Tag Archives: Cambridge United WFC

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Ipswich Town Ladies

This Sunday’s match report from the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from The Abbey Stadium, home of League Two side Cambridge United FC, another opportunity for the players of Cambridge United WFC to play at the ground following their merger last season. In league action in the FAWPL South East Division One looking to get back to winning ways having lost ground on the top 3 sides welcomed visitors Ipswich Town Ladies.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Ipswich Town Ladies

 
 The women’s football action this Sunday takes me to the Cambs Glass Abbey Stadium as Cambridge United WFC get another great opportunity to play at League Two side Cambridge United FC’s home ground taking on Ipswich Town Ladies in the FAWPL South East Division One. 

  Is great to see Cambridge United WFC back at The Abbey Stadium after their link up with the men’s club last season. An increasing number of mainstream Football League, Championship and even Premiership sides have or soon will be hosting their ladies sides which is great for the game and very encouraging. 

  Cambridge United WFC were the pace setters for a long spell in the FAWPL South East Division One before Christmas, runs in both the County Cup, reaching yet another final as holders and the FA Women’s Cup have seen them drop down to 4th in the table through lack of league games and Gillingham FC Ladies making up their games in hand keeping their unbeaten record in the league have taken over at the top. 2 draws and loss from their 3 league matches played in 2017 a win today would get them back on the tail of the top 3. Have seen a few departures of late players moving to other clubs. Welcome back Sarah Wiltshire wife of 1st team manger Steve Edwards returning to the football field a little over a month after giving birth to daughter Alexa-Rose as she looks to return to match sharpness for the start of Yeovil Town Ladies debut season in FAWSL 1.

  Ipswich Town Ladies were targeting a push for the top of the table themselves at the start of the season, with a large squad of players signed up started a new Development side this season playing in the Suffolk Women’s Division, topping the table unbeaten players have stepped up to the 1st team and been named in the County Representative squad. In the FAWPL South East Division One the results haven’t come for the 1st team down in 9th a strong finish to the season could yet propel Ipswich Town into the top half of the table and like Cambridge United have reached the Suffolk County Cup Final were they are also the defending cup holders.

  Know where the entrance is to the carpark behind The Abbey Stadium is now, arrived early the Main Stand open along with the Dion Dublin Suite. A bit of building work going on the last time I visited all complete now looks very nice purchased a cup of tea that I managed to spill down my jumper (I’m sure no-one noticed). A good playing surface at The Abbey Stadium a good size. The main stand behind the dugouts a two tier all-seater running the length of the pitch. A bright day warm the sun behind the stand however putting it in the shade few clouds around but no chance of rain.

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Carrie Bennett, Laura Bright (C), Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Laura Baker, Evie Gallop, Laura Mills, Ashleigh Deacon, Becky Taylor & Sarah Wiltshire.
  subs – Carolyn Sarafian & Gabrielle Whitehurst.

  Ipswich Town Ladies starting XI – Leanne Smith, Tamesha Blackwood, Eva Hubbard, Sian Fagg, Aimee Harrison (C), Lindsay Cooper, Laura Guyon, Amy Howlett, Hollie Clement, Sophie Welton & Natasha Thomas.
  subs – Joyce Mlambo, Roxanne Small, Jade Henry, Miagh Downey & Ellie Bird.

  With a few players missing and an important cup semi-final for Cambridge United WFC’s Reserves side also being played today they named just the two players on the bench. It’s Ipswich to kick-off the wearing blue shirts and socks with white shorts. Cambridge lined up opposite wearing Amber shirts and socks with black shorts. Winning possession Cambridge attack down the left Ashleigh Deacon on the move wins a throw taken quickly played inside to Becky Taylor sends a high diagonal ball into the area looking to pick out Evie Gallop making a run central to get into the box, Ipswich goalkeeper Leanne Smith calls for the ball and catches it above her head.

   A quiet opening to the match both sides testing the other with probing balls down the wings the full-backs winning their challenges. Ipswich are awarded a free-kick 30 yards out to the left of the area a chance to bring players forwards load the box have a height advantage over Cambridge, Hollie Clement to play the ball in a good delivery towards the near post, Cambridge goalkeeper Verity Crook takes the ball well with players all around her.

 Deacon moves forwards played in behind by Gallop support from left back Carrie Bennett the ball is played into the area, Sarah Wiltshire having make the run looking to get on the end of the pass inside the box tackled well by Ipswich captain, Aimee Harrison the ball deflecting out to the right side is picked up by Cambridge’s Laura Mills who shoots from the angle her strike flying over the bar. Clement looks to thread the ball into Thomas as she looks to get in behind, Kayleigh-Anne Burt stepping across challenges winning the ball from the attacker.

Ipswich’s Tamesha Blackwood & Lindsay Cooper with
Cambridge’s Evie Gallop

 GOAL! 10 minutes into the game and Cambridge take the lead, the ball is played out from the back into the Ipswich half, Harrison cushions her headed ball down to the left, falls to Deacon, Cambridge react quickly, both Taylor and Wiltshire break forwards Deacon threading the ball through into Wiltshire’s run left side into the box, Smith comes rushing out as Wiltshire pulls the trigger the shot past the goalkeeper runs across the six yard box striking the far post and in 1-0.

  Ipswich break space in behind on the right for Natasha Thomas squares the ball into the six yard box is cut out by Cambridge captain Laura Bright at the back the clearance going to Amy Howlett right side dives the ball back across the face of the Cambridge goal, Sophie Welton far post can’t connect as the ball runs wide for a goal-kick. Laura Guyon takes the ball to the byline fro Ipswich right side turning it back in towards the middle of goal, right back Emma Jenkins stopping it getting beyond her, Crook gathering the ball into her body.

Ipswich Town Ladies, Natasha Thomas

  Harrison steps in to stop Wiltshire as she pushes forwards with the ball through the middle. Ipswich counter attack on the left the ball played into Thomas, appeals for handball as the cross is put into the area possession outside the referee Chris Abbott spots a foul with no advantage brings play back for the free-kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out, Clement over the set-piece gets the ball past the Cambridge wall into the area, Bright cuts in out on the penalty spot, Harrison squeezes it back to Sian Fagg top of the area her strike is blocked the ball spinning away to the right picked up by Howlett inside the area sends the cross back into the six yard box Bright intercepting for a 2nd time Cambridge clear their lines.

   Thomas plays the ball out to Howlett getting in behind the Cambridge defence on the right side driving inside towards the box shoots the rising ball palmed down and gathered by Crook at her near post. Mills out on the right for Cambridge gets in behind taking the ball down the wing puts a looping ball in towards the near post area 8 yards out Gallop arriving throws herself at the ball her diving head angling away across the goal and out beyond the far post. 

Cambridge United WFC’s, Becky Taylor

  A good triangle between Taylor, Gallop and Bennett on the left side for Cambridge as the ball is brought on the final ball in towards the top of the area with Wiltshire making the run, Smith reacts quickly coming out to the edge of her box winning the race for the ball. Mills cuts the ball back towards the top of the area Gallop sees her strike charged down deflected behind for a corner. A high ball into the area from the right, Ipswich defender Lindsay Cooper gets up highest to head the ball out of the area.

Ipswich’s Thomas contests the ball with Cambridge’s Laura Baker

  An ambitious effort from Howlett, 40 yards out central position fires a dipping shot in towards goal, Crook falling forwards collects the ball on the bounce inside her six yard box. Fagg wins the ball from Wiltshire in the middle of the park plays the ball onto Guyon ahead of her space for Howlett to run into on the right Guyon picks her out the cross comes in Jenkins tracking back gets her head on the ball to clear. Thomas getting onto the ball is allowed to drive on towards the byline right side cuts the cross ball along the face of goal, Bright just about gets her foot in to kill the ball see it into her keeper with Clement free for a tap in at the far post.

  Bennett brings the ball forwards on the left infield to Wiltshire who sends Deacon through on that side on the move Deacon plays the ball back inside to Wiltshire arriving at the top of the area, falling back as she sees the ball across her body slices her shot sending it wide of the Ipswich goal. 

  GOAL! Ipswich get themselves back on level terms pushing forwards Howlett on the all attacking right plays the ball into the feet of Guyon top of the area, gets the return ball played into her feet as she continues her run into the box and sends her 1st time strike up and over Crook to land in the back of the net beyond with 10 minutes of the 1st half left 1-1.

Ipswich’s Amy Howlett makes it 1-1

 Mills driving forwards with the ball towards the Ipswich box unleashes a shot from 20 yards out getting down Smith gets her gloves behind the stinging shot, the ball striking a defender and running behind for a corner kick. A good delivery from the left side into the six yard box, Bright throws herself at the ball but doesn’t connect. Clement is over the ball for a free-kick to Ipswich inside the Cambridge half plays a high ball in towards goal, Crook on her line is phased by the blue shirt closing in as she takes the ball cleanly above her head.

  Cambridge launch a rapid counter attack Jenkins playing the ball on for Gallop moving into space on the right sends her cross long towards the far post over Smith, Taylor leaps tries to head the ball back across goal bounces on the line before skimming of the face of the far post cleared for a corner on the right. Into 1st half injury time breaking up an Ipswich attack Cambridge go forwards the ball played out to Mills on the move right side fires her cross in to Gallop coming near post looks to hit the shot on the turn straight into Harrison closely marking her.

 Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Ipswich Town Ladies
All square at the break, Cambridge getting into the lead early the match settling into an even contest both sides finding space in behind in a open contest both looking to spread the play Ipswich getting back on level terms all to play for 2nd half.
  A change for Cambridge at the break with defender Kayleigh-Anne Burt coming off, Carolyn Sarafian taking her place in the centre of defence. Cambridge kick off the 2nd half. Played out to Mills on the right has Jenkins up with her plays the ball long into the area, Smith calls and claims. Fagg fouls Wiltshire in the centre of middle a free-kick awarded 30 yards out Wiltshire tests the keeper playing the ball in towards goal, Smith behind the ball jumps and claims well with players closing her down.
  Mills on the charge into space on the right cuts the ball back to the top of the box, Gallop looks to turn hit a shot goalwards, Taylor too close to get out of the way takes over takes the ball right looking for space to shoot, nothing on plays the ball back to Mills puts her strike wide at the near post. Cambridge have started the 2nd half brightly, Ipswich are a little flat. Deacon shifts the ball between her feet taking it down the line playing the ball inside to Gallop at the top of the area turns fires the shot in towards goal past the keeper races wide across the goal a deflection on the way through the corner is awarded.
Cambridge’s Emma Jenkins with Ipswich’s Hollie Clement
  The initial delivery cleared the ball comes back to Deacon rolls it into Wiltshire top left corner of the box fires in a cross towards the far post Taylor gets her head on the ball knocking it back across towards the opposite post Gallop closely marked by Blackwood can’t get her head on the ball. Jenkins getting forwards plays the ball in behind for Mills down the right puts the ball into the area early, Wiltshire stretching throws her leg at the ball puts the ball straight into the keepers gloves. Mills attacking right sees her cross go long collected by Deacon on the opposite flank rolls it into Wiltshire outside the box, comes inside unleashes a shoot Cooper heads the ball behind for the corner kick.
 GOAL! 12 minutes played in the 2nd half and Cambridge retake the lead capitalising on their positive start to the 2nd half. The corner is played in towards the six yard box a glancing header from an Ipswich player only succeeds in helping the ball on dropping to the floor several amber shirted players pounce the ball is turned over the line, the scorer Bright makes it 2-1.
 
Cambridge United WFC captain, Laura Bright 
  Thomas takes on a couple of Cambridge players in the middle before threading the ball on for Howlett right side looking to get in on goal is forced wide by Bennett, eventually winning a corner, players come up from the back the delivery is met by Cooper at the near post her header taking the ball in towards goal, Bright headers the ball away on the goal line, going out to the far side play is halted as Jenkins is fouled.
Ipswich Town Ladies, Lindsay Cooper
  Up the other end it’s Cambridge’s turn to bring players forwards into the Ipswich box for a corner a pacy ball in from the right Bright throws herself at it again a glancing header taking it out towards Deacon at the far post a couple of yards out shoots Smith dives gets enough on the ball to take it onto the post rebounds out into the middle of the six yard box Smith produces a fantastic save throwing herself to the floor to keep the ball out before it is launched out of the area.
  A free-kick for Ipswich on the left outside the Cambridge box Clement sends it long Harrison far side keeps the ball alive knocking in on for Thomas beyond her plays it back in field with Howlett racing in shooting from outside the box her attempt flashes wide across the Cambridge goal. Hubbard brings the ball in field from the left into Clement the ball rolled into Thomas inside the D, her strike at goal charged down by Bright.
Sarah Wiltshire scores a
hat-trick at The
Abbey Stadium
  GOAL! 20 minutes left on the clock and Cambridge go on to double their lead awarded a free-kick on the left outside the area as Deacon is fouled. Wiltshire to take the set-piece is a fantastic strike going for goal getting the ball up and over Smith who can do little about it as it drops under the bar and in to see Cambridge lead 3-1.
  Cambridge make a change before the restart Gabrielle Whitehurst coming on for Gallop.
 GOAL! Straight from the restart Cambridge go on to extend their lead as Wiltshire completes her hat-trick the ball won by Taylor on halfway links up with Mills who sends the ball forwards the knock down from the Ipswich defence falling to Deacon with Wiltshire ahead of her gets in front of her marker as the ball is rolled forwards into her feet and strikes a left foot shot from the edge of the box into the top corner 4-1.
 
 
  Ipswich makes a double switch Clement and Welton the players taken off, Jade Henry and Miagh Downey having finished her season with Colchester Town Ladies coming on both going up top. Thomas looks to play Downey in from the right straight away, Sarafain nipping in to take the ball from the attackers feet put the ball out for a throw in. Good link up play between Thomas and Henry moments later outside the area the ball played into Howlett coming into the area from the right shifts the ball inside to wrong foot Bennett gets a shot away, Crook makes a comfortable save. 
  Ipswich bring on Joyce Mlambo for Guyon late on in the game, plays the ball on for Howlett making the run to her right down the wing squares the cross in towards the near post is claimed by Crook the final whistle blows and Cambridge win the 3 points.
Full time Cambridge United WFC 4-1 Ipswich Town Ladies

 The win moving Cambridge onto 32 points for the season 3 points behind 3rd placed AFC Wimbledon Ladies and 5 behind 2nd placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies have games in hand on both sides. A comfortable win in the end all square after the 1st half Cambridge the better side 2nd half, creating chances and scoring 3 goals their 1st league win of 2017 much needed especially in front of The Abbey Stadium crowd.  
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  With 3 well taken goals today’s SWF Blog – Player of the Match is Cambridge’s Sarah Wiltshire, a hat-trick at The Abbey Stadium, no new mother has done that before.
 A good day out at The Abbey Stadium good to see Cambridge United WFC beck there again and hope to see more in the future. Managed to leave my wallet behind after the game so very grateful it was found and returned.

Match Report – Aston Villa Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

The  featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday was from the FA Women’s Cup. The 3rd Round Proper where Cambridge United WFC flying high in FAWPL South East Division One were looking to continue their history making run taking on FAWSL 2 side Aston Villa Ladies as they enter the competition playing their 1st competitive match of the season.

Match Report – Aston Villa Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

 
  The action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup. The clubs from FAWSL 2 enter the competition at this stage and it’s Tamworth FC, FAWPL South East Division One side, Cambridge United WFC head for one of the biggest games in their history as they take on Aston Villa Ladies.

  The 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup is as far in the competition as Cambridge United WFC have ever gotten. Are enjoying a very good season to date leading the FAWPL South East Division One for much of the season, dropping to 2nd only because their game last weekend was postponed allowing Milton Keynes Dons Ladies to take over at the top. The attention today however is firmly on the FA Women’s Cup, already enjoying a fantastic run, making it through 4 rounds to get this far.

  Have been drawn out of the hat at home in all of their other FA Women’s Cup games, starting in 3rd Round Qualifying against Norfolk side Wymondham Town Ladies, who had dumped them out of the Cup only 12 months previously. Have grown as a side since then and a influx of new players to bolster the squad saw them win the game comfortably 3-0. Onto 4th Round Qualifying and Cambridge were taking on fellow FAWPL South East Division One side, Stevenage Ladies again they progressed with a 3-0 to make it to the 1st Round Proper. Were drawn at home to FAWPL Southern Division side, QPR Ladies in form they beat the side bottom of the league above them 3-1. Southampton Women’s FC were their opponents in the 2nd Round Proper a side on a similar rise to Cambridge but playing a league below Cambridge were too strong on the day winning 4-0. Now drawn away for the 1st time in the competition away to Aston Villa Ladies. Two leagues between the sides.

  For FAWSL 2 side, Aston Villa Ladies this is their 1st competitive match of the season as they prepare for the new one off Spring Series next weekend. Have reached the quarter finals in the previous 2 season’s in the FA Women’s Cup. Have a new home for this season moving from Sutton Coldfield up the M42 to The Lamb Ground home of Tamworth FC. The Conference North have a new state of the art 3G pitch a surface the Aston Villa Ladies players will be used to having played on an artificial surface back at Sutton Coldfield. The area around Tamworth has a large Villa following and the Ladies side are hoping optimistic more fans to come watch them in action. Have retained the services of much of last season’s squad and are a club willing to bring their youth players into the 1st team, Mollie Rouse doing well last season, Lucy Shepherd and Lucy Porter step up to the 1st team squad this season all all England Youth Internationals along with Alice Hassall who has joined the club having been with Notts County Ladies last season.

  The Lamb Ground is a nicely laid out stadium. A large carpark outside. Not too far from the town centre. The new 3G pitch looks excellent, surrounded by stands on all sides, one large seated stand on one side with the opposite side and one goal end offering covered terracing the other goal end terraced. A clubhouse and bar. Sutton Coldfield always did a good cheeseburger so I’m glad Aston Villa Ladies have found a new ground that serves up one just as good. A little chilly, but it was dry a pretty good day for football.

 Aston Villa Ladies starting XI – Chloe Beattie, Lucy Porter, Alice Hassall, Elisha N’Dow, Jade Richards, Chloe Jones, Maddy Cusack, Mollie Rouse, Amy West, Bethan Merrick (C) & Tash Baptiste.
 subs- Katy Moran, Alys Hinchcliffe, Lucy Shepherd, Kerri Welsh & Chloe Dale.

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Chloe Bennett, Mollie Kmita, Laura Bright (C), Laura Baker, Dawn Mallett, Danielle Puddefoot, Becky Taylor, Laura Mills & Nicole Perschky.
 subs – Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Hollie Jardine, Paige Logie, Evie Gallop & Rosie Kmita.

  It’s Cambridge to get this FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round tie underway wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts with Aston Villa lined up opposite wearing claret shirts with sky blue sleeve and collar. white shorts and sky blue socks. Alice Hassall  starts for Aston Villa on the right side of defence. The ball is played out to Cambridge right back Emma Jenkins early on sent down the right with striker Nicole Perschky making a run into the channel, turns inside to evade the tackle from Jade Richards puts the ball into the area just inside the area Danielle Puddefoot back to goal lays the ball back to Dawn Mallet 20 yards out running onto the ball hits it hard, Maddy Cusack throws herself into the shot blocking the ball.

Cambridge United WFC’s, Danielle Puddefoot is fouled as she attempts to head the ball

  Aston Villa counter attack the ball played into captain, Bethan Merrick in the middle taking the ball forwards lays in on for Mollie Rouse ahead of her, she has Amy West bursting forwards from the left side to get into the area threads the ball into the box, West picks it up in her stride gets a shot away is gathered by Cambridge goalkeeper, Verity Crook at her near post. An open game from the start both sides looking to get the ball forwards with purpose. Laura Mills getting onto the ball down the right has 2 opportunities to put the ball into the Aston Villa box, both attempts cleared by Richards. 

   Hassall finds space on the right to get ahead of the attack, Chloe Bennett gets across to put the ball out for a throw before the cross can come in, the throw is taken quickly the ball pushed in field 20 yards out Rouse shoots from 25 yards out her strike sailing over the Cambridge crossbar. Mallett is fouled in the middle as she tried to get her head on an Aston Villa clearance. It’s Mallett to take the set-piece sends the ball up towards the area, the ball is headed out of the area, Mallett moves quickly to close the ball down 30 yards out winning it back gets a shot away pulls the low drive wide across the face of goal.

  Merrick is finding space up top getting past the midfield to attack the Cambridge defence, getting into the box wins Aston Villa the 1st corner of the match. The ball is played in high in towards the penalty spot, jumping Richards can’t get her head on the ball drops to Cusack behind her heads the ball down into the ground, Crook getting down sharply makes a good save, can’t gather the ball, her defence scramble it away before anyone from Aston Villa can follow up. No one is allowed any time on the ball, Aston Villa stretching play Elisha N’Dow and Richards both prepared to carry the ball out from the back into midfield. N’Dow send the ball up towards Rouse just outside the Cambridge box getting her head on the ball turns it goalwards, lacks power flies straight into Crook’s gloves. A busy opening 15 minutes.

  Mallett winning the ball in the middle has support from Becky Taylor she gets the ball wide to Mills on the right side taking it on turns inside to evade Lucy Porter’s challenge her ball into the area is cut out by the long leg of Richards as she lunges to stop it pushes the ball outside the area into the path of Laura Baker, meeting the ball on the half volley drills a hot in towards goal, Aston Villa goalkeeper Chloe Beattie is right behind it gets down to save the ball bouncing in front of her. 

Aston Villa Ladies, Chloe Jones

  GOAL! Cambridge give away a free kick inside the centre circle, Aston Villa send plenty of players up into the area the delivery is a good one from the set-piece the ball flighted in centrally, Chloe Jones top of the six yard box gets a glancing header on the ball taking it past Crook and into the back of the net beyond to score Aston Villa’s 1st competitive goal of the season 1-0.


  Aston Villa very nearly double their lead just 2 minutes later only to be denied by the offside flag. The build up is with Jones and Cusack in the middle, Merrick makes the forwards run moving left towards the area pulls the trigger hitting a swerving ball in low towards goal, Crook is moving across to cover the post, adjusts fantastically to throw her body in the opposite direction get a palm to the ball killing it’s momentum is stranded however as it rolls across the face of goal, Tash Baptiste following up blasts the ball into the empty net, the celebrations cut short by the officials flag.

  Certainly a competitive game, Cambridge will give as good as they get and Aston Villa aren’t shy. Cusack breaks up play in the middle on for Merrick, shoots from outside the box the effort straight at Crook the keeper holds on to the ball. Mallett is fouled by Cusack 35 yards out on the set-piece goes for goal puts her strike a metre over the bar. 

 

Bethan Merrick doubles Aston
Villa Ladies lead

GOAL! Closing in on half an hour played and Aston Villa double the lead Merrick has been all over the place in the 1st half so far and as Aston Villa build an attack on the left they win a throw the ball is played into Merrick turns and shoots from outside the area plenty of pace on the ball it is past Crook and into the far corner of the net 2-0.

  Doubling their lead Aston Villa have Cambridge on the back foot unhappy with a few decisions and going 2-0 down the home side press the advantage Cusack getting forwards is fouled on the right 30 yards out. Merrick plays the free-kick long aiming for the pack attacking the far post over everyone, Hassall at the back keeps the ball in play lay it back for a teammate at the edge of the box not a clear view of who the shot comes in is straight at Crook, the keeper down smartly dragging the ball into her body. 

 GOAL! Cambridge don’t keep Aston Villa at bay for long however as just 2 minutes after going 2 up the home side make it 3. Players are still up the pitch from the previous attack as Cambridge trying to get the ball up field lose it on the left side the ball is played on by West to Rouse down into the corner time to cross into the box, Mollie Kmita stretching as she attempts to intercept the ball can only knock it into the path of Cusack who left of goal smashes her shot back across the keeper and in score her 1st goal since 2014 to make it 3-0.

Aston Villa Ladies, Maddy Cusack

  Cambridge are visibly frustrated at going 3 goals down are working hard to get the ball back, Aston Villa with good movement on and off the ball are just a fraction ahead of their opponents evading tackles and moving the ball on quickly. Afters between Baptiste and Crook as the keeper is clattered after claiming a Cusack cross from the right threatening to dip under her crossbar. The referee breaks up the flashpoint and books Baptiste. Perschky has had little service put into her up front for Cambridge when the ball is played over the top giving her something to attack she is ahead of the Aston Villa defence only to find Beattie moving up to the edge of her area to clear the ball before she can reach it.

  Jones plays the ball into Merrick trough the middle helps the ball on laying it into the path of Baptiste moving across the D, left to right, latches onto the falling ball sending it angling in towards goal, Crook is well placed in her six yard box to get her body behind the ball. Another chance for Baptiste moments later as Aston Villa regain possession in the centre the ball played into her inside the D, works space for the shot drags her effort wide across the goal. Rouse moving out to the right with the ball has support from Hassall the ball is crossed into Baptiste just inside the area shoots puts the ball straight into Crook’s gloves.

 

Cambridge United WFC’s
Laura Baker

Cambridge are in danger of being overwhelmed late in the 1st half as Aston Villa keep coming forwards, Rouse sending the long range ball out to West on the left her cross is fired across the top of the area Baptiste latches onto it her shot blocked as Baker throws herself in front of her the ball racing back to Rouse who fires over from 25 yards out. Hassall is fouled as she brings the ball on down the right, Merrick plays the set-piece long towards the far post back pedalling Crook plucks the ball down keeping hold of it well as she falls under challenge from Richards. 

 5 minutes left in the 1st half Aston Villa have a corner on the right the ball is played short into Porter moving forwards unmarked from a defensive position takes the ball into the area taking on the shot drives the ball wide across the six yard box. Hassall surges down the right with the ball whips in a dangerous cross near post Cusack furthest forwards can’t connect, the ball cleared out of the area is won back rolled back across to Cusack outside the box she looks to send a shot wide of the keeper Crook dives to her right makes the save. 

  Cambridge launch a rare counter attack the ball Jenkins bringing the ball on sends it out to Perschky on the right side a clever turn to get room to cross the ball is angled high in towards goal, loops over Beattie dropping far post Taylor throwing herself at the ball can’t get anything on the ball to divert it into the net. Aston Villa are forced into a change late in the 1st half, Jones can’t continue Chloe Dale comes on to replace her. 

Half-time Aston Villa Ladies 3-0 Cambridge United WFC

  A comfortable 1st half for Aston Villa in the end after a positive start from Cambridge it looked like it was going to be an open contest both sides wanting to attack get the ball forwards. Taking the lead on the 17th minute Aston Villa went on to dominate the 1st half, runners from every position pulling Cambridge out of position their movement just a little sharper than their opponents. Crook with some good saves to keep the score down. Cambridge have scored 3 or more goals in all of their other previous FA Cup matches will need to score early 2nd half to get a chance to get back into the tie. 
  It’s Aston Villa to get the 2nd half underway, Merrick with a driving run through the middle over run the ball is gathered by Crook.
  GOAL! Just the start to the 2nd half the visitors needed as they pull a goal back inside the 1st half of the 2nd minute, Mallett heads Crook’s kick out from the back on, goes straight on for Perschky who controls and looks to play in Taylor making a forwards run on the left, capitalises on a mistake at the back from Aston Villa to latch onto a ball intended for the keeper nicks it past the onrushing Beattie and keeping her composure rolls the ball into the empty net beyond 3-1.
 
Becky Taylor scores early in the 2nd half for Cambridge United WFC
  Dale breaks up play for Aston Villa inside the Cambridge half plays the ball down the line for Hassall on the right, taking it on down the wing cuts the ball back for Rouse top of the area scooping the ball up off the ground her effort flies narrowly over the crossbar. N’Dow is allowed to travel with the ball from the back for Aston Villa crossing the ball into the Cambridge area the ball is intercepted by Bright, runs back to N’Dow who wins a corner. the ball swept into the six yard box Bright defends well up against Richards.
  The 1st corner of the match for Cambridge comes in the 2nd half as the ball is played into the area with Puddefoot getting forwards wins a corner off Cusack. From the right the ball is swung in centrally, Bright gets something on the ball far post knocking the ball down towards goal, Aston Villa have players on the line to clear the ball. Getting the ball forwards Cusack lays the ball out right to Hassall the cross is cut back from the byline in towards Baptiste making a near post run strikes the ball hard, Mollie Kmita makes the block. Richards turn to come forwards with the ball fires it into Baptiste inside the D back to goal lays it off for Rouse to strike from 25 yards out the shot straight at Crook who saves comfortably.
Cambridge United WFC captain, Laura Bright clears the ball
  GOAL! 57 minutes played Aston Villa have the ball on the left rolled on for West to take down the line squares the ball across the face of the six yard box, is behind Baptiste at the far post adjusts well to get a leg wrapped around the ball play it on for Rouse at the top of the box right of the D drills a low shot back across Crook and into the back of the net to restore Aston Villa’s 3 goal lead 4-1.
 
 Merrick brings the ball on from midfield riding a challenge passes the ball out to Hassell bombing forwards down the right cuts the ball in towards Baptiste at the near post shoots forcing a great save from Crook on the post turning the ball away for the corner. Played in towards Richards she is challenged inside the box manages to get the ball back to the corner taker who lifts the ball up towards the far post drops to Rouse controls on her chest far post before attempting to put the ball in at the post Crook gets across falls on the ball to save.
  GOAL! As in the 1st half having hit Cambridge with 2 quick goals, Aston Villa do it again 2nd half as 4 minutes after grabbing her 1st goal of the season Rouse gets her 2nd, the home side are attacking the ball is cleared up field by Cambridge only as far as Dale who headers the ball back towards Rouse ahead of her 25 yards out who shifts the ball to her right and hits a sweet strike into the top right corner, not much Crook can do about it as she throws herself at the ball 5-1.
 
Aston Villa Ladies, Mollie Rouse
  20 minutes gone in the 2nd half and Cambridge make their 1st substitution bringing off Mallett and sending on Rosie Kmita. Cambridge get a free-kick in the middle, Mollie Kmita to play the ball up towards the area, Bright is up from the back collects the ball outside the box left of the D rolls it across to Baker who plays the ball into the area for Puddefoot, has Rosie Kmita free to her left gets the ball into her, Kmita shoots, Beattie back on her line makes a comfortable save.
  West is played into space on the left by Rouse taking the ball down the wing fires a pinpoint cross into Baptiste at the far post six yards out gets her head on the ball knocking it down towards goal, Crook denies her again going with the ball and down to claim it as it falls straight at her.
 

Alice Hassall scores on her
debut for Aston Villa Ladies

GOAL! Aston Villa keep coming and extend their lead in the 68th minute and it’s a debut goal for Hassall. Aston Villa bring the ball on down the left side West plays the ball into the box Cusack making a near post run squares the ball across the six box Baptiste overruns the ball as it races past her however Hassall is coming in from the right side meets the ball 1st time blasting it home to celebrate her 1st goal in claret and blue 6-1.

 
  Aston Villa make a change bringing off Baptiste, bringing on Katy Moran who dons the captains armband. 
 
 GOAL! Another debut goal follows a couple of minutes later for Aston Villa as one of their development players gets her 1st goal for the 1st team. With the majority of the attack Aston Villa are sending players forwards at will Moran puts the ball out to West linking up with Cusack she whips a fierce cross into the middle of the area, Dale is the furthest forwards gets hold of the ball controlling well before placing her shot wide of the keeper 7-1.
 
 Cambridge make their 2nd change with Paige Logie coming on for Puddefoot. Aston Villa have a corner on the right swung in towards the penalty spot N’Dow gets up for the header can’t direct it on target. Aston Villa make their final change Kerri Welsh coming on for Cusack. Cambridge make their 3rd change to Kayleigh-Anne Burt coming on for Mollie Kmita. Aston Villa keep pressing forwards, head coach Joe Hunt urging his players to keep up the tempo and threat as the game moves into the last 10 minutes. Merrick sends a high ball into the box from a free-kick on the right, both Richards and Welsh go for it neither connects. 
Laura Mills looking to get on the attack for Cambridge United WFC 
  West plays the ball inside to Welsh 25 yards out the striker goes for goal placing her shot over the crossbar. Mills is playing through the centre late on with Perschky wide right for Cambridge the final ball just won’t come off as Perschky lifts the ball into the area with Mills making the run across the centre backs, Beattie is out quickly to gather at the top of her area. Into injury time Cambridge break on the left Rosie Kmita attacking with the ball fires a cross into the box, is headed out to the right by Richards, Perschky picks up the ball wide drives a shot over the bar.
Full time Aston Villa Ladies 7-1 Cambridge United WFC

Full time and Aston Villa Ladies are through to the draw for the next round of the FA Women’s Cup. A clinical performance from a side who looked anything but rusty good movement on and off the ball sharper to the ball all over the pitch and put on a great show at their new home at Tamworth. For Cambridge it’s a brutal way to see their superb run in the FA Women’s Cup come to an end, history made and a financial boost too with 4 rounds won. Learnt a harsh lesson today, knew they were outplayed no shame in that it’s how you respond, you only test yourself by raising the bar, going strong in the league all to play for.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  Several contenders in the Aston Villa Ladies side today, the midfielders in particular, you can tell by the report I write alot of notes and perhaps it’s the bits I don’t include that add up sometimes, certainly in this case the SWF Blog Player of the Match is Maddy Cusack great energy shown throughout the match to break up attacks before they could even start and getting forwards into attacking positions when the opportunity presented itself, plus a goal to cap her performance.

Maddy Cusack winning the header
  The draw for the next round of the FA Women’s Cup will be made on Monday and will update this post once it is made, thanks to both clubs for their assistance today.

*UPDATE* The draw for the 4th Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup will see Aston Villa Ladies playing a local derby match away to Coventry United Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division, who beat FAWSL 2 side Oxford United Women 2-0 in the 3rd Round. The tie scheduled to be played Sunday 19th February.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Southampton Women FC

The Supporting Women’s Football Blog began 2017 with a trip to Mildenhall Town FC to watch FAWPL South East Division One leaders, Cambridge United WFC take on Southampton Women FC in the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup. Two in form sides going into the game looking for a place in the next round of the competition where a potential meeting with a side from FAWSL 2 awaits.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Southampton Women FC

 
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and hope 2017 will be a good one for you all. The Blog is back after a much needed break over the festive period. Rearing to go supporting women’s football for another year, got my 100 matches in last year, not aiming for quite so many this time around, but I’ll be getting about the country watching plenty of women’s football at all levels of the game.

  Begin 2017 with a match from the FA Women’s Cup 2nd Round Proper a possible tie with an FAWSL 2 side in the next round awaits. Today’s tie features two sides in top form going into the New Year, with Cambridge United WFC leading FAWPL South East Division One hosting Southampton Women FC from the Southern Regional Premier Division at Mildenhall Town FC.

   Cambridge United WFC have enjoyed an extremely good 1st half of the season, bringing in several new players that have helped to propel the club to the top of FAWPL South East Division One. With a good platform to build on for a push for promotion the club has also enjoyed a run in the FA Women’s Cup this their 4th successive tie at home in the competition. Entered in 3rd Round Qualifying beating ERWFL Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies 3-0. Another 3-0 victory at home in 4th Round Qualifying against fellow FAWPL South East Division One side, Stevenage Ladies followed to set up a home match in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup against Queens Park Rangers Ladies 3-1 the winning margin to beat higher league opposition to reach the 2nd Round Proper.

 Southampton Women FC make the long journey up from the south coast travelling the day before one of just 2 regional league sides left in the FA Women’s Cup this season (the other being Sheffield United LFC). The club has a rich history in the competition, formed in 1970, won FA Women’s Cup 8 times between 1971 & 1982. The current side are in great form this season, 3rd in the Southern Regional Premier Division with a 100% winning record in the league, have games in hand on the leading pair. A lack of league matches due to cup success reaching both the quarter finals of the League Cup and Hampshire Women’s County Cup aswell as an extended run in the FA Women’d Cup knocking out higher league opposition along the way.
  
  Southampton Women FC entered the FA Women’s Cup in 2nd Round Qualifying starting with a big 12-0 away win against Bournemouth Sports LFC. A home tie against Southern Region First Division, Fleet Town Ladies followed in 3rd Round Qualifying a 5-1 win seeing them make the trip across The Solent to play Isle of Wight side Shanklin Ladies who compete in the FAWPL South West Division One. Southampton coming away with a 3-0 win to reach the 1st Round Proper where the club was drawn at home against FAWPL Southern Division side, Swindon Town Ladies. Beat the side playing 2 leagues above them 2-0 to advance to the 2nd Round Proper.

  Mildenhall Town FC the venue for today’s FA Women’s Cup tie. The sloping pitch fairing well over the festive period a good playing surface. A good sized crowd building for the game, Coton FC U12s Girls today’s match mascots enjoying a mini-game on the pitch with some of the Cambridge players not involved in today’s game. A dreary and overcast day, but at least it was dry and fairly mild. 

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Carrie Bennett, Mollie Kmita, Laura Bright (C), Laura Baker, Danielle Puddefoot, Laura Mills, Rosie Kmita, Becky Taylor & Nicole Perschky.
  subs – Dawn Mallett, Evie Gallop, Hollie Jardine, Ashleigh Deacon & Paige Logie.

  Southampton Women FC starting XI – Millie Peake, Kirsty Whitton, Laura Gilbank, Kelly Warren, Tash Angel (C), Gemma Simmonds, Abi Fletcher, Kate Wiseman, Cassie Thorpe, Jane Yeates & Sheree Bell-Jack.
  subs – Kirsty Bell, Philippa Holden & Sophie Solloway.

  Both sides getting a practice match in before this Sunday’s cup tie to get so match sharpness into their legs after the break in action over Christmas. It’s Cambridge attacking up the slope to kick-off the 1st half wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts with Southampton lined up opposite wearing red shirts with white trim, black shorts and red socks.The ball is played into Becky Taylor early on for Cambridge hooks the ball on for Laura Mills to attack on the right side her cross headed back out for a throw by Southampton captain, Tash Angel.

Southampton Women FC’s, Tash Angel

  Cambridge start brightly keep possession of the ball inside the Southampton half send it up high into the top of the box, both Nicole Perschky central then Rosie Kmita to the left get their heads to the ball neither able to turn it in towards goal before Kelly Warren wins it back for Southampton at the back the clearance doesn’t go far the ball on the left played across field to Mills in space on the right wing drives down the touch line winning a corner of Laura Gilbank in the corner. Playing a high line Cambridge are defending on half-way both their full-backs Emma Jenkins on the right and Carrie Bennett on the left win their tackles again Southampton’s Jane Yeates and Cassie Thorpe as they look to get in behind on the flanks.

  Danielle Puddefoot is fouled inside the Southampton half in a central position a chance for players to go forwards from the back with Laura Baker over the set-piece plays it up towards the top of the area with Cambridge captain, Laura Bright stood left of the D heads the ball on Taylor getting onto the end of the ball pulls the trigger Millie Peake in the Southampton goal down smartly to make the save, play however is halted by he linesman’s raised flag, Taylor just offside.

   All Cambridge at the start of the game pressing all over the pitch giving Southampton no time on the ball, Perschky pressing a back pass to the keeper gets Cambridge a throw on the left the ball is put in field Taylor stretching for the ball pushes in on for Mills coming in from the right outside the box 20 yards shoots the ball held by Peake at her near post. After a frantic opening 10 minutes the game settles down a little, Cambridge keeping it tight at the back Abi Fletcher gets the ball up to Sheree Bell-Jack leading the line for Southampton closely marked by Bright isn’t allowed to turn as she brings the ball down.

Abi Fletcher looking to bring the ball forwards
for Southampton Women FC

  Bennett comes on with the ball, Rosie Kmita ahead of her on the left gets down the line playing the ball into the box her low drive too close to Peake coming across to narrow the angle the goalkeeper claiming the ball. Taylor is seeing lot of the ball for Cambridge playing in the no 10 role very nearly threads the ball through to Rosie Kmita making a central run into the area, Warren going with her winning the ball just inside the box. 

   Mills wins the 1st corner of the game for Cambridge on the right, the ball played towards to top of ht box by Rosie Kmita, Puddefoot looking to get her head on the ball clatters into her twin sister Mollie leaving her floored as the ball bounces in the six yard box Peake pushing it wide and behind for a 2nd corner. This time Mollie Kmita is behind Puddefoot at the top of the top of the box gets something on the ball sending it goalwards Southampton head it clear pushed further out Baker coming to meet the ball on the half volley drives a shot in towards goal Peake diving to her right makes the save pushing the ball  away for a corner on the left, the ball is swung in near post Southampton win the ball the clearance goes straight to Rosie Kmita who sends a shot back in towards the near post from the left the ball easily held by Peake.

Danielle Puddefoot clattered into team mate Mollie Kmita as she wins the ball from the corner

  GOAL! 16 minutes in and it has all been Cambridge in attack, they get the goal for their positive start, Taylor the scorer, busy in the opening quarter hour of the match presses the ball high up the pitch winning it as Southampton look to get forwards in the middle drives towards the box getting past another challenge into the area left side of goal sends the ball up and over Peake into the back of the net beyond 1-0.

Becky Taylor opens the scoring for Cambridge United WFC

   Taylor is almost put through on goal minutes later as she looks to get onto the bed of a forward ball from Rosie Kmita bringing it on up the left, Warren with the tackle to prevent a shot for Southampton the ball out for a throw on the left. Southampton are awarded a free kick on the right inside the Cambridge half a chance for the away side to send players forwards, Warren to take it the ball cleared at the top of the area back to her drives down the line Bennett closing hr down conceding the throw leads to a corner kick that is claimed confidently by Cambridge goalkeeper, Verity Crook in the middle of her six yard box.

   Cambridge counter the ball up to Perschky through the middle Rosie Kmita charging forwards on the left has space to run into the pass finds her puts in an early cross, Angel racing back towards her goal slides in to win the ball. Yeates looks to knock the ball past Jenkins the Cambridge full-back stretching out a leg to win the ball wins it brings it on playing a great ball up the line for Mills to chase after getting to the ball whips a cross into the middle of the Southampton six yard box, picks out Perschky free her 1st touch taking the ball past Peake, looks to have scored the ball however comes back of the post and Southampton recover to clear the danger.

  GOAL! 33 minutes into the 1st half and Cambridge double their lead win a corner on the right, play paused as Southampton’s Yeates receives treatment on the far side of the pitch. Mollie Kmita comes over to the dugouts to take on some water before running back into position inside the box for the set piece as twin sister Rosie plays the ball in towards the near post a glancing header from the leaping Taylor the ball helped onto the centre of the six yard box a Southampton defender pushes it out towards the far post Mollie Kmita unmarked sees the ball coming straight at her one thing on her mind hit it and hit it hard! Blasts the ball into the back of the net no stopping that shot 2-0.

 

Mollie Kmita busts the back of the net scoring
Cambridge United WFC’s 2nd goal

Cambridge have dominated play 1st half and that continues as Jenkins gets possession of the ball on the right pushes on down the wing winning a corner kick, the ball sent up towards the top of the Southampton area, the ball headed clear is picked up by Puddefoot back to goal lays it back into Baker who shoots from 25 yards out her effort sailing over the crossbar. 

  Chances up front have been few and far between for Southampton 1st half yet to register a shot in the match get some joy down the left doubling up with Thorpe sending the cross from deep long looking to pick out Yeates coming in from the right side into the six yard box, can’t bring the ball under control far post with Crook getting across to pressure the attacker.

  Peake is on had to gather the ball at her left post as Rosie Kmita sends a low drove from 20 yards in towards goal for Cambridge. Jenkins and Mills link up on the right side the ball cut inside plays the ball into the area Warren beating Perschky to the ball before Angel clears. into the closing minutes of the 1st half Baker is fouled by Southampton’s Whitton as she looks to send Mills clear on the right. The free kick in a central position is dealt with by Gilbank in side the area. Thorpe attacking left side for Southampton cuts her cross along the face of the area, Mollie Kmita intercepting before, Bell-Jack and latch onto the ball. Rosie Kmita with a shot from 25 yards out on the left as she latches onto a loose pass is held by Peake getting across her goal.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 2-0 Southampton Women FC

  A strong 1st half from Cambridge United WFC sees them take a 2-0 lead into the dressing room at half-time. Started well and continued the tempo through the half, pressing well as a team all over the pitch creating plenty of opportunities in the final 3rd. Southampton have struggled to match the tempo set by their opponents not afforded any time on the ball have been unable to get in behind and have yet to test Crook in goal. 2-0 however means they are far from out of the game if they cane regroup and come out better 2nd half, a cliche but the next goal is key as the two sides come out for the 2nd half.
  Southampton make a change at the start of the 2nd half with Kirsty Bell, now wearing th captains armband coming on for Fletcher as they kick-off the 2nd half attacking up the slope.
  GOAL! Southampton push players forwards from kick-off closing down the Cambridge back-line the ball is lost with Bennett on the left played long with Rosie Kmita on the move down the pitch the ball coming into her sends it on towards the Southampton area with Perschky timing her run to perfection inside the D the ball landing it her feet shoots sending the ball flying over Peake and into the back of the net to make it 3-0 to Cambridge.

Nicole Perschky extends Cambridge’s lead early in the 2nd half

  Cambridge have a free-kick on the left inside the Southampton half the ball lifted up into the area is defended knocked on runs to Mills on the right goes for goal the ball racing wide across the goal. A strong start to the 2nd half from Cambridge particularly on the right, Mills sending in a cross towards the near post again too close to Peake the goalkeeper laying claim to the ball. Taylor picking up the ball from a deep position in the middle lifts it up towards the top of the box Perschky tries to help it on bringing it down on her chest, Angel marking prevents her getting in behind.

  Yeates is struggling for Southampton her legs cramping up in discomfort can’t continue and the away side make their 2nd substitution with Philippa Holden coming on to join the attack. Thorpe on the ball in the centre for Southampton plays the pass into Gemma Simmonds holds the ball up allowing others to get forwards sends it out to Holden making a run on the right, has support from Kate Wiseman the ball rolled back to her she sends the cross into the middle of the Cambridge box the ball cleared by Baker is gathered by Gilbank who shoots from distance her shot held by Crook in the Cambridge goal.

Laura Baker getting hold of the ball for Cambridge

  Southampton are getting a little more time on the ball as Cambridge let their tempo drop, Simmonds in the centre of midfield is getting more time on the ball looks the send the ball into the area for Bell-Jack, Mollie Kmita sees the ball back to her keeper, Crook sends it clear, regained by Simmonds plays it forwards with Thorpe to her left 25 yards out shoots sending her strike up over the crossbar.

  Cambridge go forwards attacking down the left of the pitch the ball played in field is gathered by Taylor driving inside towards the area changes direction shooting with the outside of her boot top of the area, the ball dipping as it falls into the six yard box, Peake adjusts her feet to dive and push the ball away to her right, Rosie Kmita coming in from the left is stretching as she attempts to turn the ball back towards goal sends it high over the bar instead. Southampton make their final change bringing on Sophie Solloway for Angel at the back as they look to change formation to 3-4-3 pushing players on with 30 minutes left to try and find a goal to get themselves back into the tie.

  Pressing the ball on the right Mills gets possession driving forwards lifts the cross in early Taylor leaping on the penalty spot can’t get a touch on the ball. Cambridge make their 1st change of the match bringing on Hollie Jardine for Bennett a straight swap at left-back. 

  GOAL! The home side extend their lead in the 65th minute, attacking down the left side into the Southampton half Rosie Kmita puts the ball inside, Taylor almost loses her footing going after the ball, does well playing the ball on ahead of her into the box for Puddefoot making a forwards run left side receiving the ball opens up her body and curls her shoot across the keeper into the far top corner of the net 4-0.

Cambridge United WFC’s
Danielle Puddefoot

  Simmonds links up with Bell for Southampton in the middle pushing on into the Cambridge half, the latter attempting the through ball into the area with Holden making the run, Crook off her line quickly is able to gather 1st. Cambridge launch a rapid counter attack the ball up into Perschky looks to play Rosie Kmita on into the area, Wiseman tracking back with her manages to get across her run and play the ball back to her keeper. Game is stretched a little even with a 4 goal lad Cambridge aren’t sitting back defending pressing the ball a couple of Southampton players struggling with cramp. 

  Mills taking the ball to the by-line right side cuts the ball in towards the near post, Warren intercepts playing it out for the corner. An inswinging ball from Rosie Kmita towards the near post Peake comes through the crowd to punch the ball away conceding a 2nd corner kick. Played deeper this time into Bright isn’t allowed to turn as she brings the ball down Southampton look to get the ball clear, Baker closes down the ball has a shot from distance the ball held by Peake.

 A double switch for Cambridge with Rosie Kmita and Puddefoot leaving the pitch, Evie Gallop and Ashleigh Deacon the players coming on. Southampton attack on the left Gilbank into Simmonds, looks to pick out Bell-Jack with her cross, Crook getting in front of her gets her gloves firmly around the ball. Taylor winning the ball right side sends it on for Mills to attack down the wing, crosses the ball into the six yard box with Deacon arriving from the left unmarked meets the ball 1st time sending it over the crossbar.

Southampton Women FC’s
Kelly Warren

  Gallop plays the ball long from inside her own half looking for Perschky who wins a throw on the left, receiving the ball from the throw-in drives in field, shoots from outside the box aiming near post the ball gathered by Peake who has the angle covered. Gallop has a shot for outside the box right of the D as Cambridge push n late into the game, her strike deflected wide for a corner kick.

  Space for Deacon to exploit on the left as the game moves into injury time takes it on before sending in a long ball towards the far post headed away by Solloway the ball drops to Mills outside the box 20 yards out drills the ball back in towards goal runs wide across the face of goal. Mollie Kmita has the energy for on last run from the back carrying the ball forwards left side for Cambridge tries to pick out Perschky waiting top of the area, Warren sliding it does enough to half the momentum of the ball, Perschky retrieves and plays the ball across the top of the box with Deacon cutting inside room for a shot slips as she pulls the trigger the ball running wide of the far post is touched by Peake as she dives across to try and stop it. The resulting corner is cleared as the referee brings the match to an end.
   

Full time Cambridge United WFC 4-0 Southampton Women FC

  Cambridge advance to the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup with a strong performance to win the game 4-0. Pressed the ball well all over the pitch everyone on the pitch contributing excellent team work, dominated early on and maintained that level throughout the 90 minutes. Southampton’s run in the FA Women’s Cup comes to an end, a little surprised having heard so much about the team’s performances prior to the match couldn’t find any foot hold in the match today, plenty still to aim fr this season however with 2 cup quarter-finals still to come and a strong position in the league.
  Something new for 2017 to end the report have been thinking about adding this for a while the New Year seems a good time to begin with the introduction of the Supporting Women’s Football Blog – Player of the Match.

SWF Blog – Player of the Match 

  Several contenders in the Cambridge United WFC side today, a fantastic team performance, the SWF Blog Player of the Match is Becky Taylor, scoring the opening goal, busy on and off the ball throughout the 90 minutes linking up the midfield and attack, creating chances for herself and her team mates.
  The draw for the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup with be this Monday and a slightly earlier time of 10:45am, will update this post once Cambridge United WFC’s opponents are known.
  My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details today.

*UPDATE* The draw for the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup was made this morning and Cambridge United WFC will face FAWSL 2 opposition with a trip to Sutton Coldfield to play Aston Villa Ladies. To be played Sunday 5th February.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Queens Park Rangers Ladies

Two milestones this weekend for myself and my other women’s football site the Supporting Women’s Football Blog. Not only was it my 100th game of 2016 it also happened to be the 250th match report I have written no the blog since it began a little over 3 years ago. The game covered for that report was from the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup a trip to Mildenhall Town FC to watch FAWPL South East Division One leaders, Cambridge United WFC take on higher league opponents, Queens Park Rangers Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division currently bottom without a win in the league looked to be an exciting tie on paper and the potential for an upset. 

250th Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Queens Park Rangers Ladies

 
  I’m celebrating two milestones on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday, not only is this my 100th women’s football match of 2016 it is also the 250th match report written since the blog began in October 2013. Time has flown and I’m excited about writing this one as I have been since the 1st.

 Anyway enough about that and onto the football a trip over to Mildenhall Town FC this Sunday to watch Cambridge United WFC take on higher league opposition, Queens Park Rangers Ladies in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup. 

  A league may separate the sides but on paper they are next to each other in the women’s football pyramid with Queens Park Rangers Ladies having had a difficult start to the season a new look to the side with alot of players leaving the club during and at the end of last season. Without a win in the league picked up their 2nd point of the season last Sunday against West Ham United Ladies in a 1-1 draw. Cup competitions offering a distraction from the league have won previously to advance in the FAWPL Plate before exiting in the 3rd Round. Like all the FAWPL Northern and Southern Division sides enter the FA Women’s Cup in the 1st Round Proper.

  Cambridge United WFC also have several new faces in their side at the beginning of the season, have had a fantastic start in the FAWPL South East Division One recovering from an opening day defeat to go on an 8 game winning streak to go top of the table. That run came to an end last Sunday away to Gillingham FC Ladies, however Cambridge remain top of the league and are looking to recover with a win in the FA Women’s Cup an achieve history by making the 2nd Round Proper. Entered the FA Women’s Cup in 3rd Round Qualifying beating ERWFL Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies at home. Were at Mildenhall Town FC in 4th Round Qualifying too against fellow FAWPL South East Division One side, Stevenage Ladies winning the match again 3-0 to reach the 1st Round Proper.

  The venue on a cold December day, Mildenhall Town FC, a nice ground an easy walk from the town centre, with a good sized clubhouse with bar and refreshments available. A big supermarket too nearby if like me you thought it was a 1pm kick-off and not 2pm as the club actually advertised, got a couple more Christmas presents sorted so a useful detour. A sloping pitch still in great condition despite hosting alot of games, Mildenhall Town like Cambridge United WFC top of their league.

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Carrie Bennett, Mollie Kmita, Laura Bright (C), Danielle Puddefoot, Dawn Mallett, Laura Mills, Rosie Kmita, Becky Taylor & Nicole Perschky.
  subs – Hollie Jardine, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Evie Gallop, Laura Baker & Ashleigh Deacon.

  Queens Park Rangers starting XI – Callie Neat, Micaela Lopes, Marika Engels, Jean Sseninde, Ashleigh Harte, Jess Treharne, Elly Maggs (C), Hayley Sloan, Jo Blodgett, Juliette Denny & Dominika Netschova. 
  subs – Rachel Gwilliam & Liz O’Callaghan.

  A minutes silence before the match as was the case up and down the country everyone pausing to remember and honour the victims of the tragic plane crash in Colombia that saw such a tragic loss of life Brazilian club Chapeocense losing 19 players along with their coaching staff and journalists on their way to play the biggest game in the clubs history.  

  A switch of ends at before the start of the game with QPR attacking up the slope 1st half the low sun at their backs, Cambridge to kick-off the 1st half wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts. QPR lined up wearing blue and white hooped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball is played out to the right wing for Laura Mills to chase after QPR’s Marika Engels at left back putting the ball out for a throw. Deep on the right Emma Jenkins comes forwards from right back to take for Cambridge gives it to Becky Taylor who rolls it back to Jenkins sends the ball back in high towards the top of the area under it is Danielle Puddefoot, recently signed on by Cambridge having been at QPR last season, attempts to lay the ball back out for Dawn Mallett looking to run onto the ball is brought down by QPR captain Elly Maggs a free kick awarded 25 yards out in a central position, Mallett to take it tries to get some curl on the ball puts it straight into the gloves of QPR goalkeeper Callie Neat.

Danielle Puddefoot up against her old QPR teammates

  QPR make ground on the right the ball is sent in low into the Cambridge area cleared out to Mills the break is on as she looks to play in Nicole Perschky making a central run, the ball deflects off a defender into the path of Rosie Kmita on the left takes on the shot from 25 yards out her effort rolling wide across the six yard box. A bright start from Cambridge pushing players on the ball is played long into the right channel Mills going after it retrieves in the corner, her cross into the area is blocked by Engels put behind for the 1st corner of he game.

  The corner comes to nothing, QPR look to get the ball up field Hayley Sloan with the pass forwards looking for Dominika Netschova the ball is cut out by Cambridge captain Laura Bright, Cambridge attack the ball played out to Rosie Kmita on the left as players break forwards the ball is sent into the box dropping inside the six yard box far post Puddefoot is there goes for the acrobatic an overhead kick, gets the ball on target is saved pushed wide by Neat getting across the post. Ashleigh Harte comes towards the near post to clear the ball for a 2nd corner kick on the right goes longer this time Mollie Kmita far side getting her head on the ball can’t direct it on target.

 

Cambridge’s Nicole Perschky with QPR’s
Dominika Netschova

Getting hold of the ball in midfield, Mallett blasts her long range shot against an onrushing player the ball deflecting into Taylor puts it out for Jenkins getting forwards on the right, lifts a high ball into the box, Perschky gets her head on the ball, lacks the power to trouble Neat in the QPR goal. 10 minutes played and QPR are struggling to get any meaningful possession on the ball, Cambridge quick to close down all over the pitch. Win a free-kick inside their own half, goalkeeper Verity Crook to take puts it long for Rosie Kmita on the left side sends the diagonal ball into the area, Taylor jumping near post with Harte inside the six yard box the ball knocked to the floor, Perschky running onto the ball looks certain to score, Neat however is down sharply getting her gloves firmly around the ball on the goal-line with a great save.

  Jess Treharne seeing the ball into her feet inside the Cambridge half left side turns well playing Juliette Denny in behind on the left wing getting up the pitch plays the ball into the box, a looping ball taken well by Crook at her near post with Maggs and Netschova both making runs at goal. Sloan tries her luck from distance her ball into the box losing pace as Crook coming forwards scoops it up into her body. 

QPR Ladies captain
Elly Maggs

  Rosie Kmita is fouled by Micaela Lopes as she attacks on the left side, the QPR right back shown a yellow card by the referee. Mallett to play the ball into the area, QPR’s Jean Sseninde gets a firm header on the ball to clear it out of the area, Mills gets hold of the ball pushes on before playing it back into the area right Maggs to it 1st concedes the corner. The ball into box is headed clear by Sseninde.

 Pushing on down the left Cambridge win another corner the ball driven in near post his headed goalwards, cleared off the line by Lopes defending the near post the ball coming back to Taylor her shot is deflected wide. All Cambridge win a series of corner kicks Neat coming for a ball near side can’t get a firm punch on the ball as it is headed wide across the six yard box. Mallett is booked as she catches Netschova as the QPR attacker attempts to bring the ball out from the back.

  Puddefoot getting the ball into her feet on the right side from a throw links up with Perschky inside the box right corner goes past her into the box getting the return ball shoots, not getting any power behind the shot rolls safely into Neat’s gloves. 

 GOAL! 34 minutes on the clock and Cambridge finally get the goal their play has deserved. Winning another corner on the left side the ball is played in high into the area near side Neat under it goes to punch the ball away doesn’t get any distance on it is headed back in towards goal by Mollie Kmita, QPR have players at that side the ball is cleared out of the six yard box comes at Taylor quickly the ball hitting her rises up the attacker adjusting well to get her foot up and over the ball to send it back in towards goal, over Neat and bounces down off the crossbar over the line 1-0.

Becky Taylor on the ball gives Cambridge the lead


  A quickly taken free-kick from Cambridge inside their own half sees Rosie Kmita with the ball out wide sends it on for Perschky on the move through the centre, Sseninde going with her gets something on the ball deflects it across with Taylor free coming on towards the top of the area shoots early, looking to put the ball into the far bottom corner, Neat diving to her right lays claim to the ball. Making ground on the right the ball is played into QPR’s Denny goes for goal from all of 30 yards sends her shot over the crossbar.

  GOAL! QPR have barely had an attack in the 1st half with a little over 5 minutes left however they get themselves back on level terms with their 1st shot on target. Getting possession on the right side the ball is played into the box by Jo Blodgett right corner good control from Denny before playing it across the D with Treharne making a great run hitting the ball 1st time turning it goalwards racing along the ground evades the diving Crook to make it 1-1. 

Cambridge’s Mollie Kmita looking to bring the ball out as QPR’s Jess Treharne goes to challenge

  The game suddenly opens up QPR enthused by the goal push on, Cambridge have opening too, Mills switching sides with Rosie Kmita plays the ball early long into the box, Kmita running clear into the area the target far side can’t get onto the end of the ball to turn it towards goal. The referee stops play with Netschova down on the far side, looks to have injured her wrist, in alot of pain can’t continue QPR make the change bringing on Liz O’Callaghan. Puddefoot brings the ball on down the right side plays it on for Jenkins getting forwards down the wing holding the ball up Rosie Kmita outside the area wants the ball getting it crosses into the area far side Mills onto the ball plays it back out to Mallett running in strikes the ball 30 yards out the shot flying over the bar.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Queens Park Rangers Ladies

   A totally dominant 1st half from Cambridge yet they go into the dressing room at half-time with the scores level. Have had the majority of the attack just lacking the clinical finish their play required, Taylor giving them the lead it lasted just 5 minutes with QPR scoring with their only shot on target in the 1st half. All square still all to play for in the 2nd half.
   It’s QPR to kick-off the 2nd half a shuffling of personnel, Denny looks to have taken up a central midfield role. The ball is put out to O’Callaghan on the right side gets a throw in, keeping possession QPR win their 1st corner of the match. Sent in high from the right towards the far post Crook is able to take the ball down cleanly. Cambridge break, the ball with Mallett tries to play it inside to Taylor the ball is cut out the deflection taking it out to the left side Rosie Kmita can’t bring it under control to turn the cross in goal kick. Crook with the free-kick inside her half plays it up field is knocked inside Mallett onto the ball hits a powerful shot from 30 yards out across the area running wide at the far post.
Cambridge United WFC’s, Dawn Mallett
   Mills on the ball drives forwards plays the ball into Taylor moving into the box from the right, bringing the ball under control shoots as she arrives at the top of the six yard box her effort fired wide across the face of goal. Mallett puts the ball over the top for Mills to go after on the right into the box Neat comes across, guides the ball out of play for a goal kick. Cambridge attack on the left Rosie Kmita with the ball in the corner has Carrie Bennett with her in support lays the ball back to the full back she passes in field to Mallett who lifts the ball up into the area the ball coming to Taylor inside the area right of goal nods it down for Perschky waiting top of the area central, the striker can’t keep her shot down whistles over the bar.
 Perschky is after a long ball put forwards by Bright looks to play it on into the box, Sseninde getting the interception deflects the ball into the area running away to the right Mills covering the ground attempts to get there before Neat ends up on the floor as the keeper gets it clear shouts for a penalty but nothing is given except a corner kick.
 
QPR Ladies, Jo Blodgett with Cambridge’s Dawn Mallett
  A free-kick for QPR on halfway the ball played up to Blodgett inside the area Cambridge defend the ball knocked down out of the area Treharne running onto the ball strikes it early the shot charged down outside the area rolls back to Treharne who strikes the ball over with her 2nd attempt. Bennett into Mallett inside the QPR half plays the ball up to Mills at the top of the area on the right, gets her head to the ball then gives chase it it running away to the far post inside the six yard box getting there before Harte lays it back to Rosie Kmita coming in from the left leaning back into the shot sends it over the crossbar.
  Treharne is yellow carded for going through the back of Bright the Cambridge captain down needing treatment, Midway point in the 2nd half the scores remained locked at 1-1 as the floodlights start to come on. Play resumes the ball is with Mallett, Puddefoot on the move on her left gets the ball plays it forwards for Rosie Kmita breaking into the area, Harte gets back on her with a good sliding challenge to take the ball away before she can shoot. Play is stretched Cambridge have a corner on the right, Sseninde heading it clear QPR try to counter down the left, Jenkins winning the ball back played forwards Cambridge win another corner. The ball on the right is delivered high into the six yard box both Bright and Puddefoot go up for the header, think Puddefoot gets to it 1st turns the ball goalwards is heading in, Neat with an instinctive save gloving the ball away from goal.
Callie Neat, gets a glove up to save for QPR
  Cambridge make their 1st change Puddefoot is replaced by Laura Baker in midfield. The ball is played up to Denny inside the Cambridge area right of goal, is falling back as she goes to strike the ball goalwards runs safely into Crook at her near post. QPR break through the middle Denny has the ball inside the Cambridge half lifts the ball up over the Cambridge defence with Blodgett getting into the box, hitting the ball on the run looks to put it wide of Crook, doesn’t get any pace on the ball the Cambridge keeper able to dive to her right and make the save. 
  Rosie Kmita racing with the ball up the left squares the ball into the box Maggs tracking back clears behind for a corner at the near post. The ball goes long is with Baker at the top of the area, is closed down quickly unable to turn and lift the ball back into the six yard box. Cambridge make a 2nd substitution, Ashleigh Deacon coming on for Rosie Kmita with less than 10 minutes to play.
  Bennett passes up field to Deacon on the left plays it on for Taylor to go after, QPR defend the ball out for a corner, sent high into the area Harte headers clear for the visitors. Up the other end Denny brings the ball forwards plays it out to Blodgett on the right moving into the box her ball fired is is cut out by Mollie Kmita the corner conceded. Goes long cleared back to the taker fires the ball in near post Crook saves well pushing the ball wide at the near pot as it deflects of a defender. The game moves into injury time extra-time is looming.
 GOAL! Perschky latches onto a loose QPR ball in the middle of the park playing it out wide to Mills on the right, Cambridge break quickly Mills with pace to burn carrying the ball on has passing options in the middle Deacon in particular with a great run into the box, only one thing on Mills’ mind however and she pulls the trigger from 20 yards right corner of the box sending a quality strike across the keeper and into the far corner of the goal beyond to give Cambridge the lead 2-1.
 
 GOAL! Late heartbreak for QPR conceding a goal in injury time have to push forwards looking for an immediate response the ball is won back by Cambridge with Deacon moving inside from the left lifts the ball up into the area clears everyone bouncing into the area, Taylor goes after it with Neat coming out towards the ball, Taylor gets to it 1st her touch taking the ball away from the keeper to the right of goal turns and sends the ball into the empty goal beyond 3-1. 
Full time Cambridge United WFC 3-1 Queens Park Rangers Ladies

 Cambridge United WFC win the game with 2 injury time goals 3-1 to make it into the hat for the 2nd Round Proper draw of the FA Women’s Cup this Monday the ties to be played in early January. Over all a dominate display from the South East Division One side knocking out higher league opposition. Creating plenty of chances getting the goals the play deserved late on. Enjoying a good run in the FA Women’s Cup. Queens Park Rangers Ladies put alot into the game creating far less in the final 3rd couldn’t match Cambridge’s determination to win the ball.
  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today. Best of luck to Cambridge United WFC in the next round.

*UPDATE* the draw for the FA Women’s Cup 2nd Round Proper was made earlier today and Cambridge United WFC have a home tie again will be taking on either Southampton Women FC or Swindon Town Ladies in the next round scheduled to be played Sunday 8th January.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage Ladies

  Midweek football action from Mildenhall Town FC on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog with 3rd placed Cambridge United looking to build on recent good form could go top tonight should they beat newly promoted Stevenage Ladies who picked up their 1st point at this higher level at the weekend.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage Ladies

 
  A short journey down to Mildenhall Town FC this evening to catch some midweek action from the FAWPL South East Division One, with Cambridge United WFC hosting newly promoted Stevenage Ladies.

  Cambridge United WFC are up to 3rd in the FAWPL South East Division One table after a 3-1 win away to Norwich City Ladies on Sunday. A point off the leaders Luton Town Ladies had the chance to go top of the table tonight with a win albeit early days in the season. Have made several new signings over the close season, with Rosie Kmita coming in from Tottenham Hotspur Ladies recently making her competitive debut for the Cambridge against Norwich at the weekend. Nicole Perschky and Hollie Jardine know tonight’s opponents well having joined from Stevenage Ladies over the summer. Both were starting tonight.

  Stevenage Ladies won the ERWFL Premier Division title last season to earn promotion to the FAWPL South East Division One. Gary Bailey took over as 1st team manager during the close season, joining him as assistant manager, Reece Buck formerly managing Hoddesdon Town Ladies. A few Hoddesdon players have followed him from the club, Daniela Martucci, Stephanie Mann, Leah Dunnage, Becky Scola & Kristina O’Connell. Becky Day who is a regular for the Hertfordshire FA’s representative side also joins from Hitchin Town Ladies. Lost their opening 2 league matches at this level, most recently earning their 1st point in the FAWPL drawing 3-3 at home to Actonians Ladies last Sunday, Kristina O’Connell scoring all 3 goals.

  Has been another hot and sunny day, still warm as the sun starts to go down and the floodlights come on. The Mildenhall Town FC pitch looking in great condition even though it has seen alot of play already this season 20 games with 5 sides using it. A slope from one goal mouth to the other. 

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Hollie Jardine, Rosie Kmita, Emma Jenkins, Laura Bright (C), Paige Logie, Dawn Mallett, Becky Taylor, Ashleigh Deacon, Laura Mills & Nicole Perschky
  subs – Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Faith Hewitt, Evie Gallop, Tahnee Perfect & Carolyn Sarafian. 

  Stevenage Ladies starting XI – Becky Scott, Sophie Bailey, Leah Dunnage, Tanya Blacksley, Amy Josland, Amy Notschild, Donna McGuigan (C), Lisa Milliken, Cara Breckenridge, Kristina O’Connell & Becky Scola.
  subs – Hayley Wood-Thompson, Bolu Fisher, Becky Day & Jenny Hepton.

  It’s Stevenage to get the match underway kicking off 1st half attacking down the slope wearing an all blue kit with black sleeves on the shirts with Cambridge wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts. The home side make ground attacking down the right the ball is swung up into the middle the clearance top of the box falls to Cara Breckenridge lays the ball forwards for Becky Scola to take on into the Cambridge box is pushed wide, wins th visitors an early corner. 

  Breckenridge picks the ball up from a throw inside the Cambridge half plays a long crossfield ball to the right wing with Lisa Milliken charging forwards into space, Rosie Kmita playing at left back for Cambridge gets her head to the ball taking the ball over Milliken out for a throw on the right. 

  GOAL! Cambridge get hold of the ball from the throw the ball played up the left for Ashleigh Deacon, taking it on, Kmita bursts forwards receiving the ball on the overlap fires the ball into Nicole Perschky inside the Stevenage area, a good 1st touch to kill the pace on the ball wrong foot her marker, then turns hitting her shot low and hard across goalkeeper Becky Scott into the back of the net 1-0. 4 minutes played.

Nicole Perschky with Stevenage’s Tanya Blacksley
(photo credit Gary Reed)

  A bright start from Cambridge another attack up the left the ball played inside into Perschky, looks to play the ball on for Laura Mills who has charged up the right wing coming inside into the box, the attack is stopped by the offside flag. 
,    GOAL! Hollie Jardine starting at right back for Cambridge tonight fouls Stevenage captain, Donna McGuigan inside the Cambridge half left of the centre circle. A chance for Stevenage to push players forwards from the back with Breckenridge on the ball. Plays a great delivery into the area swung in centrally has to be dealt with, both Cambridge centre backs look to come to the ball jump to head it away, Emma Jenkins gets her head to the ball ends up playing the ball into her own net 1-1. The lead lasting just 2 minutes.

  Is a frantic pace to the match, Stevenage playing 3 at the back with Milliken and Breckenridge providing the width left and right dropping back went necessary. Some committed challenges on the field to a few complaints to the referee. Jardine wins the ball inside the Stevenage half on the right plays it into Logie in midfield, put back to Jenkins her pass lifted up to Perschky in a central position looks to flick it over the top into the box Tanya Blacksley heads it away to the right for Stevenage. Mills gets hold of it looks to play the cross back into the box, Cambridge want a penalty as Taylor is bundled over, nothing given.

  Becky Scott is out to the edge of her area to claim the ball as Perschky runs in behind the Stevenage defence looking to get on the end of Dawn Mallett’s through ball. Jardine attempts to play the crossfield pass for Deacon to run onto on the left, Sophie Bailey steps out of the back line to put in a good tackle to win the ball. Deacon with the ball at her feet as Cambridge attack down the left again 25 yards out comes back inside moving central attempts to reverse the ball play it into the area for the attackers to run onto, too straight the ball runs out of play. 

   Stevenage are working hard to compete for the ball, in front of the defence, Amy Notschild is cutting out alot of Cambridge passes, playing the ball out to Breckenridge on the left, plays the ball into Scola going on the overlap beyond her gets the ball back sends a cross into the box, too close to Verity Crook, Cambridge’s goalkeeper catches the ball. 

  Jardine comes away with the ball making the challenge inside the Stevenage half up the right wing for Mills to go after, squares the cross in towards the near post, Leah Dunnage cuts the cross out, the ball cleared into the middle is played back up into the box Perschky looks to hold it up, Dunnage closes her down tackling taking the ball away from her, a corner is conceded on the left. Stevenage defend 2 near post deliveries before the 3rd one goes long out of play.

  Winning the ball back for Stevenage, Notschild plays it into Scola coming to the halfway line, turns well evading a tackle passing into McGuigan ahead of her, shoots from distance the back dropping into the back of the net, however she committed a foul before shooting play brought back for the free kick. Amy Josland plays the ball on for Milliken wide right taking it on down the wing, passing the ball inside to McGuigan, top of the area she slips as she looks to play the ball on into the area with Milliken continuing her run. 

  Kmita gets in around the back as she races up the wing to support Deacon turning inside loos to lift the ball into the area for Perschky, Notschild back defending heads the ball out of danger. Jardine comes on with the ball gets fouled by Scola 30 yards from goal the free-kick given. The Stevenage management aren’t happy with the referee getting a little carried away play is stopped as he has a word. Bright on the set-piece plays it in to the top of the area Dunnage going up with Taylor does well getting enough on the ball to knock it down to the floor before it is launched clear.

   A committed contest both sides working hard, some strong challenges will be a few bruises to show for it in the morning. Pinging around in midfield the ball runs favourably for Taylor 30 yards out, takes on the shot dips late but not enough as it whistles over the crossbar. Taylor involved again as she closes Josland down to the right inside the Stevenage half, plays the ball in field Mallett picking it up driving on before taking on the shot pace on the ball it bounces as it comes straight at Scott, escapes her for a moment but grabs hold of it at the 2nd attempt before Deacon can capitalise.

  Breckenridge takes the ball inside from the left attacking for Stevenage plays the ball into McGuigan’s feet pushing forwards lays the ball out to Scola peeling away into space on the left into the box shoots her low drive into the centre of the six yard box, Crook going to ground makes a comfortable save. 

  Cambridge attack late in the 1st half up the right Jardine on for Taylor her low cross driven into the box is sliced across the area by Dunnage as she goes to clear, no one wearing an amber shirt can react. A corner on the left for Cambridge taken quickly by Mills down the line for Mallett cuts inside, shoots aiming for the far corner the ball goes wide.
  

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Stevenage Ladies

  A square at the break both goals coming early on, the game played at a high tempo, Stevenage putting alot in to close the ball and minimise Cambridge possession. The three at the back dealing with most thing’s if Cambridge have been able to get it past Notschild in the 1st place. The better chances have fallen Cambridge’s way without overly testing Scott in the Stevenage goal. 
  Cambridge attacking down the slope in the 2nd half as they kick-off no changes for either side at the break. Lose possession early on the ball as Kristina O’Connell challenges for it, goes after the ball passing it wide left to Scola, shoots from the angle the ball in low wide of goal. Cambridge get Taylor on the ball inside the Stevenage half passes to Perschky central her back to goal, lays it wide to Kmita coming on from the back who plays the diagonal ball towards Mallett moving towards the top right corner of the area, Mallett takes on the shot drilling her effort wide across the face of goal.
  Josland finding room in the middle to bring the ball on sends the pass on to McGuigan ahead of her, 25 yards out opts to shot, loses her footing taking the pace of the ball the shot bounces through to Crook. Mills with the ball at her feet runs up the right wing squares a cross into the box is deflected behind for the corner. The ball is played in towards the top of the area, Bright headers the ball down with Logie free to her left connects with the ball sending a looping ball in towards goal his headed away from the goal line dropping into the crowd beyond, another shot comes in this one is taken cleanly by Scott.
  No let up in the pace, a couple of clattering challenges one leaving Logie in a heap on the floor needing treatment. Mallett is over the free-kick central a long way out drops the ball straight into Scott’s gloves. Milliken drives up the right with the ball attempts the through ball for Scola, is cut out by Bright. Cambridge break the ball fizzed into Perschky’s feet good hold up play with Mills making the run on the right looks to get the ball across to her, Breckenridge tracks back well to tackle and thwart the attack.
  A free kick for Cambridge out wide on the right, Mallett over the ball flights a good delivery into the six yard box Logie gets up to meet it headers the ball wide of goal. O’Connell charges down Bright as she looks to play the ball out of the back the ball rebounding in behind the striker goes after it, Crook is sharply out of her area to kick the ball up field. Good build up lay from Stevenage the ball played up to O’Connell heads it down for McGuigan, Notschild comes on receives the ball looks to thread it through the middle for Scola, Jenkins steps forwards to intercept.
  A change for both sides, Becky Day coming on for Notschild for Stevenage. Kayleigh-Anne Burt comes on for Cambridge replacing Deacon sees a shift of personnel with Burt joining Bright at centre back, Jardine switching from right to left back with Kmita pushed up the pitch, Jenkins into right back. 
  GOAL! 20 minutes into the 2nd half and Cambridge retake the lead. Build up on the right as Jenkins wins possession of the ball plays it on for Taylor. She passes the ball into Perschky just inside the box into her feet, shifts it well to evade her marker creating room to shot sends the up into the top corner 2-1.

  Stevenage look for a immediate response from the restart the ball played out to Breckenridge on the left crosses early playing the ball into the box, the onrushing O’Connell gets her head to the ball places it wide. Cambridge get the ball up the other end win a corner kick on the right the ball fired in near post is cleared drops to Taylor at the top of the area her shot into the crowd ahead of her is blocked spins out to the left the ball is launched back in towards the far post Cambridge have plenty of players their the ball turned goalwards is initially cleared off the line before being turned in again and bundled over the line, but in all the excitement the flag is up on the far side for offside goal disallowed.
 
  GOAL! Cambridge do extend their lead on the 70th minute, attacking down the left Jardine on for Kmita the ball is fired up into the box, Perschky the target, good foot work to see the ball into her body then roll it on for Taylor unmarked to her left inside the box Taylor goes for goal hitting her shot back across the keeper and into the bottom corner 3-1.

Cambridge United WFC’s
Becky Taylor
(photo credit Gary Reed)

  Cambridge make their 2nd change bringing Evie Gallop on for Logie. Stevenage make 2 changes, Bolu Fisher coming on for Scola in attack. Milliken is substituted too, Hayley Wood-Thompson comes on. McGuigan takes a heavy knock as she is fouled in a central position 25 yards from goal. O’Connell on the ball hits it hard, how hard only Mallett will know as charging out she blocks, her bottom feeling the full force of the shot.

  Cambridge do everything bar score as they get a corner on the right Mills playing the ball towards the near post Bright headers on is cleared off the line drops into the area another shot comes in  blocked a 3rd attempt coming back off the post before Stevenage scramble it to safety. Cambridge make their final change bringing on Carolyn Sarafian for Jardine. Into the last 10 minutes and both sides are still putting alot of energy into their football. Another Cambridge corner headed on at the near post falls to Mills waiting far side looks to lift a shot into the near post Scott gets across her goal face smartly to take the ball.

 
  GOAL! Stevenage pull a goal back as they push up the field, O’Connell has come deep to receive the ball, Wood-Thompson is already on the move on the right, O’Connell picks her out, as she runs in behind takes the ball on turning inside towards the box before shooting sending a delightful ball up and over Crook to nestle in the back of the net 3-2 to set up a lively finish with 3 minutes of normal time left on the clock. 

  Free-kick for Cambridge wide right, Mallett over sees her initial delivery cleared back out to her by Blacksley. Taking the ball on down the line lifts a cross in high towards the far post Taylor coming in throws herself up to try and get the ball, can’t get to it ends up in the net herself. Kmita with a burst of pace on the left plays the ball long crossfield into Mills on the right takes the ball on down to the byline before cutting it back to Taylor outside the area goes for goal, Scott is right behind the shot makes the save.

  Stevenage press hard for an equaliser as the game move into injury time, from a throw on the right, Bailey up the pitch plays it on for O’Connell right plays the ball into the area, Bright does enough to keep McGuigan from getting anything on the ball as it bounces up allowing Crook to collect inside the six yard box. 

Full-time Cambridge United WFC 3-2 Stevenage Ladies

  Cambridge hold on at the end to win 3-2  the win seeing them go top of the FAWPL South East Division One. An entertaining contest, played at a fast tempo from start to finish in front of a good sized crowd. Plenty of action another great advert for the women’s game, Stevenage working hard to close the ball down and limit Cambridge’s attacking play. Going 3-1 down before pulling a goal back later on to set up a tense finish. No easy games in this division going to be an intriguing league from top to bottom all season and we’ve barely gotten started.
  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details tonight. 

Match Report – Cambridge United Ladies v Lewes Ladies

Action from the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup this Sunday upon the Supporting Women’s Football Blog a trip to Mildenhall Town FC to watch Cambridge United WFC take on higher league opponents, Lewes Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division the visitors.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Lewes Ladies

 
  This Sunday sees the focus in the FAWPL switches from the league to the Cup with all of the 70 sides contesting the 6 Division’s drawn against each other in a Determining Round to decide which competition they will go on to the winners entering the FAWPL Cup competition which was won Tottenham Hotspur Ladies last season the losing sides going on to contest the FAWPL League Plate won by Coventry United Ladies. 

  Today’s match in the Determining Round sees me travel the short distance to Mildenhall Town FC to watch South East Division One side, Cambridge United WFC as they take on Southern Division side, Lewes Ladies. 

  Has been a fair amount of player movement at Cambridge United WFC over the close season as the club looks to build on last seasons record points haul in the FAWPL South East Division One and achieve their aim of promotion to the FAWPL Southern Division. Dawn Mallett has joined the club having had a brief spell on loan last season, has plenty of WSL 2 experience and will provide added steel to the midfield a useful player with a dead ball too. Nicole Perschky and Hollie Jardine both join the club from Stevenage Ladies. Evie Gallop comes to the club from the Essex Centre of Excellence. Ashleigh Deacon joins from Watford Ladies and just this week the club announced the arrival of Rosie Kmita having left Tottenham Hotspur Ladies a coup for the club, however she was unavailable to play in today’s cup tie. A good test for Cambridge today in the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup taking on a side from the league above.

  Lewes Ladies have in recent seasons established themselves in the FAWPL Southern Division and this season have gotten their season off to a fantastic start winning their opening fixture 7-2 at home to West Ham United Ladies and holding one of the title favourites Cardiff City Ladies to a 1-1 to lay 2nd in the fledgling table. A good start one to build on as their attention switches to the Cup, a long journey up from the South for today’s Determining Round tie. Have a few new signings in their squad too, Rebecca Carter comes to Lewes from Crawley Wasps Ladies. Kim Stenning has playing experience with both Brighton & Hove Albion WFC and Millwall Lionesses prior to joining Lewes Ladies whilst Fliss Love has signed on having been with Brighton’s Centre of Excellence. Have defender Rebecca Thompson back fit to after being out with a long term achilles injury. 

  Mildenhall Town FC is the venue for today’s match, Cambridge United WFC’s new home ground for the 2016/17 season. Easy to find close to the town centre, a fantastic playing surface sloping from one end to the other. Nice clubhouse and refreshments are available hot and cold. A fantastic playing surface the grass lush and green a slope on the pitch from one goal mouth to the other, a good size too. Several dark clouds around, threatening a shower or two, the sun eventually breaking through before kick-off.

  All clubs across the FAWPL holding a minutes applause before their matches in remembrance of 18-year-old Zoe Tynan who tragically passed away on Tuesday. A young talent gone too soon an U19 England International had recently joined Fylde Ladies. Thoughts are with her family and friends.

Applause in remembrance of Zoe Tynan before the match

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Hollie Jardine, Kayleigh-Anne Burt (C), Paige Logie, Tahnee Perfect, Evie Gallop, Laura Mills, Ashleigh Deacon, Becky Taylor & Nicole Perschky.
  subs – Carrie Bennett, Dawn Mallett & Faith Hewitt.

  Lewes Ladies starting XI – Lauren Dolbear, Hayley West, Charlie Carter, Rebecca Thompson, Kelly Newton (C), Georgia Bridges, Katie McIntyre, Kellie Larkin, Rachel Palmer, Rebecca Carter & Gabby Baldock.
  subs – Kim Stenning, Danielle Lane & Fliss Love.

  A slight knock for Cambridge’s captain, Laura Bright saw her sit out the match with vice-captain, Kayleigh-Anne Burt wearing the arm band, Paige Logie joining her at centre back for today’s match. A switch of ends at the coin toss sees Lewes take advantage of the slope 1st half with Cambridge kicking off the game wearing the new Cambridge United strip amber shirts with black vertical lines, black shorts and amber socks. Lewes are in their away colours, an all sky blue kit. Referee David Sorensen has a flat whistle as he blows to start the game a vigorous shake later and it’s back in business.

  A free kick straight away in the middle for Cambridge as Tahnee Perfect is bundled over a chance to pile players forwards up to the edge of the Lewes penalty box, Kayleigh-Anne Burt over the set-piece flighted up to the top of the area it’s Lewes Charlie Carter who heads the ball clear. Lewes break down the left with Gabby Baldock on the ball taking it into the Cambridge half turns in field, is tackled by Cambridge’s Evie Gallop the ball going out for a throw in. Lewes make headway down the left before the attempted cross goes out of play for a goal kick.

Cambridge United WFC’s, Evie Gallop contesting the ball with
Lewes Ladies, Katie McIntyre

  Kellie Larkin is busy in the middle for Lewes at the start of the match imposing herself on the ball and driving forwards with it at her feet shifts play out to the right with Hayley West coming forwards from right back sends the ball on down the line for Rebecca Carter who whips a cross into box, Cambridge’s Hollie Jardine lunges at the ball turning it behind for the corner kick

 GOAL! Less than 5 minutes on the clock and a chance for Lewes who have some tall players in their ranks to bring them forwards to attack the corner kick Kate McIntyre takes the corner is a fantastic delivery whipped into the box with pace, finds Georgia Bridges unmarked facing the near post gets her head over the ball knocking it in past goalkeeper Verity Crook and over the player at the post before she can react. 0-1.

  A good start from the visitors are causing Cambridge a few problems, Larkins with support from captain Kelly Newton in midfield in particular with Carter up front moving across the pitch to find pockets of space to receive the ball. It’s Carter in possession around the top right corner of the Cambridge box receiving from a throw-in good footwork as she tries to wriggle her way into the area, Burt comes across to make the tackle the ball isn’t cleared far comes back in Cambridge concede the corner. From the right goes long, however the referee spots a push on Crook the free-kick is awarded to Cambridge.

Kellie Larkin on the ball for Lewes Ladies

  More forceful running from Rebecca Carter down the right wing, drives on before squaring the ball into the Cambridge area, players from both sides have been drawn across the pitch, West has gotten forwards is looking to gt on the end of the cross hit a shot goalwards a yard inside the area, Cambridge’s Emma Jenkins closes her down the opportunity is gone. Cambridge aren’t getting much success up front in the opening 15 minutes Laura Mills right and Deacon left trying to make themselves available aren’t getting much change out of Thompson and West in the full-back positions. 

  Counter attack for Lewes, Baldock sending Rebecca Carter away down the left flank, races after the ball, wants to travel inside towards goal, Burt getting back on her forces her wide gets into the box the angle is against Carter nevertheless the gets a shot away with the outside of her boot, Crook has gotten across to cover her near post the shot lacking the power to beat her. 

Lewes ladies, Gabby Baldoock

  Cambridge having been on the back foot are starting to get some joy on the flanks play drawn inside Jenkins is able to run onto the ball in space on the right side her cross into the box is over Nicole Perschky, is cleared by the defender behind for a throw in the right, put back into the Lewes area West clears out to the middle, Mills latches onto it from 25 yards plus out sends the ball arrowing back in towards goal skims the top of the crossbar as it goes out for a goal-kick.

  A fantastic save from Lewes goalkeeper Lauren Dolbear to keep the 1 nil advantage in tack. Lewes are on the attack the ball is won back as Paige Logie tackles Carter at the back sends the ball long over the top clearing the Lewes defence caught static for a moment not Perschky however as she breaks clear getting her foot on the ball a one on one situation with the keeper developing, carrying the ball inside looks to shoot from outside the box curl the shot around the keeper with her left foot, Dolbear flings herself to her right getting a good glove on the ball turning it wide for the corner kick. Lewes defend the corner at the near post.the ball landing straight at the feet of Becky Taylor 25 yards out left of the box hits the shot back in sending the ball wide across the goal face. 

  This is a busy game alot happening both sides enjoying the pitch the ball travelling well upon it. Baldock has possession wide left for Lewes picks out a great pass to find Larkin central going forwards looks the lift the ball into the area with Bridges trying to steal in behind the Cambridge defence, the lob almost comes off, Logie just stretches her neck muscles to turn the ball away. 

 GOAL! Just as Cambridge look like they might find a way to level things up, Lewes get down the other end and double their advantage getting the ball down the left deep into the Cambridge half win a throw the ball is played into Larkin inside the box her shot is blocked the deflection sends the ball across the six yard box with Rebecca Carter well placed to hit the ball towards goal and score 0-2. 

 Half an hour played and their has been little respite from both sides. Larkin pushes on with the ball taking it to the right as she travels deep into the Cambridge half has Rebecca Carter with her charging on down the wing, has kept Jardine busy on that side the Cambridge left back stops the cross putting the ball out for a corner. Carter breaks from the middle of the area towards the near post to receive the corner lifts her boot connecting with the ball places it wide.

  Cambridge break the ball fizzed into Perschky back to goal inside the Lewes half, sends the ball out to the right with Mills racing into space getting it onto her feet hits the cross early along the face of the box with players from both sides racing up the pitch, it’s Taylor 20 yards out who latches onto the ball hitting it on the volley, plenty of power in the little chance to control it blasts the effort wide. 

 GOAL! Into the last 5 minutes of an action packed 1st half, Cambridge regain possession of the ball at the back as Lewes attack, launch a rapid counter move as Taylor brings the ball on picking out Perschky with a brilliant pass the striker turns and sprints towards the Lewes area her run identical to her earlier move only this time travelling into a central position reverses the shot playing it back across the diving Dolbear to her left and scores 1-2.

   Cambridge find time for on more attack in the 1st half Taylor bringing the ball on down the right, Perschky makes a move out to the wing wanting the ball, gets it then tries to pick out Mills making a run through the middle to get up into the area, the cross swerves in towards Dolbear who comfortably gathers

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-2 Lewes Ladies

  A busy 1st half full of entertainment, Lewes getting off to a fantastic start taking an early lead and dominating for a spell took Cambridge a little while to get into the game and just when they did they fell 2 nil down. Kept going and pulled a goal back late in the half to keep this Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup very much alive.
  Lewes get the 2nd half underway, any chance of rain has gone the sun bathing down now. A double change for the visitors at the start Baldock and Bridges are off with Kim Stenning and Fliss Love coming on. Haven’t even picked up my notepad and Lewes have the ball in the back of the net, Carter free on the right whips a cross into the box, Newton I think is the player who bundles it home, however it doesn’t stand as the linesman’s flag is raised.
  Deacon fouls Love wide on the right, McIntyre takes the free-kick playing the ball up the line for West to go after plays an early ball across the top of the box looking for Stenning, instead it’s Logie that gets to it first to head clear. Cambridge bring the ball over the half-way line the pass is to Perschky wide left 25 yards out plays the ball crossfield into Perfect who helps it on to Mills, has Jenkins go beyond her on the overlap plays her puts the ball into the box with Perfect trying to get in there, Charlie Carter charges down the ball and it’s cleared.
Lewes Ladies, Katie McIntyre gets the ball just ahead of Cambridge’s Ashleigh Deacon
 Cambridge are giving a few free-kicks away, gives the chance for McIntyre to play the ball up into the area, is on the ball wide right is virtually a corner kick, is swept into the area at a good height, Taylor back defending for Cambridge heads clear. Love on the ball on the right switches play well putting the ball inside to Larkin who in turn helps it further on for Palmer who strikes from outside the box, slices the ball away from goal. A change for Cambridge as the game approaches the 60 minute mark with Dawn Mallett returning from an injury lay-off coming on to replace Perfect. 
 Cambridge are getting much more possession of the ball 2nd half attacking down the slope, Perschky with the crossfield ball left to right for Mills rolls it back into the middle for Mallett, returns the pass Mills down the wing plays the ball into the box, Charlie Carter near post heads the ball away. Cambridge make a 2nd change Gallop coming off for Faith Hewitt. Cambridge win a free-kick wide right inside the Lewes half Mallett to put the ball in is cleared from the top of the area by Lewes, Jenkins picks it up for Cambridge on the right sends it back in Thompson heads it out this time the counter is on Love travelling with the ball looks to play it on for Carter, the offside flag stops her in her tracks.

Emma Jenkins
  Cambridge are applying much of the pressure 2nd half however Lewes are defending well, deep not allowing any way in behind. Jardine able to get forwards a little more 2nd half sends a long ball up into the area, looking for Perschky, West does well against her heads it back out of the area is gathered by Mallett 35 yards out sends the shot back in held by Dolbear. Cambridge continue to pressurise Perschky gathering the ball on the run taking it into the area from the left hits it towards goal is straight at Dolbear. 
 For a moment there everyone in the crowd thinks Cambridge have been awarded a penalty, as Taylor dribbling the ball towards the Lewes area is fouled by Charlie Carter it’s just outside however inside the D right side. Mallett on the free-kick hit’s it hard and low, the Lewes wall does its job blocking the shot and getting out to clear. Love is energetic finding space with some lively footwork to get clear of her markers for Lewes pushing inside from the right has Newton making a forwards run for her to get into the Cambridge box, Burt stretching just manages to get to it 1st.
  With 10 minutes of normal time left Lewes make their final change bring on Danielle Lane for Larkin. The visitors have a corner on the right the delivery into Rebecca Carter a good header from 10 yards out angling for the top corner, Crook shifting to her left jumps and plants her gloves firmly around the ball.Final change for Cambridge a straight swap at left back with Carrie Bennett coming on for Jardine 7 minutes left still 2-1 to Lewes.
 

Cambridge captain, Kayleigh-Anne Burt

Cambridge continue to push hard for an equalising have to risk getting hit on the counter 
but both sides are tiring. Perschky has been a threat all game for Cambridge manages to get past Charlie Carter at the back for once, Love tracking back lunges in to win the ball put it out for a throw. Left side the ball is played into Mallett central a great turn gives her a half yard of space 25 yards out to shout puts the ball straight into Dolbear’s midriff.

  Closing in on the 90 minute mark Cambridge push on the game is stretched, Stenning gets onto the end of a Palmer cross in from the left, looping up Crook holds onto the ball. At the other end Taylor is sent clear through the middle it’s a case of can she be closed down before she gets the ball away into the D, treads on the ball the chance is gone. Into injury time 5 minutes to be added Lewes attack the ball from Lane into Stenning on to Rebecca Carter right she crosses the ball in, Burt gets enough on the ball her deflection taking all the power off the ball runs safely through to Crook. 
 GOAL! A late, late corner for Cambridge players are sent forwards as Mills sends a fantastic ball into the six yard box is headed out of the area by Lewes Cambridge getting hold of it on the left the ball lifted back in is knocked on Hewitt volleys the ball goalwards it rattle the crossbar drops back down into the area Taylor is sharp nipping in to take it then sends the shot into the back of the net to cue wild celebrations as Cambridge make it 2-2. 
 
Becky Taylor scores the equalising goal at the death for
Cambridge United WFC to force the game into extra-time
Full-time Cambridge United WFC 2-2 Lewes Ladies

  That’s virtually it time for Lewes to get the ball up the other end but not enough time to retake the lead the game ends with the scores level at 2-2 and the game will see another 30 minutes of added time played. Cambridge were the stronger side 2nd half pushing forwards creating chance finding hard to break down a resolute Lewes defence time was running out scoring with their last attack in added time. All substitutes played by both sides which side would find the energy for another goal in extra-time.

Extra-time

Lewes Ladies and Cambridge United WFC rest and prepare for an additional 30 minutes
  Cambridge to kick off the 1st 15 minute period of extra-time attacking back up the slope. Have an early chance as the ball is played out to the right Love onto Carter her cross in towards the near post is met by Stenning sends the ball high over the bar. Hewitt for Cambridge launches a shot goalwards from 30 yards out is off target. Cambridge get the ball in from the right win a corner kick Taylor comes towards the ball inside the box drills a head down towards goal is blocked the deflection taking it behind for another corner. 
  Charlie Carter goes into the book as she brings down Hewitt in the centre circle the Cambridge attack almost away after she wins a 50/50 challenge. Mallett plays the ball into the box West and Hewitt go up for it the ball is knocked down across goal Mills meets it on the volley drives over the crossbar. 
 Mallett is fouled in a similar position to the earlier free-kick a little higher up the pitch Players go up into the box, Lewes’ Dolbear claims it they launch a counter attack the ball swept out to Rebecca Carter on the right over half way has support inside from McIntyre plays the ball inside takes on the strike from distance, gets plenty of pace on the ball, Crook leaps across to cover the top corner on her left the shot is just wide. 
  The scores remain 2-2 as the 1st half of extra-time comes to an end, Cambridge to attack down the slope in the 2nd period, Lewes kick-off
 GOAL! There is a goal right at the start of the 2nd period of extra-time the Lewes are on the attack the ball played into McIntyre in the centre brings it on into the Cambridge half passes out to Palmer free on the left, hits the cross early on the diagonal looping the ball up with Stenning going far post. it’s an own goal as Logie attempting to get her head on the ball can only turn it past the stranded Crook and into the back of the net. 2-3.

 12 minutes left to play can Lewes hold on to take the victory. Cambridge come forwards down the right Jenkins plays a long ball up towards the top corner of the area Dolbear coming for the ball claims well with Taylor breathing down her neck. 

Cambridge United WFC’s Dawn Mallett
 GOAL! The lead is sort lived as Cambridge winning the ball back inside their own half have Mallett on the ball plays a fantastic long pass over the top towards Perschky drifting left, receiving the ball turns inside heads towards the box seeing the danger Dolbear comes racing out to meet her goes down as she blocks the ball with her feet, the keeper grounded, the trapped ball hasn’t gone anywhere, Perschky has stayed on her feet can knock it past the keeper on the edge of the area and sends it home to equalise, races over to the bench to celebrate. 3-3

 Neither side settling for the looming penalty shootout Lewes attack Love with the ball up into Stenning right side into the box her shot straight into Crook across to cover her near post. The ball is soon up the other end the pass long into the box looking for Perschky, Thompson gets back on her to win the ball. Pushing forwards little time left Deacon is played in by Perschky down the left Taylor makes a run through the middle into the box left goes to put the ball across the six yard for Mills, Palmer tracking back defends getting there 1st the ball is cleared but only as far as Mallett who strikes from distance the shot wide.

 Full-time extra-time and the game will go to penalties.

Penalties
 
  Cambridge to get the penalty shootout underway the players opting to walk down the slope and take the penalties that end. Taylor up 1st for the home side hits the ball hard to the Dolbear’s right she guesses right but her dive is in vain 1-0.
 
  Stenning is up 1st to take the penalty for Lewes keeps it low and accurate into the bottom corner to Crook’s left 1-1.
 
  2nd penalty taker for Cambridge is Perschky, hits a high penalty into the back of the net evading Dolbear who again guesses the right way 2-1.
 
  Palmer takes Lewes’ 2nd penalty a good penalty kept down to the keepers left 2-2.
 
 Cambridge captain, Burt to take the 3rd penalty lifts her effort up over the keeper and into the top of the net3-2
 
  Lane to take Lewes 3rd penalty, goes to place the ball low into the bottom corner, Crook guesses right throwing herself to her right gets her gloves on the ball to push it away, save the score remains 3-2.
 
  Cambridge’s 4th penalty taker is Jenkins goes to put the ball down the middle, Dolbear makes a comfortable save stays 3-2.
 
  Charlie Carter up next for Lewes again looks to hit the ball low to the keepers right, Crook throws herself at it and saves another still 3-2.
 
  One penalty of the regular 5 left for Cambridge score it and they win the Cup tie. It’s Mallett to take hits the ball low and accurate into the bottom left corner to win it for Cambridge 4-2.
 
Cambridge celebrate after winning on penalties
   That’s it Cambridge win the penalty shootout 4-2 to end a cracking game of football the players race into the area in celebration piling on top of Mallett. It’s a tough way to end a match but has to be settled one way. So Cambridge advance to the League Cup proper whilst Lewes will contest the League Plate not too many sides will fancy drawing them. 35 sides contesting each competition a preliminary round will take place to bring it down to 32 for the 1st round proper.
  A great advert for women’s football the game ebbed and flowed, drama Cambridge coming back from 2-0 to score an equaliser deep in injury time to force extra-time, both sides going on to score in extra-time then the drama of penalties. I’m exhausted writing this match report so can only imagine how the players feel.
  My thanks to Lewes Ladies, Jane Roberts for her help with the team details today. Best of luck to both sides for their respective cup competitions. 

Women’s Football East to Sponsor Cambridge Utd WFC Duo

  Women’s Football East is pleased to announce that it is to sponsor Cambridge United WFC duo Emma Jenkins and Paige Logie for the upcoming 2016/17 season.

  It extends player sponsorship with the FAWPL South East Division One side into a 4th season since becoming involved with the club with Women’s Football East, coming after its sister site the Supporting Women’s Football Blog before. As founder of both and a keen supporter of the women’s game I have sponsored women’s football players for 5 seasons now and am pleased to continue to offer support in this way. Believe it is a positive and rewarding thing to do to show support and help a club and its individual players.

 This season Women’s Football East will be sponsoring two players from Cambridge United WFC, Emma Jenkins and Paige Logie.

 EmmaJenkins1

 

 

Sponsored Emma Jenkins last season too and am pleased to be able to do so again. An attack minded full-back with plenty of pace, likes to get forwards be involved when Cambridge attack. Marks well tracking back and doesn’t make it easy for anyone to get past her. 

 

paige1

 

 

 

 Striker Paige Logie joined Cambridge United WFC last season scoring 7 goals in 11 appearances which went along way to helping the club to achieve a record points haul and finish in the league. Strong on and off the ball often the foil through the middle of the attack.

 

 

 

Cambridge United WFC are looking to build on last seasons superb finish and get up amongst the promotion chasers and both players will be influential in helping them achieve that goal. Best of luck to Emma and Paige for the upcoming season. 

 

 

Cup Final Report – Cambridge United WFC v Great Shelford Ladies

 

Cup Final Report – Cambridge United WFC v Great Shelford Ladies

 
   Trip to Histon FC this Thursday evening to watch the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final sponsored by S-Tech Insurance between Cambridge United WFC and Great Shelford Ladies.

  Something of a regular fixture these days as the 2 leading sides in women’s football in Cambridgeshire contest the final for the 4th consecutive season, Cambridge United WFC, (or Cambridge WFC as they were previously) winning the trophy on each occasion. A rearranged final having been originally scheduled for 2 weeks ago, heavy rain before the match left standing water on the pitch and unsafe travelling conditions led to the match being unfortunately called off.

Road to the Final
 
  Contrasting season’s for both sides, Cambridge United WFC had a poor start to the season failing to pick up a win and going out of the FA Women’s Cup, turned thing’s around going on an 8 match unbeaten run to climb up the FAWPL South east Division One table have finished top half with their best points haul in the league. Defending the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup entered the competition in the 2nd Round a home win was awarded against opponents Fulbourn Bluebirds. 
  Were on the road in the quarter finals away to Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side Newmarket Town Ladies, played at Newmarket Town FC, Cambridge United WFC were far too strong on the day winning the game 9-0. On the the semi-finals and a good test as they were drawn against Cambridge City Ladies young guns hoping to win the Premiership title in their 1st season at that level. Cambridge United WFC won the game 6-2 to reach the final once again.
  Playing in the league below Cambridge United WFC, in the ERWFL Premier Division it has been a tough season for Great Shelford Ladies have been near the bottom of the table all season unable to get a decent run of games in in a stop start season, as they look to bring in a few younger players to build for the future.
   Were away to Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North side March Town United Ladies in the 2nd Round won the game 4-1 to make the quarter finals and a home draw against Premiership side Bar Hill Ladies. Won the game 5-1 to advance through to the semi-finals. Faced another Premiership side away from home with title ambitions ICA Sports Ladies who had beaten higher league opponents in the quarter finals knocking out Riverside Rovers Ladies in a penalty shoot out. No upset this time around with Great Shelford Ladies winning 3-1 to set up another final with Cambridge.

  The venue Histon FC just off the A14, a good sized non-league stadium with great facilities a large main seated stand overlooking the dugouts, A bar situated at the back. Hot and col refreshments below. Covered stands all around which was just as well as the weather although dry at the start of the game was going to get very wet later, dark clouds filling the sky the wind starting to pick up as the two sides walked out onto the pitch.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Lucy Du Plooy, Laura Bright (C), Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Laura Baker, Hannah Goodchild, Laura Mills, Becky Taylor, Faith Hewitt & Paige Logie.
subs – Tahnee Perfect, Carrie Bennett, Isabella Simmons, Monique Christian & Nicola Geoghan.

Great Shelford Ladies starting XI – Laura Gilbey (C), Katie Sims, Katie Webb, Cindy Ponder, Claire Creek, Sophie Lanham, Alison Wright, Jordanne Sillitoe, Sophie Hopkin, Kate Saunders & Rachael Pearce
subs – Natalie Shenton, Abigail Davies, Claire Andrews, Sophie Ugur & Chloe Houston.

 (roll on roll off substitutes)
   It’s Great Shelford to kick off the 1st half of the final wearing claret shirts with sky blue sides and sleeves against Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and amber socks. Jordanne Sillitoe is on the ball early played in down the right wing, driving forwards is stopped by Cambridge’s Lucy Du Plooy at left back. 
Winning a free kick on half-way a chance for Great Shelford to play it long into the Cambridge area, Cindy Ponder to put the ball in, goes into the box bouncing Cambridge goalkeeper Verity Crook calls for it and claims. 
  Emma Jenkins is released into space on the right as Cambridge go forwards, Faith Hewitt putting her in to attack, bringing the ball on whips in an early cross long across the Great Shelford box, were Becky Taylor who previously played for Great Shelford is racing in, can’t quite get there to turn the ball home as it runs out of play for a goal kick. On the right side again Laura Mills carries the ball down the flank squaring a cross in towards Paige Logie coming over to receive the ball inside the box, lays it back to the face of the area with Laura Baker running in meets it hitting the shot 1st time sees her effort run wide across the goal.
  Cambridge win a free kick on the left side inside the Great Shelford half the ball played high into the box is sent back out Cambridge get hold of it a strike from distance comes in, goes high and wide, a corner kick is signalled the ball taking a deflection on the way out. Mills on corner duty plays the ball into the centre of the box, Great Shelford’s Alison Wright rises to head the ball away.
 Cambridge are finding space for their wide players to attack have the Great Shelford defence back tracking, Ponder and fellow centre back Claire Creek are dealing with most thing’s flung into the so far. In the centre Wright get’s her foot on the ball and carries it forwards a surge into the Cambridge area, captain Laura Bright gets across to put in the tackle and win the ball putting it out for a corner kick. Played long from the left goes over everyone gathered inside the six yard box out for a goal kick. 
  The wind has been getting stronger and in comes the rain as it starts to fall Baker nods the ball forwards in the midfield getting free plays the ball out to Mills wide right, driving up the pitch cuts back inside trying to take the ball beyond Ponder into the area to shoot the central defender stands firm winning the ball. Taylor coming forwards into the Great Shelford half sends the ball over the top with Mills racing forwards ahead of her meets the dropping ball on the volley drives wide.
  GOAL! 25 minutes into the 1st half the chances have been building for Cambridge as the open the scoring, the ball is played forwards from midfield into the area, bouncing as it comes in Mills is looking to get onto the end of it, comes through to goalkeeper and captain Laura Gilbey, inside her six yard box under challenge manages to pluck it out of the air but drops it as she falls to the ground, the ball spilling out to the left, Baker is up with her and getting onto the end of the ball taps it home 1-0.
 
  The Great Shelford defence breached Cambridge keep coming a powerful run from Logie moving into space on the right, turns and plays the ball across the face of the Great Shelford box Hewitt gets her foot over the shot to turn it towards goal, runs straight through to the gloves of Gilbey. A mazy run from Mills on the ball sees her come inside her shot from outside the box charged down by Ponder. 
  Great Shelford’s attackers haven’t had much opportunity to link up 1st half getting hold of the ball inside the Cambridge half, Katie Saunders plays the ball out to Rachael Pearce on the left pushes on then looks to put the ball square into Sophie Hopkin coming through the middle can’t quite take the ball on as it just evades her allowing Cambridge the chance to clear. Double change for Cambridge, Isabella Simmons and Tahnee Perfect coming on for Hewitt and Goodchild. 
  Wright is up inside the Cambridge box for a free kick sent in from halfway pulls away right trying to bring the ball down with defender Kayleigh-Anne Burt on her, squeezes a shot away, too many bodies to get through, takes a deflection sending it behind for the corner. Comes in central Crook comes and claims unchallenged. Again Wright is brought down as she tries to carry the ball forwards through the middle of the park, 30 yards out Sophie Lanham takes this one goes for goal gets the ball past the wall, runs wide of goal.
  Taylor attacks up the left for Cambridge pushing on has Logie available inside the box coming out towards the ball, Taylor plays it into her Logie hits the shot on the turn looking to put the ball high into the back of the net, Gilbey has come to close her down gets her gloves on the ball to push it out of her area. 
  Late on in the 1st half, Hopkin gets free into space on the right a chance to take the ball on into the Cambridge box, entering the area evades Bright and shoots, coming across to cover her central defensive partner Burt makes a great block to deny the goal scoring opportunity. Change for Great Shelford late on too Lanham coming off and Sophie Ugur coming on.
Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Great Shelford Ladies
   Cambridge lead one nil at the break, Laura Baker with the goal. A slender lead, they have had plenty of attacks, getting down the wings and could have had more. Great Shelford will be happy to have kept the scoreline down have worked hard to defend found it difficult to pose a threat up the other end. Cambridge get the 2nd half underway.
  Sillitoe has been looking to take on players every time she has the ball at her feet get’s fouled by Du Plooy this time free kick awarded wide right around 25 yards out. Saunders is over the ball, plays in a great delivery towards the far post Great Shelford have two runners coming in, the ball lands favourably for the defender in between them and the ball is headed away. 
  Simmons has been lively in attack for Cambridge since coming on 1st half, seeing shots blocked from outside the area. The ball is played into her in a central position this time from the left side, going for the shot the ball takes a wicked deflection spinning away for a corner kick. Put in to the plays coming to attack the near post is met by a Cambridge head the ball turned across goal goes over the crossbar.
 Bright is booked as she fouls Wright halfway inside the Cambridge half, the ball is played high into the Cambridge area, calls for hand ball as the ball drops for Burt then runs out of play, the crowd and Great Shelford bench have a better angle to see it than the referee on the other side of the play who awards a goal kick. 
  A shot from Taylor coming into the box from the left following good play between Simmons and Logie in front of the Great Shelford area rolling the ball into Taylor’s path she shoots the ball held by Gilbey. Perfect coming forwards lays the ball into Mills out on the right sends the cross in to the area, Taylor the target, Ponder gets her head on it 1st behind for a corner.
Paige Logie
  GOAL! Mills to take the corner plays it in to the near post area the ball is headed away by Great Shelford outside the box Cambridge retrieve play the ball back out to Mills who stands the ball up into the area, near side again the ball is met by Simmons headed on into the six yard box where it is met by Logie who heads home from close range to make it 2-0.
 
   Great Shelford make a double change Chloe Houston and Abigail Davies coming on for Hopkin and Katie Sims who is struggling with an earlier knock. Carrie Bennett comes on for Du Plooy for Cambridge.
 
Laura Baker scoring
twice in the final
  GOAL! Cambridge extend their lead as they get bodies forwards have Taylor on the ball surges down the left wing, looking to get around the player in front of her and turn into the area, doing so squares the ball along the face of the box with Baker timing her run to perfection hitting the shot 1st time angles low and accurate inside the post squeezing past the diving keeper. 3-0.
 
 Cambridge corner on the right the ball put high into the box Gilbey jumps to catch it looses it as she is knocked to the ground, Logie gets hold of the lose ball inside the six yard box, looks to smash it goalwards, Great Shelford block the ball landing for Gilbey to pull into her body, gets the decision this time around. Mills bursts into the Great Shelford area as the ball is played long, hits the shot on the run, Gilbey gets down sharply makes the save pushing the ball out to the left, Ponder is back help out and gets the ball up the field.
  Logie comes off for Cambridge as they bring on Monique Christian. Ponder comes off for Great Shelford, Andrews going back on. Cambridge win a couple of corner kicks that sees the ball headed over the cross bar then put wide of goal. As the rain starts to fall heavily across the ground, Cambridge bring off Burt and Baker send Goodchild and Hewitt back into the action. A fantastic run by Sillitoe on the ball carrying it half the length of the pitch darting inside to run at the Cambridge area, goes to shoot the ball blocked by Goodchild. 
 More changes as the game goes into the final 10 minutes, Wright and Ugur off, Lanham and Pearce return to the pitch. Simmons and Hewitt both see shots from outside the box charged down by Creek and Webb. Jenkins getting forwards has a go from further out the ball is gathered by Gilbey. Closing minutes and a touching gesture from Cambridge late on named amongst tonight’s substitutes Nicola Geoghan is brought on replacing Taylor. Geoghan has unfortunately had to retire from the game having sustained a concussion early in the season and following doctors advice has decided to hang up her boot, highly thought of at the club she will be greatly missed on the field. 
  Hopkin back on for Great Shelford almost steals in behind the Cambridge defence but Crook has seen the threat and is out of her area early to close the ball down launch it clear. Last chance of the match falls of Geoghan up in attack the ball squared across the face of the area, she and Gilbey slide in for it Gilbey managing to claim the ball. That signals the end of the game and Cambridge celebrate retaining the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup in the pouring rain. Their 1st trophy as United.
  Were the dominant side on the night created plenty of chances although Great Shelford did well to keep the scoreline down to 1-0 at half-time had few chances to score themselves. Will be hoping for better thing’s next season although they won’t be doing it as Great Shelford Ladies. Histon FC will be their new home as they are to become Histon Ladies adopted by the men’s club helps to ensure a lasting future for the club.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup winners, Cambridge United WFC
 Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC  on retaining the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup once again. My thanks to Cambridgeshire FA’s Chris Abbott for his help tonight.

Match Report – Luton Town Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

 Latest match report on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, from Sun 3rd April

Match Report – Luton Town Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

   Sunday’s women’s football action comes from the Stockwood Park Athletics Stadium a match in the FAWPL South East Division One with Luton Town Ladies hosting Cambridge United WFC.

  A clash between 4th and 5th in the FAWPL South East Division One table, both clubs enjoying a good league campaign. Luton Town Ladies got off to a flyer unbeaten in their opening 6 league fixtures and were in amongst the top 3 for a good part of the season have fallen out of the race for the title in recent weeks losing crucial games against the sides battling for promotion. Finished 4th last season on 27 points, have gathered 31 points so far this season and with 4 games left will want to push on. Made probably the best signing in the league at the start of the season bringing in Natasha Fensome from local rivals Bedford Ladies. Was one of the best players in the league during the 2014/15 season, a talent that wouldn’t look out of place in the FAWSL, a goal scoring midfielder/attacker has scored 22 goals in all competitions for Luton Town Ladies so far this season.

  Totally the opposite start to the season for Cambridge United WFC, got off to a poor start failing to win any of their opening 8 league matches, the turn around came in October holding league leaders Crystal Palace Ladies to a draw the club then went on a unbeaten 8 match run that included 6 wins to propel them up the league table, smashing their previous seasons 20 point tally along the way, up to 3rd at one point had played more than others around them that has seen them drop to 5th place as games are caught up. On 29 points with 4 games to go will be looking to finish in 4th place too.

  Both Luton Town Ladies and Cambridge United WFC have reached the finals of their respective County Cup competitions.

  The venue for today’s match the Stockwood Park Athletics Stadium situated on the Stoockwood County Park in Luton a multi-purpose facility a large open green space very busy on what was a bright and sunny start to April, 3rd time lucky at reaching the venue bad weather saw the fixture postponed earlier in the year and last season traffic stopped me on the A1 and had to divert but still managed to watch Sandy Ladies in action instead. Here at last the football pitch as you can imagine is in the centre of a running track, seating over looking one side the clubhouse in the corner, under the flight path of Luton Airport planes coming and going overhead. 

  Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Hollie Staples, Rachel Carter, Jessica McKay, Rachel Kosky, Michelle Byrne, Shannon Pratt, Nicola Henman, Zara Carroll, Shanice Jiminez (C), Natasha Fensome & Joanne Rutherford.
  subs – Erica Byron, Kezia Hassell, Samiara Khan, Tamera Bayne & Abbie Luby.

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Tafadzwa Mhunduru, Emma Jenkins, Lucy Du Plooy, Laura Bright (C), Kayleigh Anne Burt, Tahnee Perfect, Hannah Goodchild, Laura Mills, Becky Taylor, Laura Baker & Paige Logie.
  subs – Carrie Bennett, Faith Hewitt & Isabella Simmons.

   It’s Luton to get the 1st half under way wearing orange shirts and socks with navy shorts. Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and amber socks. 1st team goalkeeper Verity Crook was unavailable which gave Cambridge’s Reserve side goalkeeper, Tafadzwa Mhunduru a chance to start between the sticks.

  The ball goes out for a Cambridge throw early on, taken on their right the ball is played into Hannah Goodchild in the centre then sent on to Laura Baker, she looks to play the ball into the Luton area with Laura Mills making the run on the right wing, the pass a little heavy gives Luton goalkeeper, Hollie Staples an early touch of the ball.Cambridge come again as Tahnee Perfect tackles to win the ball back in the centre of midfield sends the ball out to Mills on the right, takes the ball on into the corner looking for room to cross, doesn’t get it as Luton left back Jessica McKay stays on her challenges and puts the ball out for a throw.

Coming down the other end Luton win themselves an free kick out on the right 22 yards out, have their captain Shanice Jiminez over the ball, sweeps it in along the face of the area, Rachel Kosky up from the back can’t quite get control of the ball to turn it back into the box, is knocked on for Natasha Fensome on the far side of the area, takes the ball into the area looking for a way round Cambridge right back Emma Jenkins, can’t find room the ball running out for a goal kick.

  Luton get the ball back in midfield play the pass out to Fensome on halfway looks to take on Jenkins, Laura Bright, Cambridge’s captain comes across to help the ball is put out for a corner kick. Played in from the left is a high delivery in swinging towards the far post, Cambridge goalkeeper, Mhunduru goes up for it doesn’t make contact drops down far post the pace takes it out far side before anyone can connect to turn in. McKay wins the ball back from Mills an sets up a rapid counter attack for Luton putting Fensome in down the left, travelling with the ball goes for the early strike long way out sending the ball across goal, Mhunduru dives however the shot is off target going out the far side. A few over zealous tackles are coming in the referee content for now to have a word.

Free kick for Cambridge on halfway, Bright over the ball, Lucy Du Plooy, Cambridge’s left back makes a run up the left side as Bright plays it long to Becky Taylor attacking from that side wins the header, knocks it down for Du Plooy then peels off the Luton defence to get in behind, gets the ball back and flashes a cross along the Luton six yard box, spinning out of play before anyone can arrive to send it in.

  Luton are putting pressure on the Cambridge back line whenever they have the ball their forwards, Fensome left, Jiminez right and Joanne Rutherford through the centre closing the ball down and forcing the error to regain possession, but as yet neither goalkeeper has been forced into making a save. Jiminez slices a shot well wide as she latches onto a header from Kayleigh Anne Burt at the back. Throw for Cambridge on half way the ball put into Perfect onto Taylor left plays it central into Baker up to Paige Logie who holds the ball up long enough for Taylor to make a run to get into the area, tries to play her in, Staples has sharp to it and 1st to the ball. 

Luton’s Zara Carroll with Cambridge’s Tahnee Perfect

Another rapid counter attack Luton work the ball down the other end of the pitch with speed, Zara Carroll onto Jiminez on the right, plays in the early cross sending the ball long to the far post with Fensome having covered alot of ground to get there turns the ball on target dropping inside the post, Mhunduru dives to her right and turns the ball around for a corner kick. Cambridge deal with the initial corner send the ball up to halfway.

   GOAL! No sooner have Cambridge got the ball away from their box from the corner Luton get hold of the ball and sending it back out to the left win themselves another corner. A great delivery swept in across the face of the goal is turned goalwards at the far post headed back in at close range the Cambridge defender covering the post blocks the effort but falling as they do so can’t stop the rebound as it is ends up in the back of the net, Nicola Henman with the headed ball at the far post claims the goal as Luton take the lead 1-0.

  Chance for Cambridge to get straight back on level terms, Perfect playing a great crossfield pass out to Mills on the right gives her a chance to get behind McKay who has offered her little opportunity so far in the match, a good cross fired along the six yard line Logie is there well placed in the centre of goal looks to get her head on the ball turn it wide of Staples, sends it wide at the far post too. Players square up to each other on the far side of the pitch as another strong challenge goes unpunished.

Pressing with the ball in the Luton half, Mills lays the ball into Baker on the right side of the area, she is closed down by  Rachel Carter, the central defender bringing the ball out and setting up a counter attack passing to Shannon Pratt, she has Fensome ahead of her coming inside, given the ball she is allowed to travel along way with the ball, has the option to shoot, instead looks for Rutherford peeling away on the left side of the area tries to pick her out, has strayed half a yard offside.

   GOAL! Another free kick is given away in the middle as Henman fouls Perfect on halfway. Bright delivers the ball long up the right channel looking for Taylor who is peeling round the defence the ball squeezes through players to get to her in behind tries to cross the ball is deflected behind for a corner kick. Mills to take from the left is a fantastic delivery in swinging towards the middle of goal high, Staples goes up for it gets a finger tips to it, not enough as it drops down at the far post where Bright is arriving to bundle the ball over the line get Cambridge back on level terms 1-1.

Michelle Byrne on the ball for Luton Town Ladies


 Michelle Byrne hasn’t had too many opportunities to break from right back for Luton in the game, bringing the ball on over halfway delivers a high ball into the box with both Rutherford and Fensome charging forwards to get into the area, going long Fensome goes up with Bright as both look to get there head on the ball hits one or the others shoulder drops down inside the six yard box, Rutherford gets a foot to the ball trying to get around Burt, can’t get a meaningful touch the ball is gathered by Mhunduru. 

Half-time Luton Town Ladies 1-1 Cambridge United WFC

    Been a lively 1st half, play disrupted by a number of free kick, some robust challenges from Luton in particular but as yet the referee has been happy to keep his cards in his pocket. Luton have pressed the ball well and defending deep, Cambridge have found little opportunity to get in round the back. The full backs on both side having a busy game but for the large part winning the battle.
  Cambridge to kick off the 2nd half. Look for Mills wide right straight from kick off the ball runs long out for a goal kick. Luton play the ball out from the back, McKay sends the ball up the left for Fensome ahead of her, squares the ball early across the face of the area, catches Rutherford by surprise, improvises trying to side foot the ball on into the area, runs out of play on the right for a goal kick. Attacking down the right, Jiminez wins Luton a corner kick. The ball is delivered towards the near post area, Henman goes up for it getting her head on the ball lifts the shot over the crossbar. Fensome has taken up a higher attacking position joining Rutherford up top early in the 2nd half.
Luton Town Ladies, Jessica McKay
  Byrne on the right comes again for Luton up the pitch comes inside plays the ball on to Henman in the centre of the Cambridge half, looks to play the pass into Rutherford ahead of her back to goal, outside the area the striker is looking to hook the ball on into the area send it to her left, Bright is positioned well behind her to intercept the ball play it out into Goodchild to send long for Taylor on the left. Puts the cross into the area near side for Logie, good turn from the striker to deceive her marker, looks to play in Baker free on the edge of the area, the pass is short gives Carter a chance to get her foot on the ball 1st. 

   GOAL! Busy in the midfield, Henman gets hold of the ball bringing in on plays the pass out wide right to Jiminez, she looks to play the early cross in towards the face of the Cambridge area Rutherford and Fensome are inside the D, Rutherford plays a good dummy ducking under the ball letting it fall to Fensome beyond, the no 10 takes the ball on into the area, Jenkins is with her does her best to force her wide of goal as she takes the ball out to the right the angle against her Fensome still manages to get the shot away cutting the ball back across goal, going down Mhunduru gets a glove to the ball but isn’t enough to stop it rolling over the line2-1 Luton retake the lead.

Natasha Fensome with the goal
to put Luton 2-1 up

Free kick for Cambridge wide right, Baker to take 20 yards out, sends it into the area with good height and pace, it’s Carter who rises highest to head the ball clear for Luton. Cambridge make a change bringing off Perfect, sending on Isabella Simmons to join the attack.

   Mass brawl! It had been bubbling up the tackles hadn’t been stamped on by the referee players have been snapping at each other it boils over in the middle, Baker and Pratt go for each other pushing, then everyone else rushes in, ugly scenes totally unnecessary don’t want to see it. Goodchild joins in is shoved to the ground by Carroll, Bright ends up on the ground too, everyone’s there takes the referee a minute to sort it out, going to be repercussions as he talks to his officials, case of what stood out in the melee. Carroll and Goodchild are called over the latter receiving a yellow card, Carroll is shown a straight red as Luton are reduced to 10. Tensions are high all over the park.

  Back to the football. Jiminez goes down in the middle looked innocuous but she appears to be in some discomfort and needs to come off. Luton make the change sending on Erica Byron. Shouts for a penalty from Cambridge as Mills plays a long pass down the centre of the pitch for Logie whose touch places the ball out wide right for Simmons to attack entering the area Carter lunges for the ball, Simmons goes over the ball travels out to Byrne further right, Carter having gotten to it 1st. Byrne clears the ball up the line, Cambridge win it back send it long again Carter needs to keep watch for Simmons closing in Staples as she sets herself to claim the falling ball inside her box. Cambridge bring on Faith Hewitt for Goodchild the move seeing Logie drop into a deeper role.

   Jenkins looks to play the ball across the park pick out Taylor on the far side the ball is intercepted by Luton but knocked down into the path of Baker 25 yards out, looks to lob the ball high into the area, ends up lobbing it over. Cambridge build another attack down the right side Jenkins bringing it on passes into Simmons on the centre sends the ball out to Mills on the wing and turns to head in towards the area. Mills holding the ball up on the wing has Jenkins up with her 20 yards out gets the ball back turns and rolls it into Simmons ahead of her, takes on the shot inside the D with the outside of her boot sending it in on target, Staples is well placed to make the save.

Cambridge United WFC right back, Emma Jenkins

Less than 10 minutes left Cambridge are pushing forwards a free kick on the right put into the area by Baker, once again it’s one of the 2 Luton centre backs who get’s their head to the ball Kosky this time the ball put out of play for a corner. Mills plays the ball long towards the far post, Burt sees her shot blocked at close range. Still the risk of a Luton counter with Rutherford staying up top as Cambridge pile players forwards the home side defend well bodies behind the ball no space available behind. Send the ball long Burt can only get a glancing header on the ball carries through to Rutherford edge of the area, Jenkins gets across in front of her to win the ball prevent the shot.

   Cambridge can’t find a way back into the match late on as the referee blows the final whistle and Luton win2-1 to take all 3 points to open up a 5 point gap over Cambridge to consolidate 4th spot in the table with 3 league games left to play. A scrappy game, competitive shame tempers boiled over but with passionate and committed players on both sides always likely. Two sides that will feel they have the platform to kick on and aim higher. 
Speaking to Luton manager Nikki Baker after the match she certainly feels Luton have had opportunities this season to improve on last seasons 4th placed finish push for the top of the table.

   Good to have finally gotten this match in, thanks to both sides for their help with the teams as always.  

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Old Actonians Ladies

co5

 Football was the 1st love on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Valentine’s Day. The latest match report, featuring a match from the FAWPL South East Division One. 4th placed Cambridge United WFC were at home at Ely City FC taking on Old Actonians Ladies who haven’t played a league match since the start of November last year and have played half the fixtures Cambridge have. The newly promoted side have slipped down the table due to lack of league action will be looking to start picking up the points whilst Cambridge having just seen an unbeaten run of 8 matches end will want to put another run together to finish the season on a high. For all of the action click on the link below to take you to the SWF Blog

Cambridge United WFC v Old Actonians Ladies