Tag Archives: Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

Match Report – Newmarket Town Women Development v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Sunday 27th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

April drawing to a close, well into the business end of the season, lots still to play for, however I thought I’d go for something a little different this Sunday, visit two club in a celebratory mood having both claimed silverware already this season, from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football league a trip to Newmarket, their women’s Development side lifting the League Cup hosting the new Division One Champions, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds.

 Just a handful of games left to play in Cambridgeshire Division One, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds under new manager Shane Lebbon wrapping up the Division One title with games to spare, today their final match of the season. Newmarket Town Women Development lifting the League Cup just over two weeks ago with 3 games left, in third amongst a cluster of sides vying for that position in the table.

Newmarket Town Women Development fishing the campaign on a high, considering they lost their 3 opening matches of the season, have rallied well picking up points and going all the way in the League Cup. At the heart of a club built very much on youth with players in the current development side having played for Newmarket at various age groups and some of this side featuring for the first team itself this season. Losing 4-3 at Fulbourn on the opening day of the season, were to play them again in the semi-finals of the League Cup 2-0 down at the break came roaring back 2nd half to win the game 5-2 to reach the final. Goals throughout the side, Amber May just ahead as top scorer with 14 so far from her 14 matches with Cerys Bithell one behind on 13 from her 18 games, Alex Shelford and Ailie Rennie on 6 goals apiece.

Shane Lebbon enjoying a long coaching spell with Newmarket prior to taking a break from coaching, persuaded to come back to coach Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. Celebrating their 20th season. I saw them play in their very first game of the season eventually going out on penalties in the FA Women’s Cup prior to the new Division One campaign starting, on paper looked the favourites it was just a case of seeing who would emerge as a likely challenger, as it was Fulbourn would only lose one game and draw one other on their way to clinching the title. Have one of the most potent attacks in Cambridgeshire, scoring 105 between them last season finishing runners-up in both the league and league cup. Ellie Woodley scoring 41 of those goals, she’s been on fire again this season rattling in another 39 goals in just 19 matches. Captain, Marie Stubbings is no slouch in front of goal either 21 last season, has fired home 25 this campaign. Well backed up by Ebony Crook and Megan Chandler who both have 12 each.

Newmarket Town FC’s, Tristel Stadium the venue for this afternoon encounter. The cork based artificial playing surface a good size, well used throughout the season. Over looked by a seated covered stand beside the changing rooms and clubhouse, the bar open to serve cold drinks, needed today with the weather very warm for the end of April with a mini heat wave on the horizon. Bright and sunny a little cloud around but no rain any time soon.

Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Charlotte Duhy, Jess Linger (C), Eden Kirby-Cook, Rebecca Reynolds, Jazmine Sarpong, Sophie Carter, Caranta Peyton, Amelia Thompson, Alex Shelford, Cerys Bithell & Amber May. Subs – Holly Corley, Niamh Bridgeman, Cerys Compton, Abi Gibson & Ruby Lakey.

Newmarket Town Women Development

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Emily Facerova, Seema Grewal, Alex Milner, Jess Adams, Jess Anderson, Hollie Turner, Nat Wells, Ebony Crook, Marie Stubbings (C), Megan Chandler & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Amy Smith, Grace Muffett, Caragh Dangerfield & Eve Seyf.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Newmarket to get the game started kicking off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts with claret sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. The ball lifted into Jazmine Sarpong in the Newmarket defence, clipped long into the right channel for Cerys Bithell to attack, Alex Milner getting it under control for Fulbourn the visitors work the ball into the middle, Hollie Turner sending it out to right wing, Eden Kirby-Cook winning it back for the hosts.

A tentative start both sides playing probing balls forwards easily cut out neither making any head way. Megan Chandler coming inside with the ball from the left for Fulbourn looknig to send Ellie Woodley in behind the Newmarket defence with a diagonal ball in to the right of the area, Newmarket goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy out quickly to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball.

Amelia Thompson getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Newmarket getting on the drive coming right sends the pass on for Bithell making the run ahead of her coming inside into the box taking the ball on pushing hard on goal the angle closing at the near post strikes the ball, rising, Fulbourn goalkeeper, Emily Facerova coming to close the angle getting her gloves up above her head to beat the ball down into the turf get hold of the ball.

Amelia Thompson bringing Newmarket forwards

Newmarket lively pushing players on as they gain possession of the ball inside the Fulbourn half, Sophie Carter on for Thompson threaded through the defence into Amber May’s feet left of the D, Facerova rushing out to close her down slides in making the blocking save at May’s feet the ball deflected away to the left, Alex Shelford getting forwards to lift a cross back into the six yard box, Facerova back on her feet, recovering to grab hold of the ball.

Alex Shelford coming forwards with the ball for Newmarket

Fulbourn look to advance on the right, Crook taking the ball on, Kirby-Cook tackling to win the ball back, Newmarket counter attack the ball into the middle Thompson driving on into the left channel closed down by Fulbourn’s, Jess Adams. Caranta Peyton stealing in to win the ball central for Newmarket forwards into Thompson, shifts it between her feet taking the ball right fed into Bithell right of goal 20 yards out, spins off, Milner to break into the box blazes her strike over the crossbar.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings gathers the ball into her feet on half way turns to lead the charge forwards through the middle, running into traffic as the Newmarket defence look to close the door, Payton lunging in to get hold of the ball outside the D. Nat Wells coming away with the ball central for Fulbourn clipping it into the left wing for Woodley to chase down pushing for the area cuts inside looks to cross, Newmarket captain, Jess linger throwing out a leg to cut out the cross.

Newmarket captain, Jess Linger.

Linger bringing the ball on from the back right side lifted into Thompson in the middle, making a determined run not letting go of the ball feeds it into the right wing for Bithell bursting forwards wrapping her foot around the cross hoists it into the six yard box, Facerova there to claim the ball. Turner with Wells in the centre for Fulbourn the ball rolled forwards into Stubbings has Woodley two her left the pair exchanging passes as they look to find a way in behind the Newmarket defence, Woodley succeeding, Stubbings clear into the area, Duhy rushing out to close her down making herself big as she goes to ground, saving Stubbings shot against her outstretched leg the ball deflected behind to the right for a corner kick.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy

Flung into the near post, Turner rising looking to knock the ball on towards goal doesn’t get a solid connection with her head the ball loose in the six yard box, Newmarket scramble it clear. Kirby-Cook bringing the ball on left side exchanging passes with Alex Shelford before playing a long ball on through the channel for May to attack in behind, Facerova breaking out from her goal to the top of her area winning the race.

Despite the heat there is a high tempo to the match both sides keen to get the ball into their attackers, Wells cutting a pass out in the middle for Fulbourn the ball sent out to Woodley on the left flank darts forwards turning inside getting into the box on the angle looks to put the ball across the keeper, with Crook making a run far post, Duhy getting down smartly too grab hold of the ball.

Peyton tries to thread the ball into May’s run as she goes in behind to the left of the D, Facerova alert out sharply to the top of her area to get her gloves around the ball. Fulbourn see the ball into Turner’s feet central lifts the diagonal pass out to Crook wide right taking the ball on sends a cross angling into the near post, Rebecca Reynolds getting there ahead of Woodley to turn ball off the attacker for a goal kick.

Caranta Peyton

May lively in attack for Newmarket looking to get into the channels run in behind the Fulbourn defence, Thompson looking to pick her out, Facerova racing out of her area to kick the ball clear. Newmarket winning a throw high on the right, May combining with Bithell the pair forcing a corner kick. The hosts asking a few questions Thompson getting forwards linking up with May, Adams in to tackle, out to Shelford on the left comes inside May wanting the ball Newmarket winning a foul 35 yards out to the left of goal. Linger, Newmarket’s dead ball specialist, lines up the strike an ambitious effort drives it wide of the far post.

Players into each other contesting the ball, Fulbourn up on the right winning a throw a high ball into the box headed behind by Crook. Bithell having caught a elbow in the face earlier bleeding, needs to come off, 20 played an opportunity for players to take on fluids. Niamh Bridgeman coming on taking up Bithell’s attacking berth on the left. Shelford looking to get hold of the ball on the left driving on Seema Grewal going with her the full back challenging playing the ball off the winger to see it behind for a goal kick.

Alex Shelford with Fulbourn’s Seema Grewal

Fulbourn move the ball forwards with pace lifted on for Woodley moving right 30 yards out sweeps a cross into the six yard box slightly behind Stubbings making the central run stretches to get onto the ball blasting her shot against the keeper at close range rebounds to Crook top of the area he first time strike rifled back in cannoning down off the crossbar, Sarpong for Newmarket clearing hooking the loose ball away to the right.

Newmarket undeterred as Carter carries the ball on through the middle linking up with Thompson moves it quickly forwards into Bridgeman looking to get in behind wide right racing to the by-line looking to cut her cross back into the area, Milner going with her stretching out a leg to put in the block turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Fired in central from the right, Reynold’s Newmarket’s tallest player leaping up can’t quite get her head on the ball as it drops beyond the far post, Fulbourn getting it away to safety.

Amelia Thompson

Half an hour played despite the heat both sides moving the ball forwards with pace, Newmarket looking to play some intricate passes as they work the ball on, Carter on with Thompson central fed into may 20 yards out top of the D, turns to shoot, Turner charging the ball down for Fulbourn. Stubbings turn to get on the move through the middle with the ball at her feet, Chandler ahead of her ready to receive the ball, Woodley coming in from the left looking for the pass, Chandler sending it on, Sarpong throwing out a leg for Newmarket to intercept the ball.

Newmarket defender, Jazmine Sarpong

Going away to the left for a throw in Fulbourn look to get on with in dropped into Stubbings played across the top of the Newmarket box running on for Woodley outside the D, looks to strike it first time, Reynolds moving in to close her down, doesn’t get hold it it, the ball running harmlessly through to Duhy.

Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

Newmarket bring the ball on with Thompson on possession rolls it forwards into May right of the D, her touch seeing her spin of Anderson to get into the area turn in towards goal, Facerova out to close the angle, May shoots, hits the goalkeepers leg taking the sting off the shot, nevertheless running in beyond her towards goal, Anderson back beyond Facerova on the cover to lash the ball behind for a corner kick at the near post.

Newmarket striker, Amber May

Newmarket making another change, Abi Gibson coming on into midfield, replacing Peyton. The corner from the right curled in across the face of the Fulbourn goal, May throwing herself at the ball can only get a glancing header the ball going away to the left. May is hurt soon after as she is played through into the box, coming together with the onrushing keeper as Facerova slides in at the strikers feet. The ball going away to the left, May after receiving treatment is up back on her feet.

Crook advancing down the right for Fulbourn winning a corner off Kirby-Cook, taking it herself fired in high to the near post, Woodley getting up to attack it turning her header into the middle, Duhy in to grab it up off the deck as it skips up before her. An intriguing contest a little edgy with 5 minutes left to play in the first half Stubbings seeing the ball down into her feet off of a throw high on the left whips a cross low into the Newmarket box, Woodley looking t attack it, Sarpong defending well for the hosts.

Newmarket midfielder, Sophie Carter

Gibson tracking back to defend does well up against Stubbings through the middle winning the ball back top of the D, as Woodley from the left looks to play the ball into her captain’s feet. Anderson frustrated as she gives away a free-kick against May outside the D, Linger forwards to take it 25 yards out central, goes to strike it sending the ball wide of the top right corner.

Into the final minute of the first half both sides still probing looking for an opening Bridgeman right has May ahead of her on the overlap sliding the ball on down the wing, May takes it into the corner before sending a low cross into the near post, Facerova untroubled called for it claiming without incident.

Half-time Newmarket Town Women Development 0-0 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

An intriguing first half comes to an end with the sides goalless at the break, both creating good opportunities, the goalkeepers too called into action. Probing each other out to a degree. Using the wings looking to get on with the ball, trying to keep it down on the 3G pitch, undeterred by the heat playing at a good tempo. Newmarket full of youthful energy, Fulbourn with the experience will be interesting to see which can emerge on top in the 2nd half.

Fulbourn to get the 2nd half underway have made a couple of changes, bringing Amy Smith on at right back with Grewal coming off. grace Muffett on to replacing Turner in midfield. Newmarket unchanged, the visitors looking to get straight on the attack, Woodley on for Stubbings through the middle, drifting right, Kirby-Cook closing the ball down for Newmarket, gets the hosts moving the other way sending the ball long up the left for Shelford, sweeping a cross into the box, Anderson defending up against May, the ball stopped top of the area, May after it cutting a ball out the right  Gibson getting on down the wing sending a low strike on the angle into the near post, Facerova down low to save.

Kirby-Cook pushing on with the ball left flank played on for Shelford, checks inside to put a cross into the Fulbourn box, Adams cutting it out this time seeing it back to her keeper. Stubbings gathering the ball into her feet, charging on through the middle looking to get into the box, Reynolds out to put in the tackle halting Stubbings run, the advantage played as Woodley takes the ball up lifting a cross into the area left side the ball hooked away for a throw in.

Jess Adams winning the ball back for Fulbourn

Fulbourn looking to make some thrusting runs through the middle, Chandler sending the ball in behind for Stubbings bursting into the box left of goal, Duhy coming out to close the angle making the blocking save with her legs the ball spinning away to the left, Stubbings retrieving it chipping a cross back into the area, Sarpong winning the ball for Newmarket.

Referee Theresa Robichaux giving a free-kick to Fulbourn outside the box left corner of the area after spotting a handball. Crook over it fires a pacy ball into the near post, Duhy right behind it coming to make a confident claim.

Smith sending the ball on up Fulbourn’s right, Stubbings and Chandler up with Woodley in the corner as the trio look to get inside the box, Kirby-Cook seeing it behind for a corner kick. Fired in across the six yard box goes throughout everyone before being turned back into the mix beyond the far post, Reynolds hooking it clear for Newmarket.

Newmarket defender, Rebecca Reynolds

Newmarket making a change with Kirby-Cook coming off, Peyton back on coming over to the left of the pitch. Fulbourn looking in impose themselves on the game 2nd half commit players forwards. Newmarket find May up top in a central position 25 yards out, holds the ball up well allowing Thompson to break on from the middle to the right of the box, May laying the pass into her feet, Thompson goes to shoot angling the ball in across the keeper, Facerova with an excellent save diving down to push the ball away to the left.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Emily Facerova.

Newmarket bringing players up from the back as they win a corner on the left, the delivery long through the six yard box, just over Reynolds getting up central dropping to Shelford far post but can’t get a telling touch. Thompson getting the ball out into the left wing for Shelford for Newmarket, Smith lunging in to tackle her to prevent the cross. Lively as Wells gets the ball into Stubbings driving on through the middle has Chandler going with her, putting the pass into her feet clips the ball into the right wing for Woodley to attack, her cross into the area taken by Duhy.

Niamh Bridgeman

Coming up to an hour played Newmarket making another change bringing Bithell back on to replace, Shelford on the left wing. Straight into the action as Peyton slides the ball down the line into her feet, holding off her marker outside the box, spins away into the area, bearing down on goal, shoots, Facerova throwing herself down to get behind the ball to make the save.

Thompson on the ball brings it inside across the top of the Fulbourn box looking for half a yard to get a shot away, pulls her attempt wide of the left post. Sarpong closing the ball down well for the hosts bringing in into the middle before sending a through ball into Thompson as she makes the run ahead of her, Anderson winning it back for Fulbourn. Lively as Fulbourn counter Woodley played in behind running into the box, Duhy rushing out to make the blocking save.

Fulbourn’s Jess Anderson

Newmarket are immediately on the counter attack the ball fed forwards through the middle quickly as Bithell is put through on goal, bearing down on the keeper shoots from close range, Facerova stays big making the blocking save gloving the ball down loose to her left, Bithell looking to steal onto it, Facerova falling stretching out an arm to snatch the ball into her body.

GOAL! Into the 65th minute, the game stretched as both sides look to get on the attack, Stubbings looking to pull into the area left of the D, the through ball rolled into her path, Duhy comes rushing out looking to close her down, Stubbings getting there first knocking the ball against the on rushing keeper, seeing it spin away wide left, the attacker after the ball as defenders rush back to try and cover the exposed goal, Stubbings composed picks her spot firing the ball from the angle into the back of the net to put Fulbourn into the lead 0-1.

Captain, Marie Stubbings bursting into the box to beat the keeper and open the scoring for Fulbourn

Fulbourn making a couple of changes with Milner and Chandler coming off, Caragh Dangerfield and Eve Seyf coming on. Crook eyeing up a shot 20 yards out outside the D fires wide. Newmarket bringing off Thompson, send on Cerys Compton. Fulbourn press through the middle Muffett winning the ball into Woodley drives forwards Stubbings ahead of her, sends the ball through into the box for Seyf, Duhy rushing in to try and close her down Seyf prods the ball wide of the keeper, but the wrong side of the right post.

 

Grace Muffett challenging Jazmine Sarpong for the ball

 

20 minutes left on the clock remains hot out there both sides putting alot of energy into the game, Peyton stealing in to win the ball on the left for Newmarket sending it on for Bithell, Seyf tracking back to defend for Fulbourn sending the ball out of play for a throw in. Reynolds at the back for Newmarket chipping the ball into the right channel looking for Bridgeman, Facerova comes racing out of her box to get to the ball first. A double change for the hosts with May and Carter coming off for Newmarket, Holly Corley and Ruby Lakey coming on.

Amy Smith defending for Fulbourn

 GOAL! Muffett wins the ball well in the middle playing it onto Crook out on the left, slides the ball into Seyf moving in behind into the box central, spins away from the advancing keeper taking the ball away to the by-line to the left of goal, comes back inside then to fire the ball into the goal before the Newmarket defence can recover 0-2.

Eve Seyf off the bench to double Fulbourn’s lead

 

Newmarket doubling their lead in the 73rd minute, Fulbourn threatening to get on top of Newmarket pressing bodies on, Seyf picking out Woodley chasing into the right corner her cross lifted into the six yard box, taken cleanly by Duhy. Wells and Crook coming off for Newmarket, with Chandler and Turner back into the action. Muffett busy in the middle of the park playing the ball out too the right, this time Seyf chasing down the ball in the corner on the by-line her cross cut out turned behind by Reynolds.

 GOAL! The corner flung in to the box, Turner left of goal getting her head on the ball powering it goal wards, pace on the ball straight at the keeper, Duhy saves beating the ball back out into the mix, Woodley nudging it into Seyf’s path, smashes the goal past the keeper into the bottom left corner to make it 0-3.

Turner’s header saved, Eve Seyf on the follow up scoring her 2nd for Fulbourn

Woodley putting the ball into Muffett as the visitors win a throw high on the right, working the ball to the by-line Muffett sees her cross intercepted by Sarpong. Fulbourn pressing the ball well regaining possession getting on the offensive with less than 15 minutes to play having raced into a 3 goal lead.

 GOAL! Fulbourn winning the ball back on halfway Muffett into Woodley, las the ball into the right channel for Seyf, beating the offside flag races into the box bearing down on goal, is on a hat-trick, but sees a better option as instead she unselfishly puts the ball across the face of goal for Chandler to run onto unmarked at the far post to score 0-4.

Megan Chandler scoring Fulbourn’s 4th goal

A 3 goal burst in 6 minutes taking the game away from Newmarket as we move into the final 10 minutes. Fulbourn in control, Corley getting hold of the ball for Newmarket laying it long out to the right for Bridgeman, whips a cross in low to the near post, Facerova going down to collect it as Bithell looks to run in on the ball the pair coming together, Facerova getting a blow to the head, a pause in play but is back up on her feet.

Newmarket’s Holly Corley

Corley timing her tackle well as Woodley looks to find Chandler pulling to the left. Seyf lively for Fulbourn having come into the attack breaking right, Reynolds with a strong tackle going in to close her down. Fulbourn bringing players on well now, Turner moving right to send a cross into the box, dropping amongst bodies, Corley is back to hook it away for the hosts.

Bithell breaking forwards on Newmarket’s left surging on with the ball in behind to fire a cross in along the face of goal, Bridgeman running in far post, Facerova getting down to wrap her gloves around the ball. Stubbings bringing substituted for Fulbourn, Crook back on.

Caranta Peyton with Megan Chandler

Crook attacking moving in central is clipped, but an advantage is played as the ball runs into Woodley right of goal inside the box closing in on goal puts her foot through the ball sending it flying over the keeper to smash down off the crossbar to the left turned behind for a corner kick. The corner in from the left to the near post, Woodley looking to turn her header goal wards can only play it behind for a goal kick.

Ellie Woodley frustrated as she sees her shot smash down off the bar

Facerova has gone down off the ball for Newmarket, feeling the effects of her earlier knock, no chances taken the keeper coming off, Dangerfield donning the gloves with Milner sent back on. Peyton defending for Newmarket as Woodley looks to get on down the right with the ball the full back across her seeing the ball out of play getting a shove for her efforts.

Moving into stoppage time at the end of the match Newmarket making on last push to get the ball forwards, Bithell fed the ball on the left stealing in behind to charge on towards the area fires her angled shot in towards goal, Milner tracking back for Fulbourn getting there to block turn the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner fired in long across across the six yard box from the left, cleared at the far post.

Alex Milner getting the block in to deny Cerys Bithell in the closing stages

Full time Newmarket Town Women Development 0-4 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 Fulbourn with a flurry of goals taking the game away from Newmarket with less than 20 minutes to play. The visitors with a strong 2nd half performance after a cagey opening 45 minutes where both sides created some great chances. Marie Stubbings bursting through to open the scoring in the 65th minute. Newmarket continued to look a threat going forwards then came a burst of 3 goals in 6 minutes to see the game won. Fulbourn winning their final game of the season to end on a high. Newmarket can be rightly proud of their season too and with two big league games left to play 3rd place is still very much there for the taking… on top of their League Cup success.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders for this one on both sides a lively game fought in the heat. A few performances to mention firstly for Newmarket, Amelia Thompson got hold of the ball well centrally driving the attack forwards. Amber may running into the channels looking to get into the box. Cerys Bithell lively on the left flank unlucky not to get a goal. Caranta Peyton put herself about in both midfield and defence looking to get hold of the ball. Charlotte Duhy making some impressive saves despite the final score. For Fulbourn, Grace Muffett made an impact coming into midfield 2nd half getting hold of the ball keeping Fulbourn on the front foot. Goalkeeper, Emily Facerova made a number of vital saves to keep a clean sheet. Ellie Woodley with good movement up top running into the channels came close to making it 40 goals for a 3rd successive season! Captain Marie Stubbings took the game to Newmarket especially 2nd half leading the attack getting into the box to score the opening goal. The award goes to Eve Seyf was fantastic coming off the bench to add more potency to the attack scoring 2 goals and an assist for the 3rd.

The Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One trophy

 Just the not so small matter of a trophy presentation after the game, Fulbourn collecting their trophy for becoming Division One Champions. Cue the celebrations and champagne! Most of it sprayed over the team. Congratulations to Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds on winning the league.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Champion’s

 My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details as always much appreciated, a busy week of cup finals lays ahead. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Leverington Sports Ladies v Godmanchester Town Ladies

Sunday 17th November

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

 Back to it after a much needed break. Has been a busy spell the rest has done me the power of good, ready to go again a plenty of exciting football to look forward to. Heading into Cambridgeshire this Sunday to watch a game from Division One with two of the potential title contenders going head to head with 4th placed Leverington Sports Ladies taking on Godmanchester Town Ladies currently 2nd.

The pair meeting in the League Cup just 7 days ago at Leverington, playing out a 2-2 draw the game settled on penalties, Leverington edging the shootout 7-6 to progress in the competition.

Both clubs originally forming under another name progressing to where they are today. Leverington Sports Ladies as they have been now for several season’s originally Wisbech Town Ladies. Moving to Leverington a small village in the outskirts of Wisbech itself, are still very much part of the town and now established in the top tier within the Cambridgeshire Women’s football leagues, getting to the final of the Junior Invitation Cup last season as well as the semi-finals in the League Cup. Sophie Swinden now captaining the side, the long time top scorer over many seasons for the club has 15 to her name already this season from 9 appearances. 

  Godmanchester Town Ladies have had a successful start to life, having come into being last season, having been Huntingdon Town Ladies previous to that, then having been formed with what was largely the old St Ives Town Ladies squad. The core of that side remains, as Godmanchester went on to win the Division Two title last season, earning promotion and reaching the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup in their debut season. Will fancy their chances of going all the way in the competition this season. Making some new additions to the squad, a couple from Eaton Socon Ladies, Gemma Cooksley and Hannah Hutchison , the latter top scorer so far with 8 from 8. Also added to the squad the vastly experienced Leah Cudone, returning to the game having performed at a higher level for a number of years, has 3 goals already from 3 appearances. That experience balancing with a number of promising young players coming to the club too. 

  Leverington Sports & Social Club the venue for today’s game. A hold up on the A47 meant I had to turn around and come in from the A10 getting there later than I’d have liked no time for a cup of tea! The social club with large carpark leading out to the pitches, grass and 3G. Over on the grass pitch the clouds gathering an overcast day with the temperatures starting to drop. Hoping the rain would hold off till late in the 2nd half but wasn’t to be.

Leverington Sports Ladies starting XI – Holly Bantoft, Jade Court, Sam Davis, Olivia Holden, Tianna Schunmann, Albany Hodgson, Paulina Potoplak, Ebonie Goode, Shushannah Feast, Caitlin Burdett & Sophie Swinden (C). Subs – Libbie Wykes Katie Garner, Rhianna Butler & Lacey Metcalfe.

Leverington Sports Ladies

Godmanchester Town Ladies starting XI – Sophie Marjoram, Leah Culpin, Leia Wheeler, Em Stephenson, Cherish Sibanda (C), Natasha Hochen, Sophie Crook, Leah Cudone, Holly Thompson, Kendal O’Connor & Ellie Harvey. Subs – Fran Worrell, Erica Zimmerman, Megan Stow & Georgie Astley.

Godmanchester Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Sophie Swinden & Cherish Sibanda with today’s referee and club line assistants

 A few players missing for both sides, Hutchinson in attack for Godmanchester amongst those. Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse picking up an injury early in the season, missing for Leverington. Do have a player making her comeback from a long injury lay off, Albany Hodgson dual signed with ERWFL Premier Division side Wroxham, starting this afternoon. It’s the hosts to kick-off the first half wearing orange shirts with black trim, black shorts and socks with Godmanchester lined up opposite wearing blue shirts with navy across the top of the chest and shoulder, navy shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle, Godmanchester rush on to close the ball down forcing Leverington to lay the ball out to the right, put up the line, Leah Culpin winning the ball for the visitors.

 A lively midfield contest right from the off both sides squeezing the play on the half way line, Paulina Potoplak attempting to lift it through for captain, Sophie Swinden making a move to pull off the centre backs, won instead by Godmanchester captain, Cherish Sibanda the ball played out to the left wing setting, Holly Thompson on her way pace closing down the area, Leah Cudone making a good run near post side Thompson attempting to slide her, Cudone after the ball under challenge from Tianna Schunmann for Leverington can’t quite get it under control, out of play for a goal kick.

Hodgson getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Leverington passing it on for Caitlin Burdett getting on the move down the right inside Culpin, Thompson racing back getting across the winger to see the ball back to her goalkeeper, Sophie Marjoram. Thompson looking to take the ball on the other way for Godmanchester out wide on the left is fouled on halfway. Culpin over the set-piece strikes the ball in towards the pack gathered inside the D, Hodgson winning the header to clear for the hosts. 

 Certainly competitive both sides getting stuck in, physical a few free-kicks given away, both wanting to get the ball into their attackers quickly, Swinden sending the ball out to Shushannah Feast on Leverington’s left the pair looking to combine, Leia Wheeler getting a foot in to deflect the ball out for a throw slow the advance. Cudone getting hold of the ball on half way taking it on with a forceful run towards the Leverington defence looking to plough her way through, Schunmann and Olivia Holden closing her down to challenge.

 Kendal O’Connor surging on with the ball right side for Godmanchester, hooks the ball into the middle Cudone inside the D looking to attack it, Schunmann getting a touch to knock it away from her, Sam Davis too before goalkeeper, Holly Bantoft calls for it and steps in to claim. Feast providing a good outlet for Leverington on the left receiving the ball high bringing it down powering her way into the box, Wheeler with her, Em Stephenson backing her up the pair forcing Feast to run the ball out of play for a goal kick. 

Leverington’s Shushannah Feast

  End to end, Godmanchester turning play around Natasha Houchen finding Ellie Harvey pulling into the left channel 25 yards out sees the ball down and attempts to lay it into the path of Cudone making a run to try and get in behind, a vital interception from Jade Court to deny her a run on goal. Leverington’s turn to have a free-kick on half way out on the right launched into the top of the Godmanchester area headed clear the visitors get it up the pick rapidly one touch, Cudone after it, Bantoft out of her box quickly to kick the ball clear.

  Hodgson passing to Ebonie Goode in the middle lifted forwards into Swinden back to goal 30 out turns looking to thread it into the box for Feast coming inside from the left, a little too much on it giving Marjoram the edge as she comes to lay claim to the ball. A few spots of rain in the air, wielding a notepad and camera getting tricky with an umbrella to operate too! Swindon seeing the ball down from all of 30 yards out, letting lose a shot, her effort arrowing in straight at the keeper a comfortable height for Marjoram.

  Godmanchester with a set-piece out on the right fired in across goal, comes out to Thompson beyond the far post, sending it back into the mix, play it too close to the near post, Bantoft shifting across her goal, dropping down onto the ball. Leverington get the ball into Burdett on the right racing to the by-line fires a cross into the six yard box, cleared back out to the right, a corner conceded. The delivery played into the mix top of the area squirms through to Swinden free left of the D, can’t get the ball out from under her feet to get a shot away before the challenge comes in the ball deflected to the top of the D, comes to Court, leaning back into her strike, sends her shot over the crossbar.

Leverington’s Sam Davis

  A wet conditions adding to the scrappy nature of the game both sides tussling for possession the middle seeing alot of pinging back and forth with players on both sides capable of springing into action should one favour a run in behind. Feats winning Leverington a corner out on the left. Flung into the near post defended the ball knocked up into the air across the goal face where will it drop, spins behind the right side of the far post for a corner on the right. Hodgson to send it in a fantastic in swinging ball across the six yard box over the keeper Leverington attack it far post, Feast and Swinden up together, the final touch seeing the ball put narrowly over the bar!

Leverington coming close to opening the scoring

  Leverington enjoying a good spell getting n with the ball pushing Godmanchester back, Davis on the ball coming inside form the left encouraged to shoot from 30 yards out, her effort put straight at Marjoram. Lively as Houchen plays Thompson in on the left, pacy taking the ball on, Schunmann across from the centre of defence sliding in to win the ball. Potoplak with Hodgson in the middle, picking out Burdett on the right as Court going beyond her plays her in down the line closing in on the by-line slips as she goes to cross the ball seeing it claimed by Marjoram.

  Crook with a purposeful run on the ball driving on through the centre for Godmanchester plays it on for Cudone who looks to do the same, closed down by three Leverington defenders, can’t find a way through the ball running on into the box, gathered by Bantoft. Some hefty challenges out there but not too much aggro both sides picking themselves up getting on with it. 

 Potoplak tries to thread the ball on for Swinden pulling away into the left channel up top, Stephenson holds her ground, making the crucial interception for the visitors. Harvey attempting to find room to unleash a shot from outside the D, sees the chance gone as Court sides in on her to take the ball as she is about to put her foot through it. 

Godmanchester’s Ellie Harvey

  Leverington commit too many players forwards as they lose possession on the left, Godmanchester launching a rapid counter on their right the ball lifted in central seeing 3 players running clear, Cudone amongst them bringing the ball down right channel closing in on the box, unleashes a shot on the half volley, coming at Bantoft quickly the keeper having little time to react, gloving the ball down to the right as she goes down getting enough on it to see it evade Cudone as she steams in on the follow up. 

Holly Bantoft with the save to deny Cudone

 Leverington with a throw high on the left working the ball inside Feast from the angle driving a shot in low to the near post. Marjoram down to save the ball off her for a corner kick. Swung in low to the near post, Sibanda clearing the ball for a throw in. The end to end nature of the game meaning defender have to win the ball put over the top, Schunmann doing just that with a vital header for Leverington as Harvey looks to send Cudone in behind. Godmanchester with the pace to get in behind, Leverington taking a few chances risk getting caught out. 

Leverington defender, Tianna Schunmann

  Thompson with the pace on Godmanchester’s left side taking the ball on whipping a cross into the box, over Harvey leaping for it on the penalty spot, Schunmann doesn’t get it away at the far post, O’Connor in to press the ball that side winning her side a corner. Curled in from the right everyone’s gone in at the near post however the ball dropping far side, the goal was wide open had only someone been there to attack the ball. Miserable conditions the rain intermittent, the pitch slicking up a little bobbly too challenges flying in.  

 GOAL! Wheeler on for O’Connor on Godmanchester’s right driving on sends a great ball into the box dropping central, Cudone timing her run to perfection up to head the ball turn it over the stranded keeper and into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1. 

Leah Cudone opening the scoring for Godmanchester

 The visitors taking the lead in the 35th minute, Leverington almost gifting them a 2nd goal as the keeper plays the ball out from the back moving out of goal to her right sending her kick straight into Cudone some 30 yards out, an open goal presented hasn’t time to bring it under control struck on the half volley doesn’t connect cleanly the ball screwing wide off target. 

Houchen through the middle for Godmanchester laying the ball on for Thompson to take on down the left flank, Court looking to get back on her the pair racing towards the box, Thompson can’t find a way round Court the ball eventually out for a goal kick. Holden winning the ball at the back for the hosts played into Court on halfway right side, as Leverington look to attack coming inside sends the pass into Potoplak top of the D, looking to squeeze it on for Swinden, marked by Stephenson, she Sibanda looks to close Potoplak down the ball skipping up of Stephenson, caught by Marjoram, Leverington appealing it was a back pass but nothing doing.

Albany Hodgson tackling for Leverington

  Late into the first half rain falling steadily Cudone playing Thompson into space on the left, Goode coming back to defend sliding in to take the ball behind for a corner kick. Houchen to play it into the near post from the left, defended by Burdett, headed back out to the left Houchen moving the ball up the line to put another ball into the box, her strike into the side netting.

  The visitors with a free-kick on half-way with seconds left to play, into the top of the area, cleared by Court, Leverington look to counter, Swinden making the run in behind, again Stephenson holds her position to intercept the ball.

Half-time Leverington Sports Ladies 0-1 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Godmanchester with the single goal advantage as the sides gather at their respective benches staying out on the field despite the crap weather for the half-time interval. Headed to the car myself to retrieve a bigger umbrella, the camera can only take so much. An entertaining first half a hotly contested affair, end to end at times, Godmanchester pressing the ball in the middle looking to get it out to their pacy players out wide. Cudone making some strong runs through the middle. Likewise Swinden up top for Leverington looking for space to steal in behind onto the ball. Both keepers called into action. Leverington with a good chance to open the scoring. Cudone timing her run perfectly to head home from O’Connor’s cross to see the visitors lead instead. All set up for the 2nd half the weather conditions likely to deteriorate getting very gloomy out there.

 One change at the break  for Leverington as both sides come onto the field early for the 2nd half keen to get the game restarted. Libbie Wykes replacing Court in the back line.  Godmanchester unchanged with the kick-off 2nd half. Played back to Wheeler on the right up the line into O’Connor, Davis defending for Leverington. The hosts looking to press the ball high early on, Goode moving into the right channel, Culpin across her to see the ball back for her keeper to clear.

Godmanchester’s Leah Culpin

  Harvey looking to steal in behind Leverington’s back line pushed up to half way, doesn’t quite time it as the flag goes up against her. Certainly niggly, but tempers not boiling over, the referee keeping a good eye on things. Feast brought down wide on the left. Swinden over the set-piece as Leverington push players up into the Godmanchester box, a great ball in dropping far post attacked by Potoplak into the keeper at point blank range Marjoram down sharply to make the save getting hurt in the process the ball knocked behind for a corner. Concern for the keeper for a moment, but thankfully Marjoram is up and okay to carry one. The in singer from Hodgson curled in onto the roof of the net.

 

Godmanchester goalkeeper Sophie Marjoram saving from the close range attempt.

The keeper seeing the resulting corner land on the roof of her net

Both sides giving away free-kicks, Leverington with one on halfway sent into the top of the opposition area by Hodgson, Sibanda with the winning header for the visitors. Goode on for Potoplak out to Feast on the left has Swinden making a run ahead of her the ball sent down the flank, Stephenson coming across to defend sliding in to take the ball off Swinden for a throw in. Burdett seeing the ball down into her feet off the throw turning inside 25 yards out moving across the top of the Godmanchester area looking to pull the trigger, Houchen moving in to put in the blocking tackle.

Leverington captain, Sophie Swinden

  Cudone playing the ball into Harvey up top back to goal lays it out to the left for Thompson to take on, her touch a little to heavy allowing Bantoft to come out and grab up the ball. Leverington turning play around threading the pass on for Swinden to burst onto central Stephenson pushing to get back on her shoulder pressure Swindon as she goes to strike the ball from 20 yards out her attempt running wide of the right post.

Holly Thompson

  Godmanchester inviting a little pressure caught in possession on the right Wykes with Burdett the shot took on the angle, Marjoram covering the near post behind the ball.

 The game opening up a Godmanchester get away down the left the early across sent in across the to of the D, Cudone latching onto it taking the ball on further to the right before angling a shot back in across the keeper, Bantoft diving right dropping onto the ball to get both gloves around it. 

Leverington goalkeeper, Holly Bantoft

  Leverington get on the attack the diagonal ball into Swinden left of the D, no room to turn, instead lays it back to Hodgson her shot dipping in on the keeper, parried away by Marjoram the right, Burdett looking to send a strike back in on the angle, saved turned over for a corner kick! Put into the top of the area from the left Hodgson looking to direct her header to the congested far post, Godmanchester scramble it away.

 

  The rain falling heavily now the wind picking up to very dark out there, O’Connor played in on the right by Godmanchester the game getting stretched takes on the early strike firing the ball in towards the near post, Bantoft getting down behind the ball to save. Leverington making a 2nd change bringing of Burdett on the right sending on Rhianna Butler. 

Godmanchester midfielder, Natasha Houchen

 

GOAL! Godmanchester winning the ball at the back as Leverington press the clearance launched up the field seeing Cudone running in clear onto the ball to close down the opposition box and keeping her composure picks her spot to send the ball past the keeper to double the score with nearly an hour played. 

Leah Cudone played through on goal to double Godmanchester’s lead

 Godmanchester press the ball winning a corner on the left. Played into the near post missed by Bantoft as she tries to come through the crowd the ball escaping to run all the way across the face of goal retrieved beyond the far post the cross flashed back in far side Sibanda looking to bring it down to get a shot away, is closed down the ball scrambled away to safety. 

  Leverington winning a free-kick on the right after a handball is spotted. Hodgson to play the ball into the box a dangerous cross, Swinden racing into attack it central turning her 1st time touch over the bar. Godmanchester making a change bringing off Harvey up top, sending on Fran Worrell on to the left with Thompson moving right, O’Connor central.

GOAL! Godmanchester with pace up top as Leverington push players on needing to find a goal the ball won back put into the middle sent on to the left flank quickly, picking it up O’Connor steals in behind the defence left side Bantoft coming to close her down, O’Connor waiting till the keeper goes down to try and block shifting the ball to her left taking into the box beyond her to slot the ball low into the bottom corner to make it 0-3.

Kendal O’Connor rounding the keeper to score Godmanchester’s 3rd & Her 1st of the season

  Leverington have brought on Lacey Metcalfe to replace Goode, the 2nd goal a blow the 3rd taking the sting out of the hosts, Godmanchester with a healthy advantage with 20 minutes left to play. Conditions awful too with the wind swirling the rain about. Katie Garner into the action too with Hodgson getting a rest after being out for so long. Thompson fed the ball on the right looking to drive, Potoplak sliding in to take the ball off her for a throw in.

Paulina Potoplak

  Cudone receiving a pretty firm shove in the back going down, getting the free-kick even as Thompson is upended landing hard on her back, picking herself up, Cudone on the set-piece halfway to the right, launched up to the top of the box dealt with by Schunmann. Georgie Astley entering the game for Godmanchester replacing Wheeler at the back. 

  Poor conditions now the rain coming down steadily Leverington trying to find Swinden puling away to the left, taking the ball inside looking to play in Butler, incepted by Sibanda. Megan Stow coming on for the visitors to replace Cudone.

GOAL! Godmanchester finishing the stronger with the pace down the flanks the ball fed to Worrell wide on the left take the ball inside driving towards the box unleashing an early strike, Bantoft can’t get down quick enough the ball under her racing on into the back of the net to make it 0-4.

  15 minutes left to play Godmanchester in full control now, Bantoft out to the edge of her area to slide in to claim the ball as Thompson looks to spring the offside trap on the right. Thompson’s last action of the game as she comes off with Harvey sent back into the fray. Goode moving out to the left looking to link up with Feast for Leverington sending the ball on, Astley putting the challenge in the ball out for a throw. 

  Godmanchester attack on the left Worrell checking inside to cross into the box, O’Connor top of the area looking to chip the keeper can only drop the ball into her gloves. Camera’s had enough conditions too poor, as Astley plays the ball long from the back up to O’Connor in attack, Holden getting in front of her defending well to see the ball safely back to her keeper. 

Olivia Holden

  Holden in to defend again moments later on O’Connor as the attacker looks to drive central, the ball cleared out to the right, O’Connor after it angling a cross back into the six yard box, Harvey looking to meet it on the volley turns the ball over the bar. Swinden still looking for the ball up top for Leverington moving right as the cross-field ball drops into her path taking it on has runners bursting into the area, tries to place her cross, too close to the keeper at her near post however, Marjoram adjusts well to snatch the ball into her body.

Conditions a challenge for reporting

  Houchen off for Godmanchester with Crook back on. One last attack for the visitors, the diagonal ball knocked up into the D from the left, Harvey up for it goes down claims for a shove even as O’Connor looks to get the ball untangled from her feet turn to shoot, Leverington defend, the final whistle blowing as the ball is cleared.

Full time Leverington Sports Ladies 0-4 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Godmanchester with a strong finish to the match coming away with the 3 points, coupled with a 1st defeat of the season ending Fulbourn Institute Bluebird’s 100% they join them on 18 points at the top of the table. A competitive game no quarter given, end to end often a hard fought battle in the middle, several free-kicks given away, a strongly as it was contested however tempers never over spilled. Good chances for both to take the lead in the 2nd half with Godmanchester taking one to hold the advantage. Leverington came at them hard at the start of the 2nd half but with their pace on the flanks, Godmanchester countered well patient, Cudone breaking clear to score her 2nd of the match, closely followed by a 3rd goal knocking the wind out of the hosts. As the game ticked down and the weather got worse Godmanchester emerged the dominant side adding a 4th goal to seal the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As more often than not it’s not a easy call, a trio of strong contenders, narrowing it down to one wasn’t easy. Few performances of note to mention, firstly for Leverington. Sophie Swinden working tirelessly up top ready to receive the ball looking to make runs into the channels bring others into play, unlucky not to score coming close with a couple of good opportunities. Tianna Schunmann with some vital interceptions at the back getting across to win the ball. Shushannah Feast providing a good outlet for the ball on the left flank. For Godmanchester. Em Stephenson read the game well at the back intercepting everything played too close to her. Natasha Houchen a powerhouse in the middle of the park getting hold of the ball and driving forwards getting the ball out to the pacey players on the flanks. Holly Thompson on the left with some great runs, getting in towards the box creating chances. On the opposite side Kendal O’Connor taking the ball on putting in some dangerous crosses assisting the opening goal and going to to score in the 2nd half. Scoring in both halves though the award today goes to Leah Cudone. Took her goals superbly the 2nd going along way to securing the win, not only that but made some fantastic runs from midfield looking to get onto the end of the ball and cut open the Leverington defence.

  An enjoyable return to football after a little break, could have done without the weather but there you go winter is coming. Love it no matter what. Great to see both sides in action. First trip to Leverington and won’t be the last hopefully have time for a drink next time. My thanks to both sides for the team details, I knew most of the players to be fair but those numbers make life so much easier. Will be interesting to see how it all unfolds in Division One this season.

by Darren Gilham