th January

FAWNL South East Division One